p. 184 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 4, No. 23. (6/13/1878)

Wisconsin Camp-Meeting.

By Editor

Failing to receive for this week's issue a report of the Wisconsin camp-meeting, held May 29, to June 4, we give the following from the Wisconsin State Journal:—

The opening meeting was held Wednesday evening, May 29, under the direction of D. M. Canright. The services were congratulatory in their nature and the remarks appropriate and practical. The Elder called the attention of his hearers to the manifold blessings enjoyed since the last meeting, and the increased obligations all were under, to the Giver of all blessings. This and kindred considerations were urged as incentives to fervent and humble devotion throughout the entire meetings.

A session of the Conference was called at 9 o'clock, president H. W. Decker in the chair. S. S. Smith was appointed secretary pro tem. Of about fifty-five churches in the State, forty were represented by delegates. Two new churches were admitted into the organization, and committees were appointed on nominations, auditing, license, credentials and resolutions.

The forenoon discourse was by Elder Canright, on the prophecy of Dan. 2. It was shown that the great image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in a dream was interpreted by Daniel to be a representation, in outline, of the history of the world from that time forward as referring to the four great kingdoms, which have borne almost universal power in their reigns, viz.: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia and Rome. History was referred to in support of this interpretation, and by comparison the predictions were found to have met their fulfillment precisely, with the exception of the last one, the striking of the image upon the feet by the stone, which causes its destruction, and the setting up of the fifth and everlasting kingdom, an event which the speaker maintained would transpire at the second advent of Christ, and he argued that this event must be impending, as it is next in order, the rest of the prophecy having been already fulfilled.

Prof. C. W. Stone preached the afternoon discourse, giving a clear and concise exposition of the 7th chapter of Daniel; making a similar application of the symbols there brought out, to the one made in the forenoon of the symbols of the second chapter: that they represent the principal kingdoms and events in the history of the world. The specifications in this chapter are more definite and particular, and the facts more clearly pointed out than in chapter two. The speaker labored to identify the different predictions of the prophet in past history, and to the minds of many of his hearers he succeeded quite well. The successful study of the prophecies required an extensive knowledge of history, which the preachers seem to possess.

The Scandinavian service at 4 P. M. was well attended by those of that language. Judging from outside appearances and the fervor of the speaker, the discourse was an interesting one, for although to us unintelligible, it was by no means inaudible. These people take a large interest in their foreign missions. An important branch of their work has its headquarters in the city of Bâle, Switzerland, where publications are issued in different European languages; and missionaries are at work successfully in nearly all parts of the Eastern world. In this country, the denomination embraces in its adherents all nationalities, particularly those of Scandinavian and German tongues. An agent will be sent to Switzerland the present season to establish and furnish a first-class publishing house.

The discourse for the evening, by Elder Canright, was one of interest to all. The subject title, "the United States in prophecy," excited the curiosity of the hearers, and having been previously announced, attracted quite a crowd. The discourse was remarkably clear, and the points well sustained upon the speaker's premises, allowing them to be correct and the conclusions arrived at were evident. Good attention was paid, and at the close of the service the crowd quietly dispersed.

These meetings do not partake of that spirit of excitement and recklessness which so often attends and disgraces camp-meetings; but, by a careful observance of rules of order and decorum, they are doing much to remove the stigma attached by many to such gatherings. The most perfect quiet pervade the grounds from 9:30 P. M., until the bell at 5 o'clock in the morning reminds all that the hour for rising has arrived.

Friday at 9 A. M. the Conference was called and delegates from churches before represented were received.

Saturday afternoon was well improved in devotional exercises. A revival meeting was held from 2:30 o'clock until 4. At 5 o'clock, baptism by immersion was administered to twenty-six persons. The scene was an impressive one, and during the ceremony, the utmost quiet and order were preserved.

