IOWA CAMP-MEETINGS by E. W. Farnsworth

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 15, 1879

IOWA CAMP-MEETINGS.

By E. W. Farnsworth

It is, perhaps, impossible for us to set before our brethren the importance of these meetings more clearly than has already been done; and yet we wish to add a few words. It is unnecessary to speak of the need of these meetings. This is more easily felt than told. These local camp-meetings are becoming more and more important; and it is not to be doubted but they will in time, to some degree, take the place of our more general meetings. By these local meetings, we are able to reach a class that is difficult to reach otherwise; and we hope all our brethren will exert their influence to get those who hardly ever attend such meetings to come.

At our general camp-meetings there is usually a great amount of business to attend to, and sometimes this has detracted from the religious interest; but at these meetings there will be no Conference business to look after. The great object will be to seek God. The T. and M. work will receive its share of attention. The Sabbath-school work will not be forgotten. The cause of health reform and Christian temperance will be remembered. But, while we shall talk of these things, we shall not cease to plead for more of the good religion of Jesus Christ.

Our meeting in the western part of the State will probably be held at Dunlap. We request Brn. A. W. Bunnell, Leonard Smith, and S. M. Holly to act as camp-meeting committee.

We would suggest to all the camp-meeting committees the importance of strictest economy in the management of the finances. Several such meetings have been held in Missouri, with no expense to the Conference. Perhaps Iowa can do as well.

We shall be disappointed if we do not see a general gathering of our brethren at these meetings. You cannot be benefited to any great extent unless you are there. There are a few things we wish you to leave at your homes when you come, and a few things we wish you to bring. First, leave your farms, and cattle, and your church trials, and your neighborhood difficulties. We have no use for these at a camp-meeting, unless you propose to donate the first mentioned to the cause; if so, bring them along; we will take them. But we have no use for the other things named, in all the work of God. So leave them at home.

The things we wish you to bring are, first, your children; secondly, your brethren who are on the back-ground, with hardly interest enough to go to meeting at home; thirdly, your neighbors and friends; fourthly, and the most important of all, bring Jesus and the holy angels with you. And may each morning and evening from this time till the meetings are past, be a witness that you have wrestled with the angel of God for his blessing to rest upon you and all who may attend. E. W. FARNSWORTH.