This meeting has proved a real success. Many of the brethren came upon the ground in season, and quite a number of the tents were erected Wednesday, though on account of delay in getting the new tent up, meetings did not commence till Thursday afternoon. Our ground was one of the nicest I ever saw. A high grassy knoll, in a beautiful grove a few rods from the main road and within a short distance of Gallatin, with a little stream in front, plenty of woods all around for places of retirement, and a fine greensward cropped close all about us, constituted its main features. We had about seventeen tents up, in all. These looked clean and nice.
Our new 50x70 foot tent, made by Bro. Armstrong, of Chicago, was pitched in front of our little semicircle of family tents. He did us a splendid job. I never saw a better one. Our other fifty-foot tent was also pitched, and was well filled by those who had no family tents. There was a neat appearance to the whole ground, the most attractive I have ever seen in Missouri. Our Indiana friend was present with his “burden.” But as soon as he had finished speaking in the first social meeting, a presentation of his case was made to the brethren, fortified by what had appeared in the REVIEW and letters from his own Conference Committee, and his course in the two past meetings was pointed out. A vote was soon taken that we did not wish further molestation, and he started at once for the Minnesota camp-meeting. It was quite a relief to us to be left to ourselves and our work.
Upwards of two hundred Sabbath-keepers, I judge, were present on the Sabbath. The preaching was pointed and the social meetings encouraging. Sunday the crowd was not large, only about enough to comfortably fill our tent. But the weather was threatening, and the presence of small pox in the town kept many away, it was thought. The interest to hear among those without increased till the close. Our meetings Monday were spiritual. A number started for the kingdom in earnest. Among these were two strong men almost on the verge of infidelity, who made a good confession and sought the Lord with tears. Our hearts were much rejoiced. There were many things connected with this meeting very encouraging to me. Some precious testimonies were given, which melted our hearts in tenderness and love. The general spirit of the meeting was hardly equal to that at Appleton City, yet there was much to encourage us. The number of those who know the voice of the True Shepherd is greatly increasing in Missouri, and a determination to do something for God and humanity is getting hold of many. While there are some so dead they will probably never move,—some who would not come ten miles to the camp-meeting,—many others are wonderfully aroused, and God is greatly blessing them.
We made earnest appeals to the friends of the cause on the importance of the tract and missionary work. Our fund of $1000, started last winter when Eld. Haskell was with us, has subscriptions to the amount of over $700 already, between two and three hundred having been added at this meeting. We expect to raise it, and this will pay all our debts and give us a good supply of publications with which to work. We hope to see the day when Missouri, instead of being behind all her sister Conferences and an object of charity, will be able to help herself and others. We have plenty before us yet to do, but we can begin to see out of the woods. We feel we have got past the worst point. With four hundred copies of the SIGNS distributed weekly in the Conference, and much other work of the tract society, and a feeling of deep interest kindling up among the membership, we hope for much good. Already we hear most encouraging reports. Some are embracing the Sabbath. There are many interested readers. One sister who travels much from town to town says she can find interested readers for all the copies taken in the State. We can circulate many more copies than we can pay for. Quite a number are taking from eight to twelve copies apiece, and they are not very well off either; and many of these are read by two families near by, and then sent a distance to others. This takes work. But we find the more we work for the Lord the better we love to do so. He is a good pay-master, while the devil and the world are very poor pay. The more we work for them the worse we feel.
Seven were baptized at our camp-meeting. The members went home much encouraged. I am fully persuaded that our people have not yet seen the importance of these general meetings. We have supposed it was necessary to have our annual meeting in which to transact our Conference business, and look after the general wants of the cause. Of course this is necessary. But my experience has proved to me the past year that much can be done by having general meetings in different sections of the Conference. We have so much for our preachers to do that our brethren can get but little preaching comparatively. Our people cannot all get out to the annual meeting, as the distance is so great for many of them. If our preachers go around to every church, it takes all their time. Where there is some central point where several hundred can come together, a camp-meeting will accomplish a great amount of good. And it does the people good to make the effort. They are called away from home cares. More can be accomplished in one such four-days’ meeting in rousing the people, firing their zeal, and instructing them, than in three months’ labor in each little church. At least we have found it so here. Our two meetings last fall and two this spring have been so managed as to cost the Conference funds nothing, and they have wonderfully helped forward the work. Instead of having a smaller attendance at our State camp-meeting this fall, we expect many more will be present, because our people have found it good for them to attend, and many say they must be there. There were many camp-meetings in 1844. Ancient Israel used to assemble three times a year. Do we not need such help?
