The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-07-24
CHAP. XIII.
The Camp MEETING.

The Camp Meeting.
The place selected for the camp meeting
was in one of the most picturesque portions of
the neighborhood. 1t was a small, partially
cleared spot, in the midst Of dense forest,
which stretched away in every direction, in
cool, green aisles of checkered light and shade.
In the central clearing, sort Of rude am
phitheatre of seats was formed of rough pine
slabs. Around, on the edges of the forest, the
tents Of the various worshippers were pitched !;
for the spending of three or four days and
nights upon the ground is deemed an essential
part of the service. The same clear stream
tied its way, with a modest gurgle, through
this forest, and furnished the assembly with
water.
The Gordons, having come merely for the
purposes of curiosity, and having a residence
in the neighborhood, did not provide them
selves Eith tent. The servants, however,
were less easily satisfied. Aunt Rose shook
her head, and declared, oracplarly, that Ode
blessing was sure to come down in de night,
and dem dat wanted to get a part of it would
have to be dar!"
Consequently, Nina was beset to allow her
people to have tent, in which they were to
take turns in staying all night, as candidates
for the blessing. In compliance with that law
of good-humored indulgence which had been
the Evolutionary usage of her family, Nina ac-
coded; and the Gordon tent spread its snowy
sails, to the rejoicing of their hearts. Aunt
Rose predominated about the door, alternately
Shaping the children, and joining the chorus
of hymns which abe heard from every part of
the camp-gro1nd. On the outskirts were va
rious rude booths, in which whisky and water,
and sundry articles of provision, and fodder
for horses, were dispensed for consideration.
bijah Skinflint here figured among the money.
changers, while his wife and daughter were
gossipping through toe tents of the women.
In front of the seats, under q dense CLUSTER OF
pines, was the preachers stand-a rude stage
| St rough boards, with a railing around it, and
desk OF snasll slabs, supporting Bible and
hymn-book.
The preachers we're already assembling
and no small curiosity was expressed with re
gard to then, by the people, who were walking
up and down among the tents. Nina, leaning
on the arm of Clayton, walked about the area
with the rest. Anne Clayton leaned on the
arm of Uncle John. Aunt Nesbit and Aunt
| Maria came behind. To Nina the scene was
quite new, for long residence in the Northern
Ststes had placed her out of the way of such
things saa her shrewd insight into character
/ a.d her love of droiieyy, found an abundant
satisfaction Ill the various little points ard eddi
ties of the scene. They walked to the Gordon
tent, in which preliminary meeting was al
ready in full course. A circle of men and wo
men, interspersed with children, were sitting
with their eyes shut and their heads throw
back, singing at the top of their voices. Qcca
sionally, one or other would vary the exercises
by clapping of hands, jumping up straight into
the air, falling fiat on the ground, screaming
dancing, snd laughing.
90, set me up on rockl" screamed one.
Is sot up," screamed another.
Glory!" cried the third, and a tempest o.
"amens" poured in between.
KS got speriencel" cried one, and forth
with began piping it opt in high key, while
others kept on singing.
rs got speriencei" shouted Tomtit
whom Aunt Rose, with maternal care, had ia
ken with her.
J "No, you amt, neither! Sit down," said