The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-10-06
A New Element Of Christian Activity
in Revival Work.
Az ORTHODOX AND HETERODOX WARFARE.
Rev. Mr.. Sunderland Views of
the Revival Movement.
The Position of Liberal
Christians.

the conflict between orthodoxy and Untaranism or
liberal Christianity, begins to colossal proper
tions The few discussions and rival which
have already been had have proved entering wedge
which threatens to divide society, and the indications
are that If Mr.. Moody fingers here much longer, the
evangelization movement which he has inauguratcd
will be involved with such surroundings attract
the attention OF religious philosophers throughout the
country. In fact it has, now, become not merely
an evangelical or missionary work. but the movement
it progresses partake somewhat OF the form
Of a trial test OF the doctrine or orthodoxy
as compared with tho liberal creeds Of Christ
anity The first open criticism which Mr.
Moody's system Of evangelization encountered was
the Sunderland sermon, which reported in the
HERALD some two weeks ago The effect which II pro-
duced is somewhat remarkable, is shown by the
numerous demands made for it. as well as by the null
tude Of letters which received in turn from cler
gymen and laymen at distance Many of these com
munications warmly indorse the sentiments advanced
by the Unitarian divine and not a few dissent from
and criticse them. 1t WELL perhaps that these diff
erences in views to find full expression, for thus
far they have seemed to stimulate rather than retard
the progress OF revvalism Many who are curious at
first likely TO be entertained then charmed and
terested, and finally and almost unconsciousy, they
find themselves turning their thoughts from the line or
eousness- This idea is not simply sentimental but
is based upon circumstances which have actually
Cured in this vicinity during the last two months
Mr. Moody, for instance has probably wrought thirty
forty in the little village and since Rev.
Mr. Sunderland, the Unitarian pastor, commenced his
system Of evangelzaton he has succeeded in persuad
ing quite number to turn from the path Of wicked
Fourteen Joined his church last Sunday and az
many will unite with it two three Sabbaths
hence The criticisms of the different forms OF theol
ogy it will thus be SEEM fortunately productive OF
good rather than evil
MR. sUSDERLASD's vIEws
WORK.
In recent interview with Rev Mr. Sunderland,
whose sermon has created such profound sensation
throughout the country obtained full and frank
expression of his views of Mr. Moody and his work,
and the results OF his work here in Northheld.
Glow far your societies affected by this revival
movement going on in your vllagep" asked,
VERY little indeed Two or three persons partially
attached to the congregation will very likely leave US
But have as yet reason to suppose that any who
are connected with either the church tho parish will
be drawn away So far can learn, the general feel
ing among my people is Of increased appreciation
of and attachment Unitarian faith they the
opposing orthodox faith presented by Mr. Moody and
his helpers standing in contrast with IL Only day
two ago young ladies OF much intelligence came to
mo and requested the privilege OF joining the Unitarian
Church. saying that since attending tho meetings Of the
past four weeks hearing tho doctrines Of orthodoxy
preached they were deeply impressed with the
superior beauty truth and preclousness OF lib
cral Christianity that they wanted, without further do
lay to identify themselves with it"
''Do you think your people feel any alarm lest the
causeof liberal Christianity in tho community shall DO
weakened by this revivalY"
"on the contrary" Mr.. Sunderland replied, ''the
feeling to DO quito general among them that our
cause will be strengthened It seems TO be the prevail
ing desire the part OF leading Untarans TO
ceive gladly and with open minds and hearts any and
all good influences that to be obtained from the
meetings Thus the religious life OF tho society will
doubtless be deepened and strengthened, while, so far
as our doctrines concerned only TOO glad to
have them as have already intimately appear in
trast with tho doctrines preached by the churches
opposed 70 our faith When these meetings over,
and tho people settle down once moro into calm sober
thought it rs believed that the best religious nteli
gence OF the community will more than set In the
direction OF Unitaranism-"
sHow do you think Mr.. Moody's own family
affected by the preaching Of the evangelist believe
am right in my understanding that several Of them
are members OF your society, am not?"
SYes; most OF his relatives here members
ofmy parish or church, OF both think they much
interested in the meetings going on, and very largely in
sympathy with the general work of the
evangelist However, am convinced that
In belief they stand essentially where
they have always stood. think them to be Untarans
by thorough and intelligent conviction, and hence
have very little apprehension that anything
curing will affect Them so far as thor Church relations
are concerned II l did not believe them 70 be Uni
tarians by conviction should doubtless feel differently
on account OF the circumstances In which they at
present placed, being such as they are"
ssWhat have been the results Of the meetings up to
this time, 80 far conversions are concernedY"
GAS to that cannot say. or course reports vary.
doubt whether the number has been great was
anticipated Indeed the impression TO be pretty
general in tho community FAR as have como in con-
tact with the people, that Mr. Moody and his friends
arc considerably disappointed the results OF the
meetings AS to the number OF conversions you had
better consult Mr.. Moody or leading members OF the
other society. OF those who have risen for prayers
very few Of them have been persons Of my acquaint
ance.n
"what do you think as TO tho permanency OF this
work in NorthneldS"
ssrhis is a matter about which hesitate 10 express
an opinion or course hope that tho influences OF the
revival so far as they good will remain. hope
that those who have been converted from thoughtess-
ness and irreligon to thoughtfuness and interest in
religion will continue in the way they have begun
But whether they will not Of only the future
can tell have myself been through a considerable
number OF revivals both large and small scales, in
both city and country, and have also watched tho
operations Of many others In which have not had
personal part have good deal OF the revival
work Of Mr. Moody himself in Chicago, and only wish
! could have confidence than confess do have
In all this kind Of way Of trying TO do good II has not
been my experience that revival work ~ usually deep
work or permanent work. And, moreover,
| have been gradually forced to the conviction
that great deal OF positive harm comes from II
In nearly or quite every Living during my earlier
life as did in the midst Of rcvivals and people who
believed in REVEALS supposed them 70 be, beyond
question: necessary and good, and II was only very
/ slowly and reluctantly that became convinced thai
this shortsghted view, and that there u another
i very serious side to this revival subject"
$50, then, understand you think that the WORK
done by revvasts Is usually more Ike lighting piis
4 .l.4~t ll... l~off Inn Ara Of qnd