194. What is the object of the National Camp-meeting Association, and how does it stand related to this doctrine?
This association has for its special object the promotion of Christian holiness. It was providentially called into existence in 1867, at the close of our late civil war. The work of this association constitutes an important item in the revival and spread of this doctrine. Never perhaps, since the days of primitive Christianity, has there been a more general manifestation of the spirit and power of God to purify human hearts and save sinners than at the services of this association.
The organization is composed of some twenty ministers and laymen, and has held forty-four national camp-meetings, distributed through fifteen states of the Union, besides tabernacle meetings held on both shores of the continent. Through this instrumentality, an interest has been awakened on the subject deeper and more general than ever before. The great gatherings at Vineland, Manheim, Round Lake, Oakington, Des Plains, Hamilton, Urbana, Moundsville, Landisville, Cedar Rapids, Wesley Grove, Clear Lake, Old Orchard, Sacramento, Salt Lake, and San Francisco, will never be forgotten.
These names are embalmed with sacred remembrance of the marvelous power of God in the hearts of many thousands. Through this instrumentality, during the past ten years, a multitude of the membership of our churches have been quickened in their religious life, and many of our ablest ministers have been entirely sanctified, and become advocates of this special doctrine of the Bible and Methodism. The comparatively low religious life of the whole American Protestant Church at the close of the war felt the impulse, and has been benefited by this revival of Christian holiness. In "The Abiding Comforter," Rev. Anthony Atwood says: "This association has done a service for all the churches of every name, as well as led many thousands from the way of sin to a life of piety."
The doctrinal teachings of this association are nothing new, or strange; its members, with only one or two exceptions, are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and hold no more, nor less, than the doctrines taught by the standard authorities of the church --Wesley, Fletcher, Watson, Clarke, Benson, Foster, and Peck, all of whom recognize Christian perfection as the distinguishing doctrine of Methodism. The association has aimed only at pushing this doctrine and experience, as taught by the church, to the front, and giving it the prominence which its importance and its relations to the general work of God demand.
Dr. Fowler, editor of the Christian Advocate, says: "The advocates of the higher life have a legitimate idea, and it is producing a marvelous and most salutary effect, not only in this country, but in England, Scotland, Germany, and France. We bid them God speed. They are rendering familiar, outside the pale of Methodism, a great truth which Fletcher taught, and also lived, a hundred years ago, and which Wesley pronounced the 'grand depositum of Methodism,' -- that for which, he believed, Methodism was chiefly raised up." -- Editorial in Advocate.
The great Head of the church has set his seal of approbation upon their labors, and the results have been marked and hopeful. A general impulse has been given to the work, and a large number of state, conference, and local associations, for the promotion of holiness, have been formed; and special meetings in its interests have multiplied, so that they are now held in all our cities, large towns, and in many villages throughout the country. Nor are these meetings confined to our own denomination, but are attended by members of other churches. Union camp-meetings, union conferences, and conventions have been held in its interest in both this country and in Europe. In England, and, Germany, conventions have been held, at which, in some instances, a thousand ministers of all denominations have been present, sitting together in delightful Christian fellowship and brotherly love. Our eyes have seen Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Lutheran, and Methodist ministers and bishops all present, and united in sweet harmony at great meetings for the promotion of holiness.
Dr. H. Bannister, writing of the results of this association, for the Advocate of Holiness in 1875, says: "During almost fifty years' connection with Wesley's communion, I have never seen such an apparent growth of the spirit of holiness manifest in the humble, exemplary lives of God's people as at the present time. I believe that agencies, instituted of set purpose in the name of the God of truth and holiness, to effect this growth, have not wrought in vain. Though no partisan in their behalf, I have rejoiced in them all." Its banners are now floating in almost every breeze. The conscience of the Church on this duty has been quickened, and our ministry generally have come to see the subject in a clearer light, and to urge the duty with greater intensity of interest."
Within the past few years there has arisen a literature on this subject, in the form of books, magazines, papers, and tracts, such as the church has never possessed before. The hymnic, biographic, didactic, and periodic literature devoted to Christian purity is now more abundant than that devoted to any other item of Christian doctrine; and much of this has been created and guided by the best and purest minds in the church.
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