THIS Conference held its fifth annual session at Monroe, Green Co., Wis., in connection with the camp-meeting, from June 17–22, 1875.
FIRST SESSION.
First session called June 18, at 9 o’clock A. M.; the president, O. A. Olsen, in the chair. Prayer by Bro. White.
Credentials were called for, when twenty-one churches were represented by their respective delegates, ten by letter, and one was not represented.
Minutes of last Conference read and approved.
Applications of new churches for admittance to Conference were received as follows:—
Douglass Center, Lyons, Racine, Hurricane Grove, and Leon.
On motion, Bro. and Sr. White, U. Smith, and Bro. Colcord, were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.
A committee of three was selected to nominate the proper committees. Brn. Decker, Olds, and Tenney, were selected as that committee. Business being over, Bro. White made some instructive remarks upon the progress and wants of the cause. Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Conference convened June 19, 8 A. M. Prayer by Bro. Colcord.
Burnside, Modena, and Arkansas, reported. Eld. Downer delegate.
Church of Arkansas admitted.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
THIRD SESSION.
June 20, 8 P. M. Prayer by Eld. Sanborn.
Report of committees called for; none being ready to report, and no other business coming up, Conference adjourned to call of Chair.
FOURTH SESSION.
Conference called June 21, 8 A. M.
President in the chair. Prayer by Eld. U. Smith.
Church of Fremont allowed to retain one-half of their S. B. for this year. Loyal allowed to retain all their S. B. the coming year.
The Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, O. A. Olsen, Fort Howard, Brown Co., Wis.; Executive Committee, Geo. Tenney and O. H. Pratt; Secretary, A. S. Osborn, Bloomington, Grant Co.; Treasurer, Wm. Kerr, Monroe, Green Co. Report adopted.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
FIFTH SESSION.
Conference met at 8 o’clock P. M., June 21. Prayer by Eld. Matteson.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported to renew the credentials of Isaac Sanborn, John Matteson, O. A. Olsen, David Downer; that H. W. Decker receive ordination, and that C. W. Olds, John Atkinson, Rufus Baker, S. S. Smith, Abram Kisner, J. C. Nelson, and N. M. Jordan, receive license.
A Committee on Ordination appointed.
The report of Secretary called for, which is as follows:—
No. of members for Conf. year, 1874, 875. No. of members for Conf. year, 1875, 933. Systematic Benevolence for the Conf. year 1874, $3015.00. Systematic Benevolence for the Conf. year, 1875, $3422.00.
A resolution looking to the ultimate division of the Conference was favorably considered.
The people expressed their confidence in Bro. White and gratitude for his efficient labors by a rising vote, every member voting and some expressing a wish that they might give stronger testimonials of esteem.
Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:—
Whereas, Great prominence is given in certain quarters in these days to a spurious doctrine of holiness and sanctification, which leaves out obedience to the commandments of God as necessary to salvation, charging those who adhere to the commandments with depending on works for justification, therefore
Resolved, That we caution our brethren in combating this error, not to dwell so exclusively on the law as to appear to occupy the position which we are falsely charged with occupying.
Resolved, That while we believe, as we ever have believed, that faith must go with works, that we cannot be justified while living in transgression, and can be justified only by faith in Christ, we protest against being put by our opponents in the false light of denying these principles.
Resolved, That we feel under renewed obligations to the Lord for the help of his Spirit in our camp-meeting, and for the increasing light and evidences of the truthfulness of our position as a people in trying to obey the third angel’s message and proclaim it to the world.
Resolved, That we are greatly strengthened in our faith as we see the message going among other nations, in harmony with the predictions of the word of God, and that we are deeply interested in the work in Europe.
Resolved, That the prosperity of the cause on the Pacific Coast is a matter of great encouragement to us, and we recommend to our brethren as they are able and willing, to take shares in the California S. D. A. Publishing Association.
Resolved, That we feel very grateful for the efficient help rendered us in this camp-meeting by the General Conference, and for the goodness of God in giving our dear brother and sister White so much strength and grace to encourage and help us along.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SIXTH SESSION.
