The New England Camp-Meeting.
By George Ide Butler
This meeting assembled at the appointed time, at South Lancaster, on the ground where our camp-meetings have been held for several years in the past. Between forty and fifty tents were up, and about three hundred Sabbath-keepers present. Sister White reached the ground Friday. There was considerable disappointment that Bro. White could not be present, owing to the pressure of labor at Battle Creek. Bro. Andrews, who is soon to start for Switzerland, was able to be present, and assist in preaching. There were very few outsiders present at any time excepting on Sunday afternoon, when quite a crowd were in attendance. Sunday morning, ten $100 men were found in about ten minutes to pledge help on the Pacific printing press. Another thousand was pledged on the book funds. The meeting was one of very hard labor and earnest effort to bring up the people to realize the importance of the work of God and the necessity of enjoying the blessing of God in order to be able to accomplish his work successfully. It seemed to be very difficult to make the people realize their sacred privilege in this respect. Monday, however, was a good day, and we realized that a good move in advance was made. A large number desired prayer, and many intelligent, heartfelt testimonies were given by persons of stability and character. God seemed to draw very near. On the whole, however, we did not have as free a meeting as our other camp-meetings have usually been this season. The Conference has suffered a loss by having Bro. Haskell called away so much. They have needed his labor here, as no one has been provided to take his place. In consequence of not having some one provided to give the matter the attention which it demanded, S. B. has fallen short considerably. The people, however, are very ready to engage in every good work. No great effort was made to press the raising of means here at this meeting. As the brethren had been so free heretofore, it was not thought necessary to urge the matter, otherwise much more could have been obtained. God has been blessing the labor of the tents the present season, quite a number having already come out in the truth. Nearly fifty have embraced the Sabbath of the Lord within the last two months. God will always bless with increase where the people are willing to sacrifice as they have been in New England.