OUR CAMP-MEETINGS by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 13, 1881

OUR CAMP-MEETINGS

By S. N. Haskell

Thess. 5.

OUR CAMP-MEETINGS.

CAMP-MEETINGS are no novelty at the present day. When the Methodists commenced holding camp-meetings in this country, they did not meet with much approval in the hearts of the devoted Puritanic Christians. But the Baptists, the Presbyterians, and nearly all denominations have, during the past few years, sought the tented groves in which to worship the God of their fathers. "The groves were God's first temples," and ancient Israel held an annual gathering, in the autumn of each year, lasting three weeks; and in their booths, beholding Nature's grandeur, they worshiped their Creator.

Thousands of people flocked to hear John the Baptist preach in the wilderness, and it seems highly proper that the people of God should set apart at least a brief period of time each year, and seek the groves, where, free from the perplexing cares of life, they may worship God.

It is now fourteen years since the Seventh-day Adventists adopted the plan of holding camp-meetings. They commence in the early spring in southern Kansas, and hold these annual gatherings in each of the Eastern, Western, Middle, and Southern States, as far as Tennessee and Texas. Not less than twenty-five of these State meetings are being held this present season, and they have been marked with the most perfect order and quietness. Over one hundred thousand people have attended these meetings, many of whom have for the first time become acquainted with the views of the denomination.

This is a growing people; and while their denominational age is youthful, not having reached two-score years, the length of time Israel wandered in the wilderness, their members have rapidly increased, numbering, at the present time, about thirty thousand believers in this country, besides missions in England, Switzerland, Norway, and Prussia. These extend their operations throughout Europe, and into Asia and Africa. The isles of the Mediterranean, as well as those of the Pacific ocean, contain believers to this faith.

We believe in a progressive faith as well as in exploring new fields. That there has been a great departure from the pure doctrines of the Bible, all must admit; and, also, that a return to these principles and a restoration of the original gospel simplicity, is the work for these times.

Last year we held a successful camp-meeting in the city of Alameda; this year, we have selected the grounds adjacent to East Park, in Sacramento. We are a temperance people, advocating strongly that Christians should regard their body as the temple of the Holy Ghost; and that it is a religious duty to discard, not only alcoholic beverages, but articles in both food and drink, which disarrange the system, and destroy health. These views have led us to engage in the temperance work, in the organization of temperance clubs, and such other means as will advance the cause in which so many are at present interested. We are also a missionary people, as seen by the extension of our work to all parts of the world. All members of the denomination are invited to become members of our missionary organizations, and thus become active laborers in the cause of their Master. In the work of these members a prominent part is the distribution of their publications, far and near. Colporteurs go out visiting families from house to house, pointing suffering humanity to Him who has said, "Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

A ship mission has been established, and reading matter is placed on nearly every vessel which passes through the Golden Gate. The Sabbath-school interest is made an important means of educating the youth, and instructing men and women in the truths of God's sacred word.

This gathering of those of this faith, in Sacramento, will be the time of the annual meetings of the California Conference, the State Sabbath-school Association, the Health and Temperance Society, and the Tract and Missionary Organizations. The religious meetings are all free, and the public everywhere are cordially invited.

S. N. HASKELL.