The hymn, swelled by the united voices of that large congregation, filled the grove with its solemn harmony, and then the words of the benediction fell like dew upon them.
Norman had never been to a camp-meeting before, and the scene had all the charm of novelty to him. He saw the people preparing their meals in the rear of their tents, the fire made of dry sticks on the grounds, and the kettle hung on a cross stick, placed in the notches of two upright ones. The tables were spread in the tents, and soon surrounded by family groups. A lady, who knew Norman’s aunt, invited them to dinner, after which they returned to their seats, when the bell was rung for the afternoon service.
The sermon was a good one, on “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing may be lost.”
Norman did not remember much of the sermon; but one fact, given by the minister who rose to exhort, made a great impression upon him.
“At a time of great religious interest,” said he, “when many persons, awakened to a sense of their danger, were inquiring what they should do to be saved, I spoke to three boys, and asked them if they could not, by personal effort, lead some of their companions to the Saviour. One of the boys, a tall and thoughtful lad, stood a little apart from the rest, his eyes fixed on the ground, while I was talking to them. He said nothing, but it was an hour of fixed resolve.
“Three days after one of the boys came to me, and said: ‘Sir, do you remember the tall boy that stood near when you were talking to us?’ ‘Yes, I do,’ I replied. ‘Well, sir, he has been trying ever since to lead sinners to Christ; and he has persuaded three men, and two women, and a little boy to give their hearts to the Saviour; and there he is, sir, talking to that gray-haired man!’ I followed the direction of the boy’s eye, and there stood the lad, his thoughtful face all aglow with feeling, as he spoke earnestly to the old man, who shortly after came forward, and knelt as a penitent at the altar of prayer. Who can estimate the good thus accomplished by the earnest efforts of this lad; and why may not every one follow his example, and make it his business to lead souls to Christ?”
It was with reluctance they left this hallowed scene, where they had been permitted to join the swell of holy song, and to hear so much that was profitable; teachings that ought to make them better. Norman would gladly have stayed for the evening services, to have seen those trees gleaming out in the ruddy light, but they would not venture to travel that road in the darkness. As it was they had a very pleasant drive home, where they came just in time for tea.
CHAPTER XV.
A SABBATH-DAY.
Types of eternal rest, fair buds of bliss,
In heavenly flowers unfolding week by week