The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1889-11-11
NO HYMNS OUT DOORS.
The Rev. MI. Houston Not
Allowed to Sing on the
Sidewalk.
THE POLICE DROVE Elm I'M
he Hopes that the "Bobbies" Will
Not Molest Him Tonight.

Rev. Thomas Houston, the blind evan
gelist, made his appearance at the Young
Mems Christian Association Rooms in
the Boraenn Building, last evening, to
formally inaugurate the week of prayer.
He was not pleased with the size Of the
audience that gathered to greet him, and
he suggested that for the purpose Of
catching some from the passing throng
to participate, he, with the aid of some
volunteer Y. M. G. A. voices, should sing
hymns on the sidewalk.
Eight members of the association, Sec
retary Lawrence Lucas and his assistant,
Z. A. Robson; Ernest Chance, H. +. Bush.
j. Il. Cohert and A. Duneombe among
them, went to the Newark avenue side
walk with the blind preacher and COM
menced to sing
Newark avenue Is well travelled high
way even at that hour Sunday night, and
in a twinkling q multitude gathered
around the street singers.
THE POLICE WERE COMING.
They went swimmingly through that
hymn while the growing thFoug of pas
sers listened, and then struck up the old
familiar hymn that Moody and Sankey
made so famous
Hold the tort, Tor / am coming.
1t was Policeman O'Rourke who was
coming, and the psalInists did not hold
the fort long after his arrival. He told
them that he could not permit them to
sing on the streets, and that they must
go to their hall The Rev. Mr.. Houston
expostulated till the policeman threat
ened him with arrest. Then, with the
others, he went to the hall and began the
services of the evening.
DTfrfnny the 0f h1Q aYhnrfofinn1
the Rev. Mr.. Houston referred to the
interference of the police with his street
labors. Today, however, he said he will
ask for police permit to sing on the
streets, and then the "Bobbies." as he
termed the police, will not interfere with
him.
BLIND MAN READING.
Then opening book and running his
index finger over the pages he read in
loud and distinct voice the first chapter
of Hebrews. After entertaining his
hearersswith this skillful feat he com-
menced his lecture.
s'It was the custom of the Jews before
killing the Paschal lamb" he said, ITO
shut it up several DAYS for examination,
lest at tine first choice some blemish might
have been overlooked. It was carefully
examined every day for it must be lamb
without blemish and without spot
1t is strikingly ngular that the Lord
Jesus Christ, for the few days which pre-
ceded his being offered up for us on the
Cross of Calvary passed through similar
ordeal. The sharpest eyes We're brought
| to bear upon Him, eyes that were made
preternaturally keen through the malice
of wicked and designing hearts, He was
tested from all points by His friends and
foes.
This view of the contest presents to us
the unassailable perfection of our Divine
Redeemer We gather from the surround
ings OF the contest that the Pharisees and
Sadducess and young lawyer had put to
Him puzzling questions, which He wisely
answered. he thought turn about was
fair play, SO he asked them in the words
of the text;-s'What think We of Christsr
This question was not put to an ignorant
crowd and it is one that is worthy Of our
serious consideration.
Mr.. Houston concluded his lecture with
an earnest exhortation for men to save
their souls while there was yet time, and
particularly the young men, as God de-
sired the young hearts, and asked any OF
his hearers who desired to change his
course of life to put up his right hand.
Two men answered his appeal and We're
led to seat on the platform, when they
afterward signed pledge to abstain
| from all intoxicating drinks for the rest
of their lives The Y M. G. A. chorus
then rendered the hymns,
'Jesus will help, if You try, " and take
the name of Jesus with you" in which
the whole audience Joined, and the SER
vices were oyer.
Inspector Lange says that should the
public street today, as he has threatened
to do, and gather crowd. he will be
compelled to move on. Otherwise he
will not be moleSted.