Business Proceedings of the Missouri and Kansas Conference.
By George Ide Butler; Smith Sharp
THE fourth annual session of the Missouri and Kansas Conference of S. D. Adventists convened at Centerville, Kan., May 31, 1873. The President being absent, Eld. Geo. I. Butler called the meeting to order. Prayer by Bro. J. H. Cook. Credentials of delegates were then called for. J. H. Cook, from the Mound City church, and Smith Sharp, from the Centerville church, J. G. Wood, from the Nashville church, John Hoff, Eli Wick, and Wesley Hoff, from the Avilla church, and Levi R. Long, from the Civil Bend church, were received as delegates. Organized churches, not belonging to the Conference, desiring admission, called for. C. H. Stevens, from the Elk Falls church, and C. H. Chaffee, from the Palermo church, responded. On motion, the above churches were admitted, with the above persons as delegates.
Voted, That all persons present in good standing in any S. D. A. church in this Conference, be invited to participate in our deliberations.
The President of the Conference being absent, Eld. G. I. Butler was chosen President pro tem. The Secretary being absent, Smith Sharp was chosen Secretary pro tem.
The President, after being duly authorized, appointed the following Committees:—
On Nominations, Eli Wick, C. H. Chaffee, and Smith Sharp. On Resolutions, J. H. Cook, Levi R. Long, C. H. Stevens. On Credentials and Licenses, J. H. Rogers, John Hoff, C. H. Stevens. Auditing, Eli Wick, C. F. Stevens, Smith Sharp, Wesley Hoff, J. H. Rogers, Jos. G. Wood.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
Conference called at 9 A. M., Sunday, June 1. The Committee on Nominations made the following report:—
For President, J. H. Rogers, Alta Vista, Daviess Co., Mo.; Secretary, Charles F. Stevens, Elk Falls, Howard Co., Kansas; Treasurer, J. N. Ayers, Farlinville, Linn Co., Kansas; Executive Committee, J. H. Cook, T. J. Butler. Report accepted, and the above persons elected to their respective offices. Remarks in regard to the duty of the Executive Committee were made by Eld. Butler.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
Conference was called at 6 P. M., Sunday. Committee on Credentials made the following report:—
We recommend that the credentials of H. C. Blanchard be renewed, and that Bro. T. J. Butler be ordained to the ministry and receive credentials; and that the following persons receive a license to improve their gifts: J. H. Cook, Jos. G. Wood, C. H. Chaffee, Jos. Lamont, Levi R. Long, and J. H. Rogers. Report accepted, and credentials and licenses granted as committees recommended.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following report:—
Resolved, That we, as a people, express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to God for the privilege we have enjoyed at this camp-meeting, and rejoice to see the harmony and union of sentiment and feeling which prevail.
Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the General Conference for the watchful care they have exercised over the interests of the cause in this Conference, and that we highly appreciate the labors of Bro. Geo. I. Butler, for the interests of the cause among us.
Resolved, That, although we regret the cause for the action of the General Conference in not sending us a laborer this season, we acquiesce in their judgment in so doing.
Resolved, That we express our continued and increasing interest in the doctrines held by us as a people, and our determination to do our part to bear them to the world, both by contributing of our means, and by living out the truths before the world; and that we earnestly invite the hearty co-operation of ministers and people in the quarterly contributions of their S. B. funds to the Conference Treasurer, so that the tent labor will not be hindered this season.
Resolved, That we request Bro. S. N. Haskell to visit us at his earliest convenience to assist us in organizing a Tract and Missionary Society in this Conference.
Resolved, That we extend our thanks to the Centerville church for the kind and Christian manner in which they have entertained us at this camp-meeting.
Resolved, That, in view of the scarcity of means in the Conference Treasury, we request all our churches to send all their S. B. funds to Conference Treasurer.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Conference be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD.
Adjourned, sine die.
G. I. BUTLER, Pres. pro tem.
SMITH SHARP, Sec. pro tem.
Proceedings of the Iowa and Neb. Conference.
By Henry Nicola; L. McCoy
This Conference held its eleventh annual session at Washington, Iowa, in connection with a camp-meeting, commencing June 5, 1873. It was called to order by Eld. Henry Nicola, President, at 9 o’clock A. M., June 6. Prayer by Eld. R. M. Kilgore.