We feel very grateful to God for what he is doing for Missouri. Our funds are coming up some. We have raised subscriptions of upwards of $1200 for tent and camp-meeting fund and T. and M. fund, and some $600 for the circulation of the SIGNS. We expect these will help us out considerably. Our S. B. is still much behind; but this will increase after a while, when our ministers all go to work for the Lord as hard as they ought to.
We pitch our large tent in Sedalia, Mo., at once. That will be my address for the present. We hope for great good there. For some months to come I shall give my whole strength to lecturing and bringing souls into the truth. I must not forget to state that Bro. Farnsworth’s labors among us were greatly blessed of God. He has a large place in the hearts of all our brethren here. I could not have had better help. May the rich blessing of God go with him as he returns to our dear Iowa Conference to bear the many burdens placed upon him.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Hamilton, Mo., June 13.
IT CANNOT BE CONCEALED.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
The Christian Worker is the name of a small paper now published in Springfield, Ohio. The editor is an earnest worker for the Sunday-school cause. From it I take the following:—
“Sunday is of heathen origin. ‘So called because this day was anciently dedicated to the sun, or to its worship.’—Webster.
“We do not exactly see the fitness of things in Christians’ calling their day of religious worship after a heathen god. It would be much more in character to have the name represent the Christian’s God. Why not call and spell it SON-DAY?”
We can see a remarkable fitness in thus letting the name publish to the world the “heathen origin” of the institution. All efforts to conceal this fact must fail. History is too positive in its statements, and too well established throughout the world, to suffer the title of “the venerable day of the sun” to be lost sight of at this day. Any effort to cover up the truth on this point is only a further notification to the world that such a truth exists.
All history points to the decree of Constantine as the first authority for resting from work on the first day of the week. He called it, in that decree, “the venerable day of the sun.” And this order to rest extended only to the towns and cities. Dr. Schaff, in his History of the Church, speaking of Constantine, said he “enjoined the civil observance of Sunday, though not as dies Domini [Lord’s day], but as dies solis [sun’s day], in conformity to his worship of Apollo”—the sun-god. See this and other quotations to like effect in the Review of Baird’s Sermons.
Note the difference. Those who obey God in his fourth commandment, and “call the Sabbath a delight,” are constantly pointing the world to the divine origin of the Sabbath, while the advocates of Sunday are endeavoring to pervert the facts of history in order to conceal the “heathen origin” of the day of popular favor. It is too late. Sunday—“sacred to the sun”—made so by pagan idolators. What a shame to the professed Christian world, to thus follow “the ways of the heathen.” Jer. 10.
J. H. Waggoner.
Sandusky, O., June 10.
HUTCHINSON, MINN., CAMP-GROUND.
By C. W. Stone
Eld. Canright and I arrived at this place Wednesday P. M., June 12. We were somewhat surprised to find eleven tents pitched and some fifty or sixty brethren and sisters in camp, intending to have the benefit of the whole meeting. The ground is that occupied last year. It is in a beautiful grove close to the town, five minutes’ walk from the post-office. Just back of the grove runs a nice little river in which so many were baptized last year.
Bro. Battin gave the first discourse last evening in the hall used by our brethren in the village. To-day we have held two meetings, in each of which Eld. Canright has spoken an hour to the ministers, giving them very practical instruction, and a second hour was used by the brethren in expressing opinions, asking questions, and discussing points suggested in the lecture. To-night there are nineteen ministers in camp, and nineteen tents are pitched. The weather is fine, and all expect a pleasant and profitable meeting. C. W. STONE.
RINGSTED, DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
Monday evening I attended a meeting held by two ministers in Ordrup. One of them was a staunch follower of the doctrines taught by Grundtvig, and he showed great disregard for the word of God. Baptism, the sacraments, and the church were enough for salvation, according to his belief, and in these there was power, he said. He attended our meeting the next evening, and spoke some against the sermon I had given; but beyond this, he was quite friendly. He interrupted me several times while I was speaking, but afterward he apologized for it.
