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The fcllowing diagrams illustrate the method: L'(S9Mmplaire filmi fut reproduit grdce d la SfmiroeitA de: Bibliothdque nationale du Canada tarn ivntigfM suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le pAiA grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et dim lb nettetA de I'exemplaire f ilmi, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de ffiikvmgr •Kemplaires originaux dont la couverture en It imprimte sont film^s en commenpant He premier plat et en terminant soit par la dttrmif page qui comporte une empreinte lion ou d'illustration, soit par le second ••ton le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires ix sont film^s e AND LABORS mw^m '.i^^j^s^-^'^' yf mi JiARir litce, later expkri. *fl %V. iUi ACaiFVEMi Srf. OF TliV MOST iK?»<« .=:".'vrr-"' : ^m''> '•I^ORK iN GRIUV ft k! TAIN AXD • Ttik '. :•> -^KEACENCV <'-t THESE iVU.N ; AND EM- ■.i^Q,-m4^"m:^: lltM^fJY'S SERMONS AS PKKACHEr- . uarrf - .51?;. ' ?• IHE AT la:' 'TIC, HIS i'RAY.ER' .• vf.i) •*&«*!*; OF THf>UGH;7' - '^■hitif-,. TOOK THE v. WITH r i"^'|jpp».1ES'l CONNl.C- " " ; aj.v vvoN- , .4.il I0£^ POTTS,- ^mna^TOr ONT.: /»«E ■-tv.lL,: M ^ g tfOVBT; 48 RING STJ^^'tT KAST. THE LIVES AND LABORS Of MOODY ^SANKEY A CONCTSE NARRATIVE OF THE EARLY LIVES, LATER EXPERI- ENCES, AND GRAND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EVANGELISTS OF MODERN TIMES; * BBmo A FULL HISTORY OF GOD'S WORK IN GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA THROUGH THE AGENCY OF THESE MEN ; AND EM- BRACING, ALSO, MR. MOODY'S SERMONS AS PREACHED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC, HIS PRAYER- MEETING TALKS, AND " GEMS OF THOUGHT," I MR. SANKEY'S HYMNS, TOGETHER WITH I EVERYTHING OF INTEREST CONNEC- TED WITH THEIR TRULY WON- DERFUL CAREER OF CHRIS- TIAN CONQUEST. INCIiUDIKS , OHICAGO & BOSTON SEEMONS & MEMOIR OE P. P. BUSS. -»«- ■■.. .V REV. ROBERT BOYD, D.D. WITH AN UITB(H>CCTION BT ,BEV. JOHN POTTS, Patter qf Hu Metropolitan Church, Toronto, NBW IMPBOVBD BDITION. TORONTO, ONT. : PUBLISHED BY A. H. UOVEY, 48 KING STREET EAST. 1877 356578 AGENTS WANTED. Eetired clergymen, school-teachers, professioDal men, and young men from the country of fair education and good ad- dress, are wanted to act as agents in introducing this book, and my other popular and standard publications, into every towQship in the Dominion. I now have a large number of agents engaged selling my publications, many of whom are of the highest respectability, and include ministers, school teach- ers, farmers, and mechanics, who have left their former occu- pations to engage in this enterprise because of the large profits to be realised and the great good they may accomplish. Still there is room, and I can give constant and profitable employment to some hundreds more. By engaging in the sale of my first-class subscriptio;i books you will contribute to the intellectual and moral elevation of your fellows, and to your own improvement. Circulars, giving full particulars, will be sent to those who intend engaging in this work, by adilressing, A. n. ROTEY, Publisher. Ko. 48 Kino Street East, Toromto, Ont. ** .^ '■m » • i- INTRODUCTION. ^: By Rev. John Potts, Pastor of the Metropolitan Church, Toronto. I FEEL it a great pleasure to introduce to the Christian Churches of the Dominion a Canadian edition of a book written by Dr. Eobert Boyd, of Chicago, giving an account of Messrs. Moody and Sankey, their lives, and their wonder- ful evangelistic work. ^ The issue of this volume is at a time when there is a€^ general interest awakened on the subject of religion. The reading of this thrilling narrative will contribute largely to increase that interest by giving directness to the zeal and efforts of God's people, and encouraging the timid but sincere seeker to trust the compassionate Saviour, whose power and willingness to save are so amply illustrated in every chapter of this work. The names of D. L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey are familiar in every English-speaking country throughout the world, and are well known in lands where the English language ia not spoken. Why are the names of those men as household words among all donominations of Christians] Who are they % They are not ordained ministers of Christ. They are not trained in the learnings of the schools, and they make n inence , and and jture, id the ice in com- to a ivine than ^oid, yoa, than much fine gold ; sweeter also than honey and Ihe hjney-comb." Prayer has also had a large place in this moYement Wo learn, and can easily credit the statoment, that Mr. Moody is a man of prayer. The work tliat he has been able to do is largely the fruit of " effectual forvent prayer." Then, he has drawn around him a band of choice spirits from the ranks of the ministry and membership of the various branches of the Church of Christ — souls on whom the anointing of the Spirit has rested, and thus the whole movement has been surroun- ded with an atmosphere of prayer. The preaching of Mr. Moody cannot be overlooked in accounting for the success which has attended the services. The sermons are earnest, direct spiritual expositions of the Word of God. There is an intensity in the appeals which burns its way to the heart and conscience, and there is such an appropriateness in the illustrations and anecdotes, that the most ordinary hearers can see and often feel the application of the Gospel message. I incline to the opinion that Mr. Moody has done good service in opening the eyes of ministers to see that hearty, earnest sermons are better than dry, elaborate discourses or polished essays upon general topics of Scripture. These are days when ministers of Christ should speak with such force of truth and unction that men may feel that mes- sengers of heaven ** are beseeching them in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God." The