We have long felt the want of a denominational school, for the especial benefit of those who feel it to be their duty to dedicate their lives to the cause of God as teachers of his word. One of the principal objects of such a school would be a thorough course of instruction in the fundamental principles of the faith and hope of Seventh-day Adventists. And nothing but the condition of the church at Battle Creek prevented the institution of such a school more than two years since.
In the autumn of 1869, we introduced the subject to our people at Battle Creek, and an Educational Society was formed. A circular was issued for pledges of funds to the Association. Many pledges were made, and some money was paid in. In our absence, on an eastern tour, this money was unwarrantably and injudiciously expended, and on our return, a state of things existed in the church that overwhelmed us in perplexity and discouragement, and nothing more was done.
Still feeling that our young men who are entering the ministry should have a brief course of instruction, especially in the truths of God's word, we introduced to the General Conference the subject of the Ministers' Lecture Association. This was formed, and two brief courses of lectures were given; one just following the session of the General Conference in 1870; the other following the Conference of 1871. But these could be but very brief, be beneficial to only a few, and came at a time when those on whom the Association depended to give lectures were wearied with the labors of the business of the annual sessions of our several societies. And the Ministers' Lecture Association also went down.
And still later, after the days of fasting and of prayer to the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers, and the many responses from men in all parts of the field who felt moved to the work of the ministry, we felt the want of a denominational school more than before. We spoke upon the subject once before the church at Battle Creek, and conversed with several, Bro. Butler among the number. The subject took favorably with all. We have not hitherto been able to write. Others have spoken through the Review. We feel deeply upon the subject, and shall speak freely and in the fear of God.
The action of our brethren in Switzerland in sending a young man of their number to Battle Creek, to be educated in our language, and in the doctrines and customs of Seventh-day Adventists61of America, shows their confidence in the work, their sincerity, and the sacrifices they are ready to make for the advancement of the cause. This action on their part, and on the part of the young brother who has taken the long journey to our country for the above-named objects, should stir the heart of our people to the very depths.
Our people at Battle Creek should feel that they assumed a grave and weighty responsibility in consenting to become the instructors and guardians of the noble and Godly youthful Swiss now in their midst. Do they feel it? Do the young members of the Battle Creek church realize their responsibility? Our trusting brethren in Switzerland build their hopes for the spread of the truth for this time before the masses who speak the German and French languages in Europe upon the young men whom they drop into the arms of the Battle Creek church as confidingly as the babe rests in its mother's lap. Shall they be disappointed in their American brethren?
It is not merely a knowledge of our language, and of our religious belief, that these men need. The most important qualification attainable for the ministry of the word when they return to their native land will be a deep-wrought experience in the things of the Spirit of God. This will depend very much upon their associations and influences around them. If they are all favorable, the experience will be correctly molded. If they are unfavorable, who can estimate the loss to the cause of truth in Europe? We repeat it. Our people assumed grave responsibilities when they consented to become the instructors and guardians of young men from Europe on whom our confiding people there build their hopes of spreading abroad the truth of God.
When they sent our much-beloved brother James Ertzenberger to our country, we dare not risk him at Battle Creek. We took him to our Greenville home, furnished an interpreter for awhile, and a teacher, free of charge. He made our home his home at least nine months for the blessed privilege of having this godly youth in our family. We can never forget his fervent French, then German, and finally English prayers, which he offered morning and evening for our household, for himself, for the brethren in America, and emphatically for his dear brethren he had left in Europe. As we pen the words, God bless Bro. Ertzenberger, tears come rushing in and blind our sight.
Probably our pen would not have taken this direction had we not read these words in Review for July 16, under the caption, “The School,” “A rare chance is now offered, especially to the young, to secure just that kind of mental and moral training that will fit them for usefulness.” The writer urges attendance at the school. Now we suggest that he commences at the wrong end of the work. For several years, when our opinion and that of Mrs. W. has been asked by brethren and sisters relative to sending their children to Battle Creek to school, we have uniformly told them, that until a stronger influence could be exerted in that church in favor of health and dress reform, and to keep the youth separated from the spirit of the world, and to lead them to lives of consecration, their children would not be safe in Battle Creek. And this will be our testimony until decided changes take place.
