From a private letter from Mrs. White we gather some interesting items in regard to the meeting held at Groveland, August 22–28.
Although in very feeble health, Elder White and wife felt it their duty to attend the eastern camp-meetings. Elder White was then suffering from a partial shock of paralysis, which left him in a prostrated condition. He kept his bed most of the time, and when he did attempt to walk, even across the floor, it required some one to steady his steps. Mrs. White was also suffering from an obstinate cold, and was taking treatment at the Sanitarium at Battle Creek.
After several earnest seasons of prayer they took the cars for the east, trusting in the strong arm of God as they had so often done before.
Arriving at the camp-ground, Mrs. White spoke Sabbath from Rom. 8:35–39, dwelling with great freedom upon the establishment of the Christian church, showing that Paul was hunted from place to place by the bigoted Jews, who would give him no rest, but stirred up both Jews and Gentiles to persecute and kill him. Paul knew what it was to preach Christ and him crucified, under difficulties. Yet as he looked over his trying experience he faced future trials and threatenings like a bold soldier of the cross of Christ and exclaimed: “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Just such opposition those who keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment may expect to receive.
The spirit and power of God rested upon the speaker and upon the people, and when a call was made for those to come forward who especially desired the prayers of God’s people, more than one hundred and fifty responded. Many were seeking God for the first time. “As we saw the youth of ten years, the young men and women, the middle aged, and those whose hair was white with age, in humility seeking Jesus, all joining with tears in the petition for pardon of their sins, we thought, ‘There shall be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance. If there is joy in heaven there should certainly be inexpressible joy upon earth.’”
Sunday forenoon Elder Smith spoke upon the Eastern Question, which was just the subject upon which all wished to hear. The cars and three steamboats were engaged in bringing their passengers to the ground, until the crowd of interested listeners was greater than that of the previous year.
In the afternoon Mrs. White spoke to the thousands assembled, on the subject of temperance, with more than her usual freedom and clearness of voice. Every seat in the mammoth tent was filled, and circled around the outside was a living wall of thousands who could find no room under the canvas.
Before stepping from the stand, she was solicited, as on the previous year, to speak the same words spoken that day to the Temperance Club at Haverhill, the next Monday eve. But on account of an appointment for that evening at Danvers, where Elder Canright was holding tent-meetings, it was impossible to accept the invitation.
At five in the afternoon, as the immense concourse seemed unwilling to leave the grounds, Elder Smith addressed them on the subject of the Mark of the Beast. Again that evening a large and attentive audience was addressed by Elder Haskell, and the great day of the meeting was over. Many had listened to the truth; and the day of final reckoning will reveal the results of that day’s meetings. May the seed sown spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God.
Monday morning Elder White spoke with considerable feeling upon the necessity of more careful and circumspect living, and more perfect faith and thorough trust in God. The greatness of the work for this time, and the necessity for determined effort to carry it forward in the strength of God, was the burden of his remarks.
Mrs. W. spoke again, especially to the young, after which a call was made for those to come forward who did not have the evidence of their acceptance with God, and who desired prayer in their behalf. Two hundred responded to the call. This was a most interesting occasion, at the close of which thirty-nine were baptized.
At six o’clock Mrs. W. took the cars for her appointment at Danvers, where she spoke to an interested audience of nearly one thousand.
At the close of the camp-meeting Elder White and wife accepted the invitation of Elder Haskell to return with him to his home at South Lancaster, where we leave them for the present, hoping to hear more in the future.
J. E. W.
Our Literature.
By W. N. G.
The literature of the Seventh-day Adventists commends itself in various ways to the consideration of the reading public. It is the cheapest religious reading matter published, even to those who pay for it at full rates; and we have the testimony of an old colporteur, who has spent his life in the calling, that our people are more liberal in donating books, tracts and papers than any other denomination. Furthermore, there is no random, hap-hazard trash thrown out to the public. Our matter is all the careful production of thorough and experienced thinkers and writers. There is a comprehensive brevity in all our books, that characterizes no other class of writings; we have no large, cumbersome, expensive volumes, carrying a vast amount of meaningless verbiage; everything bearing the authorized imprint of the denomination is concise and to the point, quickly read and easily understood.
