Earlier text: THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGECAMP-MEETING ECHOES.
By Uriah Smith
THE Michigan camp-meeting for 1900 was held at Ionia, August 30 to September 10, according to appointment. It was the writer’s privilege to be present only three days, September 7, 8, 9. But this short season was of great interest. Others who enjoyed a larger portion of the meeting will doubtless speak of that part in which they participated. Prominent among the external features of a camp-meeting, is the speakers’ stand. At this meeting the arrangement and construction of this stand, which was the work of Brethren Campbell and Edwards, was superior to that of any other meeting that it has been our privilege to attend. The attendance was large. A spirit of unity and co-operation prevailed, and an interest in the cause and work of “present truth” was manifested by the look and bearing of all. The vicissitudes of the Christian journey, and the obstacles and labors to be encountered, do not seem to have dimmed the hope or dampened the ardor of those who have long been in the way. And why should it? So long as the heavenly Canaan, to which we are journeying, is not reached, it stands before us as a matter of hope and thrilling expectation. And when we daily see the signs growing clearer, and the evidences accumulating, that we are without question on the right prophetic pathway to the celestial city, why should we not heed the injunction of the apostle not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but to exhort one another, and so much the more, as we see the day approaching. The feeling that seemed to prevail, is well expressed in the beautiful hymn, “We are almost home.” “Just a few more trials, just a few more tears,
Just a few more sorrows, just a few more fears,” and then the sentiment continued, that we’ll drop the anchor in the harbor, nevermore to roam, because we have passed the breakers, and are almost home. The song service, which was under the charge of the Brethren Stureman, was an inspiring feature of the occasion. Other excellent voices joined in, making this part of the exercises pleasing and helpful. In the morning season timely instruction was given in readings from Sister White—instruction to govern our attitude toward passing events, especially the great currents of political movements at the present time. While the world is watching with feverish desire to find something in our words and actions out of which they can make capital, care should be taken not to indulge in partisan charges and remarks against movements over which we have no control, remarks which might indicate that we are harboring a spirit of antagonism against principles or parties, which may be used against us or our work, even to the obnoxious claim that we are actuated by a spirit of anarchy or treason. The same principle will apply to the feelings that603 some may be inclined to entertain, and unguarded remarks that some may consequently make, in regard to the public school system of this country, a system, which, from a political point of view, has been the safeguard of the nation. To speak of the public schools as being “schools of the devil,” and the teachers as laboring expressly to foster “irreligion and skepticism,” are words that will be treasured up, and may be used hereafter, to cripple our influence, and foster prejudice against us in the minds of those we wish to help. “Wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,” should be the guiding precept to mold and modify our words and actions in these critical times. Sabbath forenoon Elder Irwin gave a very impressive discourse on the words of Christ, in Matt. 7: 21: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Included with this was the context, which speaks of the man who builded his house on the sand, and the other who builded his house on the rock. To the first is likened the man who hears the sayings of Christ and does them not; and to the other, the man who hears and does them. The sermon made a deep impression upon the people; for from one half to two thirds of the congregation signified, by specific movement, their desire and determination to enter more fully into such active co-operation with their Lord, in behalf of themselves and others, as is becoming to those who stand on the borders of the promised land, and desire at last to enter therein. In the various seasons of baptism about eighty-three candidates went forward. Sunday forenoon, Brethren E. K. Slade and A. R. Sandborn were set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, by prayer and the laying on of hands. The charge was given by G. A. Irwin, and prayer was offered by the writer. Thus two more are added to the ministerial force of this State. The editors of the Ionia papers gave a full and impartial report of the meeting, and those present acknowledged their appreciation of this courtesy by a unanimous rising vote of thanks. One thing especially impressive to the writer was the frequent reference, in private conversation, to previous meetings of this kind, with mention of the things done, and the words spoken, on those occasions. It shows that past camp-meetings have not been without their effect. The good things said and done have been treasured up, and are still exerting their influence. Those meetings have not been in vain. They are among the things contributing to the growth of this cause, in the years that are past; so we may hope that the present meeting will have its effect, and continue to exert its saving power on those who, in this place, for the first time put on the armor as active servants of the Lord. With reluctant farewells, the brethren have scattered to their homes, cheered with the thought, “We’ll never say Good-by in heaven.” U. S. “CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS.”