In order to build up just such a school as Seventh-day Adventists need, the place to commence is to establish a right state of things at Battle Creek. And this never can be done, until the several State Conferences send representative men and families to Battle Creek, to whom shall be intrusted the welfare of our institutions located in that city. When this shall be done, and the benefits and blessings of a good school shall be made known, and suitable buildings and provisions be made, we warrant two hundred students within three months from the opening of the school.
Our brethren and sisters everywhere, who are able to do so, are feeling that they must educate their children. And their hearts are pained beyond expression to send them to those schools in cities and large villages where they will be surrounded with the strongest influences to lead them to perdition. But let them know, and let them feel assured, that at Battle Creek is the best school in our country, and that the influences surrounding are safe, the school being under the vigilant watchcare of men and women who have the salvation of the youth and the prosperity of the cause in full view, and the question is settled with them. With feelings of inexpressible relief they will decide to patronize the denominational school at Battle Creek.
The existing school at Battle Creek is doubtless right. And it may be proper for young men, just entering the ministry, to attend the autumn term. But we do not believe that the church at Battle Creek is composed of such material, or that it is in a condition at the present time, to warrant the establishment of such a denominational school as the cause now demands. The guardians of such a school, as well as our other institutions at Battle Creek, should be men and women of experience, firmness, and zeal, to live up to all the light that God has given us as a people. We here confess that we have not the confidence in the qualifications of the Battle Creek church, as the proper guardians of such a school, that we had in 1869. Not that the church is in worse condition now than then; but we have learned, by unhappy experience, their almost utter destitution of the necessary qualifications to guard the fort, and properly nourish our institutions.
There was a time when the removal of our institutions from Battle Creek, because of the inefficiency and instability of the church at Battle Creek, as a body, was a matter of discussion in our General Conference. But the friends of the cause consoled themselves with the adoption of the plan to let our institutions remain, and exchange many of the families of Seventh-day Adventists, then residing at Battle Creek, for others from the different States, of the right sort. The adoption of this plan, and the efforts to some extent to carry it out, have resulted in turning back the current of floating Seventh-day Adventists (of course, the most unreliable), and have reduced the numbers very much, while but very little has yet been done to bring reliable families to head-quarters.
We have a hundred times regretted that our institutions were not moved from Battle Creek three years since, before the expenditure of $25,000 dollars more in buildings at the Health Institute and the Publishing Association. The longer they remain, the more capital must be invested, and the more difficult the removal. Since that time we have completely broken down under the burdens there, the heft of which came upon us from the fact that the majority of the church seem almost destitute of moral back-bone. And we are fully persuaded that one thing, and only one thing, can save the cause from reproach and embarrassment. We do not speak of the cause in Battle Creek alone, but the cause everywhere; for when the cause at the heart of the work suffers, the whole body likewise suffers. Bring twenty families to head-quarters, as representatives from the several States, families of the right stamp, and the cause is saved. And until this can be done, we shall oppose the establishment of a denominational school at Battle Creek. The families wanted should be.
1. Those of piety, experience, and firm to stand for the principles and customs adopted by our people from the clearest light. Truth, like its divine Author, cannot be trifled with, without bringing down upon its unworthy professors the frown of God. We are a thoroughly organized people, and a unit. And as such it seems necessary, at present at least, to have one great center. Seventh-day Adventists of America should probably have but one place of publication. The work is gloriously started at Battle Creek, and it would be a terrible blow upon us to be obliged to move it. The same may be true of our Health Institute. And Battle Creek is the best locality for our first school. Then for Christ's sake, and the cause of truth's sake, let us have the right men to keep the fort.
2. They should be families of moral worth and standing in the communities where they now reside. And having made life a success, they have a double or triple competency, and can afford to spend much of their time in their riper years as counselors and directors in the interests of our institutions without pay.
The argument of Horace Greeley a few years since on the question of retrenching the salaries of congressmen was on this wise: That men were not fit to represent the people in Congress who had not sufficient breadth of intellect and energy of character to acquire a competency before being elected to the responsible office. And, therefore, the right men did not need large salaries. Greeley was right. Let his argument apply to the question in hand. Let us have men at Battle Creek of ripe years, whose past has been characterized with industry, economy, sound judgment, and success, who can give a portion at least of their time during the balance of their business life to the cause of God, out of respect of the recompense of the reward at the resurrection of the just.
