THE MAINE CAMP-MEETING.
By Uriah Smith
This meeting was held, for the third season, on the old camp-ground in Richmond, Me., Aug. 29-Sept. 4. The ground was in a better condition than at any previous meeting. The preachers’ stand, which had become brown and weather-beaten, was covered with white cloth or paper, and over this covering were gracefully arranged festoons of evergreens and flowers, and appropriate mottoes. The book stand was fitted up in the same way. This was the work of a few sisters, who, with wise forethought, took it upon themselves to attend to this matter, and who deserve much credit for their taste and labor. Many of the tents in the vicinity of the stand were also ornamented very beautifully with wreaths and bouquets of flowers, which gave to the place almost the appearance of a fairy grove. This made it more pleasant for the dwellers in camp, and made a good impression on those who came in from without. The good condition of the ground and the order and neatness of the tents were the frequent subjects of favorable remark. There were some thirty tents on the ground, occupied by nearly two hundred believers. Quite a number of these were those who have received the truth the past year, showing that the word is still not without effect in Maine. Here, as in all other parts of the field, there is a great desire awakening in the public mind to hear and read more respecting the present truth. Twenty-six, in one locality in this State, have become firmly established in the truth without hearing a sermon. The brethren feel encouraged to push forward the work more earnestly than ever. The social meetings were uniformly most excellent, sometimes as many as sixty good testimonies being borne in twenty minutes. At a social meeting on the Sabbath at 5 P. M., twenty came forward for prayers. There was deep feeling; and it was a scene to be long remembered on account of the great blessing of the Lord. On Sunday the congregation was not large, there being only about 1500 or 2000 present in the afternoon. But it was thought that there was really more interest felt in our work than at any previous time. The great majority of those who came, came to listen; and quite a number were heard to remark one to another that they had no doubt that the Seventh-day Adventists were right in their teaching. One lady who had been hindered from attending the previous S. D. A. camp-meetings in this State, said that her experience had been such at this meeting, that she would never be absent again, wherever they were held, if she could get to them. The preaching was well received. Two were baptized. There are now some nine companies of Sabbath-keepers in the State, about ready to be organized and unite with the Conference. Some here commenced for the first time the observance of the Sabbath. On Monday forenoon, Bro. S. J. Hersam was, in accordance with the vote of the Conference, ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. This was a very interesting occasion. All the meetings were faithfully reported by sister E. H. Morton, for the leading papers of the State. She had prepared the way for this by preliminary articles giving a sketch of the rise, progress, and principles of this people, which were published in the papers referred to, and extensively copied into others. The Conference recognized, by resolution, her efficient service. The general expression was that this was the best camp-meeting yet held in the State. The people were much disappointed in not having the presence and labors of Bro. and sister White. But learning that they could not be present, they made up their minds to submit cheerfully and put their own shoulders to the work more earnestly. Bro. R. S. Webber was also prevented by sickness from attending the meeting. Over seventy testimonies were borne in quick succession in the parting meeting Tuesday morning. All declared themselves greatly benefited and strengthened by the meeting, and determined to carry its good effects home with them. So may it be. U. S.