THE FIRST CAMP-MEETING ON PITCAIRN ISLAND.
By Rose Young
Every thoughtful heart among us has been deeply impressed with the necessity of humbling ourselves before God, confessing our sins, and seeking his forgiveness, and the aid of the Holy Spirit to enable us to walk more closely in the way of his commandments. At first, it was suggested that we go out among the groves, and there, surrounded with the handiwork of God, bow ourselves before him, and implore divine aid; but on mature consideration, a camp-meeting was decided upon. Four-days' hard work transformed about two acres of land from a perfect wilderness of trees and underbrush, into a clean, cleared space, laid out in a village of about twenty miniature houses, while a large tent, capable of seating about one hundred persons, occupies a conspicuous place. Several yards remained from a bolt of canvas, and this, with two large boat-sails not in use, and other odds and ends of the same material contributed by different ones, were all brought into use for the construction of the big tent, which is fifty by twenty feet. Not being on the grounds until this work was nearly finished, I was much surprised to see so neat a structure fashioned out of such a limited supply of material. The canvas forms the roof and the two ends of the tent. The two sides are made of cocoanut branches outside, and lined entirely within with bunting, yellow, red, white, and blue,—the signal code that we have. It was no easy task to shoulder up from the village everything that was necessary, the entire way being an up-hill walk; but cheerful hearts and willing hands made light work of it. The seats from the church were all brought up, and the small organ that was once the property of Brother and Sister Buckner, now stands in one corner of the tent. The girls and young men decorated the interior of the tent with ferns and flowers, which gave a pretty effect. Two beautiful fern trees were planted at each end of the platform, but their drooping, feathery loveliness soon faded. A large, handsome variety of fern, which we call “dock,” with its broad, glossy leaves, stands in front of the reading-table, as fresh as when placed there. The children's place of meeting consists of an inclosure made of cocoanut branches, several pandanus palm-trees forming natural posts. Inside it is lined with curtains of many colors. The kindly branches of the palm trees, and the blue of the sky overhead, are the only roof. In the family tents, every floor is thickly covered with dried banana leaves, which rustle under the feet, but make excellent mattresses. The site of the camp-ground is beautiful. Around the sides and back of it, at a little distance, are the hills, while the front view looks down a height of two or three hundred feet upon the quiet village below, and beyond extends the beautiful blue ocean. Everything combines to raise the heart to the Creator in expressions of grateful love and praise. The beautiful scenery must certainly be inspiring if one is to judge from the happy, beaming faces that are seen on every side. Each little family group vies with the others in making its own place the very neatest and best. The fires where cooking is done are built in sheltered, shady spots, under some of the many trees that grow around—oranges, limes, palms, guavas, and others. The present season is perfect. A heavy rain fell a week ago, and now all nature is fresh, green, and beautiful, with bright, sunny days; and the skies at night are glorious with stars. All are willing to rise at five o'clock, an hour before daybreak, to get ready for the early morning meeting. This is the most enjoyable meeting of all, even though the wind, which has been blowing steadily from the south for more than a week, is very piercing in the early morning hours, and some of our number fairly shiver with the cold; indeed, one can almost feel that there is a possibility of frost at night. While we enjoy our pleasant surroundings, and social intercourse with one another, our yearning hearts long for the deep, abiding work of the Spirit of God upon those who have taken no step in seeking God, and upon others who once started in the service of the Lord, but who have yielded to the voice of the tempter, and wandered away from the safe path. Previously to the decision to have this camp-meeting, a series of meetings was begun in the village, but it was impossible to give such attendance as was wished while the heavy work of preparing the grounds and erecting the tents was going on; so the meetings were discontinued, to be resumed on the camp-ground. At length, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 1899, in the evening, a preliminary meeting was called. A committee of five, Brother McCoy, Brethren Alfred, Vieder, and Samuel Young, and Sister Grace Young, supplemented