THE TEXAS CAMP-MEETING.
By S. H. Lane
This meeting was held at Dallas, Tex., August 2–12, in South Park. The grounds were well shaded with large oak trees, whose protection from the heat was much appreciated. About seven hundred persons were camped on the grounds, in one hundred and fifty tents and covered wagons. From the first, there was a spirit of devotion that was soul cheering. The social meetings were simply wonderful, on account of the earnestness manifested. At times from five to twenty-five persons were standing, awaiting an opportunity to testify of their love for the Saviour and for the precious truths for these last days. The revival efforts, which were frequent, were richly blessed by conversions and the redemption of those who had backslidden, whose voices were soon heard in the general chorus of praise to God. As a rule, just before the evening discourse a social meeting was held. Many of those not of our faith, but affiliating with other churches, became filled with the Spirit, and testified of their love for the Saviour, and of their interest in the meetings and in the things they had heard. Two families accepted the truth, and at the close of the meeting were rejoicing in the message of the second coming of Christ, and kindred truths. The laborers of the Conference were present, and also Elders Kilgore, Shultz, McReynolds, and Jayne, and the writer. The Keene Academy was represented by Professor Kunz. The afternoon and evening discourses were on doctrinal subjects—the second coming of Christ, the prophecies, the Sabbath, and the kingdom question. These sermons had a good effect. The leading daily paper of Dallas gave excellent briefs of the discourses. A copy of the paper containing the sermon on the Sabbath question fell into the hands of a minister of another denomination in a city about seventy-five miles from Dallas. He read the article, and in a short time wrote to Elder Russell, who preached the sermon reported, thanking him for it, and saying that several years ago a company of Seventh-day Adventist canvassers, who were selling “Bible Readings,” camped near his residence. They worked so earnestly and conducted themselves so well, that he and his family became interested in them and invited them to dinner. They accepted the invitation, and sold a book. The reading of the book, said the minister in his letter, “opened our understanding on the Sabbath question in a great measure, and the sermon has added new light. We are now ready to obey.” The last meeting was a precious season; scores testified that this camp-meeting was the best they had ever attended. The annual Conference session was not held at the meeting. All left greatly encouraged, determined to do everything possible to spread the truth this coming year. The good work is onward in the great State of Texas.