Earlier text: CHURCH DECLENSIONCAMP-MEETING SABBATH-SCHOOLS.
By W. C. White
At each one of our large camp-meetings held this year there has been a mammoth Sabbath-school, including in its numbers nearly all those attending the meeting. That these schools are very profitable, and a great help to the S. S. work in the State where they are held, is evident to those who have attended them. Attention is called to the importance of Bible study, and to the Sabbath-school as a chief means of promoting thoroughness in the work. The best plan of conducting a school and its various exercises is demonstrated in less time than it could be described and explained. We hope that there will be a model school held at each one of the coming camp-meetings, and that every person so situated as to make it possible will attend with a well learned lesson, and a determination to help make the school a success. A few suggestions about these schools may not be out of place. Lessons. Do not assign an old lesson so as to secure its being learned, and never assign more than one lesson to each division. It will be better for Divisions Two, Three, and Four (all except the little ones) to study the lessons in the Instructor, and Lesson Sheet, designed for the Sabbath on which the meeting is held. This makes the school more natural, and those who attend the meeting can resume the work when they return home without any break in the lessons. The lesson for the little ones, or First Division, should be announced by the president of the State Association in time to be well learned. Learning the lesson. Let every S. S. scholar and teacher endeavor to attend the camp-meeting, and come to the Sabbath-school held Sabbath morning, prepared to do his part well. Study the lesson the first part of the week, and learn it well, and then bring your Lesson Papers so that you can give it additional study on the ground. There may be many on the ground who have not enjoyed the privileges of the Sabbath-school, and you should be prepared by your conversation and example to encourage them to engage in this work when they return home. Lesson papers. The president and secretary of the State association, who are the superintendent and secretary of the camp-meeting Sabbath-school, should provide a liberal quantity of Lesson Papers to be distributed to those attending the meeting who have not been attending Sabbath-school, or who have been studying some other lessons. The lessons should be handed out as early in the meeting as possible, and every one should be encouraged to prepare for the school, and to attend. The camp-meeting Sabbath-school should be planned beforehand, and the teachers selected on Friday. It should be called early, so that classes may be arranged and ready for work at 9 o’clock. The exercises should follow closely the programme generally adopted, so that the whole school will represent as nearly as possible the workings of an ordinary Sabbath-school. KANSAS TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.
By J. Lamont
FRIENDS of temperance in Kansas: You are aware of the fact that a temperance society was organized at our late camp-meeting, a State branch of the American Health and Temperance Association. More than one hundred persons signed the teetotal pledge, and a few the anti-rum and tobacco pledge. A good beginning was made at this meeting. Now we want a local club wherever we have a church or company of believers. Are we not temperance people? Is not the Bible a temperance book? and do we not profess to be Bible Christians? But some say they never took a temperance pledge or belonged to a temperance society. Well, you never before had opportunity to unite with such a society as this. The objectionable features so apparent in some so-called temperance societies are in this entirely wanting. Take right hold, brethren and friends. There is no law against temperance. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God. Gal. 5: 22-24. Will the elder or leader of each church or company, who has not already done so, please call a meeting in the interests of the temperance movement. When the friends have signed the pledge, elect a leader and secretary for your local club. The secretary will send me the name and post-office address of each of the officers, and a complete list of members. IS THE LORD PARTICULAR?
