The Illinois Camp-Meeting.
By C. A.
This meeting was held near Sheridan, Ill., June 10-15, as previously appointed in the REVIEW. Thursday found us on the ground in the pleasant grove chosen for the place of meeting. Ample preparations had been made for the occasion. This meeting was quite small in comparison with meetings in some other parts of the field, there being only eight tents on the ground and between one and two hundred brethren and sisters present. The meeting just held in Central Illinois and the camp-meeting appointed for Southern Wisconsin, which will be more convenient for many of the brethren in Northern Illinois, doubtless contributed to materially reduce the attendance at this meeting. But though small in numbers, the meeting was excellent in quality. One of its pleasant features was the presence of quite a good representation from the new converts among the French in St. Anne and Kankakee, and their fervent testimonies borne in their own tongue in the meetings. Great was the joy manifested by many who had come up from widely-separated places, at this privilege of meeting and greeting each other. To those who have had a happy experience in this direction, it does not seem strange that the psalmist sets it forth as so pleasant a thing for brethren to dwell together in unity. There are hearts in the Illinois Conference as cordially united in the Lord, and his work, as can anywhere be found. The social meetings Sabbath at 5:30 and at 9 A. M. were good occasions. The testimonies borne were of a very cheering and encouraging nature. They gave evidence of coming from hearts that were intelligent in reference to the truth and sound Christian experience. Bro. White spoke at 10:30 A. M., and Sr. W. at 2:30 P. M. Their testimony was gladly received, and highly prized by those present. After a suitable intermission, the brethren and sisters again assembled for social meeting. Unexpectedly the subject of Christian temperance came up as the leading theme of the meeting, and as unexpectedly the meeting rose to an unusual degree of freedom. Many items of interest were related; and more real information was brought out than we remember ever to have listened to in a social meeting. A case worthy of mention was that of a doctor from Kankakee. The truth found him under the chains of two ruinous habits: strong drink and tobacco. He related, how in the strength of the Lord, he had grappled with and overcome the appetite for strong drink, and now was rallying for a conflict with the other, confident of success in that also. May his victory be speedy and complete. Thank God for a truth that will enter into no compromise with intemperance or any filthy habit. This is one of the best evidences that it is the truth which is to purify a people from all filthiness of the flesh, and fit them for the coming of the Lord. 2 Cor. 7:11; Tit. 2:13, 14. On Sunday at an early hour visitors began to enter the ground, and soon the grove was swarming with them. It is estimated that there were some fifteen hundred present, a large proportion of whom gave good attention while Bro. W. set forth in a clear and forcible manner the leading reasons why we are Seventh-day Adventists. Sr. W. spoke in the afternoon with freedom. The business meetings passed off pleasantly. Four new churches were added to the Conference. The credentials of the three ordained ministers in the Conference were renewed, and six licenses were granted. Others will doubtless engage in the work. Bro. C. H. Bliss was ordained to the ministry. Four were baptized. Monday was rainy, but the large tent afforded a comfortable and pleasant retreat. Bro. and sister W. occupied most of the day in full, free, earnest and instructive talk to the brethren and sisters, just such as they needed, relative to the enlargement of the work, the broader views that should be taken, and the more comprehensive moves that should be made for its advancement. It was a profitable day for the meeting. The brethren listened and pondered upon the things spoken with evident interest, and, we believe, go to their homes like men girded anew for the work. The parting meeting Tuesday morning was the best of the feast. It was difficult to bring it to a close, so anxious were the brethren and sisters to speak. Finally, by a rising vote, all testified that if they had received no good before, this one morning meeting would amply repay them for all the time, labor, and expense, of coming to the place. This camp-meeting will exert a healthy influence upon the cause in Illinois; and we look for the work in this good State to exhibit more marked evidence of growth in the future than in the past. C. A.