p. 602 | CAMP-MEETING ECHOES by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1900

CAMP-MEETING ECHOES.

By Uriah Smith

THE Michigan camp-meeting for 1900 was held at Ionia, August 30 to September 10, according to appointment. It was the writer’s privilege to be present only three days, September 7, 8, 9. But this short season was of great interest. Others who enjoyed a larger portion of the meeting will doubtless speak of that part in which they participated.

Prominent among the external features of a camp-meeting, is the speakers’ stand. At this meeting the arrangement and construction of this stand, which was the work of Brethren Campbell and Edwards, was superior to that of any other meeting that it has been our privilege to attend. The attendance was large. A spirit of unity and co-operation prevailed, and an interest in the cause and work of “present truth” was manifested by the look and bearing of all. The vicissitudes of the Christian journey, and the obstacles and labors to be encountered, do not seem to have dimmed the hope or dampened the ardor of those who have long been in the way. And why should it? So long as the heavenly Canaan, to which we are journeying, is not reached, it stands before us as a matter of hope and thrilling expectation. And when we daily see the signs growing clearer, and the evidences accumulating, that we are without question on the right prophetic pathway to the celestial city, why should we not heed the injunction of the apostle not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but to exhort one another, and so much the more, as we see the day approaching. The feeling that seemed to prevail, is well expressed in the beautiful hymn, “We are almost home.”

“Just a few more trials, just a few more tears, Just a few more sorrows, just a few more fears,”

and then the sentiment continued, that we’ll drop the anchor in the harbor, nevermore to roam, because we have passed the breakers, and are almost home.

The song service, which was under the charge of the Brethren Stureman, was an inspiring feature of the occasion. Other excellent voices joined in, making this part of the exercises pleasing and helpful.

In the morning season timely instruction was given in readings from Sister White—instruction to govern our attitude toward passing events, especially the great currents of political movements at the present time. While the world is watching with feverish desire to find something in our words and actions out of which they can make capital, care should be taken not to indulge in partisan charges and remarks against movements over which we have no control, remarks which might indicate that we are harboring a spirit of antagonism against principles or parties, which may be used against us or our work, even to the obnoxious claim that we are actuated by a spirit of anarchy or treason. The same principle will apply to the feelings that

some may be inclined to entertain, and unguarded remarks that some may consequently make, in regard to the public school system of this country, a system, which, from a political point of view, has been the safeguard of the nation. To speak of the public schools as being “schools of the devil,” and the teachers as laboring expressly to foster “irreligion and skepticism,” are words that will be treasured up, and may be used hereafter, to cripple our influence, and foster prejudice against us in the minds of those we wish to help. “Wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,” should be the guiding precept to mold and modify our words and actions in these critical times.

Sabbath forenoon Elder Irwin gave a very impressive discourse on the words of Christ, in Matt. 7: 21: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Included with this was the context, which speaks of the man who builded his house on the sand, and the other who builded his house on the rock. To the first is likened the man who hears the sayings of Christ and does them not; and to the other, the man who hears and does them. The sermon made a deep impression upon the people; for from one half to two thirds of the congregation signified, by specific movement, their desire and determination to enter more fully into such active co-operation with their Lord, in behalf of themselves and others, as is becoming to those who stand on the borders of the promised land, and desire at last to enter therein.

In the various seasons of baptism about eighty-three candidates went forward.

Sunday forenoon, Brethren E. K. Slade and A. R. Sandborn were set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, by prayer and the laying on of hands. The charge was given by G. A. Irwin, and prayer was offered by the writer. Thus two more are added to the ministerial force of this State.

The editors of the Ionia papers gave a full and impartial report of the meeting, and those present acknowledged their appreciation of this courtesy by a unanimous rising vote of thanks.

One thing especially impressive to the writer was the frequent reference, in private conversation, to previous meetings of this kind, with mention of the things done, and the words spoken, on those occasions. It shows that past camp-meetings have not been without their effect. The good things said and done have been treasured up, and are still exerting their influence. Those meetings have not been in vain. They are among the things contributing to the growth of this cause, in the years that are past; so we may hope that the present meeting will have its effect, and continue to exert its saving power on those who, in this place, for the first time put on the armor as active servants of the Lord. With reluctant farewells, the brethren have scattered to their homes, cheered with the thought, “We’ll never say Good-by in heaven.” U. S.