The interests we represent at Battle Creek do not stand in need of families who have so little moral standing, so few friends, or so little of this world's goods, that they can pack up between sunset and dark, and start the next morning and nobody around them know it, or care for it. God pity us; we have had too many such to be perplexed with, and to care for, during the years of our sojourn at Battle Creek. We appeal to the records in Heaven, and to the worthy poor, to widows and orphans around us the past twenty-five years, if we have not always given them sympathy, and, according to our ability, shared with them the more substantial good. But we must be allowed to more than suggest that there is room for them to live, and to love, and serve God, under the broad canopy, outside of Battle Creek. Let us have men and women of God at head-quarters who can afford to take time to lift at the great wheel of progress in the cause of truth and right, and who can give a strong lift, and a long lift, and a lift all together. Amen!
We do not deny that we are warming up on this subject. And why should we not feel over one of such vast importance? Although we now sit in the open door of a Denver, Colorado dwelling, in full view of the famous mountains of the “Switzerland of America,” on whose sides are a thousand visible stripes and rings of snow, thirteen hundred miles from the place which is the principal subject of this article, we look back to its institutions, and associations, with which have been connected our toils, and hopes, and prayers, and sorrows, and tears, and joys, with feelings which may be expressed by these words of David, “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem to my chief joy.” Ps. 137 : 5, 6.
On reviewing the matter we find it impossible to separate our feelings of interest from our institutions located at Battle Creek. We remember when they were not. We distinctly recollect our feeling on that happy morning when we took the first number of our paper to the post-office at old Middletown, Conn., in a carpet bag. We trace along our history of poverty, toil, discouragements, hopes, sorrows and joys, as the publishing work has come up to its present prosperity, and we find our feelings inseparably connected with it. It is a part of our very being. God has wonderfully prospered this part of the work. In point of means, at present the condition of the Publishing Association cannot be improved. The publishing work has increased the past two years to that degree that the two buildings are more crowded in 1872 than the one was in 1870. The next want of the Association will be another building, which will be the main one in which the work of printing, binding, and mailing, will be done, leaving the existing ones for offices and store houses. Such a building will cost at least $30,000. And, thank God, when we get ready to put it up, our people will have their free-will offerings ready.
And, thank God, that our Health Institute is free from debt, and in a most prosperous condition. We now need a good denominational school. Let matters be as they should be at Battle Creek, and we will warrant $50,000 for school building, and two hundred students.
We close this article without a single apology for our plainness of speech. If some, or even many, choose to entertain a different opinion, and give rise to, and succor, a feeling of murmuring at our plain statement of the facts in the case, it will be no more than we have met at every struggle to introduce each enterprise for the advancement of the cause. While we propose to stand from under the crushing loads of labor and care which others in times past have let fall upon us, we design to keep a good look-out, and fearlessly and seasonably sound the note of warning to our people, should we see them being blindly led into danger. Let us have a Denominational School, brethren! But we should also let the short-sighted recklessness of inexperienced leaders at Battle Creek, during the years 1866–1868, admonish us to lay a good foundation, and humbly follow the providence of God.
JAMES WHITE.
Denver, Col., July 24, 1872.
Is It True!
By R. F. Cottrell
A BROTHER recently said to me, “God is testing his people.” The thought was not at all new to me; but it was a word fitly spoken, and I have pondered it much since. Said he, “We are not to test others, but God is testing all.” Solemn thought! Is it true? It certainly is. The last message is going forth; and certainly it is a testing message. And to profess faith in the truth, and nominally and outwardly to conform to it, is not enough. Thoughts are being weighed. Hearts are being proved and motives are being tried. Light has been given, and God and angels are watching and waiting to see the effect. All in Heaven are anxiously desirous that we should be saved; yet we are left free to act for ourselves. Shall we not be anxious for ourselves, and work out our salvation with fear and trembling?
In the REVIEW of July 23, Bro. Phelps has some good suggestions on tithes and offerings. I hope the article will be read to profit. It is indeed possible for a man to rob God. No reason can be given why God should not claim as his a tenth of our increase at the present, as in past time. To use as our own what he has reserved to himself and claims as his own, is to rob him. And the rule has a general application. Then most men are robbing God. Those who profess faith in his word and profess to be his children, especially those who have the light of the last message and acknowledge it as present truth; should not be of the number. Yet doubtless many who profess the truth are robbing God.
