272
Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
My husband and children thought that as I was much worn, having
labored almost constantly since the Oregon camp meeting, it was my
privilege to rest; but my mind was impressed to attend the Eastern
camp meetings, especially the one in Massachusetts. My prayer was
that if it was the will of God for me to attend these meetings, my
husband would consent to have me go.
When we returned from Boulder City, I found a letter from Brother
Haskell urging us both to attend the camp meeting; but if my husband
could not come, he wished me to come if possible. I read the letter
to my husband and waited to see what he would say. After a few
moments’ silence, he said: “Ellen, you will have to attend the New
England camp meeting.” The next day our trunks were packed. At two
o’clock in the morning, favored with the light of the moon, we started
for the cars, and at half past six we stepped on board the train. The
journey was anything but pleasant; for the heat was intense, and I was
much worn.
Eastern Meetings
Upon arriving at Battle Creek, we learned that an appointment
had been made for me to speak Sunday evening in the mammoth tent
pitched on the college grounds. The tent was filled to overflowing, and
my heart was drawn out in earnest appeals to the people.
I tarried at home but a very short period, and then, accompanied
by Sister Mary Smith Abbey and Brother Farnsworth, I was again
on the wing, bound for the East. When we arrived at Boston, I was
much exhausted. Brethren Wood and Haskell met us at the depot
and accompanied us to Ballard Vale, the place of meeting. We were
welcomed by our old friends with a heartiness that, for the time be-
ing, seemed to rest me. The weather was excessively warm, and the
change from the bracing climate of Colorado to the oppressive heat
of Massachusetts made the latter seem almost unendurable. I tried
to speak to the people, notwithstanding my great weariness, and was
strengthened to bear my testimony. The words seemed to go straight
[299]
home to the heart. Much labor was required at this meeting. New
churches had been raised up since our last camp meeting. Precious
souls had accepted the truth, and these needed to be carried forward