p. 24 | Iowa Camp-Meeting by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 5, 1870

Iowa Camp-Meeting.

By George I. Butler

OUR annual gathering has passed away. I feel that I must say a word in regard to it, and but a word, as others have given the particulars. It was a season to be remembered with pleasure. It was no doubt the largest gathering of our people ever seen in the State. There were at least three times as many present Sunday, who were not Sabbath-keepers, as we have ever seen at any previous gathering in the State.

We were so glad to see the servants of the Lord with us in such good courage. How could we but partake of the same spirit? There seemed to be a spirit of cheerfulness, of union, and love, prevailing which made it truly good to be there.

Our people came to bear burdens, to pay up their pledges promptly, so that the Conference was relieved from all embarrassment, and all parts of the work thus left on a good financial basis.

But best of all God's blessing was present. His Holy Spirit affected hearts. Souls were converted. Twenty-eight willing souls went forward in the ordinance of baptism. Many said they never saw a more pleasant one.

Truly the Lord is good. Our hearts are encouraged to still labor on in the cause of our God. The most unpleasant feature was the parting scene, and the thought that it will be a year before we can have another such meeting. May God help us to so live that we may be present at the great gathering where there will be no parting. GEO. I. BUTLER,