Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-02-06
THE WORK AT THE cHURcHEs
Revival and Other Rslisisus work in Rich
msnd and siaschester.

hev. Thomas Drew, ID. d., preached
last night an admirable sermon on the
words Of Christ, $50 Work in NV
Vineyard He began by saying that
the work, such as is here alluded to,
means consecration--a use Of all the
gifts and faculties Of the mind and body
to the service of the Lord. He then
earnestly urged the following thoughts
in explanation Of the work: Man must
work. must worknow the command was
to go at once. The vineyard is not only
around you, but in you you are part
Of Gods vineyard, and you can 20 to
work now for HINT is your Fathers
work that you are called on to do.
Whatsoever thy hands find to do " is
the specific work you are called on to
perform. The reason for this constant
work is that motion is inseparable from
life, and if you would have Christian
life you must keep at work for Christ.
You are exhorted to be "always
abounding in the work of the Lord,n
and success awaits you. "Ye shall
reap if We faint not.'' Conservation is
not only duty, but a glorious privi-
lego, and therefore go to work--go
quick.
The meetings in this church are
nightly increasing in interest, and have
not been without visible fruits, as seve-
raj persons have profcsscd conversion
during the week. Within the last few
weeks about sixteen have united with
the church. Under the faithful minis
try of the gifted preacher much good
will come from this series of meetings.
THE MEETING AT THE FIRST BAP-
TIsT CHURCH.
Rev. r. r. Acree, Of Lynchburg.
twell known in military circles as chap
lain of the Third Virginia regiment) is
preaching every night at this church to
large and deeply-intercsted congrega-
tions. There are a number who have
asked special prayer or professed faith
in Christ.
Mr.. Acrce is simple, earnest, ten
der, and very effective preacher, not
unfrequently bringing tears from eyes
unused to the melting mood" He
has the rare virtue of selecting practi-
cal subjects, preaching the Gospel every
time, and making his sermons and his
services brief. The singing is very
sweet and the whole service impress
sive. lie will remain over Sunday, and
the meetings will probably 20 on next
week.
MEETING AT vENABLE-STREET
CHAPEL.
At the usual hour last night this
chapel was filed to its utmost capacity.
Mr.. Ncedham, being detained by sick
ness from filling his appointment, the
pastor, Rev. c. p. Scott, delivered
very impressive and pointed discourse,
based upon Corinthians H., > d" Be
hold, now is the day of salvation"
The indications are that this congre-
CATION will share the great wave Of re-
ligious influence now pervading the
city.
The meeting will continue tonight,
when the Rev. Mr.. Needham will be
expected 10 preach.
METHODIST MEETING.
The meetings at Clay-Street are in
creaSing in interest and power. Rev.
4. G.. BledSoe conducted the meeting
las: night. The discourse was an earn
est, powerful, and impressive one. The
text was from the last chapter in the
Bible. l7th verse The Spirit and the
Bride say come and let him that hear
eth say come and ethim that is athrSt
come and whosocyer will let him take
the water of life freely"
The manifestation of feeling in the
congregation was very general. and a
large number Of persons went to the
altar. Some eight or ten of these pro-
fesSed conversion. Many of the con-
gregation tarried after the benedction
TO sing and exchange joyful greetings
with the converts and with one another.
Services tonight begin promptly at
1870.
THE JAMES-RIVER CONVOCATION.
The meetings of this organization at
the Mcade-McmOrial church. ManchcS-
ter. yesterday. were well attended and
very interesting. \ business meeting
was held at $3.50 in the morning. After
routine business the Questions Commit
tee reported " The Proposition of Can
didates for Confirmation. Rev. Pres
ton Nash, of Richmond. was appointed
essayist. and Rev. MesSrs. Newton and
Burton. of Richmond, speakers.
The treasurer reported s20.42 in the
treasury.
At IL o'clock the communion was
celebrated and there was sermon by
Rev. Green Shackelford. His subject
was Spiritual Death" He expound-
ed his theme in an able and thoughtful
sermon.
There was a missionary service last
night. Rev. Il. NJ. Randolph, of Pow
hatan. preached. He dwelt on the
missionary problem as varying through
ages. At times the missionary spirit
nearly died out. but it was restored by
the Reformation. The speaker insisted
on general and domestic work, and
spoke strongly on diocesan missions.
The sermon was closed with prayer for
Gods blessing on the work.
Rev. Thomas Spencer. professor OF
the Colored Theological School at Pc
tersburg, followed with an interesting
sketch of the work done by his school,
and insisted on the necessity of this
work. His report was encouraging,
and showed the work to be hopeful.
There will be services again this
morning at IL O'Clock and tonight,
when this session of the COnyocatlon
will close.
MANCHESTER UNION MEETING.
This meeting was held at the Central
Methodist church again last night, and
the building was crowded. Rev.
Thomas Reynolds conducted the ser
vices, and preached a very Impressive
sermon, closing with an earnest appeal
to sinners to turn TO Christ. There
was one conversion reported and seve-
raj penitents. The meeting Will be