Review and Herald, Vol. 42, No. 11.
SANCTIFICATION; Or the Observations of Forty Years on Christian ExperiencePage 1
Earlier text: Progress of the CauseLetter from Switzerland to American Brethren
By Albert Vuilleumier
[The following communication being addressed to me, and designed for the REVIEW, I am happy to translate for the purpose for which it was intended. A. V.] BELOVED BRETHREN IN JESUS: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you from our dear Saviour. Amen. For a long time, I have had a desire to write to you. If I have not done so, it is not for a lack of union or brotherly love and Christian sympathy with you in the cause which we proclaim and defend. No, dear brethren, for often, yes, very often, the mind of your brethren and sisters of Switzerland is turned toward their loved brethren of America. Our dear REVIEW visits us regularly every week, and brings us good news from you, and also states the prosperity of the third angel’s message of mercy from God toward his creatures. We are thankful to you for this bread of life, which you proclaim as meat in due season, to call out a people for God, to be prepared for the coming of Jesus, who will come in the glory of his Father and his holy angels. Though we have great need of encouragement for ourselves, we talk courage and faithfulness, and our prayers go with you in this unpopular message, which is so much exposed to opposition, notwithstanding the clear and positive testimonies of the divine word. Here in Switzerland, the work is prospering very slowly, and step by step. We suffer from the attacks of the cunning enemy of our souls, and we feel ourselves but little experienced as sentinels to repulse his assaults, which causes us to suffer. Nevertheless, we thank God; for the hope and confidence we have in our Chief sustain us, and help us to wait for the victory with patience. We have already undergone many trials which are to be regretted, not only without (the church), but also within. A thought, dear to our souls, sustains us in these, which is, that this work is from the Lord and must be kept pure. May God protect it. This day, dear brethren, my design in writing to you is to rejoice your hearts, as ours do also rejoice, with good news. We have a dear sister in Italy, the first person who embraced the third angel’s message in Europe, under the labor of Bro. Czechowski, some eight or nine years since. Though she has been alone, and persecuted by her husband, she has not ceased to be faithful. For her encouragements, she has had communion with God, and some letters from us. Lately, God has blessed her zeal and her faithfulness, in leading, by her efforts, a Baptist evangelist to the knowledge of the third angel’s message, who this day proclaims it in the valleys of Piedmont (the French part of Italy). He asked us to correspond with him, that he may become more enlightened, and be able to proclaim a message which is yet hidden from his nation; to proclaim this message with the same courage with which he has preached on every occasion, even in public streets, the salvation through the precious blood of Christ. As he is poor and father of seven children, we have sent some means to him, which he will use to come to Switzerland during the month of August, and so confer with us on this precious truth, not fearing to leave his family under the watchcare of the One who has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Another Christian friend, being blind from his birth, but well instructed in the way of the Lord, and a devoted Christian, is also convinced of the truth of the third angel’s message. His desire is to work in the vineyard of the Lord. Until this time, he has taken care of the religious instruction of the youth in a community in France (Epinal). These two cases are as a refreshing dew in all our trials, which direct our hearts to hope, and cause us to render thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father. If a thought can darken our joy, it is to think how those that bring the gospel are tempted, and to fear that Satan may succeed in alluring them from the right way, as we unhappily have had to regret something of this character in the past. Dear brethren, we need your prayers. We would like also, if possible, that you hasten the translation of tracts. Give us your counsels and your directions. Once more remember us, and may the Lord our God and Father bless Israel with peace, love and fear, in watching and praying. Receive the Christian and brotherly love, from your brethren and sisters in Europe. Your affectionate brother in the Lord,
ALBERT VUILLEUMIER.