Conference met at 6 o’clock A. M., June 22. No formal opening—the entire congregation present. The ordination of Bro. Decker, amid great solemnity, took place.
The Conference voted $100.00 to the General Conference. The Treasurer’s Report having been overlooked, it is here given. It is as follows:—
June 22, 1875, rec’d during
the year, $2185.77
Paid out during year
up to date, 2119.14
Cash on hand to bal., $66.63
O. A. Olsen, Pres.
E. R. Gillett, Sec.
The Work of the Lord in other Tongues.
By A. B. Oyen
WE are receiving letters from time to time from different parts of this country and also from Denmark, which go to show that the silent messengers which have been sent there have done a good work. The Spirit of the Lord seems to follow the tracts and magazines, and persons who have never heard a sermon on the subject are embracing the truth from reading a few tracts, or perhaps from reading the Tidende a half year or a year. And these persons who thus embrace the truth receive not only the theory, but also a love for it, and feel interested and anxious to have their neighbors and friends enlightened in regard to it. The following is a translation of a letter from a brother in Marquette Co., Wis.:—
“Dear brother in the Lord: It must certainly encourage you to continue your labor in the vineyard of the Lord with zeal, when you learn something of the fruits of your labors in this vicinity. Advent Tidende comes a welcome guest to our family circle. My wife and I have now commenced to keep the holy Sabbath of the Lord; and it is solely from reading the Tidende that we have been enlightened in regard to the truth that ‘the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God’ under the Christian as well as under the Jewish and patriarchal dispensations. The other truths advocated by the Tidende have been held by us for several years as the precious truths of the Lord. There are several Danish families here who are respected for their uprightness and morality, and who seek to live up to the best light they have. Nearly all of them read the Tidende, and it is my prayer to God that they may come to a ‘knowledge of the truth,’ and that ‘the truth may make them free.’ May the Lord help us to work while the day lasts; the night cometh when no man can work.”
Another brother writes that he has been reading the Tidende since the beginning of this year. He has also read the pamphlet entitled, “The New Testament Sabbath,” and this, he says, has been the means in the hands of God of turning him from the Pope’s Sabbath to the Sabbath of the Lord. He writes also to inquire the price of sending the Tidende to Denmark, and says he will send it to all his friends who will read it. He feels also interested for his American neighbors and wishes some English tracts to scatter among them.
Another writes that some friend has sent him the Tidende since the beginning of the year, and although he does not know who it is, he feels thankful to him. He finds truth in what he reads, and feels interested to investigate still further.
These things are encouraging to those who labor on the periodicals, and who feel interested in seeing the work go forward. If we are faithful in doing our part, the Lord will add his blessing.
A. B. OYEN.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Love to God.
By J. M. Gallenore
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Mark. 12:30.
We need not ask why this commandment was given. It is enough to know that the Lord is our Creator and Father; that he gave his only begotten Son to redeem us from sin; that he cares for us as no earthly parent cares for his children; and that, as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is the mercy of the Lord toward them that fear him. Then ought we not to love such a Heavenly Father? Why should it be hard for us to do so? And why should it be hard for us to show that love by obedience?
Is there a Christian whose heart does not swell with love and gratitude toward his Heavenly Father as he beholds, from day to day, the evidences that that Father is ever mindful of him, and that he is continually giving him strength sufficient for the labor, and courage for the trials, before him? Knowing, as the true disciple of the Lord does, that whatever his trials, labors, and toils, may be, he has indeed a Heavenly Father, who is full of goodness, mercy, and tender compassion, who regards all his wants, and who will withhold no good thing from him, can he do otherwise than trust him, love him, and be grateful for his care?
The Christian knows that he has a Parent who regards him with more interest than the kind and tender parent of earth does his children. None but the Christian knows the joy, the peace, and the consolation, afforded by the thought that he has such a Friend—one who is sure to administer to his every want, and comfort him in every trial. Why is it that men will not seek the favor of Him whose power has no bounds, whose love is infinite, and whose help is more than that of all the world? Is it not one of the greatest mysteries that they do not? Have they no faith in such a being? or have they yet failed to realize that they need the help of such a God?