singing of Mr. Sankey has formed a very attractive feature of the meetings. While Mr. Moody has preached the INTRODUCTION. Gospel, with feS^fts earnestness has Mr. Sankey sung the Gospel — sung it until heads w«e bowed in prayer, until bosoms heaved with emotion, and hearts cried out to " Jesus of Nazareth passing by," ** Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy upon me." In accounting for the unusual success of this evangelistic movement, the first place must be given to the Holy SpiTit. The chief workers and subordinate helpers have acted as if they heard the voice of God saying, " Not by might, nor by power ; but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." Every step has been taken with the utterance upon the lips of the leaders, " We believe in the Holy Ghost ; " and thus depending upon the Spirit, the Spirit has attended the songs of Zion, and the proclamation of the Gospel, with the power that enlightens, subdues, attracts and saves. I confidently hope that this volume may stir the hearts of God's people, and constrain many to engage more fully in the blessed work of winning Bouls. ,■ r CONTENTS. 9 Introduction by Hev. John Potts 3 Chap. I. — History of their Early Lives 21 Chap. JI. — Beginnings Abroad 50 Chap. III.— The Word in Edinburgh 66 Chap. IV.— On to Glasgow 96 Chap. V. — The Evangelists in Ireland 114 Chap. VI.— The Glory of God in Dublin 124 Chap. VII.— The Harvest in England 134 Chap. VIII.— Times of Blessing in Sheffield 143 Chap. IX.—" The World's Toyshop" Welcomes Them.. 153 Chap. X. — Liverpool's ^lonth of Mercy 162 Chap. XI. — Mighty London is Blessed 1 70 Chap. XII. — Farewell in Liverpool 199 Chap. XIII. — Moody and Sankey in Brooklyn 210 Chap. XIV.— The Evangelists in Philadelphia : . .239 Chap. XV. — The Work of Grace in New York ; and Ser- mons by Mr. Moody 348 Chap. XVL— New Stories from an Old ll.)ok 391 Chap. XVIL— Prayer-Meeting Talks 413 Chap. XVIIL— The Prophet Daniel in Mr. Moody's Version 423 Chap. XIX.— How to Study and Mark your Bible 440 • Chap. XX. — Moody's Gi ma of Christian Thought 446 Selections from Sankey's Hymns , 456 Chap. XXI. — Chicago Sermons 46l' « Memoir of Philip P. Bliss 484 Chap. XXIL— The Revival Work in Boston 497-524 .? MOODY AND SANKEY. CHAPTER I. ■ t ' HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. *^S^iii«?HILE seeking to satisfy a natural curiosity respect ing the men who have accomplished the graLdesi evangelistic Avork of modern times, and who seem • but to have entered upon their wonderful career oJ Christian conquest, wo also unfold a stranger page of Divine Providence than we usually encounter. and see how God trains His servants for the peculiar service to which He invites them. Whatever truly represents a human life must be interesting, howover lowly that exist ence and humble its surroundings. We could wish for more information concerning our blessed Lord and His early Lifo, but enough has been given to verify Him to us as a real per sonage, and to show that all A^as in keeping with the unique character He possessed and the double office He performetl. The same is true respecting the apostles and evangelists. We have no burdensome minutiaj of description, but only general outlines and occasional facts of chaTacteristic interest and historic ikrportance. In reference to these new candidates for honor as great harvesters in the field of souls, ono of whom (Mr. Moody) is a personal friend, and has been an intimate acquaintance fur fifteen years, in addition to personal knoAvledge, we find auipli> 1 22 MOODY AND SAN KEY. \ materials scattered in br jks and periodicals, and gather them into such forms as will best meet the wants of our readers, being careful to exercise judgment in the selection and group- ing, that we may portray truthfully the ways of Providence in their course of education and training for their present mighty success. D wight Lyman Moo% was born in Northfield, Massa- chusetts, February 5th, 1837; being the sixth of nine children (seven sons and t^^o daughters) of Edwin Moody. When he was but four years old his father died. All that was left to his mother for the support of herself and children was the little home on the mountain side, with an acre or two of land ; and even this was encumbered with mortgage. Some of her worldly-wise neighbours advised her to give away or bind out her children ; but this she determined not to do. God had endowed her with unusual strength both of body and mind, and, trusting in Him, she bravely lifted hei burden of poverty and toil, and carried it patiently, hopefully, and at length cheerfully, until her little ones were able to heljj her bear it, and at last to fill her hands with plenty as they had filled her heart with love and care. The pressing cares and heavy burdens of Mrs. Moody led her to seek for a Friend and Helper in the Lord. She was determined to do all she could to save her children in this life ; and believed in a God who would do the same for them in the life to come. She placed herself and family under the instructions of Pastor Everett, and they were all baptized together, and received into the Unitarian Church of Northfield, after tho fashion of those days. The shadow of poverty was over them, but the love of the Great Father above, and of the godly mother below, kept the ittle nes from want and gloom, and made their home a happy one i . ito of theiv miff'r^^^unos. HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 23 A lovelier spot than that old homestead wmM Ibe hard t« find. It stands on the eastern slope of !tii His mother still lives in the old home «lt y®BlilifieId, and to that cherished spot Mr. Moody L.astened aapiMai lira arrival from England, his name known and blessed ttHuntwiighout the whole civilized world. Surely that mother him met a great reward for her faithfulness and love 5 the breal *lu& east upon the waters years ago has