GRAND CANE (LA.) CAMP-MEETING.
By A. H. King
The camp-meeting held at Grand Cane, La., August 15–24, was a success in every respect. Our brethren were greatly encouraged and instructed, also the public interest was excellent. This being a local camp-meeting, the attendance of our brethren was small, yet the results, under the blessing of God, were by no means insignificant. Elders S. B. Horton and C. A. Watkins, who constitute our ministerial force in this State, were the only ministers present. The Lord certainly blessed His servants in preaching the word and in giving instruction. The crowds that came from the town and surrounding country, at night, listened with intense interest, from the beginning of each discourse, nor moved from their seats until the last song was sung and the benediction pronounced. At first, there was much prejudice against us, but this vanished like mist before the morning sun as the truths of God’s word were presented. The camp was of easy access to the town, and in a most delightful grove. It was well lighted and presented a beautiful appearance at night, the torches lighting up the large tent and camp, with the dense foliage of the woods for a background. As the beautiful songs of Zion were sung, and the clear tones of the preacher were heard, it reminded one of the words in “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 70: “A great work is to be accomplished by our camp-meetings. The Lord has specially honored these gatherings, which He has called holy convocations.” One feature of this meeting was the interest manifested by the children, who had been taught, at a church school at Marthaville, by Sister Dart. They were quiet, orderly, and intelligent, and took part in the social meetings. Another feature that made this occasion a success was the readiness of all the brethren and sisters to take part in testimonies and prayer. The tent has not been taken down, and meetings are being continued with good interest. This is a fruitful but needy field—one which has been sadly neglected. How true the words of Jesus: “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35. Only one small tent company in this large State, where there ought to be five!—and that one so poorly supported that at times they are cramped for means to obtain the necessities of life. The drought has cut short the crops. One teacher has given up a position in a public high school, at ninety dollars a month, to teach in one of our church schools, at fifteen dollars. Another has been teaching for seven dollars a month. Think of these sacrifices, brethren,—you who have means at command and money in the bank lying idle. This is indeed a beautiful country, with a fine climate and great resources in timber and cheap lands, well adapted to raising early fruit and vegetables, all kinds of grain, and cotton, and for grazing. Manufacturing is in its infancy, and railroads are built or in process of building everywhere. There are good markets right at home. Who will come and engage in these enterprises, and with their means and personal labor help build up the waste places? I thank God my lot has been cast among this people.