It is well known to many of our brethren that the condition of the cause in this Conference has not been as prosperous as could be desired, not as prosperous as it has been in many other Conferences for several years past. It was strongly felt at the camp-meeting last June that a crisis was reached, and that a strong effort must be made to bring things into a better shape. To assist in bringing about this desirable result, I was urgently solicited to accept the office of president, and did so after much prayer and anxiety, solely from a sense of duty to the cause of God.
Having labored in the Conference nearly five weeks, I think I can begin to see the condition and wants of the cause, and have some true sense of its burdens. There is, no doubt, much to be done in Missouri before the cause will stand as favorably as it does in other States. However, the difficulties which stand in the way are not of such a character as to be insurmountable by any means, but largely grow out of inexperience and lack of instruction on a few points of vital importance. There are some few local influences which stand in the way of our prosperity.
It is not strange that our brethren and sisters who have newly come to the faith, and who have had so much that was new to them to learn in the theory of our faith, should not have realized all the practical workings of the cause. Most of the believers here are young in the work, and they have come out under the labors of those who have recently commenced to preach. The first experience of such is necessarily largely theoretical. The beauty and harmony of our theory is the constant theme of thought. The Bible seems like a new book. The mind constantly dwells upon points of doctrine, investigating, meeting objections as they arise, and becoming fully established in the present truth.
This is all very well. But after a few years the novelty is gone, and some advances should be made. We should then realize the responsibilities that rest upon us in view of the great light God has given us; the cause of God should become more precious to us than any earthly object; the salvation of our fellow-men by means of the light which has blessed us should engross much of our thoughts, and that cause should, in short, become a part of our very being. We should have a living experience in the things of God, and learn to draw sap and nourishment from the living Vine—learn where our strength lies; in short, we should be veterans in the army of the Lord, who can stand firm in the ranks in the storm of battle, or in the treacherous calm be able to see danger when it is near. We should learn to understand those points of attack made by our enemies, and how to meet them in the name of the Lord and his truth.
I see no good reason in the world why Missouri may not become one of our strongest Conferences, if we can learn to work right to bring about this good end. This is a large State, situated in a most favorable latitude, blessed with the fruits and productions best calculated to make life pleasant. As I travel, I find as many intelligent people in Missouri as in other States, persons who desire to investigate, and seem anxious to know the truth. Labor bestowed by our ministers produces as much fruit here as elsewhere. Indeed, there is not that bitter prejudice to meet in this State that I find in many places in Iowa. There is more of a willingness to hear than in her rich and populous towns. There is a large element of eastern people scattered through the State. Hence I consider Missouri a very good field of labor. I feel to thank God and take courage, expecting to see better days in Missouri, if our brethren will only rally shoulder to shoulder.
The State has been blessed with good crops this year and last, and I see no more evidences of special poverty than in other places. Crops have been much better these two years than generally in Iowa. I am satisfied there is no lack of means in this State, if properly applied, to support the laborers who will consecrate themselves to the work. There is no lack of talent in the State to make acceptable laborers. What is specially wanted in this crisis is more of this good religion, and a settling deeper into the work, more of a Spirit of consecration, more faith in the message. There are some who are really in earnest and feel the wants of the cause, and are determined to do their part. But there are many others who do not realize the obligations resting upon them. Our efforts must be earnest to reach this class.
One great difficulty I meet is that there are so few in a place, and there is so much that needs to be said and done that the people will be reached but slowly if I have to visit each church. For this reason we feel it is very important to have a camp-meeting this fall, as stated last week. We must have it. Brethren and sisters of Missouri, we want to see the largest gathering by far ever seen in this State. The times are propitious. Your expense will not be heavy in coming. Fruit and grain are plenty. The season is not a driving one. Your crops are secured, and your fall wheat will be sowed.
If you are ever going to make a rally in Missouri and start the cause on a better basis, now is the time. You have been passing through discouragements long enough. God works with those who help themselves. He works as we work. There are many scores of brethren living isolated with no privilege of hearing preaching who should by all means be at this meeting. They need to have their hearts stirred by the third angel’s message. Their children and inquiring neighbors need to come and be converted. This meeting is not specially designed to help those who know nothing of the theory of the truth, but is calculated for those already believing or partially convinced.
