Connecticut western news., 1886-09-08
PINE GROVE CAMP MEETING.

PINE GROVE CAMP MEETING.
 The late camp meeting at Pine Grove was one that was good to enjoy and one that will be remembered by many with great pleasure. It was thoroughly en- joyable and profitable, both on account of the company assembled there and the richness of the religious and spirit ual feast served there. This must have been the impression of every one who attended the meetings with any degree of seriousness, while to others it must be reckoned rare and valuable oppor- tunity lost. All the meetings were con- ducted in the most becoming manner and delightful spirit, and with a.dignity becoming an occasion for the utterance of the sublimest truths; and I must say, too, becoming the person of Him who is the living embodiment of all truth. It will not be saying more than will be admitted by most, that camp meetings have not always been thus conducted. But in this meeting the pure and exalt- ing taste which the gospel inspires has not in tho least been offended, but cher ished and cultivated. At the same time the gospel of Jesus has not been smoth- cred and overborne by dignity that freezes up the warm emotions inspired by tho love of Jesus in the heart. There was not as much shouting as there might have been, or as there always will be when the Harvest Home is chanted by the reapers.
 The presiding elder managed the meeting with delightful urbanity and kindly care for the comfort and helpful ness of all, making the camp ground pleasant home for outsiders as well as insiders. We shall think of Dr Hare with pleasant feelings and hope he may manage many meetings at Pine Grove.
 The music-well, none of your artistic quartettes; none of your opera agonies and musical spreads; art enough, but clothed with melody and feeling, which went singing down into the heart. It was always inspiring, the music, and of itself sufficient to voice out, not only the melody of the whispering pines. but giving some adequate expression to the sweet whisperings, the soul-harmonies and triumphant joys of redeeming love. MT Robinson sung as tho he had just heard Q new, but familiar voice in the celestial choir.
 I think the preaching was on higher plane than usual. Of course it was or thodox, and yet the orthodoxy was not worshipped. Then it was not that kind of orthodoxy that has become musty like & barrel of old sermons slowed away in damp, cold cellar. But the preach ing was orthodoxy on fire, kindling the intellect and heart both. The world IS saying, give us white heat, and we got some of it at this camp meeting. We want more. And could but notice the genuine Catholic spirit. This was very pleasant. It made us think of the Mas ter when he said "I have other sheep which are not of this fold." Not one thrust at another denomination; no thrust at Calvinists, or Baptists. or Apos tolical SuccessioniSts, or Adventists; Universities as ists. Not one ecclesias- tical club thrown. I could not pick up one to carry away as reminder of olden times Has the ecclesiastical club been transformed into boomerang, which nobody now in Christendom knows how to throw, and if he does throw 1t with old-time skill and fury it is certain to strike back and hit him in the face {? We were not reminded of Methodists, or any other ecclesiastical ists. It was all gospel-wide, race-wide, truth and love; an indiscriminate "feast of fat things" ''wine upon the lees well re- fined" Certainly the trend is towards unity, which Christ formulated and thro' which his heart ever beats. Our Methodist church has become big enough and strong enough to do beau tiful and glorious work in this direction. The fruit is appearing, yet they are not losing their denominational identity. Thus I believe the sacramental host in its various organizations IS to march on in compact order to the conquest of the world.
 The camp meeting built itself out this year into beautiful annex, in which temperance, missions and Sabbath school work received special and effect i've attention. Some of the church's s earnest workers were there, both from home and foreign fields, who thrilled us with their eloquent appeals. In the name of God let them come again and tell us of their sacrifices and their vic
 tories OUTSIDER.
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