The pioneers of the third angel's message were poor and few in number; they realized that a great work had been entrusted to their care; hence they started out by using the greatest economy. They had neither time nor means to print books for show; their mission was to present the last message of God to dying man in a style within the reach of all. This necessity still accompanies the cause; it has been and is a great blessing to the work. By this means we are enabled to present the fundamental principles of present truth in a most desirable form—the simple essence of Bible teaching. Though brief, and printed in cheap form, so comprehensive and thorough has been the work of our authors, that a few days ago we heard a brother exclaim: “It ain't as it used to be; now, when we get puzzled over any doctrinal point, we have only to turn to a book and find it all made plain.”
In these days of much superfluous reading matter, on an endless variety of subjects, with every fad and ism vying for the attention of the public ear, it is but little that a rushing multitude will stop to read on any one subject, and that little must be every word to the point. Such are the books, etc., we offer for sale; such is the literature we ask our brethren to assist in publishing, and such is the matter we invite the public to read. There is no surplus of new books hurried off to stall the public appetite; but as new points are raised by the enemy, requiring a book or a tract to meet the emergency, some competent servant of the truth quietly, prayerfully, carefully and concisely produces the work.
A few new publications have been sent forth during the present year, which deserve to be thoroughly distributed. Among these we mention, Elder White's “Redeemer and Redeemed,” and “Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New;” Elder Smith's “Sanctuary,” Elder Waggoner's “Spirit of God,” and Dr. Kellogg's “Plain Facts.” We earnestly recommend that our brethren give these works the attention they deserve. W. N. G.
No Paper Next Week.
By Editor
THERE will be no issue of the SIGNS next week, as all hands engaged upon the paper desire to attend the camp-meeting at Yountville. We aim to show by our example that we believe in attending the yearly gatherings of the Lord's people, and expect to have seventeen representatives of this Office upon the grounds. Work in the job department will be continued as usual.
Interesting Reading.
By Editor
WITH the present issue of the SIGNS, we commence the publication of a series of articles on the first advent of Christ, by Mrs. E. G. White. We are thankful for the privilege of being able to gladden the hearts of our readers by this valuable acquisition to our columns. Mrs. White's writings are always instructive and attractive, and particularly so when dwelling upon themes pertaining to the mission of the Saviour. While the original supporters and faithful friends of the SIGNS continue to favor us with their manuscripts, we have no fears that our paper will lose any of its characteristic value as a pioneer sheet.
Just Arrived.
By Editor
We have just received a supply of Elder Smith's new book, “The Sanctuary.” Price, in cloth, $1.00. Also, Elder Waggoner's new pamphlet, “The Spirit of God; its Offices and Manifestations, to the End of the Christian Age.” Price, 20 cents.
Lafayette, Cal.
By B. A. Stephens
SABBATH and first-day, September 1 and 2, I met with the Lafayette church. Preached four sermons to good audiences, who listened attentively. One more signed the covenant. May God bless the work in Contra Costa county.
B. A. STEPHENS.
Southern California Camp-Meeting.
By M. J. Church; W. R. Smith; R. F. Eagle
The camp-meeting for southern California will be held two and one-half miles north of Lemoore, Tulare county, September 26 to October 1. Lemoore is a town situated on a branch of the Central Pacific railroad, diverging from Goshen station, between Fresno and Tulare city. The distance from Goshen to Lemoore is twenty miles. Persons going by railroad, will change cars at Goshen.
We hope to see a full attendance of all our people, within reach of the meeting, with their friends. All tents should be up in readiness to commence with an early morning meeting on the 26th, and all our people should remain until the closing morning meeting, October 1. Pray the Lord to make this camp-meeting a source of great good to southern California.
M. J. Church, S. Cal.
W. R. Smith, Camp-meeting
R. F. Eagle, Committee.
Camp-Meeting Mail.