Credentials of Delegates called for, and examined by Conference Committee, who submitted the following report:—
Churches represented, 27; delegates present, 30.
On motion, Church at Hook’s Point, Iowa, was received into the Conference, with John D. Ballard as delegate.
On motion, Church at Alton, Iowa, was received into the Conference, with Eld. J. H. Morrison as delegate.
On motion, Church at Soldier Valley, Iowa, was received into the Conference, with Eld. R. M. Kilgore as delegate.
On motion, members present and in good standing with their respective churches, were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.
Minutes of business of previous Conference read and approved.
On motion, the company of Sabbath-keepers at Siam, Taylor Co., Iowa, were taken under the watchcare of the Conference.
By the authority of the Conference, the President appointed the following committees:—
Committee on Nominations: P. A. Roberts, D. T. Shireman, and Wm. Andrews. Committee on Resolutions: Eld. J. H. Morrison, Eld. R. M. Kilgore, and A. W. H. Millard.
Auditing Committee: Benn Auten, Jacob Shively, M. D. Clarke, A. Caldwell, C. A. Washburn, and Sidney H. Hart.
After appropriate remarks by Eld. Geo. I. Butler, Pres. of Gen. Conference, on the subject of granting credentials and licenses to ministers, a committee was appointed to report the names of such persons as should receive the same, consisting of J. T. Mitchell, Benn Auten, and Minos Miller. Adjourned to call of Chair.
Conference convened at 10 A. M., June 8. Prayer by Elder J. H. Morrison. The Nominating Com. made the following report:—
For President, Eld. H. Nicola; Secretary, L. McCoy; Treasurer, Minos Miller. Conference Committee, Eld. J. H. Morrison and Eld. R. M. Kilgore. Report accepted, and on motion they were declared the officers of the Conference for the ensuing year. Remarks by Eld. Geo. I. Butler with regard to the wants of the cause, and the necessity of some careful, prudent brethren removing from this Conference to Battle Creek. Remarks by Eld. James White on the same subject. Adjourned to call of President.
Convened again at 6 o’clock P. M., June 8. Prayer by Eld. J. T. Mitchell. Eld. Geo. I. Butler offered the following:—
Whereas, There is great need that some of our brethren remove to Battle Creek, to share in bearing burdens, and to assist in building up our institutions there, and reposing special confidence in Bro. B. Auten, of Knoxville, Iowa, and knowing that he loves the cause, will be an efficient worker, and that he will faithfully represent this Conference,
Therefore, Resolved, That he be requested to remove to Battle Creek, as soon as he can arrange his affairs to do so.
Some time was spent in the discussion of the subject of the distribution of ministerial labor throughout the bounds of the Conference. No action taken. Adjourned to call of President.
Conference convened at the call of the President, at 9 o’clock A. M., June 9. Prayer by Eld. R. M. Kilgore. Committee on Credentials and Licenses recommended that the credentials of Eld. Geo. I. Butler, D. M. Canright, H. Nicola, J. T. Mitchell, J. H. Morrison, R. M. Kilgore, and Squier Osborn, be renewed; and that licenses be granted C. L. Boyd, which was adopted.
The Treasurer made the following report:—
On acc’t of S. B. Fund, Dr.
June 9, 1872, to Cash rec’d of
R. M. Kilgore, on settlement, $1138.20
June 9, 1872, to Cash rec’d
during year, on settlement, 3045.76
Total, $4183.96
On acc’t of S. B. Fund, Cr.
June 9, 1873, by Cash paid
out as per Treasurer’s book, $3102.58
June 9, 1873, by cash on hand
to balance Treasurer’s book, 1081.38
Total, $4183.96
On acc’t of Camp-meeting Fund, Dr.
June 10, 1872, to Cash rec’d of
R. M. Kilgore on settlement, $130.65
June 9, 1873, to Cash rec’d dur-
ing year, 7.25
Total, $137.90
Cr.
June 9, 1873, by Cash paid as
per Treasurer’s book, $75.00
June 9, 1873, by Cash on hand
to balance, 62.90
Total, $137.90
On acc’t of Tent Fund, Dr.
June 9, 1872, to Cash
rec’d during year, $357.00
Total, $357.00
Cr.
