DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Let us pray and labor more earnestly for the prosperity of the cause of truth and righteousness, and follow on to know the Lord, whom to know aright is life, joy, and peace, in the earth made new. I have passed through many trials and temptations, but the Lord has been my help. I know that my Saviour has traveled there before me. He knows what sore temptations mean, for he has felt the same; and it is by trials, patiently borne, that we are to acquire holy characters for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.
Oh! how thankful we ought to be that there is so much light shed upon our pathway, through the gifts that are in the church. I am striving to profit by these solemn truths. God grant that I may realize the time in which we live, and strive to get ready to meet the Lord at his coming.
My prayer is that God will revive his work in the hearts of his people, and give them grace and strength to do his will.
DANIEL D. HAINES
Haverhill, Mass.
Laboring for the Lord
By N. Hiddleson
From Sr. Hiddleson.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am still trying to serve the Lord, so as to be prepared to meet him when he comes. Time is short, and we have a great work to do to be ready to meet him in peace. Oh! I do want to be able to stand in the great day which hasteth greatly. I intend to labor to enter into that rest that remaineth for the people of God. There are many ways in which we can labor for the Lord. We can labor in secret, where none but God's all-seeing eye rests upon us. We can labor at the family altar, where strangers and friends behold our works. We can labor in the prayer and social meeting. We can visit the afflicted. We can lend a helping hand to the poor and needy, and as the poet says,
“If we want a field of labor,
We can find it anywhere.”
Now let us hear the words of the apostle Paul: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” How encouraging those words to God's dear children.
Cheer up, lone pilgrim, the rough storms of life will soon be over. Labor on a little longer; your work will soon be done. A bright crown of glory will be placed upon the heads of those that overcome. May you and I share with that happy company.
Our number is few that meet here from Sabbath to Sabbath; but, praise the name of God, his presence is with us as we meet for his worship. Some of our brethren and sisters have moved to Missouri; some to Iowa; others have been laid away in the cold and silent grave, there to await the last, loud trump, to bid them arise to obtain their rich reward. May the Lord help us that are left to labor on until Jesus comes to take his weary children home. May we all be ready to enter into the glories of that heavenly home.
From your unworthy sister, hoping for victory over sin. N. HIDDLESON.
Whiteside Co., Ill.
MARY C. DUKES
By Mary C. Dukes
From Sr. Dukes.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would, for the first time, say a few words through the REVIEW to the friends of present truth. I have been a reader of the REVIEW for several years. I united with the S. D. A. church at Princeville, last March. Truly, it was a solemn day to me.
I thank God that he has shown me some of my errors, and has been aiding me by his Spirit to overcome. Oh! that I could see myself as God sees me, and get right before it is forever too late. I am striving for a home in the kingdom of God, where our blest Saviour has gone to prepare mansions for his children. The way looks very straight and narrow; so narrow that but few will walk therein; but all that will, may partake of the water of life freely. Oh! then, let us strive to enter in at the strait gate. Are we, like Jesus, going about doing good? Do we visit the sick, and administer to their wants? Do we care for the poor, and seek the salvation of all around us? Do we live daily under the impression that we are responsible for our time, talent, and opportunities to do good? Are we growing in grace? Is Christ precious to our souls? We must imitate his example, as well as trust in his blood.
Are we prepared for his coming? We shall soon be summoned to the Judgment. How much better to be called from a field of labor, than from a state of idleness! Then let us work while the day lasts; for soon the night cometh, when no man can work. Are we looking for the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus, who will come to be glorified in his saints, and to reward every man according to his works? Are we ready to hail him with joy, or will it be with grief? I want to have clean hands and a pure heart, that I may have a right to the tree of life.
MARY C. DUKES
Peoria Co., Ill.
Labor at Altovista
By John Matteson; R. J. Lawrence
From Bro. Matteson and Lawrence.
DURING the first part of this month I have labored in the neighborhood of Altovista, as much as the rain would permit. The frequent rain storms have been a great hindrance to meetings so far, for it makes the roads in this country almost impassable.
