The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-02-03
Revival in Manchester, England.


Revival in Manchester, England.
The facts stated below are extracted from the
New York Observer and the account covers the en-.
tire period of the stay of Messrs Moody and San
key at Manchester. They have gone to Sheffield,
where labors have been commenced in the Albert
Hall, an immense building, but altogether mad
equate to hold the crowds that pressed for admis-
sion. There is great desire on the part of our
people to hear full accounts of the wonderful works
of God through these devoted men. When the
faith and conservation of the Church ever becomes
such as to subordinate all other things then may
expect such triumphs of the cross to be multiplied,
and nation shall be born in day." We now
give the main part of the statements made:
"A writer in the Times of Blessing of Deem
Der 10th says: Lords day, November och, the
day appointed by Messrs. Moody and Sankey for
their first services in this city, was emphaticay
Manchester day. The rain fell with persstency
such as we have not experienced for years on Sun
day. To see, as we did, 1000 Christian workers
gathered together on that dark, stormy morning,
was signal answer to the prayers offered during
the last few months, and as signal rebuke to the
unbelief which had prompted us often to fear that
nothing could move Manchester.
A gentleman who accompanied Mr.. Moody to
that meeting on that memorable morning says they
we're overtaken on the way by man who had
walked nine miles through the storm to be present.
This case proved a true index to the feeling that
continued to pervade the masses to the end of the
month, and that still continues to manifest itself,
now that Messrs. Moody and Sankey have left
During the period OF their labors in Manchester
they conducted three meetings daily on the week
DAYS, and on Sabbath one service MORE
The ordinary services we're the noon prayer meet
ing. Bible readings at o'clock p. NJ, and an
evangelistic service at 1880 ?. ii. The extra ser
vice on Sabbath was that for Christian workers at
clock A. NJ.
The attendance at all these meetings was UMPIRE
cedented Tens of thousands, day after day,
heard the gospel proclaimed with no uncertain
sound, in Oxford Hall, Free Trade Hall, and other
places that had to be extemporzed to accommo-
date the OVERLOOKING multitudes.
In The Christian of December 18th, the Rev.
W. Rgby Murray says: Manchester. l rejoice
to say. is now on fire. The most difficult OF all
English cities, perhaps to be set on fire By any
thing but politics, it is now fairly ablaze and the
flames are breaking out in all directions.
DR.. McKerrow, venerable minister declares
that he had seen no such sight even in the most
excited political times during the past fortyseveu
years of his life in Manchester, as that which he
saw there on Sunday afternoon. Mr.. Moody ad
dressed the assembled mutitudes from the words,
Where art thour' In reference to this occasion
Mr.. Murray says 10 what terms shall | describe
his address? Theological critics might have said
there was nothing in it, but only eternity will re
veal how much there came ont of ii. should not
be surprised if hundreds of conversions should re-
suit from that single mighty appeal. The question
was brought home to the bosom OF every nearer
with power and pathos that were simply irresis.
tble. Having referred to the case of a young man
who had cried out in the inquiry room on Friday
night 20 mother, | am comingl" the young man
himself sprang to his feet, and exclaimed in tones
Of impassioned earnestness, "That was me u The
effect was electrical. Not an eye but was sufused
with tears. The whole vast assembly was impressed
with profound sense Of the presence and power
of the Holy Spirit.
The Rev. Charles A. Davis says perhaps the
most solemn meeting yet held in Manchester was
that of Wednesday evening. The text was, Son
dience felt something of the awful power of mem
DRY as the worm that dieth not. Wave after wave
of mighty influence rolled over the assembly,
There were many inquirers; many took refuge IN
Jesus from the wrath to come. These days of d.
vine power inspire US with solemn joy in God; we
feel our nothingness in the face Of such manifest
tokens of his presence. We lie with Jacob rever-
emily at the foot of the ladder while our God on
the throne above speaks to our hearts, How
dreadful is this place. this is none other than the
house of God, this is the gate Of heaven.
The workers meeting yesterday" (says Mr..
Murray writing on the l4th of Dec, "was the
largest since Messrs. Moody and Sankey came to
Manchester. The address was most powerful ;
but one conviction seemed to exist in the minds Of
the vast audience of 900, Let us arise and work.
Had Mr.. Moody come to deliver only this address,
his mission had not been in vain. In the after
noon from $4,000 to 1900 struggled for admis-
sion. Various meetings had to be held in the
Free Trade Hall, Oxford Hall, and Cavendish
Chapel; all crowded as they never have been be-
fore. As many more halls of the same size could
have been filled. From twenty to thirty meetings
were held in the streets of the neighborhood where
addresses were delivered by ministers and laymen.
At every meeting the Lord was present to heal
Great numbers protested to find the Saviour. To
God alone be praise y
The results may be spoken of under these heads:
a. The impression made on the outside world
u The revival of religious zeal in Christians
themselves.
Is The conversion of souls.
The whole of that vast city felt the power of
this mighty work The streets, the workshops,
the dwellings of all classes, and it is even said the
taverns had been made vocal with what are fami
iarly known as Sankey' hymns Men of the world
feel and acknowledge the presence of q mighty in
huence they never recognized before. The church
es have been greatly revived. Ministers, Sabbath
School teachers, and all other classes of workers
for Jesus have had their souls rekindled with a
burning desire to do something more for Christ
and have commenced new career of effort with
new sources OF knowledge and power; and lastly,
vast multitude have already protested to have
found Christ, while spirit OF inquiry, such as has
seldom before been witnessed, is still abroad, re.
sulting in daily additions to the ranks of Christs
followers. A young merchant who has taken an
active part in this great work, writes to friend:
1t is impossible to say how many professed to
have found Christ during the month, but do not
think | am over.estimating them at 2.000 This
is not, however, all. Christians have been quick
ened, filed with Joy in way they have never been
before.
Another and browning result of this glorious
months work is the spirit of unity that has been
developed amongst all denominations of Christians
Men stood amazed at the cordial spirit of cc0pera.
ton that is everywhere apparent. Churchmen
and Dssenters for time have ceased to have d.
vided interests and feel that they are all one in
Christ.
WHY should not this spirit be more general
everywhere? Why should it not be what Jesus
intended it to be.-the grand distinctive attribute
of his people. When Christians begin fully to re-
alize that the conversion of the world depends on
the unity of the Church of Christ, there will be
less sectarianism, and more true union of hearts
and hands in the work of God than the world has
yet seen.
The PRESBYTERIAN Banner says REV T. M.