Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 17, 1877

Children

“Camp Ground,” Morrisville, Vermont

September 10, 1877

This letter is published in entirety in 11MR 106-107.

Dear Children:

We arise this morning in good spirits. The great day of the meeting is over. Yesterday Brother Smith spoke upon the Sabbath question. In the afternoon I spoke one hour and a half upon temperance. About six thousand were on the ground. Many could obtain no seats, but stood during the two hours’ service. I never yet witnessed such perfect attention. Those standing were as motionless as though they were riveted to the ground. There was no leaving the congregation or scattering upon the ground. 3LtMs, Lt 17, 1877, par. 1

Many seemed to feel deeply while I was speaking. I had great freedom and left the stand with throat and lungs free from pain and with more strength than I have had since I left home. 3LtMs, Lt 17, 1877, par. 2

This morning I awake with freedom from pain, of good courage in the Lord, cheerful and hopeful. 3LtMs, Lt 17, 1877, par. 3

Father is improving all the time. He needs to be held up, encouraged, and cheerful words spoken to him. The Lord lives and reigns. He is our strength and Deliverer. 3LtMs, Lt 17, 1877, par. 4

There are forty tents on the ground. It is a beautiful encampment. All is neatness and order. Those who come to the grounds have much to say in praise of the arrangement and order—and the meetings they are delighted with. 3LtMs, Lt 17, 1877, par. 5

After I ceased speaking, the first men of the place came into our tent and stated that that discourse was the greatest that had been given in this country. The whole world should have heard it. This is the general feeling. I was solicited to speak at Stow to the temperance club. It is a place of great resort in summer. The largest church in this place was secured for me, but Father was fearful that I should do too much, so I withdrew my appointment. 3LtMs, Lt 17, 1877, par. 6

There were one thousand teams upon the ground Sunday. We may leave tonight for the New York camp-meeting. In great haste. 3LtMs, Lt 17, 1877, par. 7

Mother.