We expect God will meet us at this meeting. We want all to come who possibly can come. This is a camp-meeting, therefore bring your family and church tents, all who possibly can, that those who cannot may have accommodations. As for laborers at this meeting, we most cordially invite Bro. and Sr. White to meet with us if they can consistently do so. We should be exceedingly glad to see them at this old battle ground, where they have labored so many times before. But we hardly hope for this, seeing they have so many other matters upon their hands. We cordially invite any of our ministering brethren from other States to be with us. But if none of these come our ministering brethren in the State will be present to labor, and I feel myself that I have enough to say to the brethren of Missouri to last through one camp-meeting. But we expect God will be here by his Holy Spirit, and that will do more for us than all the ministers in the field. Come, praying for his special blessing.
This meeting will serve for the general quarterly meeting of the Mo. T. and M. Society. Each director should see that his district quarterly meeting is held beforehand in season for his report to be handed in, in time for this meeting. We want to get the Tract and Missionary Society to work. It has never yet been fully organized, so as to be really efficient. Brethren and sisters, there is much to be done. We want to take hold of it in earnest, this fall. Many of you pledged yourselves at the camp-meeting to earnestly second my efforts and stand by me if I would take the office of president of your Conference. I suppose you meant it, and therefore I call on you to make a general rally to this meeting. Come, to consecrate yourselves to God and his work. Come, to take hold and lift in the cause. Come, determined to make this the beginning of a new era in Missouri. Come, praying that God will specially bless this meeting and remove the cloud which has so long hung over our Conference.
Let those who have the REVIEW read this article to those who do not, or read it in the meetings, for I notice with sorrow that there are many Sabbath-keepers in the State who do not take the REVIEW. Talk about this camp-meeting on the Sabbath and at your prayer-meetings, and make it a constant subject of prayer that the great Shepherd of the flock will make this the most profitable meeting ever held in the State. Let no small matter keep you away. It is an important time. Now is the time to take hold of the work as never before. Particulars next week.
GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres.
Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 6, 1877.
CAMP-MEETING IN NEBRASKA.
By E. W. Farnsworth
At our last Conference, it was decided to hold a camp-meeting in Nebraska this fall, not only for the benefit of our brethren and sisters in that State, but also for Western Iowa and Dakota. As the time for this meeting is drawing near, we feel it a privilege to say a few words respecting it. The meeting will be held at Fremont, Dodge Co., Neb., commencing Thursday, Oct. 4, and continuing over Sabbath and Sunday. The place selected for the meeting is a grove, on a large island about one mile south of Fremont. There are two bridges across Platt River, one a little east and the other west of the grove, and our brethren from the south can cross at either of them. There is also a good bridge leading from Fremont to the island.
Bro. Middaugh, of Timberville, and Bro. Shepherd, of Nebraska City, and Bro. Boyd, have been appointed the Camp-meeting Committee. We think Fremont is as central as any point we can find, when we take into consideration the great extent of country over which our brethren are scattered. So if any are disposed to think the distance is great, and the meeting should have been appointed nearer them, we can only say, Please think of those who live on the other side of the camp-ground. We cannot speak definitely in regard to help from abroad, but we expect that we shall have the help of some able minister. And we earnestly request our General Conference Committee to furnish us with some help at this time. Especially we invite Bro. and Sr. White to be with us on this occasion. We certainly feel that their presence and testimony in this new field, where they never have been seen or heard, would do much to build up the cause, and strengthen the confidence of our brethren in the work of the last message.
Of the importance of this meeting we need say nothing, but of the importance of attending it too much cannot be said. My brethren, this meeting is for your benefit; but it will not benefit you unless you are there. We shall be sadly disappointed if we do not see a good representation from Dakota and Southern Nebraska. Being without help all summer, you will feel the need of such a meeting. You have but recently embraced the truth, and you have many things to learn; and one is that you must make sacrifices for the truth. You must learn to go long distances to meeting. You never can realize the importance of these meetings until you attend one of them.
