p. 164 | Review and Herald, Vol. 36, No. 21. (11/8/1870)

Earlier text: Is the Earth to be Destroyed, or Only Purified?

PRESENT TRUTH, AND PRESENT CONFLICTS:

By James White

By the Duties and Dangers of Our Time.

NUMBER ONE.

BY ELD. JAMES WHITE.

The present is a period of interest, especially to the close student of prophecy. History is being made rapidly. Those who attentively note the signs of the times, as manifested in the political world, and in the religious world, can hardly fail to see that we are hastening to the final consummation.

The great lines of prophecy of the book of Daniel, which so very distinctly represent the entire line of earthly governments, from the time of the prophet down to the destruction of all earthly powers, have been fulfilled, excepting the final stroke of their utter destruction.

The several chains of prophecy of the book of Revelation, relating to the fourth of the four great empires noticed in the book of Daniel, have also been fulfilled, link by link, excepting that portion which belongs to the period of the last message, relative to the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” and the action of the two-horned beast, of the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of that book. The length of time necessary to fulfill these, we may not be able to determine. But no one can prove that the time will be long. We repeat: History is making rapidly. And while those who feel that they have a personal interest in these matters of vast importance, discard the theory of definite time, they must regard it the safer and the wiser course to view the accomplishment of these remaining unfulfilled specifications of prophecy as near at hand, rather than at a distance. While it may not be possible to show how soon the remaining specifications of prophecy will be fulfilled, no one can prove that their fulfillment may not be very soon.

The present is the waiting, watching time. The great prophetic times of Daniel and John have served their purpose in bringing us to this position at this time. All Scripture, given by inspiration of God, being profitable, the periods of Daniel and John have their place, and accomplish their work in God's great plan. But they have terminated. And we have been brought by them to the waiting time, which demands patience, attention, watchfulness and much prayer. This is clearly and briefly expressed in these words of our Lord: “Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is.” Mark 13: 33. The signs of the end, in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, have appeared, and the prophetic descriptions of the last days are finding distinct fulfillments at the present time, in the political, scientific, and religious world.

And in accordance with God's dealing with men and nations in past ages, in ever warning them of coming judgments, before they were executed, he has sent forth the great three-fold warning relative to the last Judgment, prophetically described in the fourteenth chapter of the Revelation. The three parts of this last warning are each represented by an angel, flying in the midst of heaven, each delivering a solemn and earnest message to the inhabitants of this world. The first pertains not only to the last Judgment, but to the period of that Judgment. The second relates to the moral fall of the great city of confusion, the Babylon of all corrupted Christianity. And how natural and forcible the application. The third is a terrible warning, threatening the unmingled vengeance of Jehovah, upon all who accept a worship and a mark opposed to that of the living God. And not stopping here to explain what that worship and that mark may be, we are happy to learn that those who accept the warning; and flee from the threatened wrath, find a refuge, safe and complete, in the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. And among the numerous signs of the times, showing the day of wrath nigh at hand, the present movement relative to the observance of the entire moral code, leading to the Sabbath reform, as existing with Seventh-day Adventists, is one of no small importance.

And what gives this subject point, and great force, is the fact that the very next event following this terrific warning, and this movement relative to the commandments of God, is the gathering of the final harvest, symbolized by the Son of Man, having exchanged his priestly robes and mitre for his kingly crown and royal robes, and having cast the golden censer into the earth, now holds the sharp sickle in his hand, ready to reap, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth into the wine-press of the wrath of God. Thank God, the time has not yet come for that fearful petition, symbolized by the cry of the angel to Him that shall ere long be seated on the white cloud, “Thrust in thy sickle and reap; for the time has come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” Thank God that it is not yet too late for wrongs to be made right. Jesus is still clad in priestly garments, and offers his blood for sinners in and out of the churches. And the sweet voice of mercy is heard in the last message. “The spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.”

But the present message of fearful warning is the last. This message ripens the harvest of the earth. It is, therefore, a testing message. This is also evident from the terrific language employed: “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” And while this message contains a warning to flee the rival worship of Satan, it bears upon its very front the law of the great God. In it is the test for the people. And, certainly, if any revealed truth can constitute a test, or if anything can exist of the nature of a test, by which the destiny of man may be decided, it is the holy law of God.

