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The Maine Camp-Ground

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Aug 7, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 30.

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The Maine Camp-Ground.

By Eliza H. Morton

THE Maine camp-meeting this year will be held in Deering, a pleasant town adjoining Portland. The grounds secured form a part of a tract of land known as "Deering's Oaks," and lie just far enough from the city to be free from its dust, noise, and confusion. The scenery of the surrounding region is noted for its picturesque beauty. The calm, clear waters of Casco Bay partially embrace the land and send cooling sea-breezes over the country. The spires and pinnacles of the Forest City rise from the hill just across the inlet, and when bathed in the golden light of the sun, present a rare scene for the pen of an artist. Far away may be seen dense old forests in all their primeval loveliness, inviting the beholder to "list to Nature's teachings," while the breezes seem to whisper:—
"There Nature's temple open stands; There's none so nobly grand as hers, The sky its roof, its floor all lands, While rocks and trees are worshipers."
The portion of land selected for the encampment proper is surrounded by a high board fence, which will enable the "dwellers in tents" to close their gates against the outside world at night, and reminds one of the ancient sheep-folds and of the "one fold," and the "one door," "by which if any man enter he shall go in and out and find pasture." Within the inclosure are a few of the venerable oaks which have given the place notoriety. Longfellow refers to this grove in the following beautiful words:—
"And Deering's woods are fresh and fair, And with joy that is almost pain My heart goes back to wander there, And among the dreams of the days that were I find my lost youth again."
It is hoped that at the coming camp-meeting many a soul will find in a Saviour's love its lost peace, and with a joy unspeakable catch glimpses of the bloom, glow, and freshness of eternal youth, beauty, and life. ELIZA H. MORTON.