The Washington times., 1917-01-31
EVANGELIST BRINGS
AUDITORS TQTEARS
Thousands Sit Terse As Gypsy
Smith Draws Lesson From
Samson's Life.
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CONTINUED from First Page.)
IL ne were informed IN advance OF the
Intentions of large delegations to at
tend he would have a section of seats
roped off and held.
Marylanders To Attend.
The executive committee was today
advised that $50 men and women liv-
ing in Berwyn, Nd, would come to
the services next Tuesday night. The
Marylanders will be headed by a
brass band, and will march through
the streets OF Washington in a body
to the tabernacle.
About $50 men AID women from
Rockville will attend the services Fri
day night OF This week.
Tells Story Of Samson.
More than 5000 persons sat for
forty minutes tense and almost
breathless last night, while Gypsy
Smith Jr., hammered home the story
of Samson, the man who lost some
thing, making 1t applicable to each
member of his audience, and showing
how they, like Samson, could find 1t
again.
The tabernacle at Sixteenth and v
streets was full to the last seat be-
fore 1880 o'clock, the time for the be-
ginning of the services. By that
hour people were standing along the
sides Of the building and packed sew
eral deep in the rear. Before the end
of the sermon, policemen stationed
outside had given the sad news to
many late arrivals that there was
standing room only, and some sor-
rowfully turned their faces home
ward determined to come early Z
night.
AIexandrIans Are Present.
In his dynamic, enthusiastic man.
ner, the services were begun by Prof.
Forest Cole, leading the choir Of 400
trained voices. Advancing to the
front of the rostrum he bade all
stand and sing: Then Come, Well
Gather at the River" In the congre-
CATION were delegations from any
churches in the city. and one whole
section was filled with the members
of the adult Bible classes-of Alex
andria-
After the musical service prelude,
the Rev. John Carpenter Palmer made
few announcements, and intro
duced the Rev. James Shera Mont
gomery, who led in prayer. The Rev.
John Britain Clark, pastor OF the
First Presbyterian Church, read the
lesson, telling the story OF Samson
Soon Warns To Subject.
Gypsy Smith, jr., began his sermon
in the quiet, natural manner he as
sumes before getting warmed up"
He told OF the three ways the Bible
has of driving home a truth, and said
he had picked out Samson because
his life's story was applicable to him
self and each member of his congre-
CATION.
1t was not long before the young
evangelist had become thoroughly
warmed to his subject. He used his
hands, his, feet, and his body in driv-
ing home a point he wished empha-
sized. Starting at the middle of the
rostrum he would rush forward to
the very edge, and shbut Listen,
sir"
GLost His VIII Power"
Samson lost his will power" said
Mr.. Smith. 81 have a will power, and
you have a will power, and in a mans
will power lies his strength. But
listen! / can go out Of here in ten
minutes and lose my self-respect. dis
grace you, my family, and the minis
tiers who have. brought me here. And
listen! You can do II, too, and IL you
do, don't blame anybody in this WIDE
wide world except yourself, sir!
Samson had the most brilliant
prospects. Why?" Numbered the
evangelist, because he had the
strength OF God, sir"
"DeviI Knows Your Weakness"
you have a weakness, and I have
a weakness oS>some kind" said Mr..
Smith, "and know what mine is and
you know what yours is. And the
devil knows, too. The devil is no
fool. He was wise a thousapd years
before you were born. And the devil
is going to attack your weakest point.
And he is going to do It slyly. He is
not going to use a gatling gun when
he can use a tack hammer"
AS the evangelist progressed in his