New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-14

John D. Rockefeller, jr., led in prayer
at the Billy Sunday Tabernacle last
night. Twenty-Five thousand persons
were present.
Mr.. Rockefeller said;
30 Lord, We thank Thee there are
so many men and women in this city
who are interested, not in education,
not in pleasure, not in money making,
nor in social functions, but in the
deeper things of the spirit. For three
months now they have filled this Taber-
nacle night after night. people who
are hungering and thirsting for sal
walton.
"They come from all walks of life TO
Thee. From humble homes and from
palaces, or from no homes at all; they
meet here as equals. If their hearts
are not pure, they need what Thou
canst do for them. Thou only canst
take from their backs the burden Of
sin and send them forth into newness
of life.
Praise for Sunday
eve bless Thee for this splendid
man of Goa. There are those who
thought him insincere. but Thou hast
always known the depths of his heart.
and those who have come here night
after night will now testify to his deep
sincerity.
Money is not his object. He is
huLgering and thirsting for souls, and
because of this, criticism has turned to
praise. Those who came TO scott have
stayed TO praise. Thou hast used this
child of God as Thou never used man
before, and we thank Thee"
Mr.. Rockefeller's prayer was punctu-
ated by low-voiced "amens" from Sum
day. After the prayer he grasped Mr..
Rcckefeller's arm afectionately, and
the two walked 20 the rear of the plat
form talking. Mr.. Rockefeller then re-
tired 10 a modest seat behind the grand
piano.
Sunday had another moment Of
triumph earlier in the evening when
James NJ. Spear told how the committee
had tried 70 make Mr.. Sunday stay in
New York another week.
Refuses to Stay Week Longer
The great meeting one Of the
largest the Tabernacle has seen-burst
into applause. All eyes were turned on
Sunday, but he sat in his chair. shak-
ing his head "No" The Charles Fran
els Press delegation jumped up, waving
flags, and tho navy delegation, TO the
left. joined in the yelling.
Hands up everybody who wants Mr..
Sunday 10 stay another week" cried
Mr.. Spear, and every hand in the house
came up. IL was a sad anti-climax
when Mr.. Spear announced that Mr..
Sunday had been obliged 70 decline the
invitation.
His sermon for the evening was on
the question of the divinity of Christ.
you folks who say you won't be
Christians because you can't under
stand the mysteries Of Christ nigh,
just as well 90 out and take strychnine
because you can't understand the mys.
teries Of life. You're nuts
you might as well yank the sun ou,
OF the heavens and put candle in its
place as try 70 get into Heaven on the
strength Of social work and kind
thoughts Of your neighbors."
Initiates Various Sects
He wound up with his famous series
Of limitations OF various religious sects,
(which are built on other foundations
than Christ" He sat in his chair,
moaning like lost soul. and then
jumped up and mmicked various teach
eTs.
1t was one Of the most solemn Of all
the Sunday sermons, lightened by a
few bursts Of humor. A reference 20
Napoleon and st. Helena, however, re-
minded him Of present affairs.
Say, hope the Kaiser knows that
Gres, Britain still owns st. Helenal"
he cried.