The circumstances at the commencement of this meeting were more discouraging than those of any other meeting I ever attended, but it finally turned out to be about the best meeting I ever attended in the State of Missouri. Our new tent did not come as we expected, so we were forced to fall back on the old forty-foot tent. There had been such incessant rains and the prospect was so poor that the brethren could get there, that we seriously thought of giving up the camp-meeting, and pitching the tent in the village and lecturing to the few who came out. Finally, we thought there might be forty or fifty out, and we would have a meeting in the grove. It rained every day till Sunday, and poured down Friday; but all were good natured. There were nearly a hundred Sabbath-keepers present Sabbath, and there would have been as many more probably if circumstances had been favorable.
The same person who troubled us so much in Kansas was present, with his “holiness” to exhibit to those who didn’t want any of that sort; but he found no sympathizers among our people at this meeting. After a unanimous vote Sabbath that they did not want to hear him, he left at once for Gallatin and Minnesota, at which camp-meetings he says he shall present his message again.
After he left, the meetings were excellent. The goodness of the meeting did not consist in its numbers, but in the good spirit of love, union, and encouragement which prevailed among our people. There were no jarring elements among them. The melting Spirit of the Lord came in with power several times, and all our hearts were touched. Quite a number came forward for prayers on Monday. Six were baptized. All were greatly encouraged. Our meetings were more spiritual than those in Kansas. My heart was greatly encouraged to see that a different spirit was working into the Conference. Quite a number of young men and women are taking hold in earnest, and are getting imbued with the real spirit of the message.
There is a great waking up on the T. and M. work. We had a sort of school for instruction in making out reports, and other work connected with the society, and Bro. Hunter, our acting secretary, gave much good instruction. The four hundred copies of the SIGNS that come to this State are doing much good. I did not hear of any who were sorry they had been induced to take clubs of the SIGNS. Interested readers are found in all directions. Our $1000 tract and missionary fund, which we commenced to raise last winter to pay off our indebtedness to the offices and set our society upon its feet, received an additional subscription of nearly $300 at this meeting, though the brethren are poor in this part of the State and the meeting was small. This was done cheerfully and with the best of feeling. We expect to raise this fund sure. We hope to see Missouri, instead of being the farthest behind of any of the T. and M. societies, coming up abreast of them and vying with them in the good work of God. Bro. Haskell’s visit here last winter was a great help in starting this work; it helped more, probably, than anything I have done.
We took up a great deal of time in talking of this branch of the work, and also spoke on S. B. and health reform. It was all well received. More was done at this meeting to advance the interests of these branches of the work than I could have done in three months, by going around to every little church. It does the brethren good to take pains to come together, and spend a few days in seeking God. Many spoke of their gratitude for this privilege. This amount of time saved I can now use in lecturing and bringing souls into the truth.
We all feel the cause is rising in Southern Missouri. We thank God, and take courage. The labors of Bro. Farnsworth were greatly blessed of God, and he has a warm place in the hearts of the brethren. Our outside attendance was not large, but toward the last the interest increased. GEO. I. BUTLER.
Sedalia, Mo., June 4, 1878.
A Request.
By A. S. OSBORN
WILL all the church clerks and S. B. treasurers in Wisconsin send me their address and also the name of their church. It is not uncommon for the P. O. address of the officers to differ from the name of the church. I would like both. I cannot furnish you with the necessary blanks for reporting your S. B. unless I have your address. It is the duty of every S. B. treasurer to report every quarter to the Conference secretary the amount of all moneys sent to the State treasurer.
Do not neglect your duty, but discharge it fully and promptly.
A. S. OSBORN, Conf. Sec.
TEXAS TENT.
By R. M. Kilgore
Terrell, June 3.
RAIN and storms have interrupted our meetings during the week past. The storms of Texas move rapidly; and we have learned by experience that it is not safe to risk the tent standing, even though there be but a slight cloud. In the midst of two discourses the past week we were compelled to dismiss the congregation on account of approaching storms.