This law in every respect is a proper test. It is brief and comprehensive. It contains all that is necessary as a moral code, and is not cumbered with a single word that can be dispensed with. It is elevated in style, and grand in thought, so as to commend itself to the greatest and the best minds. And, at the same time, it is so simple, plain, and explicit, as to be understood by all who will be held accountable at the bar of God. Who will be loyal and true to the God of Heaven? is the grand question for our time. And who will shake off the traditions of men, and refuse the rival mark and worship of the beast? is one that will agitate, and will shake the religious world, from center to circumference.

It never has been the Lord's plan to send literal angels from Heaven to preach to men. He never will warn the world by such agencies. He has chosen men to preach his gospel to their fellow-men. A vast work remains to be done, and the time is short for its accomplishment.

And who will be the honored instruments in the Lord's hand to do this work. Ministers who doubt, and who oppose, this work, will not engage in it. And men who have no love for this cause will not use their means to spread the light by means of the living preacher, and by our publications. This will be a work of sacrifice, on the part of men who preach the truth of God, and on the part of those who have means to sustain the work, from this time on to the close of the work. Those who profess the faith are the very men, and the very women, upon whom the responsibilities of this work rests. God demands our efforts, and our sacrifices. If we are willing, and faithful, and true, ours will be a great reward. But if we refuse to do the work Providence has appointed to us, we shall be removed from the work, and others will be raised up to do it faithfully and willingly, and they will receive the reward we might have received, while we shall sustain an eternal loss.

Our greatest danger, whether we be ministers or people, is the benumbing influence of this world. The minister of God's truth, and of the people, of this time, should go forth in the dense moral darkness of our time, like a flaming fire, burning his way through, and shedding light all around him. In order for this, he must not entangle himself in the things of this life. The very hour he lets the love of money into his heart, and seeks to increase his property beyond a humble competency, that very hour he is a fallen man. One such minister, with his influence of traffic, of covetousness, of stinginess toward the poor, and of laying up treasures on the earth, will do more harm in this last work, which calls for sacrifices all along the way to its close, than two consecrated ministers can counteract. The true minister of the last message will hate covetousness, and will set an example of sacrifice. He will deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with his God. As he passes through the moral darkness of our time, it will not adhere to him like loam to a rusty plow. But if he be right with God, and the spirit and power of truth be with him, he will pass through the spirit of error like the polished steel plow through the soil of the Western prairies. If he be humble, and right with God, though he be a small man, God can make him large in him.

There are men among us, who entered the ministry with handsome properties; and there are others who have been the pets of our people, and have received from their hands donations, favors, and presents, until they are raised in property above a humble competency, who cannot be the honored instruments in the hands of God of much good, until they cherish a love to sacrifice in the Lord's cause, and set a proper example to our people. When calls are made for means to advance the cause, these should be the very first to respond. They should, in this respect, be examples to the flock. With such an example before them, our people generally, with hardly an exception, would come up to the work of responding liberally to any proper call for help.

But the covetousness, and love of this world, manifested by too many of our preachers, and the lack of interest on the part of some of them who have been raised above want, and especially by those who have, by the liberal donations of our people, been raised far above a humble competency, are having a tendency to wither the liberality of our people, and lead them to withhold their surplus means from the cause of God. This is a fearful evil which must be put away before God can bless the efforts of our people in every department of the work. Covetousness in a man who takes upon himself the fearful responsibilities of proclaiming the last message, is a sin of that magnitude which common sinners seldom commit. Covetousness in any man is a great sin. In a minister of Jesus, at any time, the sin becomes tenfold greater. But the increased sinfulness of covetousness in that minister who professes that the present is the period of the last message, and dares to proclaim it to the world, can hardly be expressed by multiplied numbers, or the strongest terms. He is not only selling his own soul for money, but is casting the strongest influence possible to destroy the spirit of sacrifice among our people.

God's cause calls for means. Many of our people have only an indistinct and faint idea of their duty. The world has a strong hold upon them. Satan joins his influence to keep them from using their surplus means to the glory of God. And then, as a most powerful influence to completely wither what may exist of the spirit of sacrifice among our people, come up facts, undeniable facts, relative to the covetousness of some of our ministers, and the selfishness and recklessness of some who have stood at the head of our institutions, in handling the means donated to those institutions, made sacred by being a free-will offering to the Lord.