By Roswell F. Cottrell
There are many persons who do not feel very particular in their duties toward God, or in their dealings with men. They will say, “I mean to do about right.” And about right they think is near enough. And concerning religious duties they say, “I don’t believe it makes any difference. One will do just as well as the other.” This we often hear from professed believers. They seem not to be aware that they, in so doing, adopt the infidel’s creed, every article of which is prefaced with, I don’t believe. Place these words before every article of Christian faith, every truth of revelation, and you have the infidel’s creed entire. But the testimony of God in the days of Moses was, “In all things that I have said unto you be circumspect.” Ex. 23:13. And in the Christian age it is the same. “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” Eph. 5:15. In many places of Scripture the Lord cautions us to be very careful to do just what he has commanded. “Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you; ye shall not turn aside to the right hand, or to the left.” Deut. 5:32. In Num. 3 the Lord has given a sample of a business transaction, which it will be safe to follow in all our dealings. When he had slain all the first-born of Egypt, and spared the first-born of Israel, he claimed these as his own, to be consecrated to his service. But afterward he chose the tribe of Levi for this especial service, instead of all the first-born of Israel. On numbering the Levites the number was found to be 22,000; but of the first-born of all Israel there were 22,273. We might have said, That is near enough; the 273 will make no difference. But the Lord did not do business that way; but he charged five shekels apiece for their redemption, making 1,365 shekels, to be paid into his treasury. According with this an apostle has said, “Render to all their dues;” and Jesus said, “Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” The tenth is the Lord’s; he justly claims it as his own. Let us be careful to give to all their dues. God weighs our motives, and notices things which we may esteem very small. During the past week, owing to stormy weather and the press of haying and harvest, our congregations have been small, averaging about forty, until Sunday, when, the day being fair, over two hundred were in attendance. Good attention was given as we presented the history and claims of the true Sabbath. More interest was manifested than at any time before during the meetings. July 15. S. S. SMITH. ELI OSBORN. Elkhorn, July 17.—We have held five meetings in this place, with an average attendance of about one hundred and fifty. There is a large amount of prejudice to overcome before the truth can find a place in the hearts of the people. We shall do our best, by the help of the Lord, to present the truth before them in a clear light. We ask the prayers of our brethren and sisters for the success of the work here. C. W. OLDS. E. M. CRANDALL. Neillsville, Tent No. 8.—We have given fifteen discourses in all. Have canvassed the Sabbath question quite thoroughly. By a rising vote, fourteen have expressed their intention to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and we think several others will soon decide for the truth. The people here are willing to read, and as soon as a new subject is presented, they come eagerly to the stand to get our tracts. We are now in the midst of the Life and Death question. July 14. T. B. SNOW. C. HOLMES. Rockton and Debello.—Our tent-meetings in Rockton are quite well attended, and some are deeply interested; but being in the midst of harvest, many who live in the country are not able to attend all the evening meetings. Rains have also hindered the progress of our meetings. We hope some will yet obey the truth. July 5, attended the quarterly meeting at Debello. The brethren seem to be doing well. Several more decided to keep all of God’s commandments. Among the number was the Wesleyan Methodist minister to whom we referred in a previous report. This minister and his wife have both decided to walk according to the law of God. They hope their children will soon follow them. Another who has lately commenced the observance of the Sabbath is a German who has preached some among the Christians. Others in the vicinity of Debello are interested. May God help them to obey. O. A. JOHNSON. July 10. ANDREW CHRISTIANSEN. Silver Lake, Tent No. 1, July 15.—I have held five meetings here, with an average attendance of one hundred and twenty-five. This is a town of six hundred inhabitants. The people have kindly furnished an organ and organist, and several have invited us to their homes. I am alone, but expect Bro. Lane will be with me soon. Pray that the word may prosper. W. W. Sharp. Warrington, Tent No. 2, July 15.—We have now spoken twenty times, and the interest is on a constant increase. Some have decided to keep all God’s commandments. Last Sabbath we had a good meeting. The brethren from Mechanicsburgh met with us. We are having some opposition. Next Wednesday night, Eld. Williams of the Baptist denomination will speak in favor of the “Lord’s day,” or Christian Sabbath. Our congregations still range from 200 to 500. Have sold books to the amount of $16.31, and received $3.55 as donation. J. M. Rees. J. S. Shrock. Victor Thompson. Arcadia, Tent No. 3, July 15.—Twelve have signed the covenant, nine of whom have embraced the truth since we began meetings. Others are waiting to hear the other side, which is to be given by Eld. Frazier, (Disciple), who has been called in to oppose the truth. He begins this evening. We expect this opposition will help us much. Donations amount to $10.46, which exceeds our expenses so far. Book sales amount to $8.50. Could have sold many more, had our supply been equal to the demand. We expect to continue meetings here until the Noblesville camp-meeting. Wm. Covert. J. P. Henderson. IOWA
By I. J. Hankins; Ellet Joseph Waggoner
Birmingham, July 10.—We commenced meetings here June 20, and have given seventeen discourses. Congregations have averaged one hundred and seventy-five. People are attentive and orderly, and seem interested in the truths presented. The prospect is favorable for a good work here. We hope to still enjoy the blessing and help of God, that these meetings may result in good. To this end we ask the prayers of God's people. I. J. HANKINS.
