p. 101 | Review and Herald, Vol. 36, No. 13. (9/13/1870)

Thoughts on the Book of Daniel.

CHAPTER IX. (VERSES 25-27, CONTINUED.)

THERE are but four events which can be taken as answering to the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. These are, 1. The decree of Cyrus for the rebuilding of the house of God, B. C. 536. 2. The decree of Darius for the prosecution of that work which had been hindered, B. C. 519. 3. The decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra, B. C. 457, Ez. 7, and 4. The commission to Nehemiah from the same king in his twentieth year, B. C. 444. Neh. 2.

Dating from the first two of these decrees, the seventy weeks, being weeks of years, 490 years in all, would fall many years short of reaching even to the Christian era; besides, these decrees had reference principally to the restoration of the temple and the temple-worship, of the Jews, and not to the restoration of their civil state and polity, all of which must be included in the expression, “to restore and to build Jerusalem.”

These made a commencement of the work. They were preliminary to what was afterward accomplished. But of themselves they are altogether insufficient both in their dates, and in their nature, to meet the requirements of the prophecy; and thus failing in every respect, they cannot be brought into the controversy as marking the point from which the seventy weeks are to date. The only question now lies between the decrees which were granted to Ezra and to Nehemiah.

The facts between which we are to decide here, are briefly these: In 457 B. C., a decree was granted to Ezra by the Persian emperor, Artaxerxes Longimanus, to go up to Jerusalem with as many of his people as were minded to go with him. The commission granted him an unlimited amount of treasure, to beautify the house of God, procure offerings for its service, and to do whatever else might seem good unto him. It empowered him to ordain laws, set magistrates and judges, and execute punishment even unto death; in other words to restore the Jewish state, civil and ecclesiastical, according to the law of God and the ancient customs of that people. Inspiration has seen fit to preserve this decree; and a full and accurate copy of it is given in the seventh chapter of the book of Ezra. In the original this decree is given, not in Hebrew, like the rest of the book of Ezra, but in the Chaldaic (or Eastern Aramaic), the language then used at Babylon; and thus we are furnished with the original document by virtue of which Ezra was authorized to restore and build Jerusalem.

Thirteen years after this, in the 20th year of the same king, B. C. 444, Nehemiah sought and obtained permission to go up to Jerusalem. Neh. 2. Permission was granted him, but we have no evidence that it was anything more than verbal. It pertained to him individually, nothing being said about others’ going up with him. The king asked him how long a journey he wished to make, and when he would return. He received letters to the governors beyond the river, to help him on his way to Judah, and an order on the keeper of the king’s forest for timber for beams, &c. When he arrived at Jerusalem, he found rulers, priests, and nobles and people already engaged in the work of building Jerusalem. Neh. 2: 16. These were, of course, acting under the decree given to Ezra thirteen years before. And finally, Nehemiah, having arrived at Jerusalem, finished the work he came to accomplish, in fifty-two days. Neh. 6: 15.

Now which of these commissions, Ezra’s or Nehemiah’s, constitutes the decree for the restoration of Jerusalem, from which the seventy weeks are to be dated? It hardly seems that there can be any question on this point.

1. The grant to Nehemiah cannot be called a decree. It was necessary that a Persian decree should be put in writing, and signed by the king. Dan. 6: 8. Such was the document given to Ezra; but Nehemiah had nothing of the kind: his commission being only verbal. If it be said that the letters given him constituted the decree, then the decree was issued not to Nehemiah, but to the governors beyond the river; besides, these would constitute a series of decrees, and not one decree, as the prophecy contemplates.

2. The occasion of Nehemiah’s petition to the king for permission to go up to Jerusalem was the report which certain ones, returning had brought from thence, that those in the province were in great affliction and reproach, that the wall of Jerusalem was also broken down and the gates thereof burned with fire. Neh. 1. Whose work were these walls and gates that were broken down and burned with fire? Evidently the work of Ezra and his associates; for it cannot for a moment be supposed that the utter destruction of the city by Nebuchadnezzar, 144 years previous to that time, would have been reported to Nehemiah as a matter of news, nor that he would have considered it, as he evidently did, a fresh misfortune calling for a fresh expression of his grief. A decree, therefore, authorizing the building of these, had gone forth previous to the grant to Nehemiah.

