Earlier text: CAPTURING AMERICAN CITIES“Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.” Dan. 12:12. There is more blessing than anything else connected with prophecy. The leading prophet of the Old Testament gives the statement quoted. The leading prophet of the New Testament speaks in a similar strain: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Rev. 1:3. To return to Dan. 12:12: When did the thousand three hundred five and thirty days begin and end? and what was the blessing of those who came to their end?—That was spoken in a prophecy wherein Daniel introduces in sublime language a number of great periods of prophetic time. Preceding verse: “And from the time the daily shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.” When Daniel had asked, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? the answer was that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; that is, a thousand two hundred and threescore days, so often brought to view in other places. Here, then, we have three great prophetic periods grouped together for our consideration,—the 1260, 1290, and 1335 days. In reference to the 1260, there can be no dispute. They began when the abomination that maketh desolate was set up; that is, when the papacy was established in A. D. 538, and ended when the abomination of the little horn was taken away in 1798 (Dan. 7:26); or, as stated in Revelation, when the eighth head of the leopard beast was wounded to death by the captivity of the pope, in 1798, which wound was “deadly,” and would have resulted in the death of that organization if it had not been “healed.” Rev. 13:10, 3. This period, so well established, furnishes a key to the whole; for concerning the 1290 we read (Dan. 12:11): “And from the time that the daily shall be taken away [now see the margin: to set up the abomination that maketh desolate, or in order to set up the abomination that maketh desolate], . . . there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety [1290] days.” Now we know what the abomination that maketh desolate was: it was the papacy, and it was set up in 538. But before this could be set up, what was called “the daily” had to be taken out of the way. What had to be taken away before the papacy could be set up?—It was an opposing system of religion; and that was paganism. Paul makes a statement of the same facts when he describes, in 2 Thessalonians 2, the setting up of the papacy. He says: “And now ye know what withholdeth [or restraineth the development of the papal power] that he [the papacy] might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity [the spirit of the papacy] doth already work [was working right then, in Paul’s day]: only he [the daily, paganism] who now letteth [hindereth] will let [or hinder or withhold], until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked [the papacy] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming.” 2 Thess. 2:6-8. From these testimonies the early Adventist expositors were led to conclude that in Dan. 8:9-13, where the same ground is covered, the same powers, paganism and papacy, both hostile to the Church, and hostile to each other till one of them (paganism) was taken away, are brought to view. That is why they said that “the daily” meant paganism, and the “transgression of desolation” meant the papacy, two antichristian systems which were the tormentors of the Church. The early Christians understood this, and we are told that they, gathering from the prophecies that when paganism passed away, it would give place to a power which would be more relentless and oppressive upon God’s people, prayed, in view of the peace of the Church, that paganism might continue as long as possible. And was this so that paganism was taken away, or ceased to be the controlling power in the Roman Empire, as the prophecy had pointed out?—Verily so. The old students of prophecy under the first message—notably the venerable minister Apollos Hale, who, under the inspiration of the new truth concerning the Lord’s soon coming, graduated from the desk of a successful shoe merchant, to the field of evangelical labor—explored the records of history from the point of view of the prophecies, and were rewarded with abundant success. As we approach the opening of the sixth century, the great convulsion which was shaking the Roman Empire to pieces was well in progress. After the ten horns arose, the little horn of Dan. 7:8, the papacy, came up and was established in 538. We are looking now at the time which the prophecy points out, when the movements preliminary to, and preparatory to, this revolution should take place; when that which hindered should be taken out of the way in order that the abomination of desolation, the papacy, might be set up. By the flood of barbarians which swept down upon Rome from the north, the empire was broken into fragments, but the lords and rulers of these fragments, one by one, professed the Christian faith. Between the time of the conversion of Clovis and 508, “by alliances, capitulations, and conquests, the Arborici, the Roman garrisons in the West, Brittany, the Burgundians, and the Visigoths were brought into subjection.” The same year the mine was sprung beneath the throne of the Eastern Empire. Its rightful ruler, the emperor Anastasius, was humbled to implore the mercy of his subjects. In the troubles of those times sixty-five thousand Christians fell victims to the troops of Vitalian, says Gibbon, who declared himself the champion of the Catholic faith. From that time, 508 A. D., paganism, so far as Catholicism was concerned, was removed out of the way. Only thirty years more were required for the full development of the papacy, when the three Arian horns—the Heruli, the Vandals, and the Ostrogoths—were plucked up before it, 538 A. D. Dan. 7:8. These horns had renounced paganism, but on theological grounds were antagonistic to the claims of the papacy. 