OLD
CAMP-MEETING DAYS
By
Michael O'Connor
Old-fashioned,
Full-Gospel Meetings
as once they were:
Come
back with me now, to things as once they were: Let us look backward
in time, to folk gathering for fellowship and worship! Most have
worked hard, all day; perhaps going without supper, in order to get
to the meeting on time. Most are gathering as families; the children
being glad to accompany their parents to the House of God! The
“Church” may be a house; barn; cellar; tool-shop; shed; old
country church; or indeed a beautiful church edifice. It may have
boarded up windows, and oil-lamps, or stained-glass and a chandelier!
It may have a moth-eaten, out of tune piano, or a lovely pipe organ!
None
of these situations can serve to either assist, nor hinder the moving
and working of the Holy Spirit:
Throughout Church History, our Lord has moved and worked amongst men,
wherever, and by whomever invited!
The
Brothers:
The
brothers are dressed decently; some are poor, and unable to afford
suits, but their clothes, though worn, are clean and pressed.
Some wear jeans and flannel shirts or other types of everyday wear; a
few are dressed in work clothes or coveralls. Some of the young
fellows wear T-shirts and cargo pants, etc., but all are decently
attired, clean, and neat.
No
brother wears tight nor form-fitting clothes! If a shirt is
unbuttoned at the collar, it is done modestly so. No overpowering
aftershaves nor expensive colognes are in evidence; but only a light,
clean scent here and there. Some wear suits and ties, but in this
fellowship, such is not mandated, neither does anyone criticize,
nor judge another for their manner of dress. The brothers are
not given to accessive jewelry, nor ostentacious styles and
fashions.
An
assortment of beard-styles are worn, while some are clean shaven.
Most have conservative haircuts, while some have longer hair, but
with a natural look; not according to fashion. For those with longer
hair, none is excessively long. Amongst brothers with longer
hair are some of the younger fellows, and some who hail
from conservative and “Old-Order” groups.
Those
married, are seated with their wives and families; maintaining order
and proper behavior. The single brothers not having families present,
are seated in the forward section. None are idly talking or
whispering: All enter and take their seats; some are reading quietly
from their Bibles, or kneeling and praying quietly at their seats.
Others go forward to pray quietly at the altar until the service
commences.
No
brother can be seen embracing a sister, but they rather, shake hands
briefly. Brothers sometimes give each other a brief side-embrace or
shake hands; and for the elderly church-mothers, a gentle embrace
from a brother is considered acceptable. Brothers pray at the left
side of the altar, reserving the right side for the sisters.
The
Sisters:
The
sisters are dressed decently and modestly. Some are poor and unable
to afford costly outfits, but their clothes, though worn, are clean
and pressed. No sister wears tight nor form-fitting clothes. Most
sisters wear dresses or skirt outfits, well below the knee. Blouses
are precisely what the term implies; loose and “blousey,” so as
to not accentuate the bust form. The neck-lines are high and
non-revealing. No heavy colognes nor expensive parfums are in
evidence, but only a light, flowery scent, here and there.
Those
wearing jacketed ensembles look dignified and principled, in darker
or softer feminine colors. Blouses, scarfs, hair-ribbons, hats, and
head-coverings are understated. No sister wears gaudy rings nor
ostentatious jewelry. No sister wears stiletto heels, nor “strapless,
open-back pumps” (which are classically the footwear of
prostitutes). No sister wears pierced ear, nor other piercing
jewelry. None have overly-done eyebrows. None wear excessive make-up
nor eye decoration. (Many wear no make-up at all, preferring the
natural beauty of a face which shines with the joy and peace of
Salvation.) Those who choose to wear make-up, look very natural and
understated. None wear tight pants, shorts, jeans, nor carnival-like
colors. Those choosing to wear slacks, wear them very full-cut,
resembling a long skirt.
Most
younger sisters, both married and single, have longer, well-groomed
hair. Some of the older sisters have longer hair, which some choose
to put-up in buns or chignons; rather loosely to give a soft, full
look. None have teased hair, nor hair piled high, like bee-hives atop
their heads. Those having shorter hair, have it styled over the ears
and nape of the neck, with a soft, feminine appearance. None wear
excessively short hair above the ears, which is unnatural in
appearance. Amongst the sisters are some from conservative, and
“Old-Order” groups who wear various types of head-coverings. Some
sisters wear hats or understated coverings; while other sisters do
not wear such.
