The Iowa Camp-Meeting by George Ide Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 9, 1871

The Iowa Camp-Meeting.

By George Ide Butler

I DESIRE to say a word to our brethren in the State in reference to the Northern Iowa camp-meeting being given up. It was my representations to Bro. White which no doubt caused him to drop the appointment for this meeting; and as it may be a source of disappointment to some, I desire to offer a word of explanation. From intimations from Bro. W. last fall, we judged he was willing to hold two camp-meetings in Iowa, in case he was able to come. After consultations with our brethren in the State, and because of peculiar local influences and prejudices against Bro. and sister W. in this part, and at the express desire of those living in their vicinity, Knoxville and Laporte City were decided upon as the places where these meetings should be held. When it became doubtful if Bro. and sister White could attend on account of extra burdens resting upon them, and poor health, the friends near Laporte City felt doubtful of the propriety of holding the meeting there, as a special object to be accomplished by the meeting would be defeated by their absence. After considering this point, and the expense attending two meetings, and the delay of tent operations in the State, and other matters connected with it, I took the responsibility of advising the appointment being changed in case Bro. and sister W. could not attend. I say that the responsibility of the matter may rest where it belongs.

It is probably best under the circumstances, at this late date, that the Iowa camp-meeting should be held at Knoxville as appointed. Although the locality is not the most central for all our people, I trust as many as possibly can come will attend even from the northern part of the State. We shall all feel disappointed that Bro. White is hindered from attending by the heavy burdens resting upon him. We trust it may be otherwise in the future. But if we all come to the meeting trusting in God, and determined to do our duty, the Lord can more than make up this lack. A still greater responsibility will now rest upon us all to stand at our post and look to God for his especial blessing. Brethren don't let these things keep you away from this meeting. The cause of God is onward. It is no time now for apathy. Let us do our duty. The promise is sure “Ye shall find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” It is a nearness to God we want. That alone will keep us in these days of peril. Let us make this meeting a success. God will do his part if we do ours.

GEO. I. BUTLER

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa