Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-08-28
Sterling Cnmp Meeting.

He said the mind of man developed
but developed mentally in secular di-
rection; spiritually it is darkened and de-
PRAYED. He detailed the various evils from
which the darkened soul is redeemed. Many
thrilling incidents and illustrations were in
terwoyen. The discourse was kindly received
by generous audience. Rev. C. l.. McCur-
dy and Father Jennison followed in earnest
exhortations, after which the assembly dis
persed for social prayer in the tents.
The sermon of Wednesday morning was
preached by Rev. Mr. Livesy, of Providence
conference. His text was from acts 10 "A;
''While Peter yet spake these words" &c.
The characteristic points of the discourse
were the traits of the audience whom Peter
addressed; the character of the truth the re-
suit of the preaching. The audience was the
household of Cornelius; it felt the need of
grace; it was assembled and in readiness, be-
fore the preacher came; it was a devout and
candid audience; it was earnest and expec-
tant The preparation of Peter for the occa-
sion was briefly and quantity described, the
radiance of his old fogy notions, by the vision
of the Sheet &C., after which the nature of
the truth was shown the divinity of Christ;
the atonement; the resurrection, and the
identity of this truth with the teachings of the
! prophets. The result was the instantaneous,
general, marvellous and practical descent of
the holy spirit. The speaker applied this to
tIo ,,roeopt Cft ba oouso of ro1;-
gion, with great ability and acceptance.
Brother McCurdy followed with one of his
best exhortations, after which about a dozen
came for prayer, of whom several afterwards
professed conversion. The forenoon's work
was decided success, and left deep impress
sion.
Wednesday afternoon was ushered in with
the singing of patriotic songs, and the hour OF
the meeting previously announced was hal
lowed by brief season of silent prayer fol-
lowed by very powerful audible supplications
A large audience was gathered. Rev. N. L.
Long then spoke, briefly, but happily review
ing the pretexts for the rebellion, as urged by
its abettors, and severely rebuked the treach-
cry of the south. Rev. f. Woods, of Mon
son, succeeded, and spoke of the sacred ma
ture of the present contest for freedom. His
remarks were most cordially received by the
audience. Rev. H. H. Parkhurst, who had
smelt powder at Roanoke Island, made
rousing speech upon the duty Of faithful
allegiance to the constitution. Next came the
heroic Capt. w C. Sawyer, of the 23d Mass
achnsetts volunteers, who had lost a leg at
Newbern. As he hobbled, on his crutches, to
the desk, the sympathy and enthusiasm of the
crowd burst through all limits, and he was
greeted with that spontaneous tempest of APP
plause which the presence Of real hero al
ways inspires. He drew a thrilling picture of
the self-deyoton and patience of our noble SOL
diers, and besought the people to rally in
defence of the government The peo-
pie were bathed in tears, and sobs were
heard, all over the assembly. Rev. B. w.
Gorham last spoke, most powerfully and con-
yincingly setting forth the situation of the
contest, its announcements and its discour-
agements. In spite Of a smart shower that
came Ill lllc illluSl Vi Ills IGlldIhS, Ue HGlu
large part of the assembly, whose enthusiasm
was constantly aroused to the highest pitch.
He piled the weapons of wit, biting sarcasm,
and unanswerable argument, in fine variety,
and really made the telling speech of the oc-
casion Most unfortunately, however, its eff
feet was marred by such an admxture of
coarse jokes and the low slang of political
stumpers as sadly belied the occasion, the
subject and the haowed memories that lnger
about the Sterling encampment. A brother
attempted to lead off three cheers for the
flag, but the respect OF the people for the oc-
cason triumphed, and only Il dozen or so, out
of several hundred, family responded. But
a happier test of their patriotism was afforded
in proposal to proclaim emancipation to all
slaves in the border states, with compensation
to loyal owners, and unconditional emancipa-
ton in all the reyolted states. The people,
women and all, were asked to vote, and every
hand went up afirmatively. Rev. S. Kelley
closed with very impressive prayer. 1t is
TO be hoped that the spiritual progress of the
meeting may not be seriously disturbed by
the proceedings of the afternoon. W.
The six o'clock train from the camp ground
yesterday afternoon, was not able to bring
down all the visitors who were prepared to
come at that hour. 1t was owing to an error
which we are assured will not again occur.
Our REGIMENrs.--We learn from reliable
authority, that on Saturday last the 34th Mas
sachusetts regiment was just above Alexan-
dria, waiting transportation to join General
Banks command. The 18th regiment (Col
Leonards) was in the rear of the retreat from
Culpepper, but sustained slight injury. Only
one man, named Beals, belonging to the
Westboro company, was woundcd-and he
not severely.
PtcMc.-The Universalst Sunday school
and society will 20 to Davis Cottage for
picnic excursion, this Thursday morning,
leaving the Boston and Worcester depot at 10
! o'clock A. NJ.