For the purpose of securing unity and efficiency in labor, and promoting the general interests of the cause of present truth, and of perfecting the organization of the Seventh-day Adventists, we, the delegates from the several State Conferences, hereby proceed to organize a General Conference, and adopt the following constitution for the government thereof:—
Article I. This Conference shall be called the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and shall be composed of delegates from the different State Conferences, and such ministers as shall have been employed as missionaries during any part of the year.
Art. II. The officers of this Conference shall be a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and an Executive Committee of three, of whom the President shall be one.
Art. III. The duties of the President and Secretary shall be such respectively as usually pertain to those offices.
Art. IV. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and disburse means under the direction of the Executive Committee, and keep an account of the same, and make a full report thereof to the regular meetings of the Conference.
Art. V. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to take the general supervision of all ministerial labor, and see that the same is properly distributed; and they shall take the special supervision of all missionary labor, and as a missionary board shall have the power to decide where such labor is needed, and who shall go as missionaries to perform the same; and they shall audit and settle accounts with ministers and others in the employ of the Conference.
Sec. 2. Means for missionary operations may be received by donation from State Conferences, churches or individuals; and the committee are authorized to call for means when needed.
Sec. 3. When any State Conference desires ministerial labor from a minister not a resident within the bounds of such Conference, their request shall be made to the General Conference Executive Committee, and ministers sent by said Committee shall be considered under the jurisdiction of the Conf. Committee of such State: Provided, 1. That if such minister consider the State Committee inefficient, or their action so far wrong as to render his labor ineffectual, he may appeal to the General Conference Executive Committee: Provided, 2. That if such State Committee consider such minister inefficient, they may appeal to the General Conference Committee, who shall decide on the matter of complaint, and take such action as they may think proper.
Sec. 4. The General Conference Executive Committee shall have power during the intervals between the yearly meetings, to license ministers who may be raised up in mission fields.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the ministers and others in the employ of the General Conference to make a written report to each annual meeting thereof of each day's occupation during the Conference year, or such portion of the year as they may have been in the employ of the Conference.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the Conference to select a committee of two laymen to act with the Executive Committee in the examination and settlement of accounts.
Art. VI. Each State Conference shall be entitled to one delegate in the General Conference, and one additional delegate for every twenty delegates in the State Conference, such delegates to the General Conference to be chosen by the State Conferences or their Committees: Provided, That the delegates to such State Conferences be elected according to the following ratio, to wit: Each church to the number of twenty members or under shall be entitled to one delegate, and one delegate for every additional fifteen members.
Art. VII. The officers shall be elected at the regular meetings of the Conference, and shall hold their offices for the term of one year, or until their successors are chosen.
Art. VIII. Sec. 1. The regular meetings of the Conference shall be held annually, and the time and place of the same shall be determined by the Executive Committee, by whom due notice thereof shall be given through the REVIEW.
Sec. 2. Special meetings may be called at the option of the committee.
Art. IX. This Constitution may be altered or amended by a three-fourths vote of the members present at any meeting.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA, CAMP-MEETING.
By George I. Butler
This camp-meeting was the smallest of the four held in the State this season, no doubt because of its location away from the center of the State, and in that corner of it least populated by our people. It was held here because other sections of the State had camp-meetings in June, and this part of the State had none. This was the time for the annual meeting of the different societies, and hence we had many business matters to attend to which interfered somewhat with the devotional exercises; yet these were very good. The spirit of the meeting was excellent. Union and love generally prevailed, and in several of our meetings the blessing of the Lord came in sweet, melting power, which was truly refreshing to our waiting hearts. In last year's camp-meeting there were elements of discord which threatened serious trouble. This year these did not exist. There has been an improvement in the tone and spirit of the Conference the past year, which I hope will result in much good in the future. The four camp-meetings held in the State this season have enabled a large number of our people to attend. I think nearly twelve hundred availed themselves of these privileges.
The temperance work was taken up as usual this season, and a large part of those present who had not signed the pledge before, did so at this meeting, 130 signers being obtained, 85 of whom paid the initiation fee. A State Temperance society was formed, with G. I. Butler for president, and Sr. Sarah Nicola for secretary. Iowa has been well canvassed on this subject at our camp-meetings, though many in the churches are still behind. These we shall try to reach with our local organizations.
