Report of the Organization of the Missouri and Kansas Conference of S. D. Adventists.
By James White; GEO. I. BUTLER
At the camp-meeting held at Pleasanton, Kansas, on Sunday, Oct. 16, 1870, many of the friends of the cause in Missouri and Kansas being present, Bro. White called them together to take into consideration the expediency of forming a Conference embracing the States above mentioned. Bro. White was chosen Chairman of the meeting, and Geo. I. Butler, Secretary. After remarks by Bro. White, Blanchard, Lawrence, Cook, and others, it was moved and seconded that such a Conference should be formed, and unanimously carried.
As the friends of the cause had come from their several churches without previous notification of the design of forming a Conference, and had therefore not elected delegates, it was moved and seconded that the Chairman select from the members present, delegates to act in the election of officers, and in the transaction of other business. Carried. Adjourned till 4 P. M.
Assembled again according to adjournment. Prayer by Eld. Butler. A selection of delegates to act in accordance with the resolution above mentioned was made.
After remarks by Bro. White, the Constitution recommended by the General Conference of S. D. Adventists was read by the Secretary, and unanimously adopted.
It was moved and seconded that this Conference be called the Missouri and Kansas Conference of S. D. Adventists. Carried.
Moved and seconded that the Chairman appoint a Committee of three on Nominations. Carried. The chair selected Geo. I. Butler, W. Evans and James Hackett, as this Committee. A Committee on Resolutions was also appointed, consisting of H. C. Blanchard, Geo. I. Butler and R. J. Lawrence. Adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Met at the call of the Chairman at 5½ A. M., Monday Oct. 17. Meeting opened by prayer by Bro. White. Report of Committee on Nominations called for. The Committee reported as follows: For President, R. J. Lawrence; Secretary, H. C. Blanchard; Treasurer, J. H. Rogers. Other members of Conference Committee, Eli Wick and J. H. Cook. The report was accepted, after which each one of these nominations was taken up separately and unanimously elected. The churches of Civil Bend, Hamilton and Avilla, in Missouri, and Mount City and Centerville in Kansas, were then separately voted into the Conference.
The Chairman then called up the subject of ministers' credentials, and made remarks upon the subject of the ministry. Bro. Blanchard, formerly of the Wisconsin and Illinois Conference, was then accepted as a minister of this Conference.
The subject of licenses was then brought before the Conference, and Bro. White made some excellent and pointed remarks upon the subject, and without further action the Conference adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Assembled again at 5½ P. M. Prayer by Bro. White. The subject of licenses being resumed, and appropriate remarks by different brethren having been made, T. E. Morey, J. H. Cook, and J. H. Rogers, received licenses to improve their gifts as the way may open in the providence of God.
The Committee on Resolutions was then called upon to report. They reported the following:
Resolved, That we consider it the duty of scattered Sabbath-keepers within the bounds of this Conference, who have a membership in other Conferences, to unite with churches in Kansas and Missouri as far as practicable, and to report to them quarterly.
Resolved, That we consider it the duty of all S. D. Adventists, scattered or otherwise, who live within the bounds of this Conference, in view of the wants of the cause here and the importance of collecting all our resources, to contribute of their means, and pay their s. m. into the treasury of this Conference.
Resolved, That we esteem it a pleasure to here express our gratitude to our brethren in other States who have contributed of their means to aid the cause here, and to defray a portion of the expenses of this camp-meeting.
Resolved, That we return our thanks to the Gen. Conf. Committee for their manifestation of interest in the cause in this far-distant field, and that from henceforth we will try to show a corresponding interest in its prosperity.
Resolved, That we express our warmest gratitude for the timely visit of Bro. and Sr. White.
Resolved, That we send a report of our proceedings to the REVIEW for publication.
These resolutions were adopted as a whole unanimously. It was moved and seconded that the Executive Committee constitute the Camp-meeting Committee.
Adjourned, sine die.
JAMES WHITE, Chairman,
GEO. I. BUTLER, Secretary.
