The General Conference Committee, being now in Battle Creek, met in council June 27, 1878, at 9:30 A. M. Eld. Jas. White in the chair.
It was moved and supported that the address by Eld. James White, entitled “Address and Appeal,” be published in the REVIEW. Carried.
After remarks by the chairman and other members of the committee, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, 1. That we recommend that the General Conference be held after the season of tent and camp-meetings is past.
2. That we recommend that the Bros. Brorsen go immediately to Denmark to labor with Eld. Matteson.
3. That we invite Sr. Ellen G. White to be present at the general camp-meeting to be held in Michigan.
4. That in our opinion our camp-meetings should not be held more than two years in succession in any one place.
5. That three camp-meetings be held in Michigan the present season, at such points in different parts of the State as will secure the greatest possible attendance of our people and of those from the outside.
6. That we recommend that Elds. Littlejohn, Smith, and Waggoner attend the camp-meetings, as may be arranged.
Adjourned to call of chair.
SECOND SESSION, 8:30 P. M., JUNE 27, 1878.
Meeting called to order by the chair. Prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright, followed by brief remarks by the chairman, after which the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, 1. That we recommend that a mission in England be opened immediately; and that in our opinion Eld. J. N. Loughborough is the man to take the charge of it.
2. That we recommend that Eld. J. H. Waggoner act as delegate to the S. D. Baptist Conference the coming session.
3. That we recommend that Prof. S. Brownsberger revise, for republication, the pamphlet containing the pledges for the B. C. College; and that he devote what time he can spare during the present vacation to the work of collecting a library.
Adjourned to call of chair.
JAS. WHITE, Chairman.
TEN MONTHS' ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE IN NAPLES, ITALY.
By H. P. Ribton
Our labors in the hall where for ten months we have called on all to come out of Babylon, and worship Him that made heaven and earth and the sea, have come to a close. We have had to combat with everything that could combine to render our labor unsuccessful. Our hall, the only one that after much searching we were able to get, was badly adapted for a room in which to hold meetings. The hierarchs of the man who has set himself above God, and thought to change times and laws, hold their worship in gorgeous temples, where every day a new god is manufactured, adored with incense, and then eaten. The humble followers of Jesus of Nazareth are considered unworthy even to inhabit the houses of these worshipers, and think themselves fortunate if they can even get an abandoned wine cellar in which they may celebrate the praise of their meek and lowly Master.
Yet in our labors the Spirit of God has been with us, the strong arm of God has upheld and protected us. Our lives have been in danger. Several times our meeting has been broken up by stones and fireworks hurled against and into our hall, and on one occasion, after having come out, there was a manifest evidence of the presence of God's angel with us, without which we would all have been murdered. A young man insulted one of our brethren, and he imprudently retaliated. A hand to hand combat ensued. Our enemies came round us in numbers. They were armed with stones, knives, and revolvers. Sr. R. interposed between the combatants and separated them. A drinking house and a Catholic church were opposite our meeting room, and our adversaries had come out of the latter inflamed with wine and fanaticism. A woman urged them against us with wild gestures, and a voice cried out, “Why do we not stone them?” Yet after our brother was dragged away by force from his assailant, we walked calmly past our enemies, and not an arm was raised against us.
In our spiritual contests the presence of our God with us has been not less manifest. I need not recount the violent and persistent opposition we have met with from those who should be our brethren in combating the blasphemies of Babylon the mother, the warnings that have been preached and printed against us, the unjust and untruthful titles conferred upon us; it is the same spirit which everywhere makes war against the apostles of the third angel's message. But Michael our Prince has contended for us, and truly we may call his name Immanuel.
