Camp-Meeting by L. Bean

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1875

Camp-Meeting.

By L. Bean

I wish to say a few words in regard to our coming camp-meeting. If I can judge from the question, which is often repeated as I meet with brethren in different parts of the State, Where is our next camp-meeting to be held? there is an increasing interest in regard to them. This is as it should be. We believe camp-meetings have been a great blessing to the cause of truth and to our people. God required his people anciently to appear before him at stated times, Deut. 16:16, and the same reasons exist at the present time for the remnant church making a special effort to leave worldly cares behind and come before the Lord at the place appointed. Let them come with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and cultivate a spirit of sacrifice that will be acceptable to him.

As we wish to exert the best influence upon the outside world that we possibly can, we should have every thing in perfect order as far as can be on a camp-ground. There should be an improvement in regard to tents. Our brethren who are able to provide themselves with tents should do so, that the large tent which is to be used for holding meetings in case of rain may be ready at any and all times without having to pile up beds, rearrange seats, &c. We think this would make a more favorable impression on those without, besides being more convenient and comfortable for those concerned.

We don't wish any to stay away on account of what has been written, but come one, come all, and we will do the best we can. The old Vermont tent, 24×24, will be devoted to those who are too poor to provide for themselves otherwise. Now a word about tents. I can, if desired make a few to sell to those who may wish to buy, at prices ranging from $12.00 to $30.00, according to quality and size. There are some families who do not feel able to buy one alone, but two can join together and buy a web of heavy cotton, costing from four to six dollars, and make a tent themselves. If this is soaked twenty-four hours in a strong solution composed of equal parts of sugar of lead and alum, and then dried, they can defy the hardest storm. If any further information is desired in regard to tents, please correspond with me immediately. We will do all we can up to the time of our camp-meeting, which we now expect will be held at Essex Junction. L. BEAN.