By George A. Irwin
A very profitable meeting was held in the interest of this book and the purpose for which it was given, on the Michigan camp-ground, the morning of September 6. Professor Magan occupied the time with well-chosen and profitable thoughts drawn from the Old Testament Scriptures, which were indeed applicable to our time and the work before us, after which he read some selections from the Testimonies in reference to the gift, “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and the importance of all making sacrifice, that the great object sought might be attained, and each receive a blessing. The Spirit of God witnessed its approval of the talk, in the spirit of liberality that came into the meeting, as evidenced in the list of contributions and pledges in the next column. Besides these, there were over seven hundred copies of the book sold. It is expected that these efforts at the camp-meetings will be only the beginning of a united movement to be taken up by our churches and people in general when the book is fully upon the market. A blessing is pronounced upon each person who does what he can in forwarding this plan to relieve us of the indebtedness upon our schools. May the good work begun in the Michigan Conference go on, until many thousand copies of this valuable book shall be put into the homes of the people. TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE.
By E. A. Sutherland
MORE is required of young people to-day than ever before in the history of the world. There was a time within the memory of many of us when the daughters of the household were content to remain quietly at home, and the sons felt free to enter worldly professions. Perhaps this was never the best thing to do; but to-day it is absolutely out of the question. For every young person who has health and ability there is a place somewhere to work for the salvation of souls. In the words of 1 John 2:13, 14, God pays high tribute to the young. He says (note well his words): “I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.” “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” Young men and young women are called to fill responsible positions, to enter new fields and do pioneer work; because they are strong; because the word of God abides in them; because they have overcome the wicked one. How vastly different is the Lord’s description of his young people from the description that must be given of the worldly young man or young woman. The clean, pure hearted are the young; the ones who can withstand all opposition are the young; the ones who should be ensamples unto all the church, in word, act, and deeds of charity, are the young. Do you wonder, then, that schools have been established for the training of the youth? God wants them, and wants them to-day. As I travel through the district, I am pleased to see how many of our young people are already in the work. The sanitarium is yearly preparing a large class of workers. A number of young men have gone into the ministry and the canvassing work. Over one hundred are teaching in the church schools, and in the preparatory schools. Already a number have gone to foreign fields. This is as it should be. But there are still others who should now prepare for work. There are four or five different kinds of work that offer employment to the young: there is urgent need of self-supporting ministerial laborers; the number of canvassers should be multiplied; Christian business men are needed; the medical missionary work always needs recruits; and there should be one hundred teachers where now we have one. There must be some place for you. Do you need a preparation? If you expect to be among the redeemed, you must understand the living principles of Christian education. This means to live and do. If you are interested in schools, or know of others who should be in school, send for a calendar of Battle Creek College. E. A. SUTHERLAND. BRITISH ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
By M. E. Olsen
The annual meeting for the British field was held in Birmingham, August 3–13. The location, adjoining one of the largest parks of the city, and within two blocks of a main tram-line, was a favorable one, and there was a good interest to hear the word. Meetings had been carried on for several weeks previously by Elders Andross and Haughey, the tent being pitched in an adjoining neighborhood. Consequently a considerable number, more or less acquainted with our work, were from the first in daily attendance at the services held in connection with the Conference. Fine weather, always in demand at a meeting of this kind, was denied us. Friday, the opening day, it rained continually, and toward evening blew a very heavy gale, which wrecked the large dining tent. Though it was fully occupied at the time, no one was seriously injured, which was regarded as providential, as the storm did considerable damage in Birmingham and elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Sabbath it rained much of the time, and was quite cold; Sunday it poured. Not until the following Friday were we favored with good weather. Meanwhile, the meeting went forward without interruption. The outside attendance was remarkably good, considering the weather. Our own brethren and sisters were greatly blessed in seeking the Lord, and unanimously declared that it was the best meeting they ever attended. So, though it was dark and cloudy without, there was always an abundance of gospel sunshine within. In spite of the inclement weather, which was almost unheard of at this season of the year in England, there was no sickness, and attendance at the meetings was remarkably regular. No doubt this was largely due to the strictly hygienic fare served in the dining tent. The diet was simple yet nourishing, consisting of a variety of fresh fruits, nut foods, rolls, biscuits, and one or two hot dishes, served on the European plan. Another advantage healthwise was that the friends in attendance, instead of tenting out, lived in rented apartments in the neighborhood. This was also advantageous in another respect: in almost every case the families who thus furnished