And our warfare is of a difficult nature. We are obliged to be always armed at all points; for until we arrive at the meeting we do not know what the nature of the contest will be. At one time we have to preach to the lawless and fruitless Antinomian, who revels in his release from all the obligations of God's moral law. At another time we seek to wake the apathetic soul that is dead to all religion and a slave to the law of carnal passion, and this is the state of the great mass of the people here. Now we have to bring the Bible and church history to bear on the bigoted and tradition-fed Catholic, and now we have to open the book of nature with the cold, scientific infidel, who believes in nothing but matter. Yet blessed be God's name our progress has been onward, the Sabbath has been recognized by many, warmly and actively taken up by some, and new souls have been born to Christ in our humble hall. With what joy did we hear Christ openly confessed by several who knew him not, one of whom had been an infidel. Even within the past week there has been joy amongst the angels; for a deist with whom we have had long arguments has not only accepted Christ as his Saviour, but has begun to work for him by bringing in others, and expresses a desire to labor still further when he returns to his home in the country this month.
And already from our little center the proclamation of the Sabbath has gone forth to Genoa and Turin in the north, Bari in the east, and Sicily and Malta in the south; while in Egypt two little churches of Sabbath-keepers have been formed. These have sent me a most pressing call to come to their aid. Blessed be the name of God, who has made his unworthy servants the means of doing this much in the seat of Antichrist; may he enable us to do greater things, and bless all our brethren who are laboring to build up his church of commandment-keepers out of all tongues and people so as to soon complete the number of his elect and hasten his coming!
Our greatest pitched battle has been on the subject of eternal punishment and the immortality of the soul, and there our victory has been complete, as I have related. I have many times invited our antagonists to a discussion on the Sabbath, but none have yet responded, although urged by members of their congregations who have left them from conviction on the subject.
Owing to the influence of the Catholic priesthood, it is almost impossible to obtain a room in Naples where the gospel may be preached. God has, however, in a most unexpected manner, provided us with another hall. It is smaller than the first one, too small if our number increases, but it suffices for our present wants, and is in many ways better suited for our work. We believe the prayers of our brethren have aided in procuring a blessing from on high on our past work, and ask them to continue their prayerful sympathy, in the hope that we may yet receive a greater blessing in our new seat of labor. Already new work is opening upon us, and we trust that this new little hall will be the abode of the Spirit, wherein many new souls will be born into the kingdom of Christ.
H. P. RIBTON.
Naples, June 1, 1878.
MINNESOTA CAMP-MEETING.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We have just closed one of the most successful camp-meetings I have ever attended. We enjoyed a very pleasant time in our school. Tuesday and Wednesday the brethren arrived at camp in large numbers, so that most all were present at the commencement of the regular camp-meeting. It was cheering to see them come, load after load, some coming from fifty to two hundred miles. Others came twenty miles with ox teams. Bro. Harlow, seventy-six years old, drove his team three hundred miles, from some place in Dakota. This shows a commendable zeal. There were eighty-one tents on the ground, and a count showed that there were nearly eight hundred persons encamped. This was the largest meeting that I have attended outside of Michigan.
Having the business well out of the way, we began our religious meetings early in the week, and kept them well ahead. Friday morning over a hundred came forward to seek the Lord. Sabbath morning was entirely devoted to this work, and one hundred and forty-five made a start in the Christian life. We then enjoyed a very interesting season in hearing them speak. After preaching upon baptism, a large number signified their desire to be baptized. Their names were recorded and their cases examined; then a day having been given in which to present objections, if any existed, one hundred and thirty-three were accepted as candidates for baptism. Sunday afternoon we repaired to the river, a short distance from the camp, where these were baptized by Elds. Grant, Dimmick, Curtis, and Ellis. A large mill-dam above, a bridge just below, and rising banks on each side afforded the crowd a good view, and they were all well lined with spectators. It was estimated that there were twenty-five hundred people present. Everything passed off in good order. A sister who has been confined to her bed twenty-seven years, a cripple, was taken by the four brethren, and carried into the water, and baptized. It was a very affecting scene. This was the largest and most affecting baptism I have ever witnessed. In several cases the ministers would lead mother and son, husband and wife, or sometimes husband, wife, and children into the water together. Eld. Babcock’s twin daughters, about eleven years of age, were baptized together. It was a scene never to be forgotten.