Sabbath morning we had a most interesting Sabbath-school under the management of Bro. L. T. Nicola. The Sabbath-school work in the State gives promise of much good.
Our tract and missionary work is now in a condition to accomplish much, if all can be persuaded to go to work. The State society is nearly out of debt, with subscriptions to the reserve fund of between $1500 and $2000 (unless very recent purchases of books have changed this), and a good stock of books on hand. Our S. B., however, has fallen off considerably this year; still we had enough to settle all claims against the treasury after paying the tithe to the General Conference. There is great need of a general awakening of our people throughout the State to work for the Lord. Our efforts in new fields have not been as successful as in some former years. We regret to say that the health of Eld. Farnsworth was such that he could not labor as hard as usual in our meeting, and it was not thought safe to place the burden of the cause upon him till he could have time to improve. Under the circumstances the brethren thought they could do no better than to make me president of the Iowa Conference and T. and M. Society, though I could give them no assurances of how much I could labor in the State.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
THE CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN.
By Charles Edwards
[MR. GOUVERNEUR MORRIS on being asked for his definition of a gentleman, replied by repeating Poet-Laureate Tate’s paraphrase of the fifteenth psalm:—]
“’Tis he who every thought and deed
By rules of virtue moves;
Whose generous tongue disdains to speak
The thing his heart disproves.
Who never did a slander forge,
His neighbor’s fame to wound;
Nor hearken to a false report
By malice whispered ’round.
Who vice, in all its pomp and power,
Can treat with just neglect;
And piety, though clothed in rags,
Religiously respect
Who to his plighted vows and trust
Has ever firmly stood;
And, though he promise to his loss,
He makes his promise good.
Whose soul in usury disdains
His treasure to employ;
Whom no rewards can ever bribe
The guiltless to destroy.”
This psalm was copied by Thomas Jefferson, in the smallest hand-writing and neatest manner, into a common-place book which he was in the habit of frequently consulting, and we find it at the end of a letter on moral conduct which he wrote to T. Jefferson Smith, thus entitled, “The portrait of a good man, by the most sublime of poets, for your imitation.” —Charles Edwards.
A Good Work Requires the Spirit of Christianity
ONE great principle which we should lay down as immovably true, is, that if a good work cannot be carried on by the calm, self-controlled, benevolent spirit of Christianity, then the time for doing it has not come. God asks not the aid of our vices. He can overrule them for good, but they are not the chosen instruments of human happiness.
The Holiest Spot: Closets of Private Prayer
It is common to speak of the house of public worship as a holy place; but it has no exclusive sanctity. The holiest spot on earth, is where the soul breathes its purest vows, and forms or executes its noblest purposes; and on this ground, were I to seek the holiest spot in your city, I should not go to your splendid sanctuaries, but to closets of private prayer. Perhaps the “Holy of Holies” among you is some dark, narrow room, from which most of us would shrink as unfit for human habitation; but God dwells there. He hears there music more grateful than the swell of all your organs; sees there a beauty such as nature, in her robes of spring, does not unfold; for there he meets, and sees, and hears, the humblest, most thankful, most trustful worshiper; sees the sorest trials serenely borne, the deepest injuries forgiven; sees toils and sacrifices cheerfully sustained, and death approached, through a lonely illness, with a triumphant faith. The consecration which such virtues shed over the obscurest spot is not and cannot be communicated by any of those outward rites by which our splendid structures are dedicated to God.
ILLINOIS
Farmington.—Sept. 25, we commenced meetings at the Webster school-house, three miles south of this place. The attendance is good. There seems to be an increasing desire to hear. We hope that some will come out on the Lord’s side, and keep all of his commandments. We need divine help. Will you pray for us? DENNIS MORRISON.
Parkersburg and West Salem, Sept. 25.—After camp-meeting I held a few meetings in the vicinity of Parkersburg. One family has commenced the observance of the Sabbath. Others are interested, and we have reason to believe they will obey.
Sept. 10, commenced a tent-meeting at West Salem, and have held meetings every evening since, also on Sundays. Have had a good hearing. Some have decided for the truth. G. F. SHONK.