June 9, 1873, by Cash
paid out during year, $357.00
Total, $357.00
Voted, That the churches be recommended to send the 20 per cent now on hand, of S. B. Fund, to the Treasurer of T. and M. Society (L. McCoy, Sigourney, Iowa), to form a Widow and Orphans’ Fund.
Voted, That the following brethren act as a Camp-meeting Committee: Minos Miller, Jacob Shively, and Sidney H. Hart.
Voted, That the Conference Secretary be authorized to send to the churches blanks for quarterly reports at the end of each quarter, that they may be filled up, and returned immediately.
No. of churches organized in Conf., 28; No. of members, 770; No. paying S. B., 537; No. of Sabbath-school scholars, 635.
Am’t of S. B. pledged in Conf., $3003.11.
“ “ “ “ “ State Conf., 2577.16
The Committee on Resolutions made the following report, which was adopted unanimously:—
Resolved, That we express our gratitude for the presence and labors of Bro. and sister White in our midst at this Conference, and our warm sympathy with them in the affliction they have experienced on account of the feeble health of Bro. White, and our earnest wish that they may both be able still to labor in the cause we love.
Resolved, That we express our continued and increasing faith in the great truths held by our people, and in the means and agencies which are being used for its advancement. And, while we have such multiplied evidence that God is opening the way before us, as the many appeals come up for labor, and calls increase for our publications, in our own and foreign languages, we recognize the imperative duty, on our part, of greater zeal and earnestness in the work and cause of God.
Resolved, That we hereby express our sense of the loss we have experienced as a Conference, in the death of our beloved brother, Jacob Hare, one of the members of our Executive Committee during the past year, and our heartfelt sympathy with his bereaved family.
Resolved, That this Conference donate to the General Conference Fund the sum of $500.00.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this Conference be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD. HENRY NICOLA, Pres.
L. McCoy, Sec.
California.
By John Norton Loughborough
My last report was made at Santa Rosa, April 23, just after my return from Red Bluff and Woodland. Sabbath, April 26, I had two encouraging meetings with the church in Healdsburg. On first-day, the 27th, I spoke twice to interested and attentive audiences at Green Valley. May 3 and 4, held meetings again with this church. Their membership has been much reduced by members moving to other places, still there are a few who meet together, and try to encourage one another in the good way. They have had but little benefit from preaching, the last year, yet they have kept up their S. S. promptly, even their non-resident members keeping their dues square, thus promptly doing their part to send out the truth to others. As I was detained near home a few days in fitting up the new tent, it seemed to me that Green Valley church was entitled to a few meetings, at least. I trust it was not in vain.
Tuesday, May 6, met with the church of Petaluma, at the house of Bro. Chapman. Two were baptized in a beautiful place which had been prepared near Bro. Chapman's residence.
Sabbath, May 10, met with the church in Bloomfield; preached to them in the forenoon. In the afternoon, we had an interesting social meeting, at the close of which, Bro. John Judson, who has been serving for some time as leader of meetings, was unanimously elected, and ordained as elder of the Bloomfield church.
Sunday, May 11, I went to Stony Point. At this place, I gave a brief course of lectures two years since, and four or five came out on the truth and united with the Bloomfield church. I had not preached in the place since, and was earnestly requested to do so. I went, not supposing there would be opposition to my occupying a house which had always been occupied for religious meetings, and where I had been perfectly welcome two years before. There were two men in the neighborhood whose wives had embraced the truth, and these men had set up a most unreasonable opposition to them. They objected to my speaking in the house, and claimed that the majority of the district and the trustees were opposed to my holding meetings in the house.
As I understand the laws of California, it is required that when objection is raised to a school-house being occupied for religious purposes it must be submitted to a vote of the district, at a meeting properly called, and thus settled. I proposed to avoid trouble on the occasion, by retiring to the house of sister Wallace for meeting. Her husband made us welcome, and soon prepared a place in the shade, back of the house, where we had a meeting, some two-thirds of the congregation going with us to the place prepared. We had a good meeting, and good liberty in speaking to the friends once more, in that neighborhood.
