Earlier text: SINNED WITHOUT LAWWhen a people contrive to make saucepans, fine pocket handkerchiefs, and sailors' water-proof overcoats, out of paper, they may be considered as having pretty thoroughly mastered the subject—and this is claimed for the manufacture in paper, with the additional little touching information that the saucepans are generally used over charcoal fires. According to their own account, these ancient islanders wrote upon silk, faced with linen, and also used very thin wood-shavings for the same purpose, until nearly the close of the third century of the Christian era. About A. D. 280, paper was first imported from Corea, and, superseding the home-made fabrics, monopolized the market until the year A. D. 610, when the king of Corea sent two priests to Japan to establish the manufacture. This paper was easily torn and liable to be destroyed by worms, and besides did not take the ink well. These manifold disadvantages attracted the attention of Tarshi, the son of the reigning Mikado, who substituted as material the bark of a species of paper-mulberry, which is still extensively cultivated for the purpose. By Tarshi's orders the tree was planted throughout the country, the method of manufacture publicly taught, and thus the industry was commenced which has since so prosperously continued. At the present time two hundred and sixty-three sorts of paper are manufactured in Yeddo. In regard to this immense number of styles, the national love for formalities must be considered, as, for instance, in addition to the usual varieties to which we are accustomed as appropriate for deeds, public documents, letters, notes, etc., the Japanese list mentions four distinct kinds intended to be exclusively used for poetry and songs. There are also kinds enumerated as employed for umbrellas, hats, lanterns, and water-proof clothing; one being described as serving for candle-wick and pocket handkerchiefs, while another was intended for handkerchiefs only, and a third is used for dressing dolls. Special kinds are prepared exclusively as wrappings for the several styles of religious, civic, or social gifts. The excellence in the manufacture is due, in a great degree, to the fact that Japan furnishes a number of trees and shrubs with a fibrous bark, particularly adapted as a material for paper; and several plants, of which the roots, seeds, or sap, yield a natural size for the surface of the sheet. The species of Mulberry first used in the seventh century is still regarded as containing the best fiber, and it is extensively cultivated. The plants are annually cut down to the root until the fifth year, when, by this treatment, the wood has become dense and strong. The branches are then cut into lengths of about one yard, and steamed in a straw vessel over a boiler. As soon as the bark begins to separate from the wood, it is stripped off by the hand, the wood itself being preserved for fuel. The bark is then hoisted upon poles to dry by exposure to the air, and when dry it is separated into bundles, weighing about thirty-two pounds each. The dry bark is then immersed in running water for twelve hours, after which the outer husk or bark is scraped off to serve as the material for an inferior kind of paper. The remaining or inner portion is again washed in running water, and, after pressure under heavy stones, the fiber is boiled with ashes. After another washing it is well pounded and molded into balls. These balls are next thrown into a wooden trough, and mixed with a pulp, together with a paste made from the root of the Tororo—a shrub somewhat resembling the cotton plant. A portion of this pulp is next placed in a frame, consisting of an inner and an outer portion, with a false bottom of plated bamboo. A dexterous and peculiar jerk from the skilled operator sets the pulp in the frame, and it is then so placed as to permit the water to drain off. The sheet of paper is lifted from the frame with a piece of bamboo, and laid with a brush on a drying board, the side adhering to the board forming the face of the paper. The paper “warranted to wash” is made of another kind of paste; and in the oil paper, for water-proof clothes, a glue is used, made from young fern shoots, stained with the expressed juice of persimmons. Colors are applied in powder mixed with bean paste. Several of the trees and plants used in the manufacture of paper are described as being objects of careful cultivation, especially in the manuring and preparation of the soil.—Sel. The Power of the Cross of Christ.