The preaching was done by Elds. Curtis, Dimmick, Ellis, Hill, Battin, Moore, Babcock, Bro. Stone and myself. Brn. Jasperson, Nelson, and Norström preached to the Scandinavians, of whom there were about seventy-five on the ground. The preaching was largely doctrinal, as it should be on the camp-ground. Our social meetings were excellent. On Sunday we had a fair attendance, perhaps fifteen hundred. Hutchinson is situated in a new and thinly settled country. Nearly all the brethren came with teams; hence we could not expect a large outside attendance. Our camp-meetings ought to be located near some large city, if at all consistent. It gives them greater dignity and importance, and we can report more fully in the papers. However, several of our brethren wrote reports to different papers over the country. But our mail facilities were so poor that we did not get the papers containing these reports till the meeting was about over. Sr. Olive, of Prescott, Wis., wrote lengthy reports of all the meetings for the leading paper of the Northwest,—the St. Paul Pioneer Press. They were published in full, and were the most readable of any reports of our camp-meetings that I have ever seen. They were evidently appreciated by the Press. This and our Wisconsin meeting have been fully reported in all the large papers of the Northwest.
The grasshopper scourge has passed away, and Minnesota crops begin to look up. However, as the Conference had a large list of ministers to pay, we found our s. B. fund short. Evidently the brethren have not been doing their duty in paying their tithes. A rising vote showed that one-fourth of those present were paying nothing at all on s. B. Doubtless many more were paying far less than they should. Bro. Stone preached a sermon on s. B., after which nearly every one present voted to pay tithes honestly this year.
Monday morning we stated to the brethren that we wished to raise $260 to pay for the new tent, $50 for camp-meeting expenses, $100 for the poor, and perhaps $200 to help out the ministers. Then followed one of the most interesting scenes I have witnessed in a long time. Beginning with $25 and running down to $5, with scarcely more than a statement of the case, the brethren and sisters arose to make their pledges. Frequently there were twenty on their feet at once. Each one seemed anxious to make his pledge first. Some of the brethren pledged for themselves, then their wives pledged, then the older children pledged, and finally they held up their little babes, and pledged five dollars apiece for them! That is a good example. We stopped when many more were ready to pledge. We refused to let them go below $5. Then, giving a chance for a donation of small change, nearly $50 were thrown into the hat. Counting up, we found that $1,500 were pledged, and enough more was paid in to make $1,700. About $300 of the pledges was also paid down. This relieved the embarrassment of the Conference. Some two hundred dollars’ worth of books were sold. An expression made by rising showed that about one-fifth of those present had embraced the truth the past year. With more than one-fourth of the audience this was their first camp-meeting.
This Conference now has fifteen ordained ministers, and twenty-two licentiates. Several were licensed for the first time at this meeting. At our last session, three brethren were ordained to the work of the ministry,—Samuel Fulton, J. P. Jasperson, and John W. Moore. Bro. Jasperson comes to the State to have the oversight of the Scandinavian work. There are three or four preachers in the Conference who labor among the Scandinavians. A special effort will be made for that people this year.
I was deeply impressed with the fact that this is becoming a very large Conference. When I came to this State six years ago, there was not a minister laboring in the State. There were only about two hundred Sabbath-keepers in the Conference, and their s. B. was $350. Now they have about fifty churches, thirty-seven ministers, and twelve or fourteen hundred Sabbath-keepers, and their s. B. is over $3000. And all this has been done by men raised up in their midst. Truly the Lord has blessed Minnesota. It is probably one of the richest fields in the cause. But with prosperity and increasing numbers, I can see a chance for many dangers. It is difficult to educate so rapidly these new converts soundly into the principles of this message. There is great danger that some of them will endeavor to bring in new ideas and ways of their own, which will work evil to the cause. Where there are so many laborers, there is also danger of ambition and rivalry among ministering brethren. This should be promptly discountenanced by every one. It has come to be a great responsibility for the president to oversee the entire work of the Conference. Bro. Grant has been very successful in this position in the past. He still needs the hearty co-operation of all his brethren successfully to carry on the work. This we believe he has.