508 A. D. is then the date from which the 1290 years are to be reckoned. They ended in 1798. Thus the two periods—1290 and 1260 years—ended together in 1798, when the dominion of the papacy was taken away, and the “time of the end” began. But when did the 1335 days begin?—Where the 1290 began; for they are so closely associated with these days that the point of beginning cannot be separated. No possible ground can be imagined for beginning them elsewhere. Dating from 508, they extend to 1843. And what was there to mark this point?—The rising light of the first message, announcing the blessed doctrine of the soon coming of the Son of man. The eyes that saw the truth described by the words, “he that cometh” to it, were blessed as were those of the disciples when they saw the truths connected with the first advent. Matt. 13:16. We were then forty-five years down in the time of the end, when knowledge should be increased, and many run to and fro. Signs were multiplying, the message was sounding. God was fulfilling His part, and bringing to pass His word. We were in the time when He bids His people look up and lift up their heads; “for,” He says, “your redemption draweth nigh.” Fifty-four years we have already been in that time, the evidences of the fast approaching end all the while growing stronger, and signs multiplying on every hand. Is it not, then, more than ever, time that we look up, and lift up our heads, knowing that our redemption has drawn very nigh? Redemption is the theme over which to rejoice and be exceeding glad. ANOTHER STEP TOWARD DESPOTISM.
By L. A. S.
LAST week we made reference to the danger that in the effort, inspired by popular indignation, to stamp out anarchy in this country, the nation might adopt a course that would lead it away from the paths of freedom, and approximate its form of government to the despotic forms which prevail in the Old World. The justification of this apprehension comes sooner than we anticipated. Already it is proposed in the old historic State of Virginia, to do away with the right of free speech. A constitutional convention is in session at Richmond, and this convention has voted to eliminate this long-standing guarantee placed in its Bill of Rights by Thomas Jefferson and other illustrious statesmen who laid the foundations of the Virginian Commonwealth. “The action,” says the Chicago Tribune, “is the direct and natural result of the assassination of President McKinley,” which the Tribune believes “was due in some degree to the abuse of free speech.” “The members of the Virginia convention, sitting amid the somber drapings of a great national sorrow, have been moved by this inevitable impulse of the hour,” says the Tribune, but it believes that the step they have taken will not really mean anything in a practical way. “A change of this kind in a State constitution,” the Tribune thinks, “can accomplish nothing for the suppression of incendiary speech beyond what is already feasible;” because, it says, “the words which the Virginia constitution-makers have voted to eliminate are in the national Bill of Rights,” and “the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States provides that ‘Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech or of the press.’ Thus the Virginia Legislature could pass no valid law abridging free speech in any case. Any law of that kind would be unconstitutional.” But in this the Tribune is utterly mistaken, and displays a surprising ignorance of the relation of the State government to the national government. The State government is independent of the national government in all matters touching the government of its citizens, save in respect to certain powers prohibited to the States by the national Constitution, and the power to abridge freedom of speech is not one of these. In this respect any State can be as despotic as it chooses without being at all unconstitutional. The first amendment to the Constitution, from which the Tribune quotes, does not say that the States “shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech nor of the press,” but only that “Congress shall make no law” of this kind; and it is a well-known fact that the States have made and maintained laws directly in conflict with the sentiment of this Constitutional provision, as, for example, the Sunday laws. The amendment in full states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press,” etc. A guarantee of religious freedom was put even before the guarantee of free speech; yet as is well known, the States have been enacting and enforcing laws compelling the observance of Sunday, ever since the Constitution was adopted. It is admitted that there is nothing in this article of the Constitution to prevent the establishment of a religious despotism in any State, and no more, therefore, is there anything in this same article to prevent the establishment of a despotism characterized by the suppression of free speech. And now the first step in this direction has been taken, and that by the historic old State of Virginia, “the mother of Presidents” and the home of Washington and Jefferson.623 We regard the incident as highly significant,—the forerunner of a more general movement in the same direction. But the restriction of free speech will only aggravate the plague it is meant to cure. L. A. S. CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT.
