Camp-Meeting at Seattle, W. T.
By Chas. L. Boyd.
THIS meeting was appointed September 1–6, but the friends of the cause came so early that the exercises commenced on the last day of August. There have been for years a few Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity. They are separated from others of like faith by so great a distance that it has been impracticable for them to attend the annual camp-meetings of the Conference. Others have recently embraced the faith through the influence of the tent-meetings held in Seattle, together with missionary labors of the past. Twelve family tents were pitched on the ground, and were occupied by fifty-four persons of sufficient age to take part in the Sabbath-school exercises. We were agreeably surprised to meet with so many of like precious faith. The preaching was done by Elder Potter and the writer. All the leading points of our faith were discoursed upon. It was well received, both by our own people and others, and a spirit of union and harmony prevailed. In our social meetings several heretofore unacquainted with our faith and people, testified to the scriptural foundation of our doctrines, and the evidence of the presence of the Spirit of God. The Sabbath was a precious day to all. About twenty-five came forward for prayers. Some who had backslidden from God made a new start, and several who had never made a profession, gave their hearts to the Saviour. On Monday ten were baptized in Lake Union, a mile distant from the camp. The congregation witnessing the ceremony seemed deeply impressed. Those who, in loneliness have been struggling against trials, were blessed in meeting with so many recently converted to the faith, and the latter in seeing those who have been longer in the way. Our camp was pleasantly situated but a few blocks from, and in plain view of Elliot Bay, which is an arm of Puget Sound. A portion of the time was devoted to instruction in missionary work. Some remained a short time after the meeting, to become acquainted with the manner of giving readings so as to go out with our Bible workers. A strong desire was expressed that a camp-meeting be held here next year. It is a new country, but is fast developing and settling up with an intelligent class of people, and offers an unlimited field for labor to all who desire the salvation of those for whom Christ's precious blood was shed.