The Ohio Camp-Meeting by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1875

The Ohio Camp-Meeting.

By Uriah Smith

In company with Bro. Canright, we reached the Ohio camp-ground Thursday, Sept. 20, in the forenoon. We found that the brethren had been quite tardy in coming together. Scarcely a sufficient number were present to hold a meeting in the afternoon. A few more came in by evening. But the first day was measurably lost on account of the absence of so many of the brethren and sisters on that day. In addition to this, the weather was quite cold and wet; and altogether the prospect seemed quite unpropitious. The attendance was quite small. There were only fifteen tents up, against thirty last year; and there were about one hundred and seventy-five brethren and sisters in all at the meeting.

Some of the many who staid away may now say, “Well, I am glad I didn’t go.” But do not be too fast. We believe you lost much by not being present, and we know from their own testimony that most of those who were there felt well paid, before the meeting was through, for the time and expense of attending. If we may judge from the directions of the Lord to his people anciently, in regard to appearing before him three times a year, these gatherings must be in accordance with his will; and in the present condition of our cause, while so little preaching can be done among the churches, it seems to be almost a matter of absolute necessity that as many as possible should meet together at least once a year to have the benefit of the labors of the preachers for a brief space, and to quicken and revive their own interest in the work, by the presence and good words of each other.

As the meeting progressed the interest increased, and before the close we found many as warm and zealous friends of the cause as we have anywhere met. The great pillars of our faith are the pillars of truth itself; and whenever the brethren together review the grounds of our belief it results in firmer convictions and stronger confidence than ever of the truthfulness of our position. These things are so; and insensible indeed must be that heart which can not be made to feel the force of them.

Between twelve and fifteen hundred were out upon Sunday, who gave good attention to what they heard. On Monday a meeting of great interest occurred, beginning at half past eight in the morning and continuing till noon. After very impressive and stirring remarks by Bro. Canright, a call was made for those who wished to start in the service of the Lord to come to the front. Deep feeling was upon the congregation. They came pressing forward with the deepest emotion. Between fifty and sixty made a move in this direction. But while so many yielded, others, alas! though powerfully convicted, suffered the gracious opportunity to pass unimproved. A good proportion of those who came forward were starting for the first time to be Christians, and some to commence the observance of the Sabbath of the Lord. As they bore their testimony, twenty-seven expressed a desire for baptism. These candidates were examined, and in the afternoon a few brethren accompanied the candidates and Bro. St. John, who was to administer the ordinance, to the Maumee river nine miles distant, while the rest remained to attend to Conference and Tract and Missionary Society business. The baptism was reported to be a blessed season.

The business sessions passed off pleasantly and harmoniously, and the action taken was such as to cause the brethren to feel very hopeful for the cause in Ohio for the coming year. It is expected that Elds. H. A. St. John and T. J. Butler will be permanent laborers in the State at least till another Conference, and many hopes are entertained and prayers go up for abundant success to attend their labors.

In this State, as in others, the necessity was seen of more promptness and system on the part of ministers, church clerks, and S. S. treasurers, in keeping their records and accounts; and quite lengthy remarks were drawn out upon these points, which we expect will not be without their results. There is more importance attached to these matters than many seem to be aware of. A minister may go to a church and preach like an angel, and stir the whole community, and the church be greatly strengthened and revived; but if there is not accuracy and promptness thereafter in those who are to look after its spiritual, temporal and financial interests, that church will soon be like a garden overrun with weeds. Its life will be choked out, and spiritual decay will follow. An air of new life would spread over some of our Conferences if the minor officers in all the churches would awake to do their whole duty.

The brethren at this meeting were not unmindful of the financial wants of the cause. Pledges were given for eighty-two shares in the Pacific Publishing Association, and besides these, we transacted business for the Offices of the Review and Signs to the amount of over one thousand dollars.

The Lord blessed and set the seal of his approbation to the meeting, and we think we risk nothing in the assertion that those who attended have gone to their homes thankful that the meeting was held, and that they were present to enjoy it.

U. S.