ARE YOU GOING TO CAMP-MEETING?
By Charles P. Whitford
Such is the inquiry frequently made, and too often we hear the reply, “I do not know.” “Times are so hard, and there is so much to be done, I guess we shall not go this year.” But can we let these precious privileges pass by on such pretexts as these, and secure the approving smiles of Heaven? If the Lord is soon to come, do we not need the benefit of every such means of grace? You may perhaps answer, “Yes; but it is not convenient for me to go.” But is “convenience” the rule by which we should decide duty? If all decide upon that principle, how many, think you, would attend the meeting? In REVIEW of July 20, 1876, Bro. J. Clarke says on this subject: “Now I will tell you what you had better say when any one asks you if you are going to camp-meeting, say, ‘Yes; I am going if I possibly can.’ Having said this, you will feel better, and more disposed to go; and in a few days it is very likely that you will see your way so plainly that you will wonder how you could have been so stupid as to say, ‘I do not see how I can go to camp-meeting; times are so hard, and I have so much work to do. I cannot leave home so long,’ etc. The fact is, you cannot afford to stay at home from camp-meeting. . . . It is not every day that you can hear such speakers as attend these meetings. Then, consider, too, that angels from Heaven, with special power from God, will be present; and if you invest liberally in your camp-meeting outfit, with a loving heart, God will repay you by reviving you at this meeting, and this will be worth infinitely more to you than gold or stock in banks.” “Soon camp-meetings will cease; . . . and then all will rest; the wicked in dishonorable graves, and the righteous in light ineffable and full of glory. Of what value is wealth now, except to be used in the cause of God? Of what value is life, if not to be used in the work of God? And our time, whose is it but the Lord’s?” Come, then, to the camp-meeting. Come in humble faith, expecting God will bless you.