E. J. WAGGONER. Grove City, Jeff. Co.—We began meetings at this place in the new forty-foot tent last Thursday evening, July 10. The hurry of finishing harvest and unfavorable weather made the attendance quite small till yesterday (Sunday). Present indications are favorable.
J. Lamont.
Oscar Hill. Bull’s City, July 10.—We pitched the tent at this place June 25, and have had quite an interest. The church are encouraged, and eight more have commenced to keep all the commandments of God, while others are investigating God’s word to “see if these things are so.” May the Lord bless them in seeking for truth. We have closed labors here for the present.
Geo. H. Smith.
M. and H. Enoch. Vineland.—Our quarterly meeting, July 5, 6, was truly a season of great encouragement to all who attended. Six were present from Camden, N. J., and one from Philadelphia, Pa. Four were baptized, three of whom unite with the church here, and one with the society recently organized by Bro. Sanborn in Camden. Union and harmony seemed to prevail, and a good degree of the spirit of missionary labor was manifested. We hope for better days for the cause in southern New Jersey. At this meeting we had the pleasure of meeting Eld. J. W. Morton, (S. D. Baptist), author of Vindication of the Sabbath. He preached an excellent discourse first-day morning. Tremont.—We pitched our tent in this town last week. Have held four meetings, with increasing interest. Last evening our tent was full, and the congregation listened attentively to the word spoken. We are only eight miles from Mackinaw, where our tent was pitched two years ago. The brethren there take hold willingly to help us. Pray for the work here. B. F. Merritt. July 14. C. H. Bliss. Pittwood.—Over thirty persons embraced the truth under our labors in this place and vicinity last spring, and twenty-seven were baptized. But as several families moved away, and we feared duty might call us to another field, we advised all our French converts to unite with the St. Anne church, desiring to so bind the edges that our work might not unravel. This left only a few American converts in this place. As we found these doing well upon our return, we decided to pitch the tent a few miles away, and if possible so add to their numbers as to organize a new church. We commenced meetings three miles from Pittwood, July 4th, continuing nine days, and speaking fourteen times. Seven have decided for the truth. Yesterday, Sabbath, was a memorable day to the cause here. An organization was effected as follows: After a preparatory discourse, seven Americans were organized into a church; fourteen of the French who had united with the St. Anne church were received by letter; six were received by baptism; and five of the new converts, who were Baptists, were received by vote. After the organization six persons were baptized; then we had a most interesting social meeting.39Some reported victories over tobacco, and others resolved to abandon its use. We shall remain here another week, and shall see that the new church, for a while, have help every Sabbath. Bro. Geo. Hobbs of Serena is with us all the time, and Bro. Gros is with us as much as his mercantile business will permit. These dear brethren are of great service to us. BEYOND THE SKY.
