The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-08-10
THE CAMP,,MEETING.
ELKToN, August Sth 1879.

MIR. ED1ToR:-Camp Meeting season is
again here, and dusty hot day it was
oot as every body goes to Camp Meeting
'he first Sunday was bound to 60 too.
Early rising, early breakfast, a nice horse
and buggy, and, better than all, good
looking, rich beau, waiting at the door:
now could l help but long for Camp Meet
ing My grandmother tells me that Camp
meetings are not now what they were in
ner DAY, when she was girl; no churches
were then near, and people went for the
express purpose Of getting and seeking
religion, but now, she thinks, they 60 to
irolic, and calls them "Lovers' Retreat"
Well, Ididn't care what she called them,
was going, though the dust was blowing
and covering everybody and everything
and even swallowing dust. We went along
slowly, and one vehicle after another passed
us, till they could be seen in the far distance
looking like a funeral procession, and
away back as far as the eye could reach
they were still coming, loaded with big box,
little box and band box, and bundle
Everybody in Elkton seemed to be the
road to Camp, mothers and fathers, chill
dren and babies (of which there was an
unlimited number,) lover and sweetheart,
indeed all were there.
Eight miles of dusty riding and Red Lion
was reached, we were humping against
first one carriage and then another; but
we managed to squeeze in, and finally sue
ceeded in getting shady retreat for "Bob-
Tall, who know, wished there was no
such place as Camp Meeting, and several
other of his horse companions, I know,
felt the same way, from the flies that were
devouring them. and the dust and sweat 1
saw pouring off their wearied limbs.
But did not go to see or talk horse
pushed aud squeezed through such
crowd, arrived at last at the preachers
stand, and as it was too early for the SER
mon, thought it no sin to walk around
and see who was there; knew my COM
panion, by the by, did not object to this.
1t is not as large as the Camp at Oaking
ton; but hope it may do as much good.
The tents were very prettily arranged,
and really looked neat and comfortable
enough for the most fastiduous; nice car
pets covered the rough floors, and nice
clean beds presented cozy appearance,
and then tba neon1e yere en- hoSnitohle and
polite, among them Brother E. B, who
invited every one to his tent.
The tents and cottages form different
circles the space between the circles being
numbered as avenues. The boarding table
was really credit to the caterer and those
in the culinary department. Everything
inviting and tempting to the appetite, and
well supplied with every delicacy of the
season. Ned was not, but there were 9TH
ers who were agreeably attentive.
Prayer meeting tents were everywhere to
be seen, and oh how sweet did the singing
sound. Youthful and aged voices singing
praise to God-ou. in his own temple not
made with hands. was particularly de-
ligted with the rich sweet voice of Miss A.
B, that poured forth in rich melodious
tones. Prayer, sweet prayer, fell from the
lips of many divines, who, on Bonded knee,
begged outside sinners to come in and pray
for Divine glace, and really felt as if Gods
very presenG was there.
Whilst many in the tents were watching
and praying l wonder if they noticed
that loving ouple back of Mr.. IS tent
Romeo was ,raying most earnestly-not to
his God-bu to his Juliet and I began to
think what ny grandmother said was true.
We heardexcellent sermons; but l have
not room to detail them here. The rich
and poor wee there, the sublime and ridic-
ulous. Inoiced many pretty girls from
this town, fr you know Elkton possesses
many such. One Miss II. F., with
faxen curls, Eyes of blue, and fine graceful
form, attracted my attention, and, though
possessing al these charms, modesty-
| woman brightest ornament--was visible in
her every movement.
Two youn, men stood back of me con-
vsrsing, While Rev. Mr. was earnestly
urging them to come in and seek Protect
ing Power, I will here quote part of the
conversation "Halloa Bill; you are here,
l see. Did you bring your sweetheart
along?" Yes indeed; two bottles of
whisky and hree crackers, better than any
companion yu can find
Mr.. Editor this was not only disre-
spect to the tie sex; but disgrace to the
camp. wilnot tell you their names,
though migt; but as they were pretty
good sized me, fear they might catch
me out and whip me.
There was much complaint of scarcity
of water, until lie morn of Tuesday when
the clouds at lastgave vent to their feelings,
and all once mon enjoyed " Natures bev-
erage, and every one felt refreshed and
delighted to find the dust has ceased to
blow.
Every one appers SO we'll pleased with
camp meeting, antit is so we'll attended,
it will continue til Tuesday next. There
were not as manynourners at the bench
as should liked tt have seen.
Ice Cream" Boths celebrated''-
served in cnormos quantities-and is
such nice ice crear! The carriages are
still going and comig in Unlimited num-
beers. away into tho wee sma' hours of
night COUNTRY.
FOURTH DISTRICT ITEMS.