The
married sisters sit together with their families, overseeing their
childrens' behavior and conduct. The single sisters not having
families present, are seated in the forward section. None are idly
talking, nor whispering: All enter and take their seats; some reading
quietly from their Bibles, or kneeling and praying quietly at their
seats. Others go forward to pray quietly at the altar until the
service commences.
No
sister can be seen embracing a brother, but they rather, shake hands
briefly. Sisters sometimes give each other a light embrace or shake
hands. For the elderly church-mothers, the receiving of a gentle
embrace from a brother is considered acceptable. Sisters pray at the
right side of the altar, reserving the left side for the brothers.
Although
no rigid rules of dress and appearance are enforced in this church,
the brothers and sisters here, honor highly the Word of God, and have
consecrated themselves to:
"...FOLLOW...
HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD" (Hebrews
12:14).
They
walk very carefully in the fear of the Lord, determined to live above
the world, and to not present nor conduct themselves in any manner
which may bring a cause for offense or stumbling to others.
The
Meeting Begins:
There
is a holy hush in the sanctuary, as the instruments begin to play.
After an opening prayer is offered, a song-leader comes to the pulpit
to lead the congregation in a season of praise and worship. Classic
hymns of the Church are sung, as are Scripture portions (including
Psalms) and well known “spiritual songs” (Gospel choruses). The
organ and piano are played by anointed musicians who play skillfully,
in the Classic and Evangelistic styles. The song-leader is also
anointed, having a gift to bring the congregation up-into a high
level of singing and worship (often with the song of the Lord
breaking forth). At times, this congregation is blessed with the
playing of other instruments of music, including cymbals (but not
drums). Always, this is done in Divine order, and in harmonious unity
of spirit; as the presenting of an acceptable offering of worship
unto the Great King!
In
this particular meeting, during a high level of blessing upon the
singing, a goodly number of folk lift their hands during the worship,
whilst tears flow freely down. This is not an uncommon manifestation,
and tonight, there is a very heavy glory resting upon the meeting!
Just now, during the Song of the Lord, several sisters begin to dance
in the Spirit; eyes closed, with faces and hands uplifted: Gently and
gracefully they glide, as though being led by an unseen hand. They
intrinsically stay to the right side of the area before the platform
and in the right aisle. Soon, several of the younger brothers, and a
very aged father, begin to dance unto the Lord, remaining at the left
side, and in the left aisle. This is all being done in a very orderly
and decent fashion as a befitting praise-offering for the Lord.
There
is absolutely no wildness, nor flaunting of the flesh! There are no
wild gyrations, cavortings; nor is there any hysteria! The sisters
are somewhat staid and careful in their movements; while the
brothers, more robust and expressive by nature, also maintain an air
of decency and dignity, as they step before the Lord.
"Let
them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him
with the timbrel and harp" (Psalm 149:3).
"Praise
him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments
and organs" (Psalm 150:4).
"Then
shall the virgin [Bride of Christ – The Church] rejoice in the
dance, both young men and old together..." (Jeremiah 31:13).
As
this phase comes to a lull, there continues to be beautifully
interwoven harmonies rolling, in the Song of the Lord! Hands are
lifted as His Song peals forth! Tears continue to drop, as an aged
mother delivers a powerful message in tongues. There is a momentary
hush, and then a clear interpretation is given in the second person,
by a young brother (how very encouraging to hear the Word of the Lord
through His vessels: See 1 Corinthians, Chapters 12 and 14). Two
further utterances are given with great edification; then someone
leads-out in a lilting chorus, which leads to several more:
"Let's
Go Up To Zion . . .
Let's
Go Up To Zion . . .
The
City Of Our God!"
The
folk are radiantly happy! Faces are beaming! Even little children are
clapping and rejoicing! A tall brother near the back, leads-out in
British-style clapping (a double-accented type clapping), and the old
edifice trembles beneath the joyful noise.