by the secretaries, Rose Young and Roberta Warren, met to arrange for the season's work, and to draw up a program for the camp-ground. It was arranged to have four meetings each day. The rules, of which there were nine, were written out, and put up in a place where they would not fail to catch the eye of everyone. Two brethren, B. S. Young and Daniel Christian, were appointed to see that order is maintained by those who remain from the meetings, to care for the babies, etc. The first meeting proper was held Wednesday morning. The opening minutes were devoted to prayer, which ascended in tearful earnestness, that God would humble every soul present, and prepare it for the reception of his Holy Spirit. A short reading by one of the leading brethren followed, then the meeting was turned over to the people. In this first testimony meeting on the camp-ground, very few besides those who had long had experience in the things of God, had any witness to bear for Jesus. Yet there was positive, unmistakable evidence that the power of God's Spirit was at work. This divine influence was plainly manifested in the next meeting, when we listened to the wonderful things of God as witnessed in the progress of the work in South Africa, Australasia, and in some of the islands of the seas. During the preaching service that followed, all hearts were solemnly impressed as instruction was given from the word of God, telling how to approach him. Attention was earnestly called to Exodus 19; Heb. 12:21; and John 4:22-24. At the 6 P. M. meeting, Brother McCoy gave a reading from the General Conference Bulletin, of some of the transactions at the last General Conference. Thursday, September 14.—To-day the order of the meetings was changed. Six of our church-members were appointed to give short readings from the Bible, the selections having been made by one of the presiding officers. A good interest was manifested throughout the entire session, which lasted over an hour. At the second gathering to-day, Brother Samuel Young presented the subject of the Lord's coming, and preparation for that event. A solemn hush rested on the audience, as the young leader, with eyes and voice suffused with tears, told how his heart had been affected in the early morning meeting, as the subject of the seven last plagues was being presented. Intense earnestness characterized his utterance as he urged upon his hearers the necessity of at once making all right between their souls and God. An interesting feature of the missionary meeting was that the readings were assigned to six young girls who had never attempted even so small a work before. But each was willing “to be used;” and whatever nervousness may have been experienced before, it all seemed to have vanished when they stood before the audience. The closing meeting for the day was a testimony meeting. Never before had it been our privilege to witness such a marvelous manifestation of the presence of God's Spirit. Some who had never opened their lips to speak in meeting, now rose, and with voices broken with tears, asked the prayers of God's people that they might be helped to seek the Lord, and to give their hearts to him now while Jesus is passing by. Many who had strayed from God confessed their sin, and asked publicly for forgiveness, both from God and from their fellow men. Surely the angels rejoiced as, at the close of this good day, the news was carried to heaven that some who had backslidden, and others who had been careless, were turning back to God.444 Friday, September 15.—This being a busy day, only two meetings were arranged for—one for prayer in the early morning, and the other a praise service at the beginning of the Sabbath. Sunday, September 17.—Yesterday was a Sabbath long to be remembered. As, at the hour of Sabbath-school, the heat in the tent is oppressive, it was planned to hold the class recitations and review lessons out in the groves. A place had been selected the evening before by the Sabbath-school officers, where nature commanded a beautiful view. Under wide-spreading trees, whose gnarled roots afforded natural seats for many, and where grass and ferns made soft and fragrant seats for the rest, we gathered for the study of God's word. A deep, cool shade kept off the warm rays of the sun, while a soft, balmy breeze made the place refreshingly cool. The opening exercises of the school were conducted in the large tent, where the air was redolent with the perfume of flowers that had been gathered the day before; and beautiful fern trees added their charming gracefulness to the decorations. The opening song was sung with spirit,— “We're coming, we're coming, with songs of rejoicing,
To welcome this beautiful Sabbath of rest.
While praises to Jesus all nature is voicing,
We'll offer him gladly our sweetest and best.”