We may rob God by withholding tithes; we can rob him by a wrong use of that which is put into his treasury; and those who receive of the means sacredly devoted to God and his cause, professing to devote their time to his especial service, can rob God by squandering the time which should be devoted to the salvation of men. Here is something for all to think of. None are exempt; God has a claim upon all. Let us each keep the question in mind continually, Will a man rob God? Am I robbing him? I have a sacred trust as a steward of God. Am I true to the sacred trust? He will require his own. Am I ready to give an account? All have talents of some kind entrusted to their care. Let us strive in future to be faithful in that which is entrusted, whether it be little or much. God is testing his people; and he wishes us voluntarily to choose to walk in the light and be saved.
Systematic Benevolence is not systematic compulsion. God’s claims are set before us, not because he has need, but for our own good. It gives us a chance to try our own hearts; so that we may not be deceived and come to the Judgment unprepared. Shall we not co-operate with God in the matter of the greatest interest to us—our own purification and salvation? It is God that is waiting for us to form a character that can be admitted to his presence in glory.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Christ a True Missionary.
By D. T. Bourdeau
“AND the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also; for therefore am I sent.” Luke 4 : 42, 43.
It would have been very pleasant for those who received Christ on this occasion to have him settle with them as a preacher; and had Christ looked at his own case, he would have gratified them in complying with their request. But he came not to please himself, or to encourage in others a selfish spirit. There were souls in other cities who were as precious as those to whom he had just been dispensing the words of life, and he wanted them also to have the benefits of his labors. Therefore, he could not remain where he was.
Again, it would not have been for the best good of his followers to remain with him. It was only one part of their duty to receive his testimony; they must also reduce it to practice in their daily life. They must be scattered at different points, to reflect more generally the light which they had received from Jesus, and thus accomplish more good. They must make experiments for themselves in the Christian life.
They must get experience, which is knowledge obtained by practice, and not merely theory committed to memory. They must test the merits of Christianity for themselves, by reaping the benefits derived by practice, the sweets that true religion affords. Their graces must be tried and brought into exercise; and their defects of character must appear, that they may overcome them. They must learn the art of obtaining help from God by their own individual effort. They must grow by exercise, and bear their own weight, and not remain spiritual dwarfs, babes in Christ. In short, they must develop character in working out their own salvation with fear and trembling.
God wants us to cultivate a missionary spirit, and to realize the value of the truth, not only as we see it experienced and exhibited by others, but by having a part and lot in the matter. Then can we stand alone, if need be, amid the perils of the last days.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
California.
By John Norton Loughborough
Since my last report from the tent, at Woodland, Cal., the hurry of harvest came on, which greatly diminished the attendance at the meetings. It was deemed best to hold a less number of meetings during harvest.
As Brn. Cornell and Kellogg could attend to the interest in Woodland without me, I decided to attend the quarterly meetings with the churches. I learn by letter, from the tent, however, that quite a number have already commenced to obey the truth. We now design, after harvest, to give another brief course of lectures, to raise the interest again, if possible, before the anticipated discussion there in September.
The quarterly meeting at Santa Rosa, June 22 and 23, was interesting and encouraging. One more was baptized and united with the church, and three others expressed their determination to obey the truth, and expect soon to be baptized and unite with the church.
At Bloomfield, June 29 and 30, we were encouraged with some attentive listeners, who were led to our meeting by reading of tracts. The Bloomfield church are striving to press on in the work. Though some sisters of that company have severe opposition, not even being permitted to attend meetings, we were glad to learn that their hope is strong in God, and their love for these truths increasing. If faithful, they may share God's presence at their homes, and at last have a part with the saints in their glorious rest, where none can oppose or molest.
On my way to Santa Rosa from Bloomfield, I met with a family who have been for some time investigating the truth, and was glad to learn that this brother and sister had decided to obey. I have since learned that Bro. and sister Wilson kept the next Sabbath. May the Lord strengthen them in every duty.
I have now spent about two weeks' time in San Francisco. While attending the quarterly meeting here, I tried to strike against some dangers I saw, of pride creeping into the church. I have followed up the effort, and trust it is not in vain. I go from here to Petaluma and Healdsburg, to attend the quarterly meetings there, and then join the tent again.
It is just four years, to-day, since Bro. Bourdeau and myself first set our feet on California soil. We then hardly knew which way to turn. When we now look at the numerous friends of the truth the Lord has raised up, we are grateful to God. But we must not stop here. With God's blessings, we will push on the work, claiming still greater results.