Right at this point, I deem it due to friends in Sonoma County, that I make a statement respecting some matters of conversation that transpired that day. Mention was made in the school-house of my having been turned out of the Monroe school-house four years ago. The question was asked by an opposer if the man who turned me out of Monroe school-house had a right to do it. I claimed he had not, in the manner he did, and, that if he had not left the country, and stayed away one year, he would have been brought before the grand jury for violently laying hands on me and thrusting me out of that house. Not that I designed to do it. Others stated that they should do it; but when the grand jury met, the man was gone. Now, I am informed by a brother, that a man from Stony Point took the pains to go to Monroe district and see the man who thrust me out of Monroe school-house, who says I told two lies at Stony Point, May 11.
First, he claims that I said the man who thrust me out at Monroe settlement was not a trustee. I did not say he was not trustee; but I said he had no authority to put me out in the manner he did; and I say so still. His being trustee did not give him authority to lay violent hands on any one.
Second, He claims that I said the above man left the country to get rid of being prosecuted for turning me out of the Monroe school-house. He has inquired of the man, and he denies having left for any such purpose. I did not say the man claimed he left the country to avoid the law. But that, if he had not left, he would have been brought before the grand jury, and it would probably have cost him five hundred dollars.
I have no ill will to say of these opponents. If this is the best kind of argument they have against the truth of the fourth commandment, they will probably thus go on, for men generally use the best arguments they have. I have only to say, that, in kind, such opposition savors too much of the nature of that used by the Catholic church against the Reformers.
Sabbath and first-day, May 17, I held three interesting meetings in San Francisco. Also, on May 24 and 25, I was with Bro. Cornell in San Francisco, where he spoke twice with good liberty.
On Monday, May 26, we came to Napa City, where we erected our new tent, and we are now in the midst of an interesting tent meeting. We have already held fourteen meetings. These have been well attended, and a deep interest is manifest in the word spoken. $21.00 worth of books have already been taken, and last evening, at the earnest request of the hearers, a collection was taken up, the people contributing $21.00 toward our expenses here. We still labor on, expecting the Lord to give the increase, if we humbly do our duty in presenting the truth.
It is just five years to-day, since I left Battle Creek for California. When I look back over that time, I praise God for the success that has attended the proclamation of the truth thus far, on this coast. We came on this coast, strangers to all. Now there are upward of three hundred Sabbath-keepers, besides numerous outside friends, who welcome15us to their homes. Of course, our labors have not been as successful as though we had been used to a field of this kind. Wherein any mistakes have been made, through lack of consecration on our part, may God forgive. In the future, I hope to be more diligent and earnest than in the past.
If aught is done, we must have the Lord's help. To have that, we must earnestly seek him, humbly and confidingly trust in him, and faithfully do our duty. May it be so. Pray for us. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Napa City, Cal., June 9, 1873.
A PRAYER.
By E. B.
Close to thy side, dear Crucified,
Yes, closer, closer still
Let me abide.
Beneath the shadow of thy wing
Help thou my trusting hope to sing
Of peace I can the fullest bring
Through doing thine own will.
If surges o’er my spirits soar,
Incline the trembling heart
To love thee more.
Great riches of thy grace forbear,
Unworthy this I am to share—
Just let me feel thou hast a care
That never will depart.
Thy way is known; let it be shown
Through meekest spirit given
Thy love I own.
Though darkness covers all around,
Though every path be thorny ground,
But clearer let within be found
A voice that whispers, Heaven.
E. B.
New York.
By C. O. TAYLOR
PITCAIRN is one of the southern towns in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. The population in 1870 was 667. One year ago, there were six Sabbath-keepers in the town. Three of these were Adventists, and have been for years. One of the others was partly inclined that way. At the present date, May 28, 1873, there are twenty-three Sabbath-keepers. Nineteen of the number are Adventists. This town, during the last year, has been much stirred on the Sabbath and other Bible truths. Bro. H. H. Wilcox labored in teaching the word, in the west part of the town, last fall. As the result, a church of nine was organized. Others have joined since, as he has reported. I came here to baptize and to assist in organizing. I then went to the east part of the town and labored in several districts, also in the town of Fine, in an adjoining district. Some twenty commenced to keep the seventh-day. Elder Prentice of the seventh day Baptist order, from Adams Center, discussed the Sabbath two days in another part of the town; the first day, with a Disciple, the next, with a Baptist minister. They both took the position, the Sabbath was not known till after the exode from Egypt; the ten commandments are abolished; with other unscriptural positions that are common to that theory. All of which was shown to be error when brought to the Bible and examined in its light. The Sabbath gained in the minds of the candid during these two days. Its origin and perpetuity were made very clear and plain by Elder P. But, alas! some do not act on their own judgment, or according to their convictions. Last first-day was a good day for the cause of present truth here; nine received the ordinance of baptism, made pleasant by a beautiful day and a good place, and sacred by the presence of the Spirit of God. I trust the solemn vows will never, never, be forgotten, and that the dear ones will ever remember that they there declared themselves dead to sin. May they from henceforth live for the next life, that comes through Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. Yesterday, eleven covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Three others will join them in a short time. $25.60 was pledged to be paid before our next Conference, which, considering their circumstances, was very liberal. Our brethren from the west part of the town were with us on Sabbath and first-day, adding to the interest by their testimonies. We were also cheered by the presence of some of our seventh-day Baptist brethren and their warm and earnest testimonies for God’s holy law and Sabbath.