By Allie A. Santee
The heavenly host with joy will greet
The coming of weary, patient feet;
The pearly gates will open wide
For those who are washed in the crimson tide;
And the shout of triumph arises high,
For their home is waiting beyond the sky. Unknown they have struggled here below,
Bearing the cross through pain and woe,
With willing hearts and with loving hands,
Faithfully keeping their Lord’s commands;
And now their earth-life is all passed by,
And their home is waiting beyond the sky. God, who hears when his children pray,
Has given strength for each weary day;
And when the warfare for aye is done,
When the strife is over and victory won,
Their songs of gladness are rising high,
For their home is waiting beyond the sky.
ALLIE A. SANTEE. PENNSYLVANIA
By J. W. Raymond; D. B. Welch
Jasper, Tent No. 1, July 8.— Since last report our congregation diminished in attendance for a few days, but we have since regained it, and there is apparently an interest to hear. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. Eld. B. L. Whitney is with us for a short time. Pray for us. J. W. RAYMOND.
D. B. WELCH. NEW YORK.
By B. L. Whitney
East Otto.—Our meeting at this place, July 12 and 13, was well attended, and was a good meeting. The preaching was practical, and the social meeting on Sabbath was characterized by the expression of the earnest desire and determination for a closer walk with God, and a fuller consecration to his work. On Sunday, seven persons were baptized, two of whom had previously united with the church. MINNESOTA
By W. B. Hill; L. H. Ells
Mankato, July 14.—We pitched the sixty-foot tent at this place under some difficulties. The weather has been very stormy, the wind sometimes blowing a hurricane, uprooting trees and demolishing houses in some localities, while the heat has been oppressive, and swarms of hungry mosquitoes have preyed upon speaker and hearers. Still our audiences average about two hundred. We are now in the midst of the Sanctuary question. We desire the prayers of God’s people, that his work may prosper in our hands. NEW HAMPSHIRE.
By D. A. Robinson; G. F. Haines
Winchester.—We pitched our tent here Monday, July 7, and commenced meetings on the 9th. Our average attendance is about one hundred. The interest is increasing. Last evening about two hundred were present. The people are very friendly, providing for our temporal wants, and inviting us to their homes. Adventism is but little known here. With the blessing of God we expect success. Our stay at Athol was short, there being no interest whatever. Sabbath, July 5, we spent at Athol Center, where five were baptized. Nebraska City and Humboldt.
The quarterly meeting of the Nebraska City church was held on Camp Creek. Sickness kept some from attending. One was baptized. The company at Humboldt have been passing through fiery trials and temptations; but there is gold here, and we hope to see it shine forth like that tried in the furnace. The doors of the Christian church were kindly opened for us the 12th and 13th inst. Two were baptized, and four united with the church. A Sabbath-school was also organized. Paris, Henry Co., July 11.—We are obliged to close our meetings here for the present, to attend the State quarterly meeting; but otherwise they could probably be continued no longer, because of the panic caused by the yellow fever that has just broken out in Memphis. Much prejudice seems to have been removed from the minds of the people here. Several are convinced on the Sabbath question. Some take that day to rest and investigate the subject. Last Sabbath we held quarterly meeting with the little church lately organized at Springville. One more was baptized. Their testimonies seem to come from hearts full of love for God and his truth, and to indicate growth in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Pray for the cause in Tennessee. G. K. OWEN. Soliloquy.—We had an excellent quarterly meeting at this place. Nearly all the members were present. Sabbath morning we had an interesting Sabbath-school and a good social meeting, followed by a sermon on the importance of the Testimonies, and their practical use in developing character. This church will now provide themselves with the circulating library. Sunday morning our meeting was characterized with a spirit of earnestness and labor. A new club of twenty-one copies of Signs was taken for six months. Mrs. Sanborn is now expecting to organize a V. M. society this week. We think there is some good material here for such a society. About $21 of tithe money was received by the treasurer. Over ten dollars were paid on the tract fund. The outside interest was good. Four were received into the church, and others are almost persuaded to accept the truth. As we realize that the great day of God's wrath is hastening upon a slumbering world, and see how hard it is to awaken souls to a true sense of their condition, we feel like crying mightily unto God for help to save the perishing. I. SANBORN. MAINE
By J. B. Goodrich; Chas. Stratton
Burnham.—When we first pitched our tent in this place, much prejudice existed against us; but after hearing a few discourses, some confessed that they were mistaken in the people. We were recommended to have a police appointed to keep order, with the understanding that this was a hard place; but it is due the people here to say that we never have entered a new place where better attention was given to the word spoken than in this village. Our congregations range from fifty to two hundred. God is giving us the ears of the people, and we pray that many may give their hearts to the Lord. Some have already decided to keep all the commandments of God, and walk in the light of present truth. Our wants are all supplied by the liberality of the people here. May such be gathered in as shall be saved in the kingdom of God when Jesus comes.