been found again- A writer gives us an incident of the •eiiaily luGme which D wight often uses with powerful effect. Btam^ Ibimself a man of the strongest domestic attachmen:^, 'im appeak to these tenderer elements of our nature with jm& aaokl tiemen- dous skill and power. One of the elder sons, with a boyish MiMBsm to make his fortune in the great world, suddenly disPipiJXMBBeeL For years no tidings of the lost boy rea(;ibeii tfcie widowed mother. It seemed sometimes as if her heaat wmaild break for him. " Oh ! if I could only know he yvM. 4«aiJ, it would be better than this ! Maybe he is sick aiai im. want ! — maybe he has fallen in with wicked men, who wjE saake him like themselves ! " They would all sit in a semi-circle ahmi Uii& Sxb of a stormy winter's night, • and listen to stoi-ks (&i iheij dead father, what ho did, what he said, how he Imkei^ Low ho 24 MOODY AND SASXEY. felll i' was kind to a friend and lost a gssadl deal of money by him, and so their little home was mailt^i;ieg!»lr aoid they were poor. But if by chance any one epc^te 11|Il& name of the absent brother, a great silence fall upon ihma. ; the tears would come into the eyes of the mother, and itlbsiiii they would steal away to bed, whispering their " goodnni^^bilt^'' and walking softly as they went ; for that name was M^ sk awor d-thrust to the mother's heart. Then they wouli Ek awake listening to the roar of the wind among the mtiwrnnlladnnsi, thinking maybe he was out in the cold somewhere, or, wmsB than that, perhaps he had gone to sea, and while ttlMy wm& snug in bed, was keeping watch on a wave-beaten dtiji, oc climbing a reeling mast in just such darkness and Kfciimint Now and then between tlie jgoiBte a sound would be heard like the wail of the summejr wmi when it used to make harp strings of the leaves Mki toinches of the great maple trees in the yard ; low and gaitlllie now, and again rising into louder and stronger tcmsE. Then they held their breath and listened. Mother was sattUM^ up to pray for her lost boy. ' Next morning perhaps she woull msai. them down to the post-office in the village, a mile and a MM away, to ask for a letter— a letter from him, though that umi^heiz never said so. But no letter ever came. Long years after, when the widsnr wa» growing old, and her soft dark hair was turning vrhMit,, mut^ summer afternoon a tall, swarthy man, with heavy Bdbak beard, was seen coming in at the gate. He came la^ maui^ the porch, and, the door being open, he stopped and lawiJkffli in, with an eager anxious face, as if he were afraid he Mii^lt not find the one ae was seeking, though he had stoppei att the tihurch-yard on his way through the village, to see ^irfttt«h«r there were two ^ravc3 instead of one, where his iaHhat had been laid so -^# HISrE2H35' OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 25 many years ago. .^irely his mother was not dead, but was she still at the dlQ aome f The widow conu to the door to bid the stranger in. The eyes that had wttfcdifidi so long for his coming did not know him now. He wi^ only a hoy when he ran away ; years of hardship and flXTiDRire to sun and storm had made him. strange even to ;liH5 mnther. ' "Will you aaxxEL in?" said she, in her courteous and kindly way. But the stranCTa -^Ud not move or speak. He stood there humbly and ponitmtd^, in the presence of her whose love he had slighted, anD wdiose heart he had broken, and, as a sense of his ingntfitmio began to overwhelm him, the big tears began to finiltftieir way over his weather-beaten face. By those tcaiB t&H mother recognized her son. He had 3ome at last ! TEiBaBP was so much of the old home in him that he could laH ativaya stay away. But he would not cross its thTeshrilfl till he had confessed his sin against it, and heard from fe.'ame lips which had prayed for him so often and so lons,tiiH aweet assurance that he was forgiven. " No ! no !" fiuiU Ha ;. "I cannot come in till my mother forgives me." Weeping upon His neck, forgetting all the sorrow he had caused her in the jjiy of seeing him once more, she forgave him because he isteali it;, and because she loved him " And that i? jjisffc the way," says Moody, — who some times tells the sttnyr to his great congregations, — " that is just the way Gotl thrgives all the prodigal sons who come back to Him. Dcj^nu. think mother kept her long-lost boy out there in the yradh tilL he had gone through with a string of apologies, and flmfr a list of penances, and said ever-so- many prayeis *? lotta^all! She took him to her heart at once. She madeMimaome right in. She forgave him aU, Si$ MOODY AND SAN KEY. ilF and rejoiced over his coming more than over all the other children. He had been lost, and now he was found 1" At the ago of 17 D wight felt an irrepressible anxiety to strike out for himself, and he accordingly went to Boston with his mother's blessing on his head, and commenced his city life as a clerk. He was drawn to Dr. Kirk's Congiega- tional church, and with Edward Kimball's Bible class. Here he made considerable sport by his desire for knowledge, and his abrupt ways. He was led to Christ by the instrumen- tality of these influences, but through lack of instruction was not permitted to join the church till a year had passed, or he was able to give an intelligent account of himself as a be- liever. Ifothing daunted, he kept straight on ; but at last, feeling his own deficiencies among a people composed so largely of the educated, and being kindly advised by his pas- tor that he had not better attempi; to speak in the meetings, he became discouraged and left the East, and gravitated to the metropolis of the West, and began work in a shoe-store in Chicago, September, 1856. Says one of his biographers : " On Sunday he sought out a Mission Sunday School, and offered his services as a teacher. He was informed that the school had a full supply of teachers, but if he would gather a class, he might occupy a seat in the school-room. The next Sabbath he appeared with eighteen boys, and a place was assigned him for his new and rough recruits. This was the beginning of his mission to the * masses.