It will do all our people good to lay aside the toil of the farm and spend a week in earnestly seeking God. Come, my brethren, one and all. We expect the blessing of God will be with us. We expect that those who attend will take an advance step in the work. Come prepared for cool evenings. Bring your tents if you have any; if not, bring bedding, and a place will be provided for you. Bring your friends and those you want to see converted. And above all things, bring the Spirit of Christ along with you. Do not come simply to get good, but rather to do good, and to this end let us all pray earnestly for the success of this meeting.
E. W. FARNSWORTH.
ABOUT TEXAS.
By R. M. Kilgore
We are receiving many letters from our brethren in different parts of the field, inquiring “about Texas”—its climate, advantages, and products. I take this method of answering, as we have not time to reply at length to each of them. The climate is delightful, and well adapted to benefit those coming from the North who have weak lungs. I know of some who have been greatly benefited by coming here.
To those who are inquiring about the advantages, products, etc., I would say, If you are poor, and desire to change for financial reasons and from a worldly point of view, you had better stay where you are. A rolling stone gathers no moss. If you desire to change your location to a more genial climate, and are able to do so, I would advise you to visit Texas before moving permanently. But there is a large field opening up here, which should be occupied by devoted, self-sacrificing S. D. Adventists.
Concerning schools, I would say that the laws of Texas, at present, are such, that teachers are not employed as they are North. There are no public free schools that I know of, and any good teacher who will commence right, and who has the spirit of sacrifice and endurance, can do well here by building up his own school. There is plenty of room for such here in this large State. R. M. KILGORE.
Success Born of Early Failure
The men who have gained success are, for the most part, the men who made failures at the start. The first speech was laughed at; the first book would not sell; the first business venture was disastrous. Such men, if their health had failed after their first effort, would have ranked as among the failures of life. What we should teach the rising generation is this—be true to God, and true to your own selves. Try to be, not great, not successful—not a source of pride to your family and friends—not to outshine others—not to be either the future President of the United States or his wife; but try to be just what God in his wisdom has fitted you to be—nothing less and nothing more. If you have but a little work to do, do it well and be thankful. If you are to live in a humble home, be contented. Sing your life song sweetly, though it may be heard by only a few. So live and work, that you may have at last the approbation, “Well done,” and the fadeless crown.—Sel.
Illinois, Take Notice.
WILL Brn. J. L. Merritt, A. A. John, Alfred Dennis, J. N. Foster, J. O. Wright, Robt. Vickery and J. F. Trovillo please forward their addresses immediately to the Conference secretary, S. Nettie Smith, Woodburn, Macoupin Co., Illinois.
S. B. WHITNEY
Mannsville, Tent No. 2.
Our meetings are still in continuance here, but the weather has become wet and cold, which, with some other things, has tended to reduce the number in attendance. The interest has not been very deep or extensive, but we hope for some good. We design to remain up to about the time of the camp-meeting, and do what we can.
S. B. WHITNEY
Glendale, Lewis Co., Tent No. 5.
Our tent-meetings in this place will close to-morrow night, so that the tent can go to Carthage for the use of the Camp-meeting Committee. We intend to remain a week longer to carry forward the work. Since we came here the 30th of last May, we have given more than one hundred and sixty discourses. As the result, over twenty are keeping the Sabbath, and many more acknowledge its claims.
We administered the rite of baptism to five adult persons last week, three of whom never made a profession of religion before attending these meetings. Two of them were our bitter enemies a few weeks ago, but are now warm friends; one, the son of a “local preacher,” who had talked against us and the Sabbath of the Lord, came a week ago with tears in his eyes, and made a humble confession before us and his neighbors; and, like Saul of Tarsus, has gone to work to build up that which he had previously tried to tear down. The other was a French Catholic, who, in the old country, was a soldier for more than twenty years, and who served four years in the late war of the rebellion. When we spoke on the “little horn” of the seventh chapter of Daniel, he rushed out of the meeting exclaiming, “If I had a pistol I would shoot that Wilbur, I would shoot him, I would shoot him, I would.” But he is now truly converted to God, and is keeping the commandments. It gives us pleasure to hear him talk and pray in our meetings. We expect that his wife, and others, will be baptized soon.