Bloomington, Oct. 2.—As the result of our efforts here, twenty have signed the covenant. Regular Sabbath meetings and Tuesday evening prayer-meetings are established. A Sabbath-school is organized with over thirty members. The tithing system is accepted, and the brethren have determined to carry it out practically. There is much opposition, and a bitter sectarian feeling against us. Four of the most prominent ministers have preached against us, and have been reviewed. In the minds of the unprejudiced, and those really hungering for the truth, the effort of the opposition has tended to strengthen rather than weaken them in the truth. We are of good courage. R. F. ANDREWS.
Hoopeston, Sept. 30.—I designed to reach this place Sabbath before last, but was detained at Pittwood by the death of Bro. Paquette’s daughter, who, though only eight years old, was one of the Lord’s jewels, and is laid away to rest till the Lifegiver comes. Monday P. M., wife and I were greeted by Bro. Chrisman’s family, at whose house Bro. Groshens lay very sick. He has now nearly recovered.
We found but little interest in the town, notwithstanding the faithful labors of Bro. Bourdeau. Meetings have been held nearly every day since the tent was put up. Last Sunday I was requested to address the congregation at the Christian church. Though new in the work, I decided to leave my testimony with them, and by the help of God succeeded in keeping their earnest attention.
A series of lectures has been commenced at a school-house four miles east of this place, where, though the attendance is not large, considerable interest is shown. We need the prayers of our brethren and sisters, that our work may not be in vain. PAUL E. GROS.
H. WOODRUFF
By H. Woodruff
Windsor, Henry Co.—We have now been here over four weeks. Bro. Wood, assisted by Bro. Allen, has canvassed the prophecies and the Sabbath question. The interest still remains good, congregations averaging about two hundred. We have had to meet determined and persistent opposition from those that were considered strong men. Eld. Hallam, of the Disciple church, a man that claims to have discussed the Sabbath question with Eld. Loughborough in Santa Rosa, Cal., some ten years ago, preached against us twice. The Lord gave liberty in reviewing him each time, and a complete victory was gained for the truth.
This, of course, did not satisfy the opposition, and the Baptist champion, Eld. Ray of St. Louis, editor of the American Baptist Flag, was telegraphed for. He came, and delivered four discourses against us. His forte was slang and abuse, denouncing us as false teachers, Judaizers, void of the Spirit of God, opposed to Christ, etc. Bro. Wood reviewed him in one discourse, before a large audience, our fifty-foot tent being crowded, while many remained outside. Eld. Ray delivered a tirade of abuse to an audience of about sixty. His discourse was short. When he closed he took the train, and many of his hearers came to the tent to hear what they could of the review. The Lord blessed, and we claim a glorious victory, which many of his own people admit; some of them are keeping the Sabbath, and we expect others will yet do so. The sympathy of the community at large is with the ministers at the tent. They say the Adventists have been abused, and have met it like Christian gentlemen. Some have signed the covenant; many others are in the valley of decision. May the Lord help them to decide in favor of truth and right; and at last have a home in his kingdom. Pray for the success of the cause at Windsor.
H. WOODRUFF
OHIO
Clarksfield.—We have packed our tent in fine condition for the winter. Our meetings still continue in the Congregationalist church, just across the street from where our tent was pitched. We expect to continue in this house until after our district quarterly meeting, which we have decided to hold here instead of at Wakeman, as first appointed. Since the weather is better our average attendance is about one hundred and fifty. Occasionally we hear of a new one deciding to obey the truth. People here move very cautiously. Four members were added to the Wakeman church last Sabbath.
Our brethren in this vicinity are taking active measures to erect a meeting-house this fall, on the site where our tent was first pitched this summer. We expect to hold our next series of meetings in the meeting-house in New Haven village. H. A. ST. JOHN.
Solon, Sept. 30.—Eld. Vogel came on the 20th, and spoke twice on the Sabbath question. We announced a review for the two following evenings. The Disciples kindly offered us their house, and Eld. Vogel remained to reply, which he did at the close of each discourse.
