Connecticut western news., 1885-08-26

was dripping from the tall pines ant the carpet of pine needles held a quan tity of water which gushed from unde foot at every step.
 About 7.15 P. NJ. the bell summoned all to the opening service in the large tent. The meeting was conducted b! Presiding Elder Ferguson. It was consecration and exhortation service with prayer and praise; meeting II which each one was permitted to speak sing or pray as the spirit moved them The Swift sisters of Amenia, N. r., who are members of the English branch oI the Salvation Army, were present but took no part in the meeting.
 At this point it is proper to mention that the Swift sisters are graduates oi Vassar college and have travelled exten' sively in England. While in England they were converted and joined the Salvation Army. They will be present during the entire meeting and theil peculiar revival methods and work will be a prominent feature of this camp meeting; in fact the absence of star preachers will be noted flor the presiding elder is contemplating emitting one preaching service each day and letting the Swift sisters occupy the time usually devoted to one sermon. Some of the ministers have grave doubts about the advisability or good results of such an and, to say the least, it is certainly quite an innovation to intro duce Salvation Army tactics or methods into Methodist camp meeting.
 TUESDAY.
 It rained steadily all day. Only a few arrived at the encampment. It was to hold open air meetings 80 all the public services were held in the large tabernacle tent.
 At the forenoon service, Rev W. F. Brush led in prayer. Rev J.H. Mitchell preached. His text was Mark VIII, ,23-25. A general outline of his sermon is as follows :-1, Historical blind man |: 2, Contrasted blind man 8, Typical blind man.
 At 2.30 P. NJ. Rev William Brown of West Stratford church, N. Y. East con- terence, preached. His text was II Cor ", part of verse z.
 At the conclusion of the sermon. the presiding elder introduced the Swift sisters of Amenia, N. Y .,who took charge of the meeting and conducted it in their peculiar manner, which we are told is not the extreme Salvation Army method. As the NEWS goes to press, they are announced to take charge of the evening meeting.
 The appointments for to-day (Wednes- day)are as follows:-Rev Mir Heroy will preach at 10.30 A. M., Rev John E. Goodman at 2.30 P. M and Rev NJ. NJ. Curtis at 73O P. NJ.
 It is not definitely settled, but it is expected that Rev George Lansing Taylor will preach on Thursday.
 The presiding elder says he does not engage his preachers over 24 hours in advance. He says he walks by faith and not by sight and trusts in Providence to provide them.
 Incidents.
 
 Last Saturday afternoon the Housa- tonic cornet band, by special invitation, visited the grove and remained from o'clock until 8 o'clock. They rendered many choice selections, to the delight of the cottage owners and others who were present.
 That genial and accommodating con- ductor, Clark P. Lane, again has charge of the camp meeting train which runs between Falls Village and Canaan. He is the right man in the right place, for it requires an inexhaustible stock of patience to convey camp meeting goers and their luggage to and fro.
 Pine Grove camp grounds never wore a more attractive appearance than on the Saturday before the camp meeting commenced. The air was fresh and full of vitality and the aspect of the place was neatness itself. The cottages are nearly all tastefully decorated with rock work, ferns and boquets of wild flowers, while hanging baskets, canaries and even kittens add home like look to the place and it is easy to see that the resi- dents enjoy season of rest and refresh ment before the services begin.
 On Saturday the campers were favored with visit from the Housatonic band, which marched from the station, playing as they came. After little rest, they gave a selection of old favorites well rendered.
 Delicious ice cream is furnished by the Lakeyille bakery.
 An accident occurred on Friday last which came very near being a serious one. The coal oil stove in Mir Sidney Ensign's cottage became overturned and the flames instantly caught the wooder ceiling. For few moments the confu sion was great. MT Edward Ward wal very efficient in his efforts and hell arrived from every quarter. Very soo1 the flames were extinguished still tho danger from the deYouring elemen seems great, as the cottages are SC closely built.
 MT and Mrs George Wilcox, just out side the camp grounds, have numbe of boarders now and all engaged the. can accommodate. It is understood that their boarders have shown thei appreciation of the good fare by engag ing board for the coming year.
 A News reporter was at the. encamp