3. If any should contend that Nehemiah’s commission must be a decree, because the object of his request was that he might build the city, it is sufficient to reply as shown above, that gates and walls had been built previous to his going up; besides the work of building which he went to perform was accomplished in fifty-two days; whereas the prophecy allows for the building of the city, seven weeks, or forty-nine years.

4. There was nothing granted to Nehemiah, which was not embraced in the decree to Ezra; while the latter had all the forms and conditions of a decree, and was vastly more ample in its provisions.

5. It is evident from the prayer of Ezra, as recorded in chap. 9: 9, of his book, that he considered himself fully empowered to proceed with the building of the city and the wall; and it is evident that he understood, further, that the conditional prophecies concerning his people were then fulfilled, from the closing words of that prayer in which he says, “Should we again break thy commandments and join in affinity with the people of these abominations, wouldst thou not be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?”

6. Reckoning from the commission to Nehemiah, B. C. 444, the dates throughout are entirely disarranged: for from that point the troublous times which were to attend the building of the street and wall, did not last seven weeks, or forty-nine years. Reckoning from that date, the sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years, which were to extend to the Messiah the Prince, bring us to A. D. 39-40; but Jesus was baptized of John in Jordan and the voice of his Father was heard from Heaven declaring him his Son, in A. D. 27, thirteen years before. According to this calculation, the midst of the last, or seventieth, week, which is marked by the crucifixion, is placed in A. D. 44, but the crucifixion took place in A. D. 31, thirteen years previous. And lastly, the 70 weeks, or 490 years, dated from the twentieth of Artaxerxes, extend to A. D. 47, with absolutely nothing to mark their termination. Hence if that be the year, and the grant to Nehemiah the event, from which to reckon, the prophecy has proved a failure. As it is, it only proves that theory a failure, which dates the seventy weeks from Nehemiah’s commission in the twentieth of Artaxerxes.

7. Will these dates harmonize if we reckon from the decree to Ezra? Let us see. In this case 457 B. C. is our starting-point. Forty-nine years were allotted to the building of the city and the wall. On this point, Prideaux, Connec., Vol. I, p. 322, says: “In the fifteenth year of Darius Nothus, ended the first seven weeks of the seventy weeks of Daniel’s prophecy. For then the restoration of the church and State of the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea was fully finished, in that last act of reformation which is recorded in the thirteenth chapter of Nehemiah, from the twenty-third verse to the end of the chapter, just forty-nine years after it had been commenced by Ezra, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimanus.”

So far all is harmony. Let us apply the measuring-rod of the prophecy still further. Sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years, were to extend to Messiah the Prince. Dating from B. C. 457, they end in A. D. 27. And what took place then? Luke thus informs us: “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also, being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from Heaven which said, ‘Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.’ Luke 3: 21, 22, margin A. D. 27. After this, Jesus came ‘into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled.’ The time here mentioned must have been some specific, definite, and predicted period; but no prophetic period can be found then terminating, except the sixty-nine weeks of the prophecy of Daniel, which were to extend to Messiah the Prince. The Messiah had now come; and with his own lips he announced the termination of that period which was to be marked by his manifestation.

I am a Baptist—and I am More.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

I am a Baptist, because I believe the Baptist principle of interpretation to be sound; viz., that whatever is commanded by an institution, is to be learned from the law of the institution, and not from other sources. Therefore, finding the ordinance of baptism in the New Testament, we are not to go back to the law of circumcision to determine who are the proper subjects of the ordinance; and in respect to the mode, or what baptism is, the only rule to determine this is the meaning of the word, the manner of its use in the New Testament, and the circumstances attending its administration as therein recorded. In other words, the law of the institution is the only rule of obedience. This is the reason why I am a Baptist.