Eld. V. stated that he had learned some things by his discussion with Eld. Waggoner, and that some of the positions taken by himself in that debate were not correct. He made a labored effort to uproot the Sabbath in Eden, by trying to show that the days of creation were periods of thousands of years. He stated that the second and fourth commandments were not binding, because not found in the New Testament, thus giving us the liberty to make and worship idols of gold, silver, wood, and stone; for where there is no law, there is no transgression. Rom. 4:15; 5:13. His position upon the law placed God in the same light as that of a man who, having a disaffected finger or two that must be amputated in order to save his life, slashes off the whole ten of his fingers and thumbs at one sweep, and then goes to work and sticks on eight of them. In his reply to this he said that “God cut off all ten of the commandments and did not re-instate one of them; for he had no use for them whatever.” If this be true, the flood-gates of crime are opened to a fallen, sinful race, and God will have no means of bringing man to judgment. Rom. 5:13; James 2:12; Eccl. 12:13, 14. This was a stronger dose than is generally administered by D. D.’s, so it must be sugar coated by saying that “this is a dispensation of grace, not bondage of principles, not law.” But the Elder failed to give us chapter and verse where God has said that he will judge men by principles, and leave them to decide what those principles shall be. His effort only served to strengthen the cause.
The interest at North Solon remains good. One family have decided to obey, and others are on the point of decision. Pray for us.
R. A. UNDERWOOD.
J. C. BARTLETT.
Belleville, Oct. 2.—We have had a good Sabbath-school here since Bro. Reavis visited us in the spring. Although we are surrounded by opposition, yet one after another is joining our ranks, and taking the sword of the present truth in hand, and wielding it victoriously. Our school is increasing in numbers, and I believe in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The brethren of this class are very punctual in attending and holding their social meetings. Pray for us.
We are all on a journey together,
Hand in hand to the same mansion bound;
Then whatever the wind or the weather,
Pressing on let us ever be found.
Sometimes our blue sky is clouded,
Sometimes storms of sorrow arise;
Yet onward, still onward, our motto,
To our beautiful home in the skies.
There is ever more sunshine than shadow,
In all lives, more pleasure than pain;
There's never a year without summer,
And sunshine is brighter for rain.
The roses have budded and blossomed,
The leaves in their time all turned brown,
Then after the blossoms, the winter;
But after the trials—the crown.
And whatever here is our portion,
Be it grief or bright pleasure that flows,
All work for the good of the pilgrim
Who loveth the Hand that bestows.
Without faltering let us press onward,
Whether life may be gloomy or bright;
In the morn of the first resurrection,
In Heaven we all shall unite.
HENRY H. BURKHOLDER.
IOWA STATE CONFERENCE.
By E. W. Farnsworth; Ira J. Hankins
The Iowa Conference held its sixteenth annual session at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in connection with the camp-meeting, Sept. 25-30, 1879. The first meeting convened Sept. 25 at 11 A. M., and was opened with prayer by the president, E. W. Farnsworth.
The following churches were represented by delegates: Sigourney, Winterset, West Dayton, Belvidere, Cedar Falls, Denison, Laporte City, Lisbon, West Union, Sandyville, Adel, State Center, Indianola, Marshalltown, Mt. Pleasant, Marion, Waukon, Altamouth, Pilot Grove, Davis City, Olin, Osceola, Elkhorn, Lansing, Knoxville, and Clarence.
After reading the minutes of the last State Conference, the usual committees were appointed.
On motion, the church at Olin was received into the Conference; also the churches at Indianola, Magnolia, Garden Grove, and Bonaparte.
SECOND MEETING called to order by the president, Sept. 28. Prayer by J. H. Morrison.
On motion, the church at Victor was dropped from the minutes of the Conference; also the church at Anamosa.
The committee on nominations reported as follows: For president, Geo. I. Butler; secretary, Ira J. Hankins; treasurer, A. R. Henry; executive committee, Geo. I. Butler, J. H. Morrison, and C. A. Washburn; camp-meeting committee, A. J. Stiffler, W. H. Hankins, and S. M. Holly.
On motion, they were separately voted upon, and duly elected.
The report of the committee on licenses and credentials was received and adopted by the Conference, recommending that the credentials of the following persons be renewed: Geo. I. Butler, J. H. Morrison, R. M. Kilgore, C. L. Boyd, E. W. Farnsworth, J. F. Hanson, C. A. Washburn, Henry Nicola, J. T. Mitchell, J. Bartlett, Geo. V. Kilgore, L. McCoy, and H. D. Hollenbeck; and that the licenses of the following persons be renewed: A. W. H. Millard, J. S. Hart, R. A. Hart, J. D. Pegg, Ira J. Hankins, W. H. Hankins, L. T. Nicola, and E. J. Waggoner.