* On that day he unfolded his theory of how * to reach the masses ' — * Go for them.' "Soon after, he commenced the 'North Market Hall Mission School.' The old market-hall was used on Saturday nights for dancing ; and after the motley crowd had dispersed, Mr. Moody and his associates spent the late hours of Satur- day night and the early hours of Sunday morning in removing HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. ^7 tho sawdust and filth, cleansing tho floor, and puttinpj the room in order for their Christian work. The repetition of this kind of labour week after week was obviously not very agreeable ; but it was cheerfully rendered by a yor.ng man who lived for one object — the salvation of souls. In this hall the school was held for six years, and increased to over one thousand members. Many were brought to Jesus ; and the work was carried forward amidst marked encouragements and discouragements. " Finding it extremely difficult to hold prayer-meetings or Sabbath-evening services in this hall, Mr. Moody rented a saloon that would accommodate about two hundred persons. He boarded up tho side windows, and furnished it with un- painted pine-board seats. It was a dismal, unvcntilated place, and during service it was necessary to have policemen to guard the door and building. Here he collected the poor and the vicious ; and sought, by melting appeals and fervent prayers, to lead hardened sinners to abandon their evil courses and accept the offers of salvation." Says another : " The man who may be called, jcar excd- lenre, the Lightning Christian of the Lightning City, is Mr. Moody, the President of thj Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, and a man whose name is a household word in connec- tion with missionary work. I went to one of his mission schools, and have rarely beheld such a scene of high-pressure evangelization. It made me think irresistibly of those breath- ing steamboats on the Mississippi, that must either go fast or burst. Mr* Moody himself moved energetically about the school most of tho time, seeing that everybody w. at work, throwing in a word where he thought it necessary, and in- spiring every one with his own enthusiasm. " As soon as the classes had been going on for a specific number of minutes, he mounted a platform, rang a bell, and M'} a8 MOODY AND SANKEY! II addresawd the children. lie is a keen, dark-eyed man, with a somewhat shrill voice, but with thorough earnestness of man- ner and delivery. Ilis remarks were few, but pointed and full of interrogation, keeping the children on their mettle. It is one of his first principles, never, in any of the religious exercises, to allow the interest or attention of the audience to flag for an instant. At a great religious convention held at Chicago to which five hundred delegates came from all parts of the United States, he got a resolution passed that no one ahould be allowed more than three minutes for his speech. The result was that an immense number got an opportunity for speaking, and an admirable check was put on the Ameri- can tendency to copibus, flowery oratory. Every man had to dash in at once, say what he had to say without loss of words, and leave out all minor points to get time for the points oi most importance. One or two of Moody's remarks were, * Services are not made interesting enough, so as to get un- converted people to come. They are not expected to come, and people would be mortified if they aid come. Don't get into a rut. I abominate ruts. There are few things that I dread more.' '' -, ** Though earnest in his piety, and full of religious con- •vorsation. Moody has no patience with mere cant, and wants everybody to prove his sincerity by his acts. At % meeting in behalf of a struggling charity, a wealthy layman, loud in his religious profession, offered up a prayer that the Lord would move the hearts of the people to contribute the sum required. Mr. Moody rose, and said that all the charity wanted was only two thousand dollars, and that he considered it absurd for a man with half a million to get up and ask tlie Lord to do anything in the matter, when he could himself, with a mere stroke of his pen, do all that was needed, and ten times more, and never feel the difference. HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 2C "The first thing Mr. Moody does with those whom h«; succeeds in bringing under Christian influence is, to turn them to account in pushing qn the good work. He considers no place too bad, no class too hardened, to be despaired of He sometimes takes a choir of young people, well trained in singing, to the low drinking saloons, to help him in wooing the drunkards and gamblers away to the meetings. On one such occasion, which was described to me, he entered one of these dens with his choir, and said, * Would you like to havo a song, gentlemen V No objection was offered, and the chil- dren sung a patriotic song in fine style, eliciting great ap- plause. Mr. Moody then had a hymn sung by them, and meanwhile went round giving tracts to those present. Whoii the hymn was over he said, * We shall now have a word of prayer.' *No, no,' cried several in alarm, *no prayer here.' *0h yes, we'll have a few words of prayer. Quiet for a minute, gentlemen,' he said, and proceeded to offer up a few earnest petitions. Some of the men were touched ; and when he invited them to go with him to his meeting and hear moro about salvation, half of them rose and went. It is believed that if Pandemonium were accessible, Mr. Moody would havo a mission started there within a week." • > Mr. Reynolds of Peoria said recently at a Convention in Toronto, Canada, as if in illustration of this last remark : " The first meeting I ever saw him at was in a little oltl shanty that had been abandoned by a saloon-keeper. Mr. Moody had got the place to hold the meeting in at night. 