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WESTERN TOUR

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 19, 1869

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 34, No. 17.

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WESTERN TOUR.

By James White

SEPTEMBER 23, we left Battle Creek for the Clinton, Wis., Camp-meeting, and reached the place of meeting the 24th. Bro. Andrews was on the ground one day before us; and when we arrived, the meeting was in successful progress.
There was quite a general attendance of the brethren from Wisconsin and Illinois, probably the largest meeting of these States ever held. We were happy to meet Elds. R. F. Andrews, I. Sanborn, and T. M. Steward, and join with them in the interests of this Camp-meeting.
Those who spoke from the stand enjoyed freedom; and the social meetings were deeply interesting. There was much interest taken in our very dear Bro. Erzenberger, from Switzerland, by all, especially by our German, Norwegian, and Danish brethren. The meeting was one of harmony and sweet union. The word was spoken with plainness and power, and deeply affected all. The one Spirit moved on the minds and hearts of all, and it was truly delightful to see Americans, Germans, Norwegians, Danes, and Swiss, all enjoying the one faith, the one hope, and the one Spirit. None felt that they were strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
The business sessions of the Wisconsin and Illinois Conference were held between the religious services, excepting the Sabbath, and were conducted with great harmony and general satisfaction. And the Camp-meeting closed up well, leaving a cheering influence upon all. The time was short, and the weather, a portion of the time, stormy, and we had not all that opportunity to labor for the conversion of sinners that we wished. A good impression was made on the minds of the people, and not a few came forward to seek the Lord.
The people of Clinton Junction were moved with feelings of sympathy and liberality toward our people, as they were suffering from a terrible storm, and took them to their houses. They also gave us a good hearing, and showed us great kindness and respect.
It was decided to hold two Camp-meetings within the limits of this Conference, next June, one in Illinois, and the other in Wisconsin.
The 29th, we left Clinton Junction for Minnesota, and reached the camp-ground at Wasioja, the 30th. It was a long, hard route by railroad and steamboat and carriage. Mrs. W. was in good spirits, but we were all weary.
We found several tents on the ground. By a strong effort, many brethren and sisters had come together. But recent rains, flooding the streams and sloughs, prevented some. We put up our tent, and made preparations for the night. Here we were happy to meet Dr. Russell, who remained with us, lodging in our tent, with Bro. Andrews and Erzenberger, till the meeting closed. We also here met Elds. Pierce and Ingraham, formerly from Vermont.
In the evening I spoke to the people, showing why we believe as we do. It was a place of freedom. The night was cold. I preached with my overcoat on. And I could see my breath float out upon the cold, clear air, far from me, as I spoke. Yet the people heard me with fixed attention.
This meeting was marked with great freedom in preaching the word, and a spirit of confession among the people. We were happily disappointed in the brethren and sisters in Minnesota, and hope to be able to meet a more general gathering at their Camp-meeting the last of June next. May God bless the labors of preaching brethren in that new State, and raise up many witnesses for the truth there.
We feel a deep interest in the Danes in that State, and shall see that Danish publications are furnished at reasonable prices, and a portion to circulate gratuitously. Dr. Russell left us free in spirit, settled in faith, expressing the strongest confidence in the truth and work of God as held by Seventh-day Adventists. His many friends wish to hear from him through the REVIEW.
We sold many books at this meeting, and gave from the book fund about two hundred dollars' worth. We are ready to send English and Danish publications to that new field when needed for gratuitous distribution. May God bless the cause in Minnesota.
JAMES WHITE.
Battle Creek, Oct. 17, 1869.