There is only one union meeting-house in this place, owned by every body, and the majority of the people wanted me to preach there, but two of the trustees opposed it. The first time, I preached by the side of the house, standing on a box. The young men carried the seats from the meeting-house all out doors, and the congregation was there seated. During the week, and next Sunday, preached in the house. This place is noted as a hard place, but there was quite an interest to hear. The opposing parties commenced strife about the house, and went to see the lawyers. Next Sunday we were locked out again. Bro. Lawrence had arrived. We held two meetings in the grove. The strife had got to such a height that we deemed best not to have any more meetings before they got the case settled. It is a country place, and right in the midst of the harvest, which is not favorable at present. Two individuals have taken hold of the Sabbath, and others are favorably inclined, of whom we have hopes. Some young men who were noted for wickedness, have commenced reading the Bible, and are trying in earnest to reform. The work of darkness, slander, and misrepresentation, in this place, is great. The Devil is active in leading out in such work. But God is greater. And if his children will only live near to him, they will be victorious.
We have held four meetings here in Hamilton. Patched and pitched the tent yesterday. Held meetings in it last night. Have had a good hearing so far. Pray for us.
JOHN MATTESON,
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Hamilton, Mo., July 27, 1869.
Note from the Iowa Tent.
By George I. Butler
Our meetings in Sigourney still continue. Since the last report we have had a few days of fair weather, just enough to get the roads passable, and then another heavy rain, that raised the streams higher than ever. This is a very dark time for farmers and all classes. The wheat harvest has commenced, but reapers can hardly run on account of the soft ground. Most of the grass is still standing, because there is not enough sunshine to make it safe to cut, and it seems now, that half a crop of grain will not be raised of any kind. On the account of high water, the mills cannot run, and flour can hardly be bought. Altogether, things look dismal. But there is a bountiful crop of fruit this year.
Under these circumstances, it can be readily seen that tent-meetings are not delightful. But we have kept at work as well as we could under the circumstances, holding meetings in the court-house when we could not use the tent; and we trust our labor here is not all thrown away. Last Sabbath we had a Bible Class and Sabbath School, for the first time. There must have been nearly a hundred persons, old and young, present, who seemed to be interested. In the afternoon we had a social meeting; some sixteen testimonies were given by those who had never spoken before in our meetings. Altogether, we trust from fifteen to twenty Sabbath-keepers will be brought into the truth here, as the result of our efforts. Had the weather been favorable, we think a much greater number might have been reached. We do not expect to remain here much longer, that is, if the roads ever get dry enough so that we can get away.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Sigourney, Iowa, July 27, 1869.
Rest is Near.
The rest of the saints is now nigh at hand. It is now a period of toil and anguish, but what matters that when rest is so nigh? Every day counts in the accomplishment of the journey. The days are not all of them days of joy, but they should not be days of gloom. The kingdom of God is almost in sight. Everything indicates that the day of triumph and of joy is now about to be ushered in. The toil shall make the rest most welcome and refreshing. Let us labor, then, and not faint.
Do not Appear before God Empty.
We are about to assemble in general gatherings, at our Camp-meetings. We hope thus to meet with the Lord of hosts. At these meetings the wants of the cause of God will, no doubt, be presented to his people. Would it not be well for all of us who love that cause, to read the directions which God gave to his ancient people under like circumstances:
Deut. xvi, 16, 17: "Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the Lord empty; every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee." Ex. xxiii, 15: "None shall appear before me empty."
Tents Can Be Hired.
By John Nevins Andrews
It may be of interest to the brethren in N. Y., and perhaps in other States, to know that tents can be hired for use, during one week's meeting, of Mr. James Field, of Rochester, N. Y. He will rent them at the following rates: tents 24 ft. by 30 ft. for $9.00; 16 ft. by 24 ft. for $7.00; 12 ft. by 17 ft. for $5.00; 9 ft. by 12 ft. for $2.50.
Ten per cent discount when over $50.00 in rent is engaged. Those who hire tents must pay transportation both ways. Yet this seems to be a very favorable opening. The tents of Mr. Field will shed rain far better than those made of common cotton cloth, and they are all ready for pitching.
Those who wish to procure tents should address J. B. Lamson, Lake Avenue, Rochester, N. Y.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Michigan Camp-meeting Committees.
