Rhode Island Republican

From the Trenton True American!

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

In answer to sundry questions proposed in the Salem (Massachusetts) Register, as to the character, influence, and patronage of the Camp Meetings which are now very common in the Southern States, with people of different religious persuasions, a Mr. William Guirey, who appears to be a preacher of the gospel, has published a statement in the (Georgia) Farmer's Gazette, from which we extract the following information on this interesting subject:

As to the character of the Camp-Meetings—the writer describes them as composed of a multitude of virtuous individuals, with some vicious characters among them—he says, "there have been some instances of improper conduct, but it is very difficult to know the perpetrator"—that they deem such characters no more a reproach to the Camp-Meetings, than they do the worship of the house of God in consequence of the Devil's presence—Job i. 6.

The writer's description of the influence of these Meetings, must be highly gratifying to every virtuous mind:

"It was expected, at their commencement, that every remaining dreg of party zeal would by them be destroyed among the Ministers and People of the different denominations; and that laudable design has been in some degree effected.—Bigots have abandoned their narrow contracted sentiments, and acknowledged that others might be pious without being called by their names, or agreeing with them in christian doctrine or discipline. The influence they have had upon others is surprising—Deists have become admirers of divine revelation—Drunkards have learned and practised the doctrines of sobriety—Profane Swearers have learned to venerate the name of God with profound reverence—those who profaned the sabbath-day now keep it holy—Libertines are reformed—the Proud, humbled—the Envious, love their neighbors—the Malicious, seek the welfare of Mankind—those who possessed the cruel disposition of the wolf, now enjoy the meekness of the lamb. Many who were a disgrace to the human race, a reproach to their families, and a scandal to themselves, have, at these Meetings, been reformed, and become respectable husbands, parents, neighbors, citizens and Americans.—Persons of every description have experienced the influence of these Meetings; old and young, rich and poor, bond and free, black and white, the philosopher and rustic, the scholar and the ignoramus, the magistrate and the private citizen, physicians, lawyers, merchants, mechanics, & farmers, have experienced the good effects of them. Their influence has extended to members of the judiciary and militia. Thousands in this state, who neither feared God nor regarded man, have since the introduction of these meetings learned to "fear God and work righteousness." Such have been and still continue to be, the influence of the Camp-Meetings; which should induce every virtuous American to say with the Psalmist, "O that men would praise the Lord, for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" Or, in the language of Moses, (substituting America for Israel) "Happy art thou, O America! who is like unto thee, O People saved of the Lord!"

With regard to the patronage of these Meetings, the writer says:

"It is sufficient to answer the purposes intended. The Minister of every denomination attended without receiving any compensation whatever, unless it be the satisfaction of seeing the prosperity of the Redeemer's kingdom; every man attends at his own expense; money is not required, neither is it necessary; all the patronage that is sought for is the presence of him who visited Jacob at Bethel, and this they generally receive.—If the Salem writer supposes any thing of a political nature is introduced at these meetings, he labors under a great mistake; I do not recollect I ever heard a single sentence on that subject from minister or people."

"The inhabitants of this state travel 20, 30, or 40 miles to attend the meetings with the greatest part of their families, among these are the principal or first characters. Near 200 waggons, many coaches, chairs and carts, have been on the ground; the number of persons has on some occasions been estimated at between 12 and 15 thousand, and some hundreds have been converted at a meeting, as will appear by the increase of the different churches—the increase of the Baptists, has been between three and four thousand—the Methodists (I believe) about 2000 and a very great increase among the Presbyterians, &c."

"Notwithstanding the ridicule of infidels: the scoff of the wicked and the weakness of the well-meaning part of the community, these things compel us to say—'The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we ought to be glad.'"

These things have taken place under the administration of Mr. Jefferson, the man who has been represented to us as an Infidel; and the very people who are averse to his administration, live in the enjoyment of those blessings, his administration as a secondary cause, procured for them.—That we enjoy many blessings under his wise and virtuous administration, cannot be denied; and as if Almighty God intended forever to silence the calumny of his enemies, he has poured out his spirit among the people in a manner unknown before in America: Happy with such a Government, we live to see and hear things our ancestors knew little of."

(Signed)

WILLIAM GUIREY.