THERE is nothing so encouraging to those who have given their lives for the advancement of the cause as the stability of our people. The first evening of our good Michigan Camp-Meeting we were deeply impressed with the scene, and much affected by reflections after the camp had gone to rest. It was a delightful September evening, and the camp fires lit up the entire plain of not less than five acres, surrounded by nearly sixty large family tents. These, crowded to their utmost capacity, were from the different churches in the State of Michigan. And what made the great interest at our camp-meeting appear more wonderful was the fact that our churches have been almost destitute of ministerial labor for the past three years. Elders Loughborough and Cornell were in California, Canright in Iowa, Van Horn in Minnesota, Waggoner and Lawrence have been out of the State, east and west, most of the time for three years, and the brothers Lane have labored in Indiana. In fact, there has not been left in the State sufficient strength to man one tent half of the time for the last three years, and many of our churches are not visited by a minister once in six months. But there they were on the Charlotte camp-ground with ears and hearts open to the word of God, and ready with their means to advance the general interests of the cause. In our tent, bowed before God, these facts came vividly before us, and we there deeply regretted that we had ever suffered discouraging circumstances to sadden us, and disqualify us in any degree for the work to which God had called us. The zeal and faithfulness of the brethren under the above-named circumstances greatly rebuked us for our lack of faith and courage. And as we then wept with mingled joy and sadness, we probably repeated a hundred times, “this dear, faithful people, may God bless and keep them.” And we have resolved, by the grace of God, to go forward in his service and trust his power to uphold and save. If the needed help at the head of the work is furnished we will thank God for it, and will seek an easier field of labor. But if not, we will go on. Rather drop in the battle than to leave the work here before such a change is indicated by the providence of God. We repeat it: The machinery works well. And the cause in all its branches is nobly backed up by a faithful people. And what is most needed at this time is individual, energetic action. May God bless our ministers with fresh zeal and strength for the cause. May they all learn to battle in God. He is our strength. And we would say to all our people, that by industry and economy, with the blessing of God, the Publishing Association has on hand fifteen thousand dollars’ worth of publications, just what the people need. We call on the men and women of wealth among us to purchase these, and after receiving a fresh unction for the work, go out with them, converse and pray with the people, and supply them with books. But the rich are not the only ones that can do this work. Those in moderate circumstances can do much. And if you cannot purchase all the books you wish to give, after the “Christian Philanthropic Missionary Society” shall be organized all over the country, then we will give books. We cannot send them to individual strangers without the best of references. To old, well-tried friends, we will give books, if they are not able to purchase. But let the societies be organized, and put in active operation. Many are dying spiritually of rust. Laborers are wanted, polished and made strong by labor. Lord, send out laborers.