Vermont Camp-Meeting
EGW
We reached the Burlington, Vt., camp-meeting Wednesday afternoon, September 3. The encampment was located on a high bank overlooking Lake Champlain, and the scenery was very interesting and attractive. The broad lake, stretched out before us, reminded me of the Golden Gate at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, which I have so often looked upon with admiration. RH November 11, 1884, par. 1
As the sun was sinking out of sight, its crimson glory, like a pillar of fire, was mirrored in the waters of the lake. I thought of the children of Israel as they journeyed in the wilderness,—of the defense God graciously gave them in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. How could they doubt God, how could they murmur at the roughness of the way and the hardships they endured, when this symbol of the divine presence and protection was constantly with them? How could they forget that, enshrouded in that cloudy pillar, the Son of God was their leader, by day shielding them from the burning rays of the sun, and by night watching them with an eye that never slept? RH November 11, 1884, par. 2
As I looked upon the beautiful landscape, which suggested thoughts so pleasant and elevating, I rejoiced that here was beauty which we could admire and enjoy without any fear that our minds would be led away from God. If we would seek less anxiously for the artificial, and would take greater delight in the Lord's created works, we would be freer from gloomy feelings, more simply honest and true, more like the divine Author of beauty and joy. RH November 11, 1884, par. 3
We here met the largest number of Sabbath-keepers ever assembled at a camp-meeting in Vermont. Among these brethren and sisters we were glad to see several of the old friends of the cause. But we were sorry to hear of the affliction of our beloved Bro. Barrows, who had attended every previous camp-meeting held in the State. His son Hamlet was called home by a telegram that his father was at the point of death; and soon another was sent, summoning Sr. Hutchins to the bedside of her dying father. On Monday a telegram was received, stating that our beloved brother was sleeping in Jesus. I could say, “It is well. Weep not for the dead, but for the living.” John, in holy vision, glancing down to our time, exclaimed, “Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” Let us not mourn for those who have gone to their rest, but work understandingly and intelligently for the living. RH November 11, 1884, par. 4
Another faithful standard-bearer is gone. His life-work is ended; his armor is laid off at the feet of his Redeemer. How many who were among the pioneers of the cause in Vermont have left us,—Bro. and Sr. Barrows, Bro. and Sr. Gardner, Bro. and Sr. Morse, Bro. and Sr. Childs, Bro. and Sr. Sperry, Bro. and Sr. Lockwood, Bro. and Sr. Butler, Bro. Bingham, Sr. Benson, and her husband, who embraced the truth at a later date, and others, whose names I cannot recall. I looked upon the care-worn features of our aged Bro. and Sr. Loveland, and thought, How soon their faces too will be missing. These have let their light shine day by day in steady beams. May the Lord continue to give them a large measure of his Spirit, that while they live they may sow the seed of truth. RH November 11, 1884, par. 5
During the Vermont camp-meeting the heat was very oppressive and debilitating. My appetite was poor, and I felt the need of rest; for I had labored almost constantly since attending the Iowa meeting. But I would not yield to the enemy. I spoke five times from the desk, besides several times in morning meetings, and once to the ministers and canvassers. RH November 11, 1884, par. 6
Sunday I was sick. It seemed impossible for me to stand and speak to the people in the oppressive atmosphere of that hot September day. But trusting in Jesus, I decided to make the attempt. The Lord blessed me with great freedom. He gave me special strength and utterance, so that no one would have suspected that I had been so very feeble before commencing to speak. Some had expressed fears that I would faint in the desk, but these fears were soon removed. I went trusting in God, and he sent me help. His angels were by my side, strengthening me for the work. I felt awed and solemn; for I knew that without this divine aid I could not have stood before the people. I recalled the many times that I had proved God under most discouraging circumstances, and he had blessed me beyond my expectations, and I felt reproved that I had allowed fears to arise as to whether, in my weakness, I could deliver my message to the congregation. RH November 11, 1884, par. 7
The blessing I had received did not leave me, but I continued to grow stronger. A few hours before, want of faith had led me to look forward to a probable illness of days, and perhaps weeks, from malaria; but the spell of disease was broken. I drank of the well of Bethlehem, and was refreshed. Soul and body were invigorated; the praise of God was upon my lips, while I made melody to him in my heart. RH November 11, 1884, par. 8
Our friends in Vermont merit our gratitude for their kindness and attention. They made every exertion to have our tent comfortable. As in New York, a small tent was pitched under a larger one. In the court outside the small tent a well-furnished table was spread for the ministers from abroad. A stove was also placed here, all ready for use. Although in this instance we had no need of a stove, I was grateful for this evidence of their thoughtful care. It is often unsafe to be without a fire in the tent; and if nothing is done about getting a stove fitted up and in running order until the weather changes from hot to cold, the warmth and comfort often come one day too late, as we have found to our sorrow. Before arrangements can be made, and a fire built, the mischief is done. In such cases I have been thoroughly chilled through, and throat and lungs have suffered from a severe cold, which has clung to me for months. RH November 11, 1884, par. 9
Everything was done that could be done to make us comfortable and at home during our stay with these friends. Our tent was tastefully arranged, and the pleasant motto, “Welcome,” greeted us as we entered. We understood that this motto was put up by friends not of our faith, and that they cheerfully aided in furnishing and arranging our tent. May none of these kindly attentive ones lose their reward. RH November 11, 1884, par. 10
Many who spend only one week in camp do not realize the need of these special preparations; but those who spend eight, ten, or fifteen weeks in camp-meetings, obliged to labor constantly, and who do not eat or sleep at home for several months together, should have careful, thoughtful attention, that their strength and courage may be at the best, and they may be able to perform the greatest amount of labor. Ministers are constantly taxed, and are often reduced in strength by over-labor. All that our brethren can do to preserve their health, and to make their labors successful and effective, should be cheerfully done. No pains should be spared to show them that their work for the Master is appreciated, and to relieve them, as far as possible, of every burden and anxiety. RH November 11, 1884, par. 11
Do not feel, brethren, that those who minister to you in sacred things may have too easy a time if you are considerate of their comfort. You cannot do better service for the cause of God than by taking special care of those who are laboring in his vineyard. There is altogether too much of a feeling on the part of some that ministers should put up with every inconvenience, for this is a part of their legacy; but the neglect to do what should have been done for their comfort, has caused weeks of painful sickness, and has deprived the people of the labor that God designed they should have. RH November 11, 1884, par. 12