Neuchatel, July 24, 1873. Advancing the Adventist Work in Switzerland
By Adema Vuilleumier
In writing the preceding lines, I felt to rejoice in the Lord in seeing that some souls are still willing to engage in this glorious work. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. When I think, many times, under what circumstances a body of Seventh-day Adventists has been raised up in Switzerland, knowing the feeble means with which they have labored, and are still laboring, to preach the last message of mercy; when I think what trials they have passed through; how many are trying by every means to advance the cause, while others have been a hindrance, I wonder how they are yet standing. If they had had any doubt that this work was from God, I am sure there would not be many left at the present time. Yet their courage is good; they have hope of a brighter future, and, without doubt, God is leading this work by his Holy Spirit. Dear brethren, who have an interest for the advancement of the cause, remember they need your help, your counsels, and your prayers. For myself, I feel thankful to God, for what he has done and is still doing for me; for many dear friends with whom I have become acquainted here in America; for being able to converse with them, and understand the English language as well as I do, which I trust will not be used to hinder the cause, but to unite with my brethren for the advancement of it; feeling that I must engage in this sacred work with clean hands and a pure heart, and so be able to “escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.” When I hear the plain truth spoken here under the tent, oh! I long, God helping me, to be able to work for the salvation of some souls in my own land. This is the earnest desire of my heart. May God help me in trying to keep his commandments and to take them for the continual rule of my life. May the Lord bless and help his people everywhere. Your affectionate brother, in hope of eternal life, ADEMA VUILLEUMIER. Armada, Macomb Co., Mich., Aug. 13, 1873. Twelfth Annual Session of the N. Y. and Pa. Conference.
By P. Z. Kinne; S. B. Whitney
Conference convened according to appointment, at Kirkville, N. Y., Aug. 6, 1875. On a call for credentials, twenty-seven delegates presented credentials, representing twenty churches. The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. Reports were received from twenty-eight churches. Reports from ministers were also handed in. Adjourned. Delegates were received from three more churches, without credentials, by vote of the Conference. Two new churches, from Fine and Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., were received with their delegates. The usual invitation was given to the brethren present to participate in the discussion of business. A special invitation was extended to the Gen. Conf. Committee to consult with, and advise, the several committees which the Conference shall appoint. Voted, that the President appoint the business committees; whereupon the following persons were named:— On Nominations, J. M. Lindsay, A. H. Hall, Daniel Bowe. On Resolutions, R. F. Cottrell, S. B. Whitney, H. Hilliard. On Credentials, &c., S. N. Walsworth, E. S. Lane, A. H. Hall. Auditors: A. H. Hall, S. N. Walsworth, J. M. Lindsay, J. G. Lamson, Wm. Coats, E. S. Lane. A letter was presented and read, from Bro. Jefferson Loughhead, relating to the condition of the church in Alba, Pa.; after considering which, it was Voted, That the name be dropped from the records, and the few faithful ones there be advised to join some other church. The following nominations were made by the Committee, their report accepted, and the persons named severally elected, viz:— President, P. Z. Kinne; Secretary, S. B. Whitney; Conf. Committee, B. L. Whitney, S. N. Walsworth; Camp-meeting Committee, B. L. Whitney, Wm. H. Brown, T. H. Lindsay. Opportunity was given for verbal reports from ministers, and such reports were made by Brn. Cottrell and Reynolds. The Committee on Credentials made the following report:— For Credentials, J. N. Andrews, S. B. Whitney, F. Wheeler, C. O. Taylor, R. F. Cottrell, David Arnold, Hiram Edson. Licenses, P. Z. Kinne, B. L. Whitney. The report was accepted, and the recommendation confirmed in each case. The report of the Auditing Committee was made and accepted, after which, lengthy and instructive remarks were made by the Gen. Conf. Committee on the subject of rewarding ministerial labor. Voted, That the money remaining in the hands of the Camp-meeting Committee be applied on the Delinquent Fund. Also, to appropriate eight hundred dollars to the General Conference. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following, which were unanimously adopted:— 1. That we express anew our confidence in the work in which we as a people are engaged, as being the work of the Lord for the present time; and in the servants whom God has chosen to lead in the work. 2. That we approve of the establishment of a school at Battle Creek, in which, laborers may be fitted up for the work of the Lord, and pledge to this object our hearty support. 3. That the health reform and Health Institute are designed of God to do an important part in this work, and that we labor for its support with our prayers, our influence, and our means. 4. That the providence of God indicates that it is high time that we wake out of sleep, and make a covenant with God by sacrifice to forward the interests of the cause of the last message. 5. That we, as a Conference, heartily approve of the instruction given by the Gen. Conf. Committee in relation to ministerial labor; looking upon the action of our Auditing Committee as a matter of encouragement, in giving assurance that our financial interests are being placed in the position they should occupy. 6. That it is the mind of the Conference, that our ministers should labor in new fields exclusively, unless the Conf. Committee shall otherwise direct. As the last session was broken in upon by a severe rain storm, the usual votes of thanks, &c., and some other matters designed to be considered, were necessarily omitted. Quarterly Meeting of the New England Tract and Missionary Society.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell; M. L. Huntley
