Camp-Meeting in Martinsville, Ill.
By George I. Butler
THIS meeting, held in the southern part of the State, was not expected to be a large one. Brn. G. W. Colcord and C. H. Bliss, and some others, had labored in this section of the State considerably for a year or two past, and some fifty had embraced the Sabbath. These, and a few scattering ones who have been longer acquainted with our views, constituted our meeting. But this meeting was nearly as large, so far as our own people were concerned, as the northern meeting, and the outside attendance far greater, though that was expected to be the main one in the State, as the Conference was appointed in connection with it. Those young in the cause in Illinois seem to have far more zeal than the older hands. This is a bad sign for them, and it looks as if others were coming up to take their crowns, because of their unfaithfulness and lack of zeal. In the progress of the meeting there was no striking circumstances to narrate. Our efforts were designed to advance the work among those who were young in the faith, and to teach them the importance of the great principles of practical religion, and the importance of learning to sacrifice for God and humanity. Our efforts were well received, and many confessed to being greatly encouraged and enlightened in the work of God. The brethren who had labored in their midst were also encouraged. We think they have wrought a good work in that section of the State, and trust they will follow it up till it shall be well established. There is a great field all around them. They need a new tent for that section, and a general interest seemed to be felt to have the work go forward. There will be no difficulty in getting the new tent by next season. The brethren are putting up a new meeting-house a few rods from the camp-ground, which is quite a burden. So we made no effort for raising funds for the school at this meeting. The weather was very comfortable. On the whole, we were glad that this meeting was appointed, and trust real good was done. Decatur, Ill., Oct. 6, 1873.