A Lonely Place of Present Truth
Sr. S. A. Snyder writes from Jay Co., Pa.: My lot seems to be cast in a lonely part of the earth, so far as present truth is concerned. I am a widow, and have none of like faith in whom to confide, and whose society I can enjoy. My trust is in Him who doeth all things well, and I hope ere long to share, with all the faithful, the glories of the eternal kingdom.
From Sr. Brooks.
BRO. SMITH: I sit down to write a few lines for our paper, hoping it may do some good. It is the first time I have attempted to write for the REVIEW. I love to read the testimonies in the paper from time to time, they are so encouraging. It makes me feel as though I ought to say something for the Lord, to encourage others. I feel that it is a blessed privilege to speak for Christ. I feel thankful that he has opened my blinded eyes to read and understand his holy word, and to keep the Sabbath he has commanded us to keep. I feel sorry to see others break the Sabbath, while they call themselves Christians. It seems to be a matter of no importance to them. I feel that the time we have to stay here, is short. Let us be up and doing. Pray for me, that I may live at the foot of the cross; that I may be ready to meet Jesus when he comes. Yours in hope of the kingdom,
MARY M. BROOKS.
Pierce Co., Wisconsin.
Caroline Hemenway’s Spiritual Welfare
By Caroline Hemenway
SR. CAROLINE HEMENWAY writes from Rutland Co., Vt.: Perhaps some of you would be glad to hear of my spiritual welfare. I can say that my faith was never stronger than at the present, in the soon coming of the Just One, and I trust that my anxiety is increasing, as I see the day approaching, for a preparation to meet him in peace.
I often fear, in my lonely condition of comparatively poor health, that I shall not enjoy many privileges with God's people upon the earth; but, by assisting grace, I am determined to put away every wrong, and strive to overcome my besetments, and be prepared for whatever the Lord has for me to do or suffer. Remember me at the throne of grace.
Pressing Toward the Prize
By S. A. Cardell
SISTER S. A. CARDELL writes from Washington Co., Vt.: I am trying to live out the truths of the word of God. Although I have afflictions and trials to pass through, I am not discouraged. I feel determined to press my way on toward the prize. Eternal life looks dear to me; it is worth striving for. The pleasures of this world are short, and soon pass away. I have no desire for them; but I have a great desire to have a part in the kingdom of God. I ask the prayers of God's dear people, that I may ever be faithful, and not bring any reproach upon the cause of truth.
A New Song
SR. H. HOLFORD writes from Jackson Co., Mich.: Dear brethren and sisters, I want to say a few words, even praise to God, that I have ever heard the third angel's message. When the light first shone upon my pathway, I sung a new song, and I am singing it still. It has not grown old. And to-day I can say with the psalmist, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth. Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” Ps. 119: 105, 104. I am trying to overcome. Although I am one of the lonely ones, I feel that I must face the storm, it will not be long; I shall anchor by-and-by.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in Princeville, Ill., Oct. 1, 1870, Bro. W. E. Bliss, aged 25 years, and 23 days. Bro. Bliss was a sufferer from heart disease for a number of years. In June, 1869, he went with Bro. Blanchard to Missouri, thinking a change of climate would improve his health. He labored with Bro. Blanchard a few months, to build up the cause there; but his health failing, he returned in the fall of that year. He seemed to be sinking to the grave. Human aid seemed of no avail. He expressed a desire to live, only that he might do some good to perishing souls. He asked the prayers of the church in his behalf. A day of fasting was observed by the church, at the close of which a goodly number met at his father's house to pray for him. He grew better from that time, and often said that God had wrought a great work for him. He spent what time he well could from that time till this fall in studying and preaching. This fall, his health began to fail again. Two days before his death he suffered much, but seemed better the last day. His death was sudden and unexpected. About 10 o'clock at night he requested some little attention from his father, and said he would then have a good sleep. His father raised him up, when one shoulder came over him, and he slept; for he was dead.
Bro. Ezra was always an earnest and cheerful Christian from the time he embraced the faith till his death. Knowing the nature of his disease, that he was liable at any moment to die, he daily and hourly sought to be ready to meet his God. His prayers and talk all showed that he felt that God was his friend. We have all reason to believe he sleeps in Jesus. We have lost a dear one from our church; but God knows best.