AGREEABLY with appointment in the REVIEW, the New England Tract and Missionary Society met at New Ipswich, N. H., Aug. 3, 1873, at 9 A. M. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. J. N. Andrews. The report of the preceding meeting was read and accepted. Interesting remarks were made by Eld. Haskell with reference to the organization of Tract and Missionary Societies in other Conferences, and the progress of the work in different places, after which the report of missionary labor for the past quarter was read. Owing to the fact that this quarterly meeting was held one week sooner than was expected, an entire report was received from only one district. From one district, no report was received, and only partial ones from the other two. This quarter has covered a portion of the year unfavorable for missionary labor. This, together with the change in appointments, rendered the report of missionary labor quite small. The total amount is about as follows:— Subscribers obtained for the REVIEW, 10; Reformer, 13; Instructor, 8. Number of periodicals distributed, 194. Publications distributed, 26,208 pages; value, $32.78. Number of visits made, 64; letters written, 105. Bound books presented to libraries, 11. Number of letters written by members of the Vigilant Missionary Society, 77; received, 45. Total distribution of periodicals, 69; publications, 6201 pages. Financial report of the T. and M. Society: |
|
|---|
| Cash on hand last quarter, |
$346.80 |
| Received for membership, |
3.00 |
| “ on donations, |
99.31 |
| “ on sale of books, |
5.88 |
| “ on periodicals, |
7.26 |
| Total, |
462.25 |
| Paid for publications, |
$82.10 |
| “ on periodicals, |
109.88 |
| “ on W. and O. Fund, |
35.00 |
| Incidental expenses, |
30.45 |
| Cash on hand, |
204.82 |
| Total, |
462.25 |
The importance of obtaining subscribers for our periodicals, especially the Health Reformer, was urged upon the brethren and sisters, as one effectual means of removing prejudice from the minds of individuals, thus preparing the way for the introduction of present truth. The subject of assisting the worthy poor received considerable attention, also the wants of the cause in this Conference in consequence of the scarcity of ministerial labor. After some remarks, it was moved and carried that a committee be chosen by the president to nominate some person or persons to visit different churches for the purpose of administering the ordinances, attending quarterly meetings, &c. Brn. S. Martin, F. Gould, and F. Nichols were named as said committee, who recommended Bro. L. W. Hastings as well adapted to labor in this Conference as above stated. The nomination was ratified by a unanimous vote. Adjourned for twenty minutes. The report of the last meeting of the Health Reform Association was read and accepted, after which a report from the committee appointed at the last quarterly meeting to experiment with reference to hygienic cooking was called for; in response to which, various receipts were read and suggestions made concerning shortening for pastry, and preparing baking irons and tins so as to prevent bread, &c., from adhering to them without the use of animal fat, or butter. Much interest was manifested by remarks which followed, and it was quite evident that the Testimonies and other books devoted to the subject of hygiene had been freely consulted as one result of this move, and also that there is an increasing interest on the health-reform question in this Conference. Two essays were then read, and the meeting adjourned. ELD. S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
M. L. HUNTLEY, Sec. Quincy, Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn
Two weeks more have passed since our last report, and the close, searching truths of the law and Sabbath have had a good effect. The battle goes hard, on account of much prejudice and some secret opposition; but, by the grace of God and his goodness to us, about twenty have already decided to leave the ranks of the enemy and keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. On Sunday, the 3d inst., A. N. Seymour gave a discourse of more than two hours’ length against us on the law and Sabbath. He traveled closely in his track of “fifty unanswerable arguments,” which has been so faithfully reviewed and exposed in pamphlet form, by J. M. Aldrich. If boasting and assertion were argument, then his array against the Lord’s Sabbath would have been formidable. The people, almost to a man, were displeased with his effort. He took away from them the Sabbath, Sunday and all. In the evening of the same day, we reviewed his discourse, but he did not appear to hear the reply. We had seventy-five of the pamphlet “Review of Seymour” on hand, which we distributed free to the congregation, and by their out-stretched hands, even after the books were all gone, showed their eagerness to obtain one, and their interest in the truth. Yesterday (Sunday, the 10th), was a good day for us and the truth. After the evening meeting, we invited all to rise up, who had87made up their mind to keep the Sabbath, with all the commandments, and from henceforth live a Christian life in harmony with the truth, and as many as twenty-five arose to their feet. We then invited them forward, to which they cheerfully responded. The good Spirit of the Lord rested upon us while praying at the close of the meeting for these and for others who are interested in the truth. May the good work go on until every jewel in this place finds his way to the light of the third angel’s message. THE SAVIOUR'S INVITATION.