On Sabbath and Sunday we held six meetings. These were of peculiar interest. Twenty new converts bore testimony to the truth, and as many more arose to their feet asking the prayers of the servants of God. The Spirit of God was in our midst; tears flowed freely. Our Sabbath meeting was truly a refreshing season. On Sunday night, after a solemn discourse on the seven last plagues, all who were seeking God and desired us to pray for them were invited to occupy the front seats. After these were filled, we asked all such persons present to stand upon their feet, when about one hundred arose. We are not able to tell definitely how many have decided to obey. Some are halting between two opinions. God has given us fruit, for which we praise his holy name.
We are challenged for discussion by one of the largest Disciple guns in the State. I do not know whether or not we shall be detained here longer than our usual time on this account. The people have voted for a debate, and if the questions can be decided and the arrangements made in the presence of the audience, which I propose to have done, we are in for a debate, but on no other consideration. This will give the people a chance to see whether the object of the contending forces is to gain a victory or to elicit truth. It is our opinion that much public discussion can be avoided in this way. Warriors generally want their schemes, tricks, and quibbles kept hid from the public gaze.
We remain here another week at least. Brethren, pray for us. R. M. KILGORE.
WISCONSIN CONFERENCE.
By H. W. Decker; A. S. Osborn
This Conference held its eighth annual session at Madison, Wis., in connection with the camp-meeting, May 29 to June 4, 1878.
Conference convened May 30, at 9 o’clock A. M., the president, H. W. Decker, in the chair. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright.
Delegates being called for, thirty-four responded, representing twenty-seven different churches.
Applications for admittance into the Conference were received from the Pulcifer and Bellefontaine churches, they being represented by delegates.
Voted, That the chair appoint the usual committees.
Adjourned to call of chair.
SECOND SESSION.
This session was called May 31, at 9 o’clock A. M. Prayer by Bro. Tenney.
The committees appointed were as follows: Nominating Committee, P. H. Cady, John Atkinson, and Orcutt Burr; Auditing Committee, Benj. Carter, A. J. Breed, A. C. Woodbury, M. J. Bartholf, Frank F. Elwell; Committee on Credentials and Licenses, O. A. Olsen, J. P. Jasperson, and Geo. C. Tenney; Committee on Resolutions, C. W. Stone, S. S. Smith, and Rufus Baker.
A list of the churches being called for, it was found that twelve churches were not represented. The class at Pardeeville was taken under the watchcare of the Conference, with Bro. Woodward as delegate.
Voted, That on account of the removal of members from the Marquette church, said church be disbanded, and the members recommended to unite with other churches.
Adjourned to call of chair.
THIRD SESSION.
Called June 3 at 5 o’clock A. M. Prayer by Bro. Downer.
The Nominating Committee submitted the following report: For President, H. W. Decker, Monroe, Green Co., Wis.; Secretary, A. S. Osborn, Bloomington, Grant Co.; Treasurer, Wm. Kerr, Monroe, Green Co.; Executive Committee, H. W. Decker; O. A. Olsen, Fort Howard, Wis.; N. M. Jordon, Lodi, Columbia Co. The report was accepted, and the candidates elected to their respective offices.
The other committees not being ready to report, it was voted to suspend the business of the Conference to call of chair, and take up the subject of Sabbath-schools.
On resuming the business of the Conference, the Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported as follows: For Credentials, H. W. Decker, John Atkinson, David Downer, C. W. Olds, George C. Tenney, O. A. Olsen, John G. Matteson, I. Sanborn; for Licenses, O. A. Johnson, J. P. Jasperson, Martin Olsen, A. D. Olsen, A. J. Breed, Eli Osborn, Hans Sorensen, N. M. Jordon, Andrew Christianson, Sherry S. Smith, T. B. Snow, N. Clausen, and George Smith.
Adjourned till 5 P. M. of same day.
FOURTH SESSION.
This session was held June 3 at 5 o’clock P. M. Prayer by Eld. Decker.
The Committee on Resolutions made the following report:—
Resolved, That we heartily approve of the action taken by the last session of the General Conference in relation to the Sabbath-school work; and that we invite our ministers and all our members to lend their special aid to the interest of the Sabbath-schools in our Conference.
