The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-10

mon until he lifted his hands in bene-
diction the immense throng which
taxed the auditorium to its limit hung
upon the words of the preacher IN an
awe inspired silence. And as the crowd
filed slowly out of the building into
the cool night air outside. in the SILENCE
which followed was evidenced the fact
that the great evangelist had deliv-
cred a message which would long be
felt in the city of Birmingham.
Gipsy Smith began services pioflptly
at 7:20 j. m. After the usual song
service. DIR. J. $. Foster. of the First
Presbyterian church. maze "a snort talk
urging upon the congregation II liberal
contribution to aid in defraying the ex-
penses of the meetings. Acco sdlng to
DR.. Foster said collections Wednesday
night and Thursday morning Amounted
to only $252. The Presbyterian pastor
gave several vivid examples of the re-
suits of the work of Gypsy Smith in the
city and urged that the congre gator
show their appreciation by a more
liberal contribution.
Mr.. Smith began his sermon shortly
after s p. m. From the story Of Zac-
chaeus' meeting with Christ. tie evan
gelist began by pointing out The fact
that a, thirst after righteousness is nec-
essary for redemption.
The Son of man came to seek sin
is also necessary that the sinner hun
ger for the love of God to be saved
Compared to Present Meeting
christs visit to Jericho was COM
pared by the evangelist TO His visit to
Birmingham In the present meetings
Just as the Savior touched Zacchaeus
so is he touching the hearts Of many
sinners at the present time. But as
Zacchaeus was willing to climb into the
tree that he might behold the Savior, so
must men of the present be willing to
cast behind them their faults and pub
licly seek Gods grace and mercy. Zac-
chaeus was handicapped. He WAS small
of statue and among the crowd he
would have been unable to obtain a
glimpse of the man he sought. Just so
are men now handicapped by their
sins, said MIR. Smith. and even as Zac-
chaeus, so must they be ready to make
sacrifices to find Him.
Here the evangelist pointed out the
fact that there is but one time TO ac-
eept the forgiveness of Christ--the
present.
Jesus can't wait" he said. Neither
can the sinner who is seeking Him. He
must be accepted ioyfully, upon i'm
pulse and without delay"
= No man is too low for the notice of
Jesus. said the evangelist. He picks His
SciNdiilS lioii1 tNtIN VAIN VI iiit anu
many of the most notable of these come
in men whom the world could see
nothing good. Newton Moody, McKin- :
sey and others We're cited by Mr.. Smith
as examples of men who came to God
the most hardened of sinners and who
created lasting influence for good in
the upbuildins of Chrsts kingdom.
Anyone can get right with God.
said Mr.. Smith. But no one can ge.
right with Him in a halfway manner.
There must be a Willingness 10 elimi-
nate every pleasure that stands be-
tween You and religious life, no sac
rifice can be too great
In the course of hTs sermon Gypsy
Smith digressed to discuss prohibit on.
A bitter attack upon present conditions
in this respect ELECTED applause from
the ngregation and many joined him
in pledging themselves to fign. for the
eradication of the saloon
Two services will be held today at
the usual hours. On Saturday there
will be no morning meeting, and the
afternoon service will be devoted en-
tirely to negroes Sunday night Gypsy
Smith Will speak to men only.