Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 7, 1901

Camp-Meetings

January 21, 1901

Previously unpublished. +^Note

For many years light has been given that camp-meetings should be held yearly in places where the people have not a knowledge of the truth for this time. The tents should be pitched in the most healthful location, and on high ground, so that if heavy rains come, the campers will not be flooded out. 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 1

Our people should not exchange tents for rooms, because the very best impression is made upon those who visit the campground by the home life in the city of tents. 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 2

A large tent should be pitched as a tabernacle, where the people may assemble to be educated in regard to what saith the Lord. 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 3

The gospel invitation is to be given to all. The work is not to be confined to the lowest grades of society in our large cities. When the work is done in this way, it is impossible for it to advance in God’s order. The light of the third angel’s message is to spread from country to country and from city to city. 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 4

Thousands of people who could be reached in no other way will be drawn to a camp-meeting. And as the truth is presented in clear, straight lines, they are amazed at the wonderful things brought from the Word. At one meeting, as a lady was attempting to follow in her Bible the references given by the speaker, someone said to her, “It is of no use for you to try. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible is not like the Bible we have.” Few of the listeners at our meetings had any idea before that the precious truths presented were in the Bible. 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 5

For this reason we should make every exertion to keep up our camp-meetings, and to hold them in different places. In America, in order to save expense, camp-meetings have been held year after year in the same place. Thus cities which ought to have had the light have been deprived of an opportunity to hear the last message of mercy. This is an economy which means loss in the end. 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 6

God calls upon us to give to the world the light He has given us. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets,” Christ said, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:17-19.] This message is to be given to those nigh and afar off. 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 7

“Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.” [Verse 18.] This statement, made by Him who is the Alpha and the Omega, will in the day of judgment confront every transgressor of the law of God. How shall they escape who neglect so great salvation? 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 8

We need to exalt God’s memorial of creation at the very beginning of the camp-meeting. Let the message come with such startling abruptness that it will arouse those who otherwise would not be stirred. The impression made will deepen, and the meeting will assume a new significance. Be assured that the best way is to <present sacred, testing truth> with as much force as possible. Let the people see that it means something to them to receive or reject the truth. The people who attend our camp meetings expect something surprising. Give them the truth as it is in Daniel and Revelation. Let nothing take the place of the testing message for this time. 16LtMs, Ms 7, 1901, par. 9