Evening journal., 1911-03-18

gOsDel 10 the unsaved and TO carry II
aggressively to the ungospelled mass
es. to rebuke sinners and denounce
wickedness in the name and by the
authority Of God.
"A large collection Of money for
benevolence is poor compensation for
the loss of power to save souls.
Tt is our duty to bark back TO the
days of the fathers and preach Jesus
with soul set on fire by the Holy
Spirit.
I" The last General Conference ap-
pointed Commission on Evangel-
ism This commission has for it's
head Bishop Joseph r. Berry. -Four
other bishops and a large number OF
laymen are associated together 20
push evangelism in all parts of our
country.
This commission recently put be-
fore the church statement which
contains, among other important
things. the following:
We have come to a strategic hour
in the history OF Methodism. A seri-
ous situation confronts us. The in
crease i'm our membership during re-
cent years has been pitiably small.
While our gifts to certain of our
benevolences have increased by rea-
son Of special campaigns and special
appeals, the passion for evangelism
at home seems TO have declined. These
extraordinary appeals for money can
not long be resultful unless we have
a revival of spiritual life. Only as the
evangelistic impulse OF the church at
home is quickened and vitalized can
we hope TO do really great things for
missions abroad. I'm other words,
we must look after the basis of supply
" These are ringing words and
true. They ought to carry conviction
TO every preacher and layman. Bishop
Berry has been relieved by his col
leagues from some Of his official
duties that he may devote more time
to arouBing the church to a true sense
of her responsibility in this all-im-
portRnt matter.
Caring for the material interests
of the church is important, but the
most important work of the preacher
is the salvation OF souls.
~'sin is am awful fact. It ruins
mons lives in this world, and will
damn their souls I'm the next Our
duty Is 20 save them. Great meetings
will be held on December 10 In this
city. Bishops Berry and Anderson
will be present and take charge We
trust our pastors and people will at
tend in crowds
Stirring Appeals by
Bishops Berry and Anderson.
"The 18th day OF December was set
apart by Methodism of Wilmington
and vicinity. A spirit Of hearty Co
operation and inspiration prevailed,
and great results were accomplish
ed Three meetings We're held dur
ing the day; the first at 1890 a. m.
in st. Paul's Church and was for men
only. 1t was an inspiring sight, more
than three hundrd men partook OF
the Sacrament OF the Lords Supper
Bishop Berry delivered one of the
greatest addresses OF his life. From
TO p. m, an old-fashioned Methodist
prayer meeting was held in st. Paul's
and was open for all members of the
church. At p. m. In the audience
room OF st. Paul's. Bishops Berry and
Anderson gave timely addresses. AT
6 D. m, the Bishops Banquet was Civ
en- In the assembly rooms of Grace
Church. More than two hundred oi
l the nobility of Methodism we're seated
at the tables. II was truly an inspir.
ing function, one which thrilled the
heart Of every lover Of our greai
church. The Bishops were introduced
to each person present and took each
by the hand.
'Then followed the closing services
Of the day i'm Grace Church. Mr.. James
e. Ingram Of Baltimore, spoke first.
and he was followed by Bishops An
derson and Berry. The vast audience
was moved by the stirring appeals Of
these men Of God, and the consecra-
tion of soul and substance to the
Lord and the work Of salvation of men
closed one of the most remarkable
events ever seen in the history of
Methodism In the Wilmington Confer
ence.
Greatest Event in Social MethOdism.
"The Bishops were greatly pleased
with tho large and enthusiastic audi
ences. and with the spirit and serious
! purpose which prevailed. and remark
Il ed that Il was the best of the series OF
services OF the kind held TO thai
date. And one Of the most intelhgen
pastors Of this city who has know
our Church here since 1861 said L
b the writer that Il was the creates
thing that Methodism had seen Il
his day.
"The results have already bee
helpful and far-reaching. We fol
lowed I'D the presence of the Bishop
in our city with the following ap
: peal sent to all the pastors and loca
preachers in the District:
"a Message to tho Pastors an
Churches.
"'Dear Brethren:
= "sThe end Of the Conference yea
a will soon come. Permit mo to cal
/ attention to the benevolences and asl
a you to reach the apportionment TO
] each Of them. The great enterprise
( of the Church must not be crippled
and the work that has been so blesi
4 of God must go forward. Let me EN-
}, phasize the salvation of souls as on
e chief bushes; for that purpose tn
n church has been organized, and 70
: the same purpose We have been calle
n of God to preach the Gospel. lie
j. US then not be satisfied with anythin
short Of tho salvation Of souls a
proof Of our ministry. Methodism
Is an army of invasion, we should NOV
) upon the DEVILS works when an
e wherever found. Our great need
9 power from heaven to aid us. Praye
d is the key which opens Gods r.
II sources Of power. There is nothin
-. L.. o. q