p. 623 | The Iowa Camp-Meeting by A. G. Daniells

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 16, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 39.

The Iowa Camp-Meeting.

By A. G. Daniells

This meeting was held at Marshalltown, Aug. 14-26. The camp-ground was situated about one-half mile from the heart of the city, which contains twelve thousand inhabitants. The pavilion, which was used for all the large services, stood on the highest point of ground in the camp, and there was a gradual slope from the tent in every direction. Great pains was taken to seat the pavilion so that it would be comfortable for the audience and creditable to us as a people. The speakers' stand was neatly and tastily decorated with blooming plants of various kinds tendered us by the citizens of the place. This added much to the appearance of the tent. Besides the large tent mentioned above, there were three 40-ft. tents on the ground. In one, regular services were held in the Scandinavian tongue; another was used for the book-stand; and the third was called the Dining Hall Tent. There were about 90 family tents pitched.

The meetings began Thursday night with a fair representation from the different parts of the State. Two meetings of the Conference were held Friday. The usual committees were appointed and everything was prepared to begin action in business matters the first of the next week.

Sister White reached the ground Thursday night and began laboring with her accustomed earnestness and devotion, at the early meeting Friday morning. Although worn from travel, she attended nearly all the meetings, and spoke often. I have attended many of her meetings under various circumstances, but her discourses never seemed so clear nor her words so powerful, as at this time. She bore a plain testimony to the people, and we know of some precious souls who were greatly benefited. Her presence and council in the ministers' meetings were just what we needed.

On the Sabbath we had solemn meetings. The sermons were impressive, and when an invitation was given for all the unconverted and backsliders, who wanted to give themselves to God, to come forward, a large number responded with but little urging. After the offering of a few fervent prayers, the camp was divided into smaller companies, and the good work was carried on until nearly the close of the Sabbath.

It began raining early Sunday morning and continued all day. This was a great disappointment especially to those who had the burden of the meeting. Nearly every family in Marshall County had been visited and made acquainted with the nature of our work, and at many had promised to attend on Sunday. For this reason all felt anxious that Sunday should be a good day. As soon as it was seen that we could not have a good attendance from the city and country, all efforts were directed to the good of our own people.

Sister White left Monday evening for the New York camp-meeting. We would have been glad if she could have remained until the close of our meeting, but we felt in our hearts that her visit was a good and timely one, and will be of great benefit to those who heed the instruction she gave.

Elder Butler reached the ground direct from the Texas camp-meeting, Wednesday morning. He found plenty to do, and took hold in his usual earnest and impressive manner.

It seemed as though the enemy was doing all in his power to hold the people and keep them from gaining the needed blessing, and on the Sabbath many fasted and prayed earnestly for the power of God to be manifested. Some were blessed. After Elder Butler's sermon in the afternoon, a large number came forward to seek God's blessing. This work was carried on until the close of the Sabbath. While nearly all felt that we did not receive the light and blessing we should, for our future good, we could not doubt but that some souls were plucked, as it were, like brands from the burning.

It began raining early Sunday morning, and continued until the middle of the following night. But few were out from the city. Hence both Sundays were nearly lost as far as outside work was concerned. Monday was the closing day. After a stirring sermon by Elder Farnsworth, on the subject of baptism, sixty precious souls were buried with their Lord by baptism. As most of the brethren had to leave during the night, the parting meeting was held at the close of the evening service. A few appropriate remarks were made by Elder Olsen on the duties of the minister, after which brother John Wilson was set apart by the laying on of hands, to the work of the ministry. This was a solemn scene. The Lord came near. A good social meeting followed this, and although it was nearing midnight, it was difficult for the ministers to close the meeting.

I hardly feel free to close this report without saying a word respecting the children's meetings. These were very interesting indeed. At 5 o'clock each evening, from fifty to seventy-five children and youth would assemble in the 40-ft. tent, and after a little instruction, they would enter into a very spirited social meeting. These children's meetings are very important and beneficial. I fear that we have not done as much at our camp-meetings for the precious little ones as we should. Many made a good start in these meetings, and were baptized.

It was thought best that the tent should remain in this city during the remainder of the summer. Some interest is manifested.

A. G. DANIELLS.