This gathering, after having continued for about one week, broke up Wednesday morning, Sept. 4. It was held in the immediate vicinity of Bloomington, a town of about twenty thousand inhabitants. The grove where we were assembled failed to furnish as much shade as might have been desired, still there were advantages gained by our close proximity to the city, which were very great. By this means we were supplied from the water-works, free of charge, with all the water which we needed, and, through the kindness of the mayor, a police force was kept constantly on the ground to hold in check any characters who might feel disposed to disturb us in any way. Such, however, was the respect uniformly paid us by the people, that good order seemed not to be so much the result of coercion as the fruit of kindly regard.
During the whole of our meeting the weather was delightfully pleasant, there being no rain worthy of mention. The tents to the number of about forty, as usual, were tastefully pitched in a circle, at one side of which were the two sixty-foot tents and the speakers’ stand in the open grove. When we reached the ground, exhausted by recent labors and travel, we were ushered into the ministers’ tent fitted up by the brethren, with board floor, carpet, bedstead, chairs, etc. By this means we were made as comfortable as we could have been at home.
Three excursion trains, under the charge of Brn. Colcord, Bliss, and Andrews, enabled our brethren to reach the grounds at reduced rates, and in a most satisfactory manner. As our people came aboard the cars from time to time, it was refreshing to see how heartily they were greeted, and how much genuine Christian affection existed among them. One brother on the train, to my certain knowledge, paid out of his own pocket the amount of twenty-seven dollars in order to get to the ground persons who needed the benefits of the meeting, and yet who were unable to bear the necessary expense.
One of the marked features of the meeting was a daily paper entitled, “The Camp-meeting Record,” which was published by Eld. B. F. Merritt. Thousands of copies of this little sheet were distributed gratuitously to the crowd. On Sunday there were present from three to five thousand people, who listened with marked attention to the preaching of the word. On Tuesday Brn. J. F. Ballenger, George Shonk, and Lewis Johnson were ordained to the ministry. The latter of these brethren is a Dane by birth, and we trust he will be of great service to his people in Illinois.
During the progress of the meeting, some sixty or seventy in all came forward for prayers, and at times a deep sense of unworthiness seemed to pervade all hearts. Eld. G. W. Colcord, an active worker, was re-elected president of the Conference. About seventeen hundred dollars was pledged to the English mission, five or six hundred for the tract work in Illinois, and over fifty dollars for the Dime Tabernacle. The meeting, on the whole, was, we believe, one whose results will be both marked and permanent in the Conference.
The last exercise held upon the ground was a praise meeting, in which eighty-five testimonies were given in thirty-five minutes, all of which were filled with expressions of gratitude to God for this convocation and the numberless other benefits received from his hand. The cause in Illinois is rising, and will continue to rise, if all of its leading men will forget themselves, discourage in all the spirit of partyism, and unitedly work for concord and victory.
As it was decided that Eld. U. Smith should attend the Eastern camp meetings, Eld. G. I. Butler was telegraphed for, and reached the ground Thursday evening, where he remained and labored hard until the following Monday evening. We were glad to meet our old yoke-fellow once more, and labor together in the camp-meeting service. On Wednesday morning I started for Allegan, Michigan, in company with W. E. Cornell, who attended me during the trip, and rendered valuable service in reporting the meetings for the Bloomington, Chicago, and other Western papers.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
MICHIGAN
Tent No. 1, Douglas.
SABBATH and first-day, Sept. 7, 8, were profitable days with us. The blessing of God was in our midst. A goodly number expressed a full determination to obey the truth. Evening after the Sabbath several came forward for prayers. Sunday morning we spoke on the subject of baptism, after which twelve were buried with their Lord by this solemn rite. The day was cloudless and the lake calm; and the scene will probably never be forgotten by the large congregation who stood on the brink of the beautiful Lake Michigan. WE were very glad on this occasion to have Bro. Fargo and his family with us. Their visit did us much good.
We are of good courage.
E. R. JONES.
E. P. DANIELS.
Pontiac, Sept. 9.