We hail with joy the prospect of the coming of our dear Bro. and sister White. Their presence will give greater permanence to the work here, as well as satisfy the desires of so many who have wished to see them. We gladly welcome them to our mild climate, excellent fruits, and our homes, to enjoy a period of rest from their heavy burdens, leaving them to choose their own time to say what they have to say to us here.
May God bless them, and bless all his people and servants in their humble, faithful efforts to extend his truth. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
San Francisco, Cal., July 18, 1872.
Bridgewater, Maine.
By J. B. Goodrich; W. H. Blaisdell
Since our last report, the interest has steadily increased. About twenty-five have decided to keep the Sabbath since we commenced meetings in this place, but how many will succeed in overcoming and obtaining eternal life, remains to be seen. We had a social meeting in our tent last Sabbath, which was especially interesting. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon the meeting, and many good resolutions were formed, and important decisions were made. It was a day long to be remembered by us, and many of the people in this place.
We think we have good reasons for believing that the Lord directed us in coming to this place. Although this was regarded as being the hardest place in the vicinity, yet the Lord has especially blessed the word spoken to the good of many. Notwithstanding many of the ministers and church members have taken a decided stand against us, and labored hard to keep the people from coming to our meetings, yet the truth has triumphed over all their opposition, and many are now rejoicing in the truths of the third angel's message. An interest to hear has been awakened in the surrounding country, and calls for labor are coming in from different directions.
Our tent is erected within a short distance of the boundary line between Maine and the province of New Brunswick. A goodly number from that side have attended our meetings, many of whom are convinced that we have the truth, and a few have commenced to keep the Sabbath. One brother, a first-day Adventist, who lives in Woodstock, N. B., about twenty-five miles from here, being in this vicinity, and hearing of us, came and attended a few of our meetings and went home a Sabbath-keeper.
We intend to remain here a while longer, to follow up the interest. Pray for us.
J. B. GOODRICH,
W. H. BLAISDELL.
July 22, 1872.
Almont, Mich.
By D. H. Lamson
The tent-meeting in this place closed Sunday evening, July 21, having continued for nearly six weeks, and with increasing interest to the last. Almost the same faces have greeted us each evening, as also in day meetings, from the first, and not an appointment has been postponed on account of bad weather. Much prejudice existed in the minds of the people against the advent name, and many prophesied failure, as the ground had been occupied before by another party, claiming the title of Adventists, who were here with a tent about six years ago. By degrees, however, the feeling against us has melted away, and a multitude of hearts have been won to a sympathy with, and even affection63for, the truth we love. When we look back a few weeks in the past, and see how great a change has come over the public mind, we can but say, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” For nearly two weeks we staid in the tent, boarding at the hotel, with scarcely a friendly word or look of encouragement, watching, praying, waiting, for the Lord to work. We had his promise, and that was enough. In his own good time the change came, and oh! how refreshing to our weary, anxious hearts. Words can never express the gratitude we feel for the kindly regard and tender care extended toward us, in all our work.
We desire to express thus publicly our thanks for the spirit manifested toward us by Mr. Bacon, keeper of the hotel, who furnished us a room with beds for all, at one half the usual price for such accommodations; and in our judgment, guests are seldom, if ever, more kindly entertained. We shall not cease to pray that the dear friends who have bound themselves to us by their own kindness of heart, may, in the great harvest now so near, find their reward. But oh! may we not forget the preparation of heart necessary to stand when that day shall appear. The burden of soul, the heart-felt anxiety we have had for the friends into whose faces we have so often looked, and around whose board we have so many times been made welcome, and above all, whose cases we have so continually in public, and at the family altar (in many cases newly made), carried before the Lord, can be only expressed by the unutterable longings written by the angels in the book above.
We have had, in all, three meetings on successive Sabbaths, which have been well attended. Have had, also, in all, three social meetings in the evening, before service, in which all have been invited to take a part. Sectional feelings vanished, and many, very many, warm-hearted testimonies have been borne on these occasions, and often our hearts were cheered to hear the truth confessed. The last conference meeting was held after preaching on the Sabbath, July 20. Not far from fifty testimonies were given in a short time, and when an expression was called for, at its close, to see how many would obey God, keeping ALL his commandments, over thirty arose who had never before clearly identified themselves with us as a people. Many say with tearful eyes that it is the best meeting they ever attended. May the remembrance of it be an incentive to activity and zeal in the Christian life.