By L. A. S.
“I have learned,” wrote the apostle Paul, “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” If everybody in this country could truthfully make this affirmation, there would be none of the unrest and strife and outbreaks of violence and anarchy which so often disturb the peace and prosperity of society. And everybody might join in this affirmation of the apostle’s if they would. The only thing to prevent any person is his own unwillingness. It is the privilege offered to every one by Christianity. Paul was able to make this statement only because he had become converted, and was a Christian. Every outbreak of strife and violence in the land only emphasizes the truth that the one great need of to-day in this world is Christianity. It is not the discovery of some new theory of life, or the application of some new theory of government, that is needed, but the old remedy for evil that was instituted by Omniscience and has been proclaimed to mankind since time began. He who is always content will never be creating a disturbance. He will never be complaining of the inequality of social conditions or of the injustice of government. He will instruct men in the principles of right and justice, but he will never be an agitator, inciting men to deeds of violence. He points out the right way and walks in that way himself, but there his duty ends. If others do not choose to obey the right and walk in the light which comes to them, he leaves them to answer for their conduct to the Supreme Ruler, to whom all men must finally give account. The Christian does not try to make men answerable to himself, because he does not need to. His own needs are supplied, and for himself, he is content. The Christian’s needs are perfectly supplied because he has Jesus Christ. The Christian is crucified with Christ, but Christ lives in him. The mystery of godliness is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” “All things are yours,” wrote Paul to the Christians at Corinth; and to those at Rome he gave the assurance, “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” “I in them, and thou in me,” prayed Jesus in His final petition for His disciples. God is in Christ, and Christ is in the heart of the believer. What more can any person desire? The Christian has Him who can give rest to all that “labor and are heavy laden,” Him whose blessing on a small amount can make it suffice for the needs of many, as did the five loaves and the two fishes. He has no reason to fear for his temporal needs, and carries no burden of anxiety for the morrow, knowing that God, who dwells with him, and who clothes the grass of the field and feeds the sparrows, knows perfectly about his temporal needs, and will provide for them in the wisest possible way. Jesus Christ is the “desire of all nations.” He is the desire of all people, though they know it not. He is the object of all striving and endeavor, whether of rich or poor, however far from Him men in their ignorance and blindness may turn their faces. Riches do not satisfy, honor and power do not satisfy; nothing for which men seek will give the satisfaction and contentment which all men covet, save the divine Gift provided for a fallen race. The poor will complain of social inequality and governmental injustice, and seek to obtain satisfaction by violent measures; the rich will use their power unjustly in the struggle to obtain supremacy over their competitors, or for some other end which they fancy will bring them the satisfaction they desire; and there will be bitter strife and tumults and violence, and plottings against government, and the setting aside of all reason, right, and justice, all because men will choose to remain in their sins, without Christ, ruled by the carnal nature, seeking the advancement of self rather than the welfare of others. Christianity seeks not to reform the world and its governments to suit the unreformed individual, but it reforms the individual so that he is saved from the world. It seeks not to change the world to save the individual, but it lifts the individual above the world, raising him up to sit with Christ “in heavenly places,” so that he is above the need of any participation in worldly strifes. But Paul’s assertion that he was content with his lot did not mean that he was indifferent to his circumstances, like the slothful, lazy man who is devoid of self-respect, or like the fatalist who makes no effort to alter what he believes to be the ordained course of his existence. If all men would be as active and energetic as Paul was, there would be no one complaining that he could not succeed in life because he had no chance, but all would work out their own salvation from the ills of poverty or other adverse conditions, surmounting the obstacles which fortune might have placed in their path. The true Christian is never a sluggard, for it is Christ who manifests himself through the flesh in every Christian life, and He is the source of all activity in every righteous work. There was a time in Paul’s experience when he was far from being contented with his lot; for we find that at one time his feelings were expressed by the words, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” The apostle was never satisfied with any state which reflected dishonor upon his character, and never counseled indifference to uprightness in others. He would not rest a moment until he had found deliverance from such a state, and his whole life from the time of his conversion was an example of, and an exhortation to, untiring zeal and endeavor in the cause of Christ. He had found the one aim that was above all others in this life, and to that he devoted all his time and energy. With his lot, whatever he found it under such circumstances, he was content; although, as he tells us, he had “suffered the loss of all things.” He counted all things else as nothing if he might win Christ, and attain unto the resurrection of the just. And this is the experience of every true Christian; he is content in whatsoever state he is, not because he is averse to labor or indifferent to the proper things of life, but because he feels that he has not time and energy enough to devote to the cause of Christ, and because he has in his heart, which has become the throne of Christ, that peace and satisfaction for which men of the world strive in vain. Now, as never before, the one great need of men everywhere is pure Christianity. L. A. S. A SUBTLE FORM OF PRIDE.
By L. A. S.
One of the most subtle and dangerous forms of pride, closing the door of the mind against the reception of truth, is pride of opinion. Most of us find it very difficult to admit that our views of things may be mistaken. Even in the face of plain evidence to the contrary, we cling to our preconceived idea, though it may have originated in some very haphazard way, and defend it as though it were an indispensable part of ourselves. Instead of searching for simple truth in the matter, we search for something that will bolster up our cherished opinion, which from the outset we have been determined to maintain if possible. The experience of the apostles affords an instructive lesson on this point. The apostles had preconceived ideas with regard to the kingdom of Christ, which arose partly from their own selfish vanity and partly from the prevailing theology of the Jews. Their views found no support in the teachings of Christ, yet while they went with Him as His followers the disciples steadily refused to allow His words of truth to change their belief on this essential point. The record states that their minds were darkened so that they could not comprehend their Master’s statements with reference to His coming betrayal and crucifixion. Yet they believed that they were wholly devoted to His cause. “Lord, we have left all, and have followed thee,” were the words of Peter on one occasion. Apparently the disciples had forsaken all things for Christ, as Peter asserted; but there came a time which proved that Peter was mistaken. There came a time when “all the disciples forsook Him, and fled.” If they had truly forsaken all for Christ, they would certainly not have forsaken Him in the hour of trial. There was something else which they had not forsaken, and when the crisis came, they clung to that other thing, and forsook Christ. The disciples were wholly unprepared for this hour of trial; and the reason of this was that they had refused to surrender their own ideas of the kingdom of Christ for those ideas which Christ repeatedly set before them. They had fixed up in their minds a conception of Christ’s kingdom which was to their liking, according to which He was to “restore again the kingdom to Israel” (which kingdom was then in the power of the Romans), overthrowing all opposition by His divine power, and reign in splendor upon its throne, with themselves as His honored ministers and attendants. Ever and anon they would dispute among themselves as to which of them should hold the highest place in the coming kingdom. Jesus repeatedly told them that this was not to be, but that, on the contrary, He was to be delivered into the power of the Gentiles, and be crucified, and would rise again from the dead; but they maintained their own conception to the last. They were sure it must be right; they could not bring themselves to admit that they were mistaken. Rather would they believe that Jesus himself was wrong in His anticipations of the things to come; and on one occasion “Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee,” making it necessary for Jesus to reply, “Get thee behind me, Satan!” The refusal of the disciples to surrender their own opinions when plain evidence had come to them that they were in error, was a very costly mistake. It prevented them from seeing the truth, and thus left them unprepared for the hour of trial, with the result that they slept when they should have been watching with Christ in the garden of Gethsemane, and forsook Him when He was led away captive by the mob. The like mistake may be made by those who have so much pride of opinion now, and unless corrected, is certain to prove as costly, and even more so; for it may lead its victim in a wrong path until the end of time, when there will be no more opportunity to return to the way of truth. L. A. S. Editorial Notes.