On motion, the Chair appointed Geo. I. Butler, J. H. Morrison, and C. A. Washburn, as a committee to recommend some action in regard to proper distribution of labor in our Conference.
On motion, A. R. Henry was appointed to procure reduction of fare on railroads in connection127with our Conferences and camp-meetings, and to recommend R. R. companies to grant passes to our ministers.
On motion, the Conference voted to pay a tithe of its receipts to the General Conference.
After remarks by Eld. Butler with reference to young men attending school and obtaining an education to fit them for labor in the cause, Geo. I. Butler, E. W. Farnsworth, and J. H. Morrison were appointed as a committee to recommend some plan to assist worthy young men without means, to obtain an education.
THIRD MEETING, Sept. 29. Prayer by J. T. Mitchell.
The committee on distribution of labor reported, recommending that J. D. Pegg labor in Dist. No. 1; J. T. Mitchell and H. D. Hollenbeck in Dist. No. 2; W. H. Hankins in Dist. No. 3; and that E. W. Farnsworth labor in Dists. 1, 2, and 3; Ira J. Hankins and C. A. Washburn in Dist. No. 4; J. H. Morrison in Dists. 5, 6, and 7; A. W. H. Millard, Dist. No. 6; E. J. Waggoner, Dist. No. 7; J. Bartlett, Dists. 8 and 11; R. A. Hart, Dist. No. 9; G. V. Kilgore, Dist. No. 10; J. S. Hart, Dist. No. 13; and that J. F. Hanson labor among the Scandinavians throughout the State.
On motion, the report was adopted.
Moved, that it be left in the hands of the committee to make any change which would seem advisable.
The treasurer made the following report for the year ending Sept. 25, 1879:—
A. R. Henry in account with the Iowa Conference of S. D. Adventists.
Dr. To amount received from all sources to Sept. 29, 1879, $3954.11.
Cr. By payment of past indebtedness, $301.09; by orders to ministers, $3231.85; by cash paid to Gen. Conf., $395.40. Total, $3928.34. Cash on hand to balance, $25.77. Total, $3954.11.
Moved, that this Conference extend a vote of thanks to the B. C. & N. R. R. Co., for their courtesy in granting reduction of fare over their road. Carried.
It was recommended that the Conference be held next year in Des Moines, providing this shall meet the minds of the camp-meeting committee at the end of the year.
Adjourned sine die.
E. W. FARNSWORTH, Pres.
IRA J. HANKINS, Sec.
SOWING AND REAPING.
By Adelaide Proctor
Sow with a generous hand,
Pause not for toil or pain;
Weary not through the heat of summer,
Weary not through the cold spring rain;
But wait till the autumn comes
For the sheaves of golden grain.
Scatter the seed, and fear not,
A table will be spread;
What matter if you are too weary
To eat your hard-earned bread?
Sow while the earth is broken,
For the hungry must be fed.
Sow;—while the seeds are lying
In the warm earth's bosom deep,
And your warm tears fall upon it,
They will stir in their quiet sleep;
And the green blades rise the quicker,
Perchance for the tears you weep.
Then sow,—for the hours are fleeting,
And the seed must fall to-day;
And care not what hands shall reap it,
Or if you have passed away
Before the waving corn-fields
Shall gladden the sunny day.
Sow; and look onward, upward,
Where the starry light appears,
Where, in spite of the coward's doubting,
Or your own heart's trembling fears,
You shall reap in joy the harvest
You have sown, to-day, in tears.
—Adelaide Proctor.
NEBRASKA
By GEO. B. STARR; A. J. CUDNEY
Arapahoe.—Our meetings closed here Sept. 14. We had several good Sabbath meetings. Fifteen signed the covenant. A vote of thanks was tendered us for our efforts in the children's temperance work. Received a cash donation of $5.00, and disposed of about $45.00 worth of books and periodicals. We praise God for the constant interest and attendance throughout over five weeks of meetings.
GEO. B. STARR.
A. J. CUDNEY.
Mason Tent Meeting Brings New Converts and Baptisms
By T. M. Steward; E. P. Daniels
Michigan.
