On account of recent rains, I was unable to reach my appointment at Peace, Rice Co., till Sabbath morning, the 17th. Quite a number of Sabbath-keepers have recently settled in this new country, mostly from Indiana and Iowa. While some who nominally keep the seventh day do not make a profession of Christianity, others, I am glad to say, appear to love the truth, and are trying to keep pace with the message. Here we were glad to meet Bro. Wm. Dawson and wife, who came from Rush Co., a distance of eighty miles, to attend this meeting. Meetings continued till Monday night. Seven were baptized, who, with four others who held letters of commendation, were united in church fellowship. Bro. E. H. Seward was elected elder; and sister M. E. Smith, clerk and treasurer. We celebrated the ordinances, after which they pledged over fifty dollars Systematic Benevolence for the remainder of the current year.
Bro. Seward and wife took me to my appointment at Solomon Rapids, a distance of ninety miles. Here we met about fifty Sabbath-keepers from six different counties, the most of whom camped on the ground till the close of the meetings.
Our meetings commenced with the Sabbath. There appeared to be a willingness on the part of nearly all to work for the Lord. Some discouragements existed among those who had signed the covenant here, and as no permanent organization had ever been effected, it was thought best to organize a church of those who are in hearty union and sympathy with the cause. Accordingly, fifteen associated themselves together in church fellowship. Others will probably join soon. Bro. J. W. Andrews was elected and ordained elder, and sister Nancy Hiddleson was chosen clerk and treasurer. Although the members are considerably scattered, and cannot always meet on the Sabbath, yet if they are faithful in doing their duty, they can be sure of the blessing of God, and can report progress when they do meet.
I am now in Osborn Co., to remain over two Sabbaths. From this place, I expect to go to Salem, Jewell Co., to commence meetings, and continue as long as the interest may demand.
CHAS. F. STEVENS.
Bell City, Osborn Co., June 28, 1876.
DAKOTA TERRITORY.
By R. M. Kilgore; E. W. Farnsworth
We pitch our new tent to-day in Elk Point, and commence meetings to-night. Tent-meetings are a new thing here, and some express an anxiety to hear. We hope for good results. Brethren, pray for us.
Our address will now be Elk Point, Union Co., D. T.
R. M. KILGORE,
E. W. FARNSWORTH.
June 30, 1876.
THE KENTUCKY TENT.
By S. Osborn
After our good Conference, I set the tent at Hodgenville, LaRue Co., and labored about two weeks there. But prejudice had gone ahead of us, and it was impossible to get a hearing. The undercurrent work of preventing the people from going to hear was carried on to perfection. With but a few exceptions, the people would neither talk on the subject of present truth, nor hear, nor read, and yet they were friendly and sociable in other respects. There was no open opposition.
As it was harvest time, and we could not get access to the country people, we thought best to set the tent in Elizabethtown, and do what we could until the arrival of Bro. Butler. We were sadly disappointed, when we learned that Bro. Butler could not come; but hope the General Conference will send us help. I began meetings here on the 16th inst. It rains so much it affects our meetings wonderfully; yet on Tuesday night, at our last meeting, the tent was about full of attentive hearers. There is the best of order in and around the tent during services, which speaks well for the place. I have offered some liberal rewards to any one who would find a text of Scripture positively asserting the sacredness of the Sunday institution; no one has responded. But one old Presbyterian minister said he thought it strange I would take such a bold stand against the sacredness of the observance of the first day of the week, contrary to the opinions of so many great men. I replied that that was just what we wanted the people to see; it is sustained by the opinions of men only, and not by the Bible.
Hope the Lord will give us the victory here in his name. Pray for us.
S. OSBORN.
Elizabethtown, Ky.
ADA, MICH.
By Elam Van Deusen
I pitched the tent in Ada, June 7, and commenced meetings on the 9th inst. Have held meetings regularly since that time, with the exception of rainy weather. Though the congregations are not very large, there is a good interest, which appears to be steadily increasing.
When I look to myself, I feel my insufficiency for so important a work; but my trust is in God, who has said, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” I spend quite a large portion of time in visiting from house to house. Pray for me, that God may direct by his Spirit.
