THE NEW ENGLAND CAMP-MEETING.
By Allen Moon
ACCORDING to appointment, this meeting was held at Arlington, near Boston. The place was easy of access by steam and electric cars from the city, and the location was a desirable one in every respect. It was in open ground, surrounded with green hills, and fanned by the pure breezes from the country, and yet conveniently near the city for all who were disposed to attend. The meeting had been in progress one day when the writer arrived on the grounds. The work of preparing the camp had been finished, and everything was beautifully and tastily arranged, so there was no interruption of religious services, and those in attendance had ten days in which quietly to worship God. From the beginning, it was apparent that an excellent spirit prevailed in the meeting. The preaching was, for the most part, of a practical character. The evening discourses usually partook more of the doctrinal form, if such a distinction may be drawn, owing to the larger attendance from the city at those services. The meeting held over two Sabbaths, and on the first it was indeed refreshing to witness the interest in the Sabbath-school and in the services that followed; and although no special thought was bestowed upon a revival effort by those conducting the meetings, yet the Spirit of the Lord was present to convince hearts. In the afternoon a short discourse was given. This was followed by a social meeting, in which more than one hundred and fifty persons took part in a short time. From this time forward the social meetings were a special feature of the camp-meeting. Many a burdened soul was set free, and before the close of the meeting followed the Lord in baptism. One feature of the New England camp-meeting is worthy of notice,—the spirit of unity and harmony that prevailed among the people, and was so conspicuous in all the testimonies. To this, more than to anything else, was due the spiritual success of the meeting. The preaching was largely by the ministers of the Conference. Elder Thompson, of the New York Conference, came at the beginning of the second week, and remained until the close. His help was appreciated by all. No Conference or tract society business was transacted at this meeting, the meeting for the election of officers, etc., being held at another time of the year. All the time of this meeting was devoted to spiritual work and to the consideration of such questions as foreign mission work, religious liberty work, and Christian help work. The medical work came in for its share of time and consideration, as well as the work of canvassing for our literature, the duty of paying tithe and of making offerings to the Lord, etc., Elder Cottrell, the president of the Conference, taking the lead or lending his influence, in the presentation of all these subjects. The last Sabbath of the meeting was indeed a good day. The Lord came especially near while the Word was being presented, and almost the entire afternoon following a short discourse, was spent in social service and in seeking the Lord by those who had not before known him, or, who, having known him, had wandered away from him. The congregation was not divided for social meeting as is sometimes done, but the people spontaneously arose, and by the Spirit of the Lord expressed in a few words what spoke volumes. Men may seek in vain to direct social meetings; but when the Lord, who said, “God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few,” directs a social meeting, he always does so in harmony with his own instruction; and in this case the result was glorious; for only praise to him who giveth the victory was heard. At the early morning meeting, Sunday, June 24, the people were given an opportunity to contribute to the support of foreign missions, and other enterprises connected with the Lord’s work, and the result was a liberal response. The remainder of the day was devoted to preaching services calculated to interest and benefit the people who came from the city and suburbs. An excellent impression was left upon the minds of many, and some were deeply interested. A tent will remain upon the grounds, and meetings will be held each evening as long as the interest continues. The meetings will be conducted by Elder O. O. Farnsworth and others. On the whole, the meeting was a most excellent one. May the Lord grant that many camp-meetings such as that of New England may be held this season.