Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-04-13
Tine Great Social Revolution.


 past lives have been notoriously wicked and often criminal, characterize it as one of the most remarkable events of the age. Oar req ders are aware that some remarkable manltes- taLous followed the preaching of young Spur geon in England, and that general religious awakening took place in Europe simultaneous lv with that in America
 The commencement of the movement in this country is traced to the opening of busi- ness mems noon-day prayer-meeting in the very center of the business portion of New York city. This meeting, as we'll as subsequent ones, it appears was commenced and carried on by the laymen, while the clergy stood apparently astonished at the results. From this the rel gious feeling increased and spread like con- tagion Men whose past lives, like that of Gardner, the prize fighter, have been but career of crime, are now among the converts Churches were found too small to accommodate priated for the purpose of holding meetings.- These meetings were open to all, being confined to no sect or denomination, while the converts generally attach themselves either to the Bap- t>t, Methodist, Dutch Reformed, or Old or New School Presbyterian churches.
 Philadelphia seems next to have awakened. Their churches being found too small to accom- modate the vast crowds, they procured Jayne's Hall, said to be the largest room in the city, capable of holding 6,0O0 persons.
 
 To show our readers the extent of the move ment and that we do not exaggerate, we clip few of the many items relating to it to be found in our exchanges.
 In New York, business stores are closed for two hours at noon to give the employees an opportunity to attend the prayer meetings.
 One paper in that city after devoting six columus to the subject, says:
 There are many persons with whom there is q feeling of aversion, fl not disgust, at any hr,s array of figures iu connection with rev- vas uot considering this the true way to esti- mate the genuiueaess and power of the " rk.'
 The editor, however, goes on to estimate the number of persons who professed religion in one ,cses at fifty thousand!
 Another paper has the following:
 "Praver meeti,Igs are held al>o on board some ot th- sLI> iu the harbor. The powerful re v.v.ls .u the various churches for mariners iu thi, ctv have made a deep impression upon hu d~eds oi ,eat.,riHg men who while in port never attend church SJmr If the most iu- terr-tiHg co.v .ver>tas which have occurred any where iu Jhe city daring the revival have been Of >r.rrs. We have already mentioned that f"r s1ne time past special religious meetings have been held ou board the United States fri Ette North Carolina, yug at the Navy Yard. It 5 gratifying 10 know that a similar feeiug exists in soue of our mcrchaut-ships which are now temporar port
 IN A PRINTING OFFICE.
 For two weeks past we learn that a mcetin. has been held daily in printing offire in this city, between the hours of F and l o'clock. and that some of the men % without their din her to attend At the commencement but four or five persons assembled, but the number now is from twelve 10 fifteen. Yesterday (Wednes- day) the old theater in Chambers street was opened for union meeting similar to those held in Fulton and John streets"
 l he revival meeting this morning at Burton'S Theatre was ,ien>ely crowdel-everv way of entrance being througed long before the exer- cises of the morning were commenced. The theatre presents a singular appearance, all the features of a place of amusement being pre- served ln close juxtapo~ition with the religious notices on the walls and other manifestations of religious exercises. One pacard attached to the drop.curtau forbade rhe same person to pray and exhort, on the same day another Him. tied the prayers 10 three minutes. At noon the meeting was opened with hymn, then prayer, followed by an exhoratiou. Notices were read, such thnse: A lady recently converted, and now lying i'll, asks for the prayers of the meet ing" or ." widow asks for prayers for her son, her first-born, who is prodgaI," or "a young man n the employment of the general govern ment asks your prayers for hi nself and his bride elect"
 HENRY WARD BEECHER PRESENT.
 Several affecting narratives were given One elderly gentleman, declaring he was a happy father" told the story of the conversion of h., son, voung gentleman of nineteen vears.- Three days ago, this son was converted. On the following day the father. going to his count ing-room, at late hour in the afternoon. found the son in tears, bending over his Bible. He had just returned from the John street prayer meeting where he narrated his religious ex- perience.
 At this moment, there came in from the neignborhood of the theatre a volume of mn sical souEd-the singing of hymn in ano' her meeting Mr. Beecher rose. and stepped to the footiights Raising his hand he stood quietly moment, fixing the attention of the audence before he spoke. Brethren" said he, do yon hear that? Sop a moment, That's the sound of worship out of the old bar-room of this theatrrl Let us spend two minutes in si lent prayer and thanksgiving," He resumed hi1 seat, and for the two succeeding minutes the falling of pin could have been heard- Then followed prayers from Mr. Burton. the owner Of the theatre One old gentleman in he fist gallery prayed that the request of Mr. Burton to be remembered in the petitions of iered mp in this meeting might be bl' s;ed to his benefit; a young man in the highest gallery prayed that "he whom we had often seen De fore these foot lights, portraying human nature, might be brought 10 the feet of .Jesus" Other incidents added to the peculiar interest of the occasion.
 KEEPING IT UP ALL DAY.
 The hour of one approaching. MT. Beecher again came forward and closed the exercises with few remarks. He was about to give out the fpal hymn, when general shout of " Go on." % on," came from all parts of the honse. Allowed by cries of "Keepit up all day" MT. Beecher reminded the people that the time de- signated was expiring, that business men should be punctual in all things, and that the meeting should be closed at the hour, while those who chose might remain. The hymn was accord ingly sung, and MT. Beecher prefixed to the benediction notice that the theatre would be opened on the following day Sunday at the same hour; that the services on Monday (to-dav) would be conducted ay the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson, and tables were placed at the en- trance to receive such contributions in payment for the use of the building, as the audience might see fit 10 give.
 The prayer-meeting at John street Methodist Episcopal Church on Saturday was attended by throng of people. who filled the body of the house, and also the vestrv, in both of which religious exercises were conducted for over an hour. One gentleman announced that he knew of a commercial house in this city, consisting of twelve persons, all of whom, excepting two, had been converted; and another honse of six. teen. including principals and employees, all of whom, excepting three, had professed faith in Christ since the late general aw.kan;p