Bro. R. F. Andrews came and spoke words of comfort to us. We mourn not as those without hope. May God give us grace to prepare to meet him in Heaven.
B. F. Merritt.
DIED, in Warren, Vermont, August 21st, 1870, of consumption, Rosannah Smally, aged 55 years, and 3 months. She gave good evidence that she rests in hope of a part in the first resurrection. She said a number of times that the grave looked like a sweet resting-place to her. She requested us all to meet her in the kingdom.
Sarah A. Cardell.
DIED, at the residence of the writer, Marquette, Wis., Oct. 24, 1870, of consumption of the bowels, our brother in Christ, Alvin E. Cole, in the 20th year of his age.
Simon Patten.
M. W. HOWARD
By M. W. Howard
Jottings:
RECENTLY a cheerful-looking book fell in my way, with the inviting and endearing title, “The Second Coming of Christ.” Notwithstanding the source whence it emanated, in good faith I commenced reading, little dreaming that the effrontery I found was possible; the whole drift being to make that “coming” spiritual and figurative. Patiently, however, I continued to read; for nearly all the Scripture texts concerning that coming were cited, and I was nearly half through the book before I fully comprehended that such outrageous perversions were being candidly set forth; but was constantly expecting that by some master-stroke of irony the tables would be turned, and the whole be vindicated in its true light. But not so.
As a proof, illustration, or argument (I scarcely know which), of his position, the following was given, which induced the query in my mind, “Did the writer regard Christ’s first coming figurative because of the long expectation on the part of those who were awaiting it?” I saw no reason why one coming might not as well be figurative on that ground, as the other!! But to the quotation: “As the patriarchs and Jews of old, after the Messiah was promised, were constantly expecting his first coming—almost every generation—till he did appear; and many modes of prophetic expression in Scripture which speak of things being to come, as if they were present, or just at hand, gave them some reason for this expectation. So the Christians of the first age did generally expect the second coming of Christ to Judgment, and to the resurrection of the dead, in the very age wherein he was foretold.”
Now, granting all this, I fail to see wherein this expectation argues against the literalness of the coming in one case more than in the other. Certainly not in the latter. And neither the author, nor any one else, could for a moment so view it, save in a misguided zeal to establish the latter as figurative.
The well-known rule of interpretation was admitted, that “To prophetic language it belonged to set things far distant as if they were before the eyes, or near at hand—future events passing before prophetic vision, like a landscape. The order of the images being distinctly marked; but the times not designated. The proper order of the events be stated clearly, but the exact time God does not as yet intend to make known.”
The book completed, I laid it aside with a decided feeling of relief that the self-imposed task was done; and fully conscious that its contents could only mislead, for nothing was definite from its standpoint. There was some good sense in it, however, if it had been differently applied. As an instance, the following paragraph on double sense: “There is no limit to the second sense of the Scripture. The man who adopts it, is cast at once upon a boundless ocean, without rudder or compass. He must be himself inspired, to know with any certainty whether his interpretations are correct. And as we have no such guaranty of inspiration, we must hold to the laws of language, as the indispensable means of investigating and determining the true sense.”
I very much wished he had followed his own good rule; his book would then have been far more readable, and himself a wiser man from the writing of it, and the investigation of Scripture called forth.
M. W. HOWARD
Malone, N. Y., Sept., 1870.
An Item of Experience.
By R. J. Lawrence
While reading to-day in REVIEW, No. 11, I saw a heading, “S. D. Adventists,” and under it, a notice of the Oneida camp-meeting, taken from the True Reformer, published in Scott, N. Y., the place from which I emigrated thirty-five years ago. It was there that I first sought the Lord, two years before, at a Seventh-day Baptist annual Conference, at which time a protracted meeting was held, which resulted in a general revival of religion in that vicinity. I united myself with the first-day Baptists in the place, and soon became strongly prejudiced against the seventh-day Sabbath, by the frequent allusions to it as Jewish, and to those that keep it, as Jews, and also by the arguments held forth for the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week; so that I never gave the subject an investigation until fifteen years since, when my mind was forcibly impressed with that subject. While I was investigating the nature of man, I also examined the Sabbath question, and was enabled to see the truth on the subject; and, as Paul says, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood, but was obedient to the heavenly vision. And I can say to-day, that I delight in the law of God after the inward man. “All thy commandments are righteousness,” “and thy law is the truth.”
