Camp-Meeting at Charlotte.
Ten meetings have been held on the Michigan Camp-ground, as we return to the Office, at 9:40 P. M., Sept. 17, to make ready this number of the paper for the press. Thirty-three churches have tents upon the ground, quite a number, two tents each, Battle Creek, five tents. There are in all forty-two church tents, besides the two sixty-feet circular tents, one of which is occupied by scattered brethren from different places. Nearly, if not quite, all the churches in the Michigan Conference are represented at this meeting. It is estimated that there are at least thirteen hundred believers upon the ground. The large number of tents arranged in one circle in the level grove of forest trees on the bank of the Battle Creek, constitute a most pleasant and interesting sight. A heavy rain fell Thursday night, but it was accompanied with no wind, and all were well prepared for it. Otherwise, thus far, the weather has been favorable. This is probably the largest camp-meeting ever held by S. D. Adventists. Bro. and Sr. White have taken hold with their usual energy to labor for the people. It soon became evident that what was greatly lacking among those present, was the true advent faith. Many, and some who have been long in the way, have suffered this faith to wane away from their hearts; and in proportion as this has been lost, the spirit of the world has come in, and there has been a grasping after worldly treasures, and a turning to earthly things. The revival of this faith, which will lead to a cutting loose from this world, and will bring the coming of the Lord prominently and vividly before the mind, has thus far been the burden of the meeting. Bro. White gave two stirring discourses on Saving Faith brought to view in the epistle to the Hebrews, and the declaration of Christ, that this generation, the very one which hears the threefold warning of the second coming of the Lord, shall not pass till all is fulfilled. These, with a discourse from Bro. Matteson on looking up, for redemption is nigh, and some impressive exhortations that have been given, have begun to take effect. Some good positions have been taken by brethren of means and influence. The desire seems to be cherished by all, that the work may go deep and thorough, with every one, and much good be accomplished by the meeting. Sabbath forenoon, a call was made for sinners and backsliders to come forward. Then occurred a scene, such as is calculated to touch every heart which is susceptible of feeling: sinners pressing forward under the burden of their guilt, expressing with deep feeling their determination to seek and serve the Lord; parents searching up and bringing forward their children; and others, their unconverted friends, with exhortations and tears. A season of prayer followed, and the blessing of the Lord was there. Sabbath afternoon was occupied with remarks by Sr. White. Though feeble when she came to the place, she was enabled to bear testimony that God had wrought graciously in her behalf, and she was strengthened to speak to the people with freedom and power. After a brief intermission, the tent companies had a season of social worship in their respective tents. This, as well as the similar season in the morning, was an occasion of great interest. So far as heard from, all enjoyed most excellent meetings; while at some, the blessing of God was very especially manifested. It was very encouraging to witness the general interest with which the brethren engaged in this season of worship, there being scarcely a person to be seen walking about the ground, while it was in progress. Another point of interest is worthy of especial mention. That was the time when the whole congregation united in a covenant to seek the Lord more earnestly. To see about thirteen hundred persons all rise to their feet as a token of a pledge to each other and to God, to live nearer to him and serve him more faithfully for time to come, was a most impressive scene. That vow was recorded on high. How many will fulfill it? Some may fail to carry it out, and many of their brethren never know it. But God will note how faithfully it is fulfilled in every instance. It were better not to vow, than to vow and not pay. We would remind all of that solemn pledge, and we hope that all will fulfill it. The sky became cleared of every cloud, the day was drawing to its close, the brethren and sisters were called together in front of the stand, and while we enjoyed a good season of prayer, and listened to most happy and timely remarks from Bro. Bates and Bro. White, the sun peacefully sunk below the horizon. Thus happily closed a blessed Sabbath for all upon the camp-ground. We expect to be able to report increasing interest, during the further progress of the meeting.