The Portland daily press., 1895-03-27


standing room in the rear of the hall
and along the aisles was filed. The
platform was crowded with a mass of
humanity. No man ever before ad-
dressed such an audience in this city.
Mr.. Mills took for his text Deuteron-
omy I, 10: "And we came to Kadesh-
barnea." Lack of space forbids even an
abstract Of his sermon when was one of
his best, worthy of the audience and of
the closing hour of the greatest series of
religious services ever held in this city.
In mastery way he sketched the sew
eral classes of men who come nigh unto
the kingdom OF GOD, but who yet say to
the spirit: go thy way In many re-
spects it was fine production, and at
times the distinguished preacher was
thrillingly eloquent. The effect of his
address was evidently very great. He
made strong appeal to those out of
Christ to indicate their desire to lead
Christian life. just before making his
final appeal he gave those who desired TO
do SO an opportunity to retire, but their
places were instantly filed.
After ssthe doors were closed
there was very unthought of feature.
From the Reception hall where the over
flow meeting was held, came the low
sound of music, the familiar hymn
"Come to Jesus now" Then Mr.. Mills
made his last appeal. 1t was brief, SIM
pie and direct. eff there be in your
hearts tonight any interest that will lead
you to Jesus Christ, then in His name
l ask you to yield to Him."
And from all parts of the hall, from
the crowded galleries, from the aisles,
from the platform, came the responses of
those who felt the power of the spirit. In
groups here, man and his wife there,
and over under the gallery, or in the
gallery, from everywhere that great andi-
ence was packed, men and women and
children rose up. Just as I am" was
started by Mr.. Hills and was taken up
by the congregation below. By this time
GA had asked for prayers. Then fol-
lowed the remarkable second service led
by Mr.. Mills and attended by more than
1000 earnest men, women Fand children
and all ages, as well as classes had some
representatives there. Mr.. Hills sang
where will you spend. eternity" and then
Mr.. Mills called for brief one-minute
prayers. He said that it was solemn
moment. There is a court house in Ohio
so situated at the parting of tina waters
that the rain that falls IL one side of the
roof finds its way into the northern sea,
and the rain on the other side into the
southern gulf. A breath of wind will
decide the fate of a rain drop. So here a
moment may decide human destiny. The
prayers were brief and pointed.
I'VE ask that none reject Christ, D
prayed one
"Grant that those who have started
may not turn back" prayed another.
We are o'erfow1ng with joy, grant
| that it may continue was the petition
of q lady.
started tonight do business for Jesus, y
was the prayer of business man.
Il will trust Him" was given by the
choir, and then Mr.. Mills made a short
closing address, speaking of the changes
they had seen from the time the first
service was held in that hall. 1t was
suggested that others might even then
desire to show their wish to live a Chris
tian life, and 81 responded, later 10
more said by rising: IT will trylto be-
come a Christian. making ISL who, at
all the evening services expressed a de-
sire to start in the Christian life.
Mr.. Mills asked all who at other SER
vices had turned to Christ to say: 81
have accepted Christ as my Saviour, u
and hundreds responded, scores being
on their feet at once. He then asked
those who had risen for prayers who
could say: +" l will take Christ for my
Saviour" to do so, and many respondnd.
1t was doubtful if a single one who rose
up failed to make this solemn promise.
Mr.. Mills then gave them this motto
" For the Lord God will help me, there
fore shall ] not be COMPOUNDED. There
fore have / set my face like a flint, and
know that shall not be ashamed. u
He then pronounced the benediction.