The Portland daily press., 1877-08-18
CAMP MEETINGS.
Kcnnebec VALLEY.

meeting was improved by large number. 1t
was estimated that about 1000 people gathered
at the Richmond camp ground. The interest
OF the services was augmented proportionately
to the attendance. Very noticeable was the
spirit OF true reverence and piety that pervaded
the encampment
After the social conference meetings in the
different tents large congregation assembled
for public worship in the tabernacle. The au.
dience was entertained with the recitation of a
portion Of Scripture by Camp Meeting John
Allen, and then gave attention to an ipstruc-
tive discourse by Rev. Mr.. Webster, of Wayne.
from the first epistle of Peter 4:16, ga Chris
| tian." The theme considered was the charac.
ter and privileges of Chri stan The true
Christian possesses the following characteris-
tics:-First, confidence in the truths of the in
| spired record; second, perfect obedience to the
commandments of the Redeemer; third, re-
| generation by the Holy Spirit. The privileges
| of the true Christian were enumerated as:-
| First, Justification; second, friendship and
| communication with God; third, certainty of
victory over Death; fourth, perfect happiness
hereafter These points were elaborated in
! forcibie manner
! A prayer meeting was held by the young
! people at o'clock in charge of Geo. Gushing.
! A vast number came together at P. NJ to
| listen to Rev. j. W. Hamilton, of Boston, pas
tor of the Peoples Church. who spoke from the
words contained in I'd Kings 5:12, "Are not
| Abaaa and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, bet
| ter than all the waters of Israel? May not
wash in them, ard be clean" The preacher
| gave description of the circumstances under
which the text was uttered. Naaman, the Sy-
rian ruler, was selected as type Of character
First the honest men who are theoretically and
practically opposed to Christianity; second, the
obstacles in their way of accepting Christian
truth; third, their religious duty.
This clearly enunciated and elegantly written
sermon must be pronounced as the ablest effort
during the session.
In the evening Rev. A. S. Ladd, of Bath,
preached discourse.
The Kennebec Valley Camp Meeting Associ-
alton held an adjourned meeting at P. M.
The following officers were elected:
President-D E. Richards, of Richmond
Vice Presidents. Z. johnson, of Gardiner
Secretary-E. r. Drummond, of Waterville
Treasurer. r. Sawtelle. of Hallowell.
Auditor-H. K. Baker, of Hallowell.
Executive Committee-A K P. Buffum. of
Gardiner; Chas. G. Hunt. of Augusta; A. d.
Alexander, Of Richmond; Geo. Gushing, Of
Skowhegan; r. W. Dunn, of Waterville.
A committee was appointed to ascertain how
many $40 shares can be sold to make provision
for the Indebtedness upon the property
Close of the Old Orchard Camp-Meeiings.
The series of camp-meetings which COM
menced with DR.. Cullis' 'Holiness" meeting
and closed this morning has differed notably
from any held in previous years. The small
attendance all through the month is accounted
for by the remarkable fact that during all the
meetings there has not been forty consec-
utive hours free from fog or rain, though other
influences have combined to make the attend
ance smaller than in previous years
There has been no lack in interest, however,
and the tone of the meetings have been more
harmonious and free from disagreeable Incl
dents than ever before. Uncle Oliver declares
that the series this summer has been better
than ever before, and that the district meeting
has been better than any of the others, which
is undoubtedly the case unless the encampment
is considered resort for religious junketing
and ministerial pyrotechnics There is visible |
reaction from the grand demonstrations of the
past few years, and the meetings have had
more of the simplicity and hearty religious
fervor of the primitive gatherings in the item
Piles of the wood" while grand sermons and
we'll managed camp-meeting effects have
been conspicuous by their welcome Absence
Yesterday the weather was superb, and at an
early hour various public and private convey
ances commenced to bring in the crowd, which
increased every hour, till fully two thousand
people were present on the grounds.
The morning prayerimeetings in the society
tents were well attended, and especially the
meeting at the Saccarappa tent, presided over
by Mrs. Clark, whose sweet singing and earn.
est words not only filed the tent but drew a
large crowd about the door,
Rev. S. f. Wetherbee of Lewiston preached
one of his best sermons in the evening, select
ing as his theme the goodness and severity of
Gods government as found in all departments
of his administration. The sermon was copi-
ously and happily illustrated by references
First, to opportunities; second. to physical ma
tare; third, to spiritual nature. 1t was one of
the best sermons of the meeting,-eminently
clear, cogent and practical.
AT one o'clock social meetings were held at
different tents, while the children were ad-
dressed by Mrs Trafton of Elliot at the Taber.
nacle, and large congregation attended Rev.
Chas Munger's accurate analysis of the LIST
Epstle to the Ephesians at the stand.
An immense congregation assembled at the
stand in the afternoon. Appeals for the Home
Missionary Society, setting forth the import.
ance of its work and pecuniary needs were
made by Revs. A. W. Pottle and j. r Day,
after which Rev. o. M. Cousens of Bartlett
preached an earnest, effective sermon, based
upon the story of the jailor of Phillip
An altar service followed, aud many testified
to having received great blessings during the
week.
In the evening the closing public service was
held at the stand and was attended by one of
the largest congregations of the week. 1t was
a Love feast, and scores testified to the Joys of
Christian experiences, ranging from few
hours to so years in duration.
The private social meeting will be held this
morning.
An adjourned meeting of the district stew
ards was held, at which the report of the COM
mttee on estimates was received, apportioning
the amount of the presiding elders salary
among the different charges, according to their
ability The following appointments we're
also made
$3.50 for Bishops; $500 for church extension;
$500 for conference claimants; $1,000 for Home
Missions, and $273O for Foreign Missions.
There will be preaching Sunday at the camp
ground.
An announcement was ~ ide for an old fash
Toned camp-meeting at Shapeigb, Sept "a.
The BRIDGToN EXCURsIoN,-The knights of
Pythiss started for Bridgton yesterday noon,
headed BY Chandler's Band. They left their
hall in full uniform and marched up Congress.
down High, up Spring, down Park and nm Com