1 went there a little late; and the first thing I saw was a man standing up, with a few tallow candles around him, holding a negro boy, and trying to read to him the story of the Prodi- gal Son ; and a great many of the words he could not make out, and had to skip. I though^ if the Lord can ever use such an instrument as that for his honour and glory, it will 30 MOODY AND SANKEY. il \m \m\ I'" 1 astonish me. After that meeting was over Mr. Moody said to mo, ' Reynolds, I have got only one talent : I have no education, but I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and I want to do something for Him ; and I want you to pray for me.' I have never ceased from that day to this, morning and night, to pray for that devoted Christian soldier. I have watched him since then, have had counsel wiin him, and know him thoroughly ; and, for consistent walk and conversation, I have never met a man to equal him. It astounds me when I look back and see what Mr. Moody was thirteen years ago, and then what he is under God to-day — shaking Scotland to its very centre, and reaching now over to Ireland. " The last time I heard from him, his injunction was, * Pray for me every day ; pray now that God will keep me humble.'" ' " I shall always remember Mr. Moody," says one ; ^* for he was the means of leading me to Christ. I was in 8 railway train one day, when a stout, cheery-looking stranger came in and sat down in a seat beside me. We were passing through a beautiful country, to which he called my attention, saying, — , " ' Did you ever think what a good Heavenly Father we have, to give us such a pleasant world to live in ? ' " I made some indifferent answer ; upon which he earnestly inquired, — "* Are you a Christian 9 * ^ i " I answered, * No.' " * Then' said he, * you ought to be one at; onee. I am to get off at the next station, but if you will kneel down, right here, I will pray to the Lord to make you a Christian.' " Scarcely knowing what I did, I knelt down beside him there, in the car filled with passengers, and he prayed for me with all his heart. Just then the train drew up at the HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 31 station, and he had only time to /jot ofT before it started again. " SudJmly cominp; to myself out of what seemed more nice a dream than reality, I rushed out on the car platform, and shouted after him, ' Tell me who you are 1 ' " He replied, * My name is Moody.' " I never could shake off the conviction which then took hold upon me, until the strange man was answered, and I had became a Christian man." Thus he wrought with men wherever he could find open ears to hear the message of salvation, whether in a saloon, the railway car, the mission building or the sanctuary. His soul being intent on saving men, he knew that by joining others in his Christian enterprise he would thua vastly multiply his usefulness. He accordingly made himself a recruiting agent for his school, and brought the neglected multitudes of the North side into classes taught by such helpers as he could yoke up with himself. The population of his district was largely made up of Germans and other foreigner.^, who are accustomed to a tSabbath not of the Puritanic but rather the Satanic sort. Sunday is the day devoted by many to concerts, balls, and pleasure generally. Mr. Moody saw that to succeed in such a population, a school must be exceedingly lively and attractive, and as he observed that the Germans made constant use of music in their meetings, ho was led to consider ■whether music might not be employed somewhat prominently in the service of Christ. Not being himself a singer, he got a friend who could sing to help him, and for the first few evenings the time was spent between singing hymns and telling stories to the children, so as to awaken their interest and induce them to return. A hold having in this way been established, the school was divided into classes and conducted more in the usual way. ^■ i: ■: 32 MOODY AND SAN KEY. ;liiii I liHill m This school became the basis of wider operations. After a time a lively interest in divine things began to appear among the children. This led to the holding of meetings every night, and to ♦he offering of prayers and delivery of addresses suitable to the circumstances of the children. These meetings began to be attended also by the parents, some of whom shared the blessing. It may be stated here that some of those young persons who were converted at this time, remain to the present day the most valuable and active coadjutors in tho work with which Mr. Moody is associated in Chicago. In most cases neither the children nor their parents had hitherto been connected with any Christian church. Mr. Moody began to find himself constrained to supply them with spiritual food. At first ho encouraged them to connect themselves with other congregations. But it was found that in these they were next to lost or swallowed up ; they felt themselves strangers, sometimes unwelcome strangers, while they lost all the benefit of neighborhood, mutual interest, and combination in the worship of God. Gradually, there- fore, Mr. Moody felt shut up to taking charge of them, and supplying them with Christian instruction. Both school and church continued to increase, the school amounting to about a thousand, and suitable buildings were erected through the liberality of friends. Mr. Moody had by this time given up business, so that he might be free to give his whole time and attention to the work. As he felt himself called by the Lord to this step, he resolved to decline all' salary or allowance from any quarter, and trust for the maintenance solely to what it might be put into the hearts of God's people to contribute. Being quite destitute of private means, this resolution showed that his faith in a divine call to give himself to Christian work was capable of bearing a great HISTORY OF TBIEIR EARLY LIVES. 