The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-01-27
Revival Movements.

lect of revivals as he is receiving this
winter. There are many indications that
the churches both desire and expect a
fruitful season of evangelistic work
There is a great demand for the services
of evangelists; but hundreds of pastors
are preparing to conduct revival meet
lngs without the help of revivalists.
Such meetings usually begin with the
Week of Prayer, which was very gener-
ally observed this year, and it is yet too
early to hear from many of the churches
In which work has been begun
Tie Advent Mission in this city has
undoubtedly had favorable influence on
other churches; and the effort to main
tain the religious interest excited among
business men down town by noon-d day
meetings in John Street church is an out
come OF Mr.. Aitken s series of services in
Trinity Church. DR. Pentecost has been
in charge of the John Street services,
which are well attended, and will be con-
tinued the present week under the care
OF the Rev. Hugh o. Pentecost.
Missioner Aitken has held successful
meetings in Nashville, Tenn, and in New
Orleans, and Missioner r ainsford, of this
city, has conducted special services in
Detroit, with gratifying results. Mr..
Altken was assisted in Nashville by Mis-
sioner Stephens and Mrs Crouch and
Mrs. Parker, whose work in New York
was so highly appreciated. Several SER
vices were held daily. Some in Christ
church, some In the church of the Ad-
vent, and some in McKendree church,
w ara Mrc Gro,,oh tolI -
Missioner Stephens preached to large
congregations of children. Our reporter
OF the Advent Mission recently received
letter from lay evangelist who is con-
Quoting evangelistic services in a place
on Staten Island, who heard Missioner
Stephens address to Sunday School
teachers at one of his services in st.
Georges chapel, New York. He writes
that In his own evangelistic services he
had neglected number of young chill
dren who had indicated that they desired
to learn how to come to Christ" But
since he heard Missioner Stephens he has
acted differently The remembrance,
however, of his past indifference and neg
hgence gives him heartfelt sorrow. Yet
ne is cheered to know that recently
number of children, ranging from six to
twelve years OF age, are rejoicing to know
that Christ loves the little ones and
are themselves little missionaries, invit-
ing their schoolmates to attend the Cos
pei services so that the place newly
fitted up Is too small to hold the chill
dren who desire to be pI esent.
Some of the evening meetings were
Sel6 IN the Fire Preshyte-
for the purpose. 1t is much larger than
any of the Episcopal churches in Nash
vile. The usual Anglican service was
read, after which Mr.. Aitken preached.
After the close of the regular service for
the evening, the evangelist held an after
service, inviting all who wished to con-
verse privately with him upon any reli-
gious thought in their minds to meet with
him In the vestry room. A number Of
men and women accepted the invitation,
Mr.. Aitken asking the assistance of the
clergy present. During this ceremony,
the several hundred who had remained
to the after service of solemn prayer and
meditations were led in song and prayer
by Mr.. Stephens. DIR. Graham, rector of
Christ Episcopal Church, invited DR..
Sprowls, pastor of the Cumberland
church, to assist in the services. Mr..
Altken. in returning thanks for the use
OF the church, said it afforded an oppor-
tunity for Christian courtesy and Chris
tian intercourse both delightful and pro-
per. He spoke In the warmest terms of
Christian unity and cooperation, and
said that in his opinion the time has come
for all Christians to sink their minor diff.
ferences and join hands in working for
lost world.
The Cumberland Presbyterian says
spirit of fraternity was manifested, such
az we are not accustomed to see," and
adds: 1.-THE meetings resulted in great
spiritual awakening among Christians of
every name in this city, and in the con-
version of scores of souls" 1t also says
that the meetings were nothing more nor
less than old-tashioned revival meetings |
The preaching, the methods, and the
results were in all respects, such as we
have been accustomed to in our own
Church. Our Episcopal brethren in this
country had been considered rather arts.
tocratic and formal, and opposed to re-
vivals and revival methods 1t was,
therefore, great surprise to 'Dissenters,
as well as great pleasure to see this oul- !
tured, dignided body of Christians lay
aside their formality and exclusiveness,
and enter with enthusiasm into the work |
Of winning souls"