The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1879-12-03
The Evangelists' Forty Days in
Cleveland.
BY REV. CHARLES 7. COLLINS.

BY REV. CHARLES 7. COLLINS.
The forty days of evangistic work in
Cleveland are ended. The work closed
with a two days Christian convention at
the Tabernacle. *
Tuesday morning was devoted to the
theme, "How to awaken fresh interest in
our churches, opened by Mr. Moody.
The discussion ranged over the field Of
all the questions, and was fairly repre-
sentative of the two days. Echoes caught
from these talks may give the best idea
of their nature, and these | will give IN
disconnected sentences
"Om churches cannot compete with
the world in architecture, wealth, fash
ion, or entertainments, If they try, they
will be worsted every time. They can
only compete in spiritual power The
world has nothing to offer against super
natural forces. The sword of Gideon is
indeed, as well as the sword of the Lord
Be sure you will get all you work for.
Use the word of God as live thing
Make up your mind there are to be no
conversions, and there will be none. A
house going pastor makes church-going
people Prepare for your prayer meet
ing. Speak briefly. Be careful you hit
the nail on the head, but don't hammer
till you split the board. Don't discour-
age those beginning to take part in pray
er meeting. Long prayers in the closet
will make short prayers at church. The
best way to get new pastor Is to pray
the old one into a new spirit. There
is an intimate connection between the
church alter and the family altar. Just
stop distrusting God, that is ALL Preach
such truths that if men don t believe them
they will be damned. Remember venti-
lation; the life of meeting depends on
good air Those who take part in meet
ing think it a good one. All God wants
in meeting is witnesses. The best speaker
is not always the best witness. Don't be
frightened if you fail. Every journey
man spoils some material. Give every
body something to do Go to the prayer
meeting to give, not merely to get; don't
be sponges.
One speaker had overheard Spmgeon,
before his evening service, praying thus ::
Lord, thou knowest thy servant egPectS
fruit from this service tonight. -
A review of the discussion shows that
the thoughts of nearly all turned toward
the prayer meeting as the real centre of
church life. In reference to Bible study,
topical study with concordance was urged,
after Mr.. Moody's well-known plan. Mr..
Needham, the Chicago evangelist, made a
powerful speech in reference to such Bible
study. The question regarding the in
temperate was answered by Messrs. Lat
timore and Hallenbeck, giving the his
tory of their own reformation. They
urged faith in Christ, not pledge-taking,
as the true method and claimed in an
instant, by faith, to have been saved from
even the desire to drink. Little time was
given to the question drawer and but one
very vital question was answered, that of
church membership. Mr. Moody made a
most earnest plea for vital church mem
bership. The church was the best insti-
tuition under heaven, and it was a privi-
lege to belong to it. Those church mem
bers who claimed that the church neg
lected them were merely church members
No church ever neglected those who did
not neglect her In changing residence
for Short time, it was easier to move
ones letter, than ones trunk.
Mr.. Moody and his efficient hel pers are
now gone. 1t is too soon to speak Of re-
suits. The individual churches have not
yet separated from the union work; but
the principal immediate result is a quick
ened pastor in each church. surrounded
by band of eager, praying workers with
new faith in the power of prayer and of
Gods word. 1t is true that many have
been converted, but anything like a re-
vival has not been experienced; and if
it comes, must come in natural, health
full way, through activity in the separate
churches.
When Mr.. Moody came to Cleveland,
I had last met him five years before in
Scotland, where saw little of him, and
much of his work. 1t has been interest
ing to me to compare his work here with
his work there. Personally he seems I'M
changed,-the same genial, earnest, hum
bic man. unspoiled by fattery or success.