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New York Camp-Meeting

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Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 19, 1882

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 8, No. 39.

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New York Camp-Meeting.

By A. O. Burrell

THIS meeting was held at Union Square, about thirty miles north of Syracuse. There were but few trees on the grounds; and when so late in the season, it is better to select such locations.
The attendance of our brethren was quite large, being about 500. There were, neatly arranged, fifty-seven family tents, with the 60x120 ft. pavilion in the center. The people in the vicinity had never heard our doctrinal views, and from the first were quite punctual in attendance evenings. On Sunday, by 10 A. M., the tent was well filled, and two discourses were given in succession; then, after an hour and a quarter, the people were called together again, and remained for three hours, with a brief intermission. There was scarcely any walking around on the ground during the services, and I never saw better attention. They were sober, intelligent people, such as we think can appreciate that which is reasonable and sensible. We are quite sure that another camp-meeting there next year will be even better attended than this was. One lady, a sister to one of our Wisconsin ministers, fully embraced the Sabbath, and was baptized.
The religious meetings were good. From the first, the brethren and sisters seemed willing to take part, and there was much freedom in speaking from the stand. The main point in the practical preaching was to waken our people to the dangers which surround us, and that kind of devotion to the Master's cause which wins others to the Saviour's cause.
On Sabbath, about fifty-five came forward; not because they were particularly urged, but because the Spirit of the Lord was searching them out. Many of them were making their first start in the Master's service. The broken accent and falling tear showed that the Lord was coming near.
On Sunday morning, the importance of taking stock in our publishing houses, was set forth, and without asking even one person, $1,270 was pledged; and after we left the grounds, $500 was promised by brethren whose vow is as good as their note. This shows that our good brethren and sisters in New York are anxious to lay up their treasure above.
About $125 worth of our publications were sold. On Monday was a precious season, when all the congregation was greatly moved, and confessions were made where hardness had existed. Oh, how the good Spirit of the Lord can tender our hard hearts. How different things look to us when under its influence. The Testimonies were faithfully set before our people, and in particular No. 31, which was freely purchased; and the spare moments that the people had were devoted to reading it.
All the business sessions were characterized by harmony, and the old officers were re-elected.
The preaching was done by Elds. Whitney, Brown, Wilcox, Stone, and the writer. It was the universal impression that this was the best meeting they had ever had. We enjoyed it very much. We hope the fruit it will bear will be good. A. O. BURRELL.
Lansing Camp-ground, Sept. 27.