By Gettie W. Davis
“Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” O SINNER! come, while it is called to-day,
Thy Saviour speaks to thee in accents mild,
Hearest thou his pleading voice? He bids thee flee
Unto his sheltering arms, and find a balm
For all thy grief, a solace for thy woes.
For thee he left his glorious home on high,
For thee he groaned and died, his precious blood
Was shed that thou mightst pardon have from sin.
Within the garden of Gethsemane
He prayed, amid the chilling midnight dews,
Kneeling upon the cold, damp ground, while drops
Of blood fell from his sacred brow.
His soul was wrung with bitter anguish, such
As never falls unto the lot of man;
He bore the sins of earth for us, and bowed
In meek submission to his Father's will. Again behold him nailed to Calvary's cross,
A crown of thorns placed on his holy head,
Those tender feet, that ever trod the path
Of truth and right, are pierced with cruel nails.
Oh! what a scene! Angels refuse to look,
And Heaven and earth are vailed in deepest gloom,
While sinful man, alone, remains unmoved. And canst thou still such wondrous love resist,
And coldly from thy Saviour turn away?
Reject the offer of his pardoning grace,
Purchased for thee through sufferings like these?
Go, if thou wilt, and bow to mammon's shrine,
Join in the dance with folly's giddy train,
Prove for thyself the emptiness of earth,
The hollow mockery of worldly joys;
But when at last the evil days draw nigh,
And pleasures all have lost their charms for thee,
Oh! where will then thy consolation be,
If thou no refuge hast, no covert from
The storm, no safe abiding place in God?
Then haste thee, haste, one short, preparing hour
Alone remains, oh! make thy peace with God,
Then shalt thou find that rest the world cannot
Afford, beneath the shadow of his wings. [The following we extract from a letter from Georgia.] In addition to the opposition that the truth must encounter at every advance, it has one of a sectional nature to overcome in this locality. Often am I met with, “Your views originated with the Yankees,” “It is strange our learned men in this section have not found out these things before,” “It is only something new that the Adventists are trying to get up,” “The book of prophecy was sealed,” &c., &c., to all of which I can only refer to the word of God, feeling my weakness and inability to give light or instruction only as the Lord directs. Griffin, Ga., Aug. 11, 1873. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. FELL ASLEEP, in Battle Creek, Mich., Aug. 18, 1873, Melinda Helen, daughter of B. and Nettie Salisbury, aged 14 months. Sermon from Heb. 2: 10. Jesus trod the path of sorrow,
That our sorrows he might know,
Died to bring our “happy morrow,”
Free from tears, and death, and woe.
We adore thy condescension,
Sympathizing Priest above.
Thou art perfect in compassion—
Make us perfect in thy love. J. H. W. DIED, near Gibson, Ford Co., Ill., Aug. 8, 1873, of flux, Frankie, son of Abel and Martha J. Platt, aged four years, four months, and eight days. By request of the mother, the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians was read.
MARY A. JONES. DIED, near Bowling Green, Ohio, July 26, 1873, of spinal affection, Adalay Underwood. She neglected her soul's salvation until taken sick. She desired to live, that she might be a laborer in the Master's vineyard.
JANE RALSTON. Nebraska Tent.
By J. Bartlett; Chas. L. Boyd
This tent is now pitched in Tekomah, and is ready for meetings to commence to-night. Tekomah is a small but flourishing town near the Missouri river, and is the county seat of Burt Co. We closed our labors at Ft. Calhoun last Sunday evening, 10th inst., having been there between three and four weeks, and delivered thirty-six discourses, besides a funeral sermon delivered in the tent. The most of the residents of Calhoun are farmers. We pitched there at the commencement of harvesting. Help was very scarce, and our congregations were small. As a result of our labors there, nine or ten have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and have embraced other points of Advent faith. There are several others who are convinced of the truthfulness of our position, but the cross is so heavy they have not yet fully decided to bear it. That they may speedily make this decision, and that those who have already made it may prove faithful, is our earnest desire and prayer to the Master in whose vineyard we labor. Brethren, pray for us. J. BARTLETT,
CHAS. L. BOYD. Tekomah, Burt Co., Neb., Aug. 14, 1873. Northern Illinois Tent.