J. M. GALLENORE.
Salisbury, Mo.
A Lesson.
By H. E. P.
My four-year-old boy discovering a large, ugly weed which I had pulled up, asked, “What is this?” “A weed,” said I. “Oh! let me set out this pretty little weed,” said the boy. If I had allowed the little fellow to set out this weed, who would have been responsible for the consequences? And who would have pitied me if I had found my garden all covered with the seeds of this foul weed, and had reaped a harvest of weeds?
Children see no difference between good and evil. To them sin looks delightful. Now if we allow them to grow up unrestrained, the seeds of evil taking deep root in their hearts, instead of being rooted up, who will be responsible? Who will pity us if we reap a baleful crop? H. E. P.
Pine Island, Minn.
Thoughts on Doing the Father's Will
By T. M. Steward
Thoughts.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.” Matt. 7:21. Professed Christendom unite in magnifying Jesus. Costly churches are built for his service. His name is popular. But the character they worship is a creation of their own fancy—not that of the truly meek and lowly One who came to do his Father’s will, and who was himself a transcript of his immutable law. It is not the Father and his will (or law) and Jesus, but it is all Jesus—“Lord, Lord,”—no room for, or need of, the Father. Oh! how applicable this saying of our Saviour’s to the present time—as though he looked down here when he said it.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us be careful that this prevailing spirit of fashionable religion does not influence us. While with the deepest gratitude and adoration we would call Jesus “Lord and Master,” let us try with all our power to mold our characters after the holy law of God. T. M. STEWARD.
What Are You Doing for Christ
WHAT are you doing for Christ? The world is full of opportunities for doing good. Every circle in which we live and move is a field in which, if one has a heart for the work, he may labor for God; and vast fields lie all around us uncultivated, waiting for some one to occupy them. And none can make the excuse for being idle that is recorded in the parable—“Because no man hath hired us.” God has hired us, purchased us all, and we are bound to work in his vineyard. Are you living thus for the good of your fellow-men and the building up of the kingdom of your Lord and Saviour?
FREE SALVATION.—
In his address in the London Tavern, during the week of prayer, Mr. Spurgeon used the following simple, but impressive, illustration of the freedom of salvation, and of the terms of its application: I was told lately by a young man who had been in Scotland, that he came one day to a gate, when the gate-keeper’s little girl ran down and shut it, saying, “You have not to pay anything to pass; you have only to say, ‘Please allow me to go through.’” The young man did as he was directed, and simply repeated, “Please allow me to go through,” and the gate was immediately opened. The owner just wished to preserve the right of entrance—that was all. So, simply—“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Missouri & Kansas Camp-Meeting
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 269 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago are invited to attend.
Missouri & Kansas Camp-Meeting.
The camp-meeting in the Mo. and Kan. Conference will be held in the vicinity of Pleasanton and Mound City, Linn Co., Kansas, July 21–28. We expect Bro. and sister White to attend. The Conference will be held during this meeting. Let all make arrangements at once to attend. Come at the commencement to remain until the close. J. H. Rogers, for Com.
Mo. and Kan. Conference.
The sixth annual session of the Mo. and Kan. Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, July 21–28. All of the churches should be represented either by delegate or letter. It is hoped there will be a general rally of the friends of the cause at this time; also that all the scattered brethren will represent their wants. Let all make an effort to come who can consistently do so, as important matters are to be considered at this meeting.
J. H. Rogers, C. H. Chaffee, C. F. Stevens, Com.
Quarterly meeting of the churches of Dist. No. 6 at Bushnell, Mich., July 17, 18, 1875. Hope there will be a general attendance of the brethren and sisters of the district, and that the librarians will send their reports to L. B. Kneeland, Palmer, Ionia Co., Mich., in season for this meeting. Cannot Bro. Burrill and the friends of the cause from Carson and vicinity attend this meeting? J. Fargo, Director.