ELAM VAN DEUSEN.
MAINE T. & M. SOCIETY.
By J. B. Goodrich; Amos Holt
The third quarterly meeting of the Maine T. & M. Society was held with the church at Hartland, according to appointment, June 17, 1876. Called to order by the President; prayer offered by Bro. Hursum. Report of the previous quarter read and accepted.
The report of labor done during the last quarter was as follows:—
No. of families visited, 48; No. of letters written, 35; No. of new subscribers for REVIEW, 9; INSTRUCTOR, 10; trial subscribers renewed, REVIEW, 1; SEVENTH ADVENT HERALD, 1. Distribution of reading matter: REVIEWS, 157, INSTRUCTORS, 54; REFORMERS, 50; tracts and pamphlets distributed, pages, 36,881; cost, $42.36; books furnished to libraries, pages, 1,362.
Rec’d for membership, $4.00
" by donations, 5.00
" from book sales, 3.20
" for widows and orphans, 3.20
Total, 15.40
The President made some remarks on the workings of the Society, and spoke of some who had been brought into the truth by reading. The subject of having the Society furnish a supply of tracts to be distributed on the camp-ground was then taken up. It was moved that the President look after the matter, get more tracts if needed, and raise means for the same; and also that he appoint persons to look after them while there.
Moved to adjourn.
J. B. GOODRICH, Pres.
AMOS HOLT, Sec.
MINNESOTA CONFERENCE
By Harrison Grant; Oliver W. Pierce
The fifteenth annual session of the Minnesota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held, as appointed in REVIEW, at Eagle Lake Station, Blue Earth Co., Minn., June 20–26, 1876. The Conference convened, with the President, Eld. H. Grant, in the chair; opening prayer by Bro. Grant. Delegates were called for, and twenty-eight responded, representing twenty-three churches; several churches were not represented.
On motion, The Chair was instructed to appoint the several committees. Chair asked for time to make the appointments.
Adjourned to call of President.
SECOND SESSION.
Opened with prayer by Bro. Ellis. President had appointed committees as follows: Committee on nominations, J. I. House, R. S. Johnson, S. W. Hickok. On Credentials and Licenses, D. P. Curtis, W. I. Gibson, R. Richardson. Auditing Committee, John Emmerson, B. F. Lee, James Pease, Ole Holverson, M. O. Hallack, and John Olive. On Resolutions, U. Smith, John G. Matteson.
Nominating Committee reported as follows:—
For President, H. Grant. Executive Committee, H. Grant, W. H. Hall, and Calvin Kelsey. Secretary, D. P. Curtis. Treasurer, W. I. Gibson. As some of the brethren thought that Eld. Curtis should not be numbered with the secretary’s business, it was moved to amend the nomination by substituting the name of O. W. Pierce. Carried. The report was then accepted, and the persons named elected to their respective offices.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported to renew the credentials of Bro. H. Grant, L. H. Ellis, Wm. Hill, D. P. Curtis, and A. C. Spicer; Peter Lindblad was recommended for ordination and credentials. The committee asked for more time; it was granted.
On motion of Bro. White, it was voted to receive Eld. Babcock, formerly of the Seventh-day Baptist, and Eld. N. Batten, of the regular Baptist denomination, as members and ministers of the Conference.
Adjourned to call of the Chair.
THIRD SESSION.
Opened with prayer by Bro. Ellis.
By request, the name of the Concord church was changed to Dodge Center.
The Mankato Church asked for help in paying for their house of worship, either in money or ministerial labor; and unless such aid could be given them they asked the Conference to take the house off from their hands. Their case was left with the Conference Committee.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses made a further report, which was accepted and the committee discharged.
Voted, To take up the name of each individual separately.
Voted, That the following persons receive licenses: John I. Collins, C. Nelson, John M. Moore, James Brown, E. H. Pullen, and D. C. Burch.
The case of F. W. Morse was left to the Conference Committee.
Treasurer’s report was as follows:—
Received during year, $1,693.11; paid out during year, $926.52; cash on hand, $766.52.
Secretary’s report: No. of churches, 35; No. of members, 750; No. of ministers, 9; No. of licentiates, 6.
