THE TEXAS CAMP-MEETING.
By Smith Sharp
This meeting was held near Dallas, according to appointment, Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. It was my privilege in company with Eld. Butler, to be present from the beginning to the close. I was agreeably disappointed in seeing so much interest manifested in the cause of present truth, by so many that have lately embraced the message. Railroads are not very numerous in Texas, and fare is high; so that the large majority of our people came with teams. Heavy rain-fall for several days previous to the meeting, had made the going very bad, which no doubt lessened the attendance considerably, yet there were one hundred and twenty-five of our people that camped on the ground. There were twenty-three tents besides the large accommodation tent, in which several families lived. The camp was some two miles from the city of Dallas, and the road between the two places not very good, which was no doubt one reason that the attendance from the outside was quite small. The Texas Conference, Tract and Missionary Society, Health and Temperance, and Sabbath-school Associations were held in connection with this meeting, and all of the business proceedings passed off pleasantly and harmoniously. The cause in this new Conference is steadily growing in numbers and financial ability. The greatest lack seems to be a want of laborers, and it is to be regretted that among the many young men of ability in this Conference, there are not several consecrating themselves to the work, preparatory to entering the ministry. The ground was canvassed for subscribers for our periodicals, on Sunday, with quite satisfactory results. Fifteen new members were also obtained for the T. and M. society. The preaching was mostly of a practical nature, and was well received. When the call was made for sinners and backsliders, fully fifty responded. Eight of these were baptized by Eld. Kilgore on Monday. Almost all stayed for the closing meeting, which was held Tuesday morning, and the testimonies that followed in rapid succession were to the effect that all had been benefited, and that the meeting had been a success. SMITH SHARP.
Chanute, Kan., Nov. 2, 1881.