Experience and Labors
273
to a deeper and more thorough knowledge of practical godliness. The
Lord gave me freedom in bearing my testimony.
On one occasion during this meeting I made some remarks upon
the necessity of economy in dress and in the expenditure of means.
There is danger of becoming careless and reckless in the use of the
Lord’s money. Young men who engage in tent labor should be careful
not to indulge in unnecessary expense. As tents are entering new
fields, and as the missionary work is enlarging, the wants of the cause
are many, and, without stinginess, the most rigid economy should be
used in this matter. It is easier to run up a bill than to settle it. There
are many things that would be convenient and enjoyable that are not
needful, and that can be dispensed with without actual suffering. It is
very easy to multiply hotel bills and railroad fares, expenses that might
be avoided or very much lessened. We have passed over the road to
and from California twelve times, and have not expended one dollar
for meals at the restaurants or in the attached dining car. We eat our
meals from our lunch baskets. After being three days out, the food
becomes quite stale, but a little milk or warm gruel supplies our lack.
On another occasion I spoke in reference to genuine sanctification,
which is nothing less than a daily dying to self and daily conformity to
the will of God. While in Oregon I was shown that some of the young
churches of the New England Conference were in danger through
the blighting influence of what is called sanctification. Some would
become deceived by this doctrine, while others, knowing its deceptive
influence, would realize their danger and turn from it. Paul’s sancti-
fication was a constant conflict with self. Said he: “I die daily.” His
will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of
God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however
unpleasant and crucifying to his nature.
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We called on those who desired to be baptized, and those who were
keeping the Sabbath for the first time, to come forward. Twenty-five
responded. These bore excellent testimonies, and before the close of
the camp meeting twenty-two received baptism.
We were pleased to meet here our old friends of the cause whose
acquaintance we made thirty years ago. Our much-esteemed Brother
Hastings is as deeply interested in the truth today as he was then. We
were pleased to meet Sister Temple, and Sister Collins of Dartmouth,
Massachusetts, and Brother and Sister Wilkinson, at whose house we