The Michigan Camp-Meeting.
By S. N. Haskell
We arrived at the Michigan camp-ground Thursday, Sept. 27. The meeting had been in progress a number of days. It was one of unusual interest. There was probably as large a gathering of Sabbath-keepers as has assembled for hundreds of years. It was estimated that upon Sabbath-day there were upwards of fifteen-hundred of those who keep the Lord's Sabbath present. Sister White spoke, and the blessing of God rested upon the people in a large measure. Over two hundred came forward for prayers. There was a general move through the camp, and a desire manifested to seek God in a manner which showed that hearts had been touched by his Holy Spirit. On Monday the subject of the foreign missions was presented by Eld. Butler and others. The brethren felt the necessity of doing something in advance of what they had done in the past. About $8,000 was pledged. This is more than twice as much as had ever been pledged for foreign missions at any one camp-meeting this side of the Rocky Mountains, with the exception of Iowa. It is evident the missionary spirit is deepening, and our faithful brethren are becoming convinced that the time has come for an advance move throughout the entire ranks of our people. The cause is rising, and many are trying to seek God for that preparation of heart that will enable them to bear some humble part in the advance moves that are being made. Another move was made Monday forenoon to call forward those that were backslidden in heart and separated from God, and those who never had commenced to serve him. A general breaking down before God was manifested. Some who had long been wandering from the right path made humble confessions. Some that had given up all hope desired to make one more start to serve God. The Spirit of God came in to convert hearts, and many were especially blessed. The subject of Bible-readings was introduced at this meeting, and the brethren manifested as deep an interest as we have seen in any place. At an informal meeting of the ministers and leading brethren, the morning the meeting broke up, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:— Whereas, The holding of Bible-readings in connection with other colporteur work has been recommended to precede and accompany the preaching of the truth; and, Whereas, Those who think of engaging in this work feel the necessity of a special preparation; therefore, Resolved, That we hold a ten-days' institute immediately preceding the General Conference for improvement in this direction, and that we request Eld. Haskell to conduct this institute. Several of the brethren spoke with much feeling of the importance of this institute, and expressed thankfulness at the prospect of sharing its advantages, after which the resolution was passed by a rising vote. It was also voted to invite all the delegates to the General Conference to attend the institute, and all others whom the Conference Committee shall recommend. Accordingly, the appointment has been made for a meeting of the leading tract and missionary workers and officers, and also the ministers and licentiates of the Michigan Conference, to hold a meeting commencing Oct. 30, and continuing till Nov. 7, when special instruction will be given upon the subject of Bible-readings; also in canvassing for the Signs, and "Thoughts on Daniel," and the colporteur work.465
It is evident that our brethren are waking up to the necessity of preparing themselves to enter the work of God in a manner that they never have before. Hundreds of men and women are wanted to labor in the harvest-field. We want men of judgment; men of good, sound moral character; those who are not moulded by influence brought to bear upon them; individuals of sterling moral worth, that will sway and not be swayed; those who can mould minds, and interest men and women in the solemn truths which we profess. The department of special instruction to be given in the Bible, at Healdsburg, Cal., has commenced none too soon. In fact, we are at least one year behind. It may not be necessary that some individuals remain a full term before they go out to labor; but correct ideas should be entertained how to properly relate ourselves to the work of God. Not only young men and women are wanted, but men of mature years; even if their heads are sprinkled with gray hairs, they are none too old to visit families and tell what God has done for them, and read the Scriptures. At this camp-meeting there were between 130 and 140 tents on the ground. Everything considered, it was thought that the results of the meeting were as good as any meeting ever held in the State. We look forward to great good and advance moves in this State, if the resolutions are carried out that were made on this camp-ground. Our friends will be pleased to hear that Sister White has been specially sustained of God, and her testimony was never clearer and more powerful than upon this trip East. For all of these blessings we can only say, praise the Lord for his goodness manifested to his people.