lodgings to brethren and sisters who had come to attend the Conference, became themselves interested, and began to attend. Several special Bible studies and cottage meetings were held for their benefit; and as a result, some who otherwise might not have come near the tent are now rejoicing in the truth. The first Sunday the services opened with a prayer and social meeting, at 9:30 A. M., whose keynote was praise. Several related their experiences in coming to the meeting. Some had been without money, had made it a subject of prayer, and in providential ways had received the needed help. All who spoke were glad they had come, and testified that they had already received a rich blessing. At half-past ten Elder Haughey preached on the second coming of Christ, to an attentive audience. Then there was an intermission until three o’clock, when Dr. Waggoner dealt with different phases of the same great theme. At five o’clock Mrs. Waggoner conducted a children’s service, which was attended by more than forty children and youth, and by many grown persons. The presence of the Spirit was manifest, and several came forward in response to a call for the unconverted and backslidden. This was the beginning of a work for the young, which was carried on daily throughout the remainder of the Conference, and resulted in the conversion or reclaiming of a number of the children of Sabbath-keeping parents and others as well. At half-past six the people again gathered in the large tent, and listened to a stirring sermon by Elder Prescott, based on Isa. 28:14-22. After a short song service, Elder Daniells arose to speak on the signs of the times. By this time the storm had increased, and the rain came down in torrents, wetting the people inside the tent as well as outside, and for a time completely drowning the speaker’s voice. But the people showed no signs of restlessness. Umbrellas were put up all over the tent, and after several lively gospel songs had been sung, Brother Daniells gave a short address, warning the people of the dangers of this time, and exhorting them to prepare for the Lord’s coming. The services12 of the evening left a solemn impression; and though the storm had subsided by the time the benediction was pronounced, many showed no intention to go out, but remained in the tent, and gathered in little groups about the ministers and workers, who explained to them more fully some of the truths brought out in the discourses. Sunday’s program was followed during the succeeding days, except that one service instead of two was held in the evening. The interest deepened. The calls for Bible readings and special help in private were numerous. Parents asked the workers to pray for their children. Wives sought special help for their husbands. The neighborhood seemed to feel that the Lord was with the people in the tent, and that they would there get just the help needed. Friday night, after an impressive talk from Brother Prescott, the opportunity was given all who wished to do so to signify publicly their purpose to wholly follow the Lord. Several responded, and realized that night and the following day the joy of keeping the true Sabbath. Others had attended the preceding tent-meeting held by Brethren Andross and Haughey, and before the camp-meeting had begun to keep the Sabbath. Several business meetings were held, preceded in each instance by a prayer service, and attended with harmony and brotherly feeling. The financial report showed the total amount of tithe for the year ending June 30, 1900, to be £510 2s. 10½d. ($2,479.72), being an increase over the previous year of £71 1s. 2d. ($346.05). The contributions and offerings for the year were £191 12s. 9d. ($933.23). The total membership of the Conference was given as eight hundred and seventy-eight. During the year two new churches had been organized, one in Liverpool and one in London. The following recommendation with reference to the establishing of a school was submitted by the Committee on Plans, and was unanimously adopted:— “We recommend that this Conference take steps for the starting as soon as possible of a missionary training-school, where consecrated young persons may obtain the instruction necessary to fit them for efficient service, both in this country and in foreign fields.” As an earnest of their intentions relative to the school, the brethren on the grounds raised about £250 in money and pledges. Many did not feel free to subscribe any definite amount, but promised to do all they could. It was thought that a fund of one thousand pounds should be in hand before steps are taken to start the enterprise. The autumn of 1901 was suggested as the time when the school might be opened, if everything goes well. The following persons were elected as Conference officers for the ensuing year: President, W. W. Prescott; Secretary, M. E. Olsen; Treasurer, and also Secretary and Treasurer of the Sabbath-school work, Mary Jacques; E. J. Waggoner; A. R. Leask; H. Champness; H. W. Armstrong. Ministerial credentials were renewed to the ministers of the Conference, and Brother Harry Armstrong was, by recommendation of the brethren, publicly ordained to the ministry. The Conference proper closed Sunday night, August 9, but the evening services have been continued, and the interest has increased. It is hoped that a strong company of Sabbath-keepers will be raised up as a result. Elder A. G. Daniells, of Australia, was the only laborer present from outside the Conference, and his help was much appreciated. The prominent feature of the meeting was the preaching of the word. Around this everything centered. Our own people as well as visitors felt repaid, because they were spiritually fed. Practical truths were dwelt upon; and the doctrinal discourses, those dealing with the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, were made eminently practical. The one object aimed at was to convert, to get men to change their masters, not their opinions. The Lord witnessed by his Spirit in a special manner. The meeting should mark a new era in the work of the message in this great field. M. E. OLSEN. CONTRIBUTORS AT THE MICHIGAN CAMP-MEETING.