He who steals his neighbor's purse is a sinner in the eyes of law, human and divine. But he who, while wearing the awfully sacred professional garment of giving to the world the last message, which is to seal the believing for an eternity of bliss, and

doom those who disbelieve to the vials of God's unmingled vengeance, dares to covetously take from God's treasury that which does not rightfully belong to him, in view of his labors in the cause of God, and consequent wants, commits a crime in the sight of Heaven as much higher than the man who steals his neighbor's purse, as the work of God in the salvation of man is higher and more sacred than the common interests of men. May God have mercy.

Hamilton, Mo., Nov. 1, 1870.

Western Tour.

By James White

KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.

We reached the Kansas camp-ground, fifth-day, Oct. 13, and were glad to meet Elds. Butler, of Iowa, Lawrence, of Michigan, and Blanchard, of Missouri, formerly of Illinois. The ground is good. The large Iowa tent is pitched, and well seated. A provision stand is well furnished, and several small tents are put up. The weather is fine, and our brethren are coming in.

Our journey has been a long and wearisome one, yet, with the blessing of God, we feel rested from public speaking, and refreshed to enter upon the labors of this meeting. And we enjoy a buoyancy of spirits, a strength of faith and hope, such as we have not enjoyed the present season. We have the greatest assurance that we have not been mistaken in relation to our impressions of duty to hold this meeting.

For several reasons, this meeting will not be very large. The time of the appointment was short, the brethren are much scattered, and some of them are reported sick; yet our services are interesting, and this meeting will result in much good.

Sixth-day, loads of brethren and sisters continue to come in. One load from Daviess Co., Mo., started first-day morning, and reached the camp-ground only in time to put up their tent before the Sabbath. These people prize the meeting, and the word spoken is doing them good.

The Sabbath has been a good day. We have enjoyed freedom in preaching the word, and the social meetings have been excellent. Near the close of the Sabbath we had a special meeting, and invited backsliders and sinners to come forward for prayers. A goodly number of young persons and children came forward. This was a season of much interest. The Sabbath closed with the entire congregation bowed before the Lord in prayer for the penitent ones who had come forward. Eld. Butler gave an interesting discourse in the evening.

First-day morning is rainy. We meet in the large tent to consider the subject of organizing a Missouri and Kansas Conference. After remarks from several, we have a unanimous vote to form such a Conference, and adjourn to 4 P. M. The prospect seems to brighten, and the brethren are much encouraged.

Mrs. W. is now addressing the congregation, while the rain is pouring from the clouds. God lives and reigns as much in the storm as in the sunshine. We feel his hallowed presence in no small measure upon this far-western camp-ground. Those who wish to see more clearly the location of our present sanctuary, will find it on the map, seventy-five miles south of Kansas City, near Fort Scott, Kan.

Here are ten family tents, several covered wagons in which families live, a provision stand, and the Iowa large tent, of inestimable value to us during the heavy storm. A coal stove has been set up in the big tent, which has added much to our comfort during the storm. In fact, nearly all the tents are furnished with stoves. As far as we can learn, our people have been quite comfortable, even in the midst of the storm. All are cheerful, and enjoy the meeting very much.

Mrs. W. has spoken on the health question in a manner to give entire satisfaction. Her remarks were clear and forcible, yet prudent, so that she carried the feelings of the entire congregation with her. On this subject she always avoids extremes, and is careful to take only those positions where she is quite sure not to excite prejudices.

The people are easily excited and prejudiced upon the subject of health reform, if those who handle it are unfortunate in the selection of the occasion, or in the style in which they present it, especially if they stand before the people in the light of extremists. Some delicate questions, such as “solitary vice,” should seldom, if ever, be discussed only in suitable publications upon the subject. There is not one in ten of our preachers who are suitably informed, and properly guarded, to handle the health question in its several branches before the people. And the amount of harm done to the cause of present truth by the injudicious course of those who have introduced the subject of health reform at the wrong time and place, and in a wrong manner, can hardly be estimated.

