The New York herald., 1869-03-17
Evening Session.
LECTURES LAST NIGHT.
REVEALS IN THE LAST CENTURY.

Lecture by the Rev. DIR. Hall.
Last evening o lecture was delivered by the Rev.
DIR. Hall in West Foryfourth street United Presby-
terian church, the subject being "Revvals in the
Last Century," The neat little church was crowded
with respectable assempage, and throughout the
greatest interest appeared to be manifested In the
discourse. The interesting proceedings were
opened by the Rev. G. Campbell, pastor OF the
church, who announced the Tooth Psalm, which was
harmoniously rendered by the congregatio4 A
short prayer having been said the Rev. DR.. Hall
commenced his lecture by referring to the great
hgous revivals OF the last century. He gave lucid
explanation OF the word revival, showing that it
mainly signified the grand resurrection Of DOR
mant religious sentiments. The revfvals In
the last century were marked with an almost
enthusiastic DEVOTION as they were sincere,
determined and most beneficial in their results. The
hearts Of nations responded and the praises OF the
Lord were echoed far and wide. Previously, how
ever there had been lull In religious affairs. Men
were bent on other vocations than that OF pur-
suing the paths OF heavenly truths, and the sacred
voice OF religion sounded family their They
warned and entreated to return to the ways OF
righteousness the herads OF the holy gospel pealed
forth the solemn trumpets, but for long time the
response was weak and reluctant At length
came the grand and crowning crisis which
happily eliminated In the triumphal turn OF
religious affairs. New feelings were infused
into hitherto stubborn hearts, which, plant
with earnest and repeated instruction, sweed
in one grand simultaneous strain OF praise to Al
mighty God In Ireland the ministers OF the Church
preached s with great success their efforts every
Scotland did the great work OF religious revival
spread around It's advantageous influences. Through
hitherto blind to the jealous endeavors OF
earnest preachers yielded most Wiling and sub
spirit which there so nobly prevailed mad also found
welcome nome IN the United States. In Eng
land, too, the sentiment Of religious revival
spread with wonderful rapiditv, ana throughout
many nations unanimous feeling Of de-
votlon was experienced. There was born about
the beginning OF the century, IN an obscure
rectory In Lancashire, John Wesley the son OF an
obscure clergyman. His mother being cultivated
and otherwise excellent determined that her son
ley proiessed desire to become minister OF the
Church, which he did; not, however, before he had
received most exemplary advice from that mother
Tor whom he entertained so deep an afIection. In
due time he became minister and quickly dis
sequently became 80 famous. The reverend lee
urer then proceeded to trace the eventul or
Wesley @ anu passed high eulogy upon his mem
hind, Tor his Jealous endeavors IN the cause
OF religion and the unceaslng energy which
| marked Ills enUre existence. He also referred to
the great abors Of Walker, the OF poor curate,
| who established church IN Cornwall. When he
| nrst preached there he told his congregation that
they were born in sin, whereGp0n ILLS removal by the
| rector was requested. Walker. however. insisted
that they were brought forth In niquity and though
the congregation had previously been used to other
more favorable intelligence from the pulpit nnaly
came TO the conclusion that Walker preached the
truth, and hundreds were accordingly converted.
The reverend gentleman enumerated many clergy
men who had contributed largely TO the sue
cessinl issue OF the grand revvalist spirit
which, owing to the untlrinG spirit OF jealous
missionaries, was manifested throughout the
land. Among others he instanced the names
Of Romaine Heryey Whitfield, Adams, GrImshaw
and Others who did such noble service in the
Of religion sncn lnen changed public opinion and
enlightened tine people, shamed apathy and indiner-
ence and encouraged the promotion OF Gods sacred
truths The present generation had great to
| be thankful that such men had appeared npon the
worlds stage. The reverend gentleman conIended
that tue most brilliant minds were not always made
the instruments for carrying out the Divine wishes,
nor the grandeur In which religious services were
carried out II was the sincere spirit that was re-
! vained-a spirit that would make men earnest
regards Themselves and earnest in their sentiments
toward each uther. The lecturer concluded by
feeling exhorfation, after which the congregation
sang the foItyn Psalm, pnd the Rev. Mr.. Camp
bell having pronounced The benedIclion, the pro-
ceedings were brought 10 close.