Thomas Armitage — $10 | Robert Letterman — 25
W. H. Barnes — 10 | Lee Mason — 10
Elmer E. Brink (pledge) — 25 | William Miles — 100
D. E. Cole — 10 | A friend — 5
G. W. Cole — 10 | A friend — 10
A. M. Colman — 10 | D. W. Miller — 5
L. M. Crawford — 5 | A. Newell — 25
G. C. Collins — 10 | A. V. O’Donnell — 5
M. E. Collem — 10 | Laura Osborne — 25
Robert Conway — 25 | Laura V. Porter — 50
J. J. Davenport — 10 | J. G. Peterson — 25
M. V. Erkenbeck — 25 | Mrs. Wm. Seevey — 5
J. F. Terris — 10 | Joseph Smith — 25
Cyrus Fandie — 25 | C. N. Sanders — 25
Geo. W. Frank — 10 | Henry Seath — 50
A. N. Gravelle — 4 | Samuel Wilson — 5
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Green — 10 | J. M. Wilson — 10
O. N. Hinkley — 25 | Milo D. Warfle — 25
Dorothy Harbaugh — 25 | D. Wood — 25
W. W. Jones — 25 | Elmer E. Brink — 25
John Judd — 100 | Ellis Clark — 10
Mrs. G. D. Knotly — 25 | Mrs. A. L. Fay — 5
Bert Lewis — 5 | John Lambert — 5
Eugene Leland — 100 | Mrs. M. L. Poole — 10
S. H. Lane — 50 | A friend — 100 NOTES FROM BRAZIL.
By F. W. Spies
Leaving Joinville, Sunday, March 11, a three-days’ ride brought me to Brusque, the trip being for the most part a very pleasant one. I was overtaken, however, by a thunderstorm on Monday afternoon, and, because of this, spent the night in a shed, having for a bed a pile of corn on the ear, which had just been carried home. Of course this was not very comfortable, and when the pressure became too great at any one place, I would pick away a few ears from that spot, chase away a host of mosquitoes, and then try to sleep. Arriving at Brusque, I found the church in a prosperous condition. Brother and Sister John Lipke were devoting their energies to the instruction of the students; while Brother Stauffer had charge of the agricultural department, and Brother Hesserich was working on the new dormitory. The committee of the Brazil Mission has since decided that this school, which up to this time had been only a church school, be henceforth a mission school for the educating of workers. When I arrived at Brusque, Brother Lipke had a mission class of seven students. From Brusque I went to Benedicto Noro and Rio Cunha, and at each of these places baptism was administered, seven persons following their Lord in this ordinance. I next visited the colony, Russia, where we also had baptism. Returning to Brusque, I baptized one sister, and spent several weeks laboring at that place. I then set out for Taguaras, the home of Brother Brack, one of our canvassers, accompanied by Brother Francisco Mattes, a Brazilian. When a little more than half way to Taguaras, while crossing a bridge, his horse broke through, and in the effort to extricate himself, fell into the stream, taking his rider with him. Fortunately, both got out, with only an untimely bath in rather muddy water. We resumed our journey, arriving at Taguaras in due time without any further mishaps. Through Brother Brack’s faithful labors quite an interest had been awakened in his neighborhood, and I held meetings there for a week. They were well attended, some persons riding on horseback for three or four hours in order to be present at our services. I was sorry that our time was so limited at this place, but as Brother Deucher, an aged man who lives at Bom Retiro, about fifty miles farther north, had recently accepted the truth, and was anxious for us to come to his home and hold services, we went on. Brother Deucher is a stock-raiser, and has a piece of land about four miles square. Brother Brack and I had agreed that when we should reach Brother Deucher’s land, before going to his house we would have a season of prayer together. As we halted in a pleasant place by the roadside, Brother Deucher asked, “What are you going to do?” I replied, “We are going to ask the Lord to prepare the hearts of the dear ones at your home to receive the Saviour.” As I said this, the tears coursed down his cheeks; for he had a great burden that his family should accept the truth. So we—Brother Deucher, Brother Brack, the Brazilian brother previously mentioned, Brother Preusse (who, with his wife, were the first fruits of our labors at Taguaras), and the writer—knelt on the greensward, and had a season of prayer, which brought us each a blessing, and also the assurance that we should have the Lord’s presence with us in our labor for souls. We rode on for another half-hour, passing the houses where Brother Deucher’s children live, and arriving at his