Wisconsin Camp-Meeting by Editor

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jun 13, 1878

Wisconsin Camp-Meeting.

By Editor

Failing to receive for this week's issue a report of the Wisconsin camp-meeting, held May 29, to June 4, we give the following from the Wisconsin State Journal:—

The opening meeting was held Wednesday evening, May 29, under the direction of D. M. Canright. The services were congratulatory in their nature and the remarks appropriate and practical. The Elder called the attention of his hearers to the manifold blessings enjoyed since the last meeting, and the increased obligations all were under, to the Giver of all blessings. This and kindred considerations were urged as incentives to fervent and humble devotion throughout the entire meetings.

A session of the Conference was called at 9 o'clock, president H. W. Decker in the chair. S. S. Smith was appointed secretary pro tem. Of about fifty-five churches in the State, forty were represented by delegates. Two new churches were admitted into the organization, and committees were appointed on nominations, auditing, license, credentials and resolutions.

The forenoon discourse was by Elder Canright, on the prophecy of Dan. 2. It was shown that the great image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in a dream was interpreted by Daniel to be a representation, in outline, of the history of the world from that time forward as referring to the four great kingdoms, which have borne almost universal power in their reigns, viz.: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia and Rome. History was referred to in support of this interpretation, and by comparison the predictions were found to have met their fulfillment precisely, with the exception of the last one, the striking of the image upon the feet by the stone, which causes its destruction, and the setting up of the fifth and everlasting kingdom, an event which the speaker maintained would transpire at the second advent of Christ, and he argued that this event must be impending, as it is next in order, the rest of the prophecy having been already fulfilled.

Prof. C. W. Stone preached the afternoon discourse, giving a clear and concise exposition of the 7th chapter of Daniel; making a similar application of the symbols there brought out, to the one made in the forenoon of the symbols of the second chapter: that they represent the principal kingdoms and events in the history of the world. The specifications in this chapter are more definite and particular, and the facts more clearly pointed out than in chapter two. The speaker labored to identify the different predictions of the prophet in past history, and to the minds of many of his hearers he succeeded quite well. The successful study of the prophecies required an extensive knowledge of history, which the preachers seem to possess.

The Scandinavian service at 4 P. M. was well attended by those of that language. Judging from outside appearances and the fervor of the speaker, the discourse was an interesting one, for although to us unintelligible, it was by no means inaudible. These people take a large interest in their foreign missions. An important branch of their work has its headquarters in the city of Bâle, Switzerland, where publications are issued in different European languages; and missionaries are at work successfully in nearly all parts of the Eastern world. In this country, the denomination embraces in its adherents all nationalities, particularly those of Scandinavian and German tongues. An agent will be sent to Switzerland the present season to establish and furnish a first-class publishing house.

The discourse for the evening, by Elder Canright, was one of interest to all. The subject title, "the United States in prophecy," excited the curiosity of the hearers, and having been previously announced, attracted quite a crowd. The discourse was remarkably clear, and the points well sustained upon the speaker's premises, allowing them to be correct and the conclusions arrived at were evident. Good attention was paid, and at the close of the service the crowd quietly dispersed.

These meetings do not partake of that spirit of excitement and recklessness which so often attends and disgraces camp-meetings; but, by a careful observance of rules of order and decorum, they are doing much to remove the stigma attached by many to such gatherings. The most perfect quiet pervade the grounds from 9:30 P. M., until the bell at 5 o'clock in the morning reminds all that the hour for rising has arrived.

Friday at 9 A. M. the Conference was called and delegates from churches before represented were received.

Saturday afternoon was well improved in devotional exercises. A revival meeting was held from 2:30 o'clock until 4. At 5 o'clock, baptism by immersion was administered to twenty-six persons. The scene was an impressive one, and during the ceremony, the utmost quiet and order were preserved.

Sunday at 8:30, all assembled in the pavilion for the purpose of organizing a State Sabbath-school Association. A constitution was presented and adopted and committee appointed to nominate officers. At 10:30, a good congregation had arrived, and Prof. Stone preached on the Sabbath question. Text: "Where there is no law there is no transgression." Rom. 4:15. At three o'clock it is estimated that there were five thousand people present on the ground. The afternoon discourse by Elder Canright was a continuation of the subject of the morning. Superintendent Whitford made the opening prayer. The sermon was pronounced a clear and logical one in favor of the perpetuity of Sabbath obligation in general and the observance of the seventh day in particular. Taking New Testament authority, he brought numerous examples of the observance of the seventh day by Christ and the apostles. At five P. M., Elder Decker spoke from the words: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth;" showing that finally, after its purification by fire, the new earth will become the abode of the saved. This is rather material for our ears, who have been taught to believe in heaven, "Beyond the bounds of time and space, the saints secure abode;" but considerable testimony was brought from the Bible to support the position. The theory is that the earth was made just right in Adam's day; that Satan and sin spoiled it, that Christ redeemed it and that the original purpose of the Creator will be carried out by returning it again to the Eden state, and placing the righteous therein. The order was good, and the citizens were favorably impressed with what they saw and heard upon the grounds. During the day three discourses were given to the Scandinavians, in their own language, by Elders Olsen and Jasperson.

Elder Decker spoke in the evening on the punishment of the wicked, taking grounds to which neither Jonathan Edwards nor Colonel Ingersoll assent. As is generally known the Adventists do not believe in the immortality of the soul; but that immortality is the gift of God through Christ to those who are worthy of it at the resurrection. They believe that the dead are unconscious until that time, when the righteous will be raised to eternal life, and the wicked to the second death, which is total destruction.

Monday was devoted to business meetings of the different societies. At a meeting of the Conference, officers were elected for the year. Credentials were given to eight ministers and licenses to twelve. Five hundred dollars were raised for the tract and missionary work.