Mason, Tent No. 3, Sept. 29.— We have made some progress here the past week. Some have united with us who never made a profession before. The Lord met with us on the Sabbath, and moved upon the hearts of the unconverted. Three who had never before made a start, took their stand with us. At the close of the meeting we took an expression to see how many would keep the commandments, and some twenty arose. Then eighteen united with us in covenant. Yesterday a large company of us went eight miles west to Grand River, where six were baptized. We had a very pleasant and solemn scene at the water. The weather being more favorable, we shall keep our tent up another week, hoping that others will accept the truth. Pray for us. T. M. Steward. E. P. Daniels.
COLORADO
By A. O. Burrill
Denver, Sept. 23.—We closed our effort with the tent to-day, and we can number about thirty who observe the Sabbath.
The temperance people are beginning a crusade, and we sold them our tent for enough, lacking twenty dollars, to buy a new one, although it had been run two years. The tent expenses have been met to within one dollar, and this is doing well, considering how expensive it is to live here. In Michigan, sixty-six cents will buy as much as one dollar here.
Brother Corliss has labored under great discouragements, but God has blessed his faithful labors, and he now begins to see good results. He remains here to close up the work, and I go to-morrow to Longmont, to help the young company there. This will be my address until further notice. Brethren and sisters, pray for the cause in Colorado. A. O. BURRILL.
PENNSYLVANIA
By Milton C. Wilcox; J. E. Robinson
Keeneyville, Tent No. 5, Oct. 2.—We partially presented the Sabbath question before attending the camp-meeting at Hornellsville. We left our tent standing, the people assuring us that it would be perfectly safe in our absence. We found their word verified on our return. Commenced meetings again the 26th, and found the people anxiously waiting to learn more of the “present truth.” Three or four were keeping the Sabbath, which number has now increased to nine or ten. The people here, as a class, are kind, orderly, and intelligent. Those who have taken a stand on the commandments are among the best in the place, and are all heads of families. Others have expressed themselves as “almost persuaded.”
There is a large field opened here for labor, and requests for meetings are coming in from all quarters. We consider this an important point in this new Conference, not only on account of location, but the freedom from prejudice that exists here. We earnestly request the Pa. Conference committee to provide this place with suitable help.
Milton C. Wilcox.
J. E. Robinson.
MISSOURI
By J. H. Rogers
Henkin’s Grove, Caldwell Co.—Monday, Sept. 29, after having remained here five weeks, took down and packed the tent for the season. Bro. Chaffee was with me the greater part of the last week, and rendered good service in preaching. One family came out decided on the Sabbath. Others say that this is the truth, and there is reason to believe that more will be led to obey; but oh! how hard it is to give up traditions and take God at his word.
I scarcely ever before encountered such deep-set prejudice, or saw such a manifestation of the stay-away argument as was exhibited by the Baptists and Presbyterians of this place. Some of the best citizens who are non-professors, are disgusted with them for acting so cowardly in defending their position on the Sunday question. We referred them to 2 Tim. 4: 3, 4. The truth will test the people. At Kingston and this place there are three whole families keeping the Sabbath as the result of nine weeks’ labor. A large field is opened for future labor.
J. H. ROGERS.
GOOD!
An aged German brother, who formerly was a soldier in the German army, on the reception of a number of our German paper, responds as follows:—
“I send twenty-five cents as the subscription price for the Stimme der Wahrheit to be sent to Emperor William of Germany, my former earthly lord, to whom I have often presented arms when a soldier. I now wish, as a soldier in the cause of my Master, to present to him a copy of the Stimme der Wahrheit.”
NEBRASKA CAMP-MEETING.
By Chas. L. Boyd
This meeting was held according to appointment at Beaver City, and commenced Thursday evening, Sept. 18, with a general attendance of the Sabbath-keepers in this part of the State. A shady grove on Beaver Creek afforded one of the best localities in Nebraska. The weather was beautiful. Scarcely a cloud covered the sun by day, or hid the stars by night.