Resolved, That all the church clerks in this Conference report promptly and regularly to the president the standing of their several churches, as determined by each quarterly meeting.
Resolved, That we recommend to our churches to discharge such clerks, secretaries, librarians, and s. b. treasurers as are habitually neglectful of duty, especially those that neglect reporting to the State Conference, and elect new ones in their places.
Whereas, The number of our ministers is increasing, and consequently the demand for means is greater, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend that all our s. b. pledges be paid into the treasury of the State Conference.
Resolved, That we express our deepest interest in the labors of our dear Bro. Mattson, and in his mission to Denmark; also that we extend to him and his family our Christian sympathy for the sad affliction that has fallen upon them in the death of their daughter.
Resolved, That the camp-meeting committee be instructed to employ such help as may be necessary to prepare the camp-ground before the opening day of our next camp-meeting.
Resolved, That our thanks are due to Mr. Briggs, of Madison, for the free use of this beautiful grove; to Sheriff Charlton and Deputy McConnell, for their presence to preserve excellent order; to Capt. Freeman, of the Mendota, for his co-operation and courtesy; to the citizens of Madison, for the welcome they have given us and the kind interest they have manifested in our meeting and our personal comfort; and to the Wisconsin State Journal and the Madison Daily Democrat, for their courteous considerations and for the extended reports of our proceedings which they have published.
Resolved, That our thanks are due the General Conference for their timely aid in sending Eld. D. M. Canright and Prof. C. W. Stone to assist us with their labor and counsel in this camp-meeting.
Resolved, That above all, our gratitude is due to the great Giver of all good for the opportunities we have enjoyed on this camp-ground.
The following resolutions in reference to the cause among the Scandinavians, were presented by Bro. Olsen:—
Whereas, The Lord has brought the truth before the Scandinavians through his servants, and many have been led to obey the truth, both in America and in Europe; and
Whereas, The cause among the Scandinavians is growing rapidly, and calls for help are coming in from many places in the United States; also calls from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden for preachers, colporteurs, and correspondents, persons who are willing to devote their time and means to the advancement of his cause among our friends; and
Whereas, There are but few educated men among our Scandinavian brethren, as compared with other denominations, men who are qualified to present these truths correctly and intelligently before the public, and who can act as successful colporteurs and correspondents; and
Whereas, The American brethren are much interested in our mission and its success among the Scandinavians, and are willing to assist in the future as they have done in the past whenever such assistance is needed; therefore,
Resolved, 1. That we acknowledge the goodness of God in giving us the light of present truth, and for the increasing success among our friends both here and in Europe.
2. That we encourage young men and women to educate themselves to write and speak the Danish language correctly, so they may be better fitted to present these truths publicly, to serve intelligently as191colporteurs, and to act as correspondents.
3. That we feel grateful to God for putting it into the hearts of the American brethren to take such an interest in the promulgation of these truths among our people.
4. That we pledge ourselves to act in harmony with the American brethren in advancing this message, both among the Americans and Scandinavians; yet we feel it our duty to make it our chief object to work for our own people.
Resolved, That the Scandinavians have their Sabbath-schools in their own language as far as practicable, in order that the youth may have a chance to learn the truth in their own tongue, and thus, at the same time, learn to speak the same language more readily.
All the foregoing resolutions were taken up singly and unanimously adopted.
Voted, That the chair appoint a camp-meeting committee of three, to prepare the camp-ground before the opening of our next camp-meeting.
The secretary makes the following report: Whole number of churches, 47; No. reported, 35; No. not reported, 12; No. of members reported for the Conference year 1877, 990; No. reported for 1878 from 28 churches, 868. Nineteen churches did not make any church report. No. of S. S. scholars reported, 447, showing 150 more than for 1877. Amount of s. b. reported for 1878, $2,207.88; only thirty churches reported their s. b. No. of ordained ministers, 8; licentiates, 13.