“I have yet many things to say unto you,” said Jesus, “but ye cannot bear them now.” Jesus knew how to lead along the minds of his disciples. The Lord also knew how to introduce to his waiting people the great subject of health reform, step by step, as they could bear it, and make a good use of it, without souring the public mind. It was twenty-two years ago the present autumn, that our minds were called to the injurious effects of tobacco, tea, and coffee, through the testimony of Mrs. W. God has wonderfully blessed the effort to put these things away from us, so that we as a denomination can rejoice in victory, with very few exceptions, over these pernicious indulgences of appetite. The means that God has employed to introduce, and to carry forward, this reform among us, has been humble, and by some despised; and yet it is a doubt with us whether all American health reformers put together, beside our people, have brought about a greater, more growing, and permanent reform in reference to the use of tobacco, tea, and coffee, than that which exists among Seventh-day Adventists.

When we had gained a good victory over these things, and when the Lord saw that we were able to bear it, light was given relative to food and dress. And the cause of health reform among our people moved steadily forward, and great changes were made, especially in regard to the use of swine’s flesh, up to a certain point, when, in consequence of our sickness, Mrs. W. ceased to speak and write upon the subject of health reform. From that point may be dated the commencement of our misfortunes and mistakes as a people relative to this subject.

And since we have become active again, Mrs. W. oftener feels called upon to speak upon the subject of health reform because of existing extremes of health reformers, than from any other reason. The fact that all, or nearly all, of the existing extremes upon health reform among our people are supposed to receive her unqualified sanction, is the reason why she feels called upon to speak her real sentiments. The people must, and will in due time, know her position upon this subject.

In reference to the use of tobacco, tea, coffee, flesh-meats, also of dress, there is a general agreement. But at present she is not prepared to take the extreme position relative to salt, sugar, and milk. If there were no other reasons for moving carefully in reference to these things of so common and abundant use, there is a sufficient one in the fact that the minds of many are not prepared, even to receive the facts relative to these things. The complete overthrow of individuals, and the almost destruction of some of our churches, can be clearly traced to some extreme positions upon diet, injudiciously given in the REVIEW some time since. The results have been bad. While some have rejected the subject of health reform, because badly handled, others, prompt and conscientious, have carried out the most extreme positions, greatly detrimental to their health, and, consequently, to the cause of health reform.

In this state of things, however discouraging, Mrs. W. feels called upon to resume her work in this field of labor, and in so doing, will let her views be fully understood. It may be well here to state, however, that while she does not regard milk, taken in large quantities, as customarily eaten with bread, the best article of food, her mind, as yet, has only been called to the importance of the best and most healthful condition of the cow possible, whose milk is used as an article of food. She cannot unite in circulating publications broadcast which take an extreme position on the important question of milk, with her present light upon the subject. Such works may be well enough with well-informed health reformers, and may be a proper guide in the cooking department of our Health Institute at Battle Creek, after its tables shall be cleared of the habitual use of milk. And such works may have a greater influence among our people when our ministers, who are ardent health reformers, shall leave the free use of cows’ milk.

Here is our weakness upon this subject. Our publications, which go out to the untaught and those very susceptible to prejudices, are in advance, upon some of these points, of the practices of those among us who represent the health reform. Mrs. W. pleads to have this matter so reversed that our publications shall speak out only those sentiments upon which those standing at the head of the reform are agreed, and then in a style not to prejudice, and put good men and good women beyond our influence. Let the united practices of health reformers take the advance, and then let our publications follow, and speak out well-matured sentiments as the untaught can bear them.

Mrs. W. thinks that a change from the simplest kinds of flesh-meats, to an abundant use of sugar, is going from “bad to worse.” She would recommend a very sparing use of both sugar and salt. The appetite can, and should be, brought to a very moderate use of both. In the case of salt, food with so reduced an amount that it would taste insipid to the one accustomed to the use of much salt, after a few weeks of very temperate use, will be painfully salt to the taste.

While tobacco, tea and coffee, may be left at once, one at a time, however, by those who are so unfortunate as to be slaves to all, changes in diet should be made carefully, one at a time. And while she would say this to those who are in danger of making changes too rapidly, she would also say to the tardy. Be sure and not forget to change. The plainest facts possible demand a change from the common habits of life, but let them not be made so fast as to injure the health and constitution.