And the reason why I am more than a Baptist is, I apply the same mode of reasoning and interpretation to other institutions and duties of revealed religion. For example, take the Sabbatic institution. I know of no rule of obedience, but the law of the Sabbath, the fourth commandment. And taking this law for the rule of action, I can keep no other day as the Sabbath, but the one expressly named in the commandment, the seventh day. Therefore I am a Seventh-day Baptist.

And I am more than this. Applying the same obvious, common-sense rules of interpretation to the prophecies, or in other words, to the promises of the Scriptures, that I do to their institutions and laws, I find that Jesus, when he was about to leave the world and go to his Father, promised that he would come again in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, attended by all the holy angels. And he gave certain signs of his return, by which believers might know when his coming would be near, even at the doors.

These signs have appeared. I believe his promises, and I believe that the promised signs have been fulfilled; and hence, that his second advent is near, even at the doors. Therefore I am an Adventist.

But if it is time that the true people of God should be Adventists in the sense of believing that Christ’s advent is even at the doors, it is certainly time that the advent messages, prophesied of in Rev. 14: 6-12, should be in process of fulfillment, being distinctly proclaimed in the world, by the believers in Jesus Christ. True Adventists will find their duty and their history clearly marked out in this prophetic sketch. Those who cannot point out their progress in the advent proclamation by the use of this unerring prophetic outline, are not genuine Adventists, though they may hear the name.

The genuine experience of Adventists is here given in advance. And the final advent message develops the true people of God, distinguished as those “who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Are these the distinguishing marks of those Adventists who hold that the commandments of God have been superseded and abolished by the faith of Jesus? A person is not a commandment-keeper who breaks one of the commandments. Such should be described as those who break the commandments.

And the Sabbath law is one of the commandments of God.

Therefore No-Sabbath Adventists are not the ones described in this prophecy. And the words of this commandment have not been changed. It still says, “The SEVENTH DAY is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Therefore I am a Seventh-day Baptist Adventist.

R. F. COTTRELL.

The Iowa Reunion.

By Geo. I. Butler

It was my privilege to be present at the great Reunion, held in the capital of Iowa a few days since. This caused me some reflections.

It seemed a happy thought of the powers that be, to have the brave soldiers of the commonwealth, who were fighting bravely together for their country's salvation a few years since, to meet again, now victory is gained, and renew each other's acquaintance, and talk over former hardships and sufferings. It was an inspiring scene. It was thought that thirty thousand of Iowa's bravest were present. Ample provisions were made to make their stay pleasant and comfortable. All the railroads in the State carried private soldiers free each way, and their entertainment here was, likewise free. It was a pleasant, a touching, sight to see old soldiers who had parted, perhaps on the battle-field or from prison, where they had been confined, grasp each others hands, and greet each other with soldierly warmth and energy, and hear them recount the scenes of interest and danger through which they had passed. It was most interesting to see the warmth with which they greeted Gen. Sherman, the renowned leader of the “march to the sea.” As they pressed around him, eager to grasp his hand, and with such force that he seemed in danger of being crushed in the throng, they almost carried him away on their heads, such was their enthusiasm at again beholding their beloved commander. It must have been a proud moment to him. And when they formed in long columns and filed through the streets, their steady tramp, tramp, tramp, mingled with the loud huzzas of the men, the booming of the cannon, the beautiful strains of music, the waving of the flags, some of them torn to shreds with shot and shell, and begrimed with smoke, could but make one's heart beat quicker, who had any of the human left in him. The pomp and circumstance of war were reproduced.

So far as earthly aim, and earthly glory, was concerned, the reunion was a success, and seemed worthy and proper for such as are governed by such notions. But how unsatisfactory to the Christian. Of the vast number present, how few will remain when a few years are flown. How common, when these soldiers were greeting each other, to hear the blasphemous oath, the name of the Deity taken irreverently, the obscene expression, and scoffing at sacred things.

How little of abiding happiness could be seen even on such an occasion as this. How weary and unsatisfied nearly all appeared after passing through the exciting scenes of the day. The thousands who had come, were more glad to get away than to get here. Such is the nature of all earthly pleasure. It leaves a sadness behind. It never satisfies.