OUR meetings here closed last night, and we now remove the tent to the camp-ground at Orion. The congregations were good to the last, and paid the best of attention. Some noble minds have become permanently interested in the truth. Thirty have promised to obey, and twenty-one have signed the covenant. Forty dollars' worth of books were disposed of, and ten subscribers obtained for the REVIEW.
WITH the close of this meeting, the tent season with us also closes; and as we review the past three months' labor, we are constrained to acknowledge the goodness of the Lord. Between fifty and sixty have embraced the truth, twenty-nine subscribers have been obtained for the REVIEW, and thirty-one for the REFORMER, and sixty dollars' worth of books have been sold, while the running expenses of the tent for the entire time have been met by those interested.
J. O. CORLISS.
Tent No. 6, Muskegon, Sept. 6.
SIX or seven more persons here have signified their intention to join us. Bro. Olsen started a Sunday-school, which is prospering finely. We have five teachers and thirty-six scholars. Bro. J. Fargo has just left us.
WE held three meetings at Twin Lake yesterday. At the close of the last meeting, nine persons were baptized by Bro. Fargo. It was a solemn meeting.
HAVE obtained three subscribers for the REFORMER, and one for the HERALD. We are promised a lot worth about $500 on which to build a church, also help in erecting it. Pray for the work here.
G. A. CARLSTEDT.
Antrim Co., Sept. 9.
WE have been holding meetings in two adjoining districts in Central Lake township, and as the result twenty have determined to observe all the commandments. These new friends will meet together each Sabbath. Our last Sabbath meeting was one of unusual interest. The house was well filled, and several took part in social worship. All were much encouraged.
JOHN SISLEY.
R. T. SISLEY.
ALABAMA
By A. O. Burrill
Atalla, Sept. 9.
It is eleven weeks to-day since we came to this place, and during all this time we have had a good hearing. Thirty have expressed a determination to keep the Sabbath, eighteen have joined the class, five have been baptized, eighteen subscriptions for our periodicals have been obtained, forty dollars' worth of our publications have been sold, and we have received contributions amounting to $10, besides many articles for our table. Captain Rhea has given us the use of a house, in which we have been living for the past four weeks. Mrs. B. will remain till Bro. Newman recovers, to care for him and look after the cause here, while we expect to move the tent about twelve miles.
The yellow fever has come within twenty-seven miles of us. Every day the cars are103loaded with those who are fleeing from it. We feel hopeful that it will not reach this town, although it has appeared north of us. If it does, we flee to the mountains.
Not only do the men use tobacco, but nearly every woman we meet is addicted to it; yet the truth is working its way, and the people are giving up their tobacco.
We feel that we must draw nearer to God, and be more closely united to our Head.
Our address is still Atalla, Ala.
A. O. BURRILL.
THE MISSOURI CAMP-MEETING.
By C. W. Stone
This meeting was held on the fair-ground, less than a mile from the city of Sedalia, Sept. 4 to 10. The location had not the advantage of any shade trees, but in most other respects it was very good, the best that could be obtained. The tents were arranged around the circular inclosure of the auditorium, with the tent of the congregation in the center. The floral hall and other buildings were converted into dwellings for those who came without tents.
I arrived at the camp Thursday morning, and found Elds. Butler and Hollenbeck at their post in the morning meeting. Eld. Haskell arrived the next morning. The attendance of strangers was not so large as might have been expected, and the number of our brethren present was not large, yet nearly every church was represented. Some drove their teams over one hundred and fifty miles to attend this meeting, and several of the brethren walked from seventy to a hundred and twenty-five miles. Scarcity of money and anxiety to attend the meeting prompted such efforts. The corn crop, on which much depends in Missouri, is proving very light on account of drought, though the wheat crop was excellent.
In the course of the meeting the interests of the Sabbath-school were considered. Fifteen delegates were present, representing twelve churches and three hundred and seventy-one scholars. A State Association was formed, and a delegate chosen to represent the Association at the General Conference. A good interest in this work seems already to have been developed.
