National Republican., 1876-08-15
THE CAMP.

WASHINGTON GROVE CAMP,l
NEAR GAITHERsBURG, MD, Aug. l3, 1870.
The camp this morning appeared almost
deserted, and presented a very striking con.
trast with the busy, exciting scene of yester-
day. A gentleman looking over the ground
remarked that it was almost impossible to
conceive the place 10 have been the scene of
such tumult as on the day before, The
tent-holders seemed to breathe more freely,
and appreciate their relief from the burden
some crowd. Indeed, there are many reasons
why one, looking at the matter from an un-
biased standpoint, would very gravely question
the propriety of holding camp-meetings at all
on the Sabbath day. In the hrst place, it
brings together a vast concourse of people, not
one half of whom can or care to get within
hearing distance of the stand. It was de-
fnitely stated on yesterday that there were
more persons outside of the circle than there
were within 1t. In consequence of this,
UNLESS SCOUTS ARE SENT OUT
to preach to the multitude without the camp,
they never hear word of Gospel during the
entire day. Its an old and true adage that
''Satan always finds some work for idle hands
to do" and the desecration of the Sabbath in
one form or another by promiscuous crowd
like this is inevitable, though it must be said
for yesterdays gathering that more quiet,
orderly congregation is rarely seen. In spite,
however, of the vigilance of the association,
aided by the sheriff of the county, there was
some traffickingtin melons, fruits and the like
on the outside. Then, again. it almost de-
pletes churches in the city and surrounding
country, where they might attend Divine ser
vice and be protected.
If all the camp meeting associations in the
country would follow the example of few
and iuclose the grounds, they would find it
less difficult to control the services, both on
the Sabbath and through the week. At the
Ocean Grove camp, on the Atlantic coast, the
gates are closed at II O'Clock on Saturday
night, and no going out or coming in is allowed
for twenty four hours from that time. And
so rigid are they in their adherence to this
rule that the President of the United States,
who had come over from Long Branch to at
tend the service, was refused admittance.
The closing sermon yesterday was preached
by Rev. James A. McCauley, D. D., president
of Dickinson College. DIR. McCauley is we'll
known throughout Washington and vicinity,
having once been presiding elder of the Wash
ington district, over which Rev. William F.
Speake is now presiding with ability and skill.
The Doctors text was st. John, vi:47. The
sermon was one of the most eloquent and able
ever delivered on the grounds, and will ever
be treasured up by those who heard it.
Rev. B. Peyton Brown followed in an ex-
hortatloD, and conducted an old-fashioned
prayer meeting, after which both ministers
and laymen retired to their tents, feeling con-
scious that they had tried to do an honest
days work for God and His cause. The first
eervice of to-day was prayer and experience
meeting, held in the tabernacle, led by Rev.
George V Leech, and was very spiritual and
profitable. One gentleman who participated
said he had been going to camp-meetings for
five years and this was the first time he had
ever given his experience during that time.
The morning sermon was preached by Rev. D.
Monroe Browning, of Providence NJ. E. church,
Washing, from Luke xvii:5, "Lord, increase
our faith" The discourse was very attentively
listened to, and the meeting throughout was
pronounced to be one of the most profitable
of the camp. The social meeting at the
tabernacle this afternoon was conducted by
Rev. E. D. Owen. Light showers of rain
have fallen throughout the day, although not
enough TO incommode the worship to any
great extent. Rev. Mr.. Webb breaches again
tonight; Rev. Harry S. France, of Bladens-
burg, tomorrow morning. Rev. DR.. ]. J.
Murry, pastor of the Methodist Protestant
church in Georgetown, is engaged to preach on
Wednesday morning.