Personally, it was a great pleasure to me to attend this Conference, and see so many of my old brethren. This is the spot where I first began to realize success in Minnesota. We began with a small handful of about twenty-five. From that day to this the church here has steadily grown, till now it has eighty members, and is the largest church in the Conference. Twenty-five from this place were baptized at this meeting. These will be added to the church at its next quarterly meeting.
It was specially gratifying to us to find that the brethren here have the respect and confidence of the community in so large a degree. Everybody was friendly to us, and showed us all the favors possible. The hotel-keeper made a free dinner for a goodly number of our ministers. Our old landlord of former years visited us frequently, bringing food and hearty greeting. The county paper gave us the following unsolicited commendation:—
“Whatever may be thought of some of the peculiar tenets of this denomination of Christians, it is generally admitted that the system makes its followers honest, and wiser and better people.”
Sunday it was with great difficulty that I could speak on account of hoarseness. After that I had to give it up entirely. Bro. Stone took my place, and rendered valuable assistance. At this date, it is entirely uncertain what we shall do this summer.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
June 26.
THE TIME TO LABOR.
By R. F. Cottrell
WHEN will the time be, if it is not now? Every department of the work of God, at home and abroad, is calling for means and for consecrated talent to carry it forward. Those who truly love the cause, and can command means, will embrace the opportunity to use it now. No time will be better to lift than now. And talent of every kind is now in demand. The cause calls for workers everywhere. The field is all ready. And ere long it will be too late. Many who intend to do will find that the time is past, and they are too late. “Lord, is it I?” The turning point with Laodicea is at hand, as we have been forewarned by the spirit of prophecy. Everything indicates that God has been leading us and is still leading. Those who lack heart will not be ready for the loud cry. Time has lingered; but it will not always wait. The tardy will be left behind.
There is glory and honor and immortality for the true and the faithful. All may reach the goal who will be diligent. We may all run so as to obtain. Every one will be rewarded according to his work, according to the heart’s motive in doing what we can. Courage! then, courage in the Lord! Go forward, and the Lord will bless. Pray for me.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Christ, Moses, and Obedience to the Ten Commandments
Is not hearing Christ doing what Moses taught? Moses did not give the ten commandments; but he taught obedience to them, so did Christ. Matt. 5:17-20; 19:16-19. Therefore, if we follow Christ, we shall do just what Moses taught. Do our law-abolishing friends need to be told that Moses is not the author of the ten commandments?
WISCONSIN
Tent No. 3, Berlin, June 25.
We have pitched this tent in the city of Berlin, Green Lake county. Meetings commenced June 21. The attendance has been good so far, and the interest is steadily increasing.
We obtained a good situation for the tent, and we often hear complimentary remarks on its neat and tasty appearance. We have held five meetings up to date, and have enjoyed freedom and liberty in presenting the truth. N. M. Jordon. A. D. Olsen.
Mukwonago, Waukesha Co., June 25.
JUNE 18 we came to this place with our forty-foot tent. One of the leading men in the town gave us the free use of a beautiful oak grove, just far enough from the bustle of the business part of the town to make it pleasant, both for us and our congregations. We have held, to date, five meetings, with increasing interest. The last evening our tent could scarcely seat all that came. The people invite us to their homes.15A Baptist elder attended our last meeting, and stated that he was in harmony with us on the advent.
We believe the Lord is preparing the way for the third message to be more fully proclaimed in Southern Wisconsin. The Lord gives us liberty in preaching the word. Pray for us that we may do the work of the Lord acceptably. C. W. Olds. E. M. Crandall.
MICHIGAN
Romeo, June 28.
MICHIGAN tent No. 4 is pitched at the above place, where we have been for one week, with an average congregation of over two hundred and fifty at each meeting. The best class of citizens are among those most interested. The Presbyterian and Christian ministers have attended. The people are very kind, supplying our wants and inviting us to their homes. Many call on us at our tent. We have strong hopes of a company being brought into the present truth in this place. We request prayers. E. B. AND E. S. LANE.
