The Portland daily press., 1882-08-30
CAMP MEETINGS.
Seventh Day Adventists at Waterville
Camp Ground.
WATERvILLE CAMP GROUND, I
Aupnst 28. 1882.

WATERvILLE CAMP GROUND,
| August %, 1882
Ihls morning few of the tents were taken
down an some preparation made for general
breaking up OF camp on the morrow.
AT session of the Sabbath School Associa-
tion at $50 the evil effects of light reading up
on the minds Of the young were discussed and
resolution passed calculated to check the in
PRODUCTION of such literature into the homes of
S. ID. Adventists.
At a session of the Conference later in the
forenoon the Bible plan for the support of the
ministry was considered. This people follow
the ancient tithing system. laying apart one
tenth OF their income for the use of Gods SER
wants. The blessings that follow conscien-
tious discharge of this duty were noticed.
At 1890 Elder Butler preached from the
words "Strive to enter in at the strait
gate" The word strait means difficult 1t
requires the sacrifice of all earthly things to
obtain the favor of God. People in these days
seem to be trying to solve the problem, how
they can gain both worlds There never was
an age when there was more form and out
ward service, more profession of religion than
now. Righteousness is the result OF intense
ness in Gods Cause. A living, growing faith
will give a fresh experience daily. Words cam
not express the depth of pc ace and joy that
may come to the Christian. When the love of
God eclipses all earthly splendor, then a prec-
ious work will be wrought in the heart. 1t is
general truth that things should be striven
for in proportion to their value. Eternal life
is of infinite value, hence effort should be
great Trials may bring us into dark places
but when the soul is humbled before God we
may be glad in the shadow of his wing and
gain blessed experience. Crowns OF glory,
stars of rejoicing and soul-satisfying pleasures
will be the portion OF the redeemed.
The meeting near its close took another
form, and many in the morning of life pressed
forward, consecrating their young hearts to q
nobler service than that of self and sin. A
tender melting influ nee was felt in the as
sembly as Prof. Stone sang with deep feeling
"We have heard of beautiful land"
"we have heard of beautiful land
We h4ve heard and our hearts are glad'
A few moments later the sun shed its gleam-
ing rays over weeping, kneelng congrega-
ton and the sun of Righteousness shed his
beams into many hearts, All pronounced this
the best meeting of the week.
In the afternoon Elder Buriill gave dis
iii1. Baptism is beautiful memorial of
Christ's death and resurrection AS he was
buried in the earth and rose again; SO his dis
ciples are buried in the watery grave and
arise to walk with him in the newness of life.
A person should be dead before burial, and
those who would follow Christ should die to
the world and sin before beirg baptized. This
death is simply willingness to renounce and
give up all for Christ. Baptism may be adj
ministered as soon as the candidate feels this
mi nd ha1iavas m ha
Trials and temptations will come after bap-
tism. The Christian life is constant warfare
against sin; mighty conflict between good
and evil, but power from heaven will enable
the weakest to overcome and gain an eternal
victory.
After the services the congregation dispersed
aud met again on the banks of beautifu,
river near by, where the solemn ordinance
about which they had been listening, was ad-
ministered to several candidates.
The scene was one long to be remembered
The river, like a silver ribbon, winding far
away among the trees, the gathered throng
upon its banks, the dancing sunlight upon the
blue, sparkling water and the holy joy that
lighted up the countenances of those who
came forth from 1.-The shining stream, were all
calculated to impress the spectator.
In the evening Elder Stone presented the
peculiar features of the message which this
people are proclaiming to the world. Rev.
IA, II.
He mentioned the fact that for twenty-five
years s. d. Adventists havesbeen predicting a
movement in this country in relation to the en-
forcement of a Sunday law brought about by
constitutional amendment. The people at
large are being agitated over this subject, and
signs indicate that it is destined soon to come
to the front as one of the political and leli-
gious questions of the day. When an issue of
that kind occurs thoss who keep the seventh
day will be brought into trying circumstances,
and delivered from them by the glory of
Christs coming.
Arguments were given showing the reasons
for expecting religious move of this kind in
the political world. The speaker closed with
an earnest appeal to his people, exhorting
them to be SOBER honest, true ever exalting
the commandments Of God above those of men.
WATERvILLE CAMP GROUND Aug. 90.
This morning a farewell meeting was held in
the grove. A spirit of brotherly union and
love seemed to be present and all manifested
determination to live better lives than ever
before.
After the meeting the camp was all astir,
tents were taken down, loaded teams constant
ly leaving, and the home-like appearance of
the grove soon changed to a scene of busy con-
fusion. This has been the largest camp-meet-
ing ever held in this place, and all seemed we'll
pleased with its result. REPORTER.