p. 402 | MAINE CAMP-MEETING by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 9, 1880

MAINE CAMP-MEETING.

By James White

THE camp-meeting held at Waterville, Me., August 18-24, was considered by those who attended, the best ever held in the State. There were two large congregation tents on the ground, and twenty-five family tents. And there were nearly three hundred brethren and sisters who remained in the camp.

The same grounds were occupied as on the two previous years. Elder Butler, president of the Iowa Conference, and Elders Goodrich and Webber of the Maine Conference, together with Mrs. White and the writer, were the principal speakers. The preaching was generally of a practical character. The word was readily received, and took strong hold of the minds and hearts of the brethren. The social meetings were excellent.

In times past, the cause in Maine has been annoyed with distracting influences more than in any other State, and Satan seems loth to loosen the hold he has on those persons who do not clearly see that God is leading out a people on the specific message of the third angel of Rev. 14:9-12. Union and harmony prevailed, and all seemed to enjoy the sweet spirit of confession, humility, hope, and faith. The same spirit of humility, forbearance, and union manifested in the religious services characterized the business transactions of the Conference; hence the business meetings did not in the least interfere with the religious services.

Sabbath morning, the subject of Christ in both Testaments and all ages of human probation, was presented to an appreciative congregation by the writer, the remarks being founded upon the words of Christ in Rev. 22:13: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." In the afternoon Mrs. W. spoke with her accustomed freedom and power, and in response to her invitation about one hundred came forward for prayers.

Sunday morning the weather was fine, and at an early hour the people came pouring in. Christ was still our theme, to which the people gave marked attention. Mrs. W. spoke in the afternoon. Her subject was supreme love to God, and love to our fellows equal to that of ourself. Not less than two thousand listened to the discourse.

J. E. White and wife from California, who arrived at a late hour, added much to the interest of the services on Sunday by their assistance in singing.

This good camp-meeting closed on Monday, leaving a cheering influence on the minds of the brethren, who returned to their homes to live out the resolutions formed, and to pay their vows to the Most High. May God's blessing rest upon the cause in Maine. J. W.