Report of Camp-Meeting at Sheridan, Illinois.
By George I. Butler
The weather previous to the commencement of this meeting was very unfavorable, as the rains we had in Iowa had extended to Illinois; and those who had prepared the grounds, seating, &c., had to labor in the rain to get ready. Doubtless many more would have been present had the weather been propitious. We rarely have so much rain at this season of the year as we have experienced for nearly two weeks, as it has rained nearly every day. But we found preparations well advanced, and the brethren working hard to be ready when we arrived on the ground, and by Friday there was a good representation of Sabbath-keepers from different parts of the State. We had fourteen tents up besides the large preachers' tent, and these were large, fine looking ones—the best we have seen in any Western Camp-meeting. There were from one hundred and fifty to two hundred Sabbath-keepers in constant attendance. Most of them stayed till the meetings closed. We had a very pleasant camp-ground on the premises of Bro. Alfred Hobbs, the same as was occupied three years ago. The brethren and sisters were rejoiced that Sr. White had come to this meeting. They had received no previous intimation of her coming, and they were all the more rejoiced because it was unexpected. Those who remained at home lost the important testimony she bore in this meeting, containing the most valuable instruction for the Conference in Illinois. We had a large congregation on Sunday of respectable people, who gave good attention to the word spoken to them. The business meetings connected with the Conference and Tract Society were attended to as usual. Three new churches were admitted to the Conference. The labors of Bro. D. T. Bourdeau are being blessed in Illinois. One of these churches was brought out by him, and he has another interest already among the French at St. Anne. Quite a number have embraced the truth there of that people, some of which are very interesting cases. He will probably stay all summer and labor with Bro. R. F. Andrews with the tent, where there is a mixed population of French and Americans. We believe this meeting in the end will be a very profitable one for Illinois. It was not a joyous and happy occasion, but one of wearing labor and burdened hearts. The cause has not seemed to move forward in this Conference as many within have hoped. There are many souls there who have hoped and prayed that things might be more favorable, and we shall be disappointed if the spiritual atmosphere does not clear away, and a better state of things begin from this time till this shall become a flourishing Conference. The people of this State are among the most active and intelligent of any in the Union, especially in the northern part, and there must be many good openings for labor in all directions. How we long to see the cause moving forward in this noble State as it should. It can and will when ministers and people are thoroughly in earnest, and make this work as important as they should. The friends of the cause gave liberally upon the enterprises presented before them. They pledged $1500 and upward for the establishment of the printing press in California, and about $1000 for the Health Institute at Battle Creek. The finances of this State have been very low from the time this Conference was established, so that it has been difficult to settle with the ministers. An appeal was made to raise a sum outside of Systematic Benevolence to pay off the claims against the treasury. Six hundred dollars were raised for this purpose, which placed their finances upon a better footing than ever before. The brethren in moderate circumstances, and those who were poor, have done nearly all that has been done toward raising the means above mentioned. They have truly shown a noble spirit and God will bless them. Illinois has quite a number of wealthy brethren who have not yet realized the responsibility of doing what they can to help forward the cause in their midst. This has been one of the greatest discouragements which the cause has had to contend with in this State from the time the Conference was organized. How wealthy brethren, worth from ten to forty thousand dollars, can claim to love this cause and bear a proper interest in its prosperity, and see it wading along in debt, and yet not be even willing to pay s. b., i. e., give one-tenth part of their increase to support it, is one of those problems which can only be solved by supposing that selfishness has so far blinded them that they are in perfect darkness as to what they do really love. The brethren have heard truth at this meeting which will meet them in the Judgment. God will witness to the sacrifices made by those in moderate circumstances, and we believe his blessing will rest upon the cause for their sake. We expect to see it rise the coming year, and to see souls brought into the truth. Meanwhile, the men of wealth who refuse to shoulder the burdens of the cause, according to the talents the Lord has given them, will not prosper, but wither up spiritually, or lose their hold on the truth entirely. We plead with such to weigh these things well.