THE PA. CAMP-MEETING by B. L. Whitney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1879

THE PA. CAMP-MEETING.

By B. L. Whitney

It seems proper that I should say a few words in addition to what has been written respecting this meeting. I feel an intense desire that it shall prove a success and a great blessing to the cause in this young Conference. Whether this shall be the case seems to rest, to a large extent at least, with our brethren and sisters themselves. We have been favored in a most remarkable degree in securing a fine location for the meeting, and most favorable arrangements generally. The Erie R. R., on which the grounds are situated, has given us special rates of fare lower than it usually gives for such meetings, and other roads have granted us greater favors even than we expected. So far as these things are concerned we can never expect to be more highly favored than at the present time.

More than all this, we have the promise of the most efficient help from abroad. We know that if any consideration of this kind will stir our brethren to attend the meeting it is the assurance that Bro. and Sr. White will be present with us to labor for the interest of the meeting. And we are rejoiced to see, by the last REVIEW, that Eld. Geo. I. Butler, who has not been at our camp-meetings in this State for years, will be present. We are sure his labors will be appreciated. Under these circumstances we feel that we have every reason to appeal to our brethren throughout our Conference not to let this opportunity pass without making special efforts to enjoy the benefits of this meeting.

We make this appeal not because we do not expect a good attendance, because of this we are already well assured; but because we do not want any that ought to come to stay away. Brethren, come to this meeting and bring your children and neighbors with you. We owe it to ourselves and to the cause of God with which we are connected, that we come to this feast of tabernacles, and seek by the help of the Lord and of his servants a better preparation for the work in which we are engaged. Do not suffer trifles to keep you away. Time is short, and we certainly all need the benefit of such a meeting as this. If the times are hard, there is no prospect that they will be better; and surely we ought to be thankful that the Lord has so favorably prepared the way that we may come now. We wish the brethren of Western and Central N. Y. to consider this their camp-meeting. As the N. Y. Conference is to be held in connection with it, we shall expect a large attendance from these sections of the State, and a full delegation from the northern part. Without doubt this will be the largest meeting ever held by Seventh-day Adventists in the State. Again we say to all, Come to the meeting, and try to bring the Lord with you.

In this connection we would call attention to Bro. Butler's article in REVIEW No. 11, and ask you to re-read it, and then carry out the suggestions as to being on the ground at the commencement and staying till the close. We especially request that all the delegates to the Conference, and as many others as can, come prepared to stay until Thursday of the week the meeting closes. This is absolutely important in consideration of the amount of business to be done. Lastly, we ask those who cannot come to pray that the special blessing of God may be with us in the meeting, to be carried with us to our homes so that it may prove a great blessing to the cause in our Conference.

All mail for the Hornellsville meeting should be marked Belknap’s Park, which will insure its prompt delivery on the ground.

B. L. WHITNEY.