J. B. GOODRICH.
CHAS. STRATTON. Norman Hill, Tent No. 3, July 7.—Here is a settlement of three hundred Norwegian families. I have been here for three weeks, speaking exclusively in the Norwegian language. The prejudice existing in the community surpasses anything I have seen before, especially among the members of the Lutheran church. Our hearers are principally infidels and worldlings, of whom there are a great many here, because they cannot digest the dry theological theory with which the priest always serves them. Upon these the plain and practical truths of the word of God seem to have a wonderful influence. One has given his heart to God, and we hope that others will soon follow. We introduce the Sabbath question to-night. Bro. Swaden, a young Swede is with me, and takes care of the tent, leaving me more time to visit, and in this way try to remove prejudice. We ask the prayers of our brethren and sisters. Chatham, July 17.—Our cause here is still rising. Sixteen are now keeping the Sabbath, while others are deeply interested. The opposition we are receiving at the hands of the ministers, only tends to strengthen those who have embraced the truth, and it also creates a healthy desire to hear in the minds of others. The Lord gives liberty in presenting the truth, and we expect, with the blessing of God, to see a strong church raised up in this city. Our vigilant missionary societies are doing nobly. Twenty-five societies have responded to our appeal. The society in South Lancaster, Mass., is sending to Ontario, weekly, 200 copies of the Signs; a society in Illinois, 75 copies; one in Maine, 60 copies; one in Rome, N. Y., 50 copies; three societies in R. I., send from 10 to 20 copies each; and one in Michigan, 40 copies. We feel to thank God and take courage. Already some are embracing the truth from reading, and the Macedonian cry comes up from many places, Come over and help us. Truly the harvest is great and the laborers are few. Bro. C. Black is with me as tent master, and is also a good T. and M. worker. Bro. Geo. A. King of Belleville is creating a great interest in that city, by his efforts in T. and M. work, and in canvassing for our publications. These brethren, with the writer, are all the laborers there are in Ontario, having a population of 4,000,000 souls. It is one of the best fields of labor in the world. We need more laborers in Ontario. Who will come? We desire the prayers of God's people. SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND.