There is much hard work to be done for this people yet. Pray for them, and us.
JACOB WILBUR.
A. P. BUMP.
Peoria, Miami Co.
By W. W. Sharp; J. M. Rees
After our good camp-meeting, we took our tent back to Somerset, where we remained ten days, and held thirteen meetings. Three more came out fully on the Sabbath.
We then moved the tent to Peoria, where we commenced meetings Sunday evening, Sept. 2. About two hundred and twenty-five were present, who gave good attention.
This is a village of about one hundred inhabitants. There is no organization in the place, and the people seem anxious to hear the truth. It is all new to them, and we hope, by the help of the Lord, to so present the message that some may be saved by it. W. W. Sharp. J. M. Rees.
LABOR IN MISSOURI.
By George I. Butler
After the close of the Missouri Camp-meeting, I returned home, and prepared for a long absence in Missouri. I spoke to the church Sabbath, and in three discourses reviewed Mr. Evans, Methodist, who had given several discourses on the Sabbath question in Mt. Pleasant. As the evenings were pleasant, I spoke in the public park. I had freedom in showing up his fallacies, and those who heard had no difficulty in telling which had the truth. The stay-away argument was the only one I could not meet, yet there were many who heard, some of whom would not come into the audience, but they would gather in knots at a distance, or listen from their windows. The popular current is very strong in Mt. Pleasant.
My first meeting in Missouri was held Aug. 10 to 15, at Denver, Worth Co., where I spent three weeks last winter. This church was raised up by that party whose head quarters are at Marion, Iowa. I was earnestly invited to give them another call, hence this present visit. Many of the best members of this church either believe with us in our positions on the messages, sanctuary, two-horned beast, etc., or are very favorable to our views on these subjects. They treated me very cordially, and desired me to come again. Their sympathies gravitate more and more toward us.
My next meeting was at Winslow, De Kalb Co. Here a little company was brought into the Sabbath last fall by Bro. Wood’s labors. They had since been almost entirely neglected. Their Sabbath meetings stopped last spring, and they were much discouraged. Quite a number had given up the Sabbath, and the work was “ravelling out.” Added to this, some of their members had become acquainted with the Marion party, and one of their ministers and several members were on the ground before I came. They had been reporting such things about S. D. Adventists making visions, health reform, etc., a test that the minds of our friends were greatly prejudiced, so that my reception was anything but cordial. However, I kept cool, and when the preacher had spoken against the visions and what S. D. Adventists do, before a promiscuous crowd, most of whom had never heard there was such a person as Sister White, I replied to him. He did this, he said, because he felt constrained from a terrible sense of duty, lest these innocent people should imbibe a fearful error and delusion; while at the same time this preacher thinks S. D. Adventists are helping to give the third angel’s message—a God-given message for the last days. His effort was calculated to do four-fold more toward turning the people against us and destroying our influence than all that the Sunday-keeping ministers had done; yet this same preacher has had much to say of his desire for peace, and that we should not kill each other’s influence. His attack was wholly unprovoked by me.
I reviewed his attack, and the eyes of the candid were opened. He totally failed to accomplish what he expected, viz., to induce these Sabbath-keepers to organize with his people. Most of these went down to my next meeting at Prairie Valley, and were very candid, and I yet expect to see a good church in Winslow. But what a pity that these brethren had not received labor last winter and spring, before these distracting influences were brought in. It is useless to raise up companies if they are not watched and encouraged.
My next appointment was at Prairie Valley, Daviess Co. This is by far the largest and strongest church in the Conference, numbering seventy on the church-book. It is located near the old Civil Bend church, and has a few of its members, while others have moved away. Some trials have come, as often happens in large churches before they learn some of the important lessons of Christian experience. I tried to give them instruction in the great practical lessons of the Christian religion, which, I trust, were profitable. The brethren of this church are enthusiastic in favor of having a camp-meeting in their midst, and will do what they can to support it, by their presence and efforts.
