THE KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.
By George I. Butler
This meeting was held, according to appointment, at Emporia, Kansas, May 22-27. I was present by invitation of the General Conference Committee and members of the Kansas Conference. It was doubtless the largest meeting ever held by our people in the State. Thirty tents were upon the ground, including the two large tents, one of which furnished lodging for many families. Probably upwards of three hundred and fifty lodged upon the ground, most of whom were Sabbath-keepers. On account of the change in the appointment being made so late, between thirty and forty came some two hundred miles with teams, a week too soon, and with difficulty were persuaded to stay over. This was a sore disappointment to them; but Elders Cook and Sharp held meetings a portion of the time before the regular appointment. Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Corliss were present at the meeting. We were glad to see Bro. White looking so well and hearty. We were also favored with the presence of Dr. Kellogg, of the Sanitarium, and Bro. W. C. White, a portion of the time. They assisted in the T. and M. work, and in that of the Sabbath-school, also in the formation of a temperance association. Sr. White bore a very plain testimony to the people, especially upon the great subject of health reform, which is regarded so lightly by many. Her instructions were excellent. Bro. White spoke also with his usual freedom. Efforts were made especially for sinners and backsliders on Sabbath and Tuesday, and many responded by coming forward for prayers and confessing their sins with tears. On Tuesday, thirty-five were baptized. The large amount of business to be transacted in connection with the Conference, tract society, and other interests was unfavorable to the spiritual progress of the meeting. This made it necessary to remain one day longer than usual. Many of the brethren expressed the wish that these business matters might be attended to at a meeting specially appointed for the purpose. I think the plan of holding more camp-meetings in different localities will be adopted sooner or later, the annual Conferences being attended chiefly by delegates. This would be less expensive, give more people the benefit of our camp-meetings, and accomplish greater spiritual good. Our beloved brother, J. N. Ayers, who has been president of the Kansas Conference ever since its organization, died upon the camp-ground Monday night. He had long been greatly afflicted, and had he not been kept up by an indomitable will, it is altogether likely his life would have ended sooner. He enjoyed very largely the confidence of his brethren, and in his death the Conference has suffered a great loss. But the courageous heart lies still in death. During his last hours he was greatly comforted by the Christian's precious hope. Short religious services were conducted by Bro. and Sr. White before his remains were taken to his home, and a contribution, to bear his funeral expenses, was most cheerfully made by the deeply sympathizing audience. Eld. Smith Sharp was elected president of the Conference and the T. and M. society. Bro. C. F. Stevens has been unable to perform much labor of late on account of sickness, and will retire this year entirely from his work, to regain his health. This will reduce the number of active ministers nearly half, both of these men having served on the committees since the Conference was organized. The Kansas Conference is becoming quite large. It receives accessions not only by conversion, but probably more largely by emigration. I should judge that upwards of one-third of its membership came from Iowa, and nearly all its ministers and officers are from that State. Kansas is an excellent field, and should become one of our strongest Conferences. More spiritual life and energy are greatly needed; but there are many who fear God and want to do all they can for his cause. At this writing I am upon the camp-ground at Nevada City, Mo. Our meeting is well under way, and promises to be one of the best ever held in the State. GEO. I. BUTLER. Nevada City, Mo., May 30, 1879.