We have also held some meetings in Valsømagle. There are now six persons in that place who have commenced to observe the Sabbath. Last Sabbath we had a very good meeting. There are others here who are convinced in regard to the Sabbath, and the doctrine of the second advent of Christ is received with joy by many.
Sunday I held two meetings and walked nearly thirteen miles. May the Lord still lead us to his own glory and the progress of the truth. JOHN G. MATTESON.
May 27, 1878.
APPOINTMENTS
The T. and M. quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 12, Iowa and Nebraska T. and M. Society, will be held July 7, at David City, Butler Co., Neb. Librarians, be sure to be in time with your reports. All come that can. We invite our preaching brethren to meet with us.
E. D. Hurlburt, Director.
I will be at Jackson, Mich., Sabbath and first-day, June 22 and 23, 1878.
L. Bean.
Travel Report from John F. Hanson in Iowa and Nebraska
By John F. Hanson
On the 24th, I arrived at Forest City, Neb. On my way I held three meetings at Buffalo Grove, where there are a few Danish families, and some are keeping the Sabbath. At Forest City I did not find things as encouraging as when I left in the spring; but with those at Buffalo Grove there are yet twenty-three on the Lord’s side. The friends here have donated to me of their means, and seemed to be willing.
June 3 to 10, I was with the Swedish church at Village Creek, Allamakee county. On the Sabbath we had a very good meeting. The power of the Lord rested upon every one present.
Yesterday (June 11) I arrived at Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa, where one came out on the Sabbath four years ago. Two more have commenced to keep the Sabbath. I expect to commence meetings tomorrow evening. JOHN F. HANSON.
MICHIGAN
Albion, Tent No. 1.
WE commenced services in the tent, June 8. Although the evening was cold and wet, yet we had a good congregation. Have now held six meetings, with our tent well filled with interested listeners. We are much encouraged by this favorable opening. The people are friendly and kind. E. R. JONES. E. P. DANIELS.
Portland, June 14.
HAVE held nine meetings up to date. We have a regular attendance of about one hundred attentive listeners. On the afternoon and evening of Sunday last our tent was full. We have been disappointed in the help we expected in singing, which detracts very much from the interest of our meetings. We hope, by the blessing of God, that some souls will be gathered for the truth before our meetings close. H. M. KENYON.
Clam Lake, Antrim Co., June 10.
SINCE our last report we have held a few meetings in Elmira. Prejudicial influences have kept many away; but those who have attended admit that we have the truth, and some have encouraged us to believe they will obey.
June 1, I joined my brother Richard at Clam Lake, where there is a good interest. We expect a class will be formed here.
Our Sabbath meetings at Rapid River are well attended, and the outside interest is good. At this place a T. and M. society has been organized, in which almost all have taken part. We feel much encouraged for Northern Michigan now that their labors, alms, and prayers are coming up before God. Every day we feel that God is blessing his cause here. JOHN SISLEY.
Lincoln, Isabella Co., June 12.
THE cause is still onward in this county. Six have taken their stand on the truth in this place, where I held my last meetings last spring. We continue our meetings here on the Sabbath, with fair congregations of brethren and sisters. This is quite a central place for the brethren from Union and Chippewa. Our class now numbers about thirty, besides an interesting Sabbath-school of about twenty children. Judging from the testimonies, the Lord has greatly blessed them in obeying the truth. We also have an interesting Bible-class. Truly the Lord is in this work, and is good to the children of men. L. A. KELLOGG.
Pierson, June 10.
WE have been holding meetings in Pierson one week. The congregations have not been very large, but they have been composed of the best class of citizens, who are very attentive. The prophecies have been quite thoroughly canvassed, and the people are well pleased with our manner of explaining them. Last evening, about three hundred listened in almost breathless silence to a stirring discourse from Matt. 24.
This is a pleasant, quiet little place, containing about four hundred inhabitants. The people invite us home with them. They are waiting for the Sabbath question, which is about to be introduced. Two of the ministers of the place have attended the meetings quite regularly.
There are no Sabbath-keepers here.
We are of good courage in the Lord, and we feel that he is helping us present his truth. E. VAN DEUSEN. D. A. WELLMAN.
OHIO
Cook's Corners.