But we have almost forgotten our good Kansas camp-meeting. Relative to it we would say that the organization of the Missouri and Kansas Conference, and the putting of things in order so far as we could under the circumstances, passed off with perfect unity, and the meeting closed, all feeling more than satisfied. The brethren present gave a unanimous vote to hold their next camp-meeting and Conference the last week in May, 1871, the place to be determined hereafter, and the appointment and place to be given two months before the meeting.

As an illustration of the importance of seasonable appointments, we would state that one brother reached the ground at the very close of the meeting, who had come with his team two hundred and seventy miles. He did not get the notice in season. We spent only one evening with him, and gave him eight dollars’ worth of publications, and bade him farewell in the early morning as we left for the cars.

JAMES WHITE.

Hamilton, Mo., October 24, 1870.

Report from the Brn. Bourdeau.

By Albert C. Bourdeau; Daniel T. Bourdeau

JUST as I commenced to write this report, on this 20th day of October, A. D. 1870, at 22 minutes past 11 A. M., my attention was suddenly arrested by a rumbling, subterranean sound, that I heard as coming from the distance, which, as it approached, increased more and more until the house shook quite hard; the stove, doors, and windows, around me, rattled exceedingly, and it seemed very much as though I was riding on the cars when the brakes are applied to stop them as the train is nearing the station. This was an earthquake. I think it lasted nearly two minutes. Are we not nearing the heavenly station? Oh! let us watch and be ready.

My brother and I have spent nearly five weeks in this place, during which time we have given twenty-six lectures, besides attending several meetings held by the Methodists and Baptists, and visiting faithfully those who became interested in the present truth in this village and vicinity. We were invited to come

here and hold meetings, by Bro. I. Roscoe, a carriage-maker in this village, who was led to embrace the Sabbath by reading our French tract on the Bible Sabbath, when he resided in Canada, about eight years ago.

By the permission of the trustees of the Methodist society, we lectured three weeks in the Methodist meeting-house, which stands on the opposite side of the road from the old brick meeting-house in which Bro. Wm. Miller gave a course of lectures during the ’44 movement. We were not greatly encouraged when we learned that only one family in this place had embraced the Advent faith as the result of Bro. Miller’s lectures. Yet we tried to labor in the name and strength of God, having to encounter strong and determined opposition on the part of the Methodist and Baptist clergy, and popular orthodoxy, who tried hard to hinder the people from attending our meetings. At the close of the third week we held a Sabbath meeting; and when it was known that six or seven families had pronounced themselves to be in favor of our views, and that some of the best members of the M. E. church, and some non-professors, were embracing the Sabbath, two of the trustees were prevailed upon to advise us not to continue our lectures any longer in their meeting-house. A vote had been passed a few years ago against having any religious meetings held in the school-house in this village; yet, contrary to our expectation, by permission of the prudential committee, we were enabled to commence holding meetings in the school-house on Friday evening, the 14th inst.

But since last Sunday, desperate efforts have been made by many, even by church members, to prevent us from holding meetings in this place, to oppress those that are keeping the Sabbath, and to discourage others from adopting our views. Some are called crazy, and others are turned off from working where they have had steady employment for years, because they keep the Sabbath; and they are threatened to be prosecuted if they are known to work on Sunday, &c.

Last Tuesday evening, just before our meeting commenced, we were notified that from twenty to forty were coming to mob us during the meeting. We arranged at once, by taking legal measures, to have help on the ground. While my brother was proceeding with his discourse, a large crowd entered the house very abruptly; one of their company broke in upon us with hard threats and denunciations because we were leading the people to keep the seventh-day Sabbath; we were compelled to dismiss the congregation, and to discontinue holding meetings in the school-house; but as we left the school-house, our friends surrounded us, and we went to our boarding place followed by the mocking crowd, who, as we firmly believe, were prevented from laying their hands upon us by the power of God, which was greatly manifested in our behalf that night. Nine are keeping the Sabbath, and others have said they would keep it. We know not how many will endure this pressure. We visit families and hold meetings in private houses.

A. C. BOURDEAU, D. T. BOURDEAU.

Jericho Corners, Vt., Oct. 20, 1870.

Meetings in Vermont.