Quarterly meeting of the Ithaca church at Ithaca, Mich., July 3, 4, 1875. A general invitation is extended. Franklin Squire, Clerk.
The T. & M. Society of Dist. No. 5, of Mo. & Kan. Conf., will hold its next quarterly meeting July 3, 4, 1875, at Matney’s school-house. Will Bro. Brockminster be present; also as many of the Rock Creek church as can? Would like the presence of Bro. Rogers. Geo. Kennedy, Director.
The next general quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 4, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., will be held at Pierpont, July 10, 11, 1875. Hope all in the district will attend this meeting, and make their reports of missionary labor. There will be opportunity for baptism, and we expect some will be baptized. We hope none will let this opportunity pass. We expect help from abroad. A. H. Hall, Director.
Quarterly meeting of the Hillsdale and Ransom churches, at Ransom, Mich., July 10, 11, 1875, in connection with the Mich. T. & M. Society, District No. 1. Scattered members will please send their reports to C. S. Veeder (Dist. Sec.), Hillsdale, Mich., in time for the meeting. Let all attend. Can some minister be present? Stephen D. Salisbury, Director.
There will be a two days’ meeting at Oxford, Jones Co., Iowa, July 10, 11, 1875; to commence Friday evening. Friends from adjoining churches are cordially invited. Jesse Dorcas.
Quarterly meeting of the Clyde church, at Clyde, O., July 3, 4, 1875. Quarterly meeting for District No. 4 will be held in connection with this meeting. A full attendance is desired. Scattered members will please forward their reports to L. T. Dysert (Dist. Sec.), Clyde, O. O. F. Guilford, Director.
The place of meeting for those who observe the seventh day, in Grand Rapids, Mich., is at the residence of H. C. Winslow, 407 Fountain Street. An interested community are cordially invited.
I will hold meetings as follows:— Logan, Harrison Co., Iowa, June 26, 1875. Missouri Val., “ “ July 3, 4, “ Onawa, Monona, “ “ “ 10, “ Quarterly meeting at Belvidere, Monona Co., Iowa, July 17, 18, 1875. Smithland, Woodb’y “ “ “ 24, 25, “ Decatur, Burt Co., Neb., “ 31, “ There will be an opportunity for baptism at these meetings. J. W. McWilliams.
Next monthly meeting of the Jackson church at Bro. H. H. Bramhall’s, in Springport (Mich.), Sabbath, July 3, 1875. E. P. Giles.
Quarterly meeting of the S. D. A. church of South Norridgewock, Me., July 3, 1875. All members that cannot attend are requested to report by letter. F. J. Kilgore, Clerk.
I will meet with the friends at Hooper, Nebraska, July 10, 1875. Bro. Boyd is expected. M. D. Clark.
No preventing providence, I will meet with the church at Prescott, Iowa, June 26, 27, 1875. Osceola, “ “ July 3, 4, “ Peru, “ “ 10, 11, “ Winterset, “ Monday evening 12, “ Sandyville, “ July 17, 18, “ Knoxville, “ Monday evening 19, “ Brighton, “ July 24, 25, “ There will be opportunity for baptism at each of these places. H. Nicola.
A BLUE cross on the margin of your paper signifies that your subscription will expire in two weeks, and that an earnest invitation is extended to you to renew at once.
RECEIPTS
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money received pays—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$2.00 EACH. John Reisman 48-1, Mrs C E Childs 48-1, J L Locke 49-1, D N Fay 48-1, Delbert Hall 48-1, Orcutt Burr 48-1, Francis Nelson 48-1, S Vincent 48-1, Wm Morton 47-24, Will E Morton 48-1, Chas M Chamberlain 48-1, Richard Godsmark 48-1, L N Whisby 48-1, J C Tucker 48-1, C H Wolcott 47-26, Martin Phillips 48-1, W H Place 48-1, S G Satterlee 48-1, Henry Raymond 48-1, Thomas Paton 47-25, Grace Holbrook 48-1, Mrs Katie Shedd 48-1, Martha W Steere 48-1, S M Tryon 48-1, Ivory Colcord 47-28, M L Dean 48-1, W H Cottrell 48-1, Hiram Stebbins 48-1, Daniel Carpenter 48-1, Sarah E Elder 47-21, A Paton 48-1, G W Sheldon 48-1, T P Finch 48-14, L Smith 48-1, L H Russell 47-4, Andrew Olsen 48-1, Sarah A Holmes 48-1, Myra Morgan 48-1, Isaac Brooks 48-14, Jane Moore 48-1, Amos Morel 47-24, Della Frick 47-25, John Snow 48-1, James A Wright 48-1, J S Wager 48-1, J S Smith 48-1, D Hodges 48-1.
