p. 197 | CAMP-MEETING by Joseph Bates

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 6, 1868

CAMP-MEETING

By Joseph Bates

The camp-meeting at Wright, Mich., Sept. 1–7, 1868, under the supervision of Bro. James White, and J. N. Andrews, was one of the best conducted, most orderly, and quiet meetings of the kind that I ever attended. There were twenty-two tents from the churches, and two large State tents, all beautifully arranged in a circle around the preachers’ stand and seats for the congregation, in the eastern edge of a beautiful grove, a short distance from the main traveled road.

The preaching of sixteen discourses, eleven by Bro. and Sr. White, four by Bro. Andrews, and one by Bro. N. Fuller, was convincing, pointed, and soul-stirring, and accompanied by the Holy Spirit of God, which aroused the dormant feelings of his professed people, and sent conviction to the hearts of the listening multitude. It was indeed meat in due season to all that were waiting for their coming Lord.

When the social meetings commenced, of which we probably held more than twenty, it was evident that the great mass of the people were reined up to labor for God, and give themselves to work in his vineyard as they have not heretofore.

When the invitation was given for those who wished to be prayed for, the scene was truly affecting, to see parents and children, husbands and wives, by hundreds, making their way to the anxious seats, that in answer to the fervent prayers of others they might be forgiven for all their transgressions, and find peace and pardon through their crucified Lord, and soon-coming Redeemer. And then the voice of thanksgiving and praise to God from many, for what he had done for their souls, was additional evidence of his gracious work in our midst.

In addition to these were also the social morning and evening meetings in all the family tents, after the meetings closed at the stand, until the signal for silence was given by the ringing of the bell at nine. Thus as this series of meetings continued, the Lord owned the effort of his people in confessing and putting away their wrongs to draw near to him. His Spirit graciously rested upon us, and many were strengthened and made glad.

Most prominent among the truths presented was the startling fact that we are now in the fourth or morning watch, (Mark xiii, 35,) and the return of our Lord from the wedding (Luke xii, 36,) is not his coming in the clouds of heaven, as has been supposed, but his return from the Most Holy place, where he went as a bridegroom to the marriage in 1844, back again to the Holy place in the heavenly sanctuary.

As this coming is sudden and we know not at what hour he will come, we are commanded to watch, “lest coming suddenly he find us sleeping.” Let us arouse from our slumbers, and watch, for at his coming we must be ready to open unto him immediately.

Among the books eagerly sought for at the bookstand was Bro. White’s work, “Life Incidents,” just from the press. This book treats of subjects of deep interest. We hope that every lover of Bible truth will furnish themselves with at least one copy. All that were interested in the great movement of 1844 and onward, will be deeply interested in perusing this work. From it all may learn the grounds of difference between S. D. Adventists and other classes of Adventists. Also that the Advent movement from its commencement, by following down the track of prophecy, leads directly to the position now occupied by the S. D. Adventists. We recommend a perusal of this work to all who are interested in the salvation of their fellow-men, and are in earnest to find a resting place in Heaven.

JOSEPH BATES.

Battle Creek, Sept. 24, 1868.