Camp-Meeting Notings by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 18, 1874

Camp-Meeting Notings.

By Uriah Smith

THIS number of the REVIEW having been delayed one week on account of the camp-meeting just held in this place, the reader will be expecting some notice of the meeting. An attempt to describe the meeting involves much the same difficulties that would be met in attempting to describe a sumptuous feast. We could speak of the different dishes and viands; we could describe to some extent the different courses; we could refer to the good cheer, and tell how excellent were the various articles; and yet from all that, the reader would get but a very poor idea of the enjoyments of the occasion. To fully appreciate them, he must have been present, and for himself partaken of the good things provided.

So with the meeting: those only who participated in it, can fully appreciate its blessings. Some of the most precious seasons which many if not all upon the camp-ground ever enjoyed, were experienced during this meeting.

Statistically the sum of the matter can soon be told. There were ninety-one tents on the ground, which, one brother had the curiosity to ascertain, contained over 24,500 square feet of canvas. The number of Sabbath-keepers permanently encamped was between twelve and thirteen hundred with many more in daily attendance who lodged away from the ground. But to the discredit of the Michigan Conference it must be said, only thirty-six churches, out of over sixty belonging to the Conference, had representatives on the ground. When it was decided to receive as delegates any who might be present from churches that had sent no regularly appointed delegates, it was ascertained that only the number above named were represented. That is to say, from over twenty-four churches of this Conference not a representative could be found in that large company of Sabbath-keepers. Had all the churches done as well as those which did take part in the meeting, there would have been at least two thousand Sabbath-keepers present. This ought not to have been as it was; and we hope a like failure will not again occur. Those who did not come realize not what they have lost.

During the eleven days of the meeting twenty-five discourses were given, six by Bro. White, five each by Brn. Butler and Andrews, and sister White, three by Bro. Haskell, and one by Bro. L. C. Rogers, delegate from the S. D. Baptists. The word was spoken with great power and clearness. Especially was the speaking of Bro. White thus characterized throughout. Never, we believe, did he make better points, or present the great truths of this message with more clearness and force. And the involuntary response of many hearts was, Thank God for the freedom he gives his servant, and the physical strength that is granted for the ardent labors into which his truth-inspired soul is constantly leading him. The same may be said of sister White, Bro. Butler, and others. The Lord signally helped his servants. Oh! the burning words, the stirring appeals, the thrilling truths! If all could live out what was taught, and which from its self-evident truthfulness wrought conviction in the heart, they would not be far from the kingdom of Heaven, and following on in the well-directed way, would be sure of eternal life at the journey’s end.

The social meetings were generally precious seasons. There was some backwardness at first in taking hold earnestly of the work, but the brethren soon began to feel more fully the importance of the occasion, and take a more lively interest in it. The Spirit of the Lord often rested down to that degree that many of the congregation were melted into tenderness and tears.

Three times a call was made for those who desired to start anew in the service of God to come forward. The first time about two hundred and fifty came, the second and third times, between three and four hundred, there being many forward in the last who were not in the others, so that probably more than four hundred persons thus manifested their purpose to start anew in the Christian life. With many of these, this was their first public movement in the service of God. Of one of these occasions the reporter for the Detroit Post thus spoke:— “A remarkable and thrilling scene took place during the afternoon. After Elder Butler had closed his discourse Mrs. Ellen G. White immediately occupied the stand, and, although her eloquence and persuasive powers were well known by the audience, still they were unprepared for the powerful and unanswerable appeal which she made. She seemed indeed almost inspired as she implored sinners to flee from their sins. The effect of her magnetic speech and manner was most remarkable. Probably 300 came forward for prayers, and it seemed as if the early days of Methodism had returned again. There is no denying the fact that the entire simplicity and singleness of purpose of this peculiar people are having great effect on those even who scoff at their belief.”

The extension of time to eleven days was timely. It would have been impossible to hold all the business sessions without it. The Michigan Conference, Health Institute, General Conference, Publishing Association, and Michigan Tract Society, held the several sessions necessary to transact their business. All passed off harmoniously and with a good degree of interest. The reports of their doings, will be published next week.

The presence of Eld. L. C. Rogers, delegate to our General Conference from the S. D. Baptist General Conference, added interest to the occasion. His discourse on the 8th, from 1 Cor. 15:57, 58, was a masterly effort, and an illustration of how high culture can be happily combined with earnest piety and vital godliness. His remarks to the Conference Wednesday morning, the 12th, just previous to his departure, as he was not able to remain to the close of the meeting, were very happy and cordial, and were heartily received by the large congregation present.

And there were some encouraging incidents which were wholly unexpected, and therefore the more calculated to impress the mind as indications that the Lord is signally working in this cause. Bro. J. B. Frisbie, who has long stood aloof from the work, involved in darkness and doubt, having started for Kansas, intending there to locate, thought he would stop a day or two at the camp-meeting. As the time drew near when he was intending to leave, the Spirit of the Lord seemed to work upon his mind, and he concluded to remain. He sent for his wife, who joined him here and both remained to the close. He made, at different times, very warm and impressive remarks, stating his desires to return to this people, and resume his former position; but he desired to come back right. His numerous friends, many of whom had in former years received the truth from his hands, were rejoiced at his words. May the Lord lead him all the way up again into the light of his countenance and the joy of his truth.

Bro. Geo. W. Wright, also, who, from uncalled-for and unjust trials brought upon him in the past, had been turned away to labor with another people, unexpectedly to us came upon the ground and remained to the close. He spoke words of friendship and good cheer, to which all felt that it was good to listen. May the Lord help and guide him in all his future course.

Sister Roby Tuttle, who has for some time labored as a public speaker among the first-day Adventists, and who the past season, attended our school in Battle Creek, was also unexpectedly present, and publicly took her stand in favor of the Sabbath. Thus the cause gathers strength, and God is giving increase to his work.

The parting meeting Monday morning was a season of interest. At its conclusion, E. H. Root, E. R. Jones, and U. Smith, were ordained to the work of the ministry. After this we repaired a short distance to a pleasant spot on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, and sixty-two believers went forward in the ordinance of baptism, Bro. White and Andrews being the administrators. It was a solemn and impressive scene.

We have now reached a point from which we can look back over the meeting as a thing of the past; and we put the question to our own heart, For how much would you be willing that the work of this meeting should be undone? And no figures can express a sufficient sum. A glorious work has been wrought, the value of which is beyond estimation. We believe all present felt that it well repaid them for the time they spent, and the trouble and expense they incurred in attending the meeting; or, rather, that the time could not be better employed, and that the efforts were no trouble, and the means used could hardly be called expense, when it made such magnificent returns. There was nothing boisterous or fanatical about the meeting, but a strong conviction of truth, and a sweet influence tending to unite and cement together all hearts. We expect its results will be glorious, as its memories will be ever pleasant. U. S.