Sunday at 8:30, all assembled in the pavilion for the purpose of organizing a State Sabbath-school Association. A constitution was presented and adopted and committee appointed to nominate officers. At 10:30, a good congregation had arrived, and Prof. Stone preached on the Sabbath question. Text: "Where there is no law there is no transgression." Rom. 4:15. At three o'clock it is estimated that there were five thousand people present on the ground. The afternoon discourse by Elder Canright was a continuation of the subject of the morning. Superintendent Whitford made the opening prayer. The sermon was pronounced a clear and logical one in favor of the perpetuity of Sabbath obligation in general and the observance of the seventh day in particular. Taking New Testament authority, he brought numerous examples of the observance of the seventh day by Christ and the apostles. At five P. M., Elder Decker spoke from the words: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth;" showing that finally, after its purification by fire, the new earth will become the abode of the saved. This is rather material for our ears, who have been taught to believe in heaven, "Beyond the bounds of time and space, the saints secure abode;" but considerable testimony was brought from the Bible to support the position. The theory is that the earth was made just right in Adam's day; that Satan and sin spoiled it, that Christ redeemed it and that the original purpose of the Creator will be carried out by returning it again to the Eden state, and placing the righteous therein. The order was good, and the citizens were favorably impressed with what they saw and heard upon the grounds. During the day three discourses were given to the Scandinavians, in their own language, by Elders Olsen and Jasperson.

Elder Decker spoke in the evening on the punishment of the wicked, taking grounds to which neither Jonathan Edwards nor Colonel Ingersoll assent. As is generally known the Adventists do not believe in the immortality of the soul; but that immortality is the gift of God through Christ to those who are worthy of it at the resurrection. They believe that the dead are unconscious until that time, when the righteous will be raised to eternal life, and the wicked to the second death, which is total destruction.

Monday was devoted to business meetings of the different societies. At a meeting of the Conference, officers were elected for the year. Credentials were given to eight ministers and licenses to twelve. Five hundred dollars were raised for the tract and missionary work.

For Sale.

By James White

The house and lot now owned by W. C. White, located near the corner of Castro and Eleventh street, Oakland, Cal., is for sale. He and his wife, having given themselves wholly to the work of the Lord, design to go to Europe soon to establish a complete publishing house in the Old World, and now offer their beautiful and convenient property in the city of oaks for sale at cost. The lot was purchased and the house erected at a bargain. The same, which cost five thousand dollars cannot now be duplicated for less than six thousand.

We join with a hundred others in objecting to this property passing into the hands of those who do not keep the Sabbath. There are brethren who should be as willing to sacrifice as W. C. White and his father have for the work in California. He has given all. We have sacrificed thirteen hundred in the sale of property to the Pacific Press. There are brethren of means who should move to Oakland and help bear the burdens.

For further particulars as to the property see J. E. White, at SIGNS OFFICE.

James White.

Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, Etc.

By Editor

Cruden's Concordance. $1.75, post-paid.
Dictionary of Bible. $1.75, post-paid.
Hymn and Tune Book; 537 hymns, 147 tunes. $1.
Progressive Bible Lessons. 50 cts.
“ “ “ “ for Children. 35 cts.
The Way of Life; a beautiful engraving 19x24 inches, with key of explanations. $1.00.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In Board, 50 cts; in paper 30 cts.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.00.
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 Sanctuary and its Cleansing. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed edition in paper, 30 cts.
Life of Joseph Bates, with Likeness. Revised. Edited by James White. Tint, $1.00; plain, $1.25.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00.
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.
Life of Christ, in seven Pamphlets, by Mrs. Ellen G. White:—
No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry . . . 10 cts
No. 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness . . . 10 cts
No. 3. His Teachings and Parables . . . 15 cts
No. 4. His Mighty Miracles . . . 15 cts
No. 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion . . . 10 cts
No. 6. His Resurrection and Ascension . . . 10 cts
No. 7. The Apostles of Christ . . . 10 cts
Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle. In two volumes. 75 cts. each.
The State of the Dead and Destiny of the Wicked. U. Smith. 40 cts.
The United States in Prophecy. U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 25 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. (Poem.) U. Smith. Muslin, 30 cts.; paper, 15 cts
Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 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. Andrews. 25 cts.
Facts for the Times. 25 cts.
The Nature and tendency of Modern Spiritualism. J. H. Waggoner. 20 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. Dudley Marvin Canright. 20 cts.
The Atonement. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Spirit of God. J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
Miraculous Powers. 15 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. Dudley Marvin Canright. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
The Two Laws. Dudley Marvin Canright. 15 cts.
The Seven Trumpets of Rev. 8 and 9. 10 cts.
Redeemer and Redeemed. James White. 10 cts.
Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. James White. 10 cts.
The Saints' Inheritance, or the Earth made New. John Norton Loughborough. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day, A Refutation of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. J. H. Waggoner. 10 cts.
The Two Covenants. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel: What it is, and when it will be consummated. John Norton Loughborough. 10 cts.
Review of Gilfillan 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.
Review of Baird's Two Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. J. H. Waggoner.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four Objections Considered. 10 cts.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. III. Mrs. E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00
Milton on the State the Dead. 5 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—Present Truth—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Thrones—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Redemption—Systematic Benevolence—The Two Covenants—Origin and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists.
Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost-Time Question—Argument on Sabbaton—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture Reference—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—Elihu 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 Hundred Bible Facts—The Law and the Gospel—God's Memorial—The Sabbath, the Day.
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—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—Can We know?—Is the End Near?—A Dialogue—Brief Thoughts on Immortality—Is the End Near?—Can We Know?

