NEW ENGLAND CAMP-MEETING by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 9, 1901

NEW ENGLAND CAMP-MEETING.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

This camp-meeting was held at Springfield, Mass. The attendance of our brethren and sisters was not as large as at former camp-meetings in this Conference. About two hundred were present, and seventy-five family tents were pitched. The camp was located on an electric street-car line, about two miles from the city. There was not a general outside interest. The advertising of the meeting was on the cover of the Signs of the Times, and the paper was placed in thousands of families in and around the city. Experience has shown that at the beginning of a camp-meeting, if not before, bills giving notices of the meetings and of some of the leading subjects, contribute largely to the interests of the meeting. We are in an age of advertising, and the world looks upon our work very much as we believe in it ourselves. Camp-meetings are among the most important of all meetings held by Seventh-day Adventists. Three times a year ancient Israel was required to appear before the Lord, and none were to appear before Him empty. The cause of Christ is the all-important thing in this world. Enthusiasm in the right direction is commendable. “It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing.” Gal. 4:18. Love and harmony existed among the brethren, and the Lord did not pass His people by without a blessing.

The laborers of the Conference were present. Elders Ballenger and Cottrell and the writer were the General Conference laborers. The Spirit of God accompanied the preaching. During the meeting there were several special moves made to seek the Lord. The second Sabbath was one of the best meetings we ever attended. At the close of a practical discourse by Elder Place, based upon the consecration mentioned in Exodus 32, the congregation felt moved upon by the Spirit of God to reconsecrate themselves to Him and to His service. The entire congregation expressed their desire by coming forward and seeking the Lord anew. Among them were those who were seeking the Lord for the first time. Backsliders were reclaimed. Some confessed the truth for the first time. Those whom Satan held captive were set at liberty. The shout of the King was in the camp. Some who were diseased were made whole by the power of God. One sister who, in answer to prayer, was made whole immediately, gave ten dollars for a thank offering to the Lord. This was as it should be. The Lord makes no charge for His blessings, but a thank offering for blessings received is an expression of an appreciation of God’s blessings. At this meeting many obtained a fresh experience in the things of God. Light, freedom, and glory pervaded the camp.

The business of the Conference passed off harmoniously. Elder A. E. Place was unanimously chosen president. The Conference voted to pay their second tithe. They also voted to sustain one minister in a mission field, and a Bible worker in New York City. A Sabbath-school department was provided for, instead of an independent organization. A tent is to be pitched in Boston, under the charge of Elder Russell. A liberal spirit was manifested toward the work in its various branches, including endowed beds at the Lancaster Sanitarium, camp-meeting fund, and the Boston and New York mission. About two hundred and fifty dollars toward the latter was given. The old-time missionary spirit was revived in the hearts of those who were present. Canvassing and missionary work were made prominent features. Elder Ballenger left during the meeting for England, his future field of labor. H. W. Cottrell, president of the Union Conference, rendered valuable assistance in the meetings.

As I looked upon the youth in the meeting, I thought, What a strong agency they might be if consecrated to the work of God, and properly trained! The health and temperance question and the educational interests were all considered as a part of the gospel of Christ.

From the nature of this meeting, it is evident that the cloud is rising. The Lord’s message to His people is, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”

S. N. HASKELL.