house in the evening. In our first meeting I called the attention of this dear people to the Lord’s soon coming and the preparation needed for this event. At the next meeting I spoke from Prov. 28:13 and 1 John 1:9, and as the truths in these two texts were brought home to the hearts of all, there prevailed a spirit of humble forsaking of sin. Brother Deucher confessed that he had not set a proper example before his children. Other confessions followed, and it was indeed refreshing to see how the Lord worked to unite this family. The good work continued Friday and Sabbath, and before leaving, I baptized Grandmother Deucher, her daughter, the daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, and Brother Preusse, who had come with me from Taguaras. There being a general meeting appointed at Brusque for May 9, our time was limited. Leaving Bom Retiro, May 1, we came to Desterro to meet Brother Thurston, and go with him to the general meeting. But rain fell four days in succession, and May 2 the streams were impassable. In order to travel at all we must take the mountain road, and go through a part of the country infested by bands of roving Indians, who often attack travelers. But we felt that we must move on, trusting the Lord, and he brought us safely through. The high waters had carried away many bridges, and often the entire road, making it necessary to ford streams, hunt a passage, and, at times, when it was impossible to get through, retrace our steps, and make a great detour to reach our destination. I never before made a trip in Brazil under such difficulties; yet I never enjoyed more of the blessing of God. When we finally assembled in general meeting in Brusque, these rich blessings increased until, as old Brother Deucher said (he with his wife had made the long, dangerous, and wearing journey on horseback), “Our joy is full.” And it was. The Brusque general meeting will be long remembered by all who were present. When we left Brusque on the 16th of May, we still found the roads almost impassable in many places, but we reached Rio, May 22. My trip, which, when I left home, was to be of only four or five weeks’ duration, had lasted five months. During this time I baptized twenty-four persons. After attending to my correspondence and other necessary work, I went to Santos in São Paulo, accompanied by Mrs. Spies and our little girl, to visit the brethren, also some persons who had recently become interested in the truth, and were already keeping the Sabbath. Santos is one of the most important as well as the most beautiful seaports of Brazil; but it is regarded as one of the worst places for yellow fever, and it is probably for this reason that all Protestant missionary societies have thus far passed it by. But the God of Israel has promised: “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” In a little while, when the whole world shall be full of pestilence, we who trust in the Lord will realize more than ever the precious, keeping power of the Word. We labored in Santos three weeks, and then I baptized six persons in the crystal waves of the broad Atlantic. As we celebrated the Lord’s Supper together, he came very near and blessed us. Those who now stand for the truth in Santos are members of representative families, well known and respected by the entire city, and as they let their light shine, many others will have their attention called to the truth. The Lord grant that their number may greatly increase! From Santos we came to the city of São Paulo. Here we spent a day visiting friends, then went to Rio Claro to visit the family of Brother Meyer, who gladly greeted us, and we had a blessed time together. On this trip of about four weeks I received $275 in tithe, and about $18 in offerings for various enterprises, one person alone paying $175. Thus the Lord provided for our needs. Indeed, I can see more and more that the Lord is good, and if we are only where he can use us, he is not straitened for ways and means to carry on his work. Upon our return to Rio de Janeiro, we found our brethren all busily engaged in the circulation of our new Portuguese journal, O Aranto da Verdade (Herald of Truth). I did what I could to secure subscriptions, and to encourage the newly organized tract and missionary society of Santos to order a club of the papers. I then accompanied two of our brethren who are working for the journal, on a short trip, assisting them with such help and suggestions as my previous