The Maine Camp-Meeting
By I. D. Van Horn
THIS meeting was held on the old ground at Waterville, where it had been held five years in succession. There were but few present from the outside till on Sunday, when nearly one thousand were out to hear Sister White in the afternoon. The meeting began on time, the evening of the 5th. Sister White arrived the next day about noon, in company with one of her sisters. She was feeling quite well and cheerful, and ready to bear her part in the meeting. All were much pleased to see her in her own native State again, and her instructions and testimony were well received. The preaching was similar to that in other meetings we have held, and calculated principally to inspire zeal and devotion in the hearts of our people. Bro. Boynton took up the canvassing work, and, before our camp-meeting closed, some twenty-five or thirty resolved to improve their talents and make efforts to spread the light of truth by this means. The social meetings and seasons for seeking God were fruitful of some good. A few moved forward for the first time, and many who were backslidden returned and sought the Lord for a new experience. Some victories were gained, and determinations were made to reach a higher moral standard. The business meetings moved off harmoniously. Bro. Goodrich was re-elected President of the Conference. A good move was made toward the purchase of a large pavilion, to be used in their future camp-meetings. Their next meeting, therefore, will be held in some other place. This is as it should be. The time has come when the canvass of towns will precede our camp-meetings, and then the multitude can be reached by the truth. Bro. Butler presented the advancing work of the Third Angel’s Message, and the wants of our foreign missions. This inspiring theme created a desire to do something for this branch of the cause, and in a short time pledges were taken to the amount of $681. About $150 of this was paid. The people came up to the close of the meeting with a good degree of courage and hope in their hearts, and go forth to labor more earnestly for God and his cause. We all feel that our toils will soon be over, and, if faithful, we shall be gathered with the saved and enter the kingdom of God. Sept. 13, 1883. I. D. VAN HORN.