VERMONT CAMP-MEETING by A. S. HUTCHINS.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 20, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 48, No. 4.

VERMONT CAMP-MEETING.

By A. S. HUTCHINS.

As the time draws near for this annual gathering in our State, my anxiety increases that this meeting may be one of great interest and permanent good to the cause of present truth. With gratitude to God we have read of the great success and unexpected interest which have attended the camp-meetings already held this season.

A blessing of priceless value has not only been left to the States thus favored, but joy and gladness have been sent into thousands of hearts among different nations interested in this work. Now, how shall it be with reference to our camp-meeting? Shall it come and pass by, and leave us as a Conference, as churches, and as individuals, no better than we were before? Shall the faithful servants of God come into our midst and labor with the most intense interest to advance the cause, and pass on to their next station of duty, saddened and depressed in spirits, because we are not where Heaven's blessing could consistently rest upon us? We trust this may not be so. I am certain the sentiment of the heart of every real lover of this work is, “I hope and pray for the best and most successful meeting that we have ever had.”

But it should be borne in mind that while we are dependent wholly upon our Creator for every good gift and every perfect gift, it depends very largely upon our own condition whether or not we are profited as we should be at our forthcoming annual meeting. The Saviour in his public ministry did not many mighty works in some localities because of the unbelief of the people. And we may occupy a position where we “shall not see when good cometh.”

Let us heed these precious words of Jesus: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me.” Rev. 3:20.

We need not sit down and fold our hands, waiting for a blessing to be brought to us. Let us rather prepare our hearts for it by active obedience. Let us set about the preparation for our camp-meeting. Let us resolve first, no providence preventing, to attend this meeting. I know quite a number east of the mountains have expressed doubts about going. But we do hope to see a general turnout from all parts of the State. Those residing west of the mountains are favored in having the meeting again in the west part of the State. We look for a general attendance from this quarter. Don't disappoint us, brethren and sisters.

Our voice is, Come up to this gathering of the people of God. It will no doubt be the last camp-meeting some of us will ever attend. We look for a good meeting. You may say, some of you, that it costs too much. But, dear brethren, a good camp-meeting is worth something. It may prove of more value to some of us than all the world could be. Come, then. Come, prepared to work for the Lord. Come, to exert your influence for the truth. Come, to receive blessings of unspeakable worth. Come, to help your dear friends. Come, in the spirit of prayer and humility. Come, to receive instruction from the servants of the Most High whom God may send to help us. Come, intent on being permanently better for the camp-meeting.

The maple grove in which the meeting is to be held, I am informed, is the most pleasant we have ever occupied for such an occasion. The Committee will do the best they can to make all feel at home. Ample arrangements will be made to accommodate those desiring provisions; good conveniences have been secured for keeping teams near the ground.

We expect Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. U. Smith will be with us. We also look for the refreshing influence of the Holy Spirit, and expect the Lord will open hearts to receive the truth.

But few have been added to our churches for years. We have anxiously looked for some one to come and labor with us. This is certainly desirable. But are we, dear brethren and sisters, doing what we might ourselves? Are we doing what we should? I fear should we read the record of our lives we should find wanting written against our names in this respect. I fear that many of us would find ourselves at “ease in Zion”—“overcharged with the cares of this life.”

Without much watchfulness and prayer, much self-examination, we are liable to settle into a state of supineness—to be lulled to fancied security, and awake only too late to the deception we are under when probation has forever passed.

May our camp-meeting prove to us, as these yearly convocations have to many of the remnant church, a season of humiliation, consecration, and refreshing; a season of the presence, power, and out-pouring of the Spirit of God; arousing the church and awakening the impenitent to speedily seek salvation.

A. S. HUTCHINS.