The denominations of the town are Baptist, Methodist, Disciple, and Congregationalist, all of whom have opposed, and hindered from obeying God and keeping his Sabbath. Yet some did believe, and dared to obey. Among the number, was Eld. D. Durland, a retired Baptist minister, now in his eightieth year. By reading some of the first writings of Wm. Miller, some thirty years ago, he became interested in the second coming of Jesus. For thirty years, he has occupied the no-Sabbath ground. It is quite evident that God has been preparing him for other truth and duties. He soon saw that the Sabbath was binding, and, with his wife, commenced keeping it, with the other commandments of God’s law which he has ever considered sacred and binding. He is well-read in the Bible, has been zealous for the right, was a warm supporter of the downtrodden and oppressed, in the days of American slavery. He was chosen leader of the Sabbath meetings, and superintendent of the Bible-class. He is truly a father in Israel, and, as such, will be a great help to those who have received and obey the truth. C. O. TAYLOR.
Michigan.
By C. Stoddard
Having failed to report the labor, as appointed, at Alma, Ithaca, Fulton, Greenbush, and St. Charles, in due season, I shall report no further than to say that I was at my work, and tried, with the help of the Lord, to do it well. We enjoyed in a good degree the blessing of the Lord. In the future, I shall try to report in good time.
May 3 and 4. In company with Bro. Corliss, I visited the church at Williams, Bay Co. With this people, we enjoyed a season of grace that is better felt than told. Especially while attending to the ordinances, the sweet, melting influences of the Spirit of the Lord made it a rich season of grace. Four were added to the church by baptism, as the fruit of the labors by Brn. Corliss and Haskins.
May 17 and 18, visited the company of Sabbath-keepers at E. Saginaw. Organized them into a church, twelve in number; four others under their watchcare. May they prove to be such as shall finally be saved. Our social and ordinance meetings were precious seasons.
May 24 and 25 was the first of my noticed appointments, which was at Greenbush, which I failed to meet, on account of sickness of self and family.
May 29, moved out for Bunkerhill, in a poor condition of health, trusting in the Lord. Stopped at the home of Bro. Titus, at Leslie, Mich., in need of rest.
May 30, met the friends at Bunkerhill. Good attendance. The meeting was well represented from Genoa and Leslie. The Lord was truly with us. All felt that it was good to be there.
Sunday evening, returned to Leslie; stopped at the home of Bro. Richmond, with a troublesome cough and some fever, but with a few days of thorough hygienic treatment, and with a corresponding diet, I found myself getting better.
Much encouraged, I started, June 2, for Locke. Stopped at Leroy station. Disappointed at not finding any one to help me on to the place of meeting, six miles. My letter, asking the favor, had not been received. Found Bro. and sister Haskins at this place, which was a help in time of need. A good interest to hear; they have so little preaching, they sometimes get very hungry for the word. Our social meetings were rich and spirited. One young lady commenced, at this meeting, to seek the Lord. May she find him, to her great joy. I am still gaining strength, which I am resolved to spend in this good work.
C. STODDARD.
Minnesota Tract and Missionary Society.
By I. Z. Lamb
The members of the Seventh-day Adventist churches, situated in the south-east part of Minnesota, met at Stewartville, for the purpose of organizing a Tract and Missionary Society. Eld. Haskell presented the plan and working of the Tract and Missionary Society in other Conferences, at the close of which, Eld. Pierce, Grant, and others, spoke in behalf of a State organization in this Conference. It was voted that we have such an organization in this State. I. Z. Lamb was chosen Secretary. Brethren S. Pierce, H. Grant, and W. I. Gibson, were chosen a committee to recommend a constitution, to district the State, and to nominate officers to effect such an organization.