At
this juncture, several blessed mothers and some younger sisters as
well; and a number of aged brothers (two of whom are barely able to
hobble on their canes), take to the aisles, with hands raised and
shouts of glory sounding forth (in the tradition of the early
Shouting-Methodists). Others are shouting praises from their places
in the congregation. How beautiful to behold these blessed “Fathers
and Mothers in Israel,” as they march to and fro in the aisles;
faces shining radiantly under the glory of the Holy Spirit:
"HALLELUJAH!...
HALLELUJAH!... PRAISE THE LORD!... THANK GOD!... GIVE GLORY TO THE
LORD, ALL YE PEOPLE!... WHO IS THE LORD OF GLORY?... THE LORD OF
HOSTS, HE IS THE LORD OF GLORY!... BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND ALL
THAT IS WITHIN ME, BLESS HIS HOLY NAME!... LET ALL THE PEOPLE SHOUT
HIS TRIUMPH!... LET ALL THE PEOPLE SHOUT HIS PRAISES AND EXTOL HIS
GOODNESS!... CLAP YOUR HANDS ALL YE PEOPLE AND SHOUT UNTO GOD WITH
THE VOICE OF TRIUMPH!... FOR THE LORD IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISES!...
HALLELUJAH!... HALLELUJAH!... JESUS IS WORTHY!... HE ALONE IS
WORTHY!... LET US PRAISE HIM!"
(For
those unfamiliar with such old-time meetings, this may seem rather
foreign to you, but the “Aisle-Walkers” who shout forth the
praises of the Great King, run-back in time, to distant antiquity,
when man first began to sing and worship the Lord God Almighty! In
every subsequent Revival, in both Testaments, and all through Church
History, there has been a
glorious resurrection of praising God with the shout!
The Scriptures have much to say about this, but it is a separate
matter deserving a far greater treatise than time will herein
permit.)
The
worship and shouting do not clash nor create a discord, but rather,
serve to blend and co-mingle in an intricately woven garment of
praise and worship! Only in the presence of the Holy Spirit can such
be possible! The Apostle John, in vision, saw such a time, when the
innumerable multitudes of the Redeemed in Heaven, began to praise and
worship the Lord Jesus! What John heard and saw, was beyond any words
in his vocabulary. All he was capable of saying by way of description
was:
"AND
I HEARD AS IT WERE . . . THE VOICE OF MANY WATERS!"
(Revelation
19:6).
Back
at the meeting, we see that everything
here transpiring is under God's order, and is entirely decent and
acceptable,
according to the Scriptural pattern! Brothers sing heartily and clap;
some stepping in place. Sisters clap and sing joyfully; some also
step in place, but there is no evidence of unacceptable bodily
movements (no writhing, shaking, nor flaunting of the flesh). Indeed,
whilst there is great freedom in the Spirit, and a great joy and
exuberance, none
are bowing, bending, nor bucking up and down!
There is no shrieking, screaming, nor bellowing! There is no violent
shaking and spasmodic jerking. There is no artificial, forced
laughter, nor are there any other excessive unscriptural antics
taking place! IT IS BLESSEDLY REASSURING TO OBSERVE WITHAL, AN
ATTENDANT SELF-CONTRAL AND SELF-RESTRAINT IN THIS GATHERING!
After
a time, folk take their seats, as prayer requests are received,
followed by a voluminous out-pouring of earnest prayer in behalf of
the supplicants. A rich season of worship follows, and a
lovely song of adoration breaks forth from a young child.
Two other children receive very significant visions.
The
Word of God is now ministered with power and conviction, presenting
to all a challenge to:
"LET
US RUN WITH PATIENCE... THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US"
(Hebrews
12:1).
Several
weep during the ministry of the Word. Many take notes with the most
rapt attention! An
abundance of “Amens” and “Praise the Lord's” punctuate the
sermon;
after which several very sacred and deeply moving songs are rendered
(one, a solo by a teen-aged brother; one, by a ladies' trio; and one
by the congregation). These songs have been rendered in preparation
for the Altar-Call and invitation.
More
than a dozen souls fall into the altars and pray-through to real,
old-time Salvation! Several others are blessedly healed after
receiving “prayer and anointing with oil,” by the elders! Still
others, seeking sanctification and the Holy Spirit Baptism, tarry
long at the altar, with dear “Mothers in Israel,” hovering
nearby. At around midnight, several of these “seekers” receive a
bright witness that they have prayed through, and thusly give strong
testimony to the same!
Out
in the Church-Yard, vintage automobiles and cranked; coughing and
sputtering to life. Others prepare their horses, carriages, and
wagons, for the homeward journey. Still others on foot, leave the
grounds, to walk the roads, which wend homeward. The folk begin to
leave the church-yard; still, there remains an overshadowing of the Holy
Spirit! The Folk leave reverently and quietly, under a peace and hush
of the Lord's presence!
Beloved
reader, in this article of fond reminiscence, there is portrayed
(amidst a flood of tears), shining examples, which as a youth, I
personally witnessed and experienced. It is my sincere conviction
that these glorious cameos, fall decidedly into the category of that
which is Holy. Yes, dear hearts; this
is Holiness!
I
am reminded of a marvelous old hymn, which I feel to share with you. This hymn was written in 1914 by B. Sheddon Taylor.
It
is my firm conviction that our wonderful Lord shall move again in
such a wonderful way, whenever and wherever there is true “hunger”
expressed, and where people will pray through in old-fashioned,
protracted prayer!
"FORTY
YEARS AGO: THE OLD-CAMP MEETING TIMES"
I
wish I were a boy again in the old camp-meeting times,
To
hear old-fashioned people sing their Hallelujah rhymes;
And
see the mourners at the bench, the pilgrims kneeling round,
Awaiting
for the [pow'r of God] to show the Savior found.
(Refrain:)
Forty
years ago! Forty years ago!
I
wish I were a boy again, as in the long ago;
Bless
God for the old camp-meeting times,
Forty
years ago!
I'd
like to be in church once more in old revival years,
Among
the folks who still believe God listens with both ears;
With
those who sang the loudest songs or prayed the longest prayers,
I'd
go back with a willing heart could I once more be there.
I'd
like to see the preacher's face above the bench again,
A-shining
through his happy tears, like sunshine after rain,
And
hear his “Glory be to God,” his wonderful “AMEN,”
When
half a dozen anxious souls were truly born again.
O
for one day of those past years, and of that day one hour,
[As dear old Mothers in the Faith, still shouted 'neath the pow'r;
And
people praised the Lord and wept to see them walk the aisle,]
A-shaking
hands and blessing all in old camp-meeting style.
After
having read this article, I pray that your heart is stirred, and
deeply moved! Perhaps your questions are now: “Can
ever again we find such meetings? Will God do this again? Is there
any place in the Earth where He still moves in this manner? HOW CAN
WE FIND SUCH A PLACE?”
My
beloved friends, the answer is an unequivocal YES!
God has not changed, nor is His arm shortened! He
desires to move by His Holy Spirit and visit His people, and work
amongst them far more than they themselves could ask, think, or hope
for!
The way . . . The Path . . . The Highway which leads to this type
experience, is found in Isaiah 35:8. This “Highway of Holiness,”
will lead you into such a place with God! Thank God there
are still places,
where our Lord Jesus Christ is welcomed to move among His people, and
to be glorified and exalted as related above! It is a glorious
experience to find oneself in the midst of such a people, but sadly,
such places and such people are now found only
amongst a REMNANT-PEOPLE!
What
is of far greater importance than finding such a place (although
if you do find such, by all means, please make it a point to come
into fellowship and become a “pillar of support”), is that
we all come into the Spirit of Holiness,
and walk upon the Highway of Holiness, in our personal
lives! Thusly, shall we become sanctified, set-apart, refined, and
purified vessels of the Lord; whom He can then use to pour-out of
these great blessings, unto His languishing Body, in every nation!
The choice must be your own! If your heart is longing for the
degree of Truth and Reality of which you have read in this article,
begin to cry out to the Lord Jesus, and press into Him as never
before! I promise you with a sincere heart, He will NOT turn a
deaf ear unto your cry; neither will He leave you, as you are! He
will bring you in . . . bring you up . . . and
establish you! When souls truly begin to pray, and cry out for
more of God, He never says: “NO!”