MEETING AT OWOSSO:—E. S. Griggs, D. W. Milk, W. W. Lockwood, H. A. Fenner, H. S. Gurney, Wm. Potter, R. Griggs.
MEETING AT CERESCO:—C. S. Glover, J. F. Byington, Thomas Lane, J. G. Whipple, Myron J. Cornell, Daniel Carpenter, Richard Godsmark. GEN. CONF. COM.
Notice of Danish Books.
By J. M.
We have at the Office a supply of “Liv og Død,” divided as follows: “De Retfærdiges Belønning” (Reward of the Righteous), price 15c; “Liv og Uforkrænkelighed” (Life and Immortality), price 15c; “De Ugudeliges Straf” (Punishment of the Wicked), price 10c. We call the attention of our brethren who are living in the neighborhood of Danes or Norwegians, to these tracts. We have also a tract on the Sabbath, “Sabbatens Dag,” price 10c, and “Scripture References,” price 5c. Now you can introduce, by these tracts, such a subject or subjects first as may be best suited to the individuals who are willing to investigate. In general, you will find the “Reward of the Righteous” the best one to introduce first. Brethren, labor, and pray the Lord of the harvest to bless.
J. M.
Note from the Ohio Tent.
By I. D. Van Horn; A. O. Burrell
Our last report reached to the busy time of harvest. Up to this period we had full congregations. But as the wheat crop was large, and help scarce, the attendance soon became quite small, and we found it necessary to have meetings only about alternate evenings in the tent; and other evenings go out into meeting and school-houses, as opportunities were presented to us. By so doing we have had full attendance, and a great interest has been awakened all around this vicinity to hear on the subject of present truth. In one town south of us we were invited to speak in the M. E. meeting-house. After delivering several discourses, some took offense, and of course the lock-out argument was used by them, as this was all they had. We did not then leave them, but spoke to them in their streets, and felt very thankful for this privilege. The interest became such that they have since opened their house and bidden us walk in, and are very attentive to listen to all that is said. May God bless them.
There are some twenty-five or thirty who have decided to keep the Sabbath; others are very much interested. We hope to see a good work accomplished here. We shall take down the tent, Aug. 2, and go to Camp-meeting. Yet we do not intend to leave this work until we can feel that we have done all for this people that is possible for us to do.
I. D. VAN HORN,
A. O. BURRELL.
Melmore, July 30, 1869.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
The next Quarterly Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Blendon and Allendale, Mich., will be held at Allendale, on the 21st and 22d inst. Can some messenger attend? Adolphus Smith.
The next Monthly Meeting for Northern New York, will be held at Chase's Mills, instead of Norfolk, Aug. 28 and 29. This change is made by mutual consent. S. B. Whitney.
The next Quarterly Meeting of the church at Princeville, Ill., will be held Sept. 4 and 5, at Princeville. We wish to see as many of our brethren and friends of the truth present as possible. Come, brethren, praying for and expecting a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. B. F. Merritt.
The next Quarterly Meeting of the church at Gridley, Ill., will be held at the Gregory school-house, August 28 and 29. Meeting to begin with the Sabbath. Brethren Merritt and Bliss are expected to be with us. We hope all will come to this Quarterly Meeting, as it may be the last we shall all ever enjoy together on earth. Wm. H. Sloan.
There will be a Monthly Meeting at Washington, Iowa, Sabbath, August 21, 1869. The brethren and sisters of Brighton and Talleyrand are cordially invited. We hope to see a general attendance at this meeting. H. Nicola.
The Post Office address of Eld. H. C. Blanchard is changed from Woodburn, Ill., to Avilla, Jasper Co., Mo.
R. LOVELAND: Where shall we change C. B. French's REVIEWfrom?
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 receipted 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.
$1.00 each. Mrs C Sexton 36-1, Mrs M Aldrich 36-1, Wm Hill 34-20, Mrs N Holly 36-1, A Rosenman 35-1, Mrs J R Rapp 36-1, R R Rapp 36-1, R Ballard 35-1, S D Butler 34-15, W McJonathan 35-1, H Miller 35-1, J G Wood 35-1, E W Darling 35-14, I N Pike 35-1, A Bourne 34-13.
