Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-11-11
Moody and Sankey in Brooklyn.

The New York Tribune, in it's account
of the opening of the Moody revival in
Brooklyn, says:
1t was early evident to the coolest and
most skeptical person present at yester-
days services that the revival spirit was
thoroughly aroused, and the people ripe
tor a great and enthusiastic religious
demonstration. This feeling was mani
tested at the very beginning of the serv-
ices, during the prayer of the Rev. DR..
Burlington. Many familiar with the gen.
tleman>s manner thought that his selec-
ton for this duty was an error Of judg-
ment on the part Of the managers DIR.
Burlington has never made any claims to
being magnetic speaker. He is logical
IN style and his manner of delivery is pol
ished, but cold. His words would prob
ably, by their logical force, always keep
for him the close attention of an intellect
ual sssemblage, but they would not on any
ordinary occasion arouse deep feeling or
enthusiasm. On yesterday, before he had
uttered half dozen sentences OF the
prayer, fervent " Amens" came from many
lips, and there were other signs of pro-
found emotion in the great throng.
The next opportunity which was offered
for the display of this fervent and rev
erential enthusiasm was during the sing
ing of the 120th hymn by Mr.. Sankey.
Mr., Moody had said, Immediately after
reading from the Bible, 81 am going to
Nv e;r
alone"-a sharp emphasis on the last
word. The instant hush of expectation
as the great audience settled back prepared
to hear something that should appeal to
their hearts was very marked, but as Mr..
Sankey's magnetic voice and wonderfully
expressive singing filled the great audi
forum the sympathy among his hearers
grew and increased until it seemed as if,
had he continued the sweet melody and
earnest supplication, every person in the
whole audience would have risen and
joined with him in a grand musical
prayer of mingled appeal. and thanksgiv-
ing. The effect he produced was simply
marvellous. Many responses, such as
Amen" and :" Glory to God" were heard
from all parts of the vast assembly, and
at the close great many men as well as
women were in tears. lTr. Sankey's voice
is marvel OF sweetness, flexibility and
strength. There is simplicity about his
vocalism which disarms the criticism
which would apply to it any Of the rules
OF art 1t has charm purely its own,
which attracts and holds one with power
that is gentle but irresistible.
MIR. Moody's appearance during the de-
livery of his sermon was as one man stand
ing in sea of men and women On all
sides, and even in rear of him, were the
assembled 5000 persons, nearly all on
slightly lower plane than himself. = yery
ones attention was closely directed to
him, and, in moments of intense utterance
or emphasis of some religious truth, fer
vent responses came from every part of
the room. And when, toward the close of
his sermon, he told his hearers that they
must lay aside the world its vanities,
pleasures, parties, festivals, and its other
gayeties, if they would go up at once
and take the land'' the responsive
"Amens," Yes, yes" Glory to God"
and AYE, ave. were very numerous, and
came from every quarter of theauditorium
Mr. Moody's manner in the pulpit was not
such as trained elocutionist would
use. He is evidently a man who III his
diligent search of truths has made little
study Of forms. He is quick in his move
ments and so rapid in speech that the
swiftest stenographer present yesterday
could not reproduce his language literally.
He is earnest and vigorous in enunciation
and gesture and wholly without studied
art But as one listens he becomes ire
sistibly convinced that an intense earnest
ness and unquestioning faith in the saving
power of Christianity inspire the rugged,
sinewy oratory of the speaker. Often |
ncglectlng 3 syllable and sacrificing a |
sound, not always correct in grammar or
fluent in speech, he appears to the amazed
listener man who feels more than he can
express, whose brain is big with great |
thoughts which speech-earnest and eager
as Mr.. Moody's language isis incapable !
OF expressing, and which, in their rapid |
delivery, tread so fast on each others |
heels as to more or less mar each others |
form.
In putting aWaV Vintnr fruit # ro1Ict ha I