CAMP-MEETING IN LEMOORE, CAL.
By S. N. Haskell
This meeting was appointed to commence Thursday, April 22, and continue until the next Wednesday. The first morning the rain, which had been falling, ceased, the clouds disappeared, and the sun shone upon the encampment in all its clearness, and continued to do so, each day, until the meeting closed. We had the finest of weather for evening meetings also, as there was a full moon. Forty-five tents were pitched on the ground, including the restaurant, and the pavilion, 60x100 ft., in which the meetings were held. Services commenced at the time appointed, and continued without interruption until the second Monday morning, May 3, which included over eleven days. From the commencement, an interest to seek God was manifested by the brethren and sisters; the Lord came near to his people, and at times his presence was329very sensibly felt. The ground seemed sacred, and it was evident that angels were present. The preaching was mostly of a practical nature. The outside interest was good. Sunday, the 24th, it was estimated that fifteen hundred people were on the ground; and this large congregation listened, with almost breathless attention, to a discourse by Sister White. Her remarks in the social meetings, fraught with practical instruction, will not soon be forgotten. A vast amount of prejudice was removed, and many who had been undecided, became established upon the truth. Not a few took their stand to keep the commandments of God. One man relinquished a salary of $75 a month in order to keep the Sabbath, not knowing how he could support his family. Another who had previously been skeptical, fully identified himself with us. In remarks which he made, he said: “They say these people are poor; I am poor, but desire the riches of God’s grace. They say these people are weak; I am weak, but desire to unite with the strength of Omnipotence. They say these people are ignorant; well, I am ignorant, and want the wisdom of God. They say these people are low; I am low, and wish the exaltation of connecting with the Lord Jesus Christ.” About one hundred separated themselves from the congregation, Sabbath afternoon, at the close of a discourse by Sister White, thus expressing a desire to seek God, some for the first time, and others who had lost their connection with Heaven, wished to again find the Saviour precious to their souls. This work was carried forward in a few family tents selected for this purpose at the close of the public service. It was a successful move. One of those who came forward was a Methodist minister. A goodly number signed the covenant, and it was evident to all that a new song was in the mouths of many. Expressions like the following were frequently made: “God has blessed me as never before;” “I never realized the pardoning love of God before as now.” Seven were baptized. One boy of seven summers asked, in tears, if he was old enough to be baptized, saying that he loved the Saviour and felt that his sins were forgiven. Jesus says, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 19:14. When a person is old enough to discern between right and wrong, and to realize the forgiving smiles of the Saviour, he is old enough to be baptized. A lively interest was manifested in the missionary work, as will be seen from the quarterly report. More than $1,700 was pledged toward raising a T. and M. reserve fund in this State. The object of this fund is to enable the society to supply ministers, colporters, and others who wish to labor actively in the missionary work, with bound books, premiums, Sabbath-school appliances, etc., to sell. Between twenty and thirty pledged to become life-members of the General T. and M. Society. It seemed necessary that we should return to Oakland at the time the meetings were to have closed, but we could not resist the urgent pleading of some of the brethren for the meetings to continue over another Sabbath and first-day. When this decision was made, some returned forty miles to bring their families and neighbors. Not a tent was taken down until after the meeting closed Monday morning. This was a feature upon which we cannot but think God looked with approbation. The brethren said, “It will not pay to break up so soon.” This sounded very different from, “We cannot afford to remain longer; our affairs at home must be attended to.” The meeting increased in interest until the close. A Bible class was held at regular sessions; and instruction was given in the missionary work. In no exercise was more interest taken than in the Bible-class, especially when the subject, “How to keep the Sabbath,” was considered. Sister White took an active part in the discussion of this question, and gave much light and instruction, which will be of great benefit to those present. Over one hundred subscribers for our periodicals, mostly the Signs of the Times, were obtained upon the ground. Two brothers, six and seven years of age, obtained nine subscribers for the Instructor. Three colporters are now devoting their time to the work of the present truth. Besides this, a number will make a specialty of canvassing for our periodicals, and several took an agency for “Plain Facts,” with territory. Our parting meeting was held at 4:30 Monday morning. I never before saw so much feeling manifested at the breaking up of a camp meeting. As we look over the eleven days of the meeting, and consider the general arrangement of the ground, including the restaurant; the healing of alienated hearts, as individuals, kneeling, embraced one another, confessing their faults; the promptness in attending the meetings, and the outside interest manifested to hear the truth, we think it was the best camp-meeting, considering all things, that we ever attended. The brethren returned to their homes greatly encouraged, and we feel strengthened, spiritually, mentally, and physically.