The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-01-14

these ministers, and to do for them a work
which he, naodeStLy, assumes that he can
do better. If this is not the meaning of
this kind of work, what does it mean
But it may be said these evangelists 90
only where they are invited, and there
fore do not assume such superiority but
without entering into any inquiry as to
the methods and influences by which these
invitations are procured (Which, blythe
bye, might be very useful inquiry the
very fact that any man sets himself up,
for this kind of work is a proclamation to
the world that he claims to possess some
peculiar qualifications that others do not.
The case referred to is indeed an extreme
case of presumption, but there is some
thing of the same in every case. And
the influence of this is always to dispar-
age the ordinary work of ministers and
the usual services of the church Con-
gregations come to regard the pastor and
his work as of little value and efficacy
compared with that of the revivalist.
And so, that which is, and must ever be-
the dependence of the Church for its in
struction and training, is despoiled of its
Importance and power.
Sd. A third objection is near akin to
this. This kind of work begets restless
craving for stimulants and religious ex-
elements Multitudes come to regard
protracted services and unusual efforts as
absolutely necessary to any good results
A noted revivalist of another church is
reported as saying that "These revival
meetings are like the stations on rail
road the points from which sinners start
l,.,o, i / IL '
the feeling that largely pervades every
community where such services are fire.
quently held Even the Church comes
to regard the ordinary preaching of the
gospel as a simple matter of form from
which they expect, and so, derive no good
4th. A still more grave objection lies
in the measures which are always used
in connection with this kind Of work.
Every man has his own n1eaSlres-some
more and some less Objectionable. Each
is able to see the defects in the measures
of other men, but is so bound up in his
own, as to regard them as the means of
first necessity. From experience | know
that the use of these means is regarded
as S51ee qua non to successful work.
The dependence for success is therefore
not on the word of God, which is the
sword of the Spirit but upon human de-
vices and manipulations. To use the
words of DR.. Ramsey, "By slilful ma
niPulation of the emotional nature of man,
in the use of language, music, and cere-
monies, individuals and assemblies may
be galvanized into the highest excitement
of feeling, which may be readily mis-
taken by the subject of it for the fervors
of true worship. Such influences can
never touch the spiritual life but to be-
numb It, They divert the mind from the
only object of spiritual worship, the i'm
pressions they make are dangerously de
ceptive, just iii proportion to their power
over the emotional nature
These measures, however diverse as
used by different men, are all intended
to work on the emotional nature, and 50
lead to dependence on them, rather than
on the truth as made effective by the
Spirit.
Let us for a moment try to imagine
meeting conducted by Paul or some
other apostle, in which the modern APP
planes of singing the gospel, mourners
benches, anxious seats or the drill by
which sinners are induced to commit
NiAOilloOifCo DuDllClJ " oOlllG > JGCldl COuTSe
of seeking, or the reading of stereotyped
letters from young converts for the edifca-
tion of the audience and the glorifcation
of the revivalist were put into operation.
How utterly discordant with all our ideas
of their ministry would these things
seem. But are they more appropriate to
the service of those who minister in the
name of Christ now? All this machinery
so important in the work of modern
evangelists-is not only useless, but nox-
ious, because it looks for success in saw
ing sinners not exclusively to the word
and Spirit of God, but to human devices
as necessary to give efficacy to the word
9Th. The work is Objectionable, also be
cause it makes false issue in regarding
5n1neoiote visible fruit in the conversion
Of sinners as the test of successful work.
It's whole aim is immediate and visible
results And this not unfrequently, in
duces such forcing process as leads to
self-deception in the supposed convert.
The awakened are led to seek peace and
joy rather than holiness and consecra
ton to depend on frames and feelings
rather than intelligent faith in Christ
Now it is right to seek the immediate
conversion Of sinners, but the want OF
! immediate fruit in this resDect 10 NOT q