OUR CAMP-MEETING by George Ide Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 9, 1869

OUR CAMP-MEETING.

By George Ide Butler

According to appointment, our brethren assembled at Pilot Grove, Oct. 6, to our annual gathering. We judge it was the largest gathering of Seventh-day Adventists ever convened in the State. Over twenty tents were on the ground besides the large tent for holding meetings. We were favored for the most part with good weather, though rather cool nights, owing to the lateness of the season. Meetings commenced Wednesday, and broke up the following Tuesday.

Our ministering brethren from abroad did not get to the meeting till Friday afternoon, which was quite a disappointment to some. But Bro. Canright, whose gift was new to most of the brethren, spoke several times with good acceptance, and the time was profitably spent. Those who came from abroad to labor with us, were much worn. Sr. White especially, being hardly able to attend meeting at first; but after resting, she was able to speak several times.

We were all strengthened by seeing the courage of the servants of the Lord who have labored so long and faithfully in this cause. If they can go forward with courage through the opposition and trial to which they have been so long exposed, feeling an increasing zeal and interest, certainly those of us who have not borne a tithe of their burdens, ought not to be cast down.

Bro. White's case is especially encouraging, having come up from an apparent bed of death to his present health and strength, where it seems he is able to accomplish as much labor as he ever was in his life. Considering all the circumstances, and the nature of his disease, it seems like an absolute miracle. Truly God's hand is to be seen in preserving the life of his servant. The Seventh-day Adventists in Iowa will ever feel a special interest in these servants of the Lord, because they were a special means in his providence of rescuing many from great danger in one of the darkest days of our history.

Bro. Andrews spoke to us with his usual acceptance and clearness. We were happy to see and make the acquaintance of Bro. Brambberger, who represents the Sabbath-keepers of Switzerland. We could but admit that his zeal and devotion, and simple earnestness and love for Christ's cause, put us to shame who have been much longer in the truth. How much more good we could do if we could get into the simplicity of the work.

Four new churches came into the conference at this meeting. Our business sessions passed off harmoniously. Nearly one hundred new members have been added during the last conference year. This is an encouraging item to us. Many of the brethren brought their children to the meeting, hoping to see them become interested in the truth, and many of them were not disappointed. On Monday afternoon, there was a season of prayer for the unconverted, and backsliders; and the Spirit of the Lord was powerfully present, and souls there took a start whom we hope to meet in the kingdom.

On the ground, we had quiet and order, and things passed off very pleasantly. Altogether, it was one of the most pleasant and profitable meetings we ever attended. Our next meeting will probably be held further north, about the first of next June, when we trust the weather will be more pleasant and comfortable.

We go from this meeting with good courage to labor on till our next annual gathering in the Master's cause. May the Lord bless his cause, and advance it in the earth. GEO. I. BUTLER.