The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-07-31

mere IS an instance where people are
deeply moved and controlled and
raised toward high ideals of life is
theinteresting object lesson for Chris
tians and all well-disposed people.
His work is peculiarly characteristic.
Not alone in the vast assembly inter
ior, but in all the long lines approach
ing the entrances, there is an entire
absence of boisterousness or of rude
ness in any form. The influence is
upon the people before they start for
the place.
The demonstration at this visit was,
it may be, more than usual, but that
of twenty years ago, and when the
city was smaller, was quite like it and
sustained over a much longer time.
And at this time it increased with
each day to the last. At no time d d
the great auditorium supply room for
one half who sought admission. 1t
was not unusual to see an hour or
more in advance of the time the street
before the entrance crowded from
sidewalk to sidewalk the whole length
of the square, aside from the files
three and four deep, extending more
than square in either direction. |
was assured by sergeant of police
that there were from three to four
times as many crowding for entrance
as the building could possibly hold,
while on the inside it was packed in
every department. And this without
banners and bands or marshalls. 1t
could scarcely be imagined that so
vast an assembly could be character
lied by such perfect decorum. All
the ensignia that denoted them were
hymnbooks and Bibles.
The general appearance was that
of people of sterling worth in every
respect, with very high average
when compared with other assem-
blies. People mainly from the sub
stantial, cultured, Christian homes of
Chicago and vicinity constituted this
attendance. On the platform were
the learned representatives of the
Chicago pulpit. 1t was not an ag-
gregation of fanatics and sentiment
alists, but from quite the contrary
class.
What then could be the secret of
such wonderful result2 Mr.. Moody
referring to it said there was no se-
cret about it. 1t was simply the power
of the same old gospel from an open
Bible, averring that there was no
drawing power equal to it, and that
while another was preaching on
science or any secular topic, and he
from the Bible, the people would be
with him because the Gospel had the
greater attraction. 1t was the thing
of transcendant interest to all people,
and ministers leaving it to preach
something else, usually ended their
days outside of the pulpit.
Other reasons are alleged. That
Mr. Moody has great magnetic pow
ers, is great organizer, and brings
all the churches to enter the work
with him, is very earnest and con-
scientious, and of spotless character,
in whom people have unbounded
confidence, and that he is untiring
and indefatigable in his purpose.
All these are, to large extent, true,
and there is force in the general al
legation. But is it not more likely
that his own view of it has the most
truth, and that there is no power on
earth, no theatre nor political con-
vention, nothing that can draw the
people and hold them as the plain
gospel out of an unchallenged Bible,
is capable of doing. Not any troupe
of dramatic stars in Christendcm, let
their performances be as free and
accessible, could draw and hold the
people as Spurgeon, of London,
Beecher, of Brooklyn, or Chaplin, of
New York, drew and held for twenty
five years respectively, or for single
occasion as Moody has.
The one supreme master of the
human heart is the Gospel of the
Saviour, Jesus Christ. 1t reveals the
bond of the heart of God with the
heart of man in plain view, with its
nourishing truths. 1t point out the
way of sin and human discord and
quickens faith and hope, and makes
final despair impossible.
Though Spurgeon's view of the
Gospel did injustice in some respects,
particularly as pertaining to the des-
tiny of man, defect which largely
passed away in later years, with faith
unmistakable in the book as the
special word of God, and devotion to
it complete and absolute, and with
high order of judgment and skill, he
became the always attractive man of
God before the people; and to hear