Last Sabbath and Sunday I spent at Hamilton, the home of Brn. Evans, Long, and Rogers. This church is not large, but exerts a good influence. The best hall in town had been hired and the meetings advertised. My preaching, except on the Sabbath, was for the outsiders, who gave a good attendance. I had freedom in speaking on the messages and Sabbath question. The large hall was nearly full Sunday night. Many, I know, felt the force of our arguments. The three following nights I spent at Utica, where there is a small company, mostly raised up by the labors of Bro. Chaffee. Gave four discourses, mostly to outsiders. We had a good attendance. There are quite a number interested here, whom we hope may yet take hold of the Sabbath if the church will fill its position, and be a bright and shining light in the world. May God grant them prosperity.
In these labors I see many encouraging openings, and omens of good. I am satisfied if the friends of the cause in this Conference will consecrate themselves to the work in real earnest we may yet see great prosperity in this State. My courage is good. I expect to see better days here.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
MICHIGAN
Port Huron.
We have moved our tent to the northern part of the city, and have pitched it in a beautiful location, and one which is quite central. The majority of those interested at the former places have followed us here, and we are also getting a good many new hearers. A week ago Sunday evening our congregation numbered nearly five hundred, and this was our one hundred and first service in this city. The most intense interest was manifest in this the closing meeting on that ground which had been occupied for seven weeks and two days.
Our audience last evening, Sept. 2, was again very large, composed of old friends and new ones, though overcoats and wraps, and gloves even, were almost a necessity. We have now baptized fourteen, and our class list has increased to fifty members, of whom all but three are adults. Eight of these are from the Episcopal church, and there are some from all the other churches in the town, with a goodly number from the world. The attendance at our Sabbath meetings varies from sixty to one hundred. Last Sabbath I counted twenty children under thirteen years of age in one class in95our Sabbath-school.
We have had no organ in our tent, and no special inducements to call the people together, and our singing has always been of a primitive character.
We have baptism again next Sabbath. A special effort is now being made to get subscribers for our periodicals, and we hope for a large list. We have taken steps to secure a place of worship after the tent is taken down, and shall succeed. We cannot hope to continue tent-meetings more than two weeks longer. My health has compelled a postponement of meetings for a few days. We hope still for many additions to our number. D. H. Lamson.
Lakeview and Howard City.
We closed our tent-meetings at Lakeview last Sabbath. During our nine weeks' stay there, an uncommon interest has prevailed, and many who never before have manifested any interest in religion have given their hearts to Christ.
We leave about fifty adults who have promised to live out the truths of the third angel's message, and several more whom we expect will yet yield to the truth. On Sabbath, at the conclusion of the sermon, seven more came into the church, six of whom were baptized, making in all twenty-two who have joined. The remainder joined the class. Next Sabbath I shall meet with them again, when others will receive baptism. Weekly prayer-meetings have been appointed in three places. They will hold their Sabbath services in the school-house until the church building is completed, which we expect will be early in the spring. God has greatly blessed our labors at Lakeview, and to him be all the glory. There are now more than one hundred, including children and those who kept the Sabbath before we came, who can meet on the Sabbath.
We held our first meeting at Howard City with a congregation of one hundred and twenty-five. There is a fair prospect of winning some to the truth. This is a village of seven or eight hundred inhabitants. It has two railroads. We have come here because this is the only town near our last work, to bind that off, so that it would not ravel out. A. O. Burrill.
Birch Run.
I left home May 7, and held meetings two weeks in a vacant store three-fourths of a mile west of Birch Run station; then moved to the Lincoln school-house two weeks, and held meetings in the Dobson school-house, holding meetings there and at the Lincoln school-house alternately. Had good attendance and a good interest. There was no open opposition, but quite a strong under-current against us. I spoke, in all, one hundred and ten times. As the result, eighteen gave their names to sustain Sabbath meetings and Bible-class, and several others are keeping the Sabbath. Many more are convinced, but worldly considerations prevent obedience. H. J. Lawrence.
