p. 24 | Review and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 27. (7/8/1902)

Earlier text: An Incident in the Work with “Christ’s Object Lessons”

Michigan State Camp Meeting

By J. D. Gowell

WE expect the camp meeting this season will be one of more than ordinary interest to all our people in this conference, at least we shall endeavor to make it a model meeting; and if we seek the Lord for his blessing, I am sure we shall receive it. He never disappoints his people, if they are faithful. We shall endeavor to eliminate from our camp everything that will have a tendency to injure the spiritual interest of the meeting. We trust that all our people will come with a firm determination to adhere strictly to health principles, and not expect that our camp will be filled with all kinds of unhealthful foods, which have in the past caused so much sickness. We trust that all will endeavor to help carry out the rules of the camp in all things, and surely God will abundantly bless the meeting. We expect to have a limited amount of fruit, and we trust that all will follow the instructions which Dr. Edwards will give through the REVIEW. We shall have a full supply of all kinds of health foods, and shall not permit pop-corn stands or lemonade stands on the camp ground. If any want those things, we ask them to prepare them at their tents, so that our camp will not take on the appearance of a fair ground. I am sure that God will be well pleased to have his people use plain food, and be careful in following out Dr. Edwards's instructions in all matters pertaining to the health of the camp. In the past we have had much sickness on account of the sudden change in living, so I trust that all will try to live as nearly as possible as they do at home. The change in drinking water is apt to work injury to many, and no doubt much difficulty may be avoided by boiling the water. There are many ways in which we may avoid sickness if we are careful.

We shall endeavor to do away with all canvassing on the camp ground, as this in the past has proved an injury to the meetings, being conducted even during public services. All books and papers will be sold, or orders taken for them, at the book stand. There will be ample help to wait upon all. Let us all plan to come early, and seek the Lord for the best meeting ever held in the State.

We have the promise that Elder A. G. Daniells, who is now making an extensive trip in Europe, will be with us; and he will have many important matters to bring before our people. We shall also have other able help.

We hope that all our churches will realize the importance of sending a full delegation to the conference, which will be held just before the camp meeting proper, so that all business may be out of the way before we begin the camp meeting. The meeting will hold but one week after the conference, so come prepared to stay until the close. The workers' meeting will be held August 20–25, the conference August 25–30, and the camp meeting proper will begin September 1. May we all come to this annual feast with hearts open to receive much of God's blessing.

J. D. GOWELL.

Trinidad Brethren Issue Tract on Divine Call to Repentance

THE brethren in Trinidad have issued an eight-page tract with the title “The Voice of the Volcano, or God’s Call to Repentance,” and have circulated an edition of ten thousand copies. Brother Enoch writes that “these calamities harden some people, while others turn to the Lord.”

Life Boat Circulation Sells Out Quickly

TWENTY-FIVE thousand copies of the June number of the Life Boat were printed, and the whole edition was sold in a very short time. Encouraging letters are being received from prison officials testifying to the good accomplished by the Life Boat among the prisoners. One chaplain has ordered five hundred copies for a full year.

South Lancaster Academy Twenty-first Annual Announcement

WE have received a copy of the “Twenty-first Annual Announcement” of South Lancaster Academy, and also a very neat calendar covering the time of the next school year. The announcement is attractive in appearance, and gives full information concerning the institution and its work. All friends of Christian education in the territory of the academy ought certainly to have a copy.

Storm Damages Church Property in Gratiot County

From particulars that have been received regarding the destructive storm that swept across Gratiot County, Mich., June 12, we learn that some damage was done to the Adventist church property in Washington township, the church sheds being all blown down, and that the church-school building, which stood close by, was moved bodily fourteen feet off its foundation, with teacher and pupils in it. Providentially, all escaped injury. The damage amounts to two hundred and fifty dollars.

Selling Life Boats in Chicago

SEVERAL of our young ladies are supporting themselves by spending half of each day in selling The Life Boat in the residence portion of Chicago. They find it easy to sell a copy of the Life Boat at almost every home at which they call. This is an excellent way in which to find opportunities that can be followed up by cottage meetings and personal work, and it also affords an opportunity to secure many of the advantages of missionary work in other departments of our Chicago work.

This city is so large that there would be room for as many earnest, consecrated young women to engage in this work as would care to come. No one except those who know that they have a genuine Christian experience need apply. Address David Paulson, 28 Thirty-Third Place, Chicago, Ill.

The Summer Assembly

By M. Bessie De Graw

It has rained nearly every day for the past two weeks at Berrien Springs, but showers do not quench the ardor of the students of the assembly. All feel that God wonderfully blesses with an abundance of health, and signs of vigor are replacing wan cheeks and overworked nerves in many who came directly from the class room to the summer school. The atmosphere of the camp is refreshing, and the spiritual interest is strong. Educational reform means more to many of these young people than it did a few weeks ago. Vague ideas are gradually replaced by practical knowledge of subjects and methods which will help children to know Christ, and to become workers in his cause.

The practical side of education appeals strongly to all the students. One of the most interesting features of the work is the consideration of manual training for church and intermediate schools. This problem is now so prominently before educators of the world that it is no longer left for the church-school teacher to pave the way in industrial training. The effort made by Superintendent Harvey, of Wisconsin, has been carefully studied. Professor Bailey, editor of “Country Life in America,” has contributed matter greatly appreciated by those who have to wrestle with this problem. One young man said, “When I entered the church-school work, I determined that wherever I might be, the school should have a garden. Last year each child had a flower bed, and we studied the planting of seeds and the cultivation of flowers. The children were happy to devote the early morning hours and the intermissions to their gardens.”

This spirit, entertained already by some church-school teachers, is being strengthened during the summer. The morning hours are devoted to class work, the afternoons in part to manual work. A love for manual work on the part of teachers will enable them to make their schools a center from which will emanate an influence in favor of country life. In this way they can materially assist in the solution of one of the greatest social problems.

The Bible lessons, given by Elder John A. Brunson, are thoroughly appreciated. The classes in instrumental and sacred music, numbering twenty-six students, are enthusiastic.

The interest begins to point toward the ten days’ convention to be held August 10-20. The work of the summer virtually centers in two problems of vital interest to the educational work and to the work at large. The first is concerned with an educational system, the adoption of which will provide Christian training for every child and youth. “A campaign for the free education of all children and youth,” is the call of the hour. The financial support of Christian schools for the children is a question closely related to the first one mentioned.

Information concerning the convention will be furnished upon request; for a general and most cordial invitation to attend will be extended to all. This season should witness such growth in the school problem that every Seventh-day Adventist will realize that the movement is imbued with life from above.

M. BESSIE DE GRAW.