Wichita eagle., 1888-03-30
THE PRODIGAL son.
W nat the Evangelist Thinks About God Re
ceiving the Sinner.

Rev. II. w. Hurlbutt, the evangelist,
again coducted the service at the Baptist
| church last night A large choir led in
the sing which was great inspiration to
| all who heard it. The scripture lesson wac
from the fifteenth chapter of Luke, which
| contains three parallels, of the lost sheep,
| of the piece of silver and the prodigal son.
An earnest prayer for Gods blessing on
! the message that it might turn men to
seek the Saviour before the meeting should
close. Prayer was made for the blessing
to attend Gods children in all the churches
OF the city as tfey met ior prayer.
After singing Calling Now for Thee.
Prodigal," the announcements were given
out, as follows: Morning prayer meeting
at $50, where he hoped to see far more, but
there were, he said, good number yester-
day morning, and they had the very best
meeting of the whole series. Inquiry
meeting at $50 p. M, to which all persons
are invited, and especially those who de-
sire to ask any questions, for the evangelist
said that with his experience of over
twenty years in meeting all kinds OF
skepticism and doubt and objection he
could in all probability dispel the clouds
in their minds and aid them to
discern the truth. AT 7:30 p. m.
he would again preach, taking for
his subject, "Belshazzars S Great Feast"
For last evenings discourse on the
"Prodigal Son." he took for his text Luke
l5:2O And he arose and came to his
father. But when he was good way off,
his father saw him, and had compassion
and ran and fell on his neck and kissed
him" This, said the preacher, is the third
parable in this chapter designed to illus
trate with what joy God received back a
wanderer from the fold. The pharisees
endeavored to throw Christ into disfavor
with the people by representing him as
friend of publicans and sinners;a nd Christ
gave these three parallels to counteract the
pernlcious influence of the scribes and
Pharsees. The first parable about the
hundred sheep, the second about the ten
pieces of silver, and the third about the
prodfgal son, are in perfect harmony, but
the third is made most emphatic. 1t
comes from the lips of Christ and is a
standard illustration. All the teachings
of the apostles and teachers must be in
harmony with this. 1t teaches how the sin
ner may come, how he must come. and if he
does come how he will be received. The |
prodigal son was the youngest of the fam |
lily and was doubtless spoiled by over in
diligence. He went away. Young |
man, you had better stay at
home even if the old man is |
sometimes little too severe. This |
is a picture of the sinner who wants no re-
straint of religion of God or christian peO- |
pie. But he goes away into far country |
and when he is in want he says, what |
shall do?" The young man hired out to |
feed swine, a most espicable occupation, |
especially for jew.
Men in this day and age in feeding !
human swine, they spend their time in |
giving out the vilest thoughts and words, |
swine food and human swine. But he |
came to himself. ! would to GOO the sin
ners in this city would come to them
selves. and see how yon have fed on the
husks of this worlds empty pleasures, and |
come back to your heavenly father home,
where there is enough and to spare. The
prodigal said, Il will arise and |
go to my father" God will help you at
every step, but you must make the start.
No one ever failed who came Alright. Here
the evangelist in the most vivid and point
ed manner gave an account of the prodi-
gal returning, day after day on the weary
road, until he reached his fathers wei
come arms and forgiving kiss. This, said
he, shows you just how you will be receiv-
ed by your Heavenly Father. Sinner, will
you come? You are like a man in the rap
ids above Niagara, just ready to be lost.
Now while we sing No. IS come forward.
1t is easier to become christian than to
stay away. The audience then sang 80!
Prodigal Child, Come Home, Oh,
Come Home" After the singing
great many gave in their testimony that
they had returned TO the fathers house
and had been received with joy. | heard
sister say as she arose a few minutes ago
that in coming to Christ there was moth
ing TO lose and everything to gain"
The closing prayer was offered by the
pastor. Rev. W. +. Harper, in which
thanks were returned for countless bless
ings and intercession for the poor wan
derer.
1t was announced that there would be
prayer meeting on Sunday morn
ing, and the services were closed by d solo
by Mr.. Harlbatt, and chorus by all;
Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight"