The Wisconsin Camp-Meeting.
By George I. Butler
There was quite a good attendance at this meeting. Some thought it was the largest ever convened in the State. Some were present from Illinois. The brethren and sisters were on the ground in good season, and the camp-meeting committee had things in a good state of readiness, so that there was no delay in commencing promptly Thursday morning, according to appointment. I arrived upon the ground at that time, and was very sorry to find no other ministers from other Conferences there to help me. I had expected Eld. Canright without fail, but received a line from him stating that the condition of his throat was such that he could not be present. I then telegraphed to Bro. and sister White, hoping it might be possible for them to be present and labor what their strength would permit. But I suppose they could not find it consistent to come. Their absence was a very great disappointment to all, but to me especially. I feared these things would prove a source of discouragement to the meetings. But we all tried to take hold with zeal to keep the work moving forward, and I hope the result will prove that real good was accomplished; though I regretted exceedingly that there could not have been more ministerial help present from abroad, which would have more truly represented our people in point of ability—especially where so many of S. D. Baptist brethren were in attendance. But God can use weak instruments to advance his cause when necessity compels such selection. I gave eleven discourses, besides doing a large amount of other talking and labor and business. Bro. Matteson spoke five times. Bro. Sanborn once. Our social meetings were, on the whole, very good, especially toward the last part of the meeting. A large number came forward for prayers Sabbath afternoon, and there was a very solemn state of feeling among the people. I think the efforts of prominent brethren to draw near to God, and humble their hearts, and really consecrate themselves to him, were never more earnest. Many expressed themselves as very hopeful that better days were before the cause in Wisconsin; and that a real turning point had been reached, and that some influences had been changed for the better, which had been in the way in the past. I felt called upon, by a sense of duty, to bring out the evidences plainly before our own people in regard to the visions. I chose mornings to do this, outside of our regular preaching appointments, thinking those who were not of our people would not wish to hear on that subject. I presented the matter pointedly, and had the satisfaction of knowing, from the testimony of many, that their doubts were dispelled, and that they saw the matter as never before. From some causes, there had been a good deal of skepticism on this point in the minds of many in this State. I now relate a circumstance which rather surprised me, I confess; and it may be worth while to relate it here. On Sunday afternoon, when the largest crowd were there, and many of them were our S. D. Baptist friends, a large number expressed great desire to hear on this subject of the visions, and prominent ministers expressed great regret that they could not have heard my remarks upon that subject. So, by their special request, I spoke upon it to the large crowd Sunday afternoon. My remarks seemed to be received in the best spirit, and I believe a large amount of prejudice was removed. When the arguments are brought out on the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, and the evidences given that genuine manifestations of them have existed among us, we have no reason to fear the effects upon the minds of candid men, the evidences are so very clear. It is high time our own people knew their whereabouts on this important subject. Our enemies will bring the issue to bear upon us, and, for one, I have no fears to meet it when it comes. The doctrine of the perpetuity of spiritual gifts is as clearly taught as any doctrine of the Bible. And if God honors us by manifestations of his Spirit, I, for one, do not propose to be ashamed of it. If he does not, we have been very much deluded as a people, and the sooner we find our whereabouts the better. My faith was never stronger in the genuineness of this manifestation among us than to-day. I formed some very pleasant acquaintances among our S. D. Baptist friends. Four or five ministers were in attendance much of the time, and took their seat with us in the stand, and took part like brethren. In particular, I formed a very pleasant acquaintance with Eld. Varnum Hull, who had come on to attend the Association meeting of the S. D. Baptists, to be held next week, and who attended quite a number of our meetings. I am glad to learn from him and others that a kindly feeling of brotherly regard is growing up among them toward us, and am glad that such is the case among ourselves. I trust it may increase. On Monday, we called the people forward again, and had an examination of candidates for baptism. Bro. Sanborn buried seventeen willing souls, whom, we trust, will walk in newness of life. The scene was a beautiful one. The pretty little lake lying like a broad mirror at our feet, calm and still, and the sacred influence of our meeting, and the solemnity of the ordinance, made the scene an interesting one. I never saw a prettier ground for a camp-meeting than this. Our business meetings were harmonious. I tried to give such instructions in regard to means and the proper care of the same as seemed to be necessary to make all realize the sacred trust imposed upon those who had the care of these funds raised by others for a holy purpose. The Tract and Missionary Society seems to be in a hopeful state, but there was very great regret that Bro. Haskell did not give them a call. Perhaps it should be explained that his not doing so arose from a misunderstanding in regard to putting the appointment in the paper. The people are very anxious he should return soon. There was a cheerful response to the appeal in behalf of the proposed school. Nearly two thousand dollars were pledged in a very short time for this one purpose. The brethren have purchased another small tent, forty feet in diameter, and so, expect to have two running this season. Bro. A. Olsen was solemnly set apart to the ministry by the laying on of hands. The Spirit of the Lord seemed greatly to bless upon the occasion. Our parting meeting, Tuesday morning, was a very melting one. So we parted, many to meet, I trust, in the kingdom of God, if not before. Medford, Minn., June 25, 1873.30 “THOU SHALT REAP IF THOU FAINT NOT.”
Go, beside all waters sow; in the morning scatter wide;
Liberal let thy hand bestow, at the fall of eventide;
What shall spring, or where, or when, thou art not concerned to know.
Quickening sunbeams, genial rain, God in his own time will show. Thou be faithful, watch and pray, murmur not, nor dare repine,
If thy labor seem in vain, from the dawn to day’s decline,
Where the foot of sin hath trod, there unwearied do thou toil;
Still renew, with ready zeal, efforts to reclaim the soil. What glad sound salutes the ear? Lo, the blade unfolds its green!
Now the tender grains appear! ripened now the fields are seen!
Take the sickle, reap ye there; garner in the sheaves spread wide.
What the harvest? Souls are saved, pardoned, sealed, and sanctified.