By T. M. Steward
We closed our meetings in Como, Aug. 3, for lack of interest. A few seemed to be interested, but were so far away or so full of business that they could not afford to come, only on Sundays, and not always then. We first pitched our tent in the grove, about one-half mile from town. For three weeks, we had rain nearly every day or night, and the mosquitoes were very troublesome. While in the grove, we had a very heavy wind storm, which would have injured our tent if it had not been protected by the trees. We finally concluded to move into the village, where we had a very nice place, but the interest did not rise, as we anticipated. We spent three weeks in our new locality, and left without seeing much good accomplished. Several acknowledged we had the truth, and expressed a desire to keep the Sabbath, but were not decided to commence yet. We persuaded some to take the REVIEW, and left them to read out. Bro. G. W. Colcord was with me in Como, but has now gone South to help Bro. Bliss with the other tent. We now have our tent pitched in Pontiac. Have had one meeting; about three hundred out last night. There seems to be a fair prospect of doing some good here. May the Lord help us. Bro. Wright, who embraced the truth last summer at Monmouth, is with me. Pray for us, brethren. Going Forward.
By A. M. Lindsley
THE inward working of the Spirit of God upon our hearts will lead us to a consecration of soul in keeping with the great truths we profess to believe. The necessity existing for a closer walk with God should impel us onward to seek him zealously. We want the continual evidence that our ways please him. That we possess the theory of the truth, is no particular sign that we are in favor with God, unless it is vitalized by his Spirit, and reduced to practice in our daily associations with each other and the world. We are living in a period when these solemn truths are being proclaimed, and that they have reached us perhaps a little sooner than others, should be a matter of thanksgiving, that we may be the better able to prepare ourselves for the work before us. In becoming cognizant of these facts, we incur great and solemn responsibilities. God's true and loyal people will be ready to take advance steps when the way is clearly pointed out, without long conferring with flesh and blood. If we are in possession of the spirit of the truth, it will urge us out to make no tarrying, for this is not our place of rest. As the command to ancient Israel at the shore of the Red Sea was, that they “go forward,” so the cry goes out through the ranks of the remnant to move out in the order of his providence, as soon as the light is revealed on their pathway. As we look back to the history of God's ancient people, and see how they were led, and the means that were used to unite and make them a separate and peculiar people, we can see the care God has for those who will follow him, and the jealousy with which he guards his own honor. And although he does not now speak with his people by an audible voice, and lead them by a cloud and pillar of fire, yet the pathway before us may be just as clearly discerned as when he brought them to the borders of the sea, and bade them, Go forward. Those who have confidence in God and in the message will be able, as the feet of the priests that bear the ark touch the brim of the waters, to follow on and find themselves on a permanent foundation, even, perhaps, while on all sides stand the raging waters of the deep. God wants us to have a living, daily testimony for the truth, that will keep alive our own energies and shed an influence in the right direction, showing that we do believe what we profess, and are making advancement in our journey. The Lord is as jealous for his glory now as ever. He is leading his people by a way they may not hitherto have known. They may never in the past have been called to make the sacrifices that now seem so necessary for the upbuilding of the cause, and carrying out this work. From the first, it has been a moving out by faith. God laid the burden then on a few chosen ones that he could use to his glory, to venture out as pioneers to prepare the way, until in his providence he should raise up others to unite their voices with them in swelling the cry. The emissaries of Satan have many times tried to hinder their labors and bring their work to naught; but God has had a care for his own cause, and has stood by it and sustained it so that it has reached a more prosperous condition. He has raised up friends, and we expect he will continue to do so, that will step out by faith on what, to all human appearance, might seem to be an impassable way, as for the children of Israel to enter the sea. God chose Moses, the meekest man upon the earth, to lead his people out of Egypt, and wrought great things by him; yet the stiffnecked, unbelieving Israelites found abundance of fault with him. “Wherefore,” said they, “hast thou dealt thus with us to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in this wilderness.” But Moses tried to encourage them to still trust in the Lord. He had a stronger faith. He believed God was able to deliver them from their enemies; for he had told Moses that he would be honored upon Pharaoh. His strong heart quailed not, but said he to the faint-hearted company, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show you to-day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Perhaps Moses had repeated to the Lord the murmurings of the people, and chidingly he says to him, “Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward.” Even