By Editor
FOLLOWING the national tragedy at Buffalo there has been much discussion as to the source from which anarchy in this country has proceeded, and the responsibility of the anarchist for the insane deeds which he commits. Anarchy is wholly devoid of reason, certainly; for what reasoning being can believe that assassination will affect anything when there are numberless other individuals ready to step into the place of the one removed by its stroke? But wholly unreasonable acts are often done by sane individuals, reason having been subverted by impulse. In the instance now so unhappily before us it seems probable that inordinate vanity, leading the assassin to believe that he was of the material for a hero and a martyr, was the underlying motive which led to the commission of the foul deed. Vanity is at the bottom of very much of the exhibitions which stamp one as a “crank” or a fanatic. It is agreed by physicians that Czolgosz is sane, and preparations are being made for his immediate trial on a charge of murder in the first degree. AUGUST 7 I landed in Honolulu, after an absence of nearly five months, during which time I attended the General Conference at Battle Creek, Mich., and the camp-meetings at Waitsburg, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; and Oakland, Cal. These meetings were seasons of great blessing and profit to me. At the camp-meetings I labored with the young people, and enjoyed it very much. A goodly number of these young people were converted, and those who had already entered the Christian life were encouraged and helped on in the way. Just before leaving California, we received encouragement in a very substantial manner from some of the good brethren, in the form of an offering of two hundred and twenty-five dollars for the island work. The voyage from San Francisco, by the Oceanic Steamship “Sierra,” was delightful. Every one seemed to be happy and satisfied. Considering the exceeding kindness with which the stewards and waiters looked after every comfort of the passengers, one who would find fault would be hard, indeed, to please. I had a supply of the War and Wealth number of the Signs with me, and on Sunday morning I distributed them among the passengers. For some time the deck had the appearance of a Signs’ reading-room. By request of the passengers, I spoke for a few minutes in the evening on James 5, using the strikes as an illustration. It was a great pleasure to be again with my loved ones, and greet the friends who had come to the wharf to welcome me home. My heart is greatly cheered to see the increase of numbers in the Sabbath-school and the growing interest with which each one takes hold to do the part assigned him. Mrs. Howe has a number of interested readers, and some of them are under deep conviction. One is keeping the Sabbath. Since returning, I have employed most of my time in house-to-house work. We have held no public meetings except on Sabbath. During the last two weeks I have spoken twice at the Peniel Mission tent, by request. As we mingle with the people, we find many who are much exercised in regard to the things that are occurring day by day. We have gone out in companies of from three to five, with papers and small books, and have had good success in selling. The people are especially interested in the War and Wealth number of the Signs. The attention of one of our sisters, while selling the Signs, was called to a little incident which, though small in itself, shows how lasting are the effects of kind words and acts. The paper was presented to a lady, and when she noticed that it was published at the Pacific Press, she said: “Yes, I want that. I like those people, they were so good to my little brother when he was there. He was only a little fellow, running errands, but every one was so kind to him, and when the Fourth of July came, they gave him a dollar to spend for fireworks.” The great strike in San Francisco, which has effectually tied things up on the water front, is beginning to be felt here in the scarcity of some necessary articles, and a corresponding rise in their price. Unless the blockade is broken soon, there will be suffering, as we depend on the San Francisco market for our supplies. The Christian’s hope never was so precious as it is now, when the whole world seems to be seeking its own destruction. Pray for the honest in heart here, that they may receive the word of God, and be saved in the day of famine foretold by the shepherd prophet. Work at Cedar Lake.