THEY were living to themselves. Self, with its hopes and promises and dreams, still had hold of them; but the Lord began to fulfill their prayers. They had asked for contrition, and he sent them sorrow; they had asked for purity, and he sent them thrilling anguish; they had asked to be meek, and he had broken their hearts; they had asked to be dead to the world, and he slew all their living hopes; they had asked to be made like unto him, and he placed them in the furnace, sitting by “as a refiner of silver,” till they should reflect his image; they had asked to lay hold on his cross, and, when he had reached it to them, it lacerated their hands; they had asked, they knew not what, nor how; but he had taken them at their word, and granted all their petitions. They were hardly willing to follow on so far, or to draw so nigh to him. They had upon them awe and fear, as Jacob at Bethel; or Eliphaz in the night visions, or as the apostles when they thought they had seen a spirit, and knew not that it was Jesus. They could almost pray him to depart from them, or to hide his awfulness. They found it easier to obey than to suffer, to do than to give up, to bear the cross than to hang upon it; but they cannot go back, for they have come too near the unseen cross, and its virtues have pierced too deeply within them. He is fulfilling to them his promise: “And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.” But now, at last, their turn is come. Before, they had only heard of the mystery; but now they feel it. He has fastened on them his look of love, as he did on Mary and Peter, and they cannot but choose to follow. Little by little, from time to time, by flitting gleams, the mystery of his cross shines out upon them. They behold him lifted up, they gaze on the glory which rays forth from the wounds of his passion; and as they gaze, they advance, and are changed into his likeness; and his name shines out through them; for he dwells in them. They live alone with him above in unspeakable fellowship; willing to lack what others own, and to be unlike all, so that they are only like him. Such are they in all ages who follow the Lamb. Had they chosen for themselves, or their friends chosen for them, they would have chosen otherwise. They would have been brighter here, but less glorious in his kingdom. They would have had Lot’s portion, not Abraham’s. If they had halted anywhere, if he had taken off his hand, and let them stray back, what would they not have lost! what forfeited in the morning of the resurrection! But he stayed them up, even against themselves. Many a time their foot had well nigh slipped; but he in mercy held them up. Now, even in this life, they know all he did was done well. It was good for them to suffer here, for they shall reign hereafter; to bear the cross below, for they shall wear the crown above, and that not their will, but His, was done in them.—Advocate of Holiness. MAN'S guilty heart judges of his fellow men by his own weakness and folly, and from this springs much of the “they say,” which has dimmed the eye and bowed the head of the innocent. Man's depravity sinks him in the scale of respect; therefore, men and women often suspect evil in others, for they know their judgment would be right in their own case, were they circumstanced as their victims. “Be not ready to condemn
The wrongs thy brother may have done,
Ere you too harshly censure him:
Of human faults, say, ‘I have none!’”
Who is able to look into the heart of man and discern all its thoughts, feelings, and emotions? Who can tell the struggle of that young heart which has fought and buffeted with the threatening waves of life, which are often seemed ready to engulf it in its cold embrace? What a beautiful mark for the venomous shaft of slander, with what quick perceptions they string their bows and take their sight for their fiendish purpose, and how sure their work! 'Tis not the accusation that admits of defense, or the arrow that flies at noon-day that is most to be dreaded; 'tis the cold, inscrutable glance, the curled lip, the chilled and altered manner. These try the strength of woman's fortitude, and gnaw with slow but certain tooth the cable that holds the anchor of fidelity. TO THE CITY OF REFUGE.
By Sel.
“Then ye shall appoint you cities, to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.” Num. 35:11. With snow-white face and staring eye,
With trembling limbs and hands outspread,
He stands, and hears the people cry,
“Flee, flee for life! The man is dead!” “Whither, oh whither? South or north?
To east or west? where shall I fly?
I see the avenger starting forth,
If he o’ertakes me, I must die.” “Hebron for refuge! South! now fly!
The city set apart for thee!
O win it, and thou shalt not die,
However near the avenger be.” He starts away with all his speed
Along the road that leads him there,
Saves but the garment of his need,
No other burden can he bear. “Hebron, for life!” his only cry,
Refuge from death, his only care,
The people see him rushing by,
With eager eyes and flying hair. His wife’s glad kiss, his children’s glee,
The joy around the festive board,
Would fill his soul with ecstasy
Could he the happiness afford. But what cares he for home, or friends,
Or gold, or fields of waving grain?