After the second song the school walked out in single file, headed by the leaders of the divisions, to the place where the remaining exercises were to be held. As the ocean could be seen through a rift in the trees, we could well sing, in the words of Bishop Heber: “All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea.” The Sabbath-school held under nature's own canopy was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. A reading, from the REVIEW AND HERALD, on the “Preparation for Translation,” followed by one on the subject of Education, as given in the Bulletin, provided subject-matter for the next two meetings. The Sabbath closed with a testimony meeting, which was characterized with greater interest if possible, two or three frequently rising at the same time. The power of God rested upon the meeting, and moved upon hearts. Only about five or six held back. At the close, several who had wrongs to be made right between one another, went immediately about it, and the good work went on until the bell rang for retiring. Some of the young who were baptized by Elder Gates last March, gave soul-reviving testimonies. Thus ended the best Sabbath it has been our privilege to enjoy. The early morning meeting to-day was devoted to prayer and testimony. The Spirit of God came near, and shed his heavenly beams upon hearts that only his power could touch. Several readings from the pen of Sister White, on the subject of “Home Training,” were given at noon. These were of a nature to arouse and awaken every thoughtful parent to the necessity of entering immediately upon the important duties that pertain to the right bringing up of the children and youth. The subject of education was resumed in the afternoon, and, aided by the word of God and the Testimonies, we were enabled to discuss, with profit, that part of the question relating to education of the heart, education in dress, education in language. The hour was up long before either the interest or the theme was exhausted. In the evening meeting, the audience listened to reports of the work accomplished on the grounds during the week, after which a small collection was taken up in behalf of Dr. Barnardo's Homes for Waifs and Strays. This institution has long had the interest of the people here. The contribution consisted of several curios and fifteen shillings in English money. The tithing system is in active operation on the grounds, the produce of the field being brought in daily. This helps to furnish the necessary food supply. We could wish that some of the many beautiful bunches of bananas, and bushels of mealy sweet potatoes, might find their way to those who are remote from where these are raised. Monday, September 18.—Good, nourishing food for spiritual growth was given in the presentation of Bible truth this morning, Brethren Vieder and Alfred Young, and Sister Grace Young taking the stand. Natural and spiritual thirst, and how each is satisfied, formed the topic chosen by Brother Alfred Young, the reading being based on Isaiah 55. The finishing of the mystery of God (Rev. 10:7) was the subject of the other two readings. All was calculated to impress the mind with deep solemnity, and to urge to a speedy preparation for the day of God. Meetings are held at noon and at 4 P. M. for the children, their sweet, young voices joining heartily in the songs. Some duties pertaining to the right ordering of child-life are spoken of in these meetings, these being illustrated, by apt stories, told or read. As the meetings progress, the children's interest seems to deepen, and only a few of them have ever missed being present at every gathering. Each day the leaders invite two or more of the young men or women to attend and give short readings, or a little talk to the children. This helps the young, and always seems to result in quickened interest for the children. The little ones were invited to ask questions; but when one of the young men was reading, he was scarcely prepared for the suddenly-put question, “What was Buddha?” the word “Buddha” having occurred in a paragraph read. The question was, however, satisfactorily answered. As we engage in the work of feeding these lambs, we feel deeply the necessity of the Spirit's aid, to give us wisdom, earnestness, and love—that yearning, Christlike love that would be satisfied with nothing short of the salvation of each precious soul. Some rain-clouds have threatened, and occasional showers have fallen, which scarcely any of the tents are able to resist; but it does not dampen the ardor of the campers, and all are determined to put up pleasantly and cheerfully with a little discomfort, rather than bring these good meetings to a premature close. Tuesday Night, September 19.—Words fail to express how wonderful has been the effect of the Spirit's work upon hearts to-night. Yesterday and to-day the noonday hour was devoted to meetings, in three different divisions,—a parents' meeting in the large tent, children's meeting in their appointed place, and a gathering of the young men and women in the groves. In each topics were discussed that relate to the several classes, and their relations to one another in the duties of life. Much freedom was enjoyed by all who spoke. The testimony meetings in the evening were characterized with such fervor, and such tearful earnestness, that it is evident to everyone that the convincing power of the Holy Spirit was making itself felt in every heart. Especially was this so to-night. There had been no excitement, no force, except that of the power of God, but much earnest praying had been done by God's servants here; and anyone who had shown marked indifference, unconcern, or carelessness, was made the subject of earnest prayer to God. And the result was very marked. There were ten who, unable longer to resist the promptings of the Spirit, rose to-night, and with broken hearts told how God's power had brought them to a halt, and led them to realize that unless their course of life is changed, eternal death will be their portion. This experience, together with the experiences of the several meetings previous, in which even a larger number had begun the heavenly race, or had sought to retrace the steps from which they had backslidden, caused the meeting to close with expressions of praise and thankfulness to God. How the very roof echoed with the glad strains! When one after another, whose lips had been dumb, rose to tell what God had wrought, the song burst forth from full hearts,— “Ring the bells of heaven, there is joy to-day,
For a soul returning from the wilds.
See, the Father meets him out upon the way,
Welcoming his weary, wandering child.”
