The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-29
. HE TENDENCY of religious
thought for the beginning of the
new century seems to be toward
tho rnyiynI apirit in the churches

new century seems to be toward
the revival spirit in the churches
and to this term a diversified in
depreciation is applied There are those
who believe 1t to mean the old fash
ioned revival with it's emotional ex-
cesses and marvelously bright spiritual
experiences. They look toward repe-
tition of the old methods which broke
stony natures and led souls into rarified
heights of exatation. They expect to
see a return of the fiery preaching of
eternal damnation and the consequent
throngs of sinners weeping and writh
ing at the altar in the agony of con-
victions of sin. They believe that only
in such great emotional tidal wave
of feeling can the flood of unbelief and
materialstic criticism be mot and inn
peded.
There are others, though. who are
making a careful and thorough study
of modern religious sentiment, who are
reluctant to accept such views, and
who look with foreboding on the eff
forts to establish the old emotional era
So greatly have the times changed
they believe, that such methods can
only result in temporary arrest of
doubt and apathy. and not in any per-
manent enrichment of the worlds NOR
ality. The sturdy, Out-of-door built
muscle and strength of the many con-
verts of the earlier years are not dupli-
Gated today The strenuous life of the
present is more subject to the nervous
emotional spirit of the times to receive
any very deep impressions to the center
of being. 1t is not so much the sudden,
violent emotional change that is needed
as the calm. dispasslonate but earnest,
teaching which must tend to practical
devoutness of life and work. Many of
the more enlightened.clergyme are un-
favorably inclined toward the profess
sional evangelist whose efforts seem
often worse than lost as the time
passes. The plans for the twentieth
century are being lneditated upon with
great earnestness and just what turn
the local feeling will take is uncer-
tain. 1t is felt that over-worked min
isters will not add to the value of their
services by bringing nervous prostra-
tion on themselves or temporary eX-
citement upon the emotional of their
congrega tionS.
The Session of the Providence Pres
h%terian church during the past week
issued to each member of that church
circular letter announcing services
for next Monday evening in connec-
iion with the fact that at that time
VIII sOccNr the closing of the Nine
teenth Century. Rev. DR.. Guild will
have charge of the service and the
choir will assist in the singing ana
also render an anthem especially
adapted to the occasion "Will it not
be. emirently appropriate that we
spend the closing hours of this period
of time in giving praise and thanks
10 our Heavenly Father for his mani
fold goodness during the past and in
humble prayer for His guiding Wis
dom and sustaining grace during such
part of the opening century as We
may be spared to welcome"
People in the community generally
Who will not be attending similar ser
vice in other places are most cordially
invited to join in these appropriate
and interesting exercises. Tho follow
ing is the programme: e.l5 to 9.35
service of song. choir and consrega-
tion; o.35 to zoos, devotional service.
Scripture reading, prayer. remarks:
1o.c5 to II, roll call: II to 1115. in
terim for social converse: Ills, sacra.
ment, the Lords Supper, sacramental
Offering: midnight closing service.
Special meeting for men Sunday at
3.45 p. III. al the Railroad Young Mems
Christian association. Fl. q. Will
liams, of Richmond, Va. International
Railroad secretary, will speak. The
Schubert male nuartette assisted by
orchestra, will render Il programme of
sacred music. An advance copy Of
Governor Roosevelt's address to the
men of New York will be read IN
part. y pleasant and profitable hour
Is promised and a cordial welcome is
given to all.
The invitation to the ST. Johns day
sermon at the Penn Avenue Baptist
church on Sunday evening is extended
to all members of the Masonic order in
Scranton and vicinity. AS far as pos
sible it is desired that the members
will write their names on cards and
hand to the ushers thus securing a
choice of seats. The pastor will give Il
brief sermon on "rhe Gorifled Vision,
or the Lion OF the Tribe of Judah"