Report of Committee on Resolutions received and accepted, and committee discharged.
They submitted the following:—
Resolved, That the evidences which are beheld at this camp-meeting of the growth of the cause of present truth in this State, give us great reason for gratitude to God that his prospering hand is with us.
Whereas, The cause in this State has greatly increased in strength in the face of the strenuous efforts of some who have been laboring avowedly to tear down and destroy it.
Resolved, That we recognize in this fact the truth of the declaration of the psalmist that God will cause the wrath of man to praise him and the remainder thereof he will restrain.
Resolved, That all these evidences of God’s goodness call upon us for renewed consecration to his work, and more earnest and hopeful efforts to advance his cause in the earth.
Resolved, That we feel thankful to God for the timely aid we have had in our camp-meeting from the servants of God, and especially from Bro. and Sr. White; and for the rich blessings of Heaven that have rested upon us, bringing souls into the truth, encouraging us greatly in the work, and producing sweet harmony in our Conference.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Conference be published in the REVIEW.
Resolved, That we cannot look but with the deepest interest on the fact that more than sixty Scandinavian brethren have met with us at this camp-meeting, and we rejoice to see that they manifest a spirit of perfect union and harmony with their American brethren.
Adjourned sine die.
HARRISON GRANT, Pres.
OLIVER W. PIERCE, Sec.
CONFERENCE DIRECTORY
for Minnesota the Present Conference Year.
PRESIDENT.
H. Grant, Medford, Steele Co., Minn.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
H. Grant, Medford, Minn.
W. H. Hall, Kingston, Meeker Co., Minn.
Calvin Kelsey, Wells, Faribault Co., Minn.
TREASURER.
Warren I. Gibson, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minn.
SECRETARY.
Oliver W. Pierce, Pleasant Grove, Olmsted Co., Minn.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.
Isaac Z. Lamb, Pleasant Grove, Olmsted Co., Minn.
Peter E. Hanson, Litchfield, Meeker Co., Minn.
Warren Walker, Monticello, Wright Co., Minn.
CAMP-MEETING
By F. A. Barlow
Our camp-meeting has just closed. Probably the largest gathering of Sabbath-keepers ever assembled in Iowa were at our Marshalltown meeting. The Spirit of the Master seemed ever present. It was indeed a feast of fat things. Oh! if the brethren who remained at home could realize what they have lost they would begin now to prepare for the next camp-meeting. But, after all, it may be that in some cases they have shown their preference by remaining at home. Where our treasure is there our heart will be also.
Our race will soon be run and those who have chosen that better part will receive a crown and a title to a permanent home in the beautiful city, one of those mansions that Christ has gone to prepare; John 14: 2; and those who are so absorbed with business that they have not time to attend to anything else will hear their insulted Saviour repeat the words of Matt. 25: 41: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” And, worst of all, we who are Sabbath-keepers do these things understanding the consequences. We know what the Master’s will is, and then, after all, many of us choose to do those things that will bring upon ourselves the same punishment that is promised to the devil and his angels. Those who are willing to do Satan’s work here must expect to be punished in like manner, if not to the same extent, as their master whom they serve. How can those professing to keep all the commandments be so careless? They talk as though they expected the Lord was soon to come; and yet by their actions others are led to believe that such an event is not to be expected for the next thousand years.
Out of our own numbers the enemy will secure some victims to suffer final destruction outside of the city. Some of us will then see what we have lost. Oh, fearful day! Our love for the world is to prove our ruin. Our desire to increase our earthly possessions is far greater than our desire to get the love of the truth down deep into our hearts. Oh! that we might awake to a realizing sense of our duty to God and to each other before that day comes when the destinies of all men will be fixed. Let us make that preparation that we shall wish we had made when Christ appears in the clouds of heaven.
F. A. BARLOW.
Prayer: Sorrow for Sin, Faith, and Humility
PRAYER, to make it accepted, requires neither genius, eloquence nor language; but sorrow for sins, faith and humility. It is the cry of distress, the sense of want, the abasement of contrition, the energy of gratitude. It is not an elaborate string of well arranged periods, nor an exercise of ingenuity, nor an effort of the memory, but the devout breathing of a soul struck with the sense of its own misery, and of the holiness of Him to whom it is addressed.
