The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1869-03-04

ofmen, Saloons were kept open a
night. He referred to the German
with their beer gardens, kept ope
through the night and on the Sal
bath. Business mon were in earnes
He referred TO the short lives {
wicked men. They are dying at a
average of 80 years. This was tn
average in penitentiaries. In one {
these he had met the author of th
hymn
"There is light in the window fo
thee, brother"
He had met man on tho car
with a package of California wine
which he was exhibiting, and he as
ed ifhe ought not to learn something
from him. To over come evil an
succeed in our work we must be il
earnest.
| Rev. S. II. Worcester said the re
sponsibility of work was placed upol
us by the Master. He though
sometimes that the pulpit did no
make it plain how business men col,
be useful. The christian merchan
must enlist the sympathy of his fel
low merchant; the christian mechani
must labor with his brother mechan
ic. The business man with bust
ness Of 5000 can find less time t
work in this way than the man will
q business of $150,000. Ths one cal
use help that the other cannot, ant
command more leisure. He wanted
to know how to do his business ant
find time to work for Christ.
Mr.. Pickett said Gods care fol
his church was continual miracle
He looked back 100 years. The ser
mon was then taken right into the
heart and remained the subject o.
thought the whole week. 1t was
not so now. God had raised up the
Sabbath school and it had done a
vast work. But in this active age
something more was needed. God
had raised up such men as Brothers
Moody, Reynolds, Burnell, and En-.
sign to stir mp their brethron
of the laity to work for Jesus. He
said there was need of personal work
for Christ. Some could do more
than others; some could do what
others could not; but all could do
something Tor Christ. Tho question
had been asked how business men
may work. If their hearts are full of
love-if they are laid upon the altar
of sacrifice, the work will be DONE
In his own church they had appoint
ed committee to visit throughout
the city. They wanted heart to
meet with heart and mind with mind,
and looked tor success.
passed, the next 'no,if was devoted to
prayer. Tho meeting was conducted
by Mr. Buruell The meeting, which
was highly spiritual, was intersprsed
with short practical addresses, special
requests for prayer, and an OCCASION
al verse of sacred songs.
The topic was taken up: "How
are unconvertted persons to be ap-
proached?'
Mr.. Van Emmons said they sho'ld
be approached prayerfully. AS to a
plan he thought that was impossible,
only on general principles. lfastero.
typed method is adoped, it will fail
in ninety-nine cases out of al hundred.
As general principles, hc suggested
that it shall be done with seriousness.
with prayerful and considerate tho't,
and the exercise of good Judgment.
1t should be done with fulness, plain
ness and simplicity. They
should never be afraid to speak to
them; keep them back, and never
apologize for telling the truth. 1t
should be done kindly, not with
scolding, reproaching or threatening.
Never get into argument. Show a
willingness to hear and assist them.
Set before them Jesus, and do it at
once. Don't talk about their joining
church. Keep Christ before them,
not the church. Lastly: always ap-
proach them in private.
Mr.. Grant thought the suggestion
as to avoiding talking of joining
church very important.
Mr.. Clapp: The great thing was in
some way to get into sympathy with
the unconverted. Like the merchant
who spread out his samples before
customers; let us present samples of
living christianity with us when go
to deal with sinners.
Eels doubted as to our never con-
trovertiug. Paul, Peter and Christ
himself were, under certain circum-
stan ,es controvensialists.
Mr.. Dunn said Christ often avoided
argument. When the question was
asked: 'iAre therefew that be saved?''
He replied: aStrlve to enter in at the
straight gate" The difficulty is
usually moral, not intellectual. What
was the use Of throwing light upon
the window when the christians
were all down? Why scrape the
the frost from the glass. Make the
fire and tho frost will 60 away itself
He said it was impotant SO to talk
with sinners as to leave upon them
the impression IL am guilty y
Mr.. Burnell thought that was q
vital point, thought he illustrated
by some beautiful illustrations.
Mr.. Worcester thought the spirit
of the person approaching sinner
was the great matter. Jesus was no,
| the accuser, but Satan. Loving
| kindness, and tender mercy, were
beautiful words. Love is the key tc
the heart.
Mr.. Eels said, the manner in which
Christ uttered the I" woes was Ger
tainly such as to convince all tha
heard him of his compassion.
Mr.. Pickett spoke of the impor
| tance Of fixed purpose to secure tn
| salvation of the soul. Don't talk
misceilaneously. Keep to the on
point.
Mr.. Reynolds said, speak naturally
Don't whine. Talk rs If you had |
serious matter in hand. Never apol
ogize. Don't talk patronizingly.-
Don't approach certain class o
men and say Yoa ought to be
christian; you have wealth and in-
fuence." G cd regards all as los
sinners, and will~allow of no sue
distinctions as these.
Mr.. b. Ladd said, in this matte
follow the leading of the Spirit.
Mr.. Haines coincided in that r.
mark. If We would ask OF God h
would guide US in every emergenc,