$2.00 each. Wm Hoag 35-1, Mrs A M Green 37-1, S Zollinger 36-20, James Loudon 36-1, Elijah Loudon 36-1, H Moore 35-1, A Gleason 36-1, Mary Field 36-1, David Michael 36-1, J B Landon 36-1, H C Blanchard 35-1, Mary McFarland 36-1, R B Smith 36-1, H M Hall 36-1, Wm Raddue 36-1, J F Bradbury 36-1, J Luddington 33-21, N Ward 36-2, Mrs A C Babcock 36-1, Rebecca Adams 36-5, E S Lane 36-1, Geo. Kimble 36-7, L Upson 36-1, W B Prentiss 36-1, B Morrill 36-1, J Marvin 35-1, J M Santee 35-1, H K Pike 35-1.
Miscellaneous. John Snyder $4.08 35-1, Wm Kerr (6 mo.) 1.50 35-1, Ann Lane 2.75 36-1, H C Watkins 1.75 34-19.
Books Sent by Mail.
L L Baily $1.05, C R Rice 50c, W H Hill 1.37, Geo Walling 1.60, J W Nicholson 20c, H M Kenyon 45c, B Pottle 1.00, S O Winslow 75c, A Lewis 25c, W H Dorcas 1.35, S C Perry 13c, E Van Deusen 25c, C M Ledyard 31c, E S Lane 2.25, W Middleton 1.00, C B Reynolds 1.10, Chas Anglin 12c, A H Sanders 20c, D M Darling 2.85, C H Christopher 2.00, L Turney 50c, H T Croswell 1.00, M M Cyphers 25c.
Foreign Missionary Fund.
Mary M Osgood $5.00, Elizabeth Kinne 5.00, P Z and Lucy M Kinne 15.00, S Zollinger 1.50, Sarah Mears 5.00, Adaline P Chamberlain 2.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Holly $39.10, church at Montcalm $16.43.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
C R Rice $2.50, M W Kerns 10.00.
Benevolent Fund.
W S Ingraham $10.00.
Cash Received on Account.
H F Phelps $20.00.
For Review to the Poor.
John D Pearson $1.00.
Books Sent to Freight.
Eld P C Rodman, Chelsea, Mass., $171.31, Eld James White, Clyde, Ohio, 241.81.
Books Sent by Express.
Eld John Matteson, Hamilton, Mo., $50.31, Mrs S H Bonfoy, Mattawan, Mich., 4.48.
Note from the New England Tent.
By P. C. Rodman
OUR meetings have resulted in accomplishing all we could expect in so short a time, where there is so much prejudice. The weather has been favorable, so that we have not lost one meeting, and quite an interest is being awakened. Thus the Lord is apparently going before his truth, to prepare the way. Some few are already convinced that we have the truth, and will, no doubt, obey the Lord; and there begins to be quite a call for books.
We have invitations, already, to go to East and South Boston. Pray for us, that the blessing of the Lord may rest upon us more and more, so that being led by his Spirit, we mar not his work; for it appears to me that the time has come for the third angel's message to be presented here.
Bro. Cornell labors earnestly, and endures well, having good liberty in presenting the truth. He needs greater help than I can render. P. C. RODMAN.
N. Y. and Pa. State Conference.
By R. F. Cottrell; John Nevins Andrews
THIS Conference will hold its eighth annual meeting at the time and place of the N. Y. Camp-meeting, which will soon be definitely appointed.
The churches of this Conference, and those wishing to unite with it, are requested to represent themselves by delegates, or by letter. Delegates will bring letters showing their appointment. Churches will send a written report of their standing, their additions and losses during the year, and the amount of their S. B. funds.
Delegates will come prepared to settle up the pledges of their respective churches for the Conference year ending Oct. 1, 1869; and ministers to report according to our constitution.
Let us be prompt. Let none fail to have their reports, as early as possible, in the hands of our Secretary, so that there be no loss of time at the Conference for failure in making reports.
R. F. COTTRELL, } N. Y. & Pa.
J. N. ANDREWS. } Conf. Com.