The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-02-16
The Convention.

The Convention of Christian ministers and
Christian people, by which the Evapgelistic
services of Messrs. Moody and Sankey in
Phi lldelphia we're closed, consisted of series
of services which were of great interest, and
we think must prove to have been of great
profit to the thousands who attended the
meetings. Some, perhaps, were disappointed
that it was 80 little like an ordinary conven'
ton, in which subjects are discussed by the
delegates, and free range given to all in
the discussion. But this was obviously
impossible in the great gathering which as
sembled in the depot church" on Wednes
day and Thursday of last week. The best
way was the way chosen and adhered to-a
programme arranged beforehand, both as to
subjects and speakers, the discussions being
confined to the topics selected, and the
speakers being those who had been previous
ly invited.
The religious feeling in the Convention
was deepened, evidently, by all the services.
Mr. Moody was the presiding genius of the
whole series of meetings. His earnest spirit
was infused into all the services, and the in
terest rarely tagged, and when it did, was
easily freshened. The presence of the great
multitude was itself an inspiration, and the
songs of praise, when they were lifted by
ten thousand voices, were something wonder
full to hear. No one could come into such
an assembly without feeling quickening
influence in his own heart, and glow of
Christian love, such as rarely is vouchsafed
to the scattered and toiling workers in the
vineyard, to whom like, minded associates
seem oftentimes to be few, and widely sep
arated. 1t is blessed thing at times to
have the sense of Christian fellowship in
tensifed, and to have the heart treasured,
by visible demonstration, that we are sur.
rounded by great company, who are striv-
ing to serve Christ and extend His glorious
kingdom on the earth.
We cannot speak in any detail of the va
rious services of the Convention. There
were many speeches made which deserve
notice-specially those made by Drs John
Hall, Ormiston, and Tying, of New York
and by speakers from Philadelphia, lay and
clerical, who discussed the various topics in.
telligently and earnestly, and were listened
to with the most profound attention. OAt
of the most interesting features of the meet
ings was the questioning of Mr.. Moody OIL
various practical subjects, and his answers
in which his admirable common sense came
out very pleasantly. One of the marvellous
things about this man is that, called as he il
to say so much on SO many subjects. anc
with so little time to consider his words, ht
says so few foolish things. He would b
more than human if he were not compelled
at times to modify or recall some of his u;
terances, or to trust that some might 6oa
away and be forgotten.
The best result, however, which can b.
hoped for from the Convention, is that it may
serve to beget earnestness, and freshen faitt
in many places, and in Christian churches
removed from the scene of this great demon
stration. Kindiug-a stirring in the ashes
of dead fires, or striking new lights, ant
sending the flame afar, this is good, blessed
Christian work. A freshened Christian life
in all the churches would be the truest form
of revival, and would be the assurance tina
many sinners would be converted to God
If the fires which burned so brightly las
week can only be carried out in burning
hearts to the towns, and cities, and churches
around, then there will be fruit which will re:
pay all trouble and labor, and gracious re.
suits will soon be gathered in, which will
make glad the city of our God.