The treasurer reported as follows:—
Rec’d during year, $2785.99
Paid out on orders, 1894.26
Balance on hand, $891.73
Voted, That the secretary be instructed to furnish a copy of the business proceedings of this Conference for publication in the Review and Herald; also that a copy of the local resolutions be furnished the city papers for publication.
Voted, To donate to the General Conference fund the sum of $200.
Voted, To refer the case of Bro. P. L. Hoen, who was recommended for license, to the Executive Committee.
Camp-meeting committee appointed: N. M. Jordon, T. B. Snow and A. J. Breed.
Adjourned sine die.
H. W. Decker, Pres.
A. S. Osborn, Sec.
BEAUTIFUL THINGS.
By Ellen P. Allerton
Beautiful faces are those that wear—
It matters little if dark or fair—
Whole-souled honesty printed there.
Beautiful eyes are those that show,
Like crystal panes where hearth-fires glow,
Beautiful thoughts that burn below.
Beautiful lips are those whose words
Leap from the heart like songs of birds,
Yet whose utterance prudence girds.
Beautiful hands are those that do
Work that is earnest and brave and true,
Moment by moment, the long day through.
Beautiful feet are those that go
On kindly ministries to and fro—
Down lowliest ways, if God wills it so.
Beautiful shoulders are those that bear
Ceaseless burdens of homely care
With patient grace and daily prayer.
Beautiful lives are those that bless,—
Silent rivers of happiness,
Whose hidden fountain but few may guess.
Beautiful twilight at set of sun,
Beautiful goal, with race well won,
Beautiful rest, with work well done.
—Ellen P. Allerton.
TENNESSEE
Goodlettsville, June 4.
DURING the week that has passed since our last report, the interest and the congregations have been steadily increasing. We have given two discourses on the subject of the Sabbath, with which some have been very favorably impressed. Vocal music helps much in attracting the people.
The time has come, in our lectures, to commence visiting. May the Lord give wisdom for this important part of our work.
The rain prevented our meeting last night. Wheat harvest is just commencing, strawberry harvest, just closed. Peach trees are breaking down with their load of fruit. The weather is very warm.
S. OSBORN.
G. K. OWEN.
E. Junction, June 5.
SINCE my last report, I have labored most of the time in the vicinity of Simpkins chapel. I sold about five dollars' worth of books.
Sabbath, June 1, I spent with the brethren near Union chapel. Two united with the church, one was baptized, and one decided to keep the Sabbath. I consider this a very promising place for another course of lectures. Many will come in, if the church live the truth.
My address is E. Junction, Tenn.
ORLANDO SOULE.
ALABAMA
By A. O. Burrell
Gadsden, June 4.
The truth has been gaining friends here during the week just past. Fifteen or more have begun Sabbath observance, and others are interested notwithstanding the great efforts made by all denominations to keep the people away. We trust the Lord has a people here that will obey the third angel’s message.
Pray for us and the work here.
A. O. BURRELL.
NEW YORK.
By M. H. Brown; H. H. Wilcox
Pierrepont, June 3.
Our meetings at the Center closed last Tuesday evening. The interest has not been healthy, our congregations being made up of a changing class, our audiences ranging from twenty-five to one hundred and twenty-five. A few came regularly, and five in this section have taken their stand on the Sabbath since our last report.
We have organized a Sabbath-school in the Cook district, and held six meetings in that neighborhood preparatory to organization. We have tried to be thorough, and the Lord has greatly blessed our efforts. There is a general expression of gratitude among them for Bible instruction. They are abandoning tobacco, and they receive the health reform with favor. Yesterday we organized a class of seventeen.
We are now on our way to Brushton, Franklin county, where we expect to pitch our tent this week. M. H. BROWN. H. H. WILCOX.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
By M. Wood; F. A. Buzzell
Francestown, June 5.
We intend to pitch our forty-foot tent in this place to-morrow, and to hold our first meeting Sabbath eve, June 7. Brn. Farrington and F. Gould are rendering valuable assistance. M. Wood. F. A. Buzzell.
IOWA
By G. V. Kilgore
Ogden, Boone Co., June 7.
Bro. J. Bartlett and I have our tent pitched and seated, and we commence meetings to-night. We invite the brethren in this section of country to come and hear us. G. V. Kilgore.
