Michigan Camp-Meeting by J. H. W.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 9, 1873

Michigan Camp-Meeting.

By J. H. W.

On account of the condition of the work in the REVIEW Office, I did not have the privilege of attending the whole of the camp-meeting. But I can bring a good report of it. After the first day, the weather, though sometimes rather cold, was favorable, except Sunday forenoon. Nearly seventy tents were erected, and still there was a lack of room. Two large tents were quite fully occupied for lodging. The order was, as usual, good. The circle for tents was enlarged from last year, and all was well arranged and very neat in appearance.

Testimony No. 23, to the Laodiceans, was brought on the ground the second day of the meeting, and the preaching of Bro. Butler and Haskell was well suited to the occasion, and to the condition of the people. It seemed that the Lord gave them especial freedom and power to proclaim the solemn truths of the message, and to reach the hearts of the people. Though there was not that general hearty public response which was needed to make the meeting as interesting and profitable as was desired, yet it was evident that the hearts of the most were touched, and much good was done for the cause in Michigan. Many pointed and timely testimonies were given, such as brought freedom to the meeting and relief to the souls of those who offered them. This was especially the case in regard to the subject of murmurings, as presented in Resolution number 3. A remark by Bro. Brownsberger well expressed the truth on this point. He said that he was not much acquainted with the facts as they existed, and did not know much about the murmurings referred to, but he found that every confession of this sin brought tears to his eyes, from which he judged that the Spirit of God witnessed to such confessions. Others could testify to the same thing. Indeed, it was evident that this is the point of special importance at this time, as it was the only one that gave life and energy to our social meetings.

In regard to the third resolution it will be well to say that it was adopted by a very general vote; and it is to be hoped that those who did not act upon it in the meeting just closed will consider the duty they took upon themselves in that vote, and see that the “thorough individual confessions” there inculcated be made as soon as possible in their several churches. If it be true that this spirit of murmuring has grieved the Spirit of God, and is largely the cause of our lukewarm state, as the Testimonies teach and as is believed by all who have watched and examined the matter with care, then it must be that we can only rise and go forward in the light and power of the present truth by heartily confessing the past and thoroughly reforming in the future. I would say, individually, that this is my most firm conviction, and, unfortunately for my own past spirituality, I speak from experience.

Most of those who attended this meeting remained over Monday. This was an encouraging feature, as that was, in some respects, the most important day of the meeting. I heard no disappointment expressed; but, to the contrary, it was generally said that this was one of the best camp-meetings, if not the best one, that has been held in the State.

The business meetings of the State Conference were harmonious, and the business transactions gave much promise of good to the cause. The work is being more firmly established in every respect, and it is surely growing in the confidence of the people. Nothing but a sense of our own dependence, and a due acknowledgment of the hand of God in the work, and properly humbling ourselves before him in view of the past, is lacking to raise us from our lukewarm state, to restore to us the joy of God’s salvation, and insure the going forth of the third angel’s message with mighty power. May God speed the day when the “little flock” shall so have “the testimony of Christ confirmed among” them that they shall indeed be “the light of the world,” and that their testimony to the world shall move the hearts of the people, that God may be glorified in his truth. J. H. W.