’Tis but the dust his footsteps spurn,
To reach the refuge he would gain. On, on he goes! o’er hill and vale,
Through wood, or town, he cares not where,
Unheeding whatsoe’er assail,
The stony road, the burning air. The scorner’s laugh, the vexing stare,
He spurns them all, for on his track,
With foaming mouth and eyes aglare,
The avenger comes when he looks back. “Hebron for refuge. To the right,”
A guide-board speaks, where two roads meet,
And soon the city greets his sight,
Giving new strength to weary feet. So distant still and he so tired;
His early zeal so nearly spent!
’Tis well the view his spirit fired,
And strength unto his footsteps lent. For if he fails to reach the place,
And falls but just this side the gate,
In vain for him were all the race,
The avenger’s hand will seal his fate. But see! he nears the open gate,
With tottering steps, and drooping head;
The anxious people all await
His rescue from the avenger dread. He falls within! The gate is swung;
He’s safe! he’s safe! though worn and faint.
The avenger raves, with madness stung,
And fills the air with his complaints. Safe, safe! O Hebron, refuge dear!
In thee my weary head shall rest,
Farewell my pains, my anxious fear,
O welcome life! how sweet, how blest!
—Sel. “If I had leisure, I would repair that weak place in my fence,” said a farmer. He had none, however, and while drinking cider with a neighbor, the cows broke in and injured a prime piece of corn. He had leisure then to repair his fence, but it did not bring back his corn. “If I had leisure,” said a wheelwright last winter, “I would alter my stove-pipe, for I know it is not safe.” But he did not find time, and when his shop caught fire and burned down, he found leisure to build another. “If I had leisure,” said a mechanic, “I should have my work done in season.” The man thinks his time has been all occupied, but he was not at work till after sunrise; he quit work at five o’clock, smoked a cigar after dinner, and spent two hours on the street talking nonsense with an idler. “If I had leisure,” said a merchant, “I would pay more attention to accounts.” The chance is, my friend, if you had leisure, you would probably pay less attention to the matter than you do now. The thing lacking with hundreds of farmers who till the soil is, not more leisure, but more resolution—the spirit to do—to do now. If the farmer who sees the fence in a poor condition would only act at once, how much might be saved. It would prevent breechy cattle creating quarrels among neighbors, that in many cases terminate in lawsuits, which take nearly all they are both worth to pay the lawyers.—Annual of Phrenology and Physiognomy for 1875. Wilmot, the infidel, when dying, laid his trembling, emaciated hand upon the sacred volume, and exclaimed solemnly, and with unwonted energy, “The only objection against this book is a bad life!” The Iowa Camp-Meeting.
By Uriah Smith
Sabbath, June 5, was a day of the meeting which will long be remembered by those who were present. It commenced with a rich measure of the blessing of Heaven, and increased in interest till the close. The morning meeting at half past five was one, the equal of which, in intensity of feeling and Christian activity, is rarely seen. It seemed, as it is sometimes expressed, that the people were making a “rush for the kingdom.” Seven were sometimes on their feet at once. One hundred testimonies were borne in three quarters of an hour. Following this, the morning season of family worship at the tents was an occasion of great feeling and deep searching of heart. And when the hour came for another season of public social worship at the stand, many came from their tents weeping, not tears of sadness and disappointment, but such as arise from a sweet feeling of contrition on account of the presence of the Lord, and his love shed abroad in the heart. Thus this meeting opened with the same degree of spirituality with which the preceding one closed, and continued in the same spirit. Some remarks were made by Bro. White of a very encouraging nature. He referred to the discouragements which the brethren in Iowa have met in times past, the apostasies that have taken place in their midst, and the goodness of God in sustaining the cause through it all, and raising up friends and laborers among them. The prosperity of the cause in this State, notwithstanding all adverse circumstances, is an evidence, strong and irresistible, that God’s hand is in the work, and calls upon every heart for thanksgiving and gratitude. His remarks took deep hold upon the feelings of the congregation. Many testified that they never witnessed a better state of feeling in a social meeting than was manifest upon this occasion. Bro. White spoke in the forenoon with great freedom, bringing out things new and old from the great treasure-house of God’s word, giving such instruction as was adapted to the condition