By John Norton Loughborough
Our tent-meetings still continue in this place. We have now given forty discourses, and are just entering upon the Sabbath question. In conversation we have explained the subject to a number who have commenced to observe the Sabbath with us. We also see good results every week from the effort made in sending out reading matter by post. Some are already embracing the truth from reading. It has been rainy and cold most of the time since we erected our tent. There have not been twenty-four consecutive hours without rain. On the first of July there was a heavy gale, with rain. The tent had to be let down flat to the ground, to save it from damage. Our tent is already badly mildewed, and if such weather continues during the entire season, the canvass will not be fit for service another year. We have much prejudice to contend with; first, because the Church of England claims all the people as under her jurisdiction. I am told that the old law is still on the statute books, requiring all to attend meeting at the church once in six weeks, or pay a fine. There are too many dissenters, however, for the law to be enforced. One churchman used the following argument against us the other day: “If the seventh day is kept, it will make another company of dissenters.” Secondly, there is a prevailing distrust of foreigners, especially if they introduce anything new to the people. This we expected, but such prejudice is increased by false reports being circulated by those who do not attend, and who do not know of what they affirm; but even this stirs up some to come and hear, and with the candid, such curiosity turns to interest. On the whole, considering all the circumstances, I do not know but we are doing as well as we could expect. In opening any new mission, it requires work. We try to do all that health and strength will admit. We request all to pray that the Lord may help us so to labor that his blessing may be granted with our efforts, and then all will be well. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth” Rev. 14:13. KILBOURN.—Died of consumption, at Burlingame, Osage Co., Kansas, Feb. 27, 1879, Mrs. Kate Kilbourn, aged 38 years and 3 months. In the spring of 1874, while at Walla Walla, W. T., she embraced present truth under the labors of Eld. Van Horn. She was afterward deprived of the society of Sabbath-keepers for over four years, but remained true to her religion, and endeavored to instruct her children in the truths of the Bible. Her husband and three children are now with the church at State Center, Iowa. They are trying to live so as to meet their loved one beyond the trials of this life. Mrs. G. V. Kilgore. REDDINGTON.—Died of inflammation of the bowels, July 1, 1879, in Charlotte, Eaton Co. Mich., William Reddington, aged 18 years. Through the faithful efforts of his mother and sister, William gave his heart to God last January. The day before he was taken sick the family at whose house he was staying were away from home; and on returning they found him in deep exercise of mind. He told them he was so burdened in his mind that he had spent most of the day in prayer, and felt that the Lord had greatly blessed him. His mother and sister, living thirty miles distant, were apprised of his illness; but the former being too feeble to visit him, his sister hastened to his bedside, and for two weeks faithfully watched over him until his death. He patiently endured intense suffering, and often expressed perfect resignation to the will of God. His remains were brought to Ceresco, and funeral services were held in the Congregational house of worship. We spoke briefly from 1 Thess. 4:18. J. Byington. FLUM.—Died, near Humboldt, Neb., Feb. 6, 1879, Mary, wife of A. J. Flum. Bro. and Sr. Flum were members of the Baptist church until less than a year before her death, when the light of the third angel’s message shone upon their pathway, and together they received and walked in this light. Sr. F. now rests in hope, while her husband has the solemn responsibility of instructing seven children in the way of truth and virtue. May the Lord help him to discharge this duty faithfully. Funeral discourse by the writer, from Job 14:14. Chas. L. Boyd. Liberty Center and Hamler.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Tuesday, July 8, I came to Liberty Center, and found the brethren having the largest interest we have had in Ohio for many years. About a dozen had been keeping the Sabbath here for a few years, though unorganized and in a poor condition. We gave Bro. O. F. Guilford a forty-foot tent, and he with Brn. Bigelow and Hussey came here designing, only to remain about two weeks to help the brethren. But from the first a deep interest was manifest. The tent was crowded to overflowing. One after another began to keep the Sabbath, until already about sixty are fully decided, and more are coming in daily. Most of these come by whole families. On every street, and in every direction from town, are to be found Sabbath-keepers. About twenty have been baptized, and new ones go forward in this ordinance every Sunday. When we get the idea that God can work only through some of our older and more able ministers, we are greatly mistaken. This has been the trouble in Ohio. Young men and those of smaller talent have not been encouraged, lest they should make mistakes. Here we have an illustration of the folly of such overcautiousness. Our young, inexperienced hands are having as good or even better success than the older ones. We would like a few more such. On the Sabbath we organized a church of twenty-seven members. Others will be added as soon as they are ready. Of course a meeting-house is now indispensable, and this is just the time to strike for it. So we drew a plan, 28x42, 16-foot posts, and started a subscription. One brother gave the lot, another the timber, while another saws it; others give work or money, some outsiders giving $50.00, and so on down to $5. Bro. Guilford, being a