Less than two years since the first course of lectures was given in this vicinity, which is separated by nearly two hundred miles from Sabbath-keepers in other parts of the State. About one hundred of like faith here assembled. The one great object from the commencement of the meetings seemed to be to earnestly seek the Lord. Sabbath morning we engaged in Sabbath-school exercises, in which a commendable interest was manifested. A discourse on the subject of the sanctuary was then given, setting forth the solemn hour of God's judgment now come. After engaging for a little time in social exercises and prayer, sinners and backsliders were invited forward. About forty responded. Some of these were souls for whom many prayers have been offered; while others were for the first time in our midst. Sixteen were baptized, and with others united with the church.
On Monday especial attention was paid to the tract and missionary work. Three church societies were formed, and the proper officers elected. About two hundred and seventy-five dollars were pledged, a part of which was paid in on the ground. Considering the hard times in this newly settled country, this liberality shows that the cause of present truth lies near the hearts of the people, and the work, supported by such souls, if they are connected with Heaven, must prosper.
About one hundred Sabbath-keepers attended the meeting; and although a considerable part of this number have lately come from other churches and from the world, all were of one mind, there being no divisions on the fundamental principles of our faith. That which produces such union must be of God. May God speed onward the message.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
MINNESOTA
By N. Battin; L. H. Ellis
Oronoco, Oct. 1.—The interest has continued good here. Eight have taken a firm stand. Others are in “the valley of decision.” Brethren, pray for us.
N. BATTIN. L. H. ELLIS.
To the Friends in Texas.
By R. M. Kilgore
Dear Brethren and Sisters: The time of our annual camp-meeting and the sessions of the different State organizations is drawing near. The appointments please read in another column. We have selected Dallas as the place for our general meeting, because it is the most central and important point. The grounds upon which we expect to hold the meeting are two miles southeast of Dallas, about a half mile south of the Texas Pacific R. R., near the Clear Springs, where ample supplies of water and good protection from the winds are afforded.
Although the time is two weeks earlier than was expected, yet we hope that this will not hinder any from attending. We have solicited help from the General Conference, and they send to us Eld. Geo. I. Butler, who is well qualified to impart just such instruction as we so much need. Dear brethren, you cannot afford to lose this golden opportunity to learn the way of the Lord more perfectly. Come prepared, and with a determination to work for the Master wherever you can. Come to seek God, and a more thorough conversion, that we may be more fully imbued with the spirit of good religion. Bring your unconverted children and neighbors with you. Do your part, and the blessing of God will rest upon you; while a curse will follow the neglect of duty.
All are acquainted with the fact that our finances are not in a flattering condition, on account of hard times, and the short crops caused by the drouth we are experiencing. Yet we should remember that while the crops were better last year, sickness and death were on our track, and many of us were prostrated by disease. The yellow fever threatened our borders, bringing discouragement and gloom upon us. This summer the health of our neighbors and of our own families has been remarkably good. The Lord has wonderfully blessed the labors of his servants, so that nearly a hundred persons have embraced the truth during this summer. With this more cheering aspect in view, let us look up, and lift up our heads, realizing that God has not left us to go alone.
If we live economically and within our means, we shall always have something with which to help advance the cause of God. When we have a heart to sacrifice, and are willing to bestow liberally where most needed, God will bless in basket and store, so that we shall have more to give. Anciently God required the first fruits; can anything be more reasonable than that the same should be rendered to him now? All the blessings which we enjoy come from his bountiful and merciful hand. The tenth he claims as his; it is not ours. “It is holy unto the Lord.” In appropriating that which is the Lord’s to our own use, are we not “robbing God”? The Lord says we have robbed him. How? “In tithes and offerings.” Read carefully Mal. 3, and then render unto God that which is his.
Some of our brethren and sisters are doing nobly in this respect, perhaps all that they can and should do; while others do not realize the extent of their obligations in this matter, and therefore have not yet come up to the Bible standard. Our isolated brethren and sisters should not feel that they are released because they do not have the same privileges that others enjoy, nor because they do not have a church treasurer to call on them and receive their tithes and offerings. God’s claim is the same everywhere and upon all. Of the poor he requires no more than they are able to give; and he asks no more than this of the rich. But we are not to serve ourselves first, and give to the Lord and his cause the remnant, or nothing at all. It is possible for every one to do something, and every little helps.
