The Camp-Meeting in Michigan.
By George Ide Butler
WE earnestly second the suggestions of Bro. Smith in behalf of a general rally at this meeting. When the appointment was made, putting this meeting earlier than usual, we were in some doubt whether it would suit the friends in Michigan. But as we have heard no complaint, we suppose it is not specially objectionable. In many respects it will be better. As it has generally been held, it has come after much wearing labor, and after taking a long night and day trip from Maine to Michigan, so that those who performed the principal part of the labor were much wearied. Now it will be much better in this respect. It will be also much better on account of the school commencing earlier than last year. So we hope all will be satisfied with the time of the appointment and make a general rally to attend. Those of us who belong to other Conferences are in the habit of looking to old Michigan to take the lead in all that pertains to the prosperity of this cause. It is no small compliment to the people of this State that it can be said truthfully that there is no other place where the truth is accepted so readily, and where there is such an ear to hear. The western camp-meetings have fully proved, even to the most skeptical, that this cause is moving forward. The time has come for a general, forward movement to fully commence. Our camp-meetings are a sort of spiritual thermometer, which shows the spiritual temperature of the body, and how the spiritual pulse is beating. We want to see Michigan put herself at the head of this forward movement and take the lead as usual. We shall not soon forget the last year's camp-meeting at Battle Creek, and how nobly the friends of the cause rallied to the aid of the school. It was an inspiring moment long to be remembered. We want this meeting to be the most important one ever held by our people in any State. It may be made so if the people of Michigan will rally as they should to attend it. Sister White will be present. Possibly, Bro. White will be there also. Others will be present to help carry the burdens and impart instruction. God is moving upon the hearts of the people all over the land. It is hard to overestimate the importance of such a meeting as that. All Heaven is interested in its prosperity. We want the people of Michigan to realize its importance and make a general rally. Let us have one hundred tents upon the ground. Let the preaching brethren labor to have those present over whom they have influence. Bring your unconverted friends with you. There were instances in our western camp-meetings where persons came full of prejudice, and who had declared they never should receive this doctrine, but when brought under the influence of the meeting, they broke down, confessed their sins, and were baptized and went home rejoicing. This is as it should be. Last year there were peculiar difficulties in the way at your meeting among the brethren themselves. But thank God those things are largely cleared away. Now let us step in and see if God will not work for us abundantly. Come, brethren and sisters in Michigan, turn out to this meeting and take hold of the work of God afresh. You have the exalted privilege of acting the leading part among our Conferences. Fill your place, lest others overtake and pass you. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, July 8, 1874.