Meeting adjourned until one P. M.
SECOND SESSION.
The committee reported the following items, which were acted upon separately, and unanimously adopted:—
1. That we recommend the adoption of the Constitution now in use by the New England Conference, with such amendments as are necessary for its more perfect working in this State.
2. That we recommend this Conference to be divided into three districts: District No. 1 to comprise the following churches: Pleasant Grove, Greenwood Prairie, Maiden Rock (Wis.), Pine Island, Concord, Deerfield. District No. 2: Clark's Grove, Otranto (Iowa), Brush Creek, Joe Daviess, Tenhassen, Crystal Lake. District No. 3: McLeod Co.
3. The following persons were chosen officers: President, H. Grant; Vice-president, W. I. Gibson; Secretary, Stephen W. Hickock; Treasurer, Oliver W. Pierce; Directors, Dist. No. 1, Thomas Harlow; Dist. No. 2, Calvin Kelsey; Dist. No. 3, J. L. House.
4. We recommend to raise by donations, commencing at this meeting, a sum sufficient to settle the arrearages now due the Publishing Association from the delinquents who did receive our periodicals in this State, whose names have been dropped; and a liberal sum to be raised for a Tract and Missionary Fund. Those who pay one dollar shall be entitled to a membership in this Society, according to Art. 4 of the Constitution, and when more than one dollar is paid by one or more persons, it shall be credited to them as a donation.
The sum of seventy-five dollars and five cents was immediately raised, and about one hundred and seventy-four dollars more were pledged. All the brethren and sisters in the State have an opportunity to become members of this Society, and it is expected that all will be liberal in their donations, and make a sacrifice to spread the truth and win souls to Christ.
I. Z. LAMB, Sec.
Stewartville, Olmsted Co., Minn.
Orleans Co., Vermont.
By D. T. Bourdeau
SABBATH and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, I filled my appointment for Westmore. Eld. Albert Stone was with us and bore an equal burden in preaching the word. I was glad to see him enjoying so good health for a man of his age. He had walked twelve miles to get to the meeting. There was a good representation of the brethren and sisters of Orleans Co. It was encouraging to learn that Bro. Jewell, a ’44 Adventist, had fully embraced the third message and was keeping the Sabbath. His testimony indicated a genuine and heartfelt work.
The following plan for monthly meetings, etc., for Orleans Co., was adopted by a unanimous vote of those present:
That we have a monthly meeting at East Charleston the first Sabbath of every month, and one at Westmore the third Sabbath of each month; that the old veterans in the cause make a special effort to attend these meetings to strengthen the young believers and to get strength in so doing; that the old friends of the cause have regular meetings on old ground, the second and fourth Sabbaths of each month; that, as a general thing, these meetings be held at Bro. Parker’s, Brownington, and at Bro. Hamlet Barrows, Irasburgh, alternately, these being the most central points—the first to be held at Bro. Parker’s; that the friends in new fields keep up their regular Sabbath meetings, unless they omit one meeting to attend a monthly meeting or meet on old ground, and even then, those who remain behind had better meet together if they can.
We do not present this as a model plan for every place, or as a permanent arrangement like the laws of the Medes and Persians. We hope that our borders may so enlarge and that the work may so increase on our hands that we shall be under the necessity of adopting a broader plan. We invite the scattered brethren in this county to unite with us in the work. We must turn our attention to new fields and engage in tent labors. The old hands are fully competent to keep the ground that is already broken, and should excuse us. We have more than we can do in new fields. Bro. Stone unites with me, until my brother can be released from the financial branch of the work. My soul pants after God. I earnestly desire to cultivate genuine humility, to be wholly consecrated to God, to enjoy more of his Spirit, that sinners may be converted to God, and flee from the wrath to come. I pray for the prosperity of the cause in this part of the State.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Westmore, Vt., June 2, 1873.
P. S. My Post Office address is West Burke, where we are pitching the tent.
D. T. B.
Northern Missouri and Kansas Tent.
