THE KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.
By George I. Butler
THIS meeting, held May 19-24, was an interesting occasion. About two hundred observers of the seventh-day Sabbath were in attendance. There would doubtless have been more had not the spring been very late, and the weather unpleasantly wet before and during the meeting. It rained more or less every day of the meeting. Its location was about twelve miles west of Topeka, the State capital, at Wakarusa Station, in a pleasant little grove by the side of a small stream. Our meetings were good from the start. There seemed to be a perceptible improvement in the spiritual atmosphere of this meeting over the three preceding annual camp-meetings in this State. Our meetings were more spiritual, and more of the love and tenderness which should characterize such meetings prevailed. On account of the rain, there was not a large attendance Sunday, of those not of our faith. But those who did come gave good attention. With the exception of the time spent in the transaction of the necessary business for the various societies which held their annual sessions then, the time was taken up with meetings for religious benefit. Discourses were given on practical godliness, and instruction calculated to help those in a backslidden state. Such were called forward, and earnest prayer ascended in their behalf. Many professed to find great peace in the blessing of God, which they received, and their courage and hope were greatly strengthened to make a success in the Christian life. It was good to hear their testimonies of praise. There was no noisy, disagreeable excitement, but quiet and deep feeling was manifest. As an evidence of how this precious truth is reaching many classes, we refer to the fact that, beside our usual assortment of Sabbath observers from many of the Protestant churches, several converts from the Catholic church were on the ground. One brother of French descent, born in Canada, who was completely under the influence of Catholicism, became a reader of the Bible, lost faith in the worship of saints and Mary, and became a worshiper of God. Of course he at once became a "black sheep." The priests denounced him, his dearest relatives turned against him, and he was harrassed in many ways, and came to the States where he could enjoy freedom. He went on, as he expressed it, "step by step," as he saw the light, and has at last embraced the Sabbath of the Lord and kindred truths, and greatly rejoices in them. It was good to hear his testimony, in broken English. How wonderfully God is working by his providence, so that the message shall go to "peoples, nations, tongues and kings." The appointed day of fasting and prayer for the restoration to health of our beloved missionary in Switzerland, Eld. Andrews, and various other important objects, was observed on the camp-ground, and was a day of great spiritual benefit. We felt that God heard the prayers of his people, and we will hope for the best results. The Kansas Conference seems to be prospering spiritually and financially more than in the past. They will be able to reduce their Tract and Missionary debt of $1,600, a year since, about half with the means at hand, and have pledges to pay it all off. Their ministers are now well supported, and near two hundred Sabbath-keepers have been added to their numbers the year past, making about one thousand Sabbath-keepers now in the Conference. Some promising young persons are entering the field as laborers. The courage of the burden-bearers is better there than for a long time. May God continue to bless this Conference.