The Missionary by Isaac D. Van Horn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 11, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 35.

The Missionary.

By Isaac D. Van Horn

Illinois Camp-Meeting.

I HAD the privilege of attending this meeting, arriving on the ground early Wednesday morning, August 20. I found preparations for the meeting nearly completed; the larger portion of our people had arrived, and had pitched their tents or taken up quarters in some of the buildings. The fair-ground, in which this meeting was held, has a beautiful grove, which furnished an abundant shade. The grove was seated, as was also the large pavilion, 60x100 feet, and meetings were held in both places. In this respect preparations were made for a large crowd.

Peoria is a city of about 40,000 inhabitants, the second in size in the State. It is noted for the extensive manufacture of liquors, being second, I believe, in this respect, to no city in the Union. All bear testimony that it is a very hard place.

The number of our people in attendance was about four hundred. There was no very marked demonstration at any time, yet there was a steady growth of grace, and the influence of the Spirit of God was manifestly present at times.

The business of the Conference, and of the other organizations in it, passed off harmoniously. There was a great need of means to carry on the different departments of the work, and, after a consultation with the leading brethren, it was decided to raise by pledges $10,000; $3,000 for T. and M. Reserve Fund, $3,000 for city missions, $3,000 for Educational Fund, and $1,000 for the Battle Creek College. As the result of the effort, $7,420 was pledged.

The outside attendance was not large till Sunday afternoon, when between 4,000 and 5,000 were out to hear Elder Littlejohn on "The Rise and Progress of the National Reform Association." It can be said that those who did attend were interested. The usual good order which characterizes all our camp-meetings was preserved all through this meeting.

There was a good interest manifested in the meetings for the children and youth. We had a separate tent for them, and had from one to two meetings every day. Some of these young friends were prepared to move forward understandingly when the call was made, Sabbath afternoon, for those who would seek the Lord to manifest it by coming forward. Quite a large company came to the front seats, some of whom were moving out for the first time.

On Monday this work was taken up again. A short discourse was given on baptism, after which thirteen gave in their names for baptism. The administration of the ordinance was witnessed by about five hundred people.

Thus closed this camp-meeting. Taking a general survey of the whole, we can say it was a good meeting. Yet we are constrained to believe that there is room for great improvement in every branch of the work in this Conference. May God let his blessing rest down in rich measure upon the work of the message in this important field, and may it rise and go forth with power. I. D. VAN HORN.