The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-27
PARKERSBURG.
A Great Day I'm the Work OF Regen'
era,ion-A Night OF victory.
- PARKERsBURd. December "a.

Special 10 the Register.
The results of yesterdays struggle
against the powers of darkness are an
abundant fulfllment OF the prayers and
homes of'Sr CS~ir';"'' forces, as indicated
in my notes last evenlny.
One Oh toe ministers said, IN his ser
mon Yesterday morning, al am sure this
is to be a feLd-day with US in the spirit
ual contest, and it rests with US here ana
now to decide whether it sspell be hetd-
day for Satan or tor Christ" And the
feeling this morning is manifestly well
Finch universal with all classes, whether
friend or foe, that the victory wss over
whelmlngly on the Lords side.
While the afternoon meeting was yet
in progress, and an hour before time Tor
evening services, the people came press
ing in by troops and scores, so that by
$50 o'clock every foot OF space OF plat
form, gallery, vestibule, aisles, every
place, was closely packed, and 1t Is sale
to say q thousand people were Obliged to
turn away unable to squeeze into the
doorwavs. These were invited to the
overflow prayer meeting In the South
Church on the square opposite, whlch
was also filled at All early hour. Alter
the Baptist Church was filed, the pastor
Rev. Garter, announced from the plat
form thst Mr.. Hammond was about TO
preach specially TO the unconVerted OF
Psrkersburg, and as it was very desIra'
bic that rs many SIS possible OF the scores
of that class pressing at the doors, should
have the privilege of hearing this special
message of truth, it was the earnest
wish of all the pastors ana the
urgent request OF Mr.. Hammond, that
all the Christians should withdraw from
the house to the other church, snd there
pray for success here, and after preaching
come back here to work In the second or
inquiry meeting. -
This request was promptly complied
with, and the places OF the CHRISTIANS
were instantly filed By unbelievers OF
every type and yet there seemed to be
no lessening of the crowds about the
doors and on the pavement IN front.
MIR. Hammond's text, "The wages OF
sin is death, but the gift of God Is eternal
life" was dwelt on with his usual
warmth and earnestness, during winch q
universal spirit of the deepest solemnity
pervaded the whole house, extending TO
the street outside.
About 9 o'clock the Christians,
and indeed the entire congre-
cation. retained from the South
Church, but found 1t impossible
even to get near the doors, and not until
after ten O'Clock, could scarcely any OF
the crowded. out workers press their way
in to talk and pray with the almost
house full OF penitents, who were ready,
and scores of them anxious to be pointed
to the Lamb of God that taketh away
the sins of the world. Professional men,
business men, young men and old, proud
women, and gay hearted girls, and lit
tie children, all classes, touched, inter-
ested or stricken down under sudden
sense of guilt, fingered and still fingered
TO catch the spirit of Christian song, to
inquire and be told what they must do
10 be saved, and to witness in silent, sol
emn awe the wonderful workings Of
God'y converting power.
1t was near midnight when the
music ut last ceased, and the sex
ton was obliged to almost drive the
lingering groups from the church that
he might close the doors The results
of the day were much more apparent this
morning, when the anxious soldiers were
busy running hither and thither over the
deld of the struggle, gathering IN and
summing up their gains and spoils, and
the victOrs are being happily surprised
on every hand TO find so many, even un-
expected breaches made in the enemy's
detenses. They find many that were
yesterday fighting desperately IN the OPP
posing lines, to-day without arms, and
ready to surrender without terms-msny
that were weeping, now reioicing-many
that were soothing, now iEquiring-and
altogether they find r generally prevail
ing conviction Throughout, our city, that
the crisis of the revival is passed, and 1t
is universally conceded that wonderful!
work of grace is in our midst and upon
us. 1t is now no longer question
among the unbelievers and scotiers,
whether the revival is to be success, but
it has come TO be MI Individual and per-
sonal questions it to affect me? Am l
to be reached by it2 Can | attend these
meetings and resist? Are these appeals
and these prayers meant for me, and can
| fight against them successfully? And
now have the Christians Increased faith,
that so many are coming over to rejoice
with them in HOPE.