33 strain. At tho samo time, while adopting this course for himself, he has never pressed it upon others, unless they should clearly see it to bo thoir duty. And while believing himself called to a kind of supplementary work in the ministry, ho is very far from prescribing the samo role to others. On the contrary, he is the steady friend of a regular ministry, being fully persuaded that in " ordaining elders in every city," tho apostles meant to set up tho permanent platform of the Christian Church. Mr. Moody had acquired a position of much influence in the United States in connection with Sunday-schools and mission work when the war broke out between North and South. This led to a now turn being given to his labors. There was a large camp in the neighborhood of Chicago, to which he gave much attention, going there night after night and striving to bring the soldiers under the influence of divine grace. When the Christian Commission was organ- ized, under the presidency of his friend, George H. Stuart, of Philadelphia, Mr. Moody became one of his most energetic coadjutors. He did not go into the army as an agent of tho Commission, but he was President of the Executive b:anch for Chicago, and nine different times he went to one or other of the scenes of warfare, remaining somo weeks and working with all his might. These services with tho army wore of no littlo use, not only in producing direct fruit, but also in developing that prompt and urgent method of dealing with men, that strenuous endeavour to get them to accept imme- diate salvation, which is still so conspicuous a feature of his mode of address. With wounded mun hovering between life and death, or with men on march, resting for an evening in some place which they were to leave to-morrow, it was plainly, so far at least as he was concerned, the alternative of " now or never ; " and as he could not allow himself nor allow them p m 34 MOODY AND SANKEY. l! I; m •im\ to bo satisfied with tho " never," he bent his whole energies to the "now." - In all this work Mr. Moody bore an important and honor ablo part. His frequent excursions to battle-fields and camps made him, more than any other man, the medium of commu- nication 'between the work in the army and the work at home. He was on the field after the battles of Pittsburgh Landing, Shiloh, and Murfreesboro, with tho army at Cleve- land and Chattanooga, and was one of the first to enter Richmond, where he ministered alike to friend and foe. The war bein,q ended, Mr. Moody had more time to develop his work in Chicago. ' ■ ' , To sot others to work in the vineyard had long been one of his chief aims, and by means of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association, in which he took a great interest, he was higlily sdccessfiil. Mr. Moody strove tc: inspire the Chicago Association witli his own spirit, and to send them to work in tho vineyard. The hall of the Association became oue of the stated scenes of his own labors. The Association was very unfortunate in the matter of fires — its first building having been burnt down in 1867, and its second in the great fire of Chicago in 1871. According to Mr. David Macrae, " the lightning city " showed such activity of movement, that the money for the second building was all subscribed before the fire had completed the destruction of the first. This, we believe, is somewhat hyperbolical; but in sober truth, the arrangements for the restoration of the building after the first fire were made with wonderful rapidity. The now building contained a hall of enormous size. Mr. Moody was accustomed to preach to his own people in the morni!)^, to superintend a Sunday School of about a thousand in the afternoon, and to preach again in the evening in the hall of the Toung Men's Christian Association. HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 35 In October, 1871, occurred a terrible fire which destroyed a great part of Chicago. Mr. Moody, with his wife and two children, was roused in the middle of the night to find the fierce fire approaching their dwelling, and leaving his house and household gear to their fate (all the property he pos- sessed), had to hurry along and seek shelter in the houses of friends. Mr. Moody's school and church, as well as the buildings of the Young Men's Christian Association, perished likewise in the conflagration. The feelings of himself and his fellow-citizens, on going to see the ruins, can hardly bo conceived. But after the first stunning sensation was over, faith and hope revived. In one month after the fire a tempo- rary erection was completed ! No small energy must have been required to accomplish this, amid the confusion, the bustle, and the infinity of things that had to be attended to. Uat reared the wooden building was, and it has served the purpose of church and school till a new and substantial building has been erected. « When things had settled down after the Chicago fire, Mr. Moody began to think of permanent premises for his school and church. A suitable site was secured, and it was resolved to proceed with the erection of a large and commodious building, which, besides accommodation for the schools, will have a hall or church, containing sittings for 2,500. The cost of the whole will be about $100,000. Mr. Moody, by his disinterested labors, has made so many friends all over his country, that the contributions have flowed freely from all parts. Among the most interesting was a colossal sub- scription from 500,000 Sabbath School children, of five cents each, all anxious to have a brick in Mr. Moody's tabernacle From Pekin he received a contribution of $300 from an unknown friend. A few converted Chinamen collected a few dollars even from their