The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-12-20
Church Dignitaries on Messrs
Moody and SankeY.

Zord inst:
Impressive as have been the assem-
blages in the Clarendon Assembly room
during the week, there has been nothing
like the concluding service in the Corn
Exchange, as will be seen presently.
Among those on the platform beside the
Evangelist and Mr. Bliss were-Lord
Radstock, and the Revs. Canon Wilber-
force, R. B. Girdlestone, j. Arkell, F. j.
Chavasse, F. Pitcher, H. Price Hughes,
and others. Mr.. Sankey began the pro-
ceedings by singing The Reapers are
few" and it was evident from the ap-
plause that came from the back of the
room-which was quite flled-that there
was considerable element of levity.
Mr.. Moody was forced sternly to rebuke
those who cheered, and then asked Canon
Wilberforce to speak.
Most people in Oxford are more or
less familiar with the fervid character of
the Canon's eloquence, and on this &C.
casion it was evident that he was speak
ing under considerable emotion. His
address was powerful plea for throwing
off GOODNESS and Journalism, denuncia-
ton of trusting in mere creeds, sacra-
ments, or externals, and stirring testi-
mony to the truth of what Mr.. Moody
had been urging upon the previous
meeting. 1t seemed to him that many
looked upon the Redeemer as dead
Christ, and sought Him in the tomb not
in the heaven to which He had risen.
The living Jesus was in that hall, and
able to save to the uttermost all who
came to Him and all that was required
was, that man should believe this to re-
alise the fact in their happy experience.
Instead of trusting in forms, however
good, or in ceremonial, however time
honored, let them trust in Christ, by
whom alone they could be saved. They
heard great deal about sepsationalism,
and it was widely sneered at, but he did
not know that any one could be saved
through intellect with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness. They
we're squabbling about Christian evil
dences and the credibility of miracles,
without coming to any conclusion, while
miracles Of conversion, and evidences of
holy life-the only testimony which
could not be gainsayed-were occurring
around them every day.
=" Let them criticise as they would,
mighty wave of spiritual awakening, and
a widespread stirring up of the dry
bones were seen in all directions, and
they might as well doubt their existence
as argue against its genuineness. They
might say it was excitement, but he
could give them endless instances to
show that it was great deal more. Ex
element there was, no debut, and must
necessarily be where men and women are
in earnest about their souls, but it was,
he thanked God, far more than mere
passing emotion. Some of the small
tradesmen of Bristol were wondering
what had come over their customers. In
consequence of change of heart, work
ing men were going to their creditors,
and paying up old scores which had been
written off the books drunkards were
becoming sober men; wife-heaters were
learning to be good husbands and fathers
They could have very little idea of the
fiery temptations that assailed people of
that class, or of the supreme effort neces-
sary to overcome those temptations. He
had been present at the deathbed of a
Christian saved in one of these enthusiasts
tic meetings, who was dying in South
ampton Hospital, with both his legs cut
off. 1t was ten o'clock on Sunday
morning, and he had to be in church at
eleven; the man knew that he was dying,
and he (the speaker) asked what he
should say to his people. The dying
man told him to tell them that he was
going to meet his Saviour without fear,
knowing in whom he had believed. Ex-
element in a revival meeting was all
very well, but did they think that was
all that upheld dying man in an hos
pital with both legs cut off? 1t was
absurd to talk about excitement in the
face of such fact as that.
If they wanted the real hero they must
look to the Christian. He would tell
them fact that, so far as he was aware.
had not before appeared in history. A
desperate attempt was to be made to
carry the Cashmere Bridge at Delhi and
the commanding officer having inquired
who were the iikeliest men to start on
the forlorn hope, the answer was that if
he sent down to the room in which the
regimental prayer meeting was held he
would find the right men. This was
done, and he knew from his own brother
that these men had given up their lives
willingly for their Queen and country,
knowing what they were about to do.
The heart once given to God, there came
enthusiasm and holy character, but the
cold ipfailoot vuoo Tho O 1opoy, k,~,;, IT,, =,