The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1883-01-31
(From the Catholic Presbyterian
Evangelistic Work in Switzer-
land.
BY PROF. LOUIS RUFFEr, D. d.

especially the German Cantons, 1 must
hasten to give an account of the great
things which the Lord is at present do
ing in the city of Bale. Scarcely had
the Synod succeeded in notwithstanding
the National Church by suppressing bap-
tism, or, at least, making it no longer
obligatory, and by imposing restrictions
on everything beyond the ordinary re-
listic meetings was announced by MN.
Rappart, Pastor Stockmeyer, Schrenck
Zone of the Evangelists of the Berne
Evangelical Society, and other brethren
belonging to the city or living beyond it.
For these meetings large building had
been hired-half theatre, half brewery
capable of containing about 1000 per
sons; but as this place soon became in
sufficient, it was deemed better to sepa-
rate the sexes, and to hold the meetings
in two different halls-in the original
hall for men, and in the clubhouse for
women. These two large halls were i'm
mediately filled every evening, sometimes
to excess. Meanwhile it was earnestly
requested that those who were already
the people of the Lord should not attend
those evening evangelistic meetings, but
assemble at other places for microscopy
prayer. From the beginning of the meet
ings, such a desire for salvation was dis
played, and such multitudes remained
behind to confess their need, that it was
found necessary to extend to FIVE weeks
the time at first fixed for this evangelis-
tic work. Yesterday Sunday after
noon, at three o'clock, writes an eye
witness, there assembled all those who |
had decided for Jesus during the fifteen
days preceding The large hall of the
clubhouse was filled. Between the ad- |
dresses praise was sung, the assembly |
sometimes standing, sometimes kneeling, |
often repeating the same words All
those who were unable to Join in the
prayers about to follow We're requested |
to retire, but only thirty persons with
drew; then the vast assembly threw !
themselves on their knees, first in oil
prayer, but brief though ?
sive petitions afterwards
sides through the hall Men ana wom,
gave testimony regarding their change I
Alter the close Of the meeting, about |
sixty persons pressed forward to the front
seats, DESTROYS of being brought to assur-
ance of salvation They were unwilling |
to leave the hall without having found
that Jesus who had diffused such Joy and |
so great love in the hearts of His chill
dren." God be thanked that the sense
of sin in the hearts of the converted is |
profound. Many have already gone to
confess lies, thefts, &C., in different
houses. One Of these, a woman with |
whom [ have conversed, went yesterday
morning to the manager of manufacto- |
ry, and confessed that she had stolen
some ribbons from him. Others have
something more terrible to settle. Thus,
Pastor R. said to me the other day, Zone
of those who remained behind will get
for his confession two years in the House
of Correction; but the Lord will 90 with
him to prison"
l am unable to speak of the work
among the men, but have been informed
that it is at least as great as that among
the women. The following extract from
the letter of pastor confirms this fact
One word more about a meeting which !
has left an indelible impression on my
heart The brethren who preside at |
these gatherings had invited to special |
meeting only those who had found the |
Saviour during the week preceding. Some
hundreds responded to the call After
addresses and exhortations to those new
born ones, the whole assembly fell on
their knees, and for nearly half an hour
those mouths opened to render thanks in
very brief testimonies regarding the
change that had come over them men
and women, young people Of both sexes,
and even children, prayed in this way
without constraint and under the mani
fest operation Of the Holy Spirit; for the
finest ear did not catch false note in this |.
spiritual concert, during which assuredly |
the angels in heaven suspended theirs. |.
Four, FIVE, or six voices were heard for
moment together in the vast building, |
but without producing disorder or con-
fusion. Many tears Of Joy flowed around
One could not help thinking Of Pente
cost"
The religious journals Of Bale are show.
ing much sympathy with this great re-
vival movement. The Kjrchenfeuud
however, through the pen Of Professor
D'Orelli, makes decided objections to the
mode of procedure followed in these meet
ings, which consists in inviting the newly
converted to come forward and take their
place on the seats reserved for them.
This method he deems unbiblical" and
unspiritual.' What preacher Of the
gospel, he asks, has received this 20 yer
over consciences, so as to impose on them