CAMP-MEETING AT CERESCO, MICH.
By Uriah Smith
According to appointment the brethren of Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana met in a beautiful grove on the land of Bro. Stiles, to hold the second camp-meeting for this season, in Michigan. The churches in this part of the State were quite generally represented, though from some, the representation was smaller than it should have been. There were nineteen tents upon the ground besides the two large tents, and on the Sabbath about five hundred brethren and sisters were present. Some were too late in reaching the ground, and too early in leaving it. These meetings are of great importance, and the interest would be greatly increased if brethren would come acting as though they could afford to devote to them the few days they continue, and so come at the commencement and stay till the close. There were eight preaching brethren present. The meeting commenced well, and rose in interest to the end. The Spirit of the Lord was present, and although the brethren and sisters greatly regretted the absence of Bro. and Sr. White, they took hold in earnest to seek the help of God, and received, to a very encouraging extent, an answer to their prayers. The burden of the meeting seemed to be, the importance of78seeking God, and drawing nearer to him; and we think we can say in truth that some progress was made in this direction. At times there was deep feeling in the congregation. Especially was this the case when, on the Sabbath, a call was made for those who wished to make a start in the service of God, to come forward for prayers. About eighty came forward, the greater part of them making a start for the first time. On first-day a large multitude assembled, numbering fifteen hundred or more. And the Good Shepherd, who, in the days of his flesh, had compassion on the multitude, helped his servants to speak to this people the word of truth in clearness and power. To see so many listening with attention to the plain truths for this time, was a heart-cheering sight. A brief and comprehensive synopsis of our position was set before them. At the close of the afternoon service, tracts were freely distributed among the people; and from what they heard, and the reading placed in their hands, they will be without excuse if they do not give further attention to these important subjects. On first-day afternoon twenty-one were baptized. Over five hundred dollars were pledged for various enterprises, and to meet the expenses of this meeting, four hundred and seven of which were paid in on the ground. The brethren voted to retain this ground for another year, and the present camp-meeting committee were re-elected for the next annual meeting. On first-day evening, after a most powerful and searching discourse by Bro. Andrews on the whole duty of man, the vanity of earth, and the certainty that every work will be brought into judgment, another opportunity was given for those who wished to come to Christ to manifest it. The Spirit of the Lord was at work powerfully upon the congregation. One after another responded to the call. Brethren and sisters brought in their friends, until between thirty and forty, in addition to those previously mentioned, came forward, confessing with penitence and weeping their determination to give up the world, and henceforward live for Christ. And some who had been long in the profession of the truth found it necessary to confess with shame and brokenness of heart, to these new converts, that they had not lived before them as they should, nor set such an example as would be calculated to lead them to the truth. One after another pressed in with confession and testimony; and it was not until after ten o'clock that it was found possible to close the meeting. It was one of the most solemn and impressive scenes we have ever witnessed. The burden of the meeting rested principally upon Bro. Andrews, who discharged with earnestness and solemnity the responsibilities resting upon him. The brethren go to their homes with their faith in the cause of God increased, and their determinations strengthened to put away their wrongs, rouse from their lukewarmness, get into the right position before God and the world, and then prove faithful to the end.