THE WISCONSIN CAMP-MEETINGS.
By O. A. Olsen
We would like to call the special attention of our people in this State to these meetings. The time is now near, and we hope that a general preparation is being made to attend. In looking over the wants of the State it was decided that two camp-meetings were needed, that all might have the privilege of attending. The General Conference has favored us in this respect, and provision has been made, so that all can attend a camp-meeting by going a reasonable distance. The first one will be held June 15-19, at Sparta, on the Chicago & North-western and Milwaukee & St. Paul railroads, a very accessible place for all our people in the western part of the State. The second meeting will be held at Ripon, Fondulac Co., June 29 to July 3. This meeting will accommodate our people in the eastern part of the State. Those coming from the south by rail will come on the Chicago and North-western R. R., to Burnet Junction, where they will change and take the Milwaukee and St. Paul R. R. to Ripon. Those coming from the north will come on the Chicago and North-western R. R. to Oshkosh, where they will change and take a branch of the Milwaukee and St. Paul R. R. to Ripon. At both places (Sparta and Ripon) passengers will be met at the depot and conveyed to the camp-ground. Bro. and Sr. White and other laborers are expected to attend both of these meetings. Now, brethren and sisters, shall we be disappointed in our expectation of seeing a general turnout of all our people at these yearly gatherings? Never was there a time so full of interest to the cause of present truth as the present one. We see the message rising in power and strength. “The Lord has gone out before us,” and the way is being prepared for the truth to be proclaimed with power, not only in this country, but in the different countries of the world. The time has come for us to be aroused to the importance of the work, and these camp-meetings afford a most excellent opportunity to learn the nature of our work and get into the spirit of the message. You cannot afford the loss that you will realize if you stay away; therefore we would advise you not to let any trifling hindrance keep you from the meeting. There are many of you, especially in the northern and north-eastern part of the State, that have never had the privilege of a camp-meeting, and this season the locations (especially Ripon) are chosen for your benefit; and we hope that not one of you will neglect this opportunity. We do not invite those only who can go as well as not, but others who may have to make some sacrifice. Be willing to make some sacrifice, and in making it you will have the blessing of the Lord. We therefore say, Come, one and all. Bring your children and your unconverted friends with you, and come to seek the Lord and obtain his blessing. All who can bring tents, and those who cannot, come, and we will find tent-homes for you. Do not fail to bring empty ticks, and bedding. Those who are engaged in making the preparations will spare no pains to make the meetings the best ever held in the State. We confidently expect them to be the best. The servants of the Lord will come with the burden of the message, and with a testimony for our good, adapted to this time. What say you? Will you let some trifling matter keep you away? We hope for better things. Some have had experience in neglecting these meetings in the past. We hope you will not try it over again. You know there is no blessing in it; and we hope others will not venture to neglect duty. The Sparta meeting will commence June 15; therefore you should be on the ground the 14th, have your tent pitched, and all arrangements made, so as to be ready to attend the meetings from their very commencement. Much of the good of the meeting is lost to yourself and to others when you come in just before the Sabbath. The Ripon meeting will commence June 29. You should therefore make preparations to arrive on the 28th, so that, as far as possible, we may be all ready at the commencement of the meeting. At both places the meetings will continue over the following Monday and break up Tuesday morning. O. A. OLSEN. Ft. Howard, Wis., May 19, 1876.