The large Ohio tent is still at Cook's Corners. It was located while Bro. St. John and myself were attending to business with the churches south and west. The brethren did the best they could under their circumstances, but had either of us been there it would, probably, not have been pitched in that place. Very much depends on the location.
But two things reconcile us to the situation. We have had scarcely any good weather for tent-meetings; and we see good fruit of the effort made.
Bro. Mann, who joined me in the work, remained about ten days, and then returned home, concluding that in health he was not fitted for tent labor.
Since we put up a stove in the tent, it is quite comfortable, at least most of the time.
We do not yet know how many will keep the Sabbath, but several are fully decided. We hope for more.
It is not yet decided whether we shall pitch next in Sandusky City or in Springfield. J. H. WAGGONER.
Sandusky, June 10.
Parkman, Geauga Co., June 11.
On account of cold evenings we did not pitch our tent until June 4, though we began our meetings the 7th of May, in the Methodist house, which the people freely offered us.
The interest has increased since the commencement of the meetings, and many come in from the surrounding towns, while many of the best people of the place are almost constant attendants.
The people are the most friendly we have ever met, and we have invitations every day to visit them at their homes.
We have canvassed the Sabbath question, and some are convinced that we have the truth.
O. F. GUILFORD.
E. H. GATES.
JAMAICA, VERMONT.
By A. S. Hutchins
OUR recent meetings in this place were a source of great encouragement to the church. We remained over two Sabbaths and one first-day. I was thankful to meet Eld. I. Sanborn here, and Sr. Sanborn, who has recently come to the State to labor with her husband.
Baptism was twice administered by Bro. Sanborn, seven receiving this solemn rite, four of whom united with the Jamaica church. The last Sabbath we were here, our hearts were cheered by the presence and testimonies of a brother and his companion who are much interested in the truth. This brother said, “It is the happiest day of my life.” He had been reading works furnished him by Bro. Howe, and the day previous, decided to keep the Sabbath. Doubtless his companion is now keeping it with him.
The next day I filled Bro. Sanborn’s appointment at Rawsonville, he returning to Windham to hear and review opposition sermons on the Sabbath. I spoke on the subject of the Sabbath. Here I met an old minister who was very confident in his assertions that the Sabbath is not binding. In proof of this, he affirmed that God showed him, “by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the seventh-day Sabbath is abolished.” He also testified that he does not study his Bible with reference to the subjects on which he is to speak, but that he opens his mouth and the Lord fills it with arguments. It is certainly too bad to accuse the Lord of filling a man’s mouth with so confused and self-contradictory a mass of ideas as he has.
Bro. and Sr. Sanborn were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new tent from Chicago, which will be pitched in Weston. Bro. G. W. Page will join them as tent master. These three will compose tent company No. 1. Bro. and Sr. S. feel quite at home in Vermont, and are laboring with good courage. Let us remember them in our prayers. A. S. HUTCHINS.
West Fairlee, June 9.
IOWA AND NEBRASKA.
The cause among the Scandinavians in this Conference is onward. We now have thirteen companies, twelve of which are fully organized into churches. These include over three hundred Sabbath-keepers, with an S. S. fund of over $100. Sabbath-schools and other matters pertaining to the church are in good condition.
April 12 to May 10, I visited the churches at Crescent City, Elkhorn, Iowa; Swan Lake and Sunny Side in D. T., and Sioux Valley, Iowa. At Swan Lake, a neat and comfortable meeting-house, costing $600, all paid for, was dedicated. Two joined the church, which now numbers fifty-four; and there are others for whom we hope. At Sunny Side five were baptized and added to the church, the S. S. was doubled, amounting to $83 per year, and seven joined the tract society. The church at Sioux Valley has suffered from opposition. Two that had been influenced against the truth joined our church at this meeting. I also had the privilege of baptizing T. Tollofson, a Norwegian brother, who was formerly a Methodist.
May 10, I came to Spencer, Clay county, Iowa. Here we have a little Danish church of ten members, all striving to live out present truth. The Lord seemed very near to us here. Four dear souls followed their Lord in baptism, after which the ordinances were celebrated. This little band is encouraged to press forward.
May 15, I came to Emmetsburg, Palo Alto county. This little church numbers fifteen members. It has not increased in numbers as there is much opposition. The brethren have joined the T. and M. society and commenced to work with tracts and papers, so we hope for better days with them.
BOWING AGAINST THE TIDE.
