Report of Lacona (N. Y.) Camp-Meeting
By Stephen N. Haskell
The camp-meeting held at Lacona, N. Y., was a success in many respects. From the beginning, the Lord's blessing rested upon the encampment. Lacona and Sandy Creek, two small villages, have their center near the camp-ground. The camp-meeting was held on the fair-grounds, and the big pavilion was in the center of the grounds, with many tents pitched around it. The houses on the fair-grounds also furnished very comfortable places for our brethren and sisters who could not be accommodated in the tents. The first night of the meeting there was a heavy rain, and on one day and night afterward there was rain, but most of the time the weather was fine, and everything tended to make the camp-meeting a success. On Sabbath the Spirit of God rested upon the people in a special manner. I should judge that five hundred of our brethren and sisters were present, and although the meeting lasted about five hours, scarcely a person went out of the tent. There was a general desire on the part of the people for a renewed consecration to God, while several for the first time gave their hearts to God. One feature which was prominent, and which reminded some of the old camp-meeting days, was the interest taken in the sale of books. In former times a minister who could not sell books was not so successful in his labors as those who could sell books, but for some time ministers have not taken much interest in this important means of spreading the gospel. On this occasion formalism was laid aside, and many of our brethren and sisters were canvassing on the camp-ground during the entire meeting. As nearly as we could learn, not less than three hundred dollars' worth of books was sold. The general interests of the work were presented before the brethren, and we understood that not less than nine hundred dollars was raised for the various enterprises which were presented to the people. We could find no evidence that Lacona and Sandy Creek have ever had any labor on present truth, not even canvassing; but many manifested an unusual desire to hear. The people of the town were favorably impressed with the camp-meeting, and a good interest was awakened. The business meetings passed off harmoniously. Elders Cottrell, Thompson, and Place, and myself were the general laborers present. Elder Daniells was also present a portion of the time. There seems to be a general impression among our people that the cloud has now moved from Battle Creek to Washington, D. C., and this indicates a forward march of the people of God. Twenty-three were baptized, while many others were to be baptized as soon as they returned to their homes. Could the meeting have continued ten days longer, and other points of present truth been brought out clearly, far greater results would have been seen, but we are thankful to God for what we saw upon the encampment. Another noticeable feature of the meeting was the large number present who had had experience in the former messages. There was something in the manner in which these early pioneers embraced the truth that gave them an experience which proves an anchor to the soul. They saw the Sabbath from the sanctuary standpoint. Such are not easily moved. The time has come when present truth in clear, distinct tones is to be preached, and hearts are prepared to receive it. We have reached a crisis. The people of God are called upon to take advance steps. Hearts will be tested to the utmost. Shall we be switched off on to some side-track? or shall we stand unmoved, like those who embraced the message in former times?