p. 236 | The Lemoore Camp-Meeting by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 24, 1883

The Lemoore Camp-Meeting.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

This meeting was held on the grounds of Brother Harvey Gray, the same that were occupied three years ago. The tents were all pitched in the open sun, but the weather being unusually cool for this time of year, we suffered but little inconvenience. The meeting commenced on Thursday night, May 10, as advertised. An organized missionary effort was effected at the commencement of the meeting, and continued until its close. The brethren came in generally throughout this section of the country, and though the meeting was not so largely attended as formerly, it coming in the midst of their haying, and also on account of the rains which had recently fallen, some of our brethren were detained at home, yet the blessing of the Lord seemed to be upon the camp-ground from the commencement. All manifested an interest to draw near to God and enter his service; but the brethren have had so little labor in the past that it required some time for them to get into working order. We are more than ever satisfied that in order to have a very successful camp-meeting it is necessary that our brethren seek God for his blessing before they come, that when they arrive upon the camp-ground they may be in a condition where the Lord can meet with them. But when they do not get upon the camp-ground at the very first of the meeting, and the meeting holds but about five days, at the close of the meeting they will be just getting into a condition where they can be especially benefited. Our friends generally remained until its close, which was one good feature of the meeting.

The meetings rose in interest from the commencement. We made something of a new departure from the general order of camp-meetings, although the same method had been adopted in California before: Instead of having preaching regularly three times a day, we introduced a Bible class in the forenoon. This created quite an interest on the part of the brethren to study the Scriptures. The subject of spiritual gifts was taken up in the form of a Bible class, or rather Bible reading. Many texts of Scripture were read, not only showing that the gift of prophecy would characterize the people of God in the last days, but also showing the character of the testimonies, the manner of their delivery, the physical tests, and the Bible evidences of their genuineness. On this subject an especial interest was manifested. A desire was expressed that the same questions, with the texts which give the answers, be written or printed in some form so that they can be used by the brethren themselves. The burden of the meeting seemed to be to educate our brethren so that they can hold Bible readings or Bible classes among themselves, that all may secure a better understanding of our faith, and be better prepared for the conflict which is before us.

Sister White had marked freedom, and at times the Spirit of God in a special manner accompanied the testimony borne. We do not know of any place in the country where her testimonies are better appreciated than in California, and especially in the southern portion. Since her miraculous restoration last fall at the camp-meeting at Healdsburg, it would seem that the Lord had given his Holy Spirit in a marked degree to accompany her testimony to the people. On Sabbath and Monday invitations were given for those who felt that they had lost their connection with God, and desired the prayers of God's people to come forward. A large share of those who were present felt deeply moved, and a general move was made to seek God, and some for the first time took their stand with the people of God.

A general expression was manifested that they had felt blessed of God. The sweet influence of God's Spirit rested down as prayers were offered, and many will not soon forget the camp-meeting held at this place.

From this meeting a number will go out to visit our brethren in this section of the country, and labor in the cause of God. A general spirit of moving forward was manifested, and we think that the camp-meeting accomplished as much real good, judging from the feeling of our brethren to move forward in this work, as any previous camp-meeting in this part of the country. Eight were baptized, and others will go forward soon. Sister White spoke each afternoon, and Brother Briggs and the writer occupied the remaining portion of the time, with the exception of a Bible class conducted by Brother Ings. The parting meeting was held Wednesday morning, when in a few hours the tents disappeared, and the brethren were on their way home.

S. N. HASKELL.