By J. G. Lamson
We know our many friends throughout the State will be glad to hear something concerning the opening at Cedar Lake. School began Monday, September 9, at 11 A. M. Twenty students were enrolled the first day. It is expected that from ten to fifteen others will join during the first month. The students are an excellent-appearing class of young people, and nearly all of them are here for the purpose of fitting themselves for service in the Master's work. Of those who have decided upon their life-work, about half desire to be nurses, and the others, teachers, business men, or bookkeepers, and one or two are looking toward mechanical pursuits as their life-work. School begins at seven in the morning and closes at twelve. The afternoons are spent in working upon the farm or in the shop. Two students spend a portion of their time in caring for the printing work, and Field Echoes is the result of their labor. The corn is all cut, and after a little repair work is done, many of the boys will be set at work stumping. Professor Rogers is opening an interesting course of study about nature, and we are sure that his efforts to increase the regard of young people for agricultural work will meet with success. Only one class in Bible has been formed, and that is the first year according to the catalogue. There seems to be a very earnest spirit among the students, and we believe that God will work for us during this coming year. Shall be glad to see our numbers increased to the limit as rapidly as the young people can get through with their fall work. J. G. LAMSON. B. E. FULLMER
By B. E. Fullmer
On September 5 I separated from my companions in labor at Sioux Rapids, to take up my winter's work elsewhere. It seems hardly possible that nearly twelve weeks have passed since we began our work there, so rapid has been the flight of time. But, though rapid in passing, these weeks have, through the blessing of God, brought light to some souls who now rejoice in the truth. The natural winds were held, and not a meeting was disturbed by storm, though the summer was very warm. Theological winds have blown, but the truth has suffered no harm. Several sermons were delivered against us, and the town was canvassed for tracts to which our workers625 are not strangers; but we feel no fear for the truth. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” “The commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 12: 17) were the points of attack, emphasizing the fact that the wrath of the dragon is rising. Let the remnant be of good cheer, for deliverance draws nigh. A full statement of results cannot be given as yet; for, though the summer is past, the harvest is not ended. Fifteen signed the covenant for the first time, and three have been reclaimed from the world. Two others are keeping the commandments, and quite a large number are in the valley of decision, for whom we hope and pray. A good interest to hear yet remains, which is being followed up with Bible readings and occasional public meetings. Liberal use has been made of literature in our work, both as sales and gifts. About forty subscriptions have been obtained for our papers. Personally, this has been the best summer in my experience. I am thankful for the presence and blessing of God in the work, and also for the pleasant association of Brethren C. W. Heald and Chas. Renfro, whose faithful efforts have added much to the success of the work. They now bear the responsibility of further developing the company and interest. The door is yet open for earnest personal work in many homes. May God bless and guide these brethren as they continue their work. QUEBEC
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
I have now spent about two months in the townships of Namur, Addington, and St. Emile, instructing the believers more fully in the ways of the Lord, giving prominence to such subjects as the unity of believers, missionary work, the Sabbath-school work, the paying of tithes, spiritual gifts, and Christian baptism. I have also labored for unbelievers, going from house to house, visiting, giving Bible readings, and distributing French tracts, which I have reasons to believe are doing a good work. We have had four baptismal seasons, eight persons being baptized; and these with the three persons previously baptized, make eleven in all who have followed their Lord in conforming to the ordinance of baptism. Eight of these are parents, representing many children who are good subjects for missionary work, besides several France French individuals who are reading our literature. While at Namur, I designated persons to fill offices in the church, following these plain and wise instructions of the apostle Paul: “And let these also first be proved.” “Lay hands suddenly on no man.” 1 Tim. 3:10; 5:22. The consecration of officers once accomplished, there will be a church at Namur in running order. The realization of this grand prospect and the permanence and prosperity of the work at and near Namur, will depend on believers pressing together, displaying the love, patience, and mercy of the Master in their relations with one another and with others among whom they are called upon to “shine as lights in the world.” Phil. 2:14-16. D. T. BOURDEAU. THE CAROLINA MEETING.
