The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-06-23

The Mammoth Nlethodlst Meeting Near Boston
Tho Opening scenes.
From Our 0iOn Correspondent
AsBURY GROVE, Mass, June 22.-Here # is, just
as expected. meet again the crowd that thronged
Desbrosses street, New York; that made my trip on
the Norwich line upcomfortably close upon the
steamer as we went up East river and across Long
Island Sound that would not leave nor forsake me
at New London, but thence jostled me in the
crammed cars, gliding through the towns OF Put
nam, Blackstone and others of historic suggestion;
that saw me clear through even when took to the
woods; and that now, together with the multitude
OF Methodists gathered to the Fourth National
Camp Meeting, from various parts Of our common
country, stick closer than a brother.
Upon our entrance of McClintock avenue, on
Tuesday, the singing of the old hymn 'FOrever
here my rest shall be-" seemed to echo back accept
ance to inviting grove, cool cottages, and religious
influences pervading the very atmosphere. Although
previous engagement prevented my singing the
line to mean it, thought l. Wen tarry with you in
tents for a season. am glad am here, under the
protection of the good Governo OF the Bay
state, who, by the way, is leading member In the
Methodist Episcopal Church despite the slight hint
that heard. thrown out in the Legislature, upon
the reception of his veto of the Hartford and
Erie Railroad bill, that he interested
in another line. But, as usual singing
was followed by Scripture lessons, which were
blended with prayer that this meeting may be Vine-
similar scenes, repeated and surpassed. To
this end circnlars were distributed, reading
"HoLINEss TO THE LORD.
'"The condition OF 1our mind, and the manner of
your life while here, will have much to do with the
spirituality and success Of the occasion.
'Make full conservation of your time talents in
nuence and yourself to God and His causs Set
aside secular interests, all estng and evil speaking
and in no allow yourself to be drawn into con-
troversy Strictly observe the rules of the meeting
and preserve those especially pertaining to public
worship and private devotion.
Be careful to shun excess In eating, and retire and
rise early. Permit no special excitement to betray
you into a disregard of this suggestion. Ten days
OF toll demand our attention.
''Waste no time in mere recreation. We come for
vastly more important purpose-to seek the Divine
glory!
'The Master saith all things are possible to him
that believeth,' etc.
THE PRESENTATION OF THE EPwORTH BIBLE
brought with the antique appearance of the book for
a moment many monastlc memories, and created
strange conjecture.
Rev. w. A. Boole stated that this is the Epworth
Chapel pulpit Bible, therein used for one hun
dred years from 1695-forty years by
the father-pastor, Samuel Wesley and
thereafter by John Wesley until the world became
his parish presented in 1884 by the wardens Of Corn
wall to Rev. Robert Atkins, who thought it emf
nenty fitting for Mrs. Smith, of London, daughter of
cutor OF this lady, Sir Stevenson, has recently,
through the sweet singer, Philip Phillips, made
American Methodism its depository.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
This pleasing incident was seized upon and rem
dered strikingy significant by Rev. John S. Inskip,
of Baltimore, chairman of the National Committee.
Said he:-"Old Bible, old Gospel; nothing to tell
you, but truth old Christianity Text short easily
remembered; forget it never-'Be We holy Holi-
ness all that pertains to true religion, now seen
through the prismatic rays reflected upon single
point of observation To specifically apply 1t, Love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy
mind and with all thy SOUL and with ali thy strength,
and thy neighbor as thysef.' Here we cannot be
beyond temptation or errors Of judgment In the
conduct Of life; but we can be Intensely sou-satis-
fed with God and His Son, who brother to souls
became. We come not to satisfy New England pro-
clivites to split hairs in argument, but rather to
kindle fire here as of old, to spread in whitehead
all over the land. There is not much logic In Divine
power.
"Religion an inner life,a verify though profound
mystery. 'Work is worship literally interpreted,
an infdel sentiment. No war to wage with good
works, but they come short of saving grace. Too
many have a legendary Saviour. Rationaism re-
viewed. Not few formal. Ritualsm and Romanism
scathed. Some say hard to hold on to religion.
Get religion that will hold on to Zion. Never
mind about naming 1t yet; never name child until
it be born; church must start a fire; fire always
draws a crowd; must not, In the fast world about
u.s. in religion go back to ex-cart travel; let Chris
tian speed be telegraphic and lightnng-quick and
powerful"
Brief summary cannot do justice to this mag
netc discourse. To-day spiritual yearnings go up
in PRAYER as the voice OF man, and break forth
into praise and thanksgiving Free-thinking Boston
stands upon the outskirts chatting; the police are
| 'terror to evil doers;" and am safe in my stay
| from all harm In the path of duty. You shall hear
more after while, about men and things, Yam
| kees yelling, etc. Au reuotr. ]. II. II.