The Vermont Camp-Meeting.
By Uriah Smith
The ground selected for this meeting, near the village of Morrisville, was very beautiful. The executive and camp-meeting committees spared no pains to make the arrangements complete and the meeting attractive in all its features. The people of that vicinity were surprised at the preparations, and still more surprised at the meeting. The Methodists had held a camp-meeting but a short distance from our ground only two weeks before; and an effort was made by some to convey the idea that the meeting of the Adventists would be only a “pocket camp-meeting,” which it would not be worth while for the people to interest themselves301in very much. But when on Sunday it proved to be the largest gathering ever held in Lamoille county, that illusion was effectually dispelled. A visit to that Methodist camp-ground and a careful noting of its location, arrangement, accommodations, and various appointments, in comparison with the arrangements made by our people at Morrisville, would be a profitable lesson for any one. We cannot be too thankful that when the camp-meeting era among S. D. Adventists was inaugurated by Brother White, he took care, with his usual clearness and foresight, that order, neatness, system, and liberality should be cardinal features of these occasions. It is this that has given to our meetings much of their efficiency and good results. It seemed to be especially so in the present instance. The large circle was well filled with tents, and the attendance of brethren and sisters was larger than usual. Seats were provided for 2,500 people at the main stand in the center of the ground, while the 60 ft. tent was provided with seats and a stand, to be used in case of rain. Brother and Sister White and Brother Haskell were at this meeting, to the great joy of the brethren. Sabbath, September 8, the day appointed as a fast day with especial reference to Brother White’s state of health, was observed on the camp-ground. It was a good day. There was freedom in prayer, and good tokens that these prayers were not in vain. The Lord’s blessing was with his people in large measure. Sabbath afternoon Sister White spoke with great freedom and effect. About one hundred came forward for prayers, manifesting deep feeling and an earnest purpose to seek the Lord. Sunday afternoon she spoke on the subject of temperance. It was one of her best efforts on that question; and, judging from the action of the people while she was speaking, and their remarks afterward, it was just what they wanted to hear. The audience of full three thousand, hundreds of whom could not find seats, were held as if spell-bound. Those who were seated listened attentively, and those who were standing, stood almost motionless during the hour and a half of the discourse. Those not of our faith pronounced it the best discourse ever given in that county. On Monday twenty candidates presented themselves for baptism; but as some of these were living where they would soon have an opportunity of going forward in that ordinance at their own homes, their cases were deferred. Thirteen were baptized by Brethren Hutchins and Bourdeau in the Lamoille river, near by the ground. The outside interest was good and increased to the close, and an excellent impression has been left by the meeting. More than this, conviction has been left on many minds, according to their own acknowledgment, that we have the truth. We were happy to meet some good souls from the ranks of the First-day Adventists, who here committed themselves upon the truths of the third angel’s message. The brethren consider it the best meeting ever held in Vermont, and are greatly cheered and encouraged as the result. U. S.