and wants of the people of God at this time. Sister White spoke in the afternoon on Luke 19:41, 42: “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace, but now they are hid from thine eyes.” She spoke with unusual liberty, closing with a powerful appeal to those who were present, not to be unmindful of this the day of their visitation, lest their condition become like that of the Jews, and the things that belong unto their peace be hid from their eyes. And when an opportunity was given for those who wished to start anew in the service of Christ to come forward, about fifty came to the front, many of whom were for the first time making a move in this direction, and were very interesting cases. After prayers, this company was distributed into three tents, and the work of labor continued. Some touching and impressive testimonies were borne, which it was good to hear. On Sunday, the congregation numbered upward of two thousand. Bro. White spoke in the afternoon, Sr. W. in the forenoon and evening. The readers of the REVIEW are so well acquainted with their labors that it is only necessary to say that they probably never enjoyed greater freedom. Yet this can give but a very inadequate idea of the interest of the occasion. In the evening, when perhaps the congregation was the largest, though the evening was unusually chilly, the large crowd was held as if spell-bound under the powerful address of Sr. W., and many of those who had come in from without were moved to tears. On Monday, another move was made for those who were here making a new start in the service of God. Fifty-five came forward, giving evidence of a good work wrought upon their hearts; and all bore testimony to their desire and determination henceforth to live the Christian life. The business sessions of the Conference passed off harmoniously, and its action showed a good degree of zeal for the prosperity of the cause in this good State. The credentials of the nine ministers belonging to the Conference were renewed, and licenses granted to ten young men to exercise their ability in publicly presenting the stirring and important truths for this time to the people. The list included four who received license for the first time at this meeting. And there are still others who may yet labor publicly in the work. The wants of the cause are urgent. Calls are pressing in from every quarter. Would that there were a hundred, where now one can be found to respond to these calls, and enter the openings that are multiplying on every hand. May the little army of workers in Iowa, who feel the wants of the cause, have strength and wisdom imparted to them to accomplish a measure of what their zeal would prompt them to do. Six new churches were added to the Conference, increasing materially its membership. The truth has secured a good foothold at many points, and accomplished a good work. It was remarkable to learn, as one after another of noble men arose to speak in the social meetings, how this one had been rescued by the truth from infidelity, that one just saved by it from going into spiritualism, another recovered from the saloon and gaming table, and so on. Truly the truth has effected marvelous things in many cases here. From the citizens of Newton and vicinity we have received the utmost respect and courtesy. Not the least manifestation of rowdyism, or disposition to make disturbance, was witnessed, and it was not even found necessary to establish a night watch, so undisturbed were we in the enjoyment of our privileges. W. S. Benham, editor and publisher of the Newton Free Press, in his issue of June 2, gave quite a full notice of the meeting, from which we make the following extracts:— “The Seventh-day Adventists of Iowa and Nebraska, both States being included in one Conference, held their annual Conference and camp-meeting at Evan’s grove, just southwest of Newton, commencing last Thursday and closing on Tuesday. This is the second year of the Conference and camp-meeting at this place, and its central location and pleasant remembrances may make this the place for its permanent establishment. The grounds were admirably arranged, the great pavilion located on the east side, with a semicircle enclosing over two acres, upon which ample seats were spread before the platform, while in the adjacent timber the teams were hitched and fed, a well dug on purpose, furnishing the requisite amount of water for all.” “It is proper to state right here that no orders were given in regard to deportment on the grounds, no guards or sentinels placed on duty,197and that from the opening to the close there was not an attempt at disorder or a symptom of rowdyism manifested. The people who came together for the camp-meeting attended strictly to business, and the spectators at all the meetings showed that respect which was due to them as strangers and fellow-citizens. We do not mention