THE CAMP-MEETING by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 2, 1877

THE CAMP-MEETING.

By A. S. Hutchins

As the time draws near for the annual gathering of God’s people in our camp-meeting, our anxiety deepens that this meeting may result in a great and lasting good to the cause throughout our Conference and State. These are gatherings of too great importance to pass lightly by. We are responsible, and shall be held thus in the Judgment, for the use we make of such golden opportunities. Shall we come up to our camp-meeting to spend the time indifferently? to spend it, with all its privileges and blessings, as though the time and means spent were of minor consequence?

Throughout the entire encampment, in every tent, in each family, and with every individual commandment-keeper, and the children of such, there should be seriousness of deportment and due respect to the place and time devoted to the work and worship of God, who knows the heart, and constantly watches the development of character, and weighs moral worth. This is not the place for trifling nor vanity; not the place for listlessness. The young should especially be impressed with this fact, and in coming to these solemn assemblies should come to honor and respect them.

If we come to the meeting praying, if we come to work for God, come to receive and do good, and unitedly seek the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, that Spirit will be in our midst. This will unite our hearts and our interests in the great work of the Lord, and make our joys one; and we may expect others to desire to participate in the heavenly blessings which may fall upon the encampment. To this end let us pray. A. S. HUTCHINS.

July 20, 1877.