Norfolk, Nebraska, Camp-Meeting.
By A. J. Cudney
THE attendance at this meeting was not more than one-fifth what it should have been. It was held in the northern part of the State for the accommodation of those living north of the Platte River, but there were only a few that seemed to appreciate the pains that was taken for their benefit. Even some of the churches nearest the place of meeting were very poorly represented. Notwithstanding the small attendance, the meeting was an excellent one; some said it was the best meeting they ever attended. Elder Cook, of Kansas, was with us, and rendered valuable aid. The grounds were pleasantly located one-half mile from the business center of the town, on a piece of fine meadow, with a beautiful grove and stream just back of the camp. The grove afforded a pleasant retreat for prayers and secret devotion, and as there was no business connected with the meeting, much time was spent by individuals alone, and companies of two or three, seeking God for special blessings. God's ear was not closed to the prayers of his people, and many were greatly strengthened and better prepared to return home and again engage in the struggles and battles of life. There were several present who had never attended a meeting of this kind before; they seemed to enjoy it very much. There were four baptized. It rained every day of the meeting, but as we were all supplied with good tents, and the ground was sandy, we suffered but very little inconvenience from the rain. The greatest difficulty with which we had to contend was the wind. Friday evening the wind blew so hard that large circus tents in a town near us were all blown down, but our tents passed through the storm without damage. Sunday night the wind blew still harder, the gale lasting about three hours. We had difficulty in keeping our tents up. We lowered the large tent, and only one small tent blew down. No one was hurt. When we heard the next day of the immense amount of damage done in surrounding towns, the number of lives lost and buildings wrecked, we all felt like praising and thanking God for his protecting care over us. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." A. J. CUDNEY.
Fremont, Neb., June 20, 1885.