Recognizing Goodness and Beauty Requires Understanding
You cannot prove a thing to be good or beautiful to a man who has no idea of its excellence.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DIED, of consumption, at Crescent City, Iowa, June 16, 1876, little Mary, only child of L. and S. Hansen, aged one year and eight months. Words of comfort were spoken by the elder of the church. The bereaved parents hope to meet their child when the Lifegiver shall come.
JAMES O. CARLSEN.
FELL asleep in Jesus, at Clay Banks, Mich., April 4, 1876, our beloved brother, Isaac Baker, in the seventy-third year of his age. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of twenty-one and continued with them thirteen years. He then became a member of the United Brethren, and remained with them until 1873, when he embraced present truth, and united with the Oceana church, of which he was an esteemed member. It was the privilege of the writer to be with him the last Sabbath of his life. He said, “I have the witness of the Spirit though there are gloomy thoughts at times.” “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.” He leaves a companion, and a son and daughter to mourn their loss. Funeral services by Eld. H. Kayes, Free-will Baptist.
JOHN LELAND.
Ohio Camp-Meeting
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, “The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Ohio Camp-Meeting.
The Ohio Camp-meeting for the centennial year will be held at Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio, Aug. 10-15. The camp-ground is easy of access, being situated just outside of the city limits, about one mile south from the depot. Ample provisions will be made for man and beast. Bro. and Sr. White, Bro. U. Smith, and other speakers, are confidently expected. Two or three large tents will be on the ground. Come with your small tents, brethren, from every direction. Let the lonely and the poor who cannot get tents come any way. Come one, come all, hoping and praying for a refreshing season.
H. A. St. John.
Ohio Conference.
The Ohio Conference will hold its fourteenth annual session in connection with the camp-meeting to be held at Norwalk, Aug. 10-15. Let all churches make their pledges to the Conference, and, if possible, bring one-half of the money to the camp-meeting. Delegates will be expected from every church, with credentials, church reports, and financial reports.
H. A. St. John, } Ohio
W. T. Carson, } Conf.
H. H. Van Camp, } Com.
Dist. No. 1, Mich. T. & M. Society, will hold its next quarterly meeting with the church at Hillsdale, July 29, 30, 1876. Hope to see a good representation from other churches. Will Bro. Root meet with us?
S. D. Salisbury, Director.
Ohio T. & M. Society.
The Ohio T. & M. Society will hold its fifth annual meeting in connection with the camp-meeting at Norwalk, Aug. 10-15. Secretary, treasurer, directors, and members, this is a call for you.
H. A. St. John.
T. & M. S. State Quarterly Meeting.
The State quarterly of the Ohio T. & M. Society will be held on the camp-ground at Norwalk, Aug. 9, the day before the camp-meeting begins. Secretary, treasurer, and all the directors are expected.
H. A. St. John, Pres.
Vermont Conference.
The Vermont State Conference of S. D. Adventists will hold its next annual session in connection with the camp-meeting to be held near Milton Station, one station north from Essex Junction, Aug. 17-21. We hope each church will be represented by a full delegation. Every church numbering twenty members or less, is entitled to one delegate; and one additional delegate for each fifteen members over twenty.
All church clerks should report to the State secretary the number of members in their respective churches and their spiritual standing; also each S. D. treasurer should see that all dues of this kind are, if consistent, paid up to the middle of the present year, and duly reported in good season to the State secretary and treasurer. Bro. Stone will probably call attention to these items and send blanks for reports.
Conference Committee.
Vt. T. & M. Society.
I would recommend that Tract and Missionary quarterly meetings be held as follows:
Dist. No. 1, Aug. 6.
“ “ 2, at Brownington, Aug. 13.
“ “ 3, at Johnson, Aug. 6.
“ “ 4, at Bristol, July 30.
“ “ 5, at Jamaica, Aug. 6.
“ “ 6, July 23.
Though the present quarter is short, and it is a busy season of the year, I hope the reports may show some work done, and some good accomplished in this direction. It is to be hoped that every member of this society will make some donation each quarter to keep our funds in a healthful condition. Every district now has a financial basis which should be guarded and kept alive and prospering. In connection with these meetings, we expect Sabbath meetings will be held the day previous. I may attend some of them.
