The Iowa Camp-Meeting by George Ide Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 10, 1870

The Iowa Camp-Meeting.

By George Ide Butler

I DESIRE to say a word to our brethren in regard to our camp-meeting to be held near Marion about the ninth of June. We have learned by happy experience, during the last few years, to prize our annual gatherings. Their value cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. Eternity alone can reveal it. But we do know that souls have been converted, and the hope and confidence of our people in the precious truth much strengthened by them.

As a means of grace, they can scarcely be overestimated. Here our brethren meet from all parts of the State. Many happy acquaintances are formed, and a spirit of union, of oneness, is encouraged. Here we have the privilege of meeting the true servants of God, who by their experience are best fitted to instruct us in the way of salvation. And here, above all, our Lord meets with us.

Some, we are aware, will lose these and other benefits, for fear they shall lose some trifling earthly good. They will not discern the importance of spiritual blessings, we fear, till forever too late. We are glad there has been such a general interest to attend during the past, even at a great personal sacrifice upon the part of many of our brethren, especially in the northern part of the State, who have come, year after year, upwards of one hundred miles. This year, for obvious considerations, our meeting is appointed further north. Will our brethren living in the southern part of the State manifest as much interest? Will our new churches learn to manifest the same spirit of sacrifice?

We desire that this shall be the largest and best meeting ever held in the State. It is to be held in a new place, where, during the past few years, influences have been at work to cause the community at large to conclude that Seventh-day Adventism was on the decline. Others holding some views in common with us, but opposed in spirit and in object, have caused the people to be in doubt as to who were the real representatives of the doctrines we hold as a people. It is a populous community. We expect a large attendance from the outside. We want the largest attendance of our own people ever seen in the State. For obvious reasons this should be so, for our own good and for others' good. Come, then, brethren, with a spirit to work. It is a favorable season of the year. Our camp-meeting committee are determined on their part to have all preliminary arrangements made necessary to the success of the meeting, so that all shall feel welcome.

The church at Marion, owing to the fact that several have of late moved away, is very small, and will not be able to bear heavy burdens. This will make it more necessary for our brethren who are able, and who live within a reasonable distance, to come prepared to open their tents and care for those who could not come prepared. A camp-meeting of course is not the place for very feeble persons, or those who have very small children, and as a general rule, at such meetings it is expected those who attend will be prepared to care for themselves. Yet there are very many who cannot do this, that we desire to attend.

Scattered brethren throughout the State should make a special effort to be present. We hope brethren from other States will come also. And all who desire to be benefited by the meeting, and to learn the present truth more perfectly, whether they can care for themselves or not, are cordially invited. We want a liberal, generous spirit to characterize this meeting. We want all to feel welcome. As this is the first camp-meeting of the year, let us make it a cheering one to the servants of God.

We expect meetings to commence, Thursday evening, June 9, and continue through Tuesday. We hope every tent will be up promptly at the commencement, and all will come prepared to remain till the close. If we take hold of it with the right spirit, we shall have an excellent meeting. For one, I intend to be present to bear burdens. And I cordially invite my brethren to come on with the same spirit. Provisions and feed can be obtained on the ground.

Let our friends everywhere invite all to attend who have any interest to examine our views. They shall be welcome. Let us make this such a meeting, brethren, as will send a thrill of joy throughout the State. If we do our part, the Lord will attend to his.

GEO. I. BUTLER.