The Eastern Camp-Meetings.
By George I. Butler
The readers of the Review will notice the order of these meetings as finally decided upon. We have acted according to the best light we could get in the matter. And after waiting some time, to give opportunity for objections to come in, we have decided to place them as already stated, since no objection has been offered which has come to our knowledge from those interested. The friends in Ohio and Indiana will notice that their meetings have been made one week later than originally appointed. This may be a disappointment to them. The reasons for this change are as follows: Seven meetings so far apart, coming every week, one after the other, are terribly wearing upon those who attend them all, and have the burden of labor. Possibly some of us who are young and strong might get through them without difficulty. But as sister White has decided to attend them, at the urgent solicitation of the brethren, we have thought it would be better to have a week between the Maine and Ohio meetings. The distance is great between these two places, and as there are some things that will detain sister White a few days in New England, if the Ohio meeting was held as originally appointed she could not be present, we know the friends of the cause in Ohio would far rather have their meeting put off one week than to have it without her presence. Hence the change. We again speak for a general attendance of the brethren and sisters at the eastern camp-meetings. Those held in the West this season have more than demonstrated, if possible, the importance of our camp-meetings. Never, since this work commenced, have there been such evidences of progress and of the Lord's prospering hand. Forty-four new churches admitted with about one thousand members, in five Conferences, certainly give some evidence of growth, and this in the absence of nearly all our most experienced laborers. We want our people to fully arouse themselves to realize the importance of this great work. How can they do it, if they content themselves in staying at home, so busy with the cares of life, and the engrossing theme of making money, that they cannot find time to assemble in our great annual gatherings? How can they hope for spiritual life when they give the world all their thoughts? For two years the people have been deprived of the testimony of Bro. and sister White at these meetings, and have had to put up with those of less experience. But sister White has come all the way from California on purpose to be present at the camp-meetings. And we are not without hopes that Bro. White may yet be able to leave the responsible business interests connected with the cause on the Pacific Coast, and join sister W. at these meetings. But of this we are not authorized to speak, for it is all uncertain at present. But she has made this great effort to come to help us in the work, and we shall feel sadly disappointed if the people do not make a general rally the present season. In some of the Eastern States a very discouraging state of things has existed for years in the past. Shall not the present season show that the friends of the cause are determined to do all in their power to move forward with their western brethren? Then come up to the camp-meeting. Lay your plans now, and determine in your souls that no worldly interests shall hinder you from reaping the benefit to be derived from these gracious privileges. So far as ascertained, these meetings will be held in the following places: The Michigan meeting, at Battle Creek; New York, at Kirkville; Vermont, at Wolcott; New England, at South Lancaster; Maine, at Pishon's Ferry. The other two Conferences should send notices immediately of the places where their meetings are to be held. Geo. I. Butler.
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, July 8, 1874.