It is easy to glide with the ripples
Adown the stream of time,
To flow with the course of the river,
Like music to some old rhyme;
But ah! it takes courage and patience
Against its current to ride;
And we must have strength from Heaven
When rowing against the tide.
We may float on the river's surface
While our oars scarce touch the stream,
And visions of early glory
On our dazzling sight may gleam;
We forget that on before us
The dashing torrents roar;
And, while we are idly dreaming,
Its waters will carry us o'er.
But a few—ah, would there were many!—
Row up the “stream of life;”
They struggle against its surges,
And mind neither toil nor strife.
Though weary and faint with labor,
Singing, triumphant, they ride;
For Christ is the hero's Captain
When rowing against the tide.
Far on through the hazy distance,
Like a mist on a distant shore,
They see the walls of a city,
With its banner floating o'er.
Seen through a glass so darkly
They almost mistake their way;
But faith throws light on their harbor,
When darkness shuts out their day.
And shall we be one of that number
Who mind no toil nor pain?
Shall we mourn the loss of earthly joys
When we have a crown to gain?
Or shall we glide on with the river,
With death at the end of our ride,
While our brother, with Heaven before him,
Is rowing against the tide?
—Selected.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.]
THE interest here seems to deepen as the work advances. Twenty-seven, in all, have signed the covenant since the meetings commenced. Bro. Israel is getting acquainted with the interested ones, so as to be able to continue the work when the tent leaves.
When the work is finished here, Brn. Loughborough and Healey expect to hold another series of meetings in Oakland.
MAINE
By Samuel J. Herkum
Held meetings with the friends on Silver Ridge from May 30 to June 3. Left them all holding on to the truth except two. One of these was a little girl who desired to serve the Lord and keep the Sabbath, but her mother would not let her. Three men, heads of families, decided that they would investigate the subject, and would keep the Sabbath if they did not find anything in the Bible against it.
We found two keeping the Sabbath in Sherman, an old man and his wife. Their ages were 75 and 77 years. It was interesting indeed to hear that aged “mother in Israel” tell her experience, and to see her interest in the cause. I would that all our brethren and sisters had as much of the missionary spirit as she seemed to have. She had seen the light and wanted everybody else to see it also.
Stopped one night in Patten on our way back to Oakfield. Sold about seven dollars’ worth of books and obtained a few subscribers for our periodicals. Sold a dozen or more Health Annuals.
SAMUEL J. HERKUM.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
By M. Wood; F. A. Buzzell
Francestown, June 10.
WE pitched our forty-foot tent in this place, June 6, and held our first meeting the following evening, with an attentive audience of over one hundred. The next evening, the rain poured. We lowered our tent sides and prepared our tent for the storm, but not for an audience, and supposed none, not even the nearest, would venture out. We were much surprised, however, when the hour for service came, to see men and women coming in in the drenching rain until thirty were ready for the sermon. Some came a distance of two miles.
We have given four discourses; last evening nearly or quite two hundred were in attendance. There was good order, and close attention was given. Our audiences are of more than ordinary intelligence. The people are very friendly, offering us accommodations and homes. Ministers attend our meetings. M. Wood.
F. A. BUZZELL.
CANADA
By S. N. Haskell
According to appointment, I was with Eld. A. C. Bourdeau at South Stukely, P. Q., Sabbath and first-day, June 8 and 9. About fifty brethren and sisters came together. These are principally the fruit of Bro. Bourdeau's labors since he commenced his mission here two or three years ago. The brethren are about the same as in the United States, so far as this world's goods are concerned; but it is difficult for them to raise money on account of its scarcity and the low wages. Laborers receive 50 cts. per day, and it is difficult to find work at that. First-class mechanics work for a dollar a day. Farmers are unable to get anything but store-pay in exchange for produce.
We had the unexpected pleasure of here meeting Mr. Cook, the husband of Sr. Cook, of Washington, D. C. He was in company with Bro. Whitford, of Berkshire, Vt.
A good degree of the Spirit of God was present in our meetings. Nearly all the brethren remained to our Monday meeting, which, as usual, was the best of all. We organized S. B. amounting to about $275; those not present will bring the sum up to $300. They expect to build a meeting-house here next winter. Our brethren returned home much encouraged. Hearts that had never yielded to the claims of God's law were touched and softened.