this fact as being unduly creditable to Newton and vicinity, but it is well known, the country through, that it is not very unusual for camp-meetings held by any denomination to be interrupted by rowdies, and that a kind of police has to be established to maintain order. In fact, in years past—we trust not to be repeated—the local officials have had to be called upon to make arrests of this class of offenders. “The rains along early in the week made the roads quite muddy for a while, and the grounds at first were rather disagreeable, but when it was rainy the spectators were few, and the regular attendants could crowd into the pavilion, so the meetings, three times a day, with committee meetings, business meetings, &c., went regularly on, the same as if the weather had been all the time pleasant.” “In nearly all the States the membership is sufficient to make up a Conference, the largest being in Michigan, with the publishing headquarters at Battle Creek, where two newspapers and all the books and tracts for the Society are issued. There are few so extensive publishing houses in the country, about $100,000 being there invested in the publishing business. At Battle Creek they have a College just fairly started, with an endowment of about $60,000, and a Health Institute where chronic diseases are successfully treated without medicines.” “The Conference arranges the work for the coming year, assigning the elders to duty in the several locations, appoints both clerical and lay missionaries, and acts upon all questions that may come up from the people affecting the faith, conduct, and progress of the sect. The attendance at these camp-meetings is voluntary, and we were informed that this meeting had about the average attendance of members. There certainly was about the same number present as last year.” “An incomplete computation showed that there were present as regular attendants of the meeting about five hundred persons, and among them were delegations from Knoxville, Poweshiek Co., Kellogg, Monona Co., Burt Co., Nebraska, Pella, Fort Dodge, Afton, Mt. Pleasant, Caloma, Brighton, New London, Washington, Hook’s Point, Victor, Pilot Grove, Woodburn, West Union, Monroe, Osceola, Elkhorn, Pleasantville, Adel, State Center, Richmond, Anamosa, Marion, Richland, Sigourney, Frederick, and Winterset. The bulk of these delegations had commodious tents, of which there were about thirty, in some of which as many as twenty-five persons were well accommodated, while many who came in wagons made their conveyance a comfortable home during the meeting. Probably a dozen families and delegations were assigned space in the pavilion, and with appropriate partitions therein found pleasant quarters. There were quite a number of individuals who came singly and without conveniences, and to all these the kindest hospitality was shown by their brethren, and they were made to feel themselves as much at home as if they owned the best tent on the grounds.” “Of the elders in attendance and taking an active part in conducting the exercises, we may appropriately mention James White, U. Smith, Ellen G. White, R. M. Kilgore, Henry Nicola, C. L. Boyd, C. A. Washburn, J. T. Mitchell, and Henry Morrison.” “Eld. White has made the subject of his present discourses his life-study, and its propagation his life-work. He is the associate of Elders Smith and Andrews in publishing the REVIEW AND HERALD, Voice of Truth, and Signs of the Times.” “Mrs. White is a preacher of great ability and force, much called for as a speaker at the camp-meetings of the denomination all over the Union, and a large share of her time is given to this work.” “Eld. Smith is pleasant in appearance, an earnest advocate of his doctrines, and preaches with good effect.” “The tents are being struck as we go to press, and directly those attending the meeting will return to their respective homes, firmer and stronger after this season of instruction and mutual pledges to each other of faithfulness to the faith.” “The meeting has been in all respects a success, and while the people of town and vicinity have every reason to be pleased, we trust that the visitors from abroad will have none but pleasant recollections of the second camp-meeting at Newton.” Thirty-two rose to signify their desire to receive baptism at the first opportunity. At the closing meeting Tuesday morning, Bro. J. Bartlett and Bro. J. W. McWilliams were ordained to the work of the ministry. The occasion was a most interesting one. Thus the meeting closed, the brethren we believe all feeling that this, the opening meeting of the season, has furnished a most encouraging beginning. May they remember that the real success of the occasion is mainly to be determined hereafter, as it will depend upon the way in which the impressions received shall be cherished, and the resolutions formed shall be carried out. U. S. In the Field.
