The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-01-14
For the Central Presbyterian.
REVEALS.
Reception of Converts.
BY REV. G. NJ. HOWARD, EVANGELIST.
III. Practice of the Church now.

BY REV. G. NJ. HOWARD, EVANGELIST.
III. Practice of the Church now.
Let me ask, who in these days under
stands that the example of the Apostles
In that instance, or in some other of sim
liar character, is to be literally and rigidly
followed in all cases? Who, now, re
ceives all into full communion of the
Church the 'same day" they, for the first
time, appear to be "pricked in their
hearts, and the first time, too, they ever
heard a gospel sermon; as was, no doubt,
the case with many of these? Who, but
some wild evangelist, with whom no Judi
clous minister would cooperate? Would
the Director himself do this? Would he
receive the Ignorant and degraded, the
drunkard, the prostitute, and profane
man, or, indeed, children, in this way ?
Is there any minister in his Church that
would? Would he advise missionaries
thus to build up their churches, or evan
gelists in this country? Now, if this is
our invariable and inhexible rule, then
we must follow it exactly.
1t reads the same day" and if any
may say the same week, then have we
not an equal right to say the same
month? What is the practice of the
Church? Is not this the most common
method-to hold a meeting few days
at each communion, occurring once in
three months, and receive the converts
the next communion three months after
wards? Have all these good and wise
ministers set up their opinion against
the Word of God?' I believe it is CON
coded by all that there is no absolute
and exact form of Church government
and worship laid down in the New Tes
lament, but that it is largely left to the
wisdom of the Church So with this
point, as no unyielding rule would suit
all cases. Then let us use our reason
and common sense in deciding.
w. What does Reason Teach?
Masons and other secret societies use
much caution. They will not admit a
member the same day he applies ::
shall the Church of God be less careful a?
Is every political turn-coat Immediately
placed in position where he might If
not sincere, do the party great harm +?
Would you marry your daughter to a
confirmed drunkard the same day" he
resolved to quit rum? Oh, the trouble in
Gods family with these insincere and re
lapsed members that have been too hastily
received
We are poor judges, and the heart Of
the candidate very deceitful Let them
study carefully the marks of conversion
before they profess anything. Inaddition
to this, | usually feed them for while
on mild solution of Edwards on the
Affections. 1t will take some a good while
to ascertain their state. It took me seven
or eight years. When a certain time is
appointed for their examination it will do
no one harm to wait but benefit them
decidedly. Just as the child at school
studies in view Of examination, so, in the
case of every real convert, much prayer,
study, and determination will result in
view of the solemn vows and communion
before them while the chaF will be
blown away and not get into the Church.
| have never known any to do better
than some that were not received until
four months after our meeting closed
They hadno preaching nor pastor to look
after them. Scarcely a Christian in the
community when the meeting com
menced it was considered an exceedingly
wicked place yet their prayer meetings
and Sabbath School were thronged, and
conversions took place in them and only
one fell out Of the large number of those
who thought themselves converted. AT
that same place they had always been re.
ceived during or at the close" of former
meetings, and they had invariably faller
back to the world Immediately. But now
l understand they have stood firm fo1
years. So far as we have heard from
meetings we have held, we find but one
or two in hundred have turned back
while, on every hand, 1 see those tha
have been hastily received into tn,