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Our Camp Meetings
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error, and has opened to their darkened understandings the glorious
light of present truth. And shall these evidences of His love and
mercy call forth no gratitude in return? Will those who profess to
believe that the end of all things is at hand be blind to their own
spiritual interests, and live for this world and this life alone? Do
they expect their eternal interest to take care of itself? They cannot
obtain spiritual strength without an effort on their part.
Many who profess to be looking for the appearing of our Lord
are anxious, burdened seekers for worldly gain. They are blind
to their eternal interest. They labor for that which satisfieth not;
they spend their money for that which is not bread. They strive
to content themselves with the treasures they have laid up upon
the earth, which must perish, and they neglect the preparation for
eternity, which should be the first and only real work of their lives.
Let all who possibly can, attend these yearly gatherings. All
should feel that God requires this of them. If they do not avail
themselves of the privileges which He has provided for them to
become strong in Him and in the power of His grace, they will grow
weaker and weaker, and have less and less desire to consecrate all
to Him. Come, brethren and sisters, to these sacred convocation
meetings, to find Jesus. He will come up to the feast; He will be
present, and will do for you that which you need most to have done.
Your farms should not be considered of greater value than the higher
interests of the soul. All the treasures you possess, be they ever
so valuable, would not be rich enough to buy you peace and hope,
which would be infinite gain at the cost of all you have and the toils
and sufferings of a lifetime. A strong, clear sense of eternal things,
and a heart willing to yield all to Christ, are blessings of more value
than all the riches and pleasures and glories of this world.
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These camp meetings are of importance. They cost something.
The servants of God are wearing out their lives to help the people,
while many of them appear as if they did not want help. For fear of
losing a little of this world’s gain, some let these precious privileges
come and go as though they were of but very little importance. Let
all who profess to believe the truth respect every privilege that God
offers them to obtain clearer views of His truth and His requirements,
and the necessary preparation for His coming. A calm, cheerful, and
obedient trust in God is what He requires.