$1.00 EACH. J H Bates 47-1, C A Bates 47-1, Mary A Hake 47-26, S Simonds 47-1, Mrs Cyrena Lamberton 47-1, David Hewitt 47-1, Charles Brackett 47-1, Freddie Walter 46-22, S E Welch 48-1, D B Webber 47-1, Benj Hill 47-1, Samuel W Flanders 47-1, Esek Whipple 47-1, J H Ginley 47-1, Anna F Coates 48-1, D K Mitchell 47-1, J M Gifford 48-1, J H Bennett 48-1, Mrs A Grose 47-1, Elizabeth Carpenter 47-1, N M Jordan 48-14, Martha R Loudon 47-1, U Affolter 47-1, Albert Cash 47-4, John Logan 47-1, Mrs Mary Balsly 48-1, W E Chesebro 47-1, Nathaniel Morgan 48-1, Geo Bickle 47-25, S N Mead 47-1, Eli N Hatt 47-1, Thos McKee 47-1, Thos W Potter 47-1, H N Barber 47-25, John J Terrell 48-1, Susan A Sparks 47-1, Andrew Deedon 47-1, Joseph Hilton 47-1, Jacob Krauder 46-25, O G Satterlee 47-1, Margaret Hyde 48-1, Helen W George 47-1, Margaret Phipps 48-1, L M Alexander 49-1, John H Guerrier 46-25, F Dietrich 47-9, Samuel Bowen 47-1, J A Loughead 47-1, G S Honeywell 47-1, Geo D Chester 47-1, Cyrus Robbins 46-24, F N Bartholomew 46-24, L H Priest 47-1, Chas E Palmer 47-1.
Miscellaneous. Mrs Susan Hillman $3.04 48-1, J Bartlett 50c 47-25, C A Washburn 1.25 47-14, L Smith 50c 47-1, E H Kynett 50c 46-14, L J Grimason 15c 46-19, Thomas Nettleingham 2.04 48-1, James Hibben 2.08 48-1, John F Ballard 50c 46-14, M Martinell 50c 47-1, Mrs Lizzie Parker 25c 46-8, J C Revell 75c 46-20, Charles B Barber 2.04 48-1.
Books Sent by Mail.
M E Lanphere 1.00, Mrs Mary Feemster 55c, H Y Heitmeyer 15c, M J Randall 1.00, Lucinda Richer 1.50, Sarah E Hyde 2.00, Mrs Alice Stafford 1.05, John C Revell 25c, U Smith 1.30, Frances Simonson 43c, J Ackland 1.50, C A Washburn 2.00, Ida W Ballenger 1.05, Mrs Wm Fox 50c, S G Knight 50c, Robert Winter 50c, David Bear 15c, Catharine Bear 15c, John Estep 15c, Cyrus Robbins 1.55, B F Eaton 25c, L T Elphick 1.00, Mrs W Elphick 25c, Mrs G Owens 25c, William Carpenter 15c, O R North 10c, Z T Livergood 25c, C H Bliss 5.61, Lucretia Berry 3.60, I N Pike 50c, James More 15c, John Houglin 30c, Mrs J B Wisel 50c.
Books Sent by Express.
E W Farnsworth, Woodbine, Iowa, $8.05, E R Jones, Flint, Mich., 19.25, J H Rogers, Gallatin, Mo., 17.47, W W Sharp, Bourbon, Marshall Co., Ind., 5.13, O M Millard, State Centre, Iowa, 14.81.
