The Dakota Camp-Meeting.
By I. D. VAN HORN
THIS meeting was held June 27 to July 3 on the same ground as last year, about two and a half miles east of Parker. The place of the meeting was in a beautiful grove, the shade of which was appreciated, as the weather was very warm most of the time. There was a very large attendance of the brethren and sisters in this Conference. Nearly every one was here. There were sixty-one tents, beside the three large ones, and four hundred and fifty campers on the ground. There was a zeal to get out to meeting beyond anything we have witnessed before. Services were held every day in three languages—English, German, and Scandinavian. A good interest was manifested among all during the entire meeting. The preaching was both doctrinal and practical. The main point was to show the necessity of having the Spirit of God abiding in us, without which there can be no connection with Christ. We are too near the end to make a mistake on this important point. Another feature was to show the principle of forgiveness, that when we pray God to forgive us, we must at the same time forgive those who have done us injury. We were glad to see this point have a good effect, and meet some cases who were here at the meeting. The wants of the cause in our foreign missions were faithfully presented by Eld. Butler, and when the people were called upon to show their interest in these branches of the work, they heartily responded by making liberal pledges. In a short time over $1,400 was raised, and about equally divided between the French, English, and Scandinavian Missions, and the International321T. and M. Society. Besides this a T. and M. Reserve Fund of $800 was raised and about $60 on the Tent and Camp-meeting Fund, making in all about $2,300. This young Conference is coming up nobly, and is showing a zeal worthy of imitation. The business meetings were all harmonious, and we may expect some good results this Conference year. Our Sabbath and Monday efforts to reclaim backsliders, and convert sinners, were crowned with success. Light and blessing from Heaven came upon us. Quite a number made a move for the first time. On Monday afternoon twenty-five were baptized in Vermillion River, near the camp-ground. All started to their homes on Tuesday morning with good courage. Parker, Dakota, July 4. I. D. VAN HORN.