One little boy found courage to say that he knew that he was not ready to meet God, that he wished to be forgiven all he had done that was wrong, and to give his heart to the Lord. The good work is spreading among the children; and as we bear them on our hearts before the throne, we expect great things for them in answer to our prayers. Wednesday, September 20.—The interest deepens. We feel the force of the words, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” Among the little children the same heavenly influence is at work. Shyly and half-hesitatingly they express to one another, and to those who have long had an experience in the things of God, their desire to become, each one, a child of God; but they lack the courage to rise in the grown people's meeting. As the time seemed fully come for the movement, opportunity to testify for Jesus was given to them at their noonday meeting. Seventeen responded by telling how God was touching their hearts. One little boy from Mangareva was among the number. Another little boy, as the leader was giving them portions of the Word, on which to feed, expressed a wish to repeat a psalm taught him by his parents, and, in the words of the leader of the meeting, “His face fairly glowed as from those childish lips came the one hundred and twenty-first psalm: ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh help,’” etc. In the children's four o'clock gathering, twelve of them took part in prayer, and had much freedom in expressing their desires to God in short petitions. Later, in the evening gathering, several of them had courage to rise and speak a word for Jesus, in the older people's testimony meeting. One dear little boy rose to his feet, and all he did was to break down, weeping; but we felt that Jesus accepted the tears. The hour was one that witnessed victories for many, and rich reward for the steadfast waiting upon God of those who by day and by night continued instant in prayer that the community of Pitcairn Island may turn, as one man, to the Lord. “I praise God to-night,” said one for whom prayer had often ascended, “that he has not cut me off in my wickedness, but has given me space for repentance;” and a comrade of his said that the words, “Harden not your hearts,” had been sounding in his ears until he felt that he dared not linger longer. Those whose lives had been given to sin, with broken confessions told how the still, small voice of God has awakened them to their danger, and how they realize that eternal death must be their portion if their sins are not forsaken. Thus has God been pleased to begin the work, which we earnestly pray may continue until the day of Jesus Christ. Saturday Night, September 23.—The afternoon meetings of Wednesday and Thursday were announced as the “people's meetings,” when it was requested that anyone who desired might select a short reading for the hour. On Wednesday about six or seven availed themselves of the privilege; and while the children were engaged in a pleasant and profitable meeting, the older ones were having a no less enjoyable time in theirs. On Thursday the presiding elder gave notice that at the noonday hour the young men were to give the readings, and the sisters at the four o'clock gathering. It was truly encouraging to see the eagerness with which the young men responded, especially because the greater number of them—there were seventeen—were unaccustomed to such a thing. But the selections were all so excellent, so much to the point, so full of just the needed counsel, that every mind was impressed that they were chosen by the direct guidance of the Spirit of God. The readings were selected from “The Mount of Blessing,” “Steps to Christ,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Testimonies for the Church,” and that Book of books, the Bible. The young women and girls were no less enthusiastic in preparing themselves for their hour, and almost twice as many were busy seeking some extract, short and good, from the generous supply of REVIEW, Signs, Youth's Instructor, and other excellent papers and periodicals. The hours thus spent were most thoroughly enjoyed. At the close of each of the meetings a short time was occupied, after a ten-minutes' recess, in discussing practical questions relating to home life and home duties—those things which in their very nature must prove the very best commentary on the Christian profession. The work of grace upon the heart seemed to be taking deeper root, as one after another, in the evening meeting, bore witness to the power that was working within. Sabbath morning, the clouds that had been long threatening rain, burst their bounds, and a few minutes before the Sabbath-school was to begin, the rain fell. Accommodations for the Sabbath-school work were not to be had under the circumstances, so it was postponed to the next Sabbath—the fourteenth of the quarter. Several of the company were obliged to return to the village, where the day was spent in carrying out the prearranged program, those remaining on the grounds also doing so. In both divisions, God came very near. As the evening meeting in the tent was in progress, several of those who had gone down to the village returned to close the day in speaking “just a word for Jesus.” An hour had previously been spent in the same way, in the schoolroom, where “living testimonies,” as some one expressed it, had been borne for the Master by all the young people present. Thus closed our second Sabbath on the camp-ground. Monday, September 24.—In spite of the wind and rain, a goodly company met in the tent this morning to take part in this, the last, meeting on the camp-ground. Much freedom was had in expressing our needs in prayer. After the season of prayer was over, some earnest words were addressed to all to “take heed” to “watch.” The reading of this report followed, after which some announcements were made in reference to plans for the development of the interest awakened. No song could have been more appropriate for the occasion than that which was sung at the close of the meeting,— “Pilgrims, on! the day is dawning;
Strike your tents, and homeward haste,”—
which was immediately done. In the evening, when everything had been set in order again in the meeting-house, all met once more to engage in a service of thanksgiving for all the kindness that the Lord had shown us. We again take up the usual duties of life, feeling stronger, spiritually and physically, to engage in them because of this blessed season of refreshing.
ROSE YOUNG.