Close of Labors in Missouri.
By George I. Butler
With the Missouri camp-meeting my labors in that Conference have closed for the present. This meeting was small, but in this respect only was there anything discouraging connected with it. There was such a spirit of love and union in it as to afford a marked contrast to some other meetings held in past years, and to give good grounds of hope for greater prosperity in future. Our meeting Sabbath day was marked by the greatest outpouring of the Spirit I have ever seen in Missouri. Seventy-five or so were forward for prayers, and many hearts were melted by the Lord’s power. Eighteen were baptized Monday, which was a large number considering the size of the meeting. Our camp-meeting was a great blessing to the cause in Sedalia. As is often the case, there was quite a lull after the highest interest was reached, and so there was a small attendance from the outside. This moved out the believers. Many of them were much affected. After the camp-meeting closed we held two meetings with the friends of the cause to plan about a place in which to hold meetings, and get them in shape to leave. These were profitable. There are now forty-two names on the covenant, and we know of at least eight or ten more who are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. Others are investigating with much interest. Quite a number have joined the tract society, and they seem determined to go to work for the Lord. I hope to see the church at Sedalia one of the strongest in the State. Brn. Wood and McReynolds have pitched the fifty-foot tent at Green Ridge, twelve miles from Sedalia, where they can assist them in their meetings occasionally. If they only had a house of worship, I could see nothing to hinder their prosperity. I feel very grateful to God for his blessing during the past year, and in our camp-meeting. The work is rising, and if wisdom prevails, prosperity will attend the cause in Missouri. I have become much attached to many dear brethren and sisters there, and shall be glad to labor further in their midst should Providence so direct. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Sept. 15, 1878.