Tent No. 3, Hickory Corners, June 24.
MONDAY, June 17, we came to Hickory Corners with our new tent made in Chicago by Bro. W. Armstrong.
We had our first meeting, June 19. About one hundred were out, the next eve one hundred and twenty. The interest is increasing; congregations enlarging. We had a meeting on Sabbath with about thirty out. And on first-day our congregations numbered about three hundred. The people seem interested, and the prospects for doing good are favorable. May the Lord help us in his work and arouse the people. Pray for us. J. B. FRISBIE. T. M. STEWARD.
Maple Grove, June 21, 1878.
AFTER I had recovered strength to labor; I held meetings in Maple Grove until I was called to go with the tent. After baptizing eight, I appointed a leader to take charge of the meetings and Sabbath-school. I presented our plan of raising S. B., and nearly all took hold of it cheerfully. Their S. B., as promised, will amount to about fifty dollars. About fourteen meet regularly, besides the children. May the Lord bless them, and lead them into the full enjoyment of the truths of the third angel's message. T. M. STEWARD.
Birmingham, June 24.
THE weather the past week has been very unfavorable for meetings, yet our congregations have ranged from one hundred to three hundred. Many of these come from the surrounding country, some as far as five miles. Only three discourses have been given on the subject of the Sabbath, yet we learn of quite a number who observed last Sabbath, and many more are deeply interested. The clergy of the place opened upon us in concert Sunday. The Methodist minister's morning discourse on the “Immortality of the Soul” was reviewed in the afternoon before a crowded tent, apparently with good effect. In the evening, after a discourse on the Sabbath, we obtained ten subscribers for the REVIEW. Books sell quite freely. We have a host of friends, who supply all our temporal wants, and contribute weekly toward the running expenses of the tent. We are encouraged to look for a good work here. J. O. CORLISS. WM. POTTER.
Fairfield, June 24.
We have our tent pitched at Fairfield, Lenawee county. Have held five meetings with increasing interest. Last evening there were more than could be seated in the tent; many remained standing during service. Tracts are taken freely, and many seem to be inquiring after truth. The people are thoughtful of our temporal wants.
We earnestly desire the prayers of God's people for the work in this part of the country. JOHN I. COLLINS. T. P. BUTCHER.
ILLINOIS
By G. W. Colcord; Chas. H. Bliss
Carbondale, June 27.
THE debate closed favorably for the cause we love. If we have been correctly informed, three have decided to keep the Sabbath, who, before the investigation, stood in sympathy with Eld. Crim. Several here voted in favor of the truth last night.
There will be baptism next first-day; then we expect to strike our tent, and go to Du Quoin. We have secured the free use of the city park. Address us at Du Quoin.
G. W. COLCORD.
CHAS. H. BLISS.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Newfane, N. Y., Tent No. 2, June 26.
The interest at Newfane still continues. The attendance has been good, notwithstanding we have had rainy weather some, and a temperance meeting and a concert to divert the people. The Baptist minister has commenced opposition on the immortality question. A prominent physician attends regularly, and offers friendly criticism. Have just introduced the Sabbath question, which seems to increase the interest. Last evening we had a tent full, and a professor from Lockport was in and tried to defend the Sunday, but with poor success. S. B. Whitney.
Sabinsville, Pa., Tent No. 7, June 24.
We commenced meetings in this place June 15, and have given eleven discourses. The people are very kind and hospitable, and appear to be very much interested. There are many spiritualists and infidels in the vicinity. Our congregations have reached nearly two hundred, but on account of the recent heavy rains they are greatly reduced. We have not yet reached the Sabbath question. The people generally acknowledge that we have the truth thus far. May the Lord direct. Pray for us. M. C. Wilcox. T. M. Lane.
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
JUNE 15, I visited the company on Smith’s Hill in Pierrepont. Found a good company of Sabbath-keepers here, with a Sabbath-school numbering about twenty children, and a Bible-class, all organized. They seem to be an active, living company of workers. Held two meetings here, and two with the Pierrepont church. Bro. Plumb, from Smith’s Hill, accompanied me and spoke once. Their house is seated, and we had good congregations. They have a Sabbath-school and Bible-class.
