The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1899-08-16
The NOrthfield Conference.

1Hc NOrtHHeIu COnlereHce.
NoRTHFIELD, Mass, Aug. II, 1898.
Dear Mr. Editor:
In the great multitude of things seen
and heard and thoughts suggested there
by since l have come to Northtield /
scarcely know where to begin in writing
a letter. A short letter is wholly inade-
quate 10 do justice to the place and the
character of the work here being done.
1t is most cosmopolitan company that
is here gathered. representing a large
portion of our own land and from across
the sea, of all evangelical creeds and be-
ly under similar circumstances of such
variety of speakers and freedom of ex-
preston does such unity prevail. "With
one accord in one place" characterizes
the spirit of the Northfield conference
and on all sides may be heard express
sOns indicating the fulfillment of the
purpose of this convention in increased
knowledge and more perfect cOnsscra-
ton; growing in grace and in the knowl-
edge of Christ.
The program is very similar to past
years although there are some of the for
mer speakers absent and new ones have
taken their places. Rev. G. Campbell
Morgan of the Congregational, Rev. f.
B. Meyer, D. D., of Christ's Congrega-
aht I
A. Selwyn, ID. d. Bournemouth, Eng,
of Church of Eng. ARE the principal speak
ers. Another speaker is Mr.. Tiadi, a
Swedish evangelist, who is called the
Swedish Moody and Sankey because he
both speaks and sings. He has been
engaged in evangeistic work in COM
pany with the Kings brother and is a
powerful man in every way. There are
also many others of our own country who
have given some excellent sermons and
addresses.
The number of the services each day
depends upon a circumstance in the form
! OF D. L. Moody, who takes full charge of
the whole conferences. There are gen.
orally about eight services, although Mr..
Moody discourages people from trying to
take in all the good things that are to he
heard. "a full cup can hold no more; to
pour more water in makes only asplash"
is his familiar expression.
The attendance is much larger than in
any former year. Northtield is taxed to
I its utmost to take care of the stranger
within its gates" The crowd has over
flowed till it found resting place at Mt,
Hermon, across the Connecticut river,
| iour miles away.
They come from all parts of the coun-
try, from Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky,
! Georgia, Florida, and all States between
and from most composite but harmoni-
Gus assembly.
One very pleasing feature to me has
been the meeting ofso many whom had
met in former years. and who now seem
! like old fl iinds. 1t is surprising how
many come here year after year, some OF
whom attend almost, or all of the differ
| CuJ uolO' Onc NlSlI uOt0
sures at least the desire to return.
Many people have an idea that this is a
sort of Bible school where persons are
assigned and scholastic lectures given,
but this is not so. 1t is more in the form
of eimons and addresses, to which all
may go, take notes or not as they choose.
Most of the people do the former, not fol-
any special future use other than to "stil
up their pure minds by ay of remem-
brance," habit that would be helpful in
many ways if more universally adopted
everywhere.
Next week is expected to be more than
ordinarily good, as there will be an ad-
dition 10 the speaking force of President
Clark and Gen. Secy. Bear of the Chris
tan Endeavor society.
The weather was hot and dry when we
(Mr. Warden of Endeavor, and myself
came, since then there has been a lower.
ing temperature and considerable rain
fall. Mr.. Warden is in his native Yankee
element, but am not.
J. V. MCANINCH.