The Missionary by John Nevins Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 18, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 36.

The Missionary.

By John Nevins Haskell

New England Camp-Meeting.

THIS meeting was held upon the fair-ground in the city of Worcester, the same as last year. Worcester is an inland city of about sixty thousand inhabitants, about thirty-five miles from Boston, and forty from Providence. It is a great railroad center for Massachusetts, and is noted as a manufacturing place for agricultural implements and all kinds of machinery.

The meeting commenced according to appointment, Aug. 21, and continued until Sept. 2. About seventy-five tents were pitched, forming quite an extended circle around the large 80x125 ft. pavilion in which the services were held. This meeting was one of hard labor, and we trust that the results will show that it was the most profitable camp-meeting ever held in New England. Frequent rain prevented as large an outside attendance as there was last year, but many who came upon the ground manifested the deepest interest to hear, and were constant in their attendance. Each Sunday it was estimated that there were five thousand people on the ground. The attendance among our brethren was never better. Scattered brethren were present from all parts of the Conference, also persons from other States.

A general interest was manifested in the different enterprises connected with the cause. At different times during the meeting special efforts were made for the unconverted and unconsecrated. Sabbath, Aug. 30, the move was more general. At the close of a discourse by Sister White the Spirit of God settled upon the congregation in a wonderful manner. Persons who had never kept the Sabbath, but who had been convicted on the subject, came forward with others to seek God. As seat after seat was vacated by the congregation and filled by those who came forward, all present were deeply affected.

After a season of prayer, many bore the testimony that they had found peace in God.

One lady who happened to be in the city on a visit, returned home decided to observe the Sabbath, the SIGNS advertising the camp-meeting having been the first means of calling her attention to the subject. The meeting, although a season of labor, because of some who did not realize the sacredness of divine things, gradually increased in interest until the close. The change in the moral atmosphere was very apparent as the meeting advanced.

Notwithstanding the fact that the brethren in New England gave largely to foreign missions last year, and have taken the responsibility of raising $25,000 for educational purposes, including what help they might receive from others, they decided, in order to increase their T. and M. Reserve Fund and carry forward the city missions, to raise an additional five thousand. This was immediately pledged, and we think that the spirit there manifested by the brethren to give of their means will continue with them and lead to still greater sacrifices in the future.

Elder Smith and Sister White came upon the ground the second week of the meeting, and their labors were never more highly appreciated. The Boston Journal published reports of between one and two columns in length every day, containing Bible-readings and a synopsis of each discourse. The daily papers in Worcester also gave reports of the meeting.

On Monday, after a discourse on baptism by Elder Smith, the congregation repaired to Salisbury Pond, about a mile distant, where twenty were baptized. This was an interesting sight. The candidates included not only young men and maidens, but aged persons with gray hairs, and the child of six summers. Everything passed off quietly and with good order. Upon

returning to the ground, it was observed that we had been absent but three-quarters of an hour. Allowing fifteen minutes for going and returning, the baptism, including singing and arrangements at the water, occupied but thirty minutes. This shows how easily three thousand could have been baptized on the day of Pentecost by the disciples at Jerusalem. Allowing to each candidate the same time occupied in Worcester, seventy could have administered the ordinance in a little more than an hour, and twelve could have performed it in less than seven hours.

The school interests were considered, and the reports concerning finances and the erection of buildings received with favor. It is expected that there will be quite a full attendance at the South Lancaster Academy the coming year, from different parts of this Conference, including some who will be prepared to give lectures on the subject of health, hygiene, etc.

S. N. HASKELL.