Several dollars’ worth of books have been sold, quite a quantity of large and small tracts given away, and to the present, we have obtained twelve subscribers for the REVIEW. More, doubtless, will desire the paper, whose attention has not been called directly to it. After the close of the meeting, Sunday evening, the tent was taken down and sent on its way to Holly, Oakland Co., where it will be pitched, ready for meeting, if the Lord will, Wednesday evening, July 24. Brn. Lane, Kenyon, and Haskins, left this morning for that place. I remain here, for a time, to follow up the work and set things in order as well as I can.
A large hall has been secured in which to hold meetings on the Sabbath, and prayer-meetings are appointed for two evenings in the week, Wednesdays and Fridays, at private houses.
We feel that there is a wide field before us, and earnestly desire that the prayers of the people of God may avail in our behalf, that the word preached by us may be indeed the power of God to many unto salvation.
D. H. Lamson.
I KNOW THY WORKS.
By Mary E. Guilford
“I know thy works,” thou canst not hide
Thy deeds, nor e’en thy thoughts from me.
Canst thou the day of Judgment bide?
The storm of wrath and vengeance flee?
“I know thy works,” naked and blind,
Thy heart is lifted up in pride;
How seldom dost thou seek to find
Where justice, peace, and love abide.
“I know thy works,” and counsel thee
To buy of me gold tried in fire;
Anoint thine eyes, that thou may’st see,
And tune thy harp to Heaven’s sweet lyre.
“I know thy works,” therefore beware,
Remember thou art mortal dust;
Watch o’er thy life with jealous care,
Be faithful to each sacred trust.
“I know thy works,” and thy reward,
According as thy works shall be;
If faithful, life I will award;
Unfaithful, death’s thy penalty.
“I know thy works,” and those I love,
I oft rebuke and chasten sore,
That I their faithfulness may prove:
That they may love and serve me more.
“I know thy works,” therefore repent;
Obey my voice and overcome;
Accept the message I have sent
To fit thee for thy heavenly home.
Castalia, Ohio. MARY E. GUILFORD.
Northern Iowa Tent.
By R. M. Kilgore
At the close of our last report we were just entering upon a discussion on the Sabbath question. Though Pilate and Herod were made friends and re-enforcements were called in to stop the advancement of this troublesome question, the effort proved to be fruitless. The array of evidence brought forth by Bro. Morrison in favor of God's ancient memorial was such that its opponents were not prepared to meet it. While their positions conflict with the plain statements of the word of God, and are contradictory to each other, yet some are willing to accept them, and embrace them, in order to avoid the claims of God's holy law.
Over twenty have embraced the Sabbath, and others are fully convicted, and will yet obey. Some of these have embraced Christ for the first time. To God be all the praise.
Our meetings closed last night, and we take the tent down to-day. We have been here now over five weeks, and have given forty-three discourses. During our stay here we have had to let the tent down twice because of severe storms, and twice it has blown down, the last time, on Saturday night the ropes, being cut on the side next to the storm, gave way causing the center pole to be broken to pieces. Notwithstanding all this, we have not been prevented from holding a single meeting on account of rain or storm.
Bro. Morrison left me yesterday to return to his home. I am now left without even a tent master. But I trust I am not alone; for if God be for us, who can be against us; and I hope I have the prayers of his people.
We pitch the tent next in Hook's Point, Hamilton Co., and begin meetings on next Friday night. At this place we shall have regular Sabbath meetings. This will also be our address for the present. R. M. KILGORE.
West Belton, Vt.
By A. S. Hutchins
AFTER an absence of several weeks from this place, have spent a few days here. The Sabbath meetings have been regularly held, and I learn with good interest. Last Sunday evening, spoke to a few who could on a short notice come together at Bro. D. Fuller's. Have visited nearly every family. No one reports any cause of discouragement. Two have been added to the church since its organization in May. It is expected more will be baptized before the camp-meeting.
May the good work begun in the hearts of this dear people be perfected. Says the apostle, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Col. 3: 2–4.
The coming of the Lord draweth near. It hasteth greatly. Constant watchfulness and much prayer to God are necessary, that our minds be not too much absorbed with the thoughts and cares of this life, and so the great day of the Lord break upon us unaware. The Son of man, who fully realized the perils, and manifold dangers of the last moments of closing time, most solemnly bids us “take heed.”
Oh! may our affections fasten with inexpressible fondness upon imperishable and eternal things, as though drawn by a holy, heavenly magnet.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
July 19, 1872.
