The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-03-22
A SHOT AT THE CLUBS.
EVANGELIST NEEDHAM SAYS JHE'
ARE DENs or IyIQCI1T
And Asserts That Those Social Organic
lions In Richmond Are No Better
Than In Any Other City.

Nht 'lty.
Said he: THE clubs Of Richmond are
no better than those OF any other city
They are all the vilest dens Of iniquty.
When 1 make this assertion | know
what / am talking about / said the
same thing when / was in Richmond
eight years ago. and some OF the young
men wanted to chop my head of, put
the head Is still here. ] wonder where
some Of those heads have gone.
wives. | beseech you to keep your hus-
bands and sons at home. Keep them out
Of that atmosphere. Beauty your homes,
have good music, make things pleasant,
and keep the men from the clubs"
Mr.. Needham also had a few words 10
say about the gambling houses and sa-
looms OF the city.
The church was well filed, and he
held the attention Of his hearers for about
three-quarters OF an hour.
Mr.. Bliss read and commented on
chapter Of scripture at the same SER
vice.
Rev. George &. Needbam.
The morning prayer meetings at the
Grace-Street Presbyterian church are well
attended, although the hour is so early
and the Bible readings in tho afternoon,
Der of minister's as well as many other
Christian workers.
Mr.. Needham preached again last night
to a large congregation, at the Grace
Street Presbyterian church. He was as
sisted by the pastor. Or. Fair. Mr.. Need
hams remarks last night were on the
subject OF Namaan, the Leper, Second
Kings. firth chapter
He said II was the story Of a manly
..Vtfx
eral in the Syrian army capable of gov
erning, a man of high social position, but
withal leper. The higher critics are
trying TO prove that Namaan was not
an historical character, but simply an
allegory. They repudiate him because
there is miracle connected with his
restoration to health. But nevertheless
We will hold on to Namaan, because If
Christ in the fourth chapter Of Luke,
refers to Namaan as being cured OF the
leprosy we VIII hold on to him In spite
of the higher critics. Namaan is type
Of many people, who are asking what can
they do TO be saved
Naaman was an educated, intelligent
man. but he was ignorant Of the manner
in which he could be healed. Namaan
believed fully what the little maid SER
want said when she told him there was
prophet in Israel who could neal her
master. and he would have been a happy
man sooner II ne had followed out the
little maids direction TO seek the prophet
instead Of going first 10 his own king
and being sent from thence 10 the King
Of Israel who thought the king Of Syria
was seeking a quarrel with him. II was
ignorance on Naaman's part Ignorance
Of the proper way 10 obtain salvation
is what is keeping so many out of
Christ
We think we can be Christians by do
ing the best we can. do no man any harm,
observe the Golden Rule. etc. Does this
not show our ignorance; but what does
the Book say. "Whosoever believeth on
me shall be saved
Naaman wanted TO be saved in his
own way. He had his own plans. and
when the prophet told him to go wash
in Jordan, it upset his own plans, and
he went away in rage. saying, 81
thought the prophet would do thus and
So" Even so many Of US are staying out
of Christ because we have a prejudice
against Gods way of saving men.
God viii not accommodate himself to
us; we will not be saved until we submit
our will to God: we must be willing TO
give up everything. Namaan had preju-
dice against the prophets directions. He
finally got over his prejudice, but then
pride came up-personal pride, national
pride Go wash in Jordan Did he not
wash in Jordan Were not the rivers or
Syria better than the turbid waters OF
the Jordan? Unless we get rid OF this
pride become as docile and obedient as
little children. we cannot be saved Pride
in any form is a monster. II Is a thlng
TO be avoided, especially when 1t stands
I'm the way Of our salvation: but Namaan
finally conquered his pride. He conquered
his ignorance his prejudice, and finally
his pride. which brings us TO the hopeful
side OF his character Namaan knew ne
was a leper. He knew that the leprosy
was i'm his blood. corrupting his body.
There was his advantage. If we know
that we are lost sinners let us hold on
TO that knowledge. and IT should concern
us how to get this poison out OF our
system. Namaan was an earnest man.
How do we know he was earnest? Be
cause he would do anything TO be healed.
We know he was earnest. because he got
angry at The prophet when he did not
understand the prophets way in which
he should be healed. II you are In earnest
about your salvation there will be no
trouble but If YOU are not I'm earnest. II
you are given up to this world. all the
preachers in the world can't save you.
We want men and women full of earnest
ness. Namaan was reasonable man. ne
was rational.
FIXTURE Meetings.
Dr. Needham will preach tonight on
"The Day Of Atonement," and those OF
the Jewish faith are especially invited to
attend.
Friday night he will preach on THE
Year of jubilee
There will be the usual mass-meeting
for men only at Association Hall next
Sunday afternoon at o'clock.
At o'clock on the same afternoon
there will be a boys mass-meeting, 10
which every boy in the city is invited.
The meeting will be led by boys. and there
will be several solos rendered by boys
O'd Market liali.
Another large congregation assem bled
! at Old Market Hall last evening and
Rev. Il. w. Bliss preached on the deliver
ance from sin, and salvation the gift Of
God TO man. Mr.. Tiobtts. the secretary
Of the Y. NJ. c. A. led the song service
from 100 10 o'clock, and an after meet
ing of twenty-five minutes was also
held. and number Of persons asked
prayers in their behalf.
These meetings have two Characters
tics-earnestDess and simplicity. and the
most careful attention is given TO the
preacher by the mixed congregation Of
all classes who 60
Mr. Bliss announced that he had re-
ceived a letter from Mr. Jacobs, and that
he would be here in time 10 sing at the