p. 603 | Vermont Camp-Meeting by A. O. Burrell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 9, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 38.

Vermont Camp-Meeting.

By A. O. Burrell

THIS meeting was held at Burlington, Vt., Aug. 28 to Sept. 9. The city and country had been quite thoroughly canvassed for the Signs, and a fair number of subscriptions taken. The meeting was well advertised in every respect. The location was all that could be desired, only that it was a little too far from the center of town, since there are no street-cars. Elder Whitney arrived the first day of the meeting and remained until the following Wednesday, when Elder Smith and Sister White reached the ground.

The attendance of our people was quite large, but the outside interest was light; yet those who did come gave the best of attention, and I doubt not but what a good impression was made. By actual count there were 334 campers on the ground besides transients. About fifty tents were pitched.

The preaching was well received. All appreciated the testimony of Sister White, and we believe it will be productive of much good. Quite a number were present who had embraced the Sabbath during the year. The children's meetings, which were conducted by Mrs. Burrell, were interesting.

When the wants of the cause were presented, the hearts of the congregation were stirred. Nearly two thousand dollars were pledged, so that of the $15,000 fund $8,300 have been pledged, and we confidently expect that our people will bring up the remainder.

Three men, H. Peebles, M. E. Kellogg, and H. W. Pierce were ordained on Monday evening, and it was a most precious season. The Spirit of the Lord came in to approve the act. Three received ministerial licenses, and twenty colporteur's licenses. Several of the latter will attend the South Lancaster Academy a portion of the coming year.

Fifteen were baptized in the beautiful waters of Lake Champlain. At times the social meetings were very interesting, there being as many as seventy testimonies given in twenty minutes. The ministers' meetings, which were held nights after the camp had retired, were of a very important nature. We had expected Elder Haskell, and felt that we could not go through the meeting without his counsel, but about the time he was to arrive, a letter came saying he must go to Maine. This caused us all to cry to God for divine wisdom for the occasion, and it did seem that we were not left alone. All who engaged in the night struggles will long remember how near the Lord came.

Bro. J. R. Israel was present the last week and rendered valuable assistance by giving Bible-readings and conducting a canvassers' class. The remarks of Sister White at the last morning meeting were well calculated to bind off the work.

While remaining to store tents and arrange for further labor in this city, I found the influence of the meeting had been excellent. The editor of the Free Press, in whose paper we had had daily reports, gave us a very friendly and urgent invitation to hold our meeting in this city next year, saying, We are acquainted with you now and will give you more space in our columns. I was not aware that the meeting had done so much good until I met some of these leading business men. I am coming to think that Vermont is a good rich field of labor. I am glad it has been my lot to labor here.

A. O. BURRELL.