Pagan couutrymen. I 3<3 MOODY AND SANKEV. Ill, Hi' "; il lllilli In I :< Mr. Moody was now so well known that invitations to hold or address meetings poured in upon him from all parts of the country, and his connection with the Young Men's Christian Association gave him prominence, and won him hosts of influential friends. He saw that he could be more useful in widening his sphere of labor, and this also induced him to cross the sea, and catch the inspiration from earnest hearts in England, where piety runs deeper than it usually does in our active communities. A large number of his congregation in' Chicago were also Britons, and this circum- stance gave him an introduction to the scenes where he has won his splendid triumphs. Twice has Mr. Moody visited England and become known by his preaching and by organizing a daily prayer- meeting in London. His heart was won by young Harry Morehouse, who gave him many beautiful lessons in preach- ing by his example, and also encouraged him in those BibL readings which have made him a power for good in many cities and communities at home and abroad. Morehouse and Varley were cuosen friends of the American Evangelist, and thei welcomed him to their own country with hearty enthu- siasfti. Mr. Varley relates that : "On visiting at a friend's house with Mr. Moody in England, some years ago, I said to him, * It remains for the world to see what the Lord can do with a man wholly consecrated to Christ.' Mr. Moody soon returned to America, but those words clung to him with puch power that he was induced to return to England, and commenced that wonderful series of labors in Great Britain. Mr. Moody said to me on returning to England, ' Those were the words of the Lord through your lips, to my soul.' " Mr. Moody also passed through some marvellous religious experiences that roused him to attempt great things ^r God, HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVESL 37 60 that when asked why he was going to Eo^ial » thirJ I time, he answered, ** to win ten thousand soul* im- Christ." Ho had no moans to go with, but having felt tisBJktl (d God to enter upon his tour, he prepared for it *8 if 13m! mmnej was ►already in hand. And up to the very eve of Ms I'leparture he knew not where the money was uoming froia to pay hid passage. ^Then a gentleman came to him, and sail h» thought he might need funds after he got to England, aaaii plaieed in his hands five hundred dollars. Mr. Moody's financial condition after the G«i«aft Pwe waa well shown by an incident that occurred iBae fi!>liIowing Sunday night. He had been invited by Dr. Qmii^'p&&dj the pastor of the Second Baptist Church, to pi^aela Hw him. This invitation was conveyed to him by his l>iro>(tfiiiftu iadaw, W. H. Holden, Esq., Superintendent of the & S, of the Second church, and accepted. After seruioaa^ ih& pastor offered him ten dollars with the remark, " this is »M I have." "Then," said Mr. M., " I won't take but half ,^ it, though I have not one cent." An immense congre^aiiostt greeted the preacher, and Dr. Eobert Patterson, who w«« j)Te?eni;, remarked that there was more Gospel in that s&imifm tfcian. in half a dozen ordinary ones. His Bible, which he h»i «natched from the flames, he left on the desk, and the pa«t5W Ifiinuiimg it there examined it with care, and observed witii wmdet how thoroughly and faithfully it had been studied, a« wswf shown by the ink marks it bore on almost ever}'' pag-a He had been wont to rise before day, and give himself wkh absolute devotion to the prayerful, conscientious study of tiuijit Bovine Manual of instruction for the preacher's work, Gmm^ f«>Tth clad in the panoply of God, he has filled the vrmM withi hi» fame as a herald of Christ, who has honored him with power over men for Svilvatiou such as few of the world** ]b«iit^te;i and saints have ever had. 33 'MOODY AND SAXKILY. !i!il MW m What are the elements of 'Mr. UiMiJy'a power 1 Ho is rot a man of much education or cultcu* ; Ms manner is abrupt and blunt ; his speech bristles witlk Annericanisms ; his voico is sharp, rapid, and colloquial ; aaal 1^ never attempts any- thing like finished or cluborate (OomDpQaition. But he is in' downright earnest. He believes -ystksn hat says, he says it a- if he believed it, and he expects Siiii* aiiudience to believe it. He gets wonderfully near to his Ikejiinarav without any apparent effort. Whatever size the audieikoe maij be, he is at home with them at once, and he makes uHttaaai feel tliat they are at home with hira. He is gifted wiiih a Bare^ sagacity, an insight into the human heart, a knowledge <(£ what is stirring in it, and of what is fitted to impress il Hie Buw in his possession a large number of incidents and expeaianKsa well fitted to throw light on the points he employs ihmsi. to elucidate, and to clench the appeals which he uses Hkoim to enforce. In addi- tion to all this, he has a deeply paSihdinE vein, which enables him to plead very earnestly at the vsEny aita^iel of the heart. At first his tone may seem to be hmL He will take for his text, " There is no differenca,^ aaai jHiPsa the doctrine of uriversal condemnation as if tihe wimn^ ajid the best were precisely alike. Possibly the anlaaoauiianai of his audience is somewhat roused. But by and hw hs will take them with him to some affecting death-bed, ami fe tone will show how profoundly his own heart is sticpel. Ibij what is happening there. The vein of pathos comes fOwalL tenderly and beauti- fully. He seems as if he were Ijm^ &m the ground pleading in t^^rs with his hearers to ooKme to Christ. But, most iLiportant of all, he seems to reHj §m effect absolutely on Divine power. Of course, every itmaiffi preacher does, but in very different degrees of consciOTa ftmat and expectation. Mr. Moody goes to his meetings, falllj aspecting the Divine presence, because he has asked il Us apeaka with the fear- IllSTOl^^ (SIT THEIR EARLY LIVES. 