carpenter, will take the oversight of the work. We are confident that we shall have a meeting-house here before winter. Of course the churches in town are in trouble. Their own ministers could do nothing; so they sent for one Eld. Alwood, a presiding elder, to tear down God’s work. He came and demanded a debate. This our brethren utterly refused, but offered him the tent every other evening for several days. He then went to a church, hoping to draw the crowd and break up the interest in our meetings. One evening a good many went to hear him; but the next evening we had the crowd, while his congregation numbered only about forty. He made one more effort, and became discouraged; but we had a crowded tent, and this, too, in the midst of harvest. Bro. Wm. Daniels and family, who make music teaching a business, volunteered to assist during the tent-meeting; so we have had an excellent choir. I am more and more impressed with the value of good singing as an aid in our work. The tent will remain here some weeks longer, then it will be pitched near by, and the work will be continued. Monday we went about twenty miles to Hamler, and met with the church there, where we found a good little company, who have also commenced to build a house of worship. A little misunderstanding had arisen among them, which was readily settled, and the brethren will proceed rapidly with the work of building. We shall have three or four new churches to be dedicated this fall in Ohio. Thank God for these tokens of success. At this meeting Bro. Rudolph Fisher was ordained elder of the Hamler church. I am now in Toledo, looking after a few Sabbath-keepers here. D. M. CANRIGHT. FROM LIBERTY CENTER, OHIO.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
In the Democratic Northwest of July 10, we find a good article from a leading man of Liberty Center, concerning our work. There are some important principles stated, which all should read. D. M. CANRIGHT. The Seventh-day Adventists pitched their tent in our village a few weeks ago, since which time they have been delivering a series of discourses to those who have favored them with their presence. Unlike the common custom, they have asked no contributions from their audiences on any occasion, so that our people have no chance of charging them with being a lot of money grabbers, going from place to place, lining their pockets with the people's subsistence and hard earnings, and departing leaving no equivalent. On the contrary they pay their own expenses, and tarry with those who extend the courtesy to invite them to do so: and when they take their departure, we think our town will be financially, and we trust morally, benefited: for it is due to say (from the view of an outsider) that their conduct during their stay, both in and out of the church hours, has elicited many comments of praise from unbiased minds, who deem the cause which they are promulgating worthy of candid investigation from the different standpoints, rejecting no testimony that throws new light upon the merits and truth of the case, that the jury (the people) may arrive at the most intelligent and correct conclusions. We ask, Who can expect to advance in truth and knowledge upon any subject, that only listen to one side of the case, and close their ears and shut their eyes to the other? What would be the universal verdict of our people if the jury in our court of Common Pleas should listen to one side of a case and retire to their room and make up their verdict, refusing to listen to further testimony. Do not some of our people see that they are standing exactly in this position, in refusing to listen, and apparently (to an outsider) using every effort at their command to prevent others from doing so, or bracing their minds by the most powerful exhortations to resist convictions forced upon them by listening to the different philosophical expoundings of Scripture. If these Advent ministers are preaching an erroneous doctrine clearly contrary to Bible teaching, it would be a strengthening pillar to the other churches of our town to urge their members forward to listen, that they might see in the clearest light the falsity of their doctrine and the sandy foundation upon which they build their edifices. From our unbiased standpoint we can see no good reason why professed followers of Christ should exhibit that distant coldness almost amounting to persecution (in our view) toward these well behaved and quiet, but earnest people. Let all put on the garb of true Christianity and practice the golden rule, “doing unto your neighbor as ye would that your neighbor should do unto you.” The bitter clashings between professed followers of Jesus and his cause, exhibiting jealousy, spite, and malice toward each other, is a problem we have never been able to solve. It is truly beyond our conception that God should manifest his Holy Spirit and unadulterated love through his mediums in such mysterious ways, that to the ungodly look as though party spirit and selfish ambition had worked their way into the fold. . . . Let the truth come, hitting and demolishing error wherever it may fall. Truth is what the people want. There can be but one truth upon any subject with which people have to deal; and this being a progressive age, we see day by day that the arts and sciences are constantly in a state of progress reached by philosophical and advancing minds; and why close our eyes, and shrink from the investigation of religious subjects? Let us throw off ancient superstitions, and investigate every side of all subjects, if we would become wise. TRUTH SEEKER. MICHIGAN
By T. M. Steward; E. P. Daniels
Eaton Rapids, Tent No. 3, July 9.—We have been here five weeks. We had good congregations up to the time of haying, since which time the attendance has been small; yet a few are much interested, and some have decided to obey the truth. We expect to move our tent to the northern extremity of the town, to accommodate some who are interested there. T. M. STEWARD.
