The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-18
Messrs. Moody and Sankey.
DIR JOHN HALLS VIEW.

We find letter from Dr. Hall in the Tribune of
the 7th concerning the recent labors Of these
American Evangelists. In closing the letter Dr.
Hall says:
"Men ask will this last2' Will what last :?
Mr.. Moody preaching or the religious fervor
Did Pentecost last? The effects OF it did. The
:" fruit remained" Did the zeal, personal power,
and heroic courage of the Reformers last? The
effects did and they would have been more per-
manent and extensive as far as we can see but for
the unbelief, selfshness, and cowardice of those
who ought to have perpetuated their work. To
churches and to communities it is to individuals
according to their faith so is it unto them
And this leads to the question: Now that the
evanRests close their labors in England, and find
invitations to prosecute similar efforts in the cities
of America, what is to be thought, expected, and
attempted? In making few suggestions on this
general topic, the present writer does not venture
to assume special competency to speak on it, or In
deed any competency except what comes from close
and continuous acquaintance with this movement.
l. Messrs. Moody and Sankey must be the judg
es themselves of the order in which they should
proceed from place to place. They have shown
much wisdom abroad. They would doubtless say
themselves that they we're wisely guided. They
began in smaller places as they were invited, anc
looked upward for wisdom, as among competing
calls they must be allowed to judge.
2 1t is not to be supposed that because Mr.
Moody breaches and Mr.. Sankey sings, men vii
be religiousy helped and enlightened "of course.
These things are not OF course but :" of grace,
and He who auckens dead souls into spiritual lif,
would have Christians ask Him with one aceort
for the blessings they need. The Holy Ghost i
no more tied to Mr. Moody than to baptism, o
any, any other dS Ia'S .sSo se p US pray Belfast
and London.
3 Let the things that make for peace among tn
churches. be studied These men aimed at max
ing not Methodists. or Baptists, or Presbyterians
but Christians. They required some evidence o
unanmity among local ministers before entering Of
efforts among them. They everywhere sustained
the ministry never once set it aside, or bettled tn
divine institution before the people Hence tn
remarkable freedom from jars, and the delightful
spirit of brotherly cooperation. 9gsai "a
In our American cities there is class OF per
SONS whom we may not judge as before God, bu
who certainly do not stand we'll before their fellow
men, aud yet who are often in the front 10 conven
tons and prayer meetings. They are workers a
| large, unattached, and often unrestrained b.
considerations which influence men who bear re
sponsibility. These should not be allowed to com
into prominence. They do much harm. They ar
not in reputation among them that are without
aud the way to prevent religious movement iron
falling into such infecitous hands, is for men re
cognized as blameless and prudent Christians to b
brought forward and employed. Nothing in MI
Moody's operations has made it embarrassing TO
such men to identify themselves with his work.
s. Let no man glory in himself. This has bee
the motto and the strength Of our brethren. Ma
they be held to it The truth of God, the grea
commanding vital truths, plainly spoken, in love
in faith. in prayer-these have been employed b
the Spirit OF Life to make men earnest, devout
and pure in life Who that sees, without profit
ing by, the deceit, violence, general distrust AM
crime, that trouble all conditions of men anon
us. does not recognize the need of this renovatin
and elevating power? While we use all mean
open to US for bringing it into operation let US no
forget what is written: He that glorieth, let hin
glory in the Lord" iD 81
Ne,o York; August Sd, 1875. m tre1ro5a