REDEMPTION
By L. E. Milne
One by one the moments fly,
Soon, oh, soon! they'll all pass by:
Soon our blessed Lord will come,
Soon we'll meet in yon bright home.
Courage, then, my brethren dear,
Lift your heads, be of good cheer;
Though the battle fiercer grow,
Christ will conquer every foe.
Let us all the message sound,
East and west, to all around;
And every voice swell loud the cry:
Our redemption draweth nigh.
Soon we'll hear his welcome voice
Saying to his saints, Rejoice;
All your warfare now is done,
Welcome, welcome, welcome home.
See the angels for you wait,
Opening wide the golden gate:
For the saints, with joy untold,
Walk the streets of shining gold.
Resting now in Jesus' sight,
Dwelling in unclouded light,
All their King and Lord adore,
Reign with him forevermore.
L. E. MILNE.
SOUTHERN FRANCE.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Last Wednesday it was our privilege to baptize eight new converts in the river Rhone. It was a blessed scene. We had selected a retired spot a little out of the city, and met with no disturbance. It was a lovely morning, the river was calm. Among the persons who went forward were Bro. and Sr. Gabert, and their two daughters, the teachers of whom I spoke in my last report. Bro. Andrews was with us, and made appropriate remarks. I expect a few more will be baptized soon. After baptism we had a profitable season in celebrating the ordinances.
The same day I accompanied Bro. Andrews to Switzerland, where we selected a central point for our future labors in new fields.
I spent last Sabbath with the brethren at La Coudre, near Neuchatel, Switzerland. Mrs. B. reports good meetings during my absence. Systematic benevolence is being organized at Valence. We expect that enough will be raised to help defray the traveling expenses of those laborers whose duty it will be to visit Valence, which is on the direct route between Switzerland and Italy.
My P. O. address is Rue de la Gare 12, Morges, Canton de Vaud, Suisse.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Valence, France, Aug. 21.
DANVERS, MASS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Still the Lord is prospering our work here. Everything has gone favorably another week. No one has dared to preach openly against us thus far. The ministers are working a little privately, but with small effect. Our audiences keep up remarkably, running from three to six hundred. Books go off well. We receive a collection of from ten to fourteen dollars each Sunday night, as it is our custom to take up a collection once a week.
Our meetings are so extensively advertised by the people and the papers, that we have not had to get out a single bill since the first one.
Last Sabbath we had an excellent meeting. Over forty testimonies were borne. We organized a Bible-class and Sabbath-school of over sixty persons. By actual count we know of fifty who are now keeping the Sabbath, not one of whom observed it three weeks ago. And still we hope for quite a number more. Of course, among so many some will go back, but others will take their places. Very largely those who are keeping the Sabbath are most excellent people—sound and reliable. So far as we have been among them—and we have visited nearly every one—all are neat and tidy, and have well furnished homes. Yet few of them are persons of means. They are largely day laborers.
The influence of our meetings is very extensive. There are now Sabbath-keepers in almost every direction in the villages around, from two to ten miles distant. This will give us homes and open the way for labor through all the winter, so we see no end to labor here. Bro. Robinson is coming to help us. It is absolutely necessary that a meeting-house should be built here; hence we shall make an effort for this immediately. D. M. CANRIGHT.
NEWARK, OHIO.
By J. H. Waggoner
TENT-MEETINGS here are now in progress, but we could not commence under favorable circumstances. Bro. St. John is not able to come here on account of sickness. I came upon the ground Friday, Aug. 31. The location is excellent. But Bro. Gates was sick, and the work of preparation was but just begun. I took hold and worked to the very point of prostration to get ready for meeting that evening.
The weather has been mostly cold and damp, so that the congregations have not been as large as we hoped they might be. I am alone to do the preaching and rather feeble, but the interest is deep with some, and we look for good results. Bro. Geo. Smith has arrived to care for the tent, which is a relief. Bro. Gates was compelled to go home. J. H. WAGGONER.
