The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-09-24
An Earnest Call.

Mr.. EDIroR with your permissiou, wish
to say to all the readers Of the TINES that, as
announced last week and reannounced this
week, the occasion Of the 4th quarterly meeting
Of the Methodist church will embrace next
Sunday (26th). There will be prayer meeting
this, Friday, at O. clock p. m, and service to-
morrow at IL o'clock o. m. DR.. Jones will be
with US on Sunday. We propose to continue
the services through next week, expecting min
isterial help.
We cordially invite the Christian people of
all the churches, and everybody else, to attend
any or all Of these services.
But it may be asked Why have services
after this fashion? We answer: Because zee
,cish to see a better state of religious things in
Union. Not that we would disrarage the pres
ent condition, or institute q comparison with the
past but we bsliete an.improvcment is needed
and can be enjoyed. Progress is the normal
law Of life-of religious life as we'll. Now, It
is apparent, as we think all will allow, that
there obtoius among us very low state Of re-
ligious experience and enjoyment True, our
people attend church on Sunday about as well
as elsewhere, but our services are, too generally,
cold and formal-too little life among us-the
plane on which we move is too low, as compared
with the Bible. And this is true of family re-
ligion as well as Of public services. The church
is making too little impression upon our society,
individually, socially and otherwise. There arc
too many Of our people who secm, at least, to
care nothing or but little for these things.
They admit, in terms, that religion Is para
mount, yet treat it as secondary-as something
that will do for Sunday, but rot one that should
enter, as a prime factor, into everything with
which we have to do. Now, unless the pro-
fessed followers Of Christ bestir themselves,
this state of things will continue, and some
whom we respect and love will be lost, and lost
forever. And this is not according to the will
Of God, who pM have all men to be saved ana
come to the knowledge of The truth
Now, as Christians, who profess to love God
and souls, shall we not bestir ourselves, and by
the union Of our forces aud labors and prayers
cooperate with God, that some at least may bs
saved Through preaching 1t p,eases God ts
save; and he hos promised to answer prayer to
this end. And shall we not use this meaus and
receive the promise?
Anything like on extended revival hns not
been had in this town for years past And
why? Our church papers are full of what is
being enjoyed in many places. God is no re
specter of persons or of communities, and is Q.
ready TO grant to us times of refreshing as t.
other people in other places. But we must us.
the means, and use them rightly; we must put
ourselves in proper relation to the matter, and
strive for the necessary receptive mood Of mind
and heart, or God will not, cannot bless us. Ir
one place Jesus, himself. could do no mighty
work because Of the unbeiief Of the people. /
is said, According to your faith be it unto
you" We must believe in God and in tho
power of His word, enersizcd by the Holy
Ghost but faith without works is dead.''
So we must work-use the means accord ing To
our faith, or we shall not be blessed. Como,
then, my brethren and friends one and oil, "to
the help Of the Lord against the mighty" thai
Lie may "open the wiIsl IslowJ of heaven, and
pour us out blessing that we shall not have
room to receive
May God hear our prayers and bless oul
| efforts. Amen. j. NJ. CARLISLE.
A nice lot of Ladies' Walking Jackets, Shor
Wraps and New Markets, at GRAHAM {
SPARKS.