CAMP-MEETING AT WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI.
By George I. Butler
THIS was the regular annual meeting of the Missouri Conference of S. D. Adventists, for the election of officers, and the anniversary meeting of their various societies. It was not as largely attended as it would have been but for the great drought and consequent loss of crops. Perhaps two hundred were present. The camp was situated on a pleasant knoll half a mile from the town, which is the county seat. There was a good attendance from the village, evenings, though the weather was quite unfavorable. Heavy winds prevailed the first part of the meeting, and rain and cloudy weather the remaining part; yet we enjoyed a very pleasant and profitable meeting. An excellent spirit of union and love prevailed among those present, and God's Spirit touched their hearts. Many were disappointed that Eld. Farnsworth, who was expected, was not present, but was detained away because of the ill health of his wife. The citizens of the place were specially disappointed. Last year they appreciated his labors there very much. Elders Wood and Choffee476labored in the word and helped much. All the business matters passed off very pleasantly. Our Sabbath-school was quite interesting, though the President and Secretary were both absent. Bro. Allie and Bro. Jones did the best they could to make up the deficiency, and succeeded very well. We also had quite an interesting meeting of the Health and Temperance Association. We only regretted our lack of time to do justice to this important interest. It presents the best temperance platform to the world anywhere to be found, at least, that we have seen, viz., to reform not only from the stimulation of alcoholic beverages, but also from opium, tobacco, and tea and coffee, and all other narcotics and hurtful stimulants. The work of our Tract and Missionary Society received a good measure of attention. Its condition is much improved from a year ago. It will soon be out of debt. What was best of all, we saw tokens of increasing interest in real missionary labor for souls. This is the great lack everywhere to be seen in this selfish, world-loving age. To find men and women who are really willing to work for God, and to consecrate themselves to him in that work in which all Heaven is interested, the salvation of man, is difficult. Men can work to raise wheat, cattle, and hogs, and work night and day, till they are worn out prematurely, and the world says it is sensible; but few are willing to give themselves to the salvation of souls to all eternity. Yet God and Christ and all the angels of Heaven are interested in this; and Christ left Heaven and came here to die that this object might be accomplished. Why are we not interested in that which so interests them. We had some most encouraging missionary meetings. We had excellent social meetings also. Many came forward for prayers on the Sabbath, young people who might become workers in the cause of God. We hope they will remember the solemn vows they made. Eleven were baptized. We were encouraged to see young men taking licenses, whom we hope to see successful ministers. On the whole, our camp-meeting was a very encouraging one to me. An excellent feeling exists among the Sabbath-keepers of Missouri, and we expect to see souls embrace the truth there. Upwards of twenty embraced the Sabbath at a course of meetings recently held in our place, and an increase has been seen in several places the past year. Discouragements have been removed, and hopefulness prevails. Our meeting closed Tuesday morning with a precious service, in which many were in tears, and all were encouraged as they went to their homes. GEO. I. BUTLER.