The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1908-01-06

Dor. a day of worship. Not so now.
The spirit was to devote it to pleas
ure and questionable amusements. 1t
was demoralizing. bunting the moral
and spiritual senSibilitieS of the world.
Could backsliders return? Yes. the door
was open. repent and serve the Lord
and in illustration of the power of
conversion and repentance, after a
backsIider for fifteen years, he relat-
cd the pathetic, heart rendiTg eXper-
fence Of Bill Conley, Of Tampa. How
he had in his earlier years been
Methodist pastor at Wilmington. y. G.
The field was too large and obligations
too burdensOme. He left them to seek
Il worldly career, which finally brought
him to Tampa, where with his beauti-
full young bride he became a success
full real estate dealer, where Rev. j.
6. CulDepper found him when he held
his first meeting in that city. He no.
ticed CCnlcy in the audience. His ap-
pearance would attract any ones no
tice. He knew that man had his
tory and he sought him out through
his friend, John Henderson. who said,
while not a member Of any church, if
Culpepper could convert COnley he
would get the whole town. They met,
they talked and then prayed. Then
came conviction to COnley, but there
was only one thing that held him back
from public confession. it was his wife.
To confess was to make restitution of
q fortune made of ill gotten gains, to
which was to deny himself and wife
q home; to go out into the world pen
niless. He told 1s beautiful wife the
story of his life~and his dishOnorable
career and what his stricken con-
science urged him to do. She was
astonished at the confession, but said
go do what is right and I'll share pow
erty and want with you. Then it was
Conley got up in meeting and made
the most impressive confession that
Culpepper had ever heard. He sur
rendered all his property to those he
had wronged and if necessary he and
his wife would leave Tampa in their
night clothes. 1t was then Bob Knight
and said, no you won't. Not while l
live and have cent. Others, men
and women, followed with proffer Of
material aid and some strong prayers.
the effect Of which scene created a
moral revolution in those days in
Tampa. The power and force Of the
stricken conscience was illustrated, as
it could be in no other way than by
the thrilling scene enacted, that back
slider could return to the fold and
live a useful, helpful life for God and
humanity Rev. Culpepper told the
story with realistic, dramatic effect,
that it not only thrilled, but it touch
ed all hearts and the faces of those in
the audience was a study. Some shed
tears, others almost suffocated with
the choking sensations in their
threats and when he said all that had
spiritual life, from one once held In
the love and affection of their Christ.
but had Tapped, to come and give their
hand and pray with the Lord to help
restore them, to come. At first only
one, but as the choir sang the throng
grew until the aisles were full Of PEN
itents to try and do better. Rev.
Burk Campbell said his father had
preached the same sermon to 1000
people one night and to the request
to come forward. none moved. but
later did come out The spirit dis
played last night is a forecast OF
successful revival. 1t was a great
sermon, if he did bear down with
heavy hand on card playing and dane
ing. Tonight at the tabernacle. 1880.
Monday Morning
A good audience greeted the Rev
Mr.. Culpepper at 10 o'clock this morn
ing at the Methodist church. The sub
ject Of the morning talk was Prayer"
The necessity for prayer and the pow
err of prayer. 1t was strong and in
spring presentation of Gods word
Mr.. Culpepper is man Of strong per-
sonality, fine address and irresistible
in argument. His is the religion to
win the world full of strength and
sweetness. He asked that a message
of love be taken from him to the un-
converted Of Ocala. Rev. Burk Gull
pepper leads the singing. He has
magnificent voice. Tonight at 1880
the first service will be held in the
tent, which has been put UP on the
government lot.