The writer in the article above mentioned, after describing the camp-meeting and what he heard, further says, “We believe that this people are doing a great and good work as able defenders of God’s broken law. We have never felt like opposing them, although we do not see with them in every point of doctrine, and now, more than ever before, we bid them God speed in their efforts to defend his truth.”
When I read this, my very soul went up to God in earnest prayer that the only two classes of Christians that are advocating and defending the whole of God’s law, might become united on all points, and stand together in the accomplishment of the great work that is before us. And I feel like saying to them, Dear brethren of the Seventh-day Baptists, Oh! make those points of doctrine on which we differ, subjects of earnest, prayerful study. Let us not differ, so long as the Bible does not teach two doctrines on the same subject. I suggest that the two denominations make their points of difference a subject of earnest prayer, that they may become reconciled.
Yours, R. J. LAWRENCE.
Prairie City, Mo.
N. & L. K. ORCUTT
By N. Orcutt; L. K. Orcutt
Note.
WE desire to express our gratitude to God for his goodness; and to our brethren and sisters, whose loving hearts have moved willing hands to minister to our wants in the dark hours of affliction.
Through our Father's goodness we have been sustained. The crisis is past, and returning strength inspires our hearts with gratitude and hope.
We still need and desire the prayers of the remnant.
N. & L. K. ORCUTT
Bordoville, Vt., Oct. 23, 1870.
A. L. BURWELL
By A. L. BURWELL
Notice.
We would say to our brethren and sisters, that we have changed our place of residence. We are now one and a half miles west of the village of Parma, Mich. We would be glad to see any of our brethren and sisters who can make it convenient to call on us.
A. L. BURWELL
Parma, Mich.
Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 5, 1870
By I. D. Van Horn
Notice.
OWING to the sickness of my wife, which has made it necessary for me to return home, my appointments in Ohio, at Bellmore and Mendon, as well as the one at Defiance which I have already taken up, will be postponed to some future time, of which due notice will be given in the REVIEW. I will try and fill my appointments at Rochester and Troy as given in the REVIEW. I. D. VAN HORN.
Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 5, 1870
To Our Patrons.
By James White
We are sorry to state that on account of mistakes in the Office, not a few of the subscribers for the Review, Instructor, and Reformer, are receiving two or more copies when they have ordered but one. These mistakes have occurred by the singular blunder of frequently sending an additional copy to a subscriber when he made a remittance for his paper. In every case when a new copy is not definitely ordered, the clerk should turn to the lists, and find the name of the subscriber. There is no apology for such blunders.
We now request that all persons who are receiving copies of our periodicals that they do not want, will immediately write to the Office. Important changes have taken place at the Office, and we had hoped that the time for all such needless blunders had passed.
Our patrons may be assured that we shall do all in our power to have all the business of the Office done correctly, and in a prompt, liberal style. Pay for no more papers than you want. If losses occur on account of mistakes at the Office, let them be the losses of the Association, not of subscribers. But this favor we earnestly urge of all who are receiving papers that they do not want, that they immediately write, clearly stating the facts in the case.
JAMES WHITE,
Pres. S. D. A. P. A.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the brethren in Deerfield, Mecosta Co., Nov. 19. We hope to see a general gathering of the brethren. S. H. King.
THE NEXT quarterly meeting of the Rockton, Ill., church, will commence Sabbath, Nov. 19. Brethren from other churches are invited to attend. Bro. Stewart is expected. G. M. Bowen, Clerk.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the churches as follows: St. Charles, Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 12, 13; Tittabawassee, 19, 20; Vassar, Tus. Co., 26, 27; Watrousville, Dec. 3, 4. Joseph Bates.
Providence permitting, I will hold meetings as follows: Hundred Mile Grove, Wis., Nov. 12 and 13, commencing at 10 o'clock Sabbath morning; Liberty Pole, Vernon Co., Wis., Wednesday evening, Nov. 16, and continue over Sabbath and first-day. Will some one meet me at Viroqua, the afternoon of the 15th; Marquette, the evenings of Nov. 23 and 24. Will some one from Marquette meet me at Cambury, on Tuesday, the 22d; Mackford, Green Lake Co., Wis., Nov. 26 and 27. Meetings here will commence Friday evening. Opportunity will be given at these meetings for baptism. Come prepared to take care of yourselves, well provided with Buffalo robes and bedding. Let all come prepared to work for the Lord. I. Sanborn.
Some one from Arnoldsville, Mo., sends 66c for Youth's Instructor and Appeal to Youth. No name given.
RECEIPTS
For Review and Herald.
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$1.00 each. Geo H Murphy 37-21, W W Hanscomb 37-21, M F Blake 37-20, Peter G Hobbs 38-20, T M Clarke 38-20, Julia Myers 37-17, Joshua Philbrick 37-18, Harriet White 39-20, E F White 37-20, J Chase 37-20, L A Wing 37-20, John Hansen 37-20, C B Moore 38-20, O A Hough 38-20, Mrs J L Wilson 38-20, Susie A Osgood 38-21, Sarah Hatch 38-20, Mrs H Rowley 38-20, Chas Pearson 38-21.
$1.00 each. Mrs H Ratcliffe 38-20, A J Marsh 38-1, O Mann 38-8, Chas Maine 38-20, Frederick Anderson 38-1, E S Faxon 36-1, Miles Pepper 38-5, L Taylor 36-12, Wm P Andrews 36-18, Sophia J Irish 36-10, A Miller 38-1, B Moore 38-20, Abner Bliss 38-15, Jabez Medley 38-10, M Audit 38-1, Katie R Richardson 38-20, T P Finch 38-14, Eugene Waid 38-20.
Miscellaneous. J Rawson $5.00 41-1, H B Stratton 3.00 39-21, Wealthy Vincent 87c 37-17, J C Ostrander 50c 37-20, M Hutchins 1.50 38-14, M E Williams 50c 37-14, John M Wilnce 1.10 38-20, J J Shepley 2.50 34-14, John A Smart 1.50 38-20, Sarah Snyder 4.00 37-1, O Frizzle 5.00 40-26, J E Hool 4.00 39-23, J N Loughborough 5.00 37-1.
Books Sent by Mail.
H C First 38c, Aaron H Osborn 70c, John Mackey 17c, I Birnbaum 17c, J Medley $1.00, D H Lawson 7.84, C R Sipes 20c, O D Washburn 30c, L E Fuller 12c, Wm W Honeywell 48c, Willie Westervelt 3c, M L Newton 4.50, S P Pond 33c, Lucy Wilson 8c, E Mott 35c, P R Mills 25c, A Shumate 45c, John Walton 17c, N H King 32c, L Harris 17c, Jessie Morrison 20c, Thos Paton 2.00, A Sanborn 5.00, J M Elliott 5.00, John Honeywell 17c, Prof Morgan 5c, Anna Taylor 4c, Ball Dononton 2.25, E Wald 20c, T P Finch 17c, M J Johnson 12c, Wm Brinkerhoff 2.42, H F James 25c, C P McMillan 18c, M E Phillips 17c, E W Hutchins 15c, Abner Bliss 3.36, W B Perry 2.75, G S Honeywell 25c, Miss Rawson 5c, L W Mason 1.12, Wm L Jayne 25c, Cox 20c, M A Merrick 25c, J Fahrman 2.42, I A Truax 19c, Mrs N Morrill 20c, C S Boggs 11c, Isaac N Pike 8c.
Book Fund.
Mary M Brooks $1.00, Sarah J Fonts 5.40.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Jackson $12.50, Church at Allegan 42.16.