While beholding these scenes, my mind was caused to reflect upon a reunion that will be seen in the future, far different in its influences and results. The pure in heart alone will meet there. Praises to God will flow from every tongue. Joyful greetings with unalterable emotions of happiness will be witnessed in all directions. What a thought, to reflect upon the feelings of husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, tried and warm friends, as they clasp hands in the city of God, never more to be separated! There will be fullness of joy; no weariness, no desire to depart; and what provisions will be made for our comfort—palaces, mansions in the city of God! They have been preparing them for our reception for centuries in the past. Our Elder Brother, our warmest friend, who has even died to save us, has been superintending the work, to leave nothing unready. What a table will be in readiness, loaded with immortal fruit. And our loved Commander will even attend to the wants of his faithful soldiers in person. He will be present to place upon the brow of every guest a glorious crown of light and beauty. It is not to receive merely a wave of the hand, or a nod of recognition from those above us in position, but his own soft hand shall wipe away every tear, and “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” will be spoken to those, and to those only, who have done well. Will it not be sweet? And as the immense throng, whom no man can number, from every tribe, from every clime, from every land, file through the streets of gold with enlivening strains of Heaven's sweetest music, who will regret that he has suffered for Christ, that he has left the shadow for the substance, that he has given a little here of earth's trash for the eternal riches of Paradise? In that reunion I must mingle. How many of those who read these poor lines will share in it?

Geo. I. Butler.

Des Moines, Iowa, Sept. 7, 1870.

Vermont Camp-Meeting.

By Augustin C. Bourdeau; Daniel T. Bourdeau

The first camp-meeting of S. D. Adventists for Vermont was held near Bordoville, Aug. 18 to 24, 1870, as was appointed and advertised. It was a large gathering for Vermont. There were present over three hundred Sabbath-keepers, who came from all parts of this State, some from Canada, and a few from New York; and a large number of candid unbelievers were in attendance throughout the meeting, especially on Sunday, when it was estimated by some that the audience numbered five thousand, by others, three thousand; but we should judge there were over twenty-five hundred. It is thought that over six hundred teams came to, and returned from, the ground on Sunday. The camp was in a maple grove on a hill in fair view, and easy of access from the main road. The weather was favorable; and by the use of judicious means, good order and quiet was preserved on the ground during the meeting.

The principal speakers were Bro. and Sr. White, who spoke each six times, besides taking part in the social meetings, and giving valuable advice in the meetings of the annual session of the Vt. Conference which was held on the camp ground. Bro. White gave the main features of our faith in a manner to interest all present. He also made, at different points, short speeches on the present standing and prospects of the cause from the various standpoints of the Publishing Department, Health Institute, and the numerous providential openings for the spread of the truth, which greatly added to the interest of the meeting. Sr. White dwelt on various practical subjects adapted to the wants of the people, such as self-denial, the importance of cherishing a sacrificing spirit, feeling for the needy, and the duty of loving God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. Interesting discourses were also given by Elds. D. T. Taylor, D. T. Bourdeau, James Ritzenberger, and A. S. Hutchins.

Sabbath afternoon, a call was made for backsliders and sinners to take a stand for God and his truth, and over fifty came forward for prayers. The deep movings of the Spirit of God were present to convict, and encourage to break away from sin and the power of Satan.

Monday afternoon this work was resumed, and carried on with good success, but not as thoroughly as we had hoped to see it. This must be attributable to the following causes, which were faithfully pointed out by the servants of God in their labors:

1. The lack of consecration on the part of ministers, unfitting them to labor effectually for souls. And here we regret that we were not in better working order—that our hearts were not better tuned for the service of God. But we hope that we were benefited in examining ourselves in the light of the plain testimonies that were given. Our prayer is for a fresh baptism into the work.

2. The backslidden condition of many, partly owing to a spirit of colonizing that has been encouraged in Enosburgh and elsewhere, which, when carried out, causes brethren to be shut up to themselves, to lose the missionary spirit, to manufacture trials, and bind the church and preachers. Believers in the present truth should not be thus narrowed up. God help us to learn from the past, and to enlarge our borders in reaching out after perishing souls around us.

