THE VERMONT CAMP-MEETING.
By James White
THE annual camp-meeting for the Vermont Conference was held September 2-7, at Morrisville, Vt. As we reported in reference to the meeting held at West Boylston, Mass., the Vermont meeting for 1880 was the largest ever held in that Conference. About four hundred Sabbath-keepers were present, most of whom remained to the close of the meeting. The cause in old Vermont has a history of loyalty and liberality on the part of its friends. At an early date the labors of Eld. Bates were successful in the Green Mountain State. These were followed by meetings held at different points by Mrs. W. and the writer. Since that time our testimony has ever been well received by the brethren. For the period of thirty-two years, with few exceptions, we have met our brethren in Vermont annually, and have enjoyed seasons of refreshing with them. And these Vermonters, though generally in limited circumstances, have ever been ready to respond to calls for means to sustain the cause in its several departments. For a quarter of a century there has been a constant emigration of our people from the Green Mountain State to the West. Vermont has furnished members for our churches in all the western States. Of those who have observed the original Sabbath since Elder Bates' first visit to Vermont, probably not one-half are now living in the State. Very many have fallen asleep, and have made graves all the way from the Green Mountains to the Pacific. And among the living Vermonters in the West are several preachers, and many worthy members of our churches. And yet the Vermont Conference holds her own, and grows a little stronger each year, while at her northern border a new Conference is organized in the Province of Quebec, embracing many who were members and supporters of the Vermont Conference. Each one of the sisterhood of Conferences, with few exceptions, has in its youth received help from the General Conference. Our ablest and most efficient ministers have been supplied to the feebler Conferences, and in some cases have been supported from the General Conference treasury. The faithful brethren in Vermont have been the first and the most liberal to support the cause. And yet that Conference has not had the labors of efficient ministers from other States for any considerable length of time, even at its own expense. And while other States, less destitute of ministerial help, have enjoyed the labors of our efficient men, Vermont has done her share in supporting them there. A man of ability and experience, a man of God, is needed in this State. The Vermonters are just the men for counsel and co-operation, but can never enjoy being led and their duty dictated to them by inferiors. They ask by unanimous vote for Elder Butler, and it is hoped that the General Conference will, at its near session, be able to furnish the right man for Vermont, a man physically strong, one of experience, who has the cause at heart, and will counsel with the old hands in that State, who have so long borne well the burdens in the heat of the day. In some respects the Vermont camp-meeting was the best we have attended this season. The preaching was generally practical, inspiring the brethren and sisters with hope and good cheer. The social meetings were excellent, and the friends of the cause returned to their homes greatly encouraged. J. W.