shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3: 1, 2. I exalted before them the infinite sacrifice made by the Father in giving His beloved Son for fallen men, that they might through obedience be transformed, and become the acknowledged sons of God. THE RETURN JOURNEY While in Salem, I formed the acquaintance of Brother and Sister Donaldson, who desired that their daughter should return to Battle Creek with us, and. attend the College. Her health was poor, and it was quite a struggle for them to part with her, their only daughter; but the spiritual advantages she would there receive induced them to make the sacrifice. Not long afterward, at a camp meeting in Battle Creek, she was buried with Christ in baptism. This was another proof of the importance of Seventhday Adventists' sending their children to our school, where they can be brought directly under a saving influence. On our voyage from Oregon, we made many pleasant acquaintances, and distributed our publications to different ones, which led to profitable conversation. When we arrived at Oakland, we found that the tent was pitched there, and that quite a number had embraced the truth under the labors of Elder Wm. Healey. We spoke several times under the tent. Sabbath and first day the churches of San Francisco and Oakland met together, and we had interesting and profitable meetings. XXXIX FROM STATE TO STATE I was very anxious to attend the camp meeting in California; but there were urgent calls for me to attend the Eastern camp meetings. As the condition of things in the East had been presented before me, I knew that I had a testimony to bear, especially to our brethren in the New England Conference; and I could not feel at liberty to remain longer in California. July 28, 1878, accompanied by my daughter-inlaw, Mrs. Emma L. White, and Edith Donaldson, I left Oakland, Cal., for the East. On the way I spoke at Sacramento Sunday, to an attentive congregation, and the Lord gave me freedom in speaking to them from His word. Monday we again took the cars, stopping at Reno, Nevada, where I spoke Tuesday evening. IN COLORADO On the way from Denver to Walling's Mills, the mountain retreat where my husband was spending the summer months, we stopped in Boulder City, and beheld with joy our canvas meetinghouse, where Elder Cornell was holding a series of meetings. We found a quiet retreat in the comfortable home of Sister Dartt. The tent had been loaned to hold temperance meetings in; and by special invitation, I spoke to a tent full of attentive hearers. Monday, August 8, I met my husband, and found him much improved in health, cheerful and active, for which I felt thankful to God. Our family were all present in the mountains but. our son Edson. My husband and children thought that as I was much worn, having labored almost constantly since the Oregon camp meeting, it was my privilege to rest; but my mind was impressed to attend the Eastern camp meetings, especially the one in Massachusetts. We received a letter from Brother Haskell, urging us both to attend the camp meeting; but if my husband could not come, he wished me to come if possible. I read the letter to my husband, and after a few moments' silence, he said, "Ellen, you will have to attend the New England camp meeting." The next day Edith Donaldson and I packed our trunks. At two o'clock in the morning, favored with the light of the moon, we started for the cars, and at half past six we stepped on board the train at Black Hawk. The journey was anything but pleasant, for the heat was intense. Upon arriving at Battle Creek, we learned that an appointment had been made for me to speak Sunday evening in the mammoth tent pitched on the College grounds. The tent was filled to overflowing, and my heart was drawn out in earnest appeals to the people. I tarried in Battle Creek but a very short time, and then, accompanied by Sister Mary Smith Abbey and Elder E. W. Farnsworth, I was again on the wing, bound for the East. THE NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE When we arrived at Boston, Brethren Wood and Haskell met us, and accompanied us to Ballard Vale, the place of meeting. There we were welcomed by our old friends with a heartiness that was restful. Much labor was required at this meeting. New churches had been raised up since our last camp meeting. Precious souls had accepted the truth, and these needed to be carried forward to a deeper and more thorough knowledge of practical godliness. On one occasion I spoke in reference to genuine sanctification, which is nothing less than a daily dying to self and daily conformity to the will of God. While in Oregon I had been shown that some of the young churches of the New England Conference were in danger through the blighting influence of what is called sanctification. Some would become deceived by this doctrine, while others, knowing its deceptive influence, would realize their danger and turn from it. Paul's sanctification was a constant conflict with self. Said he, "I die daily." 1 Cor. 15:31. His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty. and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature. We called on those who desired to be baptized, and those who were keeping the Sabbath for the first time, to come forward. Twenty-five responded. These bore excellent testimonies; and before the close of the camp meeting twenty-two received baptism. We were pleased to meet here our old friends of the cause whose acquaintance we made thirty years. before. Our much esteemed Brother Hastings was as deeply interested in the truth as ever. We were pleased to meet Sister Temple, and Sister Collins of Dartmouth, Mass., and Brother and Sister Wilkinson, at whose house we were entertained during our first labors in connection with the third angel's message. MEETING IN MAINE We left Ballard Vale Tuesday morning, September 3, to attend the Maine camp meeting. We enjoyed a quiet rest at the home of Brother Morton, near Port land. He and his good wife made our tarry with them very pleasant. We were upon the Maine camp ground before the Sabbath, and were happy to meet here some of the tried friends of the cause. There are some who are ever at their post of duty, come sunshine or come storm. There is also a class of sunshine Christians. When everything goes well and is agreeable to their feelings, they are fervent and zealous; but when there are clouds and disagreeable things to meet, these will have nothing to say or do. The blessing of God rested upon the active workers, while those who did nothing were not benefited by the meeting as they might have been. The Lord was with His ministers, who labored faithfully in presenting both doctrinal and practical subjects. AT BATTLE CREEK The General Conference was held at Battle Creek, Oct. 2-14, 1878. More than forty ministers were present. We were all happy to meet here Elders Andrews and Bourdeau from Europe, and Elder Loughborough from California. At this meeting was represented the cause in Europe, California, Texas, Alabama, Virginia, Dakota, Colorado, and in all of the Northern States from Maine to Nebraska. Here I was happy to join my husband in labor. As the meeting progressed, my strength increased. On Wednesday of the second week of the meeting, a few of us united in prayer for a sister who was afflicted with despondency. While praying, I was greatly blessed. The Lord seemed very near. I was taken off in a vision of God's glory, and shown many things. These were meetings of solemn power and of the deepest interest. Several connected with our Office |