By J. H. Rogers; J. R. Long
After our excellent camp-meeting had closed, and the brethren and sisters dispersed to their respective homes, Bro. Long and I remained on the ground alone over night, taking down and packing the tent preparatory to shipping. Bro. Sharp, with his team, carried us to Pleasanton, where we took the cars for this place, and arrived the 4th inst. Secured lumber for seating the tent, which came the 6th. Got out appointments and commenced meetings the same evening, with about sixty persons out, who had only a few hours’ notice. Our congregations have increased at each meeting, until last evening the tent was well filled.
This is a place of some twelve hundred inhabitants, on the Pacific R. R. The people are inquiring, and seem to manifest quite an interest to hear. The way has opened favorably so far.
We earnestly desire to move in the counsel of God, to go forward in his strength, doing what we can in his cause. We especially request the prayers of all who have an interest in this work.
J. H. Rogers,
J. R. Long.
Lee’s Summit, Mo., June 9, 1873.
Kansas.
By N. Hiddelson
WE are here alone with our family, son-in-law and his little family, trying to keep all of God's commandments, the Sabbath of the Lord, with the rest. We have opposition on every side. The spiritualists are our worst enemies, but we know the Lord is on our side, and he is more than all that can be against us. We need not fear what man can do unto us, if our trust is in God. I want to be prepared for that rest that Jesus has gone to prepare for his people. My heart says, Praise the Lord for the privilege of still coming to him. Reader, will you come? Are you willing to lay aside popularity, pride, and worldly honor, for a place in that heavenly city? I long to be there. I must be there; and, with the help of my blessed Jesus, I will be there. There, we shall see those loved ones who have long been sleeping in Jesus. Praise God for the blessed hope. N. HIDDLESON.
Tract and Missionary Department.
By H. Nicola; Wm. H. Hankins
Annual Report of the Iowa and Nebraska T. and M. Society.
The Tract and Missionary Society of Iowa and Nebraska held its first annual session in connection with the camp-meeting at Washington, Iowa, June 9, 1873. Meeting called to order by President. Prayer by Eld. J. H. Morrison. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received.
The amount of labor reported was as follows: No. of families visited, 183; No. of letters written, 8. No. of new subscribers for periodicals: For Review, 98; Instructor, 94; Reformer, 15. Distribution of reading matter: No. REVIEWS, 46; Instructors, 4; Reformers, 15.
On motion, the President was authorized to appoint a Nominating Committee of three. The following persons were appointed: J. H. Morrison, Benn Auten, and J. T. Mitchell. The committee made the following report:—
For President, H. Nichola, Richmond, Iowa; Vice-president, J. H. Morrison, Sandyville, Iowa; Secretary, Wm. H. Hankins, Sigourney, Iowa; Treasurer, L. McCoy, Sigourney, Iowa.
Directors, as follows:—
Dist. No. 1, F. H. Chapman, West Union, Iowa; Dist. No. 2, D. T. Shireman, Marion, Iowa; Dist. No. 3, J. W. Adams, Richmond, Iowa; Dist. No. 4, P. A. Roberts, Brighton, Iowa; Dist. No. 5, Minos Miller, Knoxville, Iowa; Dist. No. 6, Jacob Shively, Woodburn, Iowa; Dist. No. 7, Henry Tawney, Adel, Iowa; Dist. No. 8, M. D. Clark, Decatur, Nebraska.
On motion, the report was received and the committee discharged.
On motion, the officers were elected as a body.
Financial standing of the society:
Amount paid into the treasury
during the year, $562.32
Amount paid out, $184.32
Balance in treasury, $378.00
Adjourned, sine die.
H. NICOLA, Pres.
WM. H. HANKINS, Sec.
Report of Quarterly Meeting of the N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society.
By T. H. Lindsay; B. L. Whitney
THE third State quarterly meeting of the N. Y. and Pa. Tract and Missionary Society for the present year, was held at West Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 1, 1873. Owing to the absence of the President and Vice-president, T. H. Lindsay was chosen President, pro tem. The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. The Secretary’s report was then read, showing the following labor during the quarter:—
No. of families visited, 959. New subscribers obtained for REVIEW, 49; Reformer, 17, Instructor, 100. Distribution of periodicals, REVIEWS, 925; Reformers, 336; Instructors, 228. Pages pamphlets and tracts distributed, 157,511.