3. A spirit of worldly-mindedness which has come over us, caused in a great measure by a failure on the part of preachers to push forward the work, and thereby stimulate the brethren and sisters to sacrifice for the cause; and caused by the love and deceitfulness of riches which eclipse the coming of the Lord and true riches from view, and induce many to withhold from the Lord what he justly demands to advance his cause, and to plan in worldly matters as though the end of all things were not at hand. How important it is for ministers to set a good example to the flock on the use of the means the Lord has given them. Bro. White showed the necessity for those among preachers and people who are childless, and the aged, who have property, to be found appropriating their means themselves while they lived, for the furtherance of the cause of truth, instead of making their wills in such a manner that the cause will be either entirely neglected, or served last if served at all.

In-dwelling upon these points, Bro. White did not plead for himself. He referred to his own experience and example in giving to stimulate others to bear fruit which would redound to their own account and add to their treasures in Heaven. We have reason to hope that the faithful labors of God’s care-worn servants will prove a blessing to the cause in Vermont.

Our hearts were saddened by having Bro. and Sr. White leave us abruptly on receiving unfavorable news in regard to their son Willie, whom they had left sick at South Lancaster, Mass. May God bless, guide, and sustain them in their affliction.

A. C. AND D. T. BOURDEAU.

Bordoville, Vt., Aug. 28, 1870.

Vermont State Conference.

By A. C. Bourdeau; N. Orcutt

EIGHTH ANNUAL SESSION.

IN accordance with notice published in REVIEW, the Vermont State Conference held its eighth annual session at Enosburgh, Vt., Aug. 21, 1870. Meeting called to order by the Chairman, and opened with prayer by Bro. A. S. Hutchins. Credentials of delegates were called for and examined. Fourteen delegates were present, representing ten churches.

On motion, ministers belonging to other Conferences, and brethren in good standing, were invited to participate in the deliberations of this Conference.

The report of the Secretary was called for, read, and accepted.

The preachers’ reports of labor were then called for, and the following brethren responded: D. T. Bourdeau, A. C. Bourdeau, A. S. Hutchins, A. Stone, N. Orcutt, and D. T. Evans.

The report of the Treasurer was called for, read, and accepted.

On motion, a Nominating Committee was appointed, consisting of H. Bingham, A. S. Hutchins, and A. Stone.

An Auditing Committee was then appointed comprising the following brethren: H. Bingham, H. N. Austin, R. Loveland, I. Barrows, S. H. Peck, and F. Colby.

The following brethren were appointed a Committee on Resolutions: D. T. Bourdeau, N. Orcutt, A. S. Hutchins.

Adjourned to call of Chair.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Meeting opened by prayer by Bro. Stone.

The Nominating Committee reported the names of Lewis Bean for President; H. N. Austin and H. W. Barrows for other members of the Conference Committee; D. T. Bourdeau, Secretary; W. I. Cross, Treasurer. These brethren were then elected to fill the above-named offices.

The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That we acknowledge our great responsibility to God for the light he has caused to shine upon his law, his Sabbath, and the speedy second advent of his Son, and that we pledge ourselves to earnest efforts in the promulgation of these great truths.

Resolved, That as the prophetic word has connected the commandments of God with the spirit of prophecy, in the final work of God’s people, so his providence has connected this inestimable gift with the commandments

of God in the present work of the third angel’s message.

Resolved, That while we would express our gratitude to God for the measure of prosperity and success that has attended the efforts put forth in the publishing department, and in the different parts of the field, we pledge ourselves to aid at all times, as may be necessary, with our means to carry forward all the branches of this great work.

Resolved, That we express our thanks to Bro. and Sr. White for their faithful admonitions, instructions, and reproofs, addressed to us, and that we earnestly request them, as the way may open, thus in faithfulness to labor with us.

Adjourned to call of the Executive Committee.

Aug. 22.—Meeting called to order by the President. Prayer by Bro. D. T. Bourdeau.