39 lessness, the boldnere. imil the directness of one delivering a message from the Eiij^of kings and Lord of lords. And he takes pains to havt Ihitarvvn heart in the spirit of the message. He tries to go to ihif^iiudien e loving them, and actively and fervently longhig fortlliBir salvation. He says that if he does not try to stir up tliii- -qiirit of love beforehand, he cannot get hold of an audiouut;-; iii ho does, he never fails. He endea- vors to address them vvdtii. a soul steeped in the correspond- ing emotion. He siimifr ta try, like Baxter, never to speak of weighty soul concemB ^vithout his whole soul being drenched therein. , ■ With all this, fhoiiiif ill Mr. Moody a remarkable natural- ness, a want of all q]]pTiach to afiectation or sanctimonious- ness, and even a ]ili^(ifi' humour which spurts out sometimes in his most serious adlinseea. Doubtless he gets the tone of his system restored ]w,' Ihtting out the humour of him after a long day's hard anil aamest work. For children he has obviously a great afiaitibn, and they draw to him freely and pleasantly. We ehoiilU tiincy him a famous man to lead a Sunday School excuisiin. party to the country, and set them agoing with all maimm- ofi joyous and laughing games. We arc sure he himoeH wndili be the happiest of the party, enjoy- ing the fun himself itf; w«il as pleased at their enjoyment of it. The repression of ihunan. nature, or the running of it into artificial moulds, is ao) gurb of his policy. We are sure he must agree with thellitti Dr. Guthrie, that there is nothing i bad in human nature nx«ept its corruptions, and that our aim should be not to (flistroy it or any part of it, but to get it restored, as God at Ifist made it. His instincts of sagacity I make him recoil from lilj one-aidedness, and desire that men i and women, under (Gnll^ grace, should hide no true accom- [plishment, and lose aaj»rnaL charm. Speaking of hie jjmgiuation for Christ's service, one tells i; :f itr U. Il!ii!j!li: 40 MOODY AND SANKEY. 111;:': I Mil I :>i I US of a prayer-meeting where he and others offered themselves to Him with a new spirit of consecration. " We have reason to believe that at that time Mr. Moody reseived a fresh and full baptism of the Spirit, and that this was the Divine prepara^ tion in his soul for the great work upon which all Christen- dom looks to-day with wonder and with thanksgiving to God. Among ]Mr. Moody's gifts is the rare one of bearing rebuke with Christian meekness. Some time before the period just referred to, a person met him and said, " I fear, Brother Moody, that you may be losing some of your humility and religious devotion, and with these your power in Christ's service." He replied, in substance, " Perhaps I am ; I will look into my heart, and endeavour to humble myself before God." The question is often asked. What are the elements of Mr. Moody's power? They are certainly not his natural gifts. They flow directly from Christ. Filled with the Spirit, he seems to lose sight of everything but the message of his Master to perishing sinners ; and he cannot rest until they are rescued from peril. His Heavenly Father is around him and within him, pressing him every moment to serve him, and to think of nothing else. The love of the Saviour pervades and quicker 3 all his sensibilities, and is the atmos- phere through which he sees his fellow-men. He can say with the Apostle Paul, " I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Dr. Van Doren, of Chicago, says : " An incident, some twelve years ago, occurred at the city of , where the pastors and friends of a revival sought were assembled. Mr. Moody, as his manner then was, laid the blame of spiritual coldness on the church, and of course the several ministers present felt the strokes. " One arose and brought down the lash on what he called HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 41 the Pharisaic display, &c., and repelled the charge. Poor Marsyas did not come out of the hands of Apollo more thoroughly flayed alive than did Brother Moody from the [hands of that trenchant speaker. Instead of resenting it, he wose, and trembling with emotion, said, * I, from my heart, Uhank that brother. I deserve it ; ' and then asked that brother who held the rod, ' to pray for him. * Every heart was melted ; and when that prayer was ended, not one, we believe, in that vast audience but was willing to embrace and [welcome Brother Moody from that moment to this. "^ " Secondly : Our Brother Moody is a man of inextinguish- lable zeal. In our city of 400,000 people all the boys of this wicked city know him, and respect him too. A short time since, while distributing tracts, I rebuked some boys kindly for profanity.* * Say, Mister, do you belong to Brother Moody ? ' At one time, walking in the crowded South Water street with a friend, he met a knot of worldly acquaintances. [Pausing a moment — * Friends, we may never meet again. Here is an alcove. Let us have a prayer.* Love like that I drew them aside, and he led, all standing. Waving his hand, and with an eye beaming with tears, he passed on in [silence. • " Brother Moody is a firm believer in God's word. It is la marvel to all our ministers, that while so many educated Iclergymen in the Evangelical Church treat the Bible as Homer or Plato, he practically writes over every verse, 'Thiis Isaith the Lord.* Hence he has avoided all those crotchets [that weaken and deform the influence of many good preachers. [His profound, adoring love of the Scriptures has led some to [think that he reads nothing else. But, like Dr. Johnson, |who was said * to take the heart out of the book,' he grasps m author's plan and illustrations with an intuitive glance. " Thirdly : He is a man of prayer. This, I hold, includes t 42 MOODV AND SANKEY. faith. "We know that Luther spent half the night in prayer, at times. " When President Edwards preached that memorable ser- mon