Address, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL.

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.

"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (margin, negligently.) Jer. 48:10.

Received for the Signs.

$2.00 EACH. N E Pleasant 4-45, Mrs E Horn 5-22, L R Hall 5-23, J J Boardman 5-23, J P Sanders 5-23, A D Quick 5-18, A T Jones 5-21, Mrs Jenette Graves 5-16, M J Downing 5-25, Miss Ida Kelley 5-23, Mrs Wheeler 5-23, Mrs E D Gilbert 5-16, Mrs E G Whitter 5-23.

$1.50 EACH. Mrs M A Brengartner 5-23, R M Kilgore 5-23, E J Allen 5-10, Maggie Worster 5-23, Mrs Caleb Millett 5-23, Wm Wheeler 5-23. S B Turner 5-23, Mrs Eliza Geer 5-23, J W Kirk 5-18. Laura McClurg 5-23, Joseph Mead 5-23, Elder E J Whitney 5-18, I Allen 5-18, E Z Sanborn (2 copies) 5-1, B F Whitney 5-16.

MISCELLANEOUS. Daniel Hugiman 50c 4-24, Mary A Eaton 50c 4-29, I B Watts $1.00 4-27, Mrs F A Stone 1.00 5-22, W A McCauley 50c 4-39, Judson Gould 50c 4-39, M L Brown (10 copies) 15.00 5-23, J M Lindsay (2 copies) 3.00, 5-22, A Avery (5 copies) 7.50 5-23, J M Avery (4 copies) 6.00 5-23.

California Conference Fund.

S M Meeker and family $13.00.

Received on Account.

Cal T and M Society $12.80.

APPOINTMENTS.

ELDER HEALEY will speak Sabbath at 10:30, June 15, in the Seventh-day Adventist church, corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets.

Oakland Tent-Meeting.

MEETINGS will commence Sunday evening, June 16, in the Tent, corner of Ninth and Peralta streets, near Center Street station.

Health Retreat.

By Merritt G. Kellogg

THE RURAL HEALTH RETREAT at Crystal Springs, near St Helena, Napa county, California, is now open for patients, boarders and visitors.

Dr. M. G. Kellogg, author of the Hygienic Family Physician is the Superintendent and attending Physician. The plan of treatment for invalids will be the same as that adopted at the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich. The readers of the SIGNS are requested to forward to the Institute the names and postoffice addresses of such persons invalids or others, as may be benefited by an acquaintance with the Hygienic mode of treatment and living.

Address, M. G. KELLOGG, M. D. St. Helena, Cal.

San Francisco.

By John Norton Loughborough, W. M. Healey

Our tent-meetings which had been in progress two months, closed Sunday evening, June 9. During that time sixty-nine discourses have been given, and thirty-four names added to the covenant of commandment-keepers.

On Sabbath the churches of Oakland and San Francisco held a union Sabbath-school and meeting in the tent. There were between 150 and 200 adult Sabbath-keepers together. These with the youth and children made quite a tent full. It was the largest collection of Christian Sabbath-keepers ever assembled in San Francisco.

Sister White was with us and enjoyed freedom in speaking the truth, and her testimony told upon the people. The tent is now being moved to Oakland for a series of meetings there. May God bless the effort in Oakland.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, W. M. HEALEY.

Do n't Fail to Read

By Editor

Brother White's article, The Pacific Press, on editorial page. In this article is set forth the wants of the cause in this branch of the publishing work. A new building is now in process of erection in which to place presses and type. The enlargement of the work here demands increased facilities. This demand requires the expenditure of several thousand dollars. A large portion of the amount required is due us from the various T. and M. societies. We therefore make an urgent call upon these societies to send the amount due immediately.

To those who have means to spare in sums from $100 upward, we will give the Association's notes, with or without interest, for six months or a year.

No Paper Next Week.

By Editor

Owing to the removal of the presses into our new building there will be no issue of the SIGNS next week.