THE CAUSE IN MISSOURI.—CAMP-MEETINGS, ETC.
By George I. Butler
Having visited, during the past winter, nearly every company of Sabbath-keepers in this State, I realize the wants of the cause better than before. The churches in the State are generally small, and mostly situated along the western border of the State, in a district about three hundred miles in length, but quite narrow. This makes it difficult to get all our members out to one camp-meeting. The churches in Missouri need labor and instruction, as much, if not more, than those in any other part of the field. It seems absolutely necessary that earnest, faithful labor should be bestowed; but the difficulty lies in the fact that if each company should be visited, and that labor be given which seems absolutely necessary for the good of the cause, it would require a great deal more time than can be afforded, considering the scarcity of ministerial help in the State. It seems a pity to spend so much time speaking to so few, when much more could be done in so much less time if more were together; yet the truth has been planted in all these localities, and each company should be a light to those living within reach of its influence, by means of missionary efforts put forth in all directions. It seems to me terribly sad to have the truth planted in different localities, and leave it to die out slowly for lack of judicious labor. This has been the case in quite a number of places. Our churches must have some labor, or they will, in many cases, lose their interest. Our churches have begun to take hold in the tract work. Clubs of the SIGNS have been taken in every church where I have labored; so that nearly four hundred copies are now taken in the State. These, if judiciously circulated, will reach many readers the coming year, and create an interest to hear in many localities. This beginning in the tract work needs to be followed up. Generally, the brethren and sisters in the State seem glad to receive instruction. We want to improve the present season to the very best advantage in lecturing, and bringing many into the truth. We want our tents to start as early as the season will permit. We cannot bestow much, if any, labor on the churches generally, before late in the fall; yet the good work which has commenced in the T. and M. cause, and in other directions, must be kept moving onward. How shall we meet this difficulty? After much consultation with the brethren, we decide to have two camp-meetings this spring, and one in the fall. These spring meetings will be held sometime between the middle of May and the first of June, according as the season of corn-planting is early or late this year: one of these (probably) at Appleton City, St. Clair Co.; the other, at Gallatin, Daviess Co. The former will be very central for all living south of the Missouri River, and the latter for those living north of it. The brethren in most of the churches promise a general rally; and I firmly believe that if all will come out, more can be done in two weeks in these two meetings to raise the interest in the State, and to forward the objects we have been laboring for, than could be done in laboring in the churches for three months. In each of these places there is a real interest, and I believe if the weather is favorable there will be the largest attendance of outsiders ever seen in the State. The general meeting in the State for the election of officers and the transaction of our annual business, will be put off till fall. It will be out of the question to have a large meeting of our people this spring, unless it should be brought near to them, as I have indicated above. If held in the center of the State, it will necessarily be a long distance from the mass of our people. The winter has been so terribly muddy that farmers are much behind in their work, as they have been wholly unable to do any hauling or other work to any extent. They have been almost unable to keep themselves in fire wood. It will be of no use to appoint meetings until corn-planting is over. This may be as early in the southern part of the State as the date suggested by the General Conference, or it may not. The brethren are generally poor, and their success for the season depends mainly upon the corn crop. We could not, with any reason, expect their attendance till their crop is planted. We will therefore wait before announcing the definite date of each meeting, until we see whether the season is to be late or early. But all can understand these meetings will be held sometime between the 15th of May and the 1st of June, without fail. We shall be very thankful for any help the General Conference can furnish us; and, in the meantime, we ask our brethren to make all calculations to attend these meetings. We want a general rally. We will see that the definite date is given in season. GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. Mo. Conf.