By James White
We had decided to visit as extensively as possible the American field, embracing all our camp-meetings, in company with Mrs. White, the present season. We left California the last of April, and reached Battle Creek, May 5. In consequence of the retirement of the other members of the General Conference Committee, Eld. Butler to labor in Missouri, and Eld. Haskell from ill health, we were left alone with the camp-meetings, and our institutions located at Battle Creek, upon our hands, besides the usual amount of preaching at that point, and in other places. The first Sabbath after our return to Michigan, Mrs. W. spoke to the large congregation in Battle Creek, and we spoke at the quarterly meeting at Potterville. Mrs. W. joined us on first-day, and spoke to the people with freedom and power. Here we met several of our brethren in the ministry, besides many old friends in the truth. The meeting was an excellent one. Sabbath, May 15, we both spoke to the church at Battle Creek. The 22d we were with the church at Bowling Green, Ohio, where we felt greatly encouraged of the Lord in encouraging the brethren. We suggested that Bro. and Sr. E. B. Lane might labor in Ohio with a tent the present season, and that if the Ohio Camp-meeting could be held July 29 to Aug. 3, we could attend it. Bro. and Sr. Lane, however, on account of health, chose the climate of New England, where they have gone to labor. The matter of the Ohio Camp-meeting is not in the least affected by this decision, and we hope it may be held at the time suggested. May 29 and 30, we were with the brethren in Missouri. Of our visit and labors there, The North Missourian, published at Gallatin, Daviess Co., says:— “Last Friday morning, Eld. James White and his wife, of Battle Creek, Michigan, arrived here. They expected to go to Jefferson township, but as it was raining so, they announced that they would speak at the Christian church in the evening. After it had quit raining, Mrs. White went out to the tent and preached in the evening.” “The trustees of the Christian church cheerfully threw open the doors of their church and Eld. White explained, to a crowded house, many of the leading doctrines held by the Adventists. At the close of his discourse he announced that Mrs. White would preach at some hour on Sunday which would not interfere with the services at the other churches.” “Elder Shick, pastor of the Christian church at this place, stated that, as there was a positive command in the Bible against women teaching, she could not have the use of their church. He also announced that on the next evening, he would review Elder White’s discourse. We did not hear Elder Shick’s review.” “On Sunday afternoon, Mrs. White addressed a large audience in the court-house. The court room was crowded. She delivered a very interesting and instructive discourse concerning the duties of parents in the proper training of their children, both physically and morally. No one could object to the sentiment she proclaimed, and we doubt not many will be benefited by having heard her. She is a pleasant, forcible speaker, and the audience, after having listened attentively an hour, were not weary.” “In the evening, the court room was again crowded and Elder White reviewed Elder Shick’s sermon. The main question of difference between them was in regard to the Sabbath. Elder Shick claims that the ten commandments were repealed by the advent of Christ, while Elder White argues that they are still binding, and the seventh day should be kept sacred.” We reached Gallatin, Friday, the 28th, and left for the Illinois meeting Monday, the 31st. During our short stay in Missouri we spoke twice in Gallatin, and three times in the tent, ten miles distant, besides traveling forty miles back and forth by private conveyance. We also conferred several hours with the Conference Committee relative to the cause and future labors in the Missouri and Kansas Conference, and with Bro. J. N. Ayers, on the wants and future prospects of the Kansas sufferers. Mrs. White spoke four times at the tent and once at Gallatin. The prospects of this Conference in bringing men and women to the truth are good. We hope our young preachers there will not be induced to enter into discussions with men whose success depends upon their ability to deceive, abuse, and discourage the people of God. The Missouri and Kansas Conference can have a camp-meeting July 22-27. We now expect the publishing building at Oakland, Cal., will be pushed forward, and the house for worship at San Francisco will be built, so that, according to promise, we shall be obliged to attend the California Camp-meeting, assist in a strong effort with the tent in San Francisco immediately following the camp-meeting, to adjourn from that tent to the new church the last of November or the first of December. To return to Missouri: We found Bro. J. N. Ayers a thorough Christian gentleman and a complete business man. Money sent to him has been laid out for provisions at the best wholesale rates, and distributions have been made by express and railroad free of charge. Though a cripple, with knee stiff and increased to an enormous size with white swelling, and discharging at several places, he has done his duty as distributing agent with vigilance as well as ability, having been out in all stages of the weather. This he has done cheerfully without pay, though himself in the destitute region. We became individually responsible for the sum of two hundred dollars to supply our people with seed to replant their fields, if thought best, and to give them immediate bread. It was thought possible that the hoppers would leave soon, and that corn (by replanting) and buckwheat could be raised the present season. Should the people not be able to do this, those who can leave with their families should leave for parts where