On motion, it was voted that Sec. 3 of Art. III of the Constitution of the Vermont State Conference be so amended as to read, The churches and scattered brethren within the limits of this Conference will be expected to pledge to the Executive Committee the amount that they will give each month during the Conference year, for the support of the ministers and tent operations, and for such other purposes as may be necessary for the advancement of the cause; said sums to be paid to the Treasurer at the commencement of every quarter; viz., on the first of April, July, October, and January; and drawn from the treasury only by written order of the Executive Committee.

Voted, That Sec. 4 of Art. III be amended by striking out the words, “or paid to preachers.”

On motion, it was

Voted, That the credentials of the following brethren be renewed: A. S. Hutchins, A. C. Bourdeau, D. T. Bourdeau, N. Orcutt, and A. Stone.

Voted, That the following named persons receive licenses: L. Bean, D. T. Evans, S. D. Yaw, and E. Kellogg.

The assistance rendered by Bro. James White in our deliberations, by his timely remarks and suggestions, was appreciated and thankfully received.

Adjourned sine die.

A. C. BOURDEAU, President.

N. ORCUTT, Secretary.

Close of the Meetings at Winterset.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

SUNDAY, Aug. 28, we closed our meetings at Winterset. Have been there just six weeks and preached about fifty sermons. Have sold about $90.00 worth of books. Have obtained thirty subscribers for the REVIEW, and fifty have embraced the truth; and a large number more are warm friends to the truth, though they have not yet commenced to live it out. We have numerous friends scattered all over the country for miles in every direction.

We think a good work has been done here and that the Lord has especially opened the way and blessed us in our meetings. We intend to follow up the interest here as fast as possible this fall, and winter.

As we were to leave with our tent and had no place for our meetings, we made an effort to obtain the privilege of holding meetings in some one of the several churches in town, but utterly failed.

We tried to obtain the Christian church for just one Sabbath meeting, till we could get a place, but we could not get it even for one day. So on Sunday, the last day of our meeting, we called a business meeting of our friends to see what should be done. Though it was very rainy, we had a good congregation. A good hall could be had all fitted up for $75.00 for six months.

We proposed that they raise that amount and hire the hall. A subscription was started, and in less than fifteen minutes we obtained $145.00, nearly double what we called for. This shows how our friends feel toward the truth in this place. Had we time to spend, we think we could readily build a house of worship this fall. But the hall will furnish them a good, sufficiently-large, and convenient place in which to meet.

We think the truth has brought out a good, substantial, reliable, class of people in Winterset; and with the blessing of the Lord, we hope to see an excellent church here.

Numerous places are opened all around for meetings.

We were much interested in the case of a man from Missouri. He came up to visit his brother and attended our meetings the last two days. He improved all the time, both in hearing and asking questions. He subscribed for the paper, bought some books, and seemed to receive the truth as a thirsty soul would receive cool water. He would hardly let us off without a promise that we would go to his place to preach the truth.

It does us good to meet such souls who are anxious for the word of the Lord. Like thousands of others he is thoroughly disgusted with the popular religion of the day.

May the Lord bless him and his family, and open the way for him to hear and obey the word of the Lord.

We have this day moved to DesMoines, the capital of the State. It is a city of about 14,000, and probably is as proud and corrupt as other cities of its size. Several considerations induced us to make an effort here. We have but a short time of tent season left any way, and if we fail we shall not lose much. If we raise an interest we can carry it on in a hall when too cold for the tent. At any rate we shall try in the name of the Lord and hope for his blessing.

Brethren pray for us. D. M. CANRIGHT.

Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 30, 1870.

Allegan County Monthly Meeting.

By W. C. Gage

We had the privilege of attending this meeting, held at Douglas, Sabbath and first-day, Sept. 3 and 4. The attendance was quite large, a company of some fifty going from Allegan on Friday, the 2d, by way of steamboat on the Kalamazoo River. The trip was very pleasant, and served as a recreation and relaxation from Office cares and duties. The river is very tortuous in its course, the distance traversed by the boat in going from Allegan to Douglas being about fifty miles, while the distance by stage is only twenty-five.

