The Portland daily press., 1879-09-04
The SEVENTH Day Adventists.

This morning is clear and beautiful. Just
the day for work in the open air, and the
Seventh-Day Adventists are improving it well.
This camp ground is a scene of busy industry.
The blinking sound of axe and hammers ming
ling with the cheerful chime of village bells
falls pleasantly upon the ear, while the eye
takes in far-off hills, church spires, wales and
forests bathed in the golden light of the sun.
The early morning train brought many new
corners, among whom was your reporter, who
is supposed to be everywhere present. The
tents are arranged in circle having dame
ter of $50 feet. The ground gradually ascends
from the speakers stand, which is faced by
rows of comfortable seats and shaded by over
hanging trees The grounds have been nicely
cleared and every effort is being put forth to
make the place convenient and beautiful.
The circle of white tents is already dense,
and it is thought that the entire number will
exceed that of last year by score OF more.
The sturdy maple trees of Prospect Grove
are noted for their beauty, and as the rays of
the rising sun flickers through their branches,
tightening up the scene with splendor, new
beauty shines forth.
The tenters are rushing from place to place
seeking information and preparing for weeks
soiourn in the woods. Great good nature pre-
walls and all seem willing to follow the Golden
Rule. Homeless women and children may be
seen sitting in groups waiting for their houses
to be erected, and many man is obliged to
take up his bed and walk.
A large victualing saloon has been erected
aid good board at reasonable rates will be Of
fered the multitude.
Two mammoth tents spread their white
wings like guardian angels over large circles of
ground, and seem to invite the weary to seek
rest
Loaded teams continue to arrive, and every
one seems elated with the prospect of the most
largely attended camp meeting of the kind ever
held in the State.
The success of the camp meeting held in this
grove last year by the Seventh-day Adventists
no doubt had an influence to prepare the way
for grand turn out this fall, and from present
indications it seems evident that the hopes of
the people will not be disappointed.
The speakers stand is the most attractive
object in the grove. 1t is covered with pure,
white cloth and decorated with crimped paper
fringe. mingled with bands of red and green
autumn leaves Hastily arranged. Trailing vines
of evergreen are entwined around the stand
ards, and a triple arch overhead bears the
words, "Blessed are they that do His COM
mandments," and "Can ye not discern the
signs of the times A beautiful cross made of
ornamental grasses and leaves stands out in
bold relief on the foreground, and an anchor
made of the same material is placed in the
background Two charts are suspended from
the trees, one copy of the Decalogue and the
other a pictorial chart illustrative of the proph
ecies.
The book-stand is another beautiful object.
That is also covered with white and adorned
with the graceful vines Of the forest
Over the top is the motto in large black let
ters fBehold I come quickly" Under this
are the words: 'Buy the truth" On the
stand lies bed of green moss and in this,
traced with red and white berries, is the ques-
ton: Glow readest thou?"
Other emblems and decorations are being
prepared, and busy hands will soon change
the appearance of surrounding objects.
An informal meeting was held last evening
but public services proper will begin to-day.
Elders Goodrich, Hersum and Weber are
on the ground, and noted speakers from the
West are expected, prominent among whom
are Elder James White and his wife, Mrs
Ellen G.. White.
Elder Butler from Iowa is expected to be
present tomorrow.
Mrs. White is noted temperance lecturer
and the fact that she will be present at these
meetings will draw crowds Her eloquence is
of high order and it is seldom that lady at
tains to the high position in any religious de-
nomination that she occupies. REPORTER.