Camp Followers by Clarence E. Moon

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 5, 1912

"Camp Followers"

By Clarence E. Moon

CLARENCE E. MOON

THERE have always been times during the history of God's people, when those have joined the ranks of his followers who were not imbued with the spirit of their leader, and hence had no whole-hearted interest in his cause.

When God, with a mighty hand, brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, a mixed multitude followed them. Some went for mercenary advantages, some perhaps followed in search of adventure or for love of excitement, and others had married into the families of Israel. The margin of Ex. 12:38 says they were a "great mixture." By divine provision these "camp followers" were not numbered with God's chosen people, loyal to God as the rest of the camp; and were not allowed to be counted with any of the tribes until after the third generation. They were a source of continual hindrance to Israel, and were the active agents in the hands of Satan to stir up murmurings, faultfindings, and actual revolt during the sojourn in the wilderness. At times they seemed as loyal to God as the rest of the camp; but when adversity came, when faith was tried, they soon manifested a spirit which plainly showed that their interest was in material things, and that they were not trusting in the unseen Presence within the veil where God spoke to his people.

This experience was not peculiar to the children of Israel in their wilderness wanderings. Among the multitudes who thronged the Saviour were many who came not to see the miracles, nor hear his gracious words, but because of the loaves and fishes. "They did not seek him from any worthy motive; but as they had been fed with the loaves, they hoped still to receive temporal benefit by attaching themselves to him."—"Desire of Ages."

Thus we see that in all ages men and women have been attracted to the Lord's work who did not give final proof that they had been in deed and truth drawing their spiritual life from the living fountain. We should not be surprised to find this spirit in God's closing work in the earth. And after heart searching and true repentance to God, we may even find some of it in our own lives. "Search me, O God, and know my heart" (Ps. 139:23), should be our daily prayer to God.

One of the saddest stories I ever heard was that of a man who followed the United States army during the Mexican war. He did not take the trouble or time to register his name with the army officers, to enlist under his country's flag, but went, as did many other boys, as a camp follower. He endured all the privations that fell to the lot of the regular soldier. He took the long marches under the tropical sun, fought bravely for his country, and when the soldiers came home victorious, received with the battle-scarred veterans the plaudits of friends and relatives. But in later years when he applied for a much-needed pension, the clerk searched in vain for his name. He had never enlisted, and therefore was denied government support, even though he had rendered valuable service.

Brethren, should we not ask ourselves, Am I sure that my name is written in the book of life? Am I an enlisted soldier under the banner of Prince Immanuel, or just a camp follower, enjoying from day to day the blessing of being connected with his people, but not having made my calling and election sure? May God bring this lesson home to all our hearts, and cause such a heart searching as will make formal Christians active members in the church militant. Jesus said, "Rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."

Geyserville, Cal.