The Evening critic., 1882-08-02
WORSHIP IN THE WOODS.
Another Interesting Letter From
Camp mt jackson Grove.

Camp ut Jackson Grove.
Special Correspondence Of THE EvESrsa CRrrrc
JACKSON Grove, Aug. 2.
There is something peculiarly attractive aud
appropriate In tho worship OF God In tho
woods. The waving trees with whispered
voice invite praise to tho Being who planted
their roots deep in tho Mother Earth and sent
their branches upward as II ever reaching for
closer companionship with their Creator. Tho
water gushing from bounteous springs, uncon-
taminated by the influences Of surrounding
city, is q typo OF the gracious goodness and
love that is the chief attribute OF Divinity.
The birds with sweet but simple song arc
ever.present monitors that appeal to the fner
sensibllities Of the heart, uplifting and soften.
Ing the hardened, and attuning to harmony.
Tho very insects, small and insignificant
though they be, teach the lesson OF humble
devotion TO the Power that gave them their
little life and taught them TO perform their
task uncomplainingly, and TO pass away with
the falling caves with a touching self-abnega-
ton that leaves nothing bohind but the husk
OF what was, and looks forward to what is to
be when tho veil that reveals the future
With these fortunate conjunctions Of circum.
stances tho rain, which began falling yester-
day morning. intcrfered not, but added rather
to the general effect, especially ut night, when
the wavering shadows cast weird images OF
the tabernacle and the surrounding trees.
Getting In tho shelter of the tabernacle tho
picture presented was ono to be treasured.
The cleaning lights, the falling rain, the i'm
FASHIONED appeals OF the clergy, tho responses
from all sides, a song, beginning in low, sweet
strains, and swelling, as voice after voice took
up the melody, until one felt an undefinablo
something like devotion stoal over his senses,
with memories OF "Lang Syne," whom no wor-
SHIPPED In simplicity of heart the idols which
the rude hand OF daily contact with tho world
has killed beyond hope OF resurrection.
VT was time for memory and for tears.
Within the quiet chambers OF the heart
Aspectre dim, whose tones were like
The wizard voice OF Time heard from.
n m n n nj MT N fp1 ia an1 m nd
eolomn-nDger at the beautiful and holy
Visions that had passed away and left
No shadow Of their loneliness on the dead
THE CRITIC, softened and subdued into some.
thing like a human being by these cIviizlng
influences, forgot the world and Its flesh pots
and neglected TO obtain an abstract OF tho Rev.
DR.. Murray's sermon, which was In progress
when the yesterdays report was transmitted.
Jesus, was elaborated into a spirited address.
At the conclusion OF the regular service tho
sacrament OF tho Lords supper was admins
noon was we'll attended, although many who
intended TO be present from town and country
were prevented by the rain. Addresses were
made by tho Rev. Drs. Ward, Lewis and Muir
ray.
The Row. II. D. velliant preached in the
tabernacle at 7;45 y. M, from tho following
text, found in Proverbs, chapter ILL.,. verso II :
oHis ways are ways Of pleasantness and all
His paths are peace" The speaker contrasted
the pursuits, pleasures and rewards of the sin:
with an exhortation for all to seek at once the
"paths OF peace"
The following is an abstract: The chief
pleasures Of this life are the pursuits Of the
world or the qualification Of sensual appetites.
Man is so constituted by the Divine Will that
he must desire happiness. The chief obstacle
to the attainment OF happiness hereafter is
riches. The possessions OF this world arc
nothing when compared to the riches OF eter-
nal life with Christ. Many arc so convinced
that riches ind the pleasures OF the world con-
duce TO happiness that II they were assured OF
an existence OF fifteen years they would give
fourteen years and six months In the world,
and the remaining six months to Christ.
Tho great obstacle TO tho young is the
belief that they must sacrifice the Joys OF life
while nothing tangible is given in exchange.
| II man were as God made him, all the duties
Of Christianity would be congenial. II
religion were brought to q level with the do
| prayed, 1t would destroy Its usefulness.
Man must be changed; born again; he must
believe tho Revelations; the words OF Christ
and the testimony Of his followers. Sin
| the highest ingenuity OF man to control the
| lawleseness OF Its votaries. A man cannot
| hold daily intercourse with God without
being purified and exalted-hls tendencies
The attempt to DO religious without being q
Christian falls; the two must be Joined. The
| service at z q. m. this morning was conducted
by the Rev. Mr.. Stone. Tho Rev. q. H. Little
will be devoted to temperance work, mention
| OF which was made in the edition OF yesterday
| The al arrangement for the z 45 p. IN. service
has not yet been made. Tomorrow Is "chil
| dren's day."
| The report closes with copy Of tho time
table OF trains stopping at the camp: Leave
| Washington O 40 a. M, 8, 1880; 1 80 p. m.
| A lao, 600, 1880.
Leave camp :3s a, M, Sill, 1918; 12.Oc
pm, $3.50, 5:42, 7:45.
BEN HIpEM