The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1869-03-13

ReIigi0us.-A cleaner of local news, who
has been in constant attendance at the re-
vival meetings that have been going on in
Elkton, for some weeks past, has furnished
the following graphic account for TIE
Whiy:
about four weeks since series of eX-
ira meetings were commenced in the Elkton
N. f. Church, for the general good of the
Church and community. In order to facil-
itate the work. Rev. Mr.. Purdy, from the
State Of New lork. was invited by Mr.
Matlack to come and assist him. The III
vitation was accepted, and the reverend
gentleman came and labored, for about
three weeks, with the most powerful effect
This gentleman is a somewhat peculiar,
very plain-spoken, mattcr-of-fact man, but
at the same time being man of great
power and influence For some time his
efforts were directed entirely toward the
membership, on the ground that no revival
could take place unless they themselves
were living fully up to their profession, and
with view to prepare them for the coming
contest. So plainly and pointedly did he
speak to them,-pointing out their incon-
sistencies, and subiecting them to such Sc
we're tests, that it was exceedingly doubtful
for WHILE whether his labors would not
result in more harm than good. His NAH
ner and style of speech were no more pleas
ing, than were his declarations true and
undeniable. He frankly told them what
they were not, and informed them what they
must be to live up to their duties as chris
tians. Although what he said to them they
knew to be only too true, yet there was a
general standing aloof for period. But
the truth could not be resisted and it was
not great while before the majority OF
the members were with Purdy This rcsultA
reached, it required but little effort to get
them to perform any duties required Of
them. Then began a religious revival,
whose influence has pervaded this entire
community, and which will never be for
gotten in the history Of the Church. Be
ginning with the Church membership. it
has widened and spread until hundreds
have felt its influence, many have
been converted, and nightly 4 large num-
Der of penitents are forward for PRAYER
The Church is now all ablaze with religious
excitement; members rise in the congrega-
ton to e1hort and tell their experience,
whilst penitents rise to ask for PRAYERS:
persons have gone home from church, sing
ing and rejoicing; prayer meetings are held
at private houses: conversions take place
therein; religion is talked on the streets,
in the stores, shops, -everywhere all
times and seasons; business and domestic
duties have given way before the claims of
religion; and certainly Elkton was never
before the scene of such a religious sensa-
ton.
REV. Mr.. Purdy took his departure on
Monday last, but still the meetings go on
with undated interest.
ron, lilo G., - ,,,o,,
ent revival, are the absence of sectaritnism,
the fact that the majority of the converts
and seekers are adults, and the number
admitted on probation. last Sunday. was
precisely the same as that received at the
close of the meeting in November; and
there is every prospect that it will be dupli-
Gated tomorrow.
During the progress of the meeting,
several affecting scenes have been witnessed
One was the kneeling. side by side, at the
altar, of husband, wife, and son.-all I'M
ploring Divine mercy. and mutually unit
ing their pledges to uphold and assist each
other on their pilgrimage to = better land.
$ Another was that of q young lady,
who, while the whole assembly united in
singing beautiful and impressive hymn,
and there was issuing from the centre of
prayer power and influence which was
plainly visible throughout the entire audi
ence, arose from the altar where she had
been praying with her unconverted father,
and joining in the chorus with her sweet.
melodious voice, with countenance heavenly
and angelic form, went bounding down the
aisle, with n supernatural grace, and gently
taking by the hand man of perhaps fifty
winters, led him forward for prayer
son Sunday afternoon last, the ordi-
nance of baptism was administered to "a
children and Is adults: 80 persons were re-
ceived into the Church on probation, and a
larger number partook of the Sacrament,
than was ever the case on any former occa- |
sion.
''Revs. J. D. Curtis and A. Goodman. of |
Wilmington, preached here this week-the |
former on Monday evening, and the latter |
on Tuesday evening.
"To-morrow, Rev. L. c. Matlack will |
deliver his last sermon previous to leaving |
for Conference. At = o'clock PM, the |
children will hold their Missionary Meet
ing in the Church, on which occasion Mr..
Matlack will address them.
"The regular term of service of this
noble and valiant soldier has now expired
but we believe if public sentiment were
he would be re-enlisted for
another term. Second to none, and equaled
by few ministers i'll the Conference and
just now united more strongly than ever
with the interests of the Church. because
Of the present great victory, his departure
would be universally lamented, and would
prove detrimental to the welflre
Of his charge" **%