THE MISSOURI CAMP-MEETING.
By George I. Butler
Receiving a call from the President of the General Conference, I attended this meeting, reaching the ground late Thursday night. The meeting seemed very small in contrast with the Iowa Camp-meeting, which I had just left. There were only ten or twelve tents on the ground and from fifty to eighty persons camping there. Probably not more than one-half as many were present as would have been had it not been so terribly rainy and had not the streams been so high. The Missouri River was said to be higher than at any other time since 1844. For days no train could cross it at Kansas City, and many other streams also were very high. Those who came did so at great sacrifice. The meeting was nearly a day late in commencing, from this and other causes. The meeting was held about half a mile from Holden, a pleasant town on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and close to the track, so close that we were somewhat annoyed by the passing of the trains. The outside attendance was at no time large, though on Sunday there was a fair congregation in the forenoon. A heavy shower in the afternoon about broke up the meeting for the rest of the day. Bro. Waggoner was present, and labored efficiently in preaching the word. It was encouraging to see him after years of separation, though wearing additional marks of the touch of time, still cheerful and hopeful in the present truth. God bless the old pioneers in the work. Bro. C. F. Stevens and Smith Sharp, of the Kansas Conference, were present, and each spoke once. The rest of the speaking was done by Bro. W. and myself. This camp-meeting, though small, was one of great labor and anxiety. The cause in Missouri has seemed to drag heavily for several years from a variety of influences, among which might be mentioned a lack of union among the ministry, a lack of devotion and zeal in bearing burdens among the people, too great sensitiveness at reproof, and other causes. Systematic benevolence was neglected till some of the ministers were almost compelled to labor with their hands, and great discouragement prevailed. It must not be forgotten, however, that from loss of crops by grasshopper raids, and bad seasons, the people had to labor under special difficulties. Our meeting dragged very heavily till Monday. I think I never in my life felt pressed under a greater load than during the first days of this meeting. The contrast seemed very great between this and our good Iowa meeting. Monday morning our meeting seemed to reach a crisis, and the clouds began to break away. The spirit of confession came in; a number came forward for prayers, and hearts began to rejoice. We had a very precious meeting Monday afternoon. Several would have been baptized had a suitable place been convenient. In the selection of officers for the ensuing year, there was great perplexity among the brethren. There seemed to be no one in the Conference to whom the brethren could unitedly look to lead the Conference out of its difficulties. Things need to be re-organized, s. b. raised, and many worthy enterprises set on foot. A great pressure was brought upon me to induce me to serve one term as president of the Conference and T. and M. Society. I finally consented, with reluctance, and shall try to do the best I can to help matters, well knowing I shall need special help from God, or nothing will be accomplished. The brethren solemnly promised to rally unitedly, and take hold of the work of God the coming year. If these promises are kept, we shall see better days in Missouri. There is no State where the people come out to hear more readily than in this, and I see no reason why the cause should not move forward, if all will enter into the work. After a short rest at home and preparation for a lengthy absence, I shall do what I can to help the cause in the Missouri Conference. The meeting closed encouragingly, and the friends went home with new resolves. May God bless them, and may they see a greater advance the coming year than ever before. Two tents will be run in the State the present season. Quite a number have been brought during the past year to observe the Sabbath of the Lord, and there seem to be many openings. It seems to me the prospect for successful labor in the South was never so good as now. I expect to see great advancement in the South in the near future. We hope the friends in Missouri will remember that theirs is the pioneer Southern Conference, and take hold of the work with a new heart. Fairfield, Iowa, June 21, 1877.