A. S. Hutchins, Pres.
The Vt. T. & M. Society will hold its next State quarterly meeting in connection with our camp-meeting to be held Aug. 17-21, 1876. Hope to see all the officers of the Society present.
A. S. Hutchins, Pres.
Dist. No. 3, Vt. T. & M. Society, will hold its next quarterly meeting in Johnson, at the house of Bro. James Loveland, July 22, 23, 1876.
F. T. Wales, Director.
All true friends to the cause of truth within a reasonable radius are invited to meet with us at the tent in Lansing, Sabbath, July 15, at 10:30 A. M.
D. H. Lamson,
E. R. Jones.
Quarterly meeting at Martinsville, Ill., July 8, 1876. Brethren from Crawford, Coles, and Cumberland Counties are requested to attend.
M. Kittle.
Quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 2, Ind. T. & M. Society, at New London, Howard Co., Sabbath and Sunday, July 22, 23. Eld. S. H. Lane is expected. A report from each member is earnestly desired. Brethren, look at your T. & M. Looking-glasses one week before the meeting, then fill them out and hand them to your librarian.
J. W. Covert, Sec.
Providence favoring, there will be meetings at Mound City, Kan., Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, July 18, 19. Let every member of this church, and all others who can, attend these meetings.
Smith Sharp.
Quarterly meeting of the Gaines church, at the red school-house in Gaines, Mich., July 22, 23, 1876. Bro. Root will attend this meeting, and, perhaps, other preaching brethren. There will be opportunity for baptism. A cordial invitation is extended to Sabbath-keepers and others interested.
W. J. Hardy, Clerk.
Quarterly meeting of the Lyndon church, at Lyndon, Furnas Co., Neb., Aug. 5, 6, 1876. If some minister could be present, there is no doubt but there would be additions to the church. There will be an opportunity for baptism, if desired. Come one, come all, and let us have a profitable season. Come, and bring your unconverted friends and children.
H. A. Jenkins.
Quarterly meeting of the Troy church, at the house of D. S. Plum, Sullivan, Ashland Co., Ohio, July 15, 16, 1876. Let all the friends of the cause of truth be present, as matters of importance will be considered on that occasion.
John Sprinkle, Clerk.
Meeting of Dist. No. 3, Mich. T. & M. Society, at Parkville, July 29, 30, 1876. Librarians, please report to the secretary, J. Warren Wright, Battle Creek, Mich., in season for this meeting.
L. A. Olmstead, Director.
Providence permitting, I will meet with Bro. A. C. Bourdeau in Canada, as he may appoint, Aug. 5, 6, 1876.
A. S. Hutchins.
Quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 6, Mich. T. & M. Society at Muir, July 29, 30. Librarians, be in season with your reports. Send them to the district secretary, L. B. Kneeland, Orleans, Ionia Co., Mich. Should be sent at least one week before the meeting.
J. Fargo, Director.
The Lord willing, I will meet with the churches in Kansas as follows:—
Indianapolis, July 21, 22, 1876.
Mount Vernon (where Bro. Reed may appoint), July 29, 30, 1876.
Meetings to commence with the Sabbath. Expect Bro. Sharp at these places.
J. N. Ayers.
The College Monthly.
By James White
We have promised a monthly sheet in the interests of the Battle Creek College, and have 1600 subscribers. But we do not wish to issue the first number until we have 5000 bona fide subscribers. Hence the delay. We shall probably issue the first number, in matter and style worthy the object, about the middle of August. Let the names and the dimes come pouring in. It will be remembered that the price is ten cents a year.
But next week there will be another supplement to the REVIEW, in which will reappear the names of those who have pledged, and those who have paid their pledges, for the Battle Creek College. Many mistakes have been found and have been corrected. And, probably, many more remain uncorrected, which will be as cheerfully corrected when notice of the errors shall be given.
