THE MAINE CAMP-MEETING.
By Uriah Smith
This meeting was held at the time and place appointed, Richmond, Me., Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, on the same ground occupied last year. Like other camp-meetings of this season, it can be said of this that it was larger than any previously held here. There were thirty-three tents against twenty-four last year. The social meetings, those thermometers of the spiritual condition of the people, were uniformly good. The time was well filled up, and the speaking was to the point, spirited, and cheering. On the Sabbath an opportunity was given for sinners and backsliders to come forward for prayers. At first, only two responded. Sister White began to appeal more earnestly to the people. The first apparent indifference of the brethren and sisters to the work soon commenced to wear away, and they took hold to labor for their children, friends, and neighbors. There were earnest entreaties and exhortations. It was hard for some to yield to make a start in the service of the Lord; but those whose hearts were enlisted in the work could not give it up; and they held on till over sixty had come forward. Most of these bore testimony, feelingly, in reference to their condition and the step they had taken. Freedom was enjoyed in the season of prayer that followed. This was one of the victories of the occasion. Oh! that those for whom so much interest has been manifested, and who have taken this noble step in the Christian life, may not go backward, for to stop is to go backward, but go forward to the end of the race. On Sunday the congregation numbered probably about three thousand. This was a large congregation for the place and the occasion. But the best of all was the candid attention they gave to the word spoken. Three discourses were delivered to the larger congregation who were present during the day, and one to those who assembled in the evening. Besides these meetings, there was a social meeting at the stand at 5 o’clock, in which Bro. White gave the few of the worthless and rowdy element who were present some wholesome talk, by comparing their condition with what a sensible, civilized course of conduct would do for those who were coming up to the responsibilities of life. We want to fortify ourselves and our children to stand against the scorn and reproach which all must meet who will not follow in the way of the multitude around them. Among all those who will suffer the pangs of remorse at the last day, theirs will be the most unmitigated and unendurable, who find that they have lost Heaven, because they had not the moral courage to stand up against a sneer from a poor worm like themselves. Sister White’s remarks in the afternoon riveted the attention of all, that of some even, as it appeared, against their own will. She spoke upon the subject of Christian temperance as related to home life and every-day duties, and the ruinous results that follow because parents do not give to their children both right precepts and right example. And the falling tear from some who were known to have come upon the ground greatly prejudiced against S. D. Adventists, evinced the interest they were constrained to feel in the subject presented. This day was another triumph in the meeting. Monday was also a day of great interest. At the conclusion of a discourse by Bro. White in the forenoon on the subject of ordination, Bro. R. S. Webber was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. The congregation had signified their approval of this step by a unanimous rising vote; and when, as Bro. White was giving him the charge, his faithful companion stepped forward and took her stand weeping by his side, thus covenanting to stay up his hands and second his efforts in his holy work, the whole congregation were melted to tears. In the afternoon, eight candidates were examined and buried in baptism, in the Kennebec, by Bro. Webber. Only two were baptized last year. The business sessions passed off pleasantly. There has been a general feeling of union and co-operation in the State the past year. Four organized churches were added to the Conference at this meeting, and two other bodies of believers, not yet organized, were received under its watchcare. The brethren are hopeful for the future. While other bodies of Adventists are disintegrating and falling to pieces, the legitimate fruits of their opposition to order and organization, Seventh-day Adventists are gradually growing in strength and taking the field. How can it be otherwise while we have a truth as clear as the sunlight, a position which cannot be shaken, and a harmonious line of argument to present from Genesis to Revelation? With these advantages, and the aid of the Holy Spirit, as fast as the deceptive and dishonest work of opposers can be exposed, the honest will receive the truth. So be it. U. S.