The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1899-09-01


God applied to their own hearts, One
of these in a conversation with the
writer-the universally beloved, well.
known and respected Samuel Wilson,
who lived on the very ground, we may
say, we are now describing, and the
place OF this meeting, to a great aye,
and where now his venerated ashes lie
inferred, said: Sup to the time of
that meeting, from young man, !
belonged to the Presbyterian church,
and long had been a ruling elder in
the congregation to which belonged,
persuaded myself l had religion,
hoped and hoped had religion, but
there | found l was deceived into that
hope; that was without foundation
and never until that blessed meeting
at Muddy river did l know for myself
Christ's power on earth to forgive sin.
MY preacher also,' he said, Rev.
James McGrundy, was for a time
there, among those crying for mercy,
and never before, as he often told me
afterwards, felt scriptural assurance
that he was born of God. This you
may depend, my friend" continued
this sweet-hearted, but most sensible
and useful Christian, twas the case
with almost all of US Presbyterians
there, and all through the country at
that time. We did not know what it
was to have Gods spirit bear testimo-
ny with our spirits, that we were
children of God"
Thus spoke the truly Christian man,
and it gives US pleasure here to record
in honor of his name and rious life
that after fulfilling with great dignity
and universal appreciation, all the
relative duties of husband, father,
neighbOr, citizen and responsible
public office, he died a beloved and
most exemplary member of the Pres
byterian church, having lived as such
more that forty-fve years.
But to return to a further descrip-
tion of the proceedings Of the meet
ing at Muddy river. Above we have
said that the temporary pulpit erect.
ed in the grove was literally strewed
with the slain of Gods cOnvicting
power, and we further remark that
the number Of these was constantly
augmented. With some apprehension
of mind, some of those who lived
nearest the place saw night approach
ing, while the meeting grew hourly
more solemn and interesting, the
seekers of salvation every moment in
creasing-and began to think how
these mighty multitudes, from so
great distance from their homes after
night. were to find shelter and to be
fed. 1t was believed by them all the
the dwellings for ten miles around,
put in reQuisition, would not give
them shelter. What was to be done?
Eight or ten of u.s." said the ven
erable Mr.. Samuel Wilson, "began to
think OF the same difficulties at the
same time. We hurried together as
If by accident, and began to talk
about it. One proposed one thing and
another something else. j proposed
that l and my neighbor, Colonel Dan.
iel NJ. Goodwin, should take three or
four of the many wagons on the
ground, hasten to our trading yards
and barns, and bring all the straw
we had to spread the ground, Others
to be sewing together the wagon
sheets, and others cutting forks and
poles on which to spread thesamc, TO-
gether with counterpanes, coy
erlets and bed sheets, secured togeth.
er lengthwise to make tents or camps,
while Others should be dispatched to
town and all the nearest houses to
gather all the bacon, -four and meal
and cooking utensils necessary to pre-
pare the provisions for the multitudes.
"Ip a few hour it was sight to see
how much was gathered together in
preparation for our encampment and
food for the hungry. Soon we strew-
ed a half-acre at least with the straw,
pushed up large tent spreading over
the pulpit, and for distance in front,
and then ten or twelve smaller ones,
in order, ranging round the ground
when the people were spread, stand
ing and sitting. Fires were built,
cooking begun, and by dark candles
were lighted and fixed on hundred
trees around and interspersing the
ground surrounded by the tents. show
ing forth the first and believe still
one OF the most beautiful camp meet
ings the world has ever seen."
The meeting progressed and contin'
ued four days, night and day. Sever
al hundred professed conversion, many
backsliders joyfully proclaimed their
restoration to the favor and blessings
Of their Heavenly Father, and still q
greater number, when the meeting
closed, went fourth yet mourning and
inouIring, "Saw ye the Lord, whom
nv soul desircth to lover" etc.
Down at Poplarville Editor Oliphant,
| OF the Free Press, captured q kissing