By Editor
We shall have a post-office on the Yountville camp-ground. All letters to those camping on the grounds should be addressed, Yountville, Napa Co., Cal. (camp-ground).
North Pacific Conference.
By I. D. Van Horn
There will be a general meeting of all the Seventh-day Adventists of Oregon and Washington Territory, at Walla Walla, October 25-29, 1877, for the purpose of organizing a Conference, and transacting other business necessary for the promotion of the cause of present truth. Elder J. N. Loughborough will preside over this meeting.
Each company of Sabbath-keepers are requested to select delegates to represent them in person if possible. If not, be sure to send letters to the place of meeting. Each company of twenty members or less, should select one delegate, and one additional delegate for every fifteen members over the first twenty.
I. D. Van Horn.
Western Oregon.
By I. D. VAN HORN
THERE will be a general meeting of all the Seventh-day Adventists in Western Oregon held at Salem, October 13, 14, 1877. All scattered friends of the cause of truth living west of the Cascade mountains are earnestly invited to be at the meeting. Elder J. N. Loughborough, President of the California Conference will be present.
Elder Loughborough will preach in Portland, Oregon, Sabbath and Sunday, October 20, 21.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, Etc.
Cruden's Concordance. $1.75, post-paid.
Dictionary of Bible. $1.75, post-paid.
Hymn and Tune Book; 537 hymns, 147 tunes, $1.00.
The Way of Life; a beautiful engraving 19x24 inches, with key of explanations. $1.00.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.25.
Thrilling Life Sketches. Incidents in the life of an Italian of noble birth. By Francesco Urgos. $1.25, post-paid.
Thoughts on Daniel. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. U. Smith. $1.00.
Life of William Miller, with likeness. $1.00.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00. Paper, 40 cts.
The Constitutional Amendment. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the "Christian Statesman." Bound, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. Mrs. E. G. White. 416 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Life of Christ, in four Pamphlets, by Mrs. Ellen G. White:—
No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry . . . 10c
No. 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness . . . 10c
No. 3. His Teachings and Parables . . . 15c
No. 4. His Mighty Miracles . . . . 15c
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In board, 50 cts ; in paper, 30 cts.
The United States in Prophecy. U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 20 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath, or, False Theories Exposed. (Poem.) U. S. Muslin, 40 cts.
Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts. Gilt 40 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular history of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. J. N. A. 30 cts.
Facts for the Times. 30 cts.
History of the Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul. D. M. Canright. 25 cts.
The State of the Dead. U. Smith. 25 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, The Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary and Saving Faith. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. D. M. C. 20 cts.
The Atonement. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Nature and tendency of Modern Spiritualism. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
Miraculous Powers. 20 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-horned Beast. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. D. M. C. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. James White. 10 cts.
The Saint's Inheritance, or the Earth made New. J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
Dangers and Duties of Our Times. An earnest appeal from the General Conference Com. 10 cts.
The Conference Address. An earnest Appeal to Seventh-day Adventists. 10 cts.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day. A Refutation of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. J. N. A. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. J. H. W. 10 cts.
The Two Covenants. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel: What it is, and when it will be consummated. J. N. L. 10 cts.
Review of Gillham on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the Sabbath. Morton. 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Matthew Twenty-four. James White. 10 cts.
Four-cent Tracts: The Second Advent.—The Seventh Part of Time—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—The Present Truth—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Thrones—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion.
Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost-Time Question—Argument on Sabbaton—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture References—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The First Message of Rev. 14—The Second Message of Rev. 14.
Two-cent Tracts: Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Old Moral Code of Ten Commandments not Revised—Definite Seventh Day—Seven Reasons for Sunday-Keeping Examined—Elijah on the Sabbath—The Rich Man and Lazarus—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Millennium—Departing and Being with Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Judgment; or the Waymarks of Daniel to the Holy City—The Two Laws—Spirit of Prophecy.
One-cent Tracts: Appeal on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Nahum's Chariots—The Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Coming of the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day do You keep, and Why?—Geology and the Bible.