NEBRASKA
Weeping Water, Cass Co.
We pitched our tent at Weeping Water, May 30, and commenced meetings the 31st. Our congregations are good. The people give good attention.
M. Hackworth.
H. Shultz.
Stromsburg.
Last Sabbath, June 1, I spent with the Stromsburg church. We held meetings in their new meeting-house, the first house of worship ever erected in this State for the use of believers in the third angel’s message. This house is not yet completed. The brethren thought it best to wait till after harvest, when it can be done without incurring a debt.
Love and union prevail in the church here, and their influence is such that others are interested and inquiring after truth.
Chas. L. Boyd.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
In the Signs of May 30, Brn. Loughborough and Healey report another interesting and profitable week in their tent-meetings at San Francisco. Twenty-two have signed the covenant. There are many openings for visiting and missionary work. Bro. Israel is now there, and has entered upon this branch of the work.
MICHIGAN
Labor Among the Churches.
Immediately after the dedication of the church at Lakeview, we rode across the country a distance of twenty-two miles to Greenville in Montcalm county, where we remained and labored until the 25th of May.
On the Sabbath, the members of the churches at Orleans and Bushnell were very fully represented in our meeting, having come a distance respectively of ten and eleven miles. The interest thus manifested on their part was very encouraging. They took part also in our social meeting with a promptitude which was really gratifying, and afforded us the privilege of listening to sixty-one testimonies in less than an hour.
After returning home from Greenville, we enjoyed two or three days of rest, and were unexpectedly summoned by telegram to Wright, Ottawa county, for the purpose of preaching the funeral discourse of Solomon D. Covey, whose life was suddenly terminated by a distressing providence, a detailed account of which is given in the mortuary column.
Having remained in Wright in order to preach on the Sabbath and Sunday following the funeral, we returned again to Allegan, which place we reached on the evening of the 3d of June.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
Portland, June 6.
We pitched our tent at Portland, Ionia county, June 4, and held our first meeting on the evening of the 5th. About one hundred were present. This is a quiet, pleasant town of about twelve hundred inhabitants. Bro. Geo. H. Randall, director of Dist. No. 10, is with me. We expect Bro. Lamson soon.
There will be meeting at the tent each Sabbath while we are here at 10:30 A. M. We invite our brethren in the surrounding country to meet with us.
H. M. KENYON.
ITEMS OF THE KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.
By J. P. Henderson
There were present at this meeting over two hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers, representing about eighty-five families. There were about thirty-five tents on the ground, and over forty teams.
From the first, the Spirit of God seemed to be present, and deep feeling was manifested. The preaching was effective. One brother who has lately embraced the truth, wrote to his wife: “We are having a glorious meeting. Elds. Butler and Farnsworth are here, full of the blessing of the Lord. I wish you were here.” Another who was almost prevented from reaching the ground by the swollen streams, after hearing one sermon said he was paid for all his trouble.
One aged brother, Father Dickson, with six others, came over three hundred miles. It required nine days to make the journey, and over a month to complete the entire trip. The true missionary spirit seemed to fill Father Dickson’s heart, as he spent most of his time in scattering tracts and obtaining subscribers.
On the evening of the Sabbath, Eld. Farnsworth preached from Rev. 3:12. After preaching, many gathered around the stand, and with weeping, expressed their love for these grand truths. Hearts were too full for utterance, and it was truly said that “glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.”
Among those who went forward for prayers and were baptized was a little boy seven years of age. His parents at first tried to restrain him. After he was baptized he bore his testimony with a feeling that made our hearts rejoice.
Much credit is due Bro. and Sister Glover, on whose premises the meeting was held. They seemed to have a parental interest in every one present, and their home was a hospital for the weary and afflicted. Surely the blessing of God will ever be with them. Our parting was a tearful one, and we are ever wishing the time to hasten when we shall meet to part no more.
We received some thirty subscribers for our periodicals on the ground, and took in about $60 at the book stand.
