The Brunswick times. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 188?-1900, 1897-11-30
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minds one of the witches sesIce in
Macbeth. She waves her hauds, throws
her bonnet co the ground, iramples on
it, and laughs, laughs, laughs. The
serious observer secs nothing to laugh
at. But the participants do, and, very
shortly, this old lady is joined by all
those who are gathered about the
altar. A gray haired mau, whose aGe
would suggest better sense, falls prone
upon the ground, digs his fingers in
the sand, chews the grass that is
trampled by the feet of shouters and
laughs. Young girls dance, clap their
hands, tear their handkerchiefs into
tiny bits, and-laQgh. Young men
turn somersaults, hit each other, throw
their hats into the air, and-laugh
Every ybody laughs except the preacher.
He sings and reads alternately, Then
someone stsrts up the squeaky organ
and about forty rise and sing. The
others are still laughing and about
twenty are lying prone upon the
ground around the preacher, some as
rigid as corpses and silent, others
frantically clawing at the earth. 1t is
a remarkable sight. in this nineteenth
century of enlightenment, and In
America, where there are SO many
schools to teach people better.
When the collection is taken--a reg
ulsr attendant says that this occurs
three times day, by the watch
there IS q wonderful scene. People
Who haven't money give their hats,
their watches, their handkerchiefs,
their clothing-and the man who con-
ducts the show must have q remark
ably varied stock on hand by this
time. 1t was cold on Sunday, but
there were men who gave up their
coats and shlvered in shirt sleeves.
"Ail for Cod" was the comment made
enthusiastically by one young fellow
who contributed his red necktie.
In the repertoire Of the choir there
is only one song-a somewhat weird
strain about three hours long, that
has laugh at the end of each verse
During the song there is vigorous
shouting. AT the close of the singing
the preacher rises and talks about the
foolishness of the people being the
wisdom of God.
The reporter noticed woman lying
on the ground, silent, rigid, like one
dead, and asked o frequenter of the
tent the nature of her case. "RslIg-
lous rigor," said the man. "She's
purity sartin to stay that-away till
mornInw
The number of people who have en-
tered the tent during the past week is
estimated at 10000. Many come on
trains from from as far away as Jesup.
Some sleep in the tent at night, and
are on hand for che sunrise service.
There is always congregation.
The candid visitor would arrive at
the conclusion that tha queer antics
CT those "under the influence" are
clearly the result of hypuotism. 1t
looks that way, especially in the case
of the "rigor." But it is inexplicable
that such things should happen in
civilized county, and among white
people-American citizens.
1t is reported that the "evangelisU"
expects to remain here for some time
yet. The effects of his stay in Glynn
county will be felt for months-per-
haps for years. It is not to be doubt
ed that he makes money, but the reas-
enable man Will arrive at the con-
clusion that the meetings are a parody
on religion and the rankest sacrelIge
bringing divine worship down to the
level of sideshow, and imparting
about as much spiritual benefit as 9
dime museum.