Special attention was given to the missionary work. Eld. Haskell's discourses upon this important branch of the cause, while they were calculated to give valuable practical ideas of how to do the work, were intended more especially to convert the heart to the work. This seems to be commencing at the right end. The first thing is to have a will, and, according to the old adage, the way will be forthcoming. His sermons could not fail to inspire the heart with faith in the work, and a desire to have a part in it.
Reports showed that under the labors and management of Eld. Butler, who has taken much interest in the tract-society work in the Conference, this work has attained a very encouraging degree of prosperity. These reports showed that since Eld. Haskell's visit to the State six months ago, over one hundred thousand pages of tracts have been distributed. The people have pledged $800 for a tract fund, to be paid by January 1, 1879. That, with $200 more which they design to raise, making $1000, will pay all their indebtedness, and leave a balance in the treasury to be used as a tract fund. In addition to this, they have taken over 400 copies of the Signs, all of which are paid for on the monthly installment plan. Their payments have been promptly made to the Signs office quarterly. The general testimony was that many more papers might have been used if they could have been paid for.
From the beginning of the meeting, a spirit of union and harmony prevailed, and on Sabbath afternoon there was a general breaking down before the Lord. Eighty came forward for prayers. Many of them in tears confessed their sins and expressed a desire to enlist in the service of God; and as we all knelt in prayer, the melting Spirit of the Lord seemed to rest down in power. After a little intermission, the people gathered for worship at the close of the Sabbath. Prayer was offered, and a short time was occupied in social meeting. It was a scene long to be remembered. The testimonies were of a triumphant nature, and filled with acknowledgments of the blessing of God and of peace found in drawing nearer to the Lord. About forty had embraced the Sabbath in Sedalia this summer, thirty-five of whom had signed the covenant. Many of these were among those seeking the Lord during this meeting. On Monday eighteen were baptized. All were united in pronouncing this the best camp-meeting ever held in Missouri.
When we consider the past condition of things there, and certain existing elements which are so detrimental to vital piety, it is not difficult to see in the present condition of harmony and spiritual prosperity that the Lord has greatly blessed the labors of Eld. Butler during the past year.
They lacked quite a number of hundred dollars of having means enough to pay their ministers. About $200 was pledged at this meeting, a portion of which was paid. It was thought best, in view of the financial condition of those present, not to urge the claims of the English mission and other branches of the work, but to leave these matters to be taken up by the officers of the tract society. This will be attended to.
C. W. STONE.
REST AND PEACE IN TRUTH.
I do not ask, O Lord, that thou shouldst shed
Full radiance here;
Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread
Without a fear.
I do not ask my cross to understand,
My way to see:—
Better in darkness just to feel thy hand,
And follow thee.
Joy is like restless day, but peace divine
Like quiet night;
Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine,
Through peace to light.
—Selected.
CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY.
By John G. Matteson
Last Sabbath we held meetings with the church at Alstrup, and administered the ordinances. On Sunday one brother was baptized. Monday I left for this city. Norway is truly a country of mountains and rocks. Christiania is the capital of Norway and has 105,000 inhabitants. It is a healthy and very cleanly town, and offers good facilities for publishing. It is the most central place in the three Scandinavian kingdoms. I have rented rooms for meeting, and housekeeping, and this will be our main home for the coming year, the Lord willing.
We pray that God may direct all things for his glory, and bless our feeble efforts to the conversion of precious souls in Norway also. In the course of a couple of weeks I return to Denmark to help our dear Brn. Brorsen to get started in the work there, and then we shall move to this place. JOHN G. MATTESON.
Aug. 23, 1878.
TEXAS
By R. M. Kilgore
Plano, Sept. 11.
Arrived here to-day. A lot inclosed, and near the center of the town, has been tendered us. The people promise us a good audience. We are eighteen miles north of Dallas, on the M. K. & T. R. R. Bro. A. G. Daniels and wife are with me. Our friends will please address us here.
R. M. Kilgore.
ILLINOIS
Du Quoin.