Book Fund.
A Tuttle, 5.00, J L Voris, 2.00, “A friend,” 5.00.
Pacific Pub. Association.
R G Lockwood, 50.00.
Mo. & Kan. Sufferers.
R G Lockwood, 10.00, Mary Crouch, 1.00.
Swedish Mission.
Knud Brossen 5.00, Hans Jessen 5.00.
S. D. A. Educational Society.
Ann Plum 10.00, Alex Carpenter 30.00, M H Brown 20.00, Joseph E. Hool 12.50, Rachel Hool 5.00, George Foreman 20.00, G W Page 10.00, Mrs Katie Shedd 5.00, D T Stephens 20.00, S E Stephens 10.00, John Atkinson 10.00, O A Olsen 10.00.
General Conference T. and M. Fund.
Jane Claxton 5.50, “A Friend” 3.00.
Michigan Conference Fund
Mary Richer (s. b.) 1.00.
Mich. T. & M. Society.
Dist. No. 4, (Donation) 50c, No. 5, 10.73.
Cash Received on Account.
D M Canright $3.00, Ill T & M Society $23.40, T M Steward 5.00, Iowa & Neb T & M Society, 273.86, Wis. T & M Society 470.00, James White 1100.00, Uriah Smith 1100.00, S T Belden 6.00, S N Haskell (per Wm Ings) 4.00.
General Conference Fund.
Robert Ladlee 5.00.
Swiss Mission.
Robert Ladlee 5.00, Alzina Fairchilds 50c.
Danish Mission.
O M Fomle (donation) $6.00.
Spiritualism and Twaddle.
By J. W. B.
In a recent exchange we find the following “explanation :”—
“All who have paid any attention to the mediums who profess to receive communications from departed spirits have been struck with the trivial character of their utterances. They tell nothing worth knowing. Even believers in spiritualism are often disgusted with such gossip and twaddle. Mr. A. R. Wallace, an eminent scientific man in England, a convert to spiritualism, explains this fact in a curious way. He confesses that a large part of the communications are worthless, but adds that nothing better can be expected. A very large majority of those who depart this life are persons addicted to twaddle; and there is no transforming power in the grave to give them a delight in high and intellectual pursuits. These persons are the ones who communicate with our world. The higher order of souls find better employment, and are absorbed by interest in their new and grand existence. But the lower order feel lonely in the new world, being unfitted for intellectual employments; and it is a relief to them to have a gossip with old friends; and to renew their memories of a former life. “This will pass for an explanation, but it is not complimentary either to the spirits in the other world, or to the circles which gather so eagerly to listen to the twaddle.” J. W. B.
Lost Account Book Notice Battle Creek
By C. A. Russell
Notice.
Lost, in Battle Creek, at the time of the Biblical Lectures, which closed the first of January last, a small account book, with light brown cover, containing copied and pasted extracts on various subjects relating to present truth; and in the back part the tract, “Who Changed the Sabbath?”
I believe my name was not written in the book. If any person has found it, they will receive my thanks, and a compensation for their trouble by sending it to me at Plainwell, Allegan Co., Mich. C. A. Russell.
Notice to Canvassers for Voice and Reformer
By H. GRANT; A. H. VANKIRK
NOTICE is hereby given to the canvassers for Voice and Reformer on trial to send in no more names on the free list. H. GRANT, Pres. A. H. VANKIRK, Sec. Minn. T. & M. Society.
Addresses of Illinois Conference Officers
By C. H. Bliss
The address of Eld. G. W. Colcord, Pres. Ill. Conference, is Lovington, Moultrie Co., Ill.; of Eld. C. H. Bliss, Sec. Ill. Conf., Greenup, Cumberland Co., Ill.; of J. R. Whitham, Treas. Ill. Conf., Aledo, Mercer Co., Ill.; of Eld. R. F. Andrews, Member Executive Com. Ill. Conf., Gilman, Iroquois Co., Ill.