Camp-Meeting at Walla Walla, W. T.
By Editor
THIS meeting was held in a grove of balsams on the bank of Mill Creek, in the city of Walla Walla. Tents were pitched close on the bank of the creek, which is a beautiful, swift-running stream. The meeting was well attended by the churches, a larger number camping on the ground than at the other meetings at which we have been present in this Conference. The general arrangements were good; but little cooking was done on the ground except at the restaurant, where most of the families boarded. This gave excellent opportunities to attend all the meetings. To the credit of the management we can say that in all our camp-meeting experience, which is not small, we never before had a tent so perfectly fitted up for personal convenience, for writing, and for consultations. In this expression our associate ministers united. Another encouraging feature of this meeting was that almost all were on the ground early. We spoke to a fair audience on Wednesday evening, and very few arrived after the time for the beginning of the meeting. The condition of the people at the commencement was not the most fortunate for a profitable time. Points of doctrine subversive of the message had been introduced, and to some extent been received, which had weakened the faith and courage of many. Reports had also been circulated against most of those who are bearing responsibilities in the work, which caused many to distrust the work itself; and by these means a spirit of complaining had been fostered. All this was sufficient to bring darkness into the Conference, and to make it somewhat difficult to reach the hearts of the people. But our faith embraced a revival of the work of God in that field, and we were not disappointed. Sister White was much worn when she started to the meeting, and she arrived in Walla Walla in a feeble state; and, unfortunately, she was not the only one in that condition. But from the time of the first effort she made to speak, her strength revived, and she not only had health and strength to give her testimony whenever required, but the blessing of the Lord rested upon her continually; and she enjoyed peace of mind and good courage throughout. From the beginning of the meeting it appeared evident that "the set time to favor Zion" in that field had come. The labors of the first Sabbath gave direction to the entire meeting; the Lord manifestly granted the presence and aid of his Spirit. Hearts were touched, and the way was opened to reach the people. No effort was made to "call forward" any this day, as they were not yet prepared to appreciate it. The morning talks of Sister White were all timely, and had a good effect. The preaching was largely suited to the present circumstances of the people, and the instruction given was well appreciated. The Bible-readings were a marked feature of the work, those on the work of the Spirit being specially effective, because they were specially needed. The same may be said of the readings on tithing. Two years ago Brother Colcord asked our advice in regard to occupying his position at the head of that Conference longer. We advised him to hold on until Providence should open the way for his release. At this meeting the way seemed to open in that direction. Before leaving California, we had held consultations over the wants of the wide field in Eastern Washington and Oregon, and Idaho, and had considered the advisability of either Elder Corliss or Elder Loughborough remaining in this north country a part of the coming year. It appeared to be the wish of the brethren that Elder Loughborough should take charge of the Conference, and he was accordingly elected to that position. After due consideration and prayer, he accepted the office. This will not require him to spend all of the year in the Conference; other duties will not permit that. But he can spend part of his time there, and superintend the work while he is absent. We believe this is a wise arrangement. On the last Sabbath a good move was made, about thirty coming forward after an effective discourse by Sister White. Some started for the first time; some started anew after backsliding; and some, who had long resisted the truth, yielded to its claims. One case was of special interest. A young man living in Wallowa Valley, over one hundred miles from Walla Walla, dismissed the school which he was teaching, with the understanding that he would make up the time. He was not a professor of religion, but rather skeptical; except himself, the family kept the Sabbath. He heard, believed, and was baptized. Three others were also baptized, the place of baptism being in the creek, almost immediately beside the large tent. The last Sunday afternoon Sister White spoke on temperance. She had much freedom; several said it was the best address they ever heard her give on that subject. A deep interest was manifested by the large audience, and we heard of some, outside of our people, who gave up the use of tobacco after hearing her remarks. The general attendance from the city was small; larger toward the last than at first. Only a few times was there what we could call a large congregation. We were convinced that strong efforts were made in the way of "Sunday amusements," to keep the people from attending. But so many were deeply interested that it was considered necessary for Brother and Sister Colcord to remain there and spend some time in public and private labor for their benefit. Although there were no such outbursts of joy as we have often witnessed, we think we never attended a meeting where the progress toward the light was greater; where God more manifestly wrought for the upbuilding of his work. Doubts and murmurings were removed; unity and brotherly love were restored. Confidence in the work returned; and we believe the brethren and sisters have now a better understanding of the nature of this work than they ever had before; they are better forewarned, better fortified against the devices of the enemy. We have strong hopes for the future of this Conference. It contains many warm-hearted, devoted lovers of the message, who will do all in their power to help it on. And may God bless their efforts. The resolution concerning Healdsburg College elicited a very interesting discussion. Professor Brownsberger was present to speak in its behalf, and to answer questions. It was freely expressed by the friends there that the improvement of those who had attended the College was the highest recommendation that could be given to it. The expectation was also expressed that it would, in due season, furnish qualified teachers for the various sections where schools may be needed. There are several places where, even now, there are children and youth enough to form a good school, who cannot go to Healdsburg; but the teachers having the proper qualifications cannot be obtained. Schools of a high grade, that is, where college benefits can be received, cannot be built up in many places by our people. We need a few colleges, with many other schools. It costs much to found and keep up a college; and it was felt by all who were present at the meeting in Walla Walla, that Healdsburg College is a Pacific Coast college, and not merely a California school. Altogether we feel greatly encouraged by the Upper Columbia camp-meeting of this year. It was by all means the best ever held there. We have ever felt a deep interest in that field, and strongly attached to the friends of the truth there. And our interest is now increased. We shall watch their future progress with great solicitude. And we hope they will realize that with the increase of their privilege their responsibilities are increased. The Lord will hold them to greater faithfulness and consecration than they have ever shown before. To no one was the meeting in Walla Walla a greater blessing than to Elder Raymond. He had been somewhat in darkness for some time. In his early experience in this cause he did not receive the instruction which he needed, and he failed to fully realize the nature of the work in the message. He was led into doubts and questionings which loosened his hold on points of precious truth. In this meeting he was caused to see his way more clearly, and to take a decided stand in favor of unity with the body, both in faith and spirit. God blessed him in this movement, and it was made a blessing to the meeting. May God ever, more and more, unite the hearts and efforts of the workers in the Third Angel's Message. We are now on the Oregon camp-ground, a beautiful situation in East Portland, overlooking the city of Portland and the harbor. We have strong confidence that the Lord will also give the victory in this meeting. EDITOR.
June 19, 1884.