The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-11-10
Notes of the Union Evangelistie
Meetings at Macon.

EDITOR CLARION: The people Of this
community have been anticipating with
deey interest, for several weeks, the arrival
OF the Misss ssippi Evangelist, Rev. r. G.
Pearson. whose services had been secured
TO conduct a series OF union evangelistic
meetings IN our town. As in other COM
-munities, the various denominations here
have, during past years, held protrated
services from time to time, and failure to
secure results a. satisfactory as were de-
sired. was attributable to the lack of unity
on the part of all Christians. Denomina-
tional evangeists, while rendering efficient
service in many cases, are at disadvan-
tage because Of lack OF Christian co-opera-
ton. The workers Of most prominence in
the evaugelistic fields throughout our
country, we have observed, use every effort
to dispense with sectarian lines, in their
work and enlist orthodox Christians of
every name to do battle in the name of
their common Lord for the ''rescue of the
perishing.' The success attending the ef-
forts of the famed evangelists, Moody, Sam
Jones, Munhall, Whittle, Needham and
others, is evidence of the wisdom Of such a
course: and while denOminationaiism is
not discountenanced by workers such as
those named, but rather encouraged, since
all have preferences regarding ordinances
and rites, work for souls can only be sue
cessfully prosecuted by united effort.
Judging from the sentiments expressed
by the evangelist now in our town, his
services can never be secured except upon
condition that the state OF things above
described, are promised and that our peo-
pie were honest in the pledge made, has
been quite manifest from the beginning of
the meetings, and nearly all denomina-
tions, not only are represented, but in
many cases do personal work in the meet
ings and elsewhere. Under such circum-
stances it is quite natural antagonism
should manifest itself on the part Of the
enemies of the cross of Christ, since the
ranks of the Arch Enemy attacked in solid
column cannot resist the assault
Mr. Pearson is a Mississippian by birrh
but his work for the past few years having
been mainly in Texas, Missouri, Kintucky
and adjoining States, has to some extent
lost his identity with his native people.
Many in Mississippi who have been watch
ing with great interest the success attend
ing his labors in other sections have been
urging upon him the needs of united gos-
pei effort in our State, and a campaign
has been planned for the autumn and win
ter months. None who wish the standard
of morality raised in our midst and the
success of the gospel Of Christ witnessed,
but will follow him in his work with their
prayers.
a marked popularity OF Mr.. Pearson's
preaching is his frequent reference to "the
book as he terms it. "Preach the Word
seems to be an admonition from the Sacred
Volume to which he gives special heed
His arguments, while forcible and clear,
are incomplete, III his estimation unless
@clinched" by 'what God says" and this
| finishing touch is always given and most
faithfully. We note an absence OF all
"clap-trap" or sensational methods and
appeals to the intelligence of his auditors
Three services were held ON Sunday, one
of which (that in the afternoon) was com
posed of men only. The topic discussed
'.Sowing and Reaping.' "Be not deceived
God is not Knocked, for whatsoever man
soweth that shall he also reap" The
preacher certainly heeds the Bible admo-
nition to Christ's ambassadors, "Cry aloud
and spare not His scathing denuncia-
tions against sin, and especially those &c
| fragrant and debasing with which ours as
we'll as other communities are cursed
more or less, were most bitter and none
| present could fail to recognize the conse
| Quences CT sowing the character Of seed sc
faithfully emphasized by the speaker. o.
/ the sermons thus far in the series, none per
haps received more marked attention oil
manifested greater clearness and simplicity
OF presentation than that discussing Regen.
Grafton: John 3, 3 Except a man be
born from above (margin) he cannot see
the Kingdom OF God" What is it2 Why
| is it necessary How can it be were
three questions the preacher proposed hay
| ing answered out of Gods word, since they
were of such infinite importance and about
which there was so much controversy
human reasoning and speculation was IN
safe to follow or heed texts furnishing
replies to each question were quoted anC
! forcibly emphasized The effect upon ths
audience seemed to be that no alternative
was left the objector but repudiation 0
| the "Word divinely inspired.
The sermons in the evening are succeeded
/ by inquiry meetings" as the breaches
term them, 10 which all who are in earnes
/ about the salvation Of their souls are in
ylted to remain, and Christian worker
with their Bibles Immediately begin per
sonaI work throughout the audience tha
| remains, and in a quiet way after ascer
tanning the difficulties in the enquirer
iexperience, calls his attention to that por
ton of Gods work suited to his case, ans
urges prompt acceptance of Christ the Sol
Of God as the Saviour of sinners from tn,
dominion and power and penalty OF sin.
The success thus far is very gratifying
and prospects very encouraging that grea
and permanent good viii be accomplished
Il. Z. g.