Contributor.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 32, 3 November 1894, Page 11

Contributor.

REMINISCENCES op KESWICK,

In. July of last summer (1893) I was staying’ in the lovely little villag’e of Ambleside, surrounded by the fair beauty of English lake scenery. Knowing that the Great Convention was being held at Keswick, distant about sixteen miles, it was determined to drive over for the day. After many pros and cons seats were tinall} 7 engaged. The eventful morning dawned wet and grey, but, our spirits in no wise daunted we proceeded with preparations for an early start, and shortly after six o’clock were bowling along on the top of areal old stage-coach. It was a most picturesque drive through very varied country, skirting the tranquil and beautiful, lakes of Rydal and Grass mere. After leaving these the road winds over moorland hills rugged with a wild beauty peculiarly their own; fantastically-shaped rocks stand out in bold outline against the sky, exhibiting many curious and striking forms. One I remember particularly presented a perfect side view of a lady seated at a piano. I can fancy I hear again, too, the wonderful echo of the blast from the driver*’s horn, or a lusty shout or a ringingclap from the passengers, reverberating with marvellous distinctness from hill to hill, and d\dng away so softly in the distance. We crossed the wild rocky country between Westmoreland and Cumberland, saw the little mountain mere which will be one of the sources of water supply to Manchester ; it was then being raised 50ft. above its usual level. A halt was made half-way to visit one of the most diminutive churches in England, such a tiny building, with white-washed walls and roofed with massive oaken beams, black with age. It was cheery to see the little church among the lonely hills, and think of the scattered congregation wending their way over moor and dale to meetin the sanctuary. After leaving this sweet spot the road lay by gradual descent past Skiddaw (on our right) into the quiet country town of Keswick, and then we began to realise as we saw, away on our left, the various student encampments and the Great Meeting tent, and met the happy-looking strollers enjoying the lovely country, between the meetings, all ready equipped with Bible and note-book, that we were in the midst of the far-famed English Convention the general summer rendezvous which, like a powerful magnet, draws resistlessly all within its magic power. We had read of Chautauqua, but now we were ourselves actually in the midst of a similar gathering. The place was simply besieged with Christians of all denominations, and from countries the wide world over. We were soon mingling with the stream wending towards the principal

centre of attraction, viz., ‘ The Tent/ and what holy memories cluster round the mention of Keswick Tent. Workers from all parts of God's vineyard had gathered under its ample canopy, and departed refreshed and blessed, taking* with them fire from off God’s altar to give life life and warmth to fresh endeavour for their master. So we too from far away In.Z. were numbered that day among the thousands gathered once, never all to meet again on earth. There was no feeling of isolation am mg such numbers, but a glad recognition of belonging to one family in Christ. The meetings were not confined to the tent, but two halls were in requisition for ladies and students’ meetings and various overflow gatherings, while at the same time the tent accommodation was being fully taxed. It is a happy custom to sing until the meeting opens, as seats need to be taken long before the hour announced for commencing. Many heart chords are touched as the sweet hymns of life and faith float on the ear, oh, so sweetly, conveying some faint impression of what the heavenly music will be. Bible - readings are held daily, and that morning we enjoyed a feast of good things—-heavenly manna for daily life. We could not fail to be impressed with the earnest and thoughtful look on every face as with Bible and note-book in hand they followed every word. It is a great privilege to listen to such men as P. B. Meyer, Monie, Rev. Ohas. Fox, WebbPeploe, and a host more. The tent quickly fills and refills, for the items in the day’s programme follow each other in rapid succession. During a brim interval wo seized time for a stroll through the fields down to the shore of Lake Derwent water, queen of English lakes, and there indulged the eye and stored the memory with a perfect scene of beauty. Everyone is animated with one obr ject, and if in Keswick one must go with the stream. Bible depot stalls, and travelling book and mission caravans entice and anticipate every need in the way of hymn and note books and Christian literature. In a word Keswick and its inhabitants are given up to the requirements of the vast annual muster. But, alas! red-letter days pass all too quickly away, so towards eight o’clock in the evening* we very reluctantly and with full hearts stepped quietly out of the grand inspiring meeting*—out of the bright gaslight into the quiet night, and thus bid good-bye to Keswick Tent. And as we sat on the topmost seat of the coach in the dim light of the summer evening, we enjoyed sweet converse bv the way, and our hearts were glad and thankful for that one happy glimpse of the Keswick Convention. G. M. B.