CAMP MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN AND MINNESOTA.
By George C. Tenney
IT was as true of these meetings as of all others we have attended this year that they were the best and the largest ever held in their Conferences. Such should be the case with each succeeding year, from the fact that ours is a progressive work, and its very life consists in its growth and development. When this ceases, like a tree, the cause will cease to live and will fall into decay. The Wisconsin meeting was held upon grounds occupied for the same purpose about twelve and fourteen years ago. At that time I was identified with the work in this State, but soon after left for other fields and have not since then met with these friends. It was therefore an occasion of unusual pleasure and interest, and the pleasure was increased by meeting so many of the old-time acquaintances and fellow workers. The regular camp meeting was preceded by a preliminary meeting for study and devotion. The principal feature of this part of the meeting was the instruction in Religious Liberty, led by Elder W. A. Colcord. It was referred to by all who attended, as an interesting and a profitable occasion. The exercises of the camp meeting did not vary particularly from those of the other meetings. The same blessings were vouchsafed to us that the Lord is always willing and waiting to bestow upon those who seek him earnestly. Many drank of this cup of blessing more deeply than they had ever before done. From time to time through the meeting opportunity was given for those who desired to do so to seek God, and as there was a beautiful little lake adjoining the camp, baptism was administered as the occasion indicated. There were four seasons of celebrating this ordinance. In all about eighty were buried with Christ in baptism. There were 151 tents in the camp, and the number of people encamped was estimated to be 800. The town was too far away to admit of a large general attendance of those residing there, though on each of the Sundays there was a large outside attendance. The business pertaining to the different societies was transacted in a very harmonious spirit. Altogether the meeting may be reckoned a pronounced success, and all went away saying, "It was good for us to be there." The Minnesota meeting convened on the same grounds that have been occupied for two or three years in succession, in the southern part of Minneapolis. They are pleasant and ample, though the service furnished by the street car company was inadequate to the wants of the meeting. Especially was this noticeable on Sunday morning, when the company undertook to enforce an unpopular rule upon their employes, and they resisted the encroachment with a rigorous strike. The consequence was that during the first part of the day not a car was run, and so our meeting was not very largely attended on that day. The same general features prevailed at this meeting that characterized the preceding ones. It was the largest and the best of all that had been held in the State. About 230 tents were on the grounds, occupied by 1,150 people. There was from the first a manifest desire to seek God, and this most important work was not postponed till the Sabbath, as is usually the case, but opportunities were given daily, and there were always those who were glad to improve them. Indeed, the people asked from time to time that such opportunities might be given them, as they desired to publicly announce their determination to seek the Lord and to embrace his service. Baptism was administered on Monday, when 142 persons went forward in this solemn rite. There were many remarkable instances connected with this as well as with the other meetings we have attended this season, which characterize this year's camp meetings as the most blessed that we have ever held. Thus may it be each year; and thus it will undoubtedly be until the close of our work. It is time to rise and gird on strength. The watchword should be, Courage, and holiness to the Lord.