The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-08-04
CAMP MEETING.
Thursdays Session of the Faith Conven-
ton at Old Orchard.

OLD ORCHARD, Aug. 3.
Again, on Thursday, the eighth day OF the
Faith Campmeeting, the sun burned all day in
ing was felt even in the penetralia of the pines,
but about noon the breeze from the sea fresh
ened and revived all living things not utterly
discouraged by the continued deflement of the
dust. The most suitable hour for religious
service, after all, is at 6 o'clock, for then there
is the comfort of GOODNESS at least. The vesper
service, too, after the days heat has yielded to
the cooler quietness OF the eventide, is an en-
joyable season, Then the ladies of the en-
campment meet with Mrs. Calls, beneath the
whispering pines of the grove, the ministers
and evangelists in their accustomed place. and
the men, under charge of Mr.. Mckinney, pay
an hour in praise, prayer and testimony. And
il the voice of singing is heard from some tent
or the voice of a canary, or belated cricket, or
chattering squirrel from his tree, or the music
of some cottage piano floating on the evening
air, these sounds do not distarb the orship-
pers, being faint and distaut, and in unison
with the tranquility of the hour.
Thursday being virtually the last day of the
present session, as, on Friday morning, after a
farewell service. the participants go out from
this, their pleasant abiding place, long be-
fore the summoning of the s o'clock
bell, the people gathered about the stand, eager
thus early to secure eligible seats for the feast
of good things sure to follow. A brightfaced
boy vended hymn books among the audience
dimly suggestive of "librettos for the opera :"
The space before the stand and the aises were
strewn with green, sweet-smelling meadow
hay, agreeable to the eyes and feet, for is not
cleanliness next to godliness, even in the
woods?
When the hour for service had fnlly come,
alter a few minutes spent in singing, DR.. Gull
lis made little sermon, expository of the 9th
Psalm, and then opportunity was once more
given to those desiring to ask questions or give
testimony. Brief remarks were made by Rev.
Mr.. Mallory, Ca, Rev. Charles Munger, Rev.
Mr.. Randall, John Munger, ESQ.,, Portland,
Mrs. Cullis, Rev. Mr.. Nichols, and others. The
usual number of requests for prayer were col
lected and read by Rev. Mr.. Sanford, and fer
vens prayer offered by DR.. Cullis. Rev. Mr..
Randall pronounced the benedction.
After a brief intermission, devoted to sing
ing and momentary rest and change of posi-
ton, the religious services of the morning
were resumed by prayer, offered by Rev. Chas
Munger. "Wopdesful Words of Love- was
sung blythe choir, Mrs. Hazelton of Bridgton
presiding at the organ in tho absence of Prof.
Sweeney DIR. Culls read the Scripture les
son. Rev. Mr.. UpdegraT once more advanced
to the victory-arched platform and, after pleas
ant predatory remarks, preached until high
noon from the words, LET us go up at once,
for we are well able to overcome" Numbers
xiii. The Doxology, and benediction by Rev.
Mr.. Luce concluded the service
At o'clock, Miss Bailey met the children.
and Rev. Mr.. Sanford the inquirers. AT 230,
DR.. C0lis conducted a meeting for young peo-
pie in thes Tabernacle. Important questions
were asked and answered. words of advice
bearing on everyday life were given, and ma
ny young people bore witness to the indwell-
ing of the spirit At the same hour the old
people met for a good time, under the lead of
meetings introduced welcome variety into
the regular order, fully appreciated by the
participants Rev. r. x. Carter, of Pa,
preached in the afternoon from the text: "Ex-
cept ye be born again, ye cannot see the king
dom of God" Capt. Carter has pleasing,
straightforward way of speaking, which leaves
it to be wondered at that he has not oftener
been called upon to occupy the stand.
In the evening DR.. Cullis preached, in re-
sponse to a general request. One would hardly
affirm DR.. Cullis to be great preacher, yet
there is something about his too 1nfrequent
sermons that makes an impression not easily
ditors quietly but deeply. Doubtless this even
ing address will remain in many mind as the
memorable hour of the week. The universal
verdict seems to be that this years convention
has been the most successful thus far held. Its
results are for the failure to disclose. Certain
ly, to the casual observer, it has been model
campmeeting.