THE DAKOTA CAMP-MEETING.
By George I. Butler
This meeting was held at Sioux Falls, a beautiful town situated on the Big Sioux river, perhaps the finest town in the eastern part of the territory. Dakota has few natural groves, timber being very scarce. Many, however, have planted trees which make a rapid growth. A young grove of cotton-wood, lying close to the edge of the village, served as our camp-ground in this case. The weather was very hot at first, but became quite cold before the meeting closed, and a Dakota blow made things somewhat lively and uncomfortable towards the last. Our meeting was not large, perhaps one hundred of our people were present on the Sabbath. Elders E. W. Farnsworth and S. B. Whitney assisted in the preaching. About one-half of those present were Scandinavians, this nationality composing about that proportion of the Conference. The preaching was mostly practical, designed to teach what it is to be a true Christian, to show us our own deficiencies of character in order that improvement may be made, and how help may be secured of Christ to make such improvement, and how the graces of the Spirit obtained. The truth found a ready response in the hearts of all. On the Sabbath, when opportunity was given for those to come forward who desired prayers, and who wanted to obtain a deeper experience in the work of God's Spirit, nearly nine-tenths of those present accepted the invitation; we had an excellent meeting. Sunday the weather was so unfavorable but few could come out. On Monday we made special efforts for the unconverted. Some thirty manifested a special desire for prayers, and most of these made a good confession of Christ, souls were converted to God. Elder Whitney baptized ten willing souls; it was a pleasant season. On Tuesday morning we had a good farewell meeting. Many cheering testimonies were borne, and great gratitude was expressed at the privileges enjoyed. They had been more than rewarded for the efforts made in coming to this meeting. We became much attached to those with whom we became acquainted. This young Conference seems to be making a rapid growth. They claim about three hundred Sabbath-keepers already, and they were organized into a Conference only last year. Dakota is settling up with a good class of people. Elder S. B. Whitney was elected President for the ensuing year. May God bless his labors abundantly. GEO. I. BUTLER.