It rained much of the time from Friday night till Sunday noon. This doubtless prevented many of those not in the truth from attending who otherwise would have done so, yet a respectable number were in.
We leave to-morrow for DIXVILLE.
S. N. HASKELL.
TEXAS TENT.
By R. M. Kilgore
Terrell, June 10.
Storms, tempest, rain, mud, and mildew have been the order for the past week, during which time we have held but two meetings. It cleared off so that we met at 4 P. M. Sabbath. Over sixty were present, a large number of whom bore a good testimony to the truth, some for the first time. The good Spirit of the Lord was present. More than forty are keeping the Sabbath, and have publicly declared themselves on the Lord’s side. We hear of others every day.
We remain here another week, and then remove to Rockwall, Rockwall county, eighteen miles north-east of Terrell.
Letters from Cleburne and Peoria cheer us with good reports. The brethren and sisters are at work. Their meetings are lively and spiritual. The tract workers are busy. They are looking forward to our general meeting with fond interest, when we hope to have a good meeting.
Our address will be Rockwall.
R. M. KILGORE.
NEW YORK.
By J. Wilbur; A. P. Bump
South Harrisburgh, Lewis Co., June 12.
We came here with our tent, June 3, and held a meeting the next evening. Seventy persons came out to hear the word of the Lord. Although this is a country place, we have never seen a better interest to hear on the part of the people as a whole community than there is here at the present time. J. WILBUR. A. P. BUMP.
ILLINOIS
By C. H. Bliss
Carbondale, June 10.
Our meetings here still continue, with interest. To-day we look for the return of Eld. Colcord, who has been absent from us nearly two weeks, seeing to the wants of the cause in other places. We have much pride and prejudice to contend with. About a dozen have embraced the Sabbath reform since we came here. Last night eight arose for prayers. C. H. Bliss.
Fears of Military Despotism in the United States
THERE are some things which we have fondly deemed forever impossible in the United States. We could not conceive of the combination of circumstances which would render them possible, much less probable, events. Among these was the failure or abandonment of Republican methods, and the establishment, even for a time, of a military despotism. Yet we can to-day, without difficulty, imagine a combination of circumstances in which the better elements of the nation would welcome the strong hand of a Grant or a Sherman to save society in a crisis from dissolution.—Christian Statesman.
ORGANIZATION OF THE WISCONSIN SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
By H. W. Decker; C. W. Stone
At the annual meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Wisconsin, held at Madison, May 29 to June 3, 1878, the formation of a State Sabbath-school Association was considered. The matter was brought before the meeting on Sunday morning, June 2, when it was voted to organize such an association, and Eld. H. W. Decker was appointed chairman, and C. W. Stone secretary pro tem.
It was moved by Eld. G. C. Tenney that the society adopt the constitution of the Michigan Sabbath-school Association. After some remarks by Eld. D. M. Canright, the motion was put and carried.
Moved, by Bro. A. S. Osborn, that the chair appoint a committee of three, to nominate officers. Carried.
The chair appointed G. C. Tenney, D. Downer, and B. Carter such committee. Eld. Canright made remarks upon the necessary qualifications of the officers of such an association; also remarks were made by Eld. Decker.
Moved, by C. W. Stone, that six men be proposed by this nominating committee to act as agents in assisting to organize Sabbath-schools in the Conference. Carried.
Adjourned to call of chair.
SECOND SESSION.
This was called by the chair Monday morning, June 3. Eld. Canright spoke briefly on the necessity of the Sabbath-school. The report of the committee on nominations was received and referred back to the committee.
Adjourned to call of chair.
THIRD SESSION.
After an hour, the chair again called the Association to order, and the report of the nominating committee was again received, as follows: For president, H. W. Decker, executive committee, H. W. Decker, S. S. Smith, N. M. Jordan; secretary, O. A. Johnson. Agents, P. H. Cady, David Downer, Eli Osborn, Rufus Baker, Hans Anderson, T. B. Snow.
These men were severally elected by vote.
Adjourned sine die.
