Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-05-01
From the Boston Advertiser
HOODT'S WORK Nv BOSTON,.

Messrs. Moody aud Ssnkey bring their personal
work in Boston to an end tomorrow and " Ill de-
part to take the rest which they have so well
earned. The work which they have begun will
not necessarily end then. Their zeal and tremen-
dous energy have given it momentum and an
inspiration which will continue for some time to
come how long, remains to be seen. The effects
of their work. it is to be hoped, will continue long
after the season Of special meetings has passed
The permanencc Of the changes of life and char
acter produced Is the supreme test of all this Ia
Dor, and of that no opinion based on expectation
or promises is worth much. Time will reveal it.
as 1t reveals the value Of all things.
Whether Mr.. Moody's success here has equalled
his expectations we cannot say. There was re-
port before he came, that he had faith that his Ia
bors here were to have results more astonishing
and grand than anything hitherto experienced in
his career. Perhaps, in his judgment, and regard
ing the matter from his point of view, his faith
may appear justified; but, among those TO whom
such proclamation would have savored a little Of
| Boosting, there are some who much doubt If the
event has answered expectations. the meetings
have been large and serious and during the past
and earnest preparation, the constant advertising,
the earnest efforts to secure attendance, are all
considered, it may be questioned whether, after
all the interest has been remarkable Certainly,
Boston has not been shaken like a reed in the
wind. 1t can hardly be said that a general ex-
element Of the population of the city has been
produced. The Tabernacle services have deeply
interested certain classes in the city and in all the
county round. Curiosity has induced certain
other classes to visit the Tabernacle once or twice
for personal satisfaction Beyond this there is
little to be said in respect to the popularity Of the
movement. The evangelical churches, so called,
sustained it, and its influence has been spent chief
ly within that circle. If there was an expecta-
ton that the indifference of the other constituents
Of the city's life would be seriously disturbed,
that expectation must have been disappointed.
Clergymen, and others whose peculiar training
and duties put them under obligation to take note
Of all religious demonstrations have given the
Tabernacle services more or less special consider
alton in a critical way; bnt, as a matter Of fact
Boston has not been profoundly stirred. A large
majority of our citizens have been no more affect
cd by it than by any other temporary phenome-
non which they knew was an occasion of in,ere.t
to many, but which asserted no imperative demands
upon their attention.
This we believe to be a substantially correct
statement of the general relation of the Taberna-
Gle work to the population of this city. put II
we consider its relation to that portion of the cit
liens whose religious connections with the
evangelical churches, its large and important in
huences cannot be denied. Within these limits it
has produced great awakening and solemnity.
They have been moved to extraordinary activity,
and have put forth efforts that have revived the
church members and commanded the serious con-
sideration Of those hitherto careless and ndffer-
ent. The opportunities of religious instruction
have been multiplied, the earnestness of exhorta-
ton has been increased, and the urgency of
prayer has produced a solemn lhoughtfulness
among thousands, and moved many of them TO a
liked resolve to change their aim and manner of
living and TO consecrate themselves to obedience
to the will of God. That the most of these have
acted with good faith, and that their determine.
ton is the result of deep and sincere conviction
cannot be questioned. Nor is there any reason to
doubt that these converts will hold out well as
those who come TO a similar resolution under 9TH
er circumstances.
The work which the evangelist. have done, be-
yond the circle of the churc hes in closest sympa-
thy with them, has been among the poor and the
outcsst. Ibis is their peculiar field. 1t was
among these that the Master chiefly labored.
Many homes that were desolate Of love and ten
that despalred in their wickedness have
been restored to hopefnlness. The Tabernacle
has been open to all while there was room, and its
minstrations have been character lied by the
most delightful respect for all, Of whatever de-
gree or condition. In this respect there has been
| catholicity worthy of all commentator, and it
will be no small benefit if the churches of Boston
remember the lesson.
That the general result of the mission in Bos-
ton has been good there is every reason to be.
heve. Ii 1t has not been as influential and fruit.
ful in certain directions the saDguine hoped it
has, perhaps, betcred expectations In other diree-
tlons. 1t IS as foolish to be little its effect as to
exaggerate II. With the exception of two or three
antss onlstic clergymen and two or three sensa-
tlonal weekly journals the dispe sition, even of
the indifferent, has been respectful, if cordial.
Those who, for any reason, did not feel that they
were likely TO get much personal profit from such
presentation Of the gospel, had no mind to hinder
any one who could be profted; aud hardly any
one has failed 10 admire the intense siscerity
thorough devotion and efficient organizing and
working capacity Of Mr.. Moody. That he is a
great power, wonderful example of consecrated
and unselfsh energy, is admitted on all hands
Whatever may be thought OF his doctrinal theol-
ogy, there can be no mistake about his practical
Christianity. Like the rude peasants of Ga lilee,
who were chosen OF old for apostles, he may want
the culture Of tho schools; but he possesses what
IS better,-a brave and honest nature, resolute in
his seli-surrender 10 the masters service and ca
pablo In an extraordinary degree of OWNING and
conifoilitg the hearts Of common men.