J. P. HENDERSON.
Grace Church's Costly Reredos Criticized as Worldly Display
“A REREDOS.”—The Golden Rule is slightly “sarkastikal,” as Josh Billings would say, in the following. Hear it:— It is so encouraging, in these days of scientific skepticism, of impudent reforms that assume to do the work of religion, and of struggling churches that haven’t the delicacy to conceal their poverty, to learn that “the cause of Christ” is so prosperous in New York that not only has another $750,000 temple been recently dedicated, but Grace church is to have a reredos of “exceeding beauty,” at a cost of $30,000. A reredos, unsophisticated reader,—if we have any such,—is a screen or background for the “altar.” One that costs thirty thousand dollars can hardly fail to advance the kingdom rapidly,—and it will be “so sweet!” Even a casual study of the life of Jesus the Nazarene and his band of disciples, cannot fail to show the appropriateness and importance of a reredos in a house dedicated to his service. We are surprised at the moderation of these marble-temple worshipers. Sixty thousand dollars would be nearer the mark. But the poor and the needy? Oh, those we have with us always; give them a six hundred dollar chapel, and plenty of crumbs.—Religious Intelligencer.
COMFORTING WORDS.
By J. D. Pegg
“Thus saith the Lord: Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border.” Jer. 31:16, 17.
I was forcibly reminded of the comfort contained in this and kindred passages of Scripture on witnessing the death of a dear boy about eight years of age, the only son of Bro. and Sr. O. M. Olds. He was taken with diphtheria, and died, after suffering five days, on Friday, the 17th of May.
Amos was a praying child, and has taken part with his parents in family prayer ever since he was three years old. He was a boy of more than ordinary promise. When asked by his father if he was willing to die, he replied, Yes, if the Lord wants me to. He then asked his father to pray that the Lord would forgive him for a bad word he had hastily spoken a few days before, and that the Lord would let him die easy. As we bowed in prayer around his bed he bowed himself upon his hands and knees, and remained so during prayers. So meltingly did he confess himself a sinner, his love for and confidence in God, and his hope of a resurrection, that the stout heart of an ungodly man, the attending physician, was broken, and he retired to an adjoining room to weep aloud.
An hour after he requested his father to take him in his arms and walk with him. It was a touching sight to see the weeping parents, as they paced the room with their dying boy, their last walk together along the shades of the dark valley. “This is a terrible walk,” exclaimed the father, “our last walk on earth, my son.” “Yes, papa; our next walk with each other will be in the city of God, and it wont be long till that time either.”
As he twined his little arm around his father’s neck and pressed his cheek, and spoke of the angel who would stand by his grave to receive him, his confidence that the Lord would come, and that he would meet his parents again where there would be no more sickness, but they would live together forever, I thought, Oh, glorious hope! Though the king of terrors may have us in his icy embrace, yet we can look forward to a glorious resurrection soon to come. Only Adventists can have this cheering hope which gives consolation to Bro. and Sr. Olds in their affliction. Little Amos will come again from the land of the enemy, and it wont be long either.
His prayer for an easy death was answered in a remarkable manner. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
J. D. Pegg.
Marshalltown, Iowa.
KANSAS SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
By J. W. Lesan
The Sabbath-school Association of the Kansas Conference of S. D. Adventists held its second annual session on the camp-ground at Neosho Falls, Kan., May 22-27, 1878. The Association convened May 24, Eld. J. Lamont in the chair.
The Constitution of the Michigan S. S. Association of S. D. Adventists was taken up, and after some consideration was adopted in full. An increased interest was manifested, and some very appropriate remarks were made by those experienced in the work. The superintendents were called for, and a separate session was held by them, in which some nineteen Sabbath-schools were represented. It was resolved that a more combined effort should be made to systematize the work, and thus make it more effectual, as we believe it to be one of the main sources of strength in our cause, especially to secure the interests of the young.
The last session was held May 27. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: For President, W. E. Dawson, Rush Center, Rush Co., Kan.; Secretary and Treasurer, N. W. Vincent, Thayer, Neosho Co.; Counsellor at large, Eld. J. N. Ayers, Garnett, Anderson Co.