Holly, Mich.
By H. M. Kenyon; W. H. Haskin
We left Almont with the tent July 23, and came to this place and pitched the tent to commence meetings Wednesday evening, the 24th. Bro. Lamson remained at Almont to follow up the interest there. Bro. E. B. Lane was with us until the 27th, when he was obliged to return home, and Bro. S. H. Lane joined us from the tent at Flushing, to remain until Aug. 2, when he leaves to attend the Grove meeting at Bushnell.
We have now had seven meetings, our congregation averaging from fifty to four hundred. We have thus far had the best of order, and attention to the word spoken. We feel very anxious for the result of this meeting, and desire the prayers of the people of God in our behalf.
H. M. KENYON,
W. H. HASKIN.
July 29, 1872.
Since writing the above, Bro. Ezra Bracket has arrived to join us in the work.
H. M. K.
West China, Mich.
By Albert Weeks
JULY 21, I commenced a course of lectures at this place. This is a farming community, and the people are in the midst of haying; but, notwithstanding, there is a good attendance.
The Spirit of God seems to be working upon the minds of some, and I trust that good will result from the effort here. The people are very kind, inviting me to their homes. Will, those that love the cause of God pray for me?
My address is Smith's Creek, Mich.
ALBERT WEEKS.
DAVID DOWNER
By David Downer
Wisconsin.
We commenced meetings here July 14. We found we were without hand-bills to publish our meetings, therefore did not expect a large hearing at first. We had three hundred and sixty the first night, which is an astonishing turnout considering our being located in the country. We have had from three to six hundred in attendance every night. People come from one to twenty miles. Some have been here from six miles every night. Breathless silence prevails during our meetings. After we have spoken from one to two hours, people will stand around in groups and talk of the wonders in the Bible that are so plain.
A Methodist minister, seeing his flock favorable to our faith, came into the stand, denied the Bible, and called us liars, fools, and infidels. He struck me once or twice, nearly throwing me out of the stand. I thanked him for not striking me in the face, and God helped me to bear it pleasantly. His own members were ashamed of him. But, as is usually the case, it terminated in good to us.
Yesterday, being Sunday, we spoke to the people four hours and a half. Perfect quiet prevailed with over six hundred people. Our subject was all new, being The State of the Dead.
It is said there have never been so many people together in one place in this town as at our meetings. The best feature of our meetings is that it is not all curiosity and vanity. We seldom close a meeting without seeing very many in tears. The power of our Master is certainly resting down on his servants and the people. Soon the test is coming. Oh! brethren and sisters, when you read this do pray God to help us here, that our final report may be like this one, to encourage you, and save men. I believe in the prayer of faith. Brethren, you can hold us up. We feel the terrible importance of this hour, when one misspoken word might change the present scene to one of disaster. We feel that we cannot, we must not, fail; and yet God must do the work. May we strip ourselves of everything carnal, be more humble, seek meekness, and seek it earnestly, that we may be able, with agonizing prayer, to move the great Arm that moves the world.
Oh! my scattered brethren in Wisconsin, let us do more this year for God than ever before! The more we try to do for him, the more he certainly will do for us. Lay up your treasures where they will not be burned. Come, let us one and all move out of carnal stupor, that God may not be ashamed of his remnant people.
DAVID DOWNER
Mount Hope, Wis., July 22, 1872.
Spencer Creek, Antrim Co
By P. Strong; D. W. Milk
Michigan.
We closed our last report with our landing, and commencing meetings in Grand Traverse county.
We arrived in Traverse city June 13, and it not looking favorable there for meetings, we commenced meetings June 14 in the town of Whitewater, eighteen miles north-east of the city.
Found here a few first-day Adventists. They were entirely ignorant of our people and our movements. All were much interested until the claims of the moral law were presented to them, when some lost their interest, and forgot their promises to obey what they saw to be truth. Three have moved out on the truth, and others are interested.
We have held nineteen meetings in this place, and four in the Sours district; but seeing no interest there, closed for the present.
We are now holding meetings at Spencer Creek and Torch Lake. Some are interested, and, we trust, will obey. There are some here who came out under the labors of Deacon Reed in 1844. They look back with joy to that time, but cannot tell why the Lord tarried. They see light on the sanctuary. We shall continue meetings as long as interest demands. P. STRONG,
D. W. MILK.