The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1869-08-14
Maggie's Reply TO MS Letter.

RED LION CAMP GROUND, Aug. 10, SO.
Dear W:-Of course, to me, the school
vacation holds not the charms it does for
you: for having my daily household duties
to attend, my vacation partakes of same
ness throughout the year and l have not
"school on the brain" but sweeping, dust
ing, patching, and dishwashing,- minor
points in themselves, but oh requiring so
much patience to undergo day in and
day ont, the same monotonous routine
SO, when friend proposed visit to the
Red Lion Camp Ground for day. me-
thought 'twould be SO nice, and such a
change! And then, thinks !, Matte and
can compare notes, and | will answer her
letter in my poor way.
Tuesday morning came clear and bright,
and found us early at the camp ground,
after a delightful drive of an hour or so.-
Not having attended camp meeting for
many years, all was novel and exciting
OF course, the arrangements here are not
on as extensive a plan as those of the
great Camden Camp. Only ole row of
about the main aisle and ministers stand,
beside the boarding tents in the corner of
the camp enclosure. Seated in the rustic
temple of boards (unadorned, save by the
heads of the nails used in it's construction
were no less than twenty preachers of the
Gospel and other prominent men in the
service of the NJ. E. Church. This, to me,
was beautiful sight in itself. I took my
seat near amid an immense throng of list
eners, eager and willing for the spiritual
food as it fell from the lips of the speakers.
The opening service, as is usual, was the
hymn, and rs with one accord, every voice
swelled forth in praise to God our Father,
my lips trembled and tears stole down my
cheek, and welcomed them as comforters.
The morning services were conducted by
the Rev. J. D. Curtis, formerly stationed
in Elkton. His words were good,-sound
in doctrine, earnest in spirit and practical
in purpose, and the entire congregation
gave an appreciative and sympathetic hear
ing to his utterances.
At the conclusion, dinner was announced.
Beside the regular camp table, baskets were
brought forth, filled with substantials and
dainties, and twas truly pleasing sight to
see the many groups scattered throughout
the grounds, enjoying themselves SO hear
tily.
Afternoon service, commencing at half
past one, was devoted from that time until
three O'Clock to the children. The little
ones were all placed Oh the forward seats,
and after pleasing address, were requested
to rise and sing. Never have l seen a
brighter, happier set of faces. Never have
| heard sweeter voices than those of these
little ones here gathered on the "old camp
ground 1t seemed as though the words
Of our Savior, "Suffer little children to
come unto me, - were being verified. And
my thoughts were, oh, that all these may
at last be led into the green pastures of
eternal life, to receive starry crown, and
with the angels stand
Regular afternoon service commenced at
quarter past three o'clock, conducted by
the Rev. Thomas Miller, of Philadelphia.
He addressed the people for the space of
an hour. The spirit of Grace descended
upon him, his tongue was loosed, his heart
afre with heavenly zeal. Many were the
tears shed. Enemies became friends the
proud and naughty were the meekest !; God
was with them and about them, encircling
all in His loving kindness and mercy. The
woods resounded with the cry of penitent
hearts, glad voices swelling the chorus till
it reached the throne on high.
AS the evening shades gathered, we pre-
pared to return home. l left reluctantly
the many who remained my heart was
with them in their evening devotions. Ny
homeward medtations were, if only the
whole world, from pole to pole, could be
gathered together in one great, glorious
camp meeting, and unite in praising God
out in the open air, beneath the roof of
sky,
"Heart joined to heart, and hand hand to
hand,
A noble and unbroken bandr'
wonder if I have tired you? will see
you again when school commences, hope,
both of us being better friends than ever
before, more closely united in our work for
our Divine Lord and Master. Till then,
goodbye. Gods blessing rest upon thee,
my friend. Yours, MAGGIE.
The new steamer Diana, equipped for
geographical explorations and scientific re-