Our meetings were interesting, and, we have reason to believe, profitable to the little company at Douglas, as well as to those from other places, who made the sacrifice of time in coming. We had an excellent and spirited social meeting-Sabbath morning, followed by a discourse on the Christian warfare. In the afternoon Bro. Kenyon spoke on the subject of the successive steps in Christian experience. The subject was eminently practical, and was well received.

In the evening the congregation was increased by a good attendance from without. We gave a discourse on the prophetic symbols of Rev. 12 and 13. On first-day, spoke three times, to a large and, to all appearance, deeply-interested congregation. The subject for Sunday evening was Modern Spiritualism. The question had been previously agitated in their midst by a Spiritualist grove meeting, which had not made a good impression on the community, and they were therefore well prepared to receive our remarks on the subject. The congregation was pronounced by the janitor of the hall, the largest ever assembled there except on the occasion of a funeral.

We were much prepossessed in favor of the people of Douglas. There seems to be little or no prejudice against us or our views, and the profound attention with which they listened, and the respect paid to us, is a good indication of what might be accomplished by a course of lectures in that vicinity.

At a business meeting on first-day, the brethren unanimously passed the following resolutions, requesting their publication in the REVIEW:

Whereas, Our present system of holding monthly meetings involves the practice of traveling from five to forty miles on the Sabbath in going to and from the place of meeting, with only a few hours of meeting when together, and,

Whereas, This practice cannot but be detrimental to the best interests of our churches, and a violation of the spirit of the fourth commandment; therefore,

Resolved, That we abandon this practice, by holding our meetings quarterly, alternating with each of the four churches in the county, said meetings to continue two days.

Resolved, That we earnestly invite our brethren throughout the county, to make persevering efforts to attend these meetings, and remain to their close.

On Monday we returned up the river, by steamer to Allegan, thence by rail to Battle Creek, to resume the duties and routine of Office labor, refreshed by the change, but somewhat tired with the labor.

W. C. GAGE.

Maine State Conference.

By Geo. W. Barker; W. H. Blaisdell

FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING.

According to arrangements, the fourth annual meeting of the Maine State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, was held on the camp-ground near Skowhegan, Sept. 2, 1870. The meeting was called to order by the Secretary.

Ministers and licentiates belonging to the Conference present were, J. B. Goodrich, L. L. Howard, W. H. Blaisdell, and Charles Stratton.

The churches represented at the Conference were, Topsham, Norridgewock, Woodstock, Athens, Cornville, Canaan, Hartland, Falmouth, and North Jay.

Adjourned to the call of the Chair.

SECOND SESSION.

Minutes of the last Conference were read and accepted. Committees were appointed as follows: On Nomination—J. H. Waggoner, M. E. Cornell, and J. B. Goodrich; on Resolutions—J. H. Waggoner, M. E. Cornell, and L. L. Howard; Auditing—W. J. Haynes, Timothy Bryant, Wm. Morton, Sumner Holt, John Davis, J. L. Hartford. Adjourned.

THIRD SESSION.

The Committee on Nominations presented the board of officers of the last year for re-election, as follows: President, Geo. W. Barker; Secretary, W. H. Blaisdell, Rome; Treasurer, W. J. Haynes, S. Norridgewock; Executive Committee, Geo. W. Barker, Asa B. Atwood, and I. C. Choate.

On motion, they were all unanimously elected. Adjourned.

FOURTH SESSION.

Before the transaction of any business, very important remarks were made by Bro. and Sr. White.

Reports of ministers were called for and received.

Report of Secretary was as follows:


Number of organized churches,	9
Number of members at commencement of year,	199
Added during the year,	4
Commenced to keep the Sabbath, not yet united to any church,	22
Total,	225
Losses during the year,	19
Present number of church members,	206
Gain,	7

This does not include those who have kept the Sabbath more than one year, who are not organized into a church.

Amount pledged to the Conference on S. B., $750.91.

FIFTH SESSION.

