p. 180 | Camp-Meeting in Oregon by Charles L. Boyd

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 12, 1883

Camp-Meeting in Oregon.

By Charles L. Boyd

THE time of this meeting is fast approaching. Who are coming up to this annual gathering of the people of God? At what period of the meeting are you coming? Before answering these questions, please consider the following facts:—

1. We are in the hour of God's judgment; on the very borders of eternal things.

2. To us is committed the giving of the last message of mercy to a lost world, and to a church sleeping on the brink of destruction. We may neglect our work, but it will be at our peril.

3. Matters of vital interest to the cause in this conference will be considered at the commencement of the meeting.

Do you say you do not understand the work and are willing to trust the business in other hands? My brother, would you stay at home, and let a neighbor go and buy “five yoke of oxen” for you? Would you quietly follow your plow and let another man go and purchase a farm with your money? Were I at your home and to suggest such a course, you would at once say that I was either sadly wanting in financial ability, or plotting your destruction. Do you consider the awful truths of the Third Angel's Message of less moment than oxen or farms? Now if you leave this work in the hands of others, you are not an illustration of the Saviour's declaration that the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light?

Now, my brethren, I want to ask you the solemn question: Do you expect the words, “Well done, good and faithful,” to fall with their life-giving unction from the lips of the Son of David upon your head? These words can be spoken to none but the laborers, to those who have “done” something for the Master. Mark well the fact.

Do you want to be excused? God can raise up another to do your work; but that other will also receive your crown.

4. This meeting will probably be at or near Portland.

5. It will probably commence June 13.

6. I want to meet every lover of the truth at the very first meeting.

7. All who feel that they lack the true spirit of the message should by all means be there at the commencement to imbibe the spirit of the work.

Now I fear that some who might be induced to come to the meeting will not see this call. If the reader knows of any such will you not read this article to them?

At this meeting we expect the labors of Bro. Haskell, fresh from his missionary visit through Europe, also that of Bro. Colcord from the U. P. Conference.

Exact time, place, and further particulars in due time.

CHAS. L. BOYD.