After the Camp Meeting
By camp meetings
held in the cities thousands will be called out to hear the invitation to the
feast: “Come; for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17. After arousing the
interest of the people, we should not cut these meetings short, pulling down
all the tents and giving the impression that the meeting is over. Just at the
time when hundreds have become interested, the greatest good may be
accomplished by faithful and earnest work. Therefore the meetings should be so
managed that the public interest may be maintained. After one of the camp
meetings the question as to the continuance of tent meetings was under
consideration. I told the brethren a dream I had had. I dreamed that I saw a
partially completed building. The workmen were gathering up their tools,
preparing to leave it unfinished; but I entreated them to consider the matter.
“The building is not finished,” I said; “come back, and keep at work until it
is roofed.” Then they came back and continued the work. So the brethren heeded
my counsel to remain and continue the work of the camp meeting. As the result a
number accepted the truth.
There need not
be so many failures in the expensive efforts put forth in camp meetings and
tent meetings; there need not be so few sheaves to bring to the Master. In
places where the standard of present truth has never been lifted, more souls
will now be converted as the result of a certain amount of work than ever
before. For everyone whose hands seem to be weakening and losing
their hold I
have the word: “Grasp the standard more firmly.” Faith says: “Go forward.” You
must not fail nor be discouraged. There is no weakness of faith in him who is
constantly advancing.
After a camp
meeting it may sometimes be difficult to hold the principal speakers for
several weeks to develop the interest awakened. It may be expensive to retain
the ground and to keep a sufficient number of the family tents standing to
maintain the appearance of a camp meeting. It may be at a sacrifice that
several families remain on the ground to assist the ministers and Bible workers
in visiting and Bible study with those who come to the meetings, and in
visiting the people at their homes, telling of the blessings received at the
meetings and inviting them to come. No doubt it will be difficult to secure a
sufficient number of workers to carry forward the work successfully. But the
results will justify the effort. It is by such earnest and energetic efforts as
these that some of our camp meetings have been instrumental in raising up
strong working churches. And it is by just such earnest work that the third
angel’s message must be carried to the people of our cities. Sometimes a large
number of speakers attend a camp meeting for a few days, and just
when the interest of the people is fully aroused, nearly all hurry away to
another meeting, leaving two or three speakers behind to struggle against the
depressing influence of the tearing down and removal of the family tents. How
much better it would be if the meetings were continued for a longer time; if
persons would come from each church prepared to remain a
month or longer,
helping in the meetings and learning how to labor acceptably. Then they could
carry a valuable experience to their churches when they return home. How much
better if some of the same speakers who aroused the interest of the people
during the largest attendance at the meeting would remain to follow up the work
by a thoroughly organized protracted effort. To conduct meetings in this way
would require that several be in progress at the same time, and this would not
permit a few men to attend all the meetings. But we must remember that the work
is to be
accomplished “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of
hosts.” Zechariah 4:6. The work should not stop when the meetings on the camp
ground close.
Doctrines have
been presented that are new and strange to the people. Those who are convicted
and who desire to accept the truth, will have to meet the most determined and
subtle opposition. Ministers, friends, and acquaintances will put forth every
effort to catch away the seeds of truth sown in the heart. We must not leave
the seed to be thus caught away. We must not allow it to wither for want
of moisture. Changes tend to weaken the influence of the meetings. Continue the
meetings on the
camp ground whenever practicable. But when it seems advisable to move, let the
large tent be removed to some favorable location, and let the services in it be
continued. A mission should be established. Secure a suitable place, and let a
number of workers unite to form a mission family. This should be in charge of a
man and his wife who are persons of ability and consecration and
whose influence will give character to the work.In following up the interest
after a camp meeting, helpers are needed in various lines, and these occasions
should be as a training school for workers.
Let young men
work in connection with experienced laborers who will pray with them and
patiently instruct them. Consecrated women should engage in Bible work from
house to house. Some of the workers should act as colporteurs, selling our
literature and giving judiciously to those who cannot buy. Let some of the
workers attend religious gatherings in other churches and, as there is opportunity, take part in them. Jesus when only twelve years old went into the
school of the priests and rabbis at the temple and asked questions. In this
temple school, studies were conducted daily, somewhat as we conduct Bible
studies. Jesus asked questions as a learner, but His
questions furnished new matter for those learned priests to think upon. Similar
work might be done today. Judicious young men should be encouraged to attend
the meetings of the Young Men’s Christian Association, not for the sake of
contention, but to search the Scriptures with them and suggest helpful
questions. Had work in these various lines been done earnestly and vigorously
after all our camp meetings, many more souls would have been gathered in as the fruit of the seed
sown at the meetings.
Let the workers
become acquainted with the people and read to them the precious words of
Christ. Lift up Jesus crucified among them, and soon those who have listened to
the messages of warning from the ministers at the tent, and have been
convicted, will be drawn out to ask for further information. This is the time
to present the reasons of our faith with meekness and fear; not a slavish fear,
but a cautious fear lest we speak unadvisedly. Present the truth in all its
loveliness, in simplicity and sincerity, giving meat in due season, and to
everyone his portion of meat. This work requires you to watch for souls as they
that must give an account. The tenderness of Christ must pervade the heart of
the worker. If you have a love for souls you will reveal a tender solicitude
for them. You will offer humble, earnest, heartfelt prayers for those whom you
visit. The fragrance of Christ’s love will be revealed in your work. He who
gave Hisown life for the
life of the world will co-operate with the unselfish worker to make an
impression upon human hearts.
Written by
Testimonies
for the Church
Volume Six
Ellen G. White
1901
Social Plugin