p. 403 | VERMONT CAMP-MEETING by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 8, 1881

VERMONT CAMP-MEETING.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THIS meeting was held at Morrisville, where it had been held the three previous years. This was because it was very central for our people and because the grounds were most excellent. Unavoidably it came at the same time with the Methodist camp-meeting, which was held about half a mile from ours; yet quite a number of the citizens attended all our meetings, and on Sunday our audience numbered about six hundred. As usual, we had the best of order.

There were about two hundred and fifty of our people camped on the ground, and the most of them remained to the close of the meeting, as all should do. Elders Hutchins, Owen, Kellogg, Stone, Bordeau, Butler, Haskell, and the writer were present. The last three being from abroad, did the preaching while the others took an active part in all the other meetings. The sermons were largely practical, except on Sunday, when the Sabbath question was fully canvassed. Some there determined to keep it.

On the Sabbath after a close, practical sermon by Eld. Butler, about fifty came forward for prayers. Many of them spoke with feeling. On Monday, nine of these were baptized. Our social meetings were very good, though not as spirited as some we have seen. At eight each morning the whole camp was gathered into five tents, each company led by a minister. These were the best meetings we had, as all could, and did, take part. It is much better than to have only family prayer in each tent.

The speaker's stand was draped in mourning in memory of the death of Bro. White. He spoke from the same desk last year. All mourned his death. Appropriate resolutions upon the subject were passed by the Conference.

The business of the Conference is kept in good shape by the President and officers. Its financial condition is excellent; and there appears to be no special discouragement in the Conference. Some new ones are embracing the truth. Their great need is more laborers to enter new fields. The Sabbath-school, the T. and M. work, and the temperance cause all received proper attention.

On the whole we had a pleasant, good, encouraging meeting, though not as stirring and decisive as in some cases where circumstances are different. All returned home feeling much encouraged. With the blessing of God, we think good will result from this meeting.

D. M. CANRIGHT.