CAMP-MEETING AT NEVADA CITY, MO.
By GEO. L. BUTLER.
THIS meeting, we trust, will prove a very profitable one for the cause in Southern Missouri. It was larger than we had expected. Twenty-one tents were upon the ground, and upwards of two hundred campers. Considering that this meeting was for the smaller half of the Conference, the attendance was quite fair. The friends in Nevada showed a commendable spirit in making preparations for the meeting. The grounds were quite pleasant. Indeed, the church in Nevada felt such an interest in the success of the meeting that they appointed a special day of fasting and prayer beforehand, that God would make this meeting a success. Preaching commenced Wednesday evening. Elders Farnsworth and Hollenbeck were present at the beginning of the meeting, and took hold earnestly in the good work. Bro. and Sr. White came Friday afternoon. Sr. W. was suffering from a bad cold, and therefore could not labor as much as usual. Bro. White spoke four times with usual freedom, and bore a cheerful testimony, which encouraged the brethren. There was a good interest manifested by the people of Nevada. Nearly every evening the large tent was full of interested listeners. Within a year or two, the interest among the people of that city to hear our doctrine has increased much. Sabbath morning, Bro. Farnsworth superintended the Sabbath-school, and we had a profitable time. This important interest is rising in the State, and we trust it will be the means of much good. Sabbath afternoon, Sr. White spoke—but with much difficulty, on account of her feebleness—and invited the penitent forward. There was very little urging. Nearly half the congregation responded. There seemed to be a good spirit of freedom in the congregation, and many spoke with tears. A solemn impression was made upon many hearts. There was good freedom in all the social meetings, more than is usually seen in our camp-meetings. Sunday morning, we had quite a storm and much wind, and the weather was cold; still, we had quite a good congregation. A strong effort was made in behalf of health reform and the189temperance cause. Sr. White had pointed reproofs for us because of our backslidden condition on this subject. She spoke very solemnly, and represented our condition as being grievous in the sight of God, because we have not made better use of the light we have had. Monday morning we met to form a temperance association, and we had a precious meeting. The Lord’s Spirit was present, and many were deeply affected. Bro. Hunter took a noble stand in favor of the teetotal pledge, and headed the list with his name. Bro. and Sr. White, Eld. Farnsworth, and the writer followed with theirs. Some who had been unwilling slaves to the tobacco-habit pledged themselves to leave off, and, by the grace of God, overcome this evil habit. One hundred and thirty-two signed the pledge to leave alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, opium, and all other narcotics and stimulants forever. Some others signed the anti-liquor and tobacco pledge. This was the best meeting we had. God evidently blessed this temperance movement, and we were encouraged to go forward to help all within the reach of our influence to take their stand on the broad platform of true temperance, and to leave off all hurtful indulgences. Some who have never been addicted to the habit of drinking, or of using tobacco, etc., think there is no use of their signing the pledge. But can they not exert a far greater influence upon others by setting the example of signing it, and influencing others to do likewise? We hope to see our people take a better, truer, broader stand on the temperance question than any other people in the world. On Monday afternoon, seventeen were baptized. Our closing meeting, Tuesday morning, was a solemn, touching season. We had been made to feel that we were in a position where we must take our stand upon higher ground, and a solemn sense of the necessity of more of the genuine religion of Christ in our hearts was generally felt. Many good testimonies were borne, and seriousness was impressed upon many hearts, which we trust will lead to good results. Our meeting was a profitable one, and we trust its good influence will be lasting. Leavenworth, Kansas, June 4, 1879.