CAMP-MEETING WEEK by J. H. Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 16, 1880

CAMP-MEETING WEEK.

By J. H. Waggoner

THERE will no paper be issued from this office next week, on account of the camp-meeting.

THE USES OF CAMP-MEETINGS.

UNDER this head a writer in an eastern paper uses some irony, of which a very little will generally suffice; but his points are so suggestive that we present some of them for the consideration of those who assemble in these important meetings. He says:—

“Camp-meeting is a capital place to visit.

“There is no better place for real, earnest Christians to lose their spirituality, by neglecting secret prayer and other duties to which they attend when at home.

“It is the best place in the world for gossip.

“It is perhaps the best place for any who do not live their religion at home to be looked up to as exemplary Christians.

“It affords a wonderful opportunity for any who have no influence at home to “spread themselves” or “show their ability” by long and tedious harangues in the prayer-meeting, and especially by long prayers, which benefit and interest no one, and take the time which would be profitably used by others.

“It is a splendid place to learn to lightly esteem the prayer and conference meeting by only attending occasionally, notwithstanding the services are within your hearing and you could go as well as not.

“It is an excellent place to learn to disrespect both preachers and their sermons, by staying in the tent during service, or strolling about the grounds to converse with any one so disposed, and eagerly listening to every sharp or witty criticism of the preacher or sermon, especially if it come from a preacher.

“There is perhaps no better place to gather in little debating knots, and let others see our ability to master our doctrinal antagonist, create animosities, and divert the mind of both saint and sinner from all interest in the meeting.”

There is a moral in all this. It is well known to the observing that it is easy to backslide under the influence of special privileges. The greater the privilege the greater is the responsibility; and privileges and blessings abused or neglected turn into curses or evils.

To each one the camp-meeting will be just what he chooses to make it: a place to visit, and receive no profit, or a place to worship God,—to work for the good of our fellow-men and the furtherance of the gospel. May the Lord give wisdom and grace to all his people to wisely improve this season of convocation, and thus it will prove a beth-el to our souls, and a benefit to our neighbors. J. H. WAGGONER.