NEW YORK.
By B. L. Whitney; M. H. Brown
Wellsville, Tent No. 1.
To-day, Sept. 3, we have taken down our tent, and shipped it to the camp-ground at Carthage; but as the interest seems to demand it, we have arranged to pitch a fifty-foot tent on the same ground to-morrow, and so continue our meetings. Probably one of us will remain here during the camp-meeting.
The interest remains good, and we have had good congregations during our stay here, yet the people seem slow to move. We expected this would be the case. Several have decided to keep the Sabbath; just how many we cannot definitely report.
Sabbath and Sunday, we had a general meeting of the brethren in this vicinity at the tent; and although no public appointment of the meeting had been given, and no special effort had been made to secure the attendance of brethren from other localities, one hundred or more brethren were present.
Sunday morning we considered the question of a house of worship for this place, and it was the unanimous judgment of the brethren that one should be built here immediately. There are some twenty of our old brethren who would find this the most convenient place for Sabbath meetings, aside from those who have become interested as the result of the meetings here. These are members of the church at Niles Hill, and all have to go from five to fifteen miles to attend their Sabbath meetings. Under these circumstances, it was decided that these brethren should organize as a society by themselves, and establish Sabbath meetings here; and by a unanimous vote of the church they were allowed to withdraw from the Niles Hill church for that purpose. This will form a nucleus around which to build up the cause here.
The matter of raising funds for building was then considered, and in a short time over $900.00 were pledged for this purpose. This insures the success of this enterprise, and immediate steps will be taken for getting the work under way. We are now negotiating for a lot on which to build.
B. L. WHITNEY.
M. H. BROWN.
INDIANA
By S. H. Lane; A. W. Barrett; L. Caldwell
Darlington, Tent No. 1.
The work here is progressing finely. The interest is increasing. Our congregation last first-day evening, Sept. 2, numbered fully four hundred. Invitations to visit are numerous. Thirty-six, mostly Sabbath-keepers, came from Thorntown on first-day, cheering our hearts with their presence. They enjoyed the meetings very much. We have procured an organ, which assists us much in singing, and adds greatly to the interest of our meetings.
We feel to humble ourselves, that God may accomplish a good work through us. Brethren, pray especially for the work here.
S. H. LANE.
A. W. BARRETT.
L. CALDWELL.
Dickinson and Clay Counties
Greenwood.
We commenced meetings at Greenwood church (M. E.), three miles south of Oskaloosa, on the evening of the 31st ult., with a good hearing. Have given eight discourses. The people are very kind, and quite willing to hear and investigate.
L. McCoy.
G. B. STARR.
Dickinson and Clay Counties.
THE good work is still onward here. Two weeks ago Bro. Grant met with us. We were greatly encouraged by his labors and counsels. A church was organized. Eight were baptized in the beautiful lake Okoboji.
Yesterday we had monthly meeting. There were twenty-one adult Sabbath-keepers present. All took hold in the social meeting, and the Spirit of the Lord was present. Two united with the church, and there are six or eight others who will unite soon. There are now about thirty Sabbath-keepers in the southern part of Dickinson and the northern part of Clay Counties, who can meet together on the Sabbath; and it has never been my privilege to become acquainted with a more interesting company.
I am holding meetings near Spencer, Clay Co. Shall probably finish my labors in this place soon. F. W. MORSE.
GLOVERS CREEK, KY.
By S. Osborn; O. Soule
Since our last report, we have been laboring in the stand and from house to house, with some success. As the enemies of the truth found they could not avail much by public opposition, they have turned their weapons of warfare, and have secretly tried to undermine our work. They have created some feeling against the truth, and have turned away one. The battle goes hard now, but we trust in God. We still have good congregations, but not so large as they were. Times are so hard and money is so scarce that we can sell but few books, which makes much longer and harder labor for us. Still we are of good courage, praying the Lord to give victory to the truth.
S. OSBORN.
O. SOULE.
TO T. AND M. WORKERS IN IOWA AND NEBRASKA.