At the coming Conference the ministers who have been laboring in the State will be expected to bring in their reports of labor, of time employed, and such expenses as they have necessarily incurred to carry on the work in their respective fields. With an empty treasury, as ours is now, what shall we do? I do not believe it is your mind that the message should stop, and that the ministers should retire from the field, and engage in other work to support themselves and families. Then let the church treasurers collect the tithes, and the T. and M. officers assist in gathering up the offerings; and let the brethren and sisters bring in all the tithes and offerings, and prove the Lord if he will not pour them out a blessing. Send these contributions by your delegate to the Conference; and let the scattered ones come and bring their offerings, or send them in advance to the treasurer, James Gage, Peoria, Hill Co., Texas.
All who have made pledges to the T. and M. society should remember that the time is drawing near when they will be due. Do all you can to meet the obligation; and let not those who have not pledged to help lift the debt of the society, think that no responsibility rests upon them in this matter. None of us are released. Do the best you can, and help lift now, when help is most needed. Ten dollars given now is worth more than one hundred will be by-and-by. Cotton season will soon be over; and now, while you are very careful to pay the debts you owe to your fellow-men, do not forget that the debt you owe to God is the highest obligation you have resting upon you. “Pay thy vows to the Most High.” Please read and ponder well the story of faith in 1 Kings 17: 8-16, and appropriate to our present circumstances here in the State, the principle taught in verse 13. He did not ask for a large loaf, but for a “little cake first;” and because she complied, her supplies were exhaustless.
The librarians of the different church societies should send in their reports, with all money collected, to the State secretary, Maggie J. Dickerson, Peoria, Hill Co., Texas. Both district secretaries are absent from home; therefore send direct to the State secretary immediately, that a summary of all the work may be made out. At our annual meeting in November, we shall want a full report, from the State secretary, of the standing of the society,—the amount of books on hand in each church, as well as in the general depository. The librarians, district secretaries, church clerks, and treasurers should bring their books with them to the camp-meeting. The secretaries of the different Sabbath-schools should do the same. Each church will be supplied with the proper blanks to be filled by the clerks and treasurers. Let these blanks be properly and promptly filled, and placed in the hands of your delegate. Each church is entitled to one delegate if it has a membership of twenty or less, and to one more for every additional fifteen members.
We shall expect to see a general turnout of all our brethren and sisters at this meeting. Remember, the first meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 P. M., and the last one early Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Come so as to be present at the first, and let none go away till the meeting closes. We shall make application for reduced rates on the H. & T. C. and T. P. R. R. If obtained, instruction will be given in due time. Provisions for man and beast will be found on the grounds at the lowest possible rates. Let all who can, provide themselves with tents and bedding. One of the large tents will be on the grounds to shelter those who have no tents. So let all come.
R. M. Kilgore.
MICHIGAN H. AND T. SOCIETY.
By M. B. Miller; D. H. Lamson
A MEETING was held at Lyons, Mich., in connection with the camp-meeting, Sept. 29, for the purpose of electing officers for the State Health and Temperance Society. The president, Eld. M. B. Miller, in the chair. Some stirring songs were sung, such as “Hold On,” “Temperance Rally,” etc. Prayer by Eld. E. B. Lane. Solicitors immediately went to work obtaining pledges. Eld. James White in the meantime made strong appeals to the multitude, giving many most interesting particulars concerning the great movement. D. H. Lamson was called to act as secretary pro tem.
Moved, That a committee on nominations be appointed by the Chair. Carried.
That committee was appointed as follows: E. H. Root, Wm. Ostrander, and W. C. White.
Pending the action of the nominating committee, Eld. White again made quite extended remarks, relating experience and incidents of his own life, or such as had come under his observation, all of which was listened to with intense interest. In fact, it proved a most stirring address on the subject of temperance.
The report of the nominating committee being called for, the chairman reported, for president, M. B. Miller; for secretary, Jennie Thayer. On motion, these persons were elected.
The following resolutions were adopted by the association:—
Resolved, That the thanks of the H. and T. Association are due Eld. J. and Mrs. E. G. White for their earnest, untiring, and effective efforts in our meetings in favor of the temperance cause.
Whereas, We can distinctly see the providence of God in the present health and temperance movement, therefore
Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to him for the movement; also that we appreciate the influence the Conference has given us by the resolution passed on health and temperance during its present session.