KANSAS CAMP-MEETINGS by J. H. Cook

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 25, 1879

KANSAS CAMP-MEETINGS.

By J. H. Cook

THE time for our camp-meetings is rapidly drawing on; and we should now be making preparations to attend some of these meetings. The committee have made arrangements to have four camp-meetings this fall, and they are so located that but few of our brethren will have to go any great distance to attend them.

Brethren, we feel a deep interest in these meetings. We have traveled largely through the State, and we know by personal knowledge that you are much in need of just such means of grace as will thus be brought within your reach. Some of our people need no urging. It is enough that they see an appointment for a general meeting. They go if life and health permit. It is not too much to say that the bone and sinew of our denomination is made up of this class. They are the first in living out the truth at home, the first in sustaining the various branches of the cause with their means.

I pen these lines especially for those who are not in the habit of attending these meetings. These four meetings are appointed especially for your benefit, because we know that you need the instruction and blessings which you may receive by attending them. There are those in every church who generally stay away from the meetings. When the distance was great there was at least an apparent reason; but that objection will be taken out of the way in this arrangement. The meetings will be in easy reach of all who have a disposition in their hearts to sacrifice a little in this direction. To those who feel too poor to attend I would say, You can live as cheaply on the camp-ground as at your homes. But those who are most inclined to stay away are those who have means, and could attend without sacrifice. Their worldly cares press them, and they think they cannot spare the time. Their business would suffer. Hence this settles the question with them. They decide from worldly motives alone. Now this is wrong. These matters should be carried to God. Worldly considerations should not come into the account. We are making decisions for eternity. Is our work done? Have we searched out our sins and put them all away? Only the overcomers will hear the “well done.” Many will be mistaken. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

Brethren, our whole energies should be absorbed in the work of seeking God, and in obtaining a moral fitness for his kingdom. I am conscious that many are in great danger. Covetousness is gradually stealing over them, and their love for the world is rapidly driving out the love of God. Let me say to such, Make a special effort, if you do have to make some sacrifice. It is a worthy cause.

I would say to the lonely ones who have no privilege of meetings at home, Make a decided effort at this time, to secure the benefits of these meetings. Commence now to get ready. Work to the point. Ask God to help you, and you will find the way open for you to attend. Many of you are far behind; and some have given up in discouragement. Resolve to begin anew. Walk out by faith, and God will bless you. You have but little time to work, and a great work to do. Work fast, or all will be lost.

To those especially in the El Dorado district I would say, Your meeting will be an experiment. You are much scattered. Many of you never before had a privilege of this kind. As compared with the other districts you are few in numbers. But if you make a general rally, as I confidently hope you will, and come with a will to work in the Master's vineyard, then we may expect an excellent meeting. But if the attendance should be small, probably next year that district would be left out. If on the contrary, it is a success, probably year after year you will have camp-meeting. I have been much encouraged in traveling over this district, and I expect to see nearly every family represented at this meeting. The location is a beautiful one, one-half mile from the city of El Dorado. El Dorado is the county-seat of Butler Co., having a population of 1500. They anticipate a large home attendance. May the Lord bless, and give the cause a fresh impetus at these meetings. J. H. Cook.