WE are now negotiating for the nicest hall in town; and we expect to secure it for one year. Last Sunday evening at the close of our services, Eld. Willoughby, Baptist, with brief remarks, “for the mining citizens of Du Quoin, Ill.,” presented to the speaker a copy of Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. Several of these delvers, with their companions, have fully decided to keep God’s law.
G. W. COLCORD.
Carbondale.
THE company of Sabbath-keepers organized at this point by Brn. Colcord and Bliss manifest love for the truth. For others who are almost persuaded we entertain hope. I preached in the college to a good-sized company on the evenings of the 7th and 8th. I rejoice to see the young workers here so determined.
Came here to meet Bro. C., and to arrange for a field of labor for the winter.
D. MORRISON.
WISCONSIN
By S. Fulton
Lucas, Dunn Co., Sept. 10.
We have been laboring here for the past three weeks. The attendance from the first has been small; but six have begun to keep the Sabbath, and we hope others may. We organized a Sabbath-school, sold eleven dollars' worth of books, and obtained six subscribers for our papers.
We leave here for New Centreville.
S. FULTON.
IOWA
Bonaparte and Bentonsport.
We closed our meetings at Bonaparte, Sunday, the 8th. Our Sabbath meeting was good. Nine more signed the covenant, making sixteen. We expect fully half a dozen more. A hall for meetings is offered us freely.
On the 7th we organized a church of eighteen members at Bentonsport, and baptized eight persons; five or six others will soon unite with them.
We now go to look after the work at several points. L. McCOY.
Olin, Jones Co.
We pitched our tent here Sept. 5. Our audiences have averaged nearly two hundred and twenty-five; and there has been a good degree of interest. Our address, for the present, will be as above.
O. M. OLDS.
J. D. PEGG.
KANSAS
Scott, Sept. 8.
Our meetings at this place have closed for the present. Twelve have been added to those keeping the Sabbath here, making twenty in all, and there is a fair prospect that a few others will soon identify themselves with us. We have Sabbath meetings and Bible-class, and shall arrange for a prayer-meeting this week. We remain a short time longer to complete the work.
We expect much good will yet grow out of the effort put forth here. The daily Monitor and also the weekly, kindly published synopses of our discourses on the prophecies and on the Sabbath. The city was deeply stirred, and also the surrounding country. We soon go into the country, where we understand quite an interest exists.
We had little opposition except from the Wesleyan Methodists, and from them the opposition has been very bitter.
J. H. COOK.
Sherman City, Sept. 6.
We are just commencing meetings at the Harlan school-house. The interest, owing to thorough T. and M. work, is good. The people in this place are nearly all Presbyterians, and the work looks encouraging. Pray for us.
L. D. SANTEE.
NEW BRUNSWICK.
By James Sawyer
Undine, Victoria Co., Sept. 8.
On my way here, in company with Bro. Gelotte, I visited the French settlement where we had left tracts and the priest had forbidden the people to read them. One man requested us to explain the chart in his family. He seemed interested, and we left him a French paper. The post-master takes LES SIGNES DES TEMPS.
In New Brunswick we found a home with the Danish minister. He and the leading man of the colony questioned us very closely. The minister said he knew about the bad work Eld. Matteson was doing in his native land, and he should be sorry to have these views discussed in the little colony in New Brunswick; but after we had explained the chart, and had conversed with him in regard to the signs of the times, he said he agreed with us except on the Sabbath.
Sunday morning we attended church with him, and then went to fill an appointment on the west bank of the St. Johns River. We have held nine meetings on both sides of the river. The interest is good. Opposition came in yesterday; but the speakers went so far that most of the people were disgusted. The people invite us to their homes. Bro. Gelotte has returned to New Sweden. We have not been able to distribute many tracts on account of cautions from the leading Danes.
JAMES SAWYER.
ILLINOIS T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By G. W. Colcord; Lizzie S. Campbell
The eighth annual meeting of this society was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Bloomington, Ill., convening at 9 A. M., Sept. 2, 1878. Called to order by the president. Prayer by Eld. G. I. Butler.
