The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-09-06
MOODY.


OPENING OF THE GREAT EyANGEIIsT's IABoEs
IN AMERICAN ELOQUENT AND SEARCHING
EXPLOITATION TO HIS FELLOW TowNsMEN-A
GREAT REVIVAL PREDICTED.
/. NoRTHFTELD, Mass Sept s. 1875.
Mr. Moody, the celebrated evangelist, who in com
pany with his friend, Mr. Sankey stirred up such a
religious commotion in Europe has commenced to-day
the work of evangelizing the American people The
initiatory effort made here in his native town of
Mortified, and it be truly described as eminently
successful The idea OF a public reception to Mr.
Moody by his fellow townsmen having been aban-
doned the celebrated revivast consented commence
his missionary efforts among those who were anx-
ious TO hear him, for the and fame
which he had earned abroad The orthodox church Of
the village modest little structure its way was
lected for the purpose, and the interior most eab
oraely decorated with floral tributes by the ladies' of
the town Nearly the whole community turned out
and many came from long distances in carriages and
business vehicles to participate in the services. The
crowd was SO large in fact that it was necessary
abandon the church, and Mr. Moody was obliged to
preach in the open air
THE PRELIMINARY EXERCISES
consisted OF the singing by the assembled multitude of
n series Of devotional hymns, Mr. Moody, however, re-
framing from joining this portion Of the services.
Stevens of Bernardston, and then, after more
singing, the great evangelist commenced his ad-
dress. He stylish straw hat during the greater
part Of his eXhortaons and his striking and general
worldfe appearance was not such as to indicate him
to be the great champion of religion that he really is
lie read few passages from Holy Writ and then an
nounced this his from Acts, XII, 14-'Who shall
tell thee words whereby thou and all thy house shall be
saved"
He commenced at encourage his hearers to
realize their danger in living an indifferent
life and cited the example of Cornelius
fitting for them to consider. He talked
in very plain language, and intimated that there
many people in Mortified and the surrounding
towns who We're very wicked and proanc and that,
unlike God they failed to keep their word to always
pay 100 cents the dollar As the expounder of the
great religious truth proceeded in his remarks he be-
came strkingy eloquent, and his gestures and move
mens indicated that he had genuine and enthusiastic
interest in his choice work of rcscuing mankind from
sin and perdton His hearers were involuntarly
charmed and interested from the beginning and ON
several occasions there EXPLANATIONS which indi-
Gated that his words were proving quite electual His
ANECDOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS
were very pointed and at times amusing and he all the
slime kept the idea prominent that he talking to
people who needed enghtenng on the matter OF saliva
/ ton.
"lf" he said, 'the Angel Gabriel should come down
upon you tins moment, you should ask him not for
wealth. but for eternal hfe" The gospel he believed,
TO be something that they should away from
but which he hoped all within his hearing would
brace and that the word Eternity would be written
ON the eyebals of every one of them. Toward the
close of his remarks Mr. Moody became very affecting
ana eloquent, and during the hnal prayer which he
offered there n reverent silence and attention
which it is impossible to describe.
INCIDENT
at this time was the perchng of couple of doves upon
the beliry of the holy edice where they remained
tionless until after the benedctlon pronounced Tho
services which commenced at about half past five,
concluded with the approach of twilight and II
Is scarcely necessary to add that Mr.. Moody
warmly congratulated by all who had listened to his eff
fectve words. He scarcely regards this event. how
ever as anything more than preliminary service, but
next week the work of evangezng will be commenced
in thorough earnest and II Is predicted on all hands
that there will ensue one of the most prominent re.
vivas witnessed in this country for many years Mr..
Sankey will arrive here Wednesday, accompanied by
Messrs Bliss and Whlttle, and meetings will be com
menced without n moments delay the principal one
being held in grove in the neghborhood ON Sunday
next Mr. Beccher, independently from Moody and
Sankey however will preach here week from next
Sunday and the probabilities therefore. that the
Connecticut Valley cvangelization movement will be
looked upon with considerable interest by the rest Of
the