By D. T. Shireman
OUR camp-meeting just closed at Hickory, N. C., was one of the best meetings ever held. To the hungry soul it was a feast of fat things. The Lord cares for His children, for the erring as well as the obedient. Oh, what love He bestows upon the children of men! We believe there are better days before us here in the Southern field. The workers are united heart and hand. The Conference just organized starts out with bright prospects before it. May each one who has burdens placed upon him seek wisdom from above. This is a blessed privilege each one may enjoy. At this meeting all branches of the work received due attention, and the spirit of love filled the heart of the campers. The school work received encouragement, and the Southern Missionary Society has taken hold-with us, and is putting an addition to our school building, 20 x 54 ft., doubling the size of the plant. The burden of the home, which has rested heavily upon us, has been taken from our shoulders. We pray that those bearing responsibility may have a spirit to work hard and sacrifice to help those who need help in this needy field. We have sought the Lord in every step we have taken in establishing the Hildebran school, and now we thank Him for the sustaining grace He has bestowed upon us during these four years of trials and hard work; and the friends who have stood by us with a helping hand in our time of need, and those who have written many encouraging letters, will never be forgotten. We shall be glad for continued co-operation, so let your good letters come to our table. Any help will be gratefully received, and used for the needy. D. T. SHIREMAN. ILLINOIS CAMP-MEETING AND CONFERENCE.
By C. H. Castle
This meeting was held on the same ground as last year's meeting. The weather was pleasant through the entire meeting, only a little rain falling during the time. The grounds were laid out very tastily, and were well kept. Sanitation was given careful attention. In addition to the tents owned by our Conference quite a large number were rented from a neighboring Conference. The preaching was of a practical character. During the first part of the meeting very little except home talent was present. Elder Thurston did excellent service during the first part, and he remained with us until the arrival of Elder A. G. Daniells. Elder Lane spent several days with us. Professors P. T. Magan and H. R. Salisbury represented the educational work. The Drs. Edwards gave good instruction regarding health principles. The children were given special attention by competent persons; and each day, at 8 A. M. and at 5 P. M., meetings were conducted in their tents. Several times during the meetings they were given a free ride on the electric car, singing beautiful songs as they rode through the city. It was touching to listen to music made by seventy-five little voices. The business sessions of the Conference were well attended, and perfect harmony prevailed. Some changes were made. The Sabbath-school work and the educational work were united, and made a department of the Conference, with Elder W. D. Curtis as Field Secretary, and Mrs. Lou K. Curtis Corresponding Secretary. Elder Allen Moon was elected President of the Conference, and Chas. Thompson Vice-President. The other officers remain as last year. Plans have been and are being laid for the advancement of the work in this State, and we expect to see greater results from the present work. The importance of the canvassing work was kept before the people by Brethren Moody, Boggs, Butz, and Craig. It should be mentioned that E. S. Butz is to carry the work this year that was superintended last year by Brother R. B. Craig. After the meeting in Dubuque, mentioned in my last report, I went to Waukon, and held meetings with the church there August 23-25. This was formerly my home church, as we lived near there several years ago. Our meetings were well attended. The members of the church seemed to be of good courage, and the Spirit of the Lord was near to us in our meetings. Six persons were received into the church—two by vote, and four by baptism. I was pleased to see familiar faces, so well known in days of yore, also to form new acquaintances among those who have recently accepted present truth. This church was the former home of Elders E. P. Butler, J. N. Andrews, Geo. J. Butler, C. F. Stevens, and E. W. Farnsworth, and many others who were warm-hearted in the Third Angel’s Message, some of whom have “fallen at their posts,” and now rest, to have a part in the first resurrection.