By H. Nicola
For more than a year and a half our Society has owed the Publishing Association five or six hundred dollars for books and tracts. Most of these publications have been distributed, and doubtless they have been the means of bringing many to the truth.
A large portion of them have been taken in western districts, where the country is new, and where our people generally are poor, and have been rendered more so by the grasshoppers. These western districts have been the best for missionary labor, and in them the most fruit is seen.
As the cause is one everywhere, should we not be just as willing to help pay for publications that have been circulated in this western field as for those that have been used in our own districts? It is true, if our western districts could pay for the publications they have drawn, we should be about out of debt; but some of them owe so much that they cannot pay very soon, and it is not just that the Association should wait. But as this part of the country is blessed this year with bountiful crops of all kinds, we expect every one in these districts will do a little, at least, toward liquidating this debt. And while they may contribute their mite, will not our friends throughout the Conference take hold with them, and at once lift the debt? The Publishing Association needs the money, and will not our good Society see that it is paid?
This matter was discussed at our last camp-meeting; and some of us who do not live in any of the districts that are in debt donated from $5 to $25 toward freeing our Society. But more must help lift the burden. Many of our friends who are better able, and perhaps just as willing to help, were not at the camp-meeting, and may not know that their assistance is needed. Dear friends, this appeal is to you. Will we pay our honest debts, and do it now? We can then ask and expect God’s blessing on our missionary work with more confidence.
Let every man, woman, and child who loves this precious cause donate something for this purpose. Let your donation accompany your next report. Do not take a part of your one-third pledge; for this must be used to purchase publications for future use. If more should be donated than will be needed to pay our debt, it can be used for this purpose also.
Dear friends, the field is widening. We shall need more publications for the coming winter campaign than we ever needed before. If all will lift together much more will be accomplished in the same length of time. May the Lord put it in the heart of every friend of this good cause in this Conference to help now when help is so much needed. H. NICOLA, Pres.
COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA.
By Chas. L. Boyd
It is hard awakening a religious interest here. The churches are asleep; the world unwarned, and at ease in reference to the future. Grog-shops abound, which are well patronized. Oh! for the power of the living God to sound the cry, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh,” till it shall awake the church, and alarm the world!
On coming here, the Congregationalist church being but a few rods from the tent, we engaged the use of the bell. We had used it but a few days, when the pastor came into the tent and inquired our views in reference to future punishment. He had heard it rumored that we believed, although it had not been preached, that the wicked would eventually cease to be, and if the accusation were true we could have the use of their bell no longer.
A few seem interested, and we hope some good will be accomplished. Bro. Shultz is at home for a few days. Bro. Daniel Nettleton is with me, devoting his time to study, in order to be prepared for usefulness in bearing the message to others. He assists much in carrying on the meetings. CHAS. L. BOYD.
GRANGEVILLE, CAL.
(Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.)
Five have signed the covenant here, and others are keeping the Sabbath. Still others are waiting till camp-meeting. Bro. J. L. Wood reports much prejudice here, but many warm friends of the truth.
RUSH CREEK, WISCONSIN.
By Geo. C. Tenney
We have now been here three weeks. The attendance is not large except on Sundays, on account of the roughness of the roads and the people being so scattered.
Last Sunday being the regular appointment of the Disciple preacher, we gave him the use of the tent for three discourses, in two of which he opposed us on the law and Sabbath, taking the positions usually taken by that people. I held one meeting the same day, and was able, by the help of the Lord, to establish the truth and expose error.
He wanted to remain through the week and have the tent one-half the time, but I would not consent. His next proposition was to start opposition meetings, but his brethren would not sustain him. He then wanted the tent Monday evening, and when I gave my reasons for refusing, he felt much injured because I did not reciprocate his kindness (?) in withdrawing his meetings. The M. E. and Baptists threaten strong opposition when we are gone.
Yesterday, Sept. 2, we spoke to three hundred on the immortality question, which aroused much interest and indignation. A few have embraced the truth, and we hope for more. GEO. C. TENNEY.