MISSIONARY WORK AT CAMP-MEETINGS by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, June 24, 1880

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 56, No. 1

MISSIONARY WORK AT CAMP-MEETINGS.

By S. N. Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.

Our camp-meetings have a twofold object. First, to promote the spiritual interests of our brethren and sisters; and second, to properly represent the truth and our work to those unacquainted with them. To accomplish the first, much of the preaching is usually close, practical, setting forth the nature of the work and the wants of the cause, and giving such general information as will instruct all in its different branches. The condition of the several missions, plans laid for the advancement of the cause, and the manner in which means are expended, are laid before the brethren and sisters. To accomplish the second object, tracts calculated to fasten conviction on the minds of those who have heard are frequently given away at the close of a discourse.

Subscriptions are also taken for our various periodicals by canvassers appointed for this purpose. At our camp-meeting held this year, this branch of the missionary work has been a grand success, and it should never be neglected. Thousands of subscribers for all of our periodicals were thus obtained last year, and at the two camp-meetings already held on this coast, about two hundred subscribers, largely for the REVIEW, Signs, and Instructor, were secured. At the close of a discourse, which has riveted the attention of the crowd, some proper person should call attention to these periodicals, stating that canvassers are on the ground who will take subscriptions for them. Attention should also be called to publications for sale.

This year another feature has been introduced, which has thus far proved very beneficial to our brethren and sisters; namely, a Bible-class. In some respects this class answers the purpose of a Biblical Institute. It awakens an interest to study the Scriptures, and serves to unite our brethren more fully on some of the vital points of our faith. The proper observance of the Sabbath is a subject that cannot be made too prominent among our people. After it has been considered in a Bible-class, we frequently hear remarks like the following: “I never saw it so clearly before; I shall do differently in the future.” Such truths, which have a practical bearing upon our lives, are of vital importance.

An organized effort should also be made to learn the spiritual condition of each company on the ground. Ministers and leading brethren can take charge of a certain number of tents, and all the brethren and sisters should co-operate with them. In this way much good can be accomplished.

At our camp-meetings there should be, and generally is, a full attendance of our brethren. Unconsecrated children, neighbors, and friends should be encouraged to attend, and practical missionary effort should be put forth to save souls. The time should all be occupied, and everything should be made to tend toward instructing and establishing people in the truths of the Bible; and all should be encouraged to take advance steps in the divine life.