yet, Moses may be in ignorance of how they are to accomplish such a feat; but the Lord has not left them, and he continues to instruct him, “but lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thy hand over the sea, and divide it, and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea,” &c. Here is an act of faith and obedience for Moses to perform, and, filled with confidence that God will do as he promised, he obeys, and the waters divide according to the word of the Lord, and the people pass on safely, while their enemies are confounded and destroyed. God has vindicated his word, cared for his people, swallowed up the Egyptians, and gotten himself honor. Its history has been carefully preserved and brought down to our time for our learning. Shall we be so far benefited and instructed by it that we may not be as faint-hearted and rebellious as they were, after God had so signally displayed his power and led them in great measure by the senses, and could not finally bring them into the promised land because of their unbelief? Is it not as plain to the eye of faith that God is leading out a people from this dark world, that will finally share in the glorious deliverance that is just before us, as that he led the first house of Israel? And does not faith as fully grasp the fact, that perfect obedience is required in following out the openings of his providence in spreading our message? Sacrifices may be required at our hands to forward this work that will call for a large share of faith; but we should remember that this is the victory that overcometh, even our faith. God will be pleased, and will by-and-by shed on his waiting people the riches and blessing of his full salvation. It is with joy that I read in the REVIEW the tokens of God's commandment-keeping people getting nearer to him, for in this is our only hope that our advancement in the love of the truth will be permanent. My constant prayer is, that we may individually be fitted up to do all his will, especially, that wisdom, power, and faith, may be given to those at the head of the work, and that we may all come into the unity of the faith. Vermillion, Os. Co., N. Y. California Tent Meetings and Church Progress Report
By John Norton Loughborough
My last report was made July 8. Since that time, there has been some advancement in the work on this coast. Sabbath and first-day, July 19, 20, I was with the church at Woodland, where we had very interesting meetings and a refreshing communion season. I was glad to perceive some advancement in the work there. God will ever bless his people who humbly and earnestly move forward at all times in the path of duty. Our tent-meeting at Napa closed first-day, July 27. Five were baptized on that day. Others design to go forward at the camp-meeting, as there is a more convenient and better place for baptism, the water being clear. We were with the tent in Napa nine weeks, and held seventy-seven meetings in the tent. The people made voluntary contributions toward our expenses to the amount of $129.67. About $90.00 worth of books were sold, and $25.00 worth of books and tracts were given away. Good order and deep interest were manifest in the meeting to its close. As it was deemed proper to hold another tent-meeting before the camp-meeting, the tent was taken down Monday, July 28, and erected in St. Helena, eighteen miles up the valley. Bro. Cornell commenced lectures in St. Helena, July 30, while I returned to Napa to hold a few more meetings, to visit interested ones, and follow up the interest here. Fifty-one have already signed a covenant to keep the commandments, and meet on the Sabbath for worship. I have closed my meetings here for the present, having held fifteen meetings in the Old Union school-house. Yesterday, we organized a Sabbath-school and Bible-class, as far as practicable, at least, until they get better acquainted with each other. The Sabbath-school comprises over thirty scholars. Bro. Cornell has already given sixteen lectures in St. Helena; is now canvassing the Sabbath question, and reports “a good attendance, profound attention, deep and solemn interest, and some deciding for the truth.” I learn from our people all over the State that they are looking forward with great anxiety to the camp-meeting. The camp-ground is at Yountville, just half way between the places of the two tent-meetings; nine miles from each; thus giving those in each place, who so desire, an opportunity to attend and become more acquainted with our people and work. I made a remark in my last report which I wish to modify some. I said, “The camp-meeting will probably close Bro. Cornell’s labors in this State for the present. He expects to start immediately after the camp-meeting to Washington Territory and Oregon, to establish a mission there.” I wish here to state that I suppose this matter of establishing a mission in Oregon or Washington Territory is under the control of the General Conference. It is their province to open the mission, and such ones will doubtless be sent as may be thus moved out by the Lord to go. Bro. Cornell expresses himself as free to labor anywhere duty demands. If I understand the brethren in Walla Walla and Oregon, their greatest anxiety is to see the mission opened, and only wish the General Conference to send whom the Lord bids them, and moves out to come. May the Lord give to the General Conference wisdom and grace in all their cares, responsibilities, and duties, and may the good Lord speed on the truth in missions already opened, and in those to be opened. Napa, Cal., Aug. 11, 1873. Minnesota Tent.