Money received during the quarter:—
On membership, $ 2.00
Donations, 44.98
Book sales, 11.51
Delinquent Fund, 140.35
Widow and Orphan’s Fund, 3.75
On pledges to Hygienic Book
Fund, 568.70
Total, $771.29
The remainder of the session was occupied with interesting verbal reports of labor and experience in the tract and missionary work, and in the discussion of matters pertaining to the working of the society.
T. H. LINDSAY, Pres. pro tem.
B. L. WHITNEY, Sec.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
On the night before May 27, sister Emma Twist died, in the twenty-fifth year of her age, near Lima, Walworth Co., Wis. She had long suffered from disease, and occasionally from insanity. In an unguarded moment, she went away, laid herself across the track, and was severed in two by the cars. This sad accident has caused much grief among her mourning relatives. She was a very quiet and conscientious girl in her lifetime, beloved by all who knew her.
A funeral sermon was preached May 29, in the U. B. meeting-house, to a large and attentive congregation. J. MATTESON.
Fell asleep in Jesus, near Sharpsville, Tipton Co., Ind., May 26, 1873, sister Margaret E. Covert, wife of Bro. Williamson T. Covert, aged thirty-two years, three months, and two days.
Sister Covert embraced the present truth about five years ago. Since that time, she has endeavored to live up to all the light which has shone upon her pathway. During her last sickness, she was fully resigned to the will of the Lord in her case. She died in full assurance that she should have a part in the first resurrection, in full faith of the Saviour’s soon coming to wake the saints, change the living, and gather them home to rest. She leaves a companion, two children, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn their loss. They mourn not as those who have no hope. Funeral discourse by the writer from 1 Thess. 4:13, 14. S. H. LANE.
Signs in the Sun.
By A. M. Hunt
I inclose to you a brief statement of the wonderful phenomena that have more recently been transpiring in the sun. These statements are taken from a purely scientific work on the sun, by the French astronomer AMÉDÉE GUILLEMIN, translated by A. L. PHIPSON, Ph. D., and published by Charles Scribner & Co., Broadway, N. Y., 1871. The volume lies before me as I write, and is one of the series known as the “Illustrated Library of Wonders.” This volume is entitled, “Wonders of the Sun.” See Luke 21: 25–33.
On p. 250 will be found a cut representing the total eclipse of the sun, July 8, 1842. On the upper right corner, and the lower left corner, are seen broad flames of fire (apparently) extending out about seventy-five thousand miles. This is the first appearance of the kind ever noticed.
The next phenomenon worthy of notice was during the total eclipse on Sept. 7, 1858. Directly above is a broad, flat flame extending out, I should think, about one hundred thousand miles. Just immediately to the right of this are two tongues of fire, one bending to the left, and the other extending straight out from the body of the sun. From the lower right hand limb is another similar tongue, while there are two more on the eastern side. These all have the appearance of a person's tongue, and are from fifty to seventy-five thousand miles long.
On the opposite page is a cut representing the total eclipse on July 18, 1860. From each corner, or limb of the sun, are four bars of light extending out about one hundred thousand miles.
The next figure is on p. 257, representing the total eclipse of the sun Aug. 18, 1868. On the lower left side is seen a continuous margin of fire, while there is one tongue extending out, apparently, twenty-five thousand miles.
The next page represents the same eclipse at the close of its totality. Here the rough margin of fire is seen on the upper right side, while unusual rays dart out all around.
The following is an interesting account of a most truly wonderful phenomenon which was seen in the sun at Lexington, Ky., on Aug. 30, 1872. The account is taken from the Cincinnati Commercial of the same day. “A solar phenomenon of wondrous magnificence was witnessed here to-day. Shortly after 12 o'clock a thin haze halo was observed about the sun, which was shining in a cloudless sky. Gradually this halo assumed a bright yellow tint, and then, one after another, five rainbow-hued circles enveloped themselves around the sun. Soon myriads of glittering globes, apparently half an inch in diameter, were ejected from the various rings. Some came into view slowly, and sailed southward in a straight line, while others shot forth at a tangent, like the balls of a Roman candle. All of them gleamed with an intense white light, which grew less intense as they approached the earth, and totally disappeared at apparently the height of half a mile—the display lasted over two hours, was witnessed by every person in the city, and created great alarm among the ignorant and superstitious. The only other noticeable phenomenon was a marked reduction of temperature.”