The Tent-Meeting in Kansas.
By George I. Butler
This meeting was held according to appointment, nearly fifteen miles west from Lawrence, Kansas, near the church of Big Springs, organized last winter by Bro. Lawrence. It closed last night. The attendance until Sunday was quite small, consisting mainly of the church and the few friends who had come in from other places, and there were but few of these. Sunday, we had a fair congregation for a country place. We were disappointed in not seeing more in from abroad; but there has been so much wet weather all through that Conference, and everywhere in the West for that matter, that a large turnout could not be expected. The farmers are very much behind with their work; indeed, there is much land that has not been plowed yet because of the rain. Bro. T. J. Butler gave three discourses. I gave six. Our social meetings were interesting seasons, and on the whole, I think good was done. Those who did come in from abroad, some of them quite a long distance, expressed themselves as well paid for their trouble. Five were baptized, among these Bro. Butler. We were glad of the privilege of burying this dear brother with his Lord in baptism. Bro. B. seems determined to start from the bottom and lay a good foundation, and make thorough work. We were much rejoiced to see the determination manifested by him to cast himself into the work once more with his whole heart, and we expect to see a good growth as he labors with the tent this summer in company with Bro. Lawrence, to bring souls into the truth. May the Lord bless and encourage him abundantly by giving him many souls as the fruit of his labors. We were much pleased to see the zeal manifested by the little church of Big Springs to bear burdens in the cause, separated as they are so far from any other churches. We feel that it gives good ground to hope the Lord will bless them by adding to their number. When we reached Lawrence, on our way to the meeting, we found three teams waiting to take us and the tent through the mud to our destination. It is always encouraging to see a manifestation of interest in those for whom we labor. We formed some very pleasant acquaintances there which we trust will be perpetuated in the kingdom of God. This meeting closed our series of tent-meetings in the Kansas and Missouri Conference. We trust they have been profitable to the cause there. We see no reason why there may not be a good advance made this year in the Conference if the two tents are permitted to run as recommended. We expect to see such an advance if all take hold and do their duty. May God help forward the good work. Fairfield, Iowa, June 3, 1872.