By H. F. Phelps
THERE are, at Hamilton, the place of our last meeting, some nine keeping the Sabbath; there are about twenty more who are deeply interested. Aug. 11, we took down the tent. Have taken a rest of one week, spending one Sabbath at home with the Pine Island church. It was a good meeting. This little church is now in the best condition it has been in for a long time. This morning we start back to pitch the tent in Spring Valley, a village of about fifteen hundred inhabitants, about six miles from Hamilton. Intend to hold one series of meetings there, and then follow up the interest by holding meetings in the school-houses. We think we are in a good field. Seldom do we find such friendly people and so little prejudice. We are encouraged to labor on in this good cause. We need your prayers. We will try to seek humility and devotion to God, that he may bless. Pine Island, Aug. 18, 1873. Report from Kentucky.
By S. Osborn
My last report was shortly after I arrived from Harden County, in May last, since which time, I have held only one regular course of lectures; no important results from it. As usual in this State, there is a general acknowledgment that we have the truth, and some are so zealous that they are ready to defend it by physical strength. There was a Disciple preacher came to Pine Grove, where I had been lecturing, after I left, and said some pretty rough things against me and the cause, and left another appointment; but when he came to fill it, the trustees had locked the door against him. At the close of the meetings at Pine Grove, there were four willing souls buried with Christ in baptism, as we trust, to rise to walk in newness of life. We intended to organize a little church here ere this, but are waiting for some to develop themselves and to get ready, and also their scattered condition makes it very inconvenient. My home duties and pecuniary necessities have caused me to labor with my hands, so I could not spend much time in the vineyard of the Lord. There are plenty of calls here for labor, and if we had a minister with proper gifts, there might be something done. I am now holding lectures at the Hood’s Run school-house, as usual, to crowded houses, rain or shine. But what the results will be, God only knows. O brethren, help us by your prayers, for we need them. S. OSBORN.
Greenup Co., Ky., Aug. 6, 1873. Washington Territory.
By Hannah Warren
We have been on this coast about three years. When we came here, there was no one that had ever heard of the third angel's message of Rev. 14, nor of the Sabbath, and they thought us a very curious people. We have tried to live out the truth and keep the commandments of God, but feel that we have failed in many respects. We have done what we could to lead our friends and neighbors into the truth by lending them our papers and what few books we had; and, through the blessing of God, there have two families commenced to keep the Sabbath. Give God the praise. And there are others who are convinced that we have the truth, but have not the courage to move out on it yet. But we still hope they will. Cannot some one come and preach to us? Cannot some one come over and help us? We feel anxious for the spread of the truth. We very much want the History of the Sabbath; we think it would do much good here. May God bless you and the cause. Pray for us. Chapel Hill, Mo., Aug. 13, 1873
By J. H. Cook
We left the southern tent at Montevallo on the 28th of July to join the northern tent. The interest at Montevallo was flattering at that time; the whole country was stirred over these solemn truths. On the 30th, we joined Brn. Rogers and Long at Holden. The contrast between the two places was not very encouraging to me. In Holden, a city of about 2500 inhabitants, our attendance was from fifty to seventy-five, where we might expect five hundred or six hundred. But these railroad towns are given to great excess in amusements, money-making, and a fashionable Christianity. We sometimes make mistakes in selecting places of labor; but some of the leading citizens are interested, which we think will open a door for a future field of labor. We have been laboring here eight days; probably have an average attendance of three hundred. Ministers and all appear to be taken by storm. There is no active opposition from any quarter. We are now about ready to present the Sabbath, when we expect the scene will be somewhat changed. We confidently expect a good work will be done here. Chapel Hill, Mo., Aug. 13, 1873