Minnesota Camp-Meeting.
By I. D. Van Horn
THIS meeting was one of toil and hard labor, but the efforts put forth were crowned with success. Light from Heaven, and blessing from God came into the camp toward the close of the meeting and made it a happy place for all. The preaching was close, practical, and pointed. It was calculated to arouse all from their stupor, and give them a broad and extended view of the great work to be done to warn the world. Bro. Butler was especially lead out on the subject of the spirit of prophecy, which told with powerful effect on the people. There was a hearty response to the precious truths spoken, as was seen in the lively social and district meetings. The ministers and licentiates made a special effort to seek God, which added much to the success of the meeting. Most of them came out free, and enjoyed much of the blessing of God. Our children's meetings here were especially interesting. The sweet, melting influence that attended their simple but full-hearted testimonies, was very precious. The Saviour came very near. I think these meetings are a source of great good, not only to the children but to the parents. They served to keep the children more quiet, especially on the Sabbath, which was service in the right direction. The business meetings were harmonious. The wants of the different foreign missions and the International T. and M. Society were faithfully set before the people by Eld. Butler, and a response was made in pledges to the amount of about $1,300. Some means for other purposes was raised. A special effort was made for sinners and backsliders on Sabbath afternoon, and when the call was made to come forward some sixty or more responded. The good Spirit of the Lord came in, and softened all our hearts, and made the occasion one of great profit. After a precious season of prayer, the congregation repaired to the places of meeting in the several districts of the camp, where the good work of seeking God went on. On Monday this work was continued, and in the afternoon, after a sermon on baptism, thirty candidates expressed their desire to go forward in this solemn ordinance. We repaired to Lake Calhoun, close by the camp, where above three hundred witnesses congregated on the shore to view this pleasant, though solemn scene. After the camp broke up on Tuesday morning, the ministers and licentiates stayed another day and had a most excellent meeting, where, by confession, and broken, contrite hearts, they reached the point in harmony with the Spirit of God, and his rich blessing came upon them. Thus ended one of our best meetings. Parker, Dakota, July 3. I. D. VAN HORN.