H. W. Decker, Chairman.
C. W. Stone, Sec. pro tem.
The Cause of Truth Moves Onward
The cause of truth moves on in the earth despite every obstacle. Let saints rejoice and Heaven resound the praise.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DIED of a complication of diseases, at Chicago, Ill., May 27, 1878, Rachel H. Evans, in the sixty-eighth year of her age. Sr. Evans was in the first advent movement. She commenced to keep the Sabbath four years ago, and during this time has labored for the interests of present truth in the contribution of means and by personal effort. She had earnestly and joyfully hoped to be living and with the people of her choice at the second coming of our Lord; yet her faith enabled her to say, “Not my will, but thine be done.” She sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, exhorting her friends to come to Christ. Her last precious words were, “Christ has prepared mansions for me.” Mrs. J. D. H. CAMP.
DIED in Almont, Mich., May 31, 1878, Addison Foster, son of John and Vasti Foster, in the twenty-eighth year of his age. He was working with a stump-machine, when it gave way, and falling on him broke his left limb twice in two and badly bruised his body. He died the third day after the accident. Bro. F. observed the Sabbath. His death was peaceful. A father and mother, a wife and four children, mourn his loss. A large audience was in attendance at the funeral. Discourse from Ps. 8:4, by Eld. N. M. Killmar. CAROLINE MOREY.
The Man of Sin.
One of our exchanges the past week introduced an article on the question, “Who is ‘that man of sin?’” with the following paragraph:—
“It is a MAN, not merely a system. It is a man who shall be clothed with kingly power; who shall be in existence at the time of Christ’s coming; who shall deny both the Father and the Son; who shall be himself worshiped as God, in the temple of Jerusalem, when it is rebuilt.”
We doubt if it would be possible to crowd more error and misconception into one paragraph than is contained in the above.
What the Truth Brings.
A SISTER who has lately embraced the truth in Iowa, speaks as follows of her happy experience in the matter:—
“I have since the middle of March been a keeper of the Sabbath of the Lord; and I so much want others to share with me in the great blessing that has come to me since I began to investigate these precious truths. I feel such an increased assurance of God’s love and favor, and I want others to receive with me this blessed light and joy which God has of late shed down upon me in such abundance.”
Let us thank God for a truth that shows the Bible to be a consistent and harmonious book, that dispels the darkness and perplexity which have been brought into Christendom by pagan and papal superstitions and fables, and that brings joy and peace to the heart of the receiver. And let us show our thankfulness for such a truth by more earnest efforts in its dissemination.
The Labor Conflict.
In The Advocate, of New York, of June 5, 1878, we find an article headed, “Despotism, Anarchy, Justice—Which?” which is introduced by a statement from one of its correspondents as follows:—
An esteemed correspondent, who is known on both sides of the Atlantic as a concise and accurate thinker, writes:
My belief now, as in 1873, is that we shall not settle the question of finance, including the relations of capitalist and laborer, without a fight. Reason five years ago—the anticipated organization of the dangerous classes. Reason now—the actual organization of the dangerous classes. The bullionists and bankers, on one hand, boast of their organization. Like all representatives of vested interests, they have the inherent vice of blind obstinacy, and never surrender except on compulsion. On the other hand, the Labor Unions are perfecting and strengthening their organization all over the country. They would be guided by moderate counsels and by moderate men if met by moderation from the other side; but apparently this is past hope. So that with the large infusion of mechanics and laborers of European birth, who feel vindictive—inherit through generations a hatred of the rich—the Labor Unions will not be able to control the destructive elements within and outside of their organization. I regard a period of utter anarchy as quite possible, and more or less of violence as more than probable.
Spiritualism a Curse.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
THE following from the Golden Censer gives a true record of spiritualism:—
“An eastern paper very truthfully observes that spiritualism is a withering scourge; whom it touches it curses. It relaxes morals, weakens conscience, excites passion, destroys domestic purity and peace, works general mischief in society. We have known thousands who have experimented in it, yet not one benefited, but multitudes destroyed by it. In the circle of our own acquaintance, scores of families have been distracted by its influence; others testify to the same results wherever it prevails. The insanity of Robert Dale Owen is one of its fruits, of which there are thousands of examples in lunatic asylums. Wretched wives wandering with vile men, disgraced children, households destroyed, are samples of its work. Is it not time to pluck up a tree which bears such baneful fruit? Have we not seen enough of this delusion to cause general fear of its blighting touch? Its effects are more dreadful than the contagion of mortal disease.”
Wherever it goes, it is a blighting curse. We should avoid it as we would the plague.