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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
were entertained more than thirty years ago. The pilgrimage of some
of these dear ones may close erelong; but if faithful unto the end, they
will receive a crown of life.
We were interested in Brother Kimbal, who is a mute and has
been a missionary among the mutes. Through his persevering labors
quite a little company have accepted the truth. We meet this faithful
brother at our yearly camp meetings, surrounded by several of his mute
converts. Someone who can hear writes out as much as possible of
the discourse, and he sits surrounded by his mute friends, reading and
actively preaching it over again to them with his hands. He has freely
used his means to advance the missionary work, thus honoring God
with his substance.
We left Ballard Vale Tuesday morning, September 3, to attend the
Maine camp meeting. We enjoyed a quiet rest at the home of young
Brother Morton, near Portland. He and his good wife made our tarry
with them very pleasant. We were upon the Maine camp ground before
the Sabbath, and were happy to meet here some of the tried friends
of the cause. There are some who are ever at their post of duty, come
sunshine or come storm. There is also a class of sunshine Christians.
When everything goes well and is agreeable to their feelings, they are
fervent and zealous; but when there are clouds and disagreeable things
to meet, these will have nothing to say or do. The blessing of God
rested upon the active workers, while those who did nothing were not
benefited by the meeting as they might have been. The Lord was with
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His ministers, who labor faithfully in presenting both doctrinal and
practical subjects. We greatly desired to see many benefited by that
meeting who gave no evidence that they had been blessed of God. I
long to see this dear people coming up to their exalted privileges.
We left the camp ground on Monday, feeling much exhausted. We
designed to attend the Iowa and Kansas camp meetings. My husband
had written that he would meet me in Iowa. Being unable to attend the
Vermont meeting, we went directly from Maine to South Lancaster. I
had much difficulty in breathing, and my heart pained me continually.
I rested at the quiet home of Sister Harris, who did all in her power
to help me. Thursday evening we ventured to resume our journey to
Battle Creek. I dared not trust myself on the cars any length of time in
my state of health; so we stopped at Rome, New York, and spoke to
our people on the Sabbath. There was a good attendance.