On motion, voted that the credentials of Bro. J. B. Goodrich be renewed.

On motion, licenses were granted to Brn. Chas. Woodman, A. Barnes, W. H. Blaisdell, G. Douglass, and M. B. Patterson.

Bro. White made extended remarks on the condition of the cause in Maine, and the difficulties under which it labored, with especial reference to the jealousy and suspicion with which Western ministers had been met when they came to help the cause in this State, by some who had shown greater regard for their own personal interests than for the interests of the cause of God and truth. Believing it necessary that these things be now met and exposed, and right that the real friends of the cause have a chance to take their stand and pledge themselves to co-operate hereafter with those who are laboring to advance the cause, he presented the following preamble and resolutions:

Whereas, The cause of Seventh-day Adventism in Maine has been greatly hindered, and at the present time suffers terribly from a want of a proper appreciation of the efficient labors of experienced ministers in the past, and the spirit of murmuring and rebellion against their efforts to advance the cause; therefore

Resolved, 1. That we deeply deplore these great sins in the sight of God, and repent of them; and, by the grace of God, solemnly pledge ourselves to do all we can to redeem the past in this respect in particular, that there may be a united and hearty reception of the testimony of those whom God may send among us.

2. That we accept the statement of Sr. White, that if unconsecrated ministers in Maine had not stood in the way of the cause, there would be three times as many in the truth in this State as there are now.

3. That we accept of Bro. Stratton’s confessions, and pledges for the future, and exhort him to do all in his power to help do away with wrong impressions still on the minds of many, caused in part by his improper course, and thus do all in his power to redeem the time.

4. That we accept the acknowledgments of wrong by Bro. Howard so far as he has gone, and exhort him to be faithful with his own soul, faithful to help those he has injured, and faithful to God, lest the blood of souls be found in his garments.

5. That we pledge ourselves that when Brn. Stratton and Howard shall give good and full evidence that they have fully reformed from their past errors, and engage in successful labor, we will cheerfully give them our hearty co-operation.

6. That, in view of the terrible mistakes of these brethren in past time, which have involved the ruin of precious souls, we cannot give them our support until they have had time to give full proofs that they are thoroughly converted from their jealousies and murmurings against those whom God, and the General Conference, have sent to the State to labor.

7. That we express our deep-felt sympathy for Brn. Andrews, Cornell, Canright, Waggoner, White, and Sr. White, in the discouragements they must feel in view of their past efforts to build up the cause in Maine against the cruel and wicked spirit of jealousy and fault-finding of those in this State who should have stayed up their hands in their arduous labors.

Sr. White followed the reading of these resolutions with impressive and instructive remarks, and a strong testimony and appeal to those who have stood in the way of the work in this State, while professing to be its friends and advocates.

On motion, these resolutions were adopted by the Conference, after which they were adopted by the body of believers present, by a rising vote.

The chairman of the Committee on Resolutions presented the following, which were also unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That we heartily indorse the remarks of Bro. White in regard to the labor of ministers in this cause; to wit, that they must either labor in bringing souls into the truth, or in building up those who are in the truth; and that those who do neither of these are of no use among us.

Resolved, That we hereby instruct our Executive Committee to hereafter settle with ministers in consideration of labors done for the benefit of the cause, and not according to the time reported, without regard to what has been done.

Resolved, That we sustain our Executive Committee in requesting the church treasurers to send their means directly to the State Treasurer; and we would also instruct the Treasurer to pay out money only by order of the President of this Conference.

Resolved, That we express our heartfelt thanks to Bro. and Sr. White for their labors in this camp-meeting, under the most trying circumstances; and we earnestly entreat them to retain their interest in the cause in Maine, and not forsake us because of the wrongs of those who have injured them and thrown obstacles in the way of their labors.

The Conference being held this year earlier than usual, in order that it might be at the camp-meeting, the Treasurer stated that he had not received reports from the churches sufficient to enable him to make a report to the Conference. Adjourned sine die.

Geo. W. BARKER, President.

W. H. BLAISDELL, Secretary.

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