THE MAINE CAMP-MEETING.
By Uriah Smith
This meeting was held at Waterville, Me., according to appointment, Sept. 4-9. The ground was pleasantly situated within easy access of the village. As in Massachusetts, there was a larger number of tents on the ground, and a more full attendance of brethren than at any previous meeting. The attendance from without was very good. On the Sabbath a large congregation was present. On Sunday about four thousand people were out. They were a fine, intelligent-looking class of people, who evidently came to hear. The best of attention was given to the word spoken, and if we may judge from the many admissions made after the day was over, strong conviction was fastened on many minds. Five discourses were given on Sunday on the following subjects: 1. The explanation of the past Advent movement, as embraced in the question of the sanctuary. 2. The first day of the week in the New Testament. 3. Who changed the Sabbath? embracing the claims of the papal power in this respect. 4. Temperance, by Sr. White. 5. An examination of Matt. 24, in the evening. These themes were new to most of the people here; and they have awakened earnest inquiry in many minds. Waterville is a place of literary institutions and mental culture; the citizens generally show marks of intelligence and refinement; but a good impression has been made by the camp-meeting in favor of the truth. In this respect the meeting has been all that could have been expected or perhaps desired. In regard to our brethren themselves, they still manifest firm faith in the truth, and a love for it; but they have seemingly become too much satisfied with the theory without a corresponding consecration of heart and zeal of action. There was not, consequently, that breaking away, and yielding to the melting influence of the Spirit of God, and the coming in of spiritual triumph and victory in the meeting that was desirable. Nevertheless, we look for good results to follow from this meeting touching the prosperity of the cause in this State. A solemn and searching testimony was borne by Sr. White, on Monday morning, just previous to her departure, over which there was deep feeling during the remainder of the meeting. The testimony was well received, and strong desires were expressed to act upon it. Many began to feel their lack and turn to the Lord with confession. A large portion of the forenoon on Monday was spent in this manner, and some excellent testimonies were borne. The benefits of a camp-meeting are not so much what is accomplished on the ground, as the carrying out afterward of the truth presented and the counsel and admonition given. In this respect the meeting was a success, as many resolutions were formed, which, if carried out, will result in the spiritual advancement of those who made them, and thus cause the work in this State to prosper. May the brethren ever remember these vows as solemn covenants between themselves and God, not to be broken. The parting meeting on Tuesday morning was a sweet and precious season. The testimony of some who had been drifting back, was such as to cause the friends of the truth to feel more than paid for the time and expense of the meeting. The same ground will be used next year, and the Conference voted to commence the meeting on Friday and close it the second Monday following, thus holding it over two Sabbaths and first-days. This was adopted because it was thought that more time would be desirable, the brethren now being just prepared to work as the meeting closes. U. S.