Arizona republican., 1899-01-27


 in O'Neill hall last night is making a very conservative estimate. Every available chair was occupied, while many sat upon the platform steps and others were glad even of standing room. The fact that it was the last night meeting seemed to weigh heavy upon MT. Moody, and his words were ex- ceedingly impressive as he pleaded with profound earnestness that the waiting crowd before him should accept the Lamb of God as their savior from sin, so that when life's stormy voyage is OCT they shall be prepared to enter that promised haven of rest. Tears dimmed many an eye, and although MT. Moody goes from Phoenix before another day closes, his helpful words and earnest pleading will be crystalized in the minds and hearts of hundreds of peo- pie.
 At the song service Professor Towner sang several solos, among which was Paul and Silas.'' This is an espe- cial favorite with the people and was we'll received.
 When MT. Moody stepped before the waiting congregation he said: 'I want to call your alter ton to a text you will find in Mark 12:34: Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. There were two attacks made upon Christ; one was by the Pharisees and the other by the Sadusees, and Jesus asked them such straight questions that they were silenced at once. When an hon. est inquirer came to Him He was al- ways ready to listen and answer gently, but when these men came to entangle Him with their questions and catch Him on some point of law, He was not so gentle with them. If there was any thing Christ detested it was hypocrisy and they were hypocrites of the black est type. Now the Pharisees and Sad usees though they were so sure of the kingdom of heaven, and they were very far from it. Let this be warn ing to Christians not to depend upon q mere profession
 Do you know I believe that at the close of this meeting there will be many here who are not far from the kingdom of God. We would not have had these meetings and they would not have been attended by such crowds if the spirit of God was not breeding over them. We have had crowds of men at the Presbyterian church. and good attendance at the ladies prayer meeting, but feel sure they will come to a close and leave some on the bor- der of heaven, but not in. Better that we should never have been awakened at all than to bc b ought near 70 the Kingdom and not enter. You will never forget these meetings Many of you will remamber every text and just how Professor ToWner an6 the choir sang, and now these ministers look sitting here. Our memory don't die; that is one thing we can take with us into the other world.
 There were men in C.hrist's day who came near, but went back and walked no more with Him. I believe that Judas was very near the kingdom, for he could not have he ard those ser mons and seen those miracles without being almost persuaded to give up his hypocrisy and be a true disciple There are hypocrites in this hall tonight who are almost persuaded to give up the old life and take a stand for the right 1 once knew a default 1T who was brought under the power of God and almost persuaded to become an honest man, but he held back and would not take the final step. In a few months the influence was all gone, he fell into sin, was arrested and sent to states prison. He might have saved that dis grace if he had only come out for Christ
 Do you know I believe Herod was not far from the kingdom of God? I would have said a few years ago that there was no tenderness in his heart, but I did some studying that threw a f1aSh-light upon Herod's heart, and made me believe that at one time he was not far from the kingdom of God. I read: 'Herad feared John, knowing that he was just man and holy and observed him, and when he heard him he did many things and heard him gladly Doesn't that sound as if Herod was brought under the voice and influence of John, although we are not informed under what circum- stances?
 I think John the Baptist was prob ably the most eloquent preacher that ever lived. It is not so hard here to get good congregation with electric cars to bring you to a comfortable hall. lighted by electric lights, with all the churches behind you to back you up, and the papers making good reports of the meeting every day; but John had none of these conveniences; he hadn't even a title, but was just plain MT. John. His food was of the plainest, being only locusts and wild honey, and