Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-11-18
STAGE TO PULPIT.
A Sudden coaysrsIoa Tint uade ..
Prsachsr sf On Actoe.
STA APAssIHeExclTeaEnr7

nightly in the Berean Baptist Church, st
Fortieth and Chestnut streets, under The
leadership Of the Rev. George Williams,
converted Enslish actor. The services have
been very succeeful during Mr.. William
sojourn Is an evangelist and the PASTOR Of
the church, Rev. DR.. Levy, said yesterday
that he and his congregation would deeply
regret the time when 1t would become nee
essary for his brother IN the Gospel 10 de-
part. The Rev. Mr.. williams h tall and
thin young man. apparently about thirty
years OF age. His hair. % brown as the
chestnut, is straight and long, and being
parted in the middle, falls In luxuriant
masses on either side Of his hesd. A NOUS
tache OF the same hue covers his lip. and
sidewhiskers OF recent growth appear upon
his face. Hh eyes are blue, very wide
double-breasted froek eoat butt0ned very
closely under his collar, and his sntirs ap-
pearance was that Of
Deysas Clerical 0easDe0ea.
"Mr. Williams" asked the reporter. "oaD
not an actor be Christian, of is II neces-
sary for man 10 leave the staes In order
to become convertedy
"Oh, as to that" replied the former actor,
81 have no argument to make. can only
say that l can be q better. Christian myself
of the stage than on It"
what line OF business did you play when
on the stage" we asked:
Light tragedy, % % II was called In
England. first playing gentleman
''Did you like the professiony'
''Oh, yes; but my people were very much
opposed TO my becoming an actor, and they
are rejoiced at my having changed. iou
see, l am my mothers pride and Joy"
How did you come to be convertedy'
Tne Evasgelist's story.
81 was pretty bad boy, and was fond q
betting and playing truant at Q very early
sge. ran away from home when thirtcen
years Of age, but Il was q terrible struggle
for me to part from my gentle and loving
mother. The life that ! led for the succeed
ing twelve months after my departure from
home was one OF wretchedness and misery.
last half. penny was spent aud o hundred
miles from home. Having musical voice
and a good ear, visited country taverns
and public houses, earning odd pence by
singing TO those who met there. After .
year OF this miserable life. and suffering
severely from the upbraidngs Of my con-
science, returned home, and my parents
were rejoiced at the return of their prodi.
gal. Some time afterward my parents had
pany them, but had fallen into bad COM
pany snd refused TO 90 with them. | then
Came Out - CsasSe ninGse,
q calling that followed until was seven
teen years Of age. was then advised 70
devote myself TO the drsms, and accord
ingly became an actor and succeeded In
the profession. ! was not happy, how
ever, and frequently suffered from deep
convictions OF sin. At length, having
reached the age Of twenty-fonr. I went %
Liverpool on q visit TO my parents, and
having played few nights with my coon.
pany In town, went to q hotel on Sunday
morning with seven guineas in my pocket
Here spent the day, drinking, and play
ing cards and billiards. and when night
came my money was all gone. Ia missr.
erable state OF mind left the house and pro-
ceeded along the street scarcely caring wbene
went. was passing along Whltechapel,
when was surprised % find large circus
tent, all lighted up, snd wondered II New
some was having q rehearsal on Sunday
night Curiosity led me TO 20 inside, and
meeting Of some 1000 people. some of
whom were telling what God had done for
their souls. thought was In the wUug
place. but strange impulse led me 10 ~
main. felt very miserable when i went
home, and being unable TO sleep paced the
room all night, surprising my friends By
my carly appearance In the morning 10 .
very seedy condition. That evening went
again 10 the meeting, and heard Mr.. Moody,
the American evangelist. Mr.. 6anky sang
on that occasion the beautiful hymn:
Come home! Come home!
From the sorrow and blame,
From the sin and the shame,
And the iempter mat smiled;
OprOdigal son
Come home; Oh. come home"
felt as II the words were addressed 10 me.
and was much touched by them.
A ssAAea Cssvesssss.
"Mr. Moody asked all who wished 10 b
prayed for 10 stand up. but although
could not raise. Au old gentleman spoke
TO me and pointed out the way 70 salvatioa,
but could not see. All was dark. sst
with my face buried In my hands for sone
time, snd the light began At last 70 dsvn
over my mind. ] saw, - In vision, The
cross with my name written on Il ands Q
stream Of blood flowing over ahd coyering
IL. That moment saw the great truth that
Christ bad died for me. ] embrsced Christ,
man. The devil remarked, It is passing
excitement II Was blessed sxcitsmsnt !
went out and looked up; the moon snd
stsrs were shining % brightly thought
bad never seen the moon before nor tho
stars. II was
Like . Nsw CSeataea.
In the morning told the news ~ my
mother. and burned sll nv play books.
wbiskers, moustscbes and makeup sp-
pliances. determined 10 avoid my old
sssocistes snd went 10 work In Q coal pit,
and afierward on the pit.hssd. There
preached 10 the men during meal times,
and the Bible now carry vas the collisrS
Bible, present they subscribed for snd
gave me. After being thus engaged for .
year left and became m evangelist Gince
that time the Lord has blessed me In ny
work. have lsbored In England, Scot
land and Americs, and have sesn large
numbers brought under the power OF the
truth through my instrumsntaiity." NJ.
williams talks In deep stage voies, Wiki
IL not unpleasant He viii conanus o.,
bold evapselicai services In Bsfssn church
during the remGndsr of the Wosk, epd pr.
haps fev dsys longer, sftsr Which ~ vim
60 70 Chicago 70 continue his spiritual
laborS.
Dal1y DaSuo1.