The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and accepted. The last quarterly report was accepted as published in REVIEW, without reading.
The motion of Eld. R. F. Andrews, “that this body adopt the new Constitution” was carried unanimously, after which remarks were made on the Health Annuals, relating to the number needed for the coming year, and the best method of disposing of them. H. P. Ritchey, L. A. Logan, and Robert Vickery were by the president appointed a committee on nominations.
Meeting adjourned to call of chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting called at 5:30 P. M. The Committee on Nominations reported, and after some substitutions the following officers were elected: President, G. W. Colcord; Vice-president, Dr. Pollinger, Kankakee, Ill.; Secretary, Lizzie L. Campbell, Belvidere, Ill.
Directors: Dist. No. 1, Thomas Brown, McConnell’s Grove, Stephenson Co.; No. 2, Robert Vickery, Belvidere, Brown Co.; No. 3, Geo. Foreman, Somonauk, De Kalb Co.; No. 4, Cary Dryden, Keithsburg, Mercer Co.; No. 5, C. Turnipseed, Princeville, Peoria Co.; No. 6, Wm. Pepper, Woodburn, Macoupin Co.; No. 7, Martin Kittle, Marshall, Clark Co.; No. 8, L. A. Logan, Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co.; No. 9, Jas. W. Tait, Onarga, Iroquois Co.; No. 10, Alvah Craw, Sadorus, Champaign Co.; No. 11, Short Glasscock, Morrison, Whiteside Co.
The treasurer’s report was as follows:—
Rec’d by Geo. Foreman, from Sept. 1, 1877, to April 1, 1878, $164.59
Paid out, $120.94
Rec’d by Lizzie S. Campbell, from April 1, 1878, to Sept. 2, 1878, $281.15
Paid out, $184.31
Balance on hand, $96.84
On motion, The report was accepted. Next in order came the reading of an essay by the secretary. A statement of the indebtedness of the society is as follows:—
To REVIEW AND HERALD Publishing House, $672.74
“Pacific S. D. A. Publishing Association, 143.89
Total, $816.63
It was announced that this indebtedness was more than met by the pledges given by the brethren on the ground.
Meeting adjourned to call of chair.
G. W. COLCORD, Pres.
LIZZIE S. CAMPBELL, Sec.
PENNSYLVANIA
Tent. No. 10, Coudersport, Sept. 9.
The interest here is still good. There has been but little open opposition, but considerable of the opposite kind. One minister spends much of his time visiting among the people, trying to quiet their consciences by telling them that it makes but little difference which day we keep, if we are only sincere. This, however, does not satisfy all; at our last Sabbath meeting about forty were present, and fifteen arose to express their determination to keep all the commandments. We expect others will join this company. E. W. WHITNEY. H. E. ROBINSON.
Tent. No. 9, Sunderlinville, Sept. 9.
It has been very quiet here till within a few days. About ten days ago the Christian minister who is located here commenced trying to defeat the work. Many of his members were leaving him. The opposition intend, when I am gone, to bring a man to set things in order, they say. I have asked them to do so while I am here, but as yet they decline, so I shall stay a few days longer. Two more have taken their stand on the Sabbath. Brethren, pray that the cause may prosper here. J. G. SAUNDERS.
MINNESOTA TRACT SOCIETY.
By Harrison Grant; A. H. Van Kirk
The fourth annual meeting of the Minnesota Tract Society was held in connection with the annual camp-meeting at Hutchinson, McLeod county, Minn. The first session was held June 22, 1878. The president in the chair.
On motion of C. Kelsey supported by John Emmerson, the chair was empowered to appoint a committee on nominations. Rev. Armstrong, Harper, and Richardson were appointed as such committee.
Adjourned to call of chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting called to order June 24, at 10:40 A. M.
