Camp-Meeting in Ohio by Stephen Nelson Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 2, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 37.

Camp-Meeting in Ohio.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

THIS meeting was held on the fair-grounds near the city of Columbus. The place of the meeting was about three miles from the city, too far away for people to walk to it, and not so situated as to be reached by excursion trains. The nearer the camp-meetings can be held to a city, the better. If they are held in the city, where there is a good side-walk to them, and a horse railroad passing the grounds, there will be large audiences. If held out of the city, it should be six or more miles off, but on a railroad where excursion trains can be run to it on Sunday, and where all trains can stop at the grounds. However, there was a fair congregation each day and evening. Upon the second Sunday of the meeting there were about 3,000 present, who sat and stood in almost breathless silence for over one hour to hear Sister White as she spoke on the subject of temperance.

We arrived Thursday, after the meeting had been in operation for nearly one week. Elders Butler and Van Horn were on the grounds at the commencement of the meeting. Elder Smith arrived on Friday. At the close of the discourses on Friday and Sabbath afternoons, by Sister White, about 100 came forward for prayers. The Spirit of God was present and moved upon hearts. Many who came to the ground commenced to serve God and keep his commandments. Some of the citizens, we understand, committed themselves to the Sabbath of the Lord. Thirty-six were baptized on Monday.

About fifty tents were pitched, but the larger part of the people took their abode in the Agricultural buildings. About 500 campers were on the ground.

Last spring, at the meeting in Clyde, it was voted to raise $15,000, for the advancement of the cause in Ohio; over half was secured at that meeting. At this meeting it was voted to add to that fund $10,000; $1,000 to pay past arrearages to Conference, and other expenses; $4,000 for Battle Creek College; and $5,000 for the cause in Europe. Over one-half of this was pledged on the ground; 1,000 paid down.

The cause is growing in Ohio. They have had four ordained ministers in this State during the past year. Four more were ordained at this meeting, and sixteen received colporters' licenses. The sweet, melting spirit of Christ rested upon the congregation during the ceremony. Doubtless many of those receiving licenses will develop into successful ministers. But a successful colporter fills as important a branch in this work as the minister.

It is the personal effort that reaches hearts; and he who applies himself to the giving of Bible-readings in families and neighborhoods, and those who are successful in the sale of our publications, can lead useful lives,—such as will bear much fruit in the kingdom of heaven. The Saviour taught his disciples to pray for laborers. Men and women are wanted who feel

the worth of the soul, and are willing to give their means, talent, and life if need be, to advance the cause of Christ. There are some who will do this and God will bring them to the front in the closing work. Many of our brethren have in the past been prospered in the things of this world. His providence has brought them to the present hour to help in this time of need. The fields are white already for harvest. Happy are those who can see the importance of the present hour, and consecrate themselves and their substance to the work of Christ. What is to be done must be done quickly.

The parting meeting was Tuesday morning. Thus closed a successful camp-meeting, the friends returning to their homes much encouraged. S. N. HASKELL.