Again we ask those who have not paid their pledges to the School to consider their duty in the fear of God. Some of the very poor and unfortunate are released; but this is done with the expectation that others who are able will increase their numbers of stock shares. Ten dollars pays for one share, and entitles the holder to one vote. Mrs. W. and the writer have increased theirs to one hundred and fifty, and we suggest danger in permitting too much voting power in the hands of one or two.
Come to the rescue, ye men of means, and let this voting power be properly balanced. And you, who are so very jealous for the welfare of the cause, and fear the “one-man power,” here is a chance for you to step right in and balance this voting power by liberally taking stock in the Battle Creek College. We shall be sorry to let the next Supplement go out with figures showing unpaid pledges. And we do plead, for the honor of our cause and people, that all pledges shall be paid before the time to issue the beautiful Monthly, entitled, The Battle Creek College.
JAMES WHITE.
CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1876.
By James White
OHIO, Norwalk, Aug. 10-15
VERMONT, Milton Station, “ 17-22
N. E., Groveland, Mass., “ 24-29
MAINE, Richmond, Aug. 31 to Sept. 5
NEW YORK, Rome, Sept. 7-12
INDIANA, Bunker Hill, “ 14-18
MICHIGAN, Lansing, “ 19-26
ILLINOIS, Waldron, Sept. 28 to Oct. 3
It will be seen that we have made changes in the time of several camp-meetings that remain for the present season. The Michigan meeting is changed to September 19-26, for these reasons:—
1. The Methodists have a camp-meeting at Lansing the time suggested for ours. It would be objectionable to hold ours the same time of theirs.
2. To change back with Ohio, and hold ours August 3-7, as first suggested, would be objectionable for two reasons: first, it would bring our meeting in the midst of oat harvest; and, secondly, it would be only a week before the Methodist meeting. Two camp-meetings in the same place should not come so close to each other.
3. Fruit will be abundant in September, such as apples, pears, peaches, and grapes.
4. The weather will probably be cooler, and more favorable for the hard work of all our anniversary meetings, in September than in August.
5. Eld. Canright can be with us in September, not in August.
6. And last, but not the least, many have no money with which to come to the camp-meeting and meet the necessary expenses at the meeting, until they can thresh and market grain.
In consequence of changing the Michigan Camp-meeting from Aug. 10-15, we put the Ohio meeting one week later, and let the time of the meetings in Vermont, New England, Maine, New York and Indiana remain the same as before suggested. And the very nearest point of time we can put the Illinois meeting is Sept. 28 to Oct. 3, and we would like it one week later, on account of the S. D. Baptist General Conference the last week in September.
Let it be understood that these changes are suggested as necessary in case that Mrs. W. and the writer attend the meetings. We do not wish, however, to control the time of the meetings. If our brethren in the several States will excuse us, they can hold them when they please.
JAMES WHITE.
Michigan State Camp-Meeting Announced at Lansing
By James White
There will be but one camp-meeting in Michigan the present season. For this reason, the central location at the State Capital is selected. Let there be a general rally from all parts of the State. J. W.
J. W
By James White
The new hymn and tune book will be ready for the camp-meetings, if our bindery can turn it out fast enough. We shall be ready for orders about the first of October.
J. W
Mammoth Tent Available for Lansing Camp-Meeting
By James White
The Mammoth Tent, 80x120 feet, will be on the Lansing, Mich., Camp-ground. It can be obtained for use at other meetings on reasonable terms. J. W.
Inquiry Into the Interior, a Presbyterian Paper
In view of the pointed article from the Interior, presented by Bro. Canright in last week’s REVIEW, some are inquiring what paper the Interior is, and where published. In answer, we would state that it is a Presbyterian paper, published in Chicago, Wm. G. Gray and Chas. L. Thompson, Editors, issued every Thursday, and having a circulation of 10,000 copies.
Adventist Activity Abroad as Reported by The Christian at Work
The Christian at Work of June 29, 1876, says:—
“The Adventists of the United States are active in spreading their views, by means of tracts and lectures, throughout Europe.”
Northeastern Camp-Meeting Moved to Groveland, Massachusetts
By S. N. Haskell
Notice.
THE N. E. Camp-meeting will be held at Groveland, Mass., instead of South Lancaster. Particulars next week. S. N. Haskell.