Report of labor for three-fourths of the year, reaching to March 31, 1878, was read and approved. The report was as follows:—
No. of families visited, 267
“ ” letters written, 229
“ ” new subscribers with premium, 161
“ ” periodicals sent on trial, 170
“ ” given away, 1,986
“ ” Annuals distributed, 288
Pages tracts and pamphlets distributed, 92,540
Received for membership, $25.50
“ ” by donations, 121.28
“ ” from book sales, 25.11
“ ” new subscribers, 153.40
Total, $325.29
The treasurer’s report was as follows:—
Cash on hand July 1, 1877, $299.75
Received to June 20, 1878, 823.80
Total received to June 20, 1878, $1123.55
Paid out up to “ ” ” 943.10
Balance on hand, “ ” ” $180.45
Adjourned to call of chair.
THIRD SESSION.
Meeting called to order at 5 o’clock P. M., June 24, 1878.
The Nominating Committee made the following report: For President, H. Grant, Medford, Minn.; Vice President, C. Kelsey, Easton, Minn.; Secretary, Miss Nettie Grant, Medford, Minn.; Board of Directors as per last year. Report read and adopted in whole, unanimously.
Adjourned.
HARRISON GRANT, Pres.
A. H. VAN KIRK, Sec.
Nebraska City, Sept. 9
By GEO. B. STARK
Nebraska.
Nebraska City, Sept. 9.
I met with the church at Nebraska City last Sabbath, in a private house. We had a good meeting, but sickness in the families of two or three of the working members made our numbers quite small.
By invitation of the Congregationalist minister, I spoke in their house Sunday evening, Sept. 1, and again in the same house to the Young Men’s Christian Association yesterday afternoon. Have met some excellent people here, who manifest a kindly feeling towards our views.
GEO. B. STARK.
VIRGINIA
By R. T. Fultz
The cause in Virginia is onward. There is some opposition, but we have been able, through the help of God, to defend the truths of his word.
In company with Bro. H. Rife, I visited the brethren at Zion, Page county, on the second Sabbath in August, and we had one of the best meetings it was ever my privilege to enjoy. The Lord was very near. On Sunday Bro. Dadisman reviewed a discourse against the Sabbath. The position taken was the old thread-bare one. Bro. D. showed the people the absurdity of this position.
Calls for labor come from every direction. Last week a man came twelve miles for some of us to come and preach. He said they would fix up a nice grove. We accepted the invitation, and he had the appointment published in two county papers. The meeting begins Sept. 13, and will continue as long as the interest may demand. Brethren, pray for us in the South.
R. T. Fultz.
Close of Labors in Missouri.
By George I. Butler
With the Missouri camp-meeting my labors in that Conference have closed for the present. This meeting was small, but in this respect only was there anything discouraging connected with it. There was such a spirit of love and union in it as to afford a marked contrast to some other meetings held in past years, and to give good grounds of hope for greater prosperity in future. Our meeting Sabbath day was marked by the greatest outpouring of the Spirit I have ever seen in Missouri. Seventy-five or so were forward for prayers, and many hearts were melted by the Lord’s power. Eighteen were baptized Monday, which was a large number considering the size of the meeting.
Our camp-meeting was a great blessing to the cause in Sedalia. As is often the case, there was quite a lull after the highest interest was reached, and so there was a small attendance from the outside. This moved out the believers. Many of them were much affected. After the camp-meeting closed we held two meetings with the friends of the cause to plan about a place in which to hold meetings, and get them in shape to leave. These were profitable. There are now forty-two names on the covenant, and we know of at least eight or ten more who are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. Others are investigating with much interest. Quite a number have joined the tract society, and they seem determined to go to work for the Lord. I hope to see the church at Sedalia one of the strongest in the State. Brn. Wood and McReynolds have pitched the fifty-foot tent at Green Ridge, twelve miles from Sedalia, where they can assist them in their meetings occasionally. If they only had a house of worship, I could see nothing to hinder their prosperity.
I feel very grateful to God for his blessing during the past year, and in our camp-meeting. The work is rising, and if wisdom prevails, prosperity will attend the cause in Missouri. I have become much attached to many dear brethren and sisters there, and shall be glad to labor further in their midst should Providence so direct.