June 17, I visited the church at Silver Hill and held one meeting; had a large congregation and found union and harmony prevailing, and in consequence a gathering influence is exerted, and several are desiring baptism. We found a Sabbath-school here also, and an interesting Bible-class.
The 18th, visited the Fine and Pitcairn churches. The enemy has succeeded in scattering some, yet a few are holding on and keep up their Sabbath meetings.
The 21st, I went to New Connecticut and held two meetings with that church, baptizing two on first-day, one of whom has just commenced to keep the Sabbath. They have a Sabbath-school, but need a better organization, into which they are about to enter. Bro. Cobb met me here, and we organized a tract society.
We went to Gouverneur the 23d, and held a meeting there and organized a tract society. The church were all present and some others. They are very anxious to have a tent come there this season, and we think the time will soon come when meetings should be held there.
The 24th, I met the church at Hermon. Quite a number not of our faith were present, and there is a growing interest on the part of each. Some joined the tract society. This church is quite small, but Sabbath meetings are kept up.
The 26th, I visited tent No. 4, now pitched at Brushton. Found Brn. Brown and Wilcox in good spirits. They have good audiences, and a deep interest. In the conflict with Pike, a no-law Adventist, the truth has come off victorious, and Pike has abandoned the field. Some have embraced the Sabbath, and the brethren now have the leading influence. A. H. Hall.
WORK FOR JESUS.
By N. W. V.
Time is short, the end is near;
Work, work for Jesus:
Soon will he in clouds appear;
Work, work for Jesus.
Would we watching then be found,
Gathered at the trumpet’s sound,
Welcomed by the Lord, and crowned?
Work, work for Jesus.
In the morning sow thy seed;
Work, work for Jesus:
Nor at evening slack thy speed;
Work, work for Jesus.
All around is sin and death;
“Come to me,” the Saviour saith;
Pardon, peace, and life through faith!
Work, work for Jesus.
Faint not in the noontide heat;
Work, work for Jesus:
After labor rest is sweet;
Work, work for Jesus.
Martyrs unto blood have striven,
All for Jesus freely given.
Will we share their rest in Heaven?
Work, work for Jesus.
N. W. V.
NEBRASKA
Oakdale, June 24.
Meetings commenced here the 13th, and they still continue with increasing interest. The ministers of the place attend, and have done nothing as yet to hinder the work. One of them spoke in our tent yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. We have now reached the subject of the law and Sabbath. The people listen attentively, bringing their Bibles with them to see if these things are so.
Sabbath and Sunday, the brethren from Rayville and Taylor Valley were with us. Our prayer and social meetings on Sabbath were of special interest. Quite a number from the town and vicinity were present.
Pray for us that the work may be deep and thorough, and that precious souls may be converted to the truth.
C. L. Boyd.
D. Nettleton, Jr.
Syracuse, Otoe Co., June 20.
We closed our meetings at Weeping Water, June 16. What the result of these meetings will be, the future must reveal. The people used the stay-away argument, which we could not meet. We visited from house to house. Some acknowledged we had the truth, and that it ought to be obeyed; but business, the mammon of this world, stands between them and their duty to God.
We pitched the tent at Syracuse and commenced meetings, June 19. Brethren, pray for us and the cause here, that some good may be accomplished.
H. Shultz.
M. Hackworth.
MASSACHUSETTS
By G. F. Haines; D. A. Robinson
Townsend, June 25.
We held our first meeting under the tent at this place, Saturday evening, June 15, with an audience of about seventy-five. Our congregations have averaged a little more than that to date. Last Sunday eve we had our largest audience. Several circumstances combined have made it very hard to get the sympathies of the people here, but prejudice seems to be giving way now, and the prospect looks much better than it did a week ago. Bro. Bartlett is with us to assist in singing, and caring for the tent.