E. P. DANIELS. Genoa Church Meetings and Seven Baptisms
By T. M. Steward
Genoa.—Met with the Genoa church at Howell, July 5, 6, and held seven meetings. On Sabbath, P. M., seven were baptized, mostly young people. May the Lord help them to walk in newness of life. Several were present from abroad. All seemed to be encouraged. Praise the Lord. T. M. STEWARD. Church Visits and Baptisms Across Michigan Churches
By J. Fargo
Since leaving Battle Creek, June 13, we have visited the following places:— Met with the brethren at Brookfield, June 14, 15. Here we baptized eight, and organized a church of twelve members. Sunday evening, visited the tent at Eaton Rapids. A good interest was manifested, a large congregation coming out to hear the truth. June 21, 22, met with the brethren at Whitewater, Grand Traverse Co. Here we baptized twelve, and organized a church of twelve members. Brn. Sisley and Potter were laboring here with the tent. Wednesday evening, June 25, met with the church at Alma, Gratiot Co. This church was without an elder, the former elder having moved away. Eld. Van Deusen spoke on the coming of the Lord, after which we enjoyed a good social meeting. Following this an elder and deacon were chosen and ordained. The church seemed to be of good courage. I spent Sabbath, the 28th, with the church at Mount Pleasant. Bro. L. A. Kellogg has labored here for a year or more, as the result of which there are forty or fifty Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity. Here all seem to be in earnest, and determined to go through. July 5, met with the church at Lyons. Had a good Sabbath-school. One was baptized, and the ordinances were celebrated. This church is trying to hold up the standard of truth. July 12, attended the district quarterly meeting at Bushnell. Bro. Bell was present, and occupied the most of the time in the interest of the Sabbath-school. It being in the midst of harvest, the meeting did not continue over first day, as appointed. At the close of the Sabbath we repaired to a beautiful lake and baptized six. We can truly say that we had the best of the wine at the last of the feast. J. FARGO. Appleton, July 14.—We have held six services, with an increasing congregation. At least five hundred attended our last meeting. A little church of seven are very much encouraged, and, with us, expect that their numbers will be increased. Since our visit with them last January, they have had their regular Sabbath-school and meetings, and have faithfully laid by their tithes. We are in the midst of a good country. We hope to see every Sabbath-keeper in this district at our camp-meeting. If you have not already commenced to make preparations, begin now. A. O. BURRILL. Tent Meeting Closes at Bedford with New Converts
By R. A. Underwood; J. C. Bartlett
Bedford.—Our tent-meeting in this place is closed. A few have taken their stand for the truth, and others admit their duty to obey it. Among these is a highly educated lady of German birth, the daughter of a lord, who also married a lord. She is a doctress of many years' practice, and is capable of speaking seven different languages. She has been a life-long skeptic or Universalist, but now most deeply feels the need of help from God, and an abiding trust in him. She was charmed by the harmony and beauty of the Holy Scriptures as presented in the tent, and now feels that they contain something for her. Our quarterly meeting, July 12, 13, was excellent. Two intelligent young ladies (school-teachers) from Peninsula, took a decided stand for the truth. We expect to pitch our tent in Solon, five miles from this place. R. A. Underwood.
J. C. Bartlett.