Come to the Camp-Meeting
By Wm. Covert
As has been announced, the annual conference and camp-meeting for Wisconsin is to be held at Janesville, August 30 to September 10. We have been promised the help of either Elder E. W. Farnsworth or Elder I. H. Evans; also Elders Gilbert and Kauble. Of course the most of our Wisconsin laborers will be present, and will assist in the meetings. We have no fears as to the ability of these laborers to instruct the people, and we feel confident that the blessing of the Lord will be there in large measure. What we are concerned about now is the attendance of our people from the State of Wisconsin. There has not been so large an attendance for several years as we believe there should have been, and I fear that unless our churches are aroused to the importance of these occasions, many will remain away who ought to be at the meeting. Through the spirit of prophecy the Lord has spoken in regard to these meetings, admonishing our people to attend. In ancient times he called upon his people to attend their annual gatherings, and assured them that if they did so, he would keep the heathen round about them from desiring their land while they were absent. This special request, and the promise connected with it, shows very plainly that it is for the good of the people to attend such gatherings. In fact, if it had not been so, the Lord would not have provided for them. No one can lightly regard these pleadings and remain away from the meeting, without great loss to himself. Of course many argue that it will require a considerable amount of funds to meet the expense of such a meeting, and that it will be better to spend the money some other way than to attend the meeting. All such reasoning is virtually excusing one's self from doing what the Lord said should be done.23 The one who habitually remains away from the camp-meetings will in spite of himself become weaned from the cause, and more and more drawn toward the world. It is unsafe to follow such a course, and I earnestly plead for our people to break away from the spell that binds them at home, and come to the camp-meeting, even if it requires a very decided effort. Brethren and sisters, please do not defraud yourselves by remaining away from the camp-meeting this time.