experience in the canvassing work enabled me to give. My time was limited in this work, for the churches in the Province Espírito Santo had had no ministerial help for almost seventeen months, so it was deemed advisable to go there without further delay. Not long ago a statement was made by the Spirit of Prophecy to the effect that the promulgation of the truth would soon be attended with greater difficulties. In the wars and rumors of wars of the last year these things certainly have had their fulfillment; but it is becoming more and more evident that, as time goes on, we shall have increased difficulties to contend with. For almost three months the city of Rio de Janeiro has been made a place of confinement on account of the bubonic plague. When once you are in the city, it is only with much trouble that you can get away. If you want to leave by rail, you and your baggage must be disinfected; if you wish to leave by boat, you must spend ten days in quarantine. I am just passing through this process of quarantine. We are lying in a small strait between Ilha Grande (Great Island) and the mainland, sixty miles southwest of Rio. The second day our fruit supply on the boat was exhausted, and none is allowed to be brought on board for fear of the pest. Bread is likewise prohibited, but meat and fish, non-germ-conductors(?), are allowable. To a person of vegetarian principles it is a little trying to go through this process; but, thank the Lord, to-day is the seventh day of our quarantine, and so we shall soon be released. The Sabbath before I left Rio, we had the blessed privilege of participating in the ordinances of the Lord’s house, and on the following Sunday we buried two persons with their Saviour in baptism. May the dear Lord gather his own speedily, and hasten the great day of reunion. As we are allowed to count the time of the voyage to our first port into our ten days of quarantine, we expect to weigh anchor to-morrow, and next Sunday I hope to reach my destination, and shall then soon be among those who, for so long a time, have been awaiting the visit of a minister. May the Lord give us richly of his Spirit. F. W. SPIES. GENERAL CONFERENCE DISTRICT 3.
By A. J. Breed
THE Ohio camp-meeting was held on the fair grounds, within the city limits of Dayton, August 15–26. Excessive heat prevented the general attendance hoped for, but there was a greater number605 of our own people present than last year. On account of rain, and the grounds being used for other purposes, it was late before the meeting opened, which made it difficult to have services before Sabbath evening. Sunday morning the Conference was organized, and committees were appointed. The business, of which there was considerable, passed off pleasantly. Four new churches were admitted to the Conference. The laborers from outside the Conference were Elders Irwin and Haskell and their wives. They all entered into the work of the meeting with an interest that showed they had a burden for it. The State laborers did all they could to make the meeting a success. The work of Mt. Vernon Academy was represented by those connected with it, and showed a more prosperous year than for some time in the past. The growing interest in the State on the subject of education is encouraging. Several church schools were conducted the last year. Our brethren are ready to sustain any careful work done for the young, and our schools are proving a means of fitting laborers, for whom there is great need, for the home and foreign fields. There has been an increase in the Conference finances, and if the brethren will let that spirit of sacrifice come in which was among those in the early message, the work will go forward, the world will be warned, and the Lord will soon come for his waiting people. May the time hasten when we can all join in saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.” Elder A. G. Haughey was elected president and some changes were made in the officers of the Conference, a full account of which will be found in the Ohio State paper, the Welcome Visitor. It will be quite impossible to give a full report of the meeting, as I left before it closed, in order to reach the camp in Illinois at the time of its opening. A good meeting is now in progress at Kankakee, with the prospect of a larger attendance than we have had for a number of years. A good interest is being awakened among the people of the city, who request that the meetings be continued.