Evening star., 1894-03-01
THE JOYFUL NEWS
Mr.. Moody Thinks That 1t Should
Be Received Gladly.
he DOES NOT BELIEVE In LONG FACES
Many Express a Desire to Lead
the Christian Life.
DIR. HAMLIN'S RES S

For the fourth time since the Moody
meetings have been in progress, and the
fourth and last week began yesterday,
collection was taken up last evening
to defray the expense of the rent of the
hall. Mr.. Moody in announcing the collec-
ton saId that the amount realized from the
three previous collections was over $780,
but that the expense of renting and lighting
the hail. ETC., was something over $1,000
and it was hoped that the people who at
tended the meetings would contribute
enough to meet this item of expense.
While the baskets We're being passed by the
ushers the choir sang. The service of song
had been in progress for some time.
Although the hour for beginning the meet
ing is not until haIf-past 4. the hall is
usually completely filed by O'Clock.
This was the case last evening. and not
only were all the seats in the great audi
torium of Convention Hall occupied, but
also the standing room in the rear and on
both sides of the platform.
The seats on the platform and in the
choir are not all taken at such an early
hour. but by the time the regular service
was begun there were not four empty
places. Gen. Schofield and Senator Proctor
occupied seats on the platform with the
ministers and those who held tickets en-
titling them to this location.
Woman's Voice.
The slight hustle and stir that was
occasioned throughout the hall by the pass
ing of the baskets had not subsided when
the clear sweet tones of the contralto voice
of Miss Nally of the choir of the First
Congregational Church were heard. A hush
fell upon the great assemblase as they
listened TO the beautiful words of the hymn
He Leadeth Me-" which was so elective
ly rendered. Then prayer was offered by
Rev. DIR. Bittinger. pastor of the West
minister Assembly Church.
Though your sins be as scarlet, they
shall be as white as WOOL" was the theme
Of duet sung by MIR. Sankey and Mr..
Foster. the latter playing the accompani-
ment on the organ. period of silent
prayer followed, the deep stiffness which
pervaded the hall while all heads were
bowed being broken as Judge l. q. kimball
gave audible expression TO the pet tions.
Mr. Sankey will sing No. 334," exclaimed
Mr. Moody, as he stepped to the front,
followed by his co-worker, who seated him
self at the organ and played his own ac-
compartment.
Mr. Moody announced that this afternoon
he will talk to backsliders, and that each
afternoon at 1 o'clock those who wished
to talk privately on the subject of personal
religion were invited to come to Assembly
Church. where there would be those who
would be glad to converse with them
Mr. Moody began his discourse at s
O'Clock and spoke about thirty-five minutes.
MIR. Moody's Sermon.
The breadth of Mr.. Moodys subject ad-
mitted of several texts. which he read with
his usual clearness. The first was from the
SSth and 39th verses Of the 18th chapter
Of Acts. which relates to Christ's teaching
the Gospel the second, from 18th chapter
of 1st Corinthians, told of Christ's dying
fnr Oilr nd ba last =
18th chapter of Mark, the 18th verse: Re
pent ye, and believe the Gospel"
Now, what does this word Gospel mean?
1t means Gods SPELL" began Mr. Moody,
and then went on TO say that although this
word was probably the commonest in the
Bible, he felt sure that almost all in the
audience, If called on to explain its mean
ing, would have feeling Of embarrassment
at their ignorance. The meaning was good
news" and when the first shepherd was
told in Bethlehem of the coming of Christ
that was the happiest Gospel ever heard on
earth.
Many time have preached the glori-
Gus Gospel of the Son of God" Mr. Moody
said, "and people in the audiense looked as
though / were reading death warrant to
them" He said that those who would not
listen TO the Gospel. or give up their sins,
We're like a street sweeper in Dublin, who
when told of his falling heir to an income
of fifty thousand dollars, said: But
can't give up my old broom
Another story described the conversion of
an English nobleman, and his unaValing ef-
forts to induce the people on his place to
accept the gift of the Gospel Finally he
caused II to be announced that he would pay
the debts of all on a certain hour on a GER
tain day. His sincerity was not believed by
any, except one man. When they found that
his promise was a genuine one, the unbe-
levers came fiocking to the Office of the
nobleman. But they found that il was too
late, the stipulated hour had passed. They
found the masters door locked a-ainst
them-it being after the hour appointed as
the limit 80 it is with the slothful ones
excl timed Mr.. Moody, who are putting of
the acceptance of Gods offer. and IL is sad
to think now many of us VIII find His door
sealed-wnen 1t is too late"
4 Message Direct.
He told of the experience Of a Union
chaplain, a prisoner in Libby prison, and
how hs longed to return to his wife and
children. When the news came that one
ran was to be set >e. he had little hope
that he wou be the ono selected out of a
thousand men. But when his name was
read out, s.iil -~hat eagerness and joy was
the ..ews received. Mr.. Moody said that to
all who seek the Lord wen better news
had come.
"wr " Gabriel sh I'D ry down here
tonig. and &C. I'm the name OF one ,er-
son out OF this vast assembly who is to
be saved. This ~lesSa"e would be heard
with eagerness. I've g a n essage from
straighter quarters tn n Gabriel IL is from
the Son of God h'nlself-fo- AL, If you viii.
Mr.. Moody the.I went On 70 say hat the
gospel will do for peol 81. 1t takes, he says,
enemies out Of their path. the gre enemy.
sin. IL conquered. Men say that t-.Sy can
forgive, but they cannot forget God does
both. He says that your sins shall not he
remembered. Mr.. Moody spoke of another
enemy which is conquer ed 10y tie gospel.
and that is death. When we accept the glad
tidings of the gospel we can say. 'Oh,
death, where ic thy stiny2" Christ took
away the sting. This mortal house may lie
taken down, but the life remains. which
death cannot take away. There need 10 he
no fear on the part OF those who have the
support of the gospel of either the undertaken
or the grave digger. He spoke Of the fear
of death, and said that for those who be-
lieyed in Christ that fear was taken away.
To the believer there was no death. be-
cause Christ had gained the victory over
the grave.
The Fear of Judgment
Mr.. Moody referred to another enemy that
was removed from the lives of men by faith
| in Christ and that was the fear of juGg-
| ment. All the sins are put behind him:
Christ has judged them and 'orgiven hem.
A man may be forgiven of his SINS said Mr.
| Moody, and yet suffer from some Of the con-