By A. S. Hutchins

Since holding meetings in Charleston, I have spent two Sabbaths in Wolcott, one in Middlesex, one in Stowe, and one in Braintree. At Stowe, I also spoke on first-day evening in a school-house. Visited some. Found a few friendly to the truth. They desired more meetings. Have an appointment to preach there next Sabbath and first-day.

On the evening of the 13th inst., preached at the house of our friend W. Chipman, in Waitsfield, to a few candid and attentive hearers. We were much interested in our short visit with this kind family. Sr. C. has been keeping the Bible Sabbath about one year. I think her companion was strongly convicted at our camp-meeting that we have the truth, and was almost persuaded to go with us. We hope he may yet take up the cross, win the crown, and as parents and dear children, this entire family may enter into the joy of our Lord.

They manifest a strong desire to have a course of lectures given here. But I do not feel that I have health sufficient to engage in so important a work alone.

Last Sabbath, it was gratifying to meet with so many scattered ones from different towns, at the house of Bro. Cobb, in Braintree; and know that all felt encouraged and strengthened in the Lord. May we all be the better and live nearer to him for this privilege. Some of the brethren are soon to leave this part of the State. We hope the remaining ones will do their best to sustain meetings, and to keep up an interest. “Union is strength.”

On first-day evening, I spoke in the meeting-house, to a very attentive audience. Two speakers had occupied the house through the day. I was informed that their efforts were to sustain the no-law theory. Bro. Evans had spoken the previous evening on the perpetuity of the law of God. At the close of my discourse on repentance and faith, I invited all the congregation to rise to their feet, who believe the commandments of God are not binding on Christians. Not one arose.

Who will arise in the morning of the resurrection to call men blessed for such preaching? If the tendency of advocating the no-law or no-Sabbath delusion is to either sanctify the preacher or lead to the conversion of his hearers, the fact has yet to come to light. “Oh! that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.”

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Williamstown, Oct. 27, 1870.

Report from Bro. Butler.

By George Ide Butler

My last report closed with the tent meeting at Des Moines, with Bro. Canright. I went to Winterset, and remained over a week, laboring to bring the work there forward; but the weather was so bad that we could do but little more than visit; yet we saw no reason for discouragement, as the friends of the cause still seemed interested in the truth. Since I left, I have heard good news from there—that the work is still onward. I expect there will be a good church established there, who shall hold up the banner of present truth to the last generation of men. I left Bro. Canright to attend to the interests of the cause in that section of the field, while I go east and north through the State to visit the churches, and labor as the calls of duty seem to require. Our labor together the past season as a whole has been very pleasant and profitable, we trust, to the cause.

My first appointment was at Sandyville. Before the meeting, things looked quite discouraging. There had been heavy rains. Some were not present whom I had hoped much to see, and I judged the attendance would be small. The church as a whole were cold; but we looked to God for help, and moved on, and we received the signal blessing of Heaven. It was a meeting in which the power of God was specially manifested. There were some present for whom I had felt a great anxiety previously, and I had almost despaired of seeing them take the decided step. There were young men of strength and energy; and as I thought of them in the meeting, and felt something of the worth of their souls, and of eternal life, I could but weep aloud, and ask that God would give strength to move out and take their stand for the Lord. Several did, and I had the pleasure of baptizing four young men just in the strength of manhood. Oh! may they be an honor to his cause. Others were deeply affected, who, I trust, will pursue the same course. Some trials were also healed up; and a feeling of love and union seemed to prevail through the church, more than had been previously seen. I felt that I could go on with the strength and encouragement gained by this meeting, for quite a length of time.

I started immediately for my appointment near Osceola. Before reaching it, I received the news that I was expected to go to Kansas to prepare for the camp-meeting there. This made it necessary that I should throw up my appointment near Osceola. So I had but one meeting there, Wednesday evening, and informed the friends of the change of arrangements. There was a full house, and many seemed disappointed. Some had come thirty miles to attend the meeting; but we did the best we could, and promised to return soon. I was much pleased to see the interest manifested to hear the truth spoken, and hope to see a good church organized here very soon.

