NEW YORK CAMP-MEETING by R. F. Cottrell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 8, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 26.

NEW YORK CAMP-MEETING.

By R. F. Cottrell

THIS meeting, held at Rome, June 11–18, was one of the best, if not the very best, we have ever enjoyed in this State. We were favored with the presence and labors of Sister E. G. White, her son, W. C. White, Elders E. J. Waggoner and A. T. Jones from abroad, and Elder S. H. Lane, who has lately come to work in this Conference. The preaching presented the faith of Jesus in its simplicity and perfect efficacy, by which alone we can be justified from sins that are past; and the warning of the coming test upon the commandments of God was faithfully set before us. And it was clearly shown, from their own words, that the object of the so-called National Reform Association is equivalent to a conspiracy against civil and religious liberty in our country; and that the logical and inevitable result of the success of their movement will be persecution. The Sunday-sabbath is a base counterfeit of the Sabbath of the Lord. Its observance originated with the sun-worship of the pagans; it was introduced into the apostatizing Christian church by the imperial authority of Constantine, a pagan emperor; and is supported as a Christian institution only by fraud and falsifying. It has not the slightest foundation in the word of God.

Union and harmony prevailed in the meeting. All seemed united in seeking the Lord. All were rejoicing in hope. Several of the youth started in the service of the Lord and some of those who had been on the background began anew. About a score were baptized. A young brother, F. M. Wilcox, was set apart to the gospel ministry. The scene of the ordination was most solemn and impressive. After a solemn and fervent prayer by Brother Lane, and the laying on of the hands of the eldership present, the charge was given by Brother Jones almost entirely in the language of the Scriptures in several passages, only modifying the tenses in some so as to correspond with facts of the present time. It was a solemn and affecting scene. Tears witnessed the interest felt throughout the large congregation. All brethren and friends present were glad to be there, and only wished that others had been present to share the joy. All were blest, and encouraged to go on their way rejoicing in hope of the heavenly meeting. R. F. COTTRELL.