WESTERN TOUR by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 26, 1869

WESTERN TOUR.

By James White

We left the Minnesota camp-ground third-day, Oct. 5, and by reason of bad connections did not reach the Iowa Camp-meeting until sixth-day, the 8th. The journey, with its many delays, was very tedious, and Mrs. W. had a severe trial of faith at Freeport, Ill., and at one time decided to return direct to Michigan, and not attend the Iowa Camp-meeting.

But as the time drew near to fully decide the matter, we bowed in prayer at the hotel, and received clear evidence of duty to go to the meeting, leaning on the arm of Him who has called us, and has said, “Lo, I am with you always.” The Lord gave strength, and we reached the camp-ground in Pilot Grove, Washington Co., Iowa, a few hours before the Sabbath.

The meeting had been in progress two days, under the special charge of Elders Butler and Canright. It was now intermission, and with the cheerful help of many brethren, in a few moments our family tent was erected, and suitable preparations were made for the Sabbath. We then engaged with this dear people in a brief service, in which several took part. The meeting was free and very cheering, and we quite forgot our painful weariness.

The meeting was larger than any one ever held before by Seventh-day Adventists in the State of Iowa. We were happy here to meet not a few who have embraced the present truth within the past eighteen months. God has greatly blessed the labors of Elders Butler, Cornell, and Canright. The faithful labors of Elder Geo. I. Butler, in the churches of Iowa, and also in new fields, are greatly prized by our people in that State. What a miracle of God’s mercy and power! He has, in the case of this man, taken a skeptic, of no small ability and discernment, and has made him an able minister, sound in the faith, faithful, and confiding in God and the word of his truth. Our several interviews with this fellow-laborer since his conversion have been precious, but the recent one at the camp-meeting was dearer than any before. May the Spirit of God be poured upon him to raise him above those feelings of depression which are the result of an exalted view of the work of God, and a sense of his own unworthiness.

We also found Bro. and Sr. Canright in the work of the Lord and in the hearts of the people. May the Lord keep these, his youthful servants, from the influence of the world and the power of Satan, and make them a great blessing to the cause in Iowa.

Those who spoke from the stand enjoyed freedom. Mrs. W. was able to bear a good testimony, which reached the hearts of the people. The Lord was evidently very near to us. We were exceedingly free in the Lord. And although much worn when we went upon the ground, each day we gained strength and courage in the Lord.

The business sessions of the Iowa Conference were full of interest, and perfect harmony prevailed. The brethren in that State are ready to help in the cause where help is needed. The Conference voted $300 to the General Conference, and individuals helped on foreign missions, book fund, &c. Bro. Erzenberger was received with a hearty welcome, and his testimony was listened to with the deepest interest.

This camp-meeting, from beginning to end, was good; but the best of all was on Monday, Oct. 11. Appeals were made on that day to all to turn to the Lord and seek him with the whole heart. The word spoken reached many hearts. And when invitation was given for those destitute of good hope to come forward and present themselves as especial subjects of prayer, more than one hundred came forward. Most of them spoke.

At this point the joy of some believing parents was full and unutterable on hearing all their children speak in the congregation of the people. At the close of this most interesting season, Eld. Andrews led in solemn, importunate prayer. All felt that the Lord was drawing near. The place seemed holy. Mrs. W. then followed in earnest prayer, and continued until her faith seemed mighty and her joy complete. It was a scene of victory in the Lord. All seemed to share in its blessedness. And in this happy frame of mind we closed our annual gathering in Iowa. The brethren and sisters returned to their homes, and the ministers went to their fields of labor with fresh courage. Bro. Andrews went to Cassville, Wis., to fill our appointment, and we took our journey to Battle Creek.

And, now, as we look back upon the camp-meeting season, it is with pleasure that we recount the many precious interviews we have enjoyed with dear friends, the many kindnesses we have received at their hands, and the many seasons of freedom we have enjoyed in preaching the word, and in social worship with the dear people of the Lord. God has wonderfully blessed his people in their efforts in this direction. We will praise him. By the grace of God, we design to labor on in other departments of the work till another camp-meeting season shall open in June, 1870, when we hope, in the strength of God, to resume this delightful kind of labor, continue it in the West and in the East, in Ohio and Michigan, and, if the Lord will, close with a camp-meeting in California.

JAMES WHITE.