. Going to a store near by I bought a
saddle and bridle and, putting them on Velox, I mounted him and rode
him back to 'Mount Pisgah.' And here he is, sound as ever," and George
snapped the whip over the trotting pair so that they increased their
speed a bit.

The day was bright and balmy, the steeds were willing, and they made
good progress. But the drive was long and it was late dinner time when
they arrived on the camp ground. They were welcomed by Ezra Thompson
and others and, after resting a short time and partaking of a
substantial meal for which their long ride had prepared them, they were
ready for the afternoon services. These were of the old camp meeting
order, and blessed were the results. An earnest preacher handled the
Word of God skillfully, and it became the sword of the Spirit which cut
through skepticism, indifference, and sin, and pierced the consciences
of many. A blessed altar service closed the meeting.

Jasper Very ate only a light supper. Following his usual custom he went
into the woods to pray, to meditate, and to get his sermon into order
for the evening. When he came back those who saw him were struck with
his look. It was something like that of Moses when he came down from
the mount. His face seemed to shine with the light of God. Jasper's
natural mein was bold, commanding, and aggressive, so that some thought
him domineering and severe; but now his manner was full of humility and
peace. He was like a man who had seen a vision of eternal love; his
soul was filled with a deep sympathy for sinful men and a great
yearning to turn them from the error of their ways. Tonight the fighter
was gone, and the pleader took his place.

Before he preached the congregation sang that appealing hymn:

"Show pity, Lord; O Lord, forgive."

Viola LeMonde's confidence as a singer had increased with her recent
attempts, and tonight her sweet, pure soprano voice rose clear and
strong as she sang with the assembled multitude. Jasper Very heard her
voice, and it seemed to him sweeter than the note of an angel, and it
moved him one step higher in his grand preparation to speak his
Master's word. While the eyes of all were fastened upon him he opened
the Bible and read the text: "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And
let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

It is impossible for any report to do justice to that sermon. An