One thing is very unfavorable for us; our tent leaks very badly. In a hard shower it is difficult to find a place in it where one would not get wet.
We have found warm friends, who care for our wants.
Our address is Townsend Centre, Mass.
G. F. Haines.
D. A. Robinson.
KANSAS
By J. N. Ayers
Bloomfield, June 25, 1878.
Wind, rain, mud, and high water in abundance, but we are doing what we can. We were detained at Independence three days. We held meetings each day with the few brethren there, and hope some good was done.
Started Sunday, the 16th, for Canola, where we arrived the next day. Held meetings with the Canola church the 18th, 19th, and 20th, and arrived at Bloomfield on time. Meetings commenced with the Sabbath. Considering the dark nights and bad roads, the attendance has been good. Sabbath was a good day. Several brethren from a distance were present, and, best of all, the Spirit of the Lord was with us. Sunday Bro. O. S. Stevens baptized three. Last night the storm broke up our meeting. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon the Bloomfield church.
To-morrow I go to Lazette, Cowley county, Kan., which will be my address for the present. J. N. AYERS.
INDIANA
Reese’s Mills, Boone Co., Tent No. 1.
THIS is a small town; but the interest seemed to demand that we pitch the tent here. Thus far, our congregations range from eighty to two hundred and fifty. The people are very kind to us. Some seem deeply interested.
Brn. Richards and Shrock assist in tent labor. We hope, through the blessing of God, for success. S. H. LANE.
IOWA.
Iconium, Appanoose Co., June 20.
WE have pitched the new Southern Iowa tent in Iconium, and we commence meetings to-morrow. The people seem very friendly. They helped in erecting the tent. Should be glad to see any of our brethren who may live near here at the tent, on the Sabbath or at any other time.
Address us at this place for the present. C. A. WASHBURN.
Ogden, June 24.
THE interest kept up good the past week, and the audiences also. Last evening the tent would not hold the people. Seventeen teams were in from the country, and nearly as many more persons came on horseback. The people take us to their homes, and ask us to pray with them. A few have commenced to keep the Sabbath. There were thirty-six at our Sabbath meeting day before yesterday.
Bro. Bartlett started this morning to hold meetings at Guthrie Center; a sister from Battle Creek requested us to come here. Bro. Wing, my brother Scott, and myself are now together. G. V. KILGORE.
Winterset, Tent No. 1, June 27.
OPENED meetings here June 18. Fine weather, large audiences, strict attention, deep interest, and perfect order have attended our meetings from their commencement. Bro. J. H. Morrison, who has done all the preaching so far, has had good freedom in speaking. We have many invitations to visit. We may justly hope that some good will be done. Bro. Hollenbeck is not with us yet. Pray for us. T. A. KILGORE.
Maquoketa, June 26.
I LABORED at this place one week, with good results. Most of the Scandinavians have left the town, so our congregations were small; but those that attended were interested. I thought best not to spend a long time here. On Monday, June 17, we were made glad by the baptism of three good souls. I leave here a company of seven who have promised to live for God in keeping his commandments and the faith of Jesus. These friends have paid most of the expense of my visit here. JOHN F. HANSON.
TEXAS TENT.
By R. M. Kilgore; L. J. Caldwell
Terrell, June 26.
The debate closed grandly for us. Eld. Caskey knew very little about the Bible and less about our positions. He confesses himself beaten on four questions, but vows revenge by following us up when better posted. Seven more took a firm stand from the debate. Eld. C. used three texts to support Sunday; viz., Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2, and Heb. 4:9. We leave about fifty firm Sabbath-keepers, among them some strong workers. We go to Rockwall, county-seat of Rockwall county.
Our seat-backs are a great success.
Calls for labor are everywhere. The Lord is with us.
R. M. KILGORE.
L. J. CALDWELL.
MISSOURI
By George I. Butler
Sedalia, June 25.
