South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-01-03
SHOWS POWER
Of REVEALS
Rev. 7. J. Parsons Declares
All Churches Over World
Recognizing Worth.

Rev. T. J. Parsons, pastor Of the
Quincy street Baptist church. made
the coming evangelistic campaign
the theme OF mis- sermon Sunday
evening. He spoke OF the manner in
which similar religious campaigns
have been received in other cities
and their results. In part he said !:
Thirty churches in South Bend
and Mishawaka are today entering
upon a campaign Of evangelism
which IL is hoped will bring showers
OF blessing 10 the cities in revived
churches and saved souls. The
campaign Will combine the elements
OF unity and diversity which will
emphasize the unity OF purpose ex-
listing among the various Genomina-
tons and at the same time allow an
elasticity of program best suited 70
the situation existing in each
church.
"Revivals have become a recog-
nized power in the work Of the
church OF Jesus Christ throughout
the world. Some do not like the
word revival but whatever the
name given 10 such a series Of meet
ings. the results desired are prac-
tically the same The reformation
was in reality a revival OF vital re-
lsgion which swept over the coun-
tries of Europe in the 18th century.
IN a certain sense, the crusades OF
the middle ages we're revivals. as
they appealed 10 the religious devo-
ton and loyalty OF Christians of
those days
The first half Of the 1 9Th century
was characterized by a great revival,
in which Jonathan Edwards. White
field and the Wesleys were the lead
ing evangelists. With the beginning
of the 18th century the fires OF re-
hgious fervor again broke out under
the leader ship of Nettleton. Baker
and Ffnney. In 1857 revival be-
gan in the United States similar in
character to the recent Welsh re-
vivai. having no distinguished evan
gelist to lead it. In 1875 revivals
under f. p. Hammond. Moody and
Sankey, Major Whittle and others.
introduced a movement which con-
tinues at the present time. and has
given an international reputation 10
Torrey. Chapman. Gypsy Smith,
Billy Sunday and others.
"A peculiar feature about revivals
is. that though many people decry
both evangelist and evangelistic
meetings. most people In the church
es united as a result Of revivals, and
there is a greater demand than ever
for evangelists who have a positive
John the Baptist message. A strik-
ing example was furnished when
DR.. John r. Walker, pastor of the
First United Presbyterian church OF
Chicago. as spokesman for the min
listers OF that city. begged Mr. Sun
day TO accept their invitation 10 hold
a revival in the second city of the
nation. Mr.. Walker said: Mr.. Sun
day. Chicago needs your message. >
IL WAS a great confession.
Three persons are vitality inter
ested I'm every revival-the Chris
tian. the uncOnverted person. and
the holy spirit. It is an effort by the
first. on behalf OF the second.
through the power OF the third The
three main human factors in a re-
vival are prayer. Witnessing and
preaching, and are divinely appoint
ed means for accomplishing the de-
sired results. Four things are en-
phasized in every successful revival
the fact OF sin and its awful con-
sequences, the reality and blessed
ness OF salvation. Jesus Christ the
only and all-suhicient Saviour. and
the authority OF the Bible "a Gods
inspired message TO mankind May
the Lord send us such a gracious
revival here this winter"