Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1838-03-01
Froa "a Soaihcra Rsiigiou' TsisgrsPA, Fsb i6
RENINI. OF RELIGION.


we'sjOiss To learn ihaitbe CLursbe, IN SHIP
kSFsssfStsE. Va have bern bic.,ed ~ the rcvi,ia.
Influences 81 the Sp,rtt. The Rev. CaAHLss
MANN. the minister of tho lss,heraa Charsh.
gives az aes0uiI 81 the ptosrrss Of the work -
a lesteF To ti.- LalAsF-s Observer. under date &c
J.o,.sTy 10th. iS3s Ia October last protr.St-
cd nle,Iing ~ss bsid IA his church. which as
blsssed O. many. Tie ssss:
Z" Christians of all denominations
were aroused, edited, and a new i'm
pulse was gwen to alftbeir pious cxer-
tons. The work, however. did not
stop az the close OF the meeting. No,
blessed be God forever, it is still going
on. II has spread TO all the.churchcs
10 Shepberdstown, and in the country
20 the distance of six or seven miles.
Prolracted meetings have been held IN
several places in the vicinity, and in
the town, since, By all denominations,
all Of which have resulted in the con-
version of sinners, the increase Of reli-
gious feeling. and spread of the good
work OF God. Encouraged by the
Frightening prospects, 1 held another
communion in the same p!ace'on Christ
mas,-where, as before. the Lord visit.
ed US and poured out his spirit upon Us,
II more were added to the Lutheran
Church. The anxious meetings.. or, IL
that name does not suit the fastidIous,
We will say meetings. Of inquiry. were
nunerousiy attended, and many have
since obtained hope in Jesus of eter-
nal life.
To the different churches IN Shep-
hsrdstown. viz: Lutheran, Presbyie.
ran, German Reformed and Metho.
diit. there have been so individuals
added, and many more will be adden
no doubt, at theiTnext communion sea-
sons. have class at present consist
ing Of - individuals, who. should they
give sufficient evidence of a change OF
heart, will be admitted to church mem
bership, as have always looked upon
the admission of unconveried persons
TO church membership (Which is con-
trary 10 the discipline of our church,
as peInicious. We must guard the pu-
rity Of the church, as we'll a. labor for
lis extension. am aware tina; tares
will grow up among. the wheat. aud
that the gospel.ne gathers in of eve
~ kind, yet we are not authorised any
where in the gospel. knowingly TO
plant barren. unfruitful trees in the
vineyard of the Lord.
In regard to the means employed in
bringing about this delightful state OF
things, as well as carrying it on, Will
only speak of the efforts made in my
own congregation. The first that | will
mention, and which | believe, if it
were more generally praciised. we
would hear MORE frequently Of revivals
Of religion, was private pastoral vista
tioR-pFeaching from house TO house.
In this way hearts may be reached
which are Inaccessible BY public preach
ing. A Society Of female Tract Dis
i tributors was formed IN the congTegn-
ton, aud put into active operation.
carrying tie truth Of God 10 place,
,CieTe Hs roice Of fie liriag Preacher
HersT comcs-constant caiecheiical in
strueiions Tor every individual who de-
/ sired to attend them-plain. practical
and pungent preaching Of the gospel
Jesus Christ and him crucified for
siuners"-protracted meetings--prayer
meetings. AZ one time the different
ministers united, and we had prolract,
ed prayer meeting. which continued
/ for one weekend lastly, anxious meet.
inss for those who were asking. "SiTs
What must we do to be saved:"