We have our new tent pitched here, and are preaching to large congregations. Meetings commenced June 21. Have held six meetings. I spent the Sabbath following the Gallatin camp-meeting at Hamilton. This little church is circulating many copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. There is little outside interest, though it increased as our meetings continued. Bro. N. W. Allee was ordained elder of the church, and Bro. Wm. Evans deacon.
Our meetings in Sedalia have opened more favorably than any course of lectures I have ever given. Bro. Hunter came from Nevada City, nearly one hundred miles, and stayed with us a week. As he had been a colonel in the southern service during the war, he was acquainted with quite a number of leading citizens of the city, among whom were several of the editors. By this means the papers opened their columns to us, and we have had a succession of articles in the papers every day for a week. They have offered us from one-third to half a column each day, in which to report our meetings. Of course we try to improve this opening. Some of these papers circulate almost to Texas. By means of advertising in the papers and by hand-bills, we commenced with good congregations; had nearly four hundred hearers the first evening, a hundred more the next, and the last two evenings probably not far from a thousand people have been present. Sunday night nearly as many as remained went away because they could not get seats, and last night (Monday) a great many stood around the tent. There were two or three hundred at each service during the day time Sunday.
I have already sold four or five dollars' worth of books. We confidently hope for good results. Bro. Hollenbeck helps us greatly in the music, in talking with the people, and in preaching occasionally. Brn. John McReynolds and D. W. Reavis are also with me. We have, through the kindness of Sr. Reavis, an excellent organ, which Bro. Hollenbeck uses to the best advantage. God has seemed to favor us every way. The weather for the past week has been delightful, and already many seem much interested.
Sedalia is one of the most important inland cities of Missouri. It is situated at the junction of the Missouri Pacific and Missouri Kansas and Texas railroads, and has about ten thousand inhabitants. We crave the prayers of our people that God will give us success. Bro. Hunter's coming here on purpose to help us was a great assistance. May the Lord reward him. Our courage is good, and we believe the Lord will bless our labors. GEO. I. BUTLER.
New Sweden, June 17.
By James Sawyer
A FEW weeks ago the Swedish brethren advised me to labor in the vicinity of New Sweden. I traveled on foot 140 miles, visited 107 families, and distributed 4000 pp. of English, French, and Swedish tracts. I also sold tracts and pamphlets to the amount of $1.27, and 77 Annuals for $3.85, obtained 5 subscribers for the INSTRUCTOR, loaned 1000 pages of bound books, and obtained the names of 20 persons as readers of the French paper. Three of these were Protestants and belong in New Brunswick. One was a French postmaster. He said he would read such a paper, and gave me seven names of intelligent persons who, he thought, would also read. I spoke eight times in school-houses and five in private houses; was invited to continue meetings in three different school districts, but circumstances prevented. I found several ready to defend the Sabbath truth, and one says he shall keep the next Sabbath. It is very probable that he will, for he has left off using tobacco. Three months ago he told me he never could do that. Another, in the same neighborhood, used it over forty years; now he has not used it for a month, and rejoices that the Lord has given him such a victory.
Almost everywhere the people are thankful for tracts, and some offer the last cent they have for them. They prefer to pay for them, when they have the money. We hope such precious seed will bear fruit. Let the Lord give the increase.
Last Sabbath I met with a company of Sabbath-keepers only five miles from New Sweden. A Sabbath-school was organized, consisting of fourteen members, old and young.
Sunday, the 16th, I returned to New Sweden, expecting to commence teaching; but the district postponed the school till September. Found the brethren in good spirits. They have secured the title to a piece of land in the central part of the colony, upon which they design to build a house of worship. Some labor has been already laid out on the building, and we hope to see the work go forward. We need the prayers of the brethren.
JAMES SAWYER.
A REQUEST.
By Agnes R. Lucas
Will some of the tract workers, who wish to send out copies of the SIGNS please send me their address? I could furnish a long list of names of those who have never read on present truth. Send a postal card giving your address in full, and the number of names you would like. I sent names to those sisters whose addresses were given in the REVIEW not long ago. Will send more if they wish.
Address, AGNES R. LUCAS, Kirkland, De Kalb Co., Ill.