I started the same night for Kansas, and did what I could to assist in preparing for the expected meeting. This meeting has been fully reported by others, so I will only say that it was good to be there. I was rejoiced to see Bro. and Sr. White enjoying such good health and courage. I was astonished, even, at finding them looking so well, knowing something of the care and labor that had been upon them during the entire camp-meeting season. I supposed they would be all worn out. Surely God has given especial strength to his servants. How plain, that when we walk in the light, and throw all our energies into the work, God can, and will, sustain us! The meeting was a most profitable one, and worth vastly more to the cause there than all the pecuniary cost.

At the close of the meeting, I came home immediately; and was happy to find my family well, and to meet the friends here after an absence of several months. I have met with the church several times, and find some omens of good. There seems to be a better feeling prevailing than I have seen before. There was a good attendance to hear the preached word, and some religious interest. But in this, there is still great chance for improvement.

On Sunday, I attended meeting near Lowell, sixteen miles south-east from Mt. Pleasant, where some ten or more have embraced the Sabbath the past season. Bro. A. Steinbarger, formerly a Christian minister, became interested in the Sabbath question something like a year ago, by reading and talking with our brethren, and commenced keeping it. The others have come out since then. I propose to bestow some labor there soon. I was much pleased to see the interest manifested to hear the word spoken to them. I trust a small church may be organized here after a little labor is bestowed. Thus the truth is working in the community. Here and there, honest souls are coming out and taking their stand to keep God's commandments. May God speed on the work. I never felt a greater interest to give what little strength and ability I possess to God's cause than now. It never seemed more glorious than now. May God strengthen us all to do his whole will. GEO. I. BUTLER.

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Oct. 31, 1870.

Report from Bro. Lawrence.

By R. J. Lawrence

I CLOSED my labors in Bates Co., Oct. 9th. I labored under great disadvantage on account of the house being occupied Sabbaths and first-days by the other denominations, so that I had the privilege of speaking in it only one Sabbath and first-day during my stay of six weeks. The truth met with much opposition. There are thirteen keeping the Sabbath, and several others interested. One of those keeping the Sabbath has been quite a successful minister of the Baptist church. He has been investigating for some time, and is now heartily in sympathy with the leading points of present truth.

Oct. 10th, I started for the Kansas camp-meeting, having received notice of it the day before, and arrived on the evening of the 11th. Assisted in clearing the ground, and seating the tent. Was glad to meet on the ground some whom I had seen before, and some whom I had not. There I met Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. and Sr. Hamilton, of Michigan, from whom I learned that the Lord had wrought for one of my sons at the Michigan camp-meeting. I was glad to meet with Bro. Butler, of Iowa, and to hear the truth from him. Was also glad to see Bro. Blanchard and Wick of Missouri, and their families, Bro. Cook and others of Kansas, brethren from Civil Bend and Hamilton, and others from different parts of these States. One came after the meeting was out, a distance of 270 miles.

The preaching and testimonies, which we listened to at this meeting were good and applicable to the present

time. The friends enjoyed it much. Several started to serve the Lord. A Missouri and Kansas State Conference was organized, and an appointment given for another camp-meeting the last week in May next, by which the scattered friends were greatly encouraged. I assisted in taking down the tent and packing it. Thursday morning I parted with Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Butler, they going to their respective fields of labor, and I, to this place. I feel much strengthened and encouraged by this opportunity, and trust that there is a new impetus given to the cause of present truth in these States. Brethren, pray for the dear scattered friends and cause in the West.

Yours in the truth, R. J. LAWRENCE. Kingsville, Johnson Co., Mo., Oct. 27, 1870.

Neighbors Embrace Sabbath Truth

By Thaddeus L. Waters

From Bro. Waters.

BRO. SMITH: I have tried a number of times to get some of the ministers to come here and preach on present truth, but not having succeeded, I have concluded to devote all the time I can possibly spare, to lecturing my friends and neighbors on those great topics which, drawn from the Scriptures, constitute us such a “peculiar people” in these days of apostasy. I have succeeded beyond my expectations; and quite a number have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and are walking in God's ways, who were a short time ago strangers to the commonwealth of Israel. Among the number is one Bro. Gowell, who, from being a profane, wicked lumberman, has turned to Christ, and is desirous of receiving further light upon our views; which are so plainly harmonized with Scripture in the REVIEW and other of our publications. Your brother in Christ, THADDEUS L. WATERS.

Continue reading: Report of the Organization of the Missouri and Kansas Conference of S. D. Adventists