the grasshopper scourge is not. And others should leave their women and little children and go immediately where they can earn means to send back to their families. Bro. Ayers is a thorough health reformer, and says he has had a “blowing up” several times for refusing to supply families who use tea, coffee and tobacco. We handed this dear brother two silver half dollars which we took from California for his own use, and would have given him more if we had not been short of ready cash. We now call on our wealthy brethren to donate for the Kansas sufferers. And do not forget the crippled agent, Bro. J. N. Ayers, especially in your prayers. Such noble men are few. Donations may be sent to REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich., or to the Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal. This meeting was held at Lovington, Moultrie Co., Ill., June 1 and 2. The brethren have a commodious house of worship at this point which was well filled at half past ten the first day. We arrived at the depot near eleven, and went directly to the house of worship, where the people were waiting. Mrs. W. in a few moments was addressing the people. We spoke in the afternoon, and Mrs. W. addressed a house literally packed, and many in the door-ways and outside. The meetings the second day were larger, and the interest deeper. During the week then past we had spoken eight times, and Mrs. W. nine. We were very happy to meet Elders Colcord and Bliss at this meeting, and to enjoy its several exercises with the brethren and sisters, the successful fruits of their untiring labors. Thursday morning we left for the This meeting commenced June 3d, according to appointment, at Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa. We did not reach the ground until Friday afternoon. In consequence of the backwardness of the season, and bad traveling with teams, the number in attendance was not fully equal to previous yearly gatherings. Most of our people come to camp-meeting with teams, and could the camp-meeting be held the first of September these gatherings would be twice their present size. The number of family tents at the late meeting was thirty, besides the large tent and covered wagons where many lodged. We were very glad to meet Eld. U. Smith at this meeting, who rendered most acceptable and efficient aid. We congratulate the brethren of all our camp-meetings on the happy prospect of his labors at all their meetings. We were also very glad to greet many on the Newton Camp-ground newly come to the faith. We were much gratified to find the treasury of the T. and M. Society in good condition, and a willingness on the part of those who pledged to the Health Institute and to the Pacific Mission at last camp-meeting to transfer most of these to the California Publishing Association in the form of stock shares, each $10 in gold, or $11.50 in U. S. currency. The S. D. A. Publishing Association is a strong institution, and needs no help. The Health Institute is free from debt, and with proper management can earn $16,000 before we commence to build next year. It may be necessary to put up a large building next year, if suitable physicians can be secured to run a large institution. In that case, means can be raised next year. There is a debt of about $10,000 on our College at Battle Creek, which will be removed as fast as pledges are paid, and new subscriptions are sent in. If the question be asked, “Where are means most needed?” we reply (1.) On the school. (2.) The Pacific Publishing Association, and (3.) The Book Fund. We would say to the friends of the cause who have not paid their school pledges that the payment of these is their first duty. Then the California Publishing House should come next. At all our camp-meetings we shall call especial attention to the school and the Pacific Publishing House. From May 26 to June 8, a period of twelve days, Mrs. W. has spoken fourteen times, and we have spoken twelve times, besides the labors of business sessions, and other matters of importance to the cause. And during this time we have also traveled more than thirteen hundred miles. We would not intimate that there is no labor in all this; but we do affirm that the work of the past two weeks has been less wearing than the three weeks previous that we were confined most of the time at Battle Creek. We have too long tried to carry the burden of the business interests of the cause in connection with preaching and editing. We have for the last time consented to accept of those offices which bring a crushing load of care, and which prevent us from doing the very work we should do. We would be very glad of the pleasure of correspondence with our missionaries and their people, and with many others. But a constant rush of business positively forbids. No one can feel greater interest in Eld. Andrew’s mission to Europe than we do, and yet we have not found the time to write a single line to him in response to his many personal letters. This statement, penciled upon the jerking train, may explain why we do not respond to hundreds of letters from dear friends. With so much upon our hands, that which is done is poorly done. What remains of our term of office is brief. We shall do the best we can, and leave the case of those who would press us into office, under good promises, and then desert us, to One who knows how to deal with the erring. At our next General Conference, which will convene in a few weeks, we shall hope to have a willing and honorable discharge from those positions which have worn us too fast, and which have kept us from the work of our choice, which we are confident is, in this respect, in harmony with the will of God. We are very joyful in the prospect of that happy rest which change to full devotion to the work of God will give. Nearing the place of the Illinois Camp-meeting. J. W.