THE MAINE CAMP-MEETING by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 15, 1881

THE MAINE CAMP-MEETING.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THIS meeting was held at Waterville. This ground has now been used as a camp-ground for four years. It is a fine grove, and was tastefully arranged. A good covered stand was built, and decorated with tinted paper, evergreens, and a profusion of flowers in various combinations. All the tents were well furnished, and neatly kept. The weather was fine throughout.

Quite a number from without attended all the meetings, and on Sunday there were about twelve hundred present. Nearly every one remained seated and attentive during the services.

There were about two hundred of our people on the ground. Quite a proportion of these remained till the close of the meeting. This is what every one should do. They can just as well do this as to go away sooner, if they only think so and plan for it. All the ministers in the Conference were present, and took an active part in the meetings. We heard no fault-finding, saw no spirit of jealousy or discord; but all worked in union.

The disaffected spirit which once made so much trouble here has wholly disappeared.

Eld. Geo. I. Butler and the writer did the preaching, which was largely practical. The Lord gave good freedom. At first not much seemed to be accomplished. Many had evidently become very worldly, and others were backward. On the Sabbath very little move was made. But at the five o'clock afternoon meeting, the clouds began to break, tears flowed freely, good confessions were made, and earnest, warm testimonies were given. Sunday this spirit deepened with all on the ground. The social meetings were the best I have attended for months. Some who had been very backward and were drifting into the world, here took a noble stand and made solemn promises to live nearer the Lord. Differences between brethren were settled up, and other good things accomplished.

Financially, I believe the Conference has done better this year than before. In proportion as men love the cause will they give of their means to support it. Our parting meeting Tuesday morning was a good one. The President, Eld. Goodrich, said this was the best camp-meeting they had ever held in Maine, and many said the same in their testimonies. All went home cheered and strengthened. To God be thanks.

D. M. CANRIGHT.