The San Francisco call., 1897-03-07
tracted to him. He is q young man, at

tracted to him. He is young man, at
present a fellow in philosophy, but
his call to Stanford University is in
line with the course generally pursued by
DR.. Jordan. He keeps his eye upon the
work and development of young educa-
tors throughout the country and when he
believes that he has found an original
thinker who gives promise OF adding
something of value to the worlds stock
OF knowledge he tries to secure him for
the faculty at Palo Alto. 1t was in this
way that he chose DR.. Ross and Professor
Powers and several others.
Starbuck Will take the place temporarily
of Professor Earl Barnes, head OF the de-
partment of education, and will probably
offer in addition to other work course in
some phase of religion. He will begin his
duties at Palo Alto next Septem ber at the
opening of the new college year.
Professor Barnes and his wife, Professor
Mary Sheldon Barnes of the department
of history, will start for Europe late in
May or at the close OF the present college
year on a leave of absence OF fifteen
months, during which time they purpose
TO make special study of the latest edu-
cat1onal and historical methods in vogue
both in England and on the Continent.
Their headquarters will be in London,
where Mrs. Barnes hopes TO do much his
torical work in the British Museum and
in old libraries. Their trip, while osten-
sibly for recreation, will amount prac-
tically to careful and studious investiga-
ton of new ideas 10 be introduced into
their work at Stanford.
Starbuck's ideas on religious revivals are
briefly indicated in the following extracts
from his study of conversions:
1t is significant that of the whole number of
cases studi ed, only two or three OF those who
had been through revival experiences spoke
in unqualified terms of the approval of the
usual methods employed. There were few
of the mum ber who condemned them severely.
There was general depreciation OF the emo
tionai pressure usually exerted, and this COM
ing from the converts themselves should be Of
value.
We have'seen that the average age Of revival
conversions is considerably less than the nom
revival, which shows that they have been hur-
ried. There is every evidence that many of
them have been hastened unduly. Many were
left out of the study because they had clearly
been forced in to Compliance with what they
were not ready intelligently TO accept They
were pulled green and withered
Itwas especially true in the case OF sensitive
girls who were carried away by the excite
ment and afterward awakened TO the fact that
it was not true experience. 1t is like pulling
away the folds OF growing bud to disturb un-
duly the tender unfolding OF religious ma
ture. The greatest difficulty seems to be that
the hardened natures who need the help of
violent methods for restoration are the last to
respond, and meanwhile much harm is done
TO those who are receptive and responsive to
finer influences.
Unless the person is ready for q change,
the results of Fastening conversion are apt to
be temporary and soon followed by relapse.
We have seen that "backsliding" much lore
often occurs after revival experiences than
after others. The question is, How can we
preserve the essential things in revivals. and
at the same time escape their evil effects 2
How can the uninterested be led TO identify
themselves with Righteousness and the way
ward be reclaimed without harm to those who
least need the influence of revival tactics?
People should be dealt with as individuals as
far as possible, instead of in masses. The
higher motives should be appealed to more
and the lower ones less.
Conversion means unselfng, the entrance
into new life of insight and love, ana the
wise teacher will naturally hold up those in
centiyes which are in direct line with the new
life.
Conversion is not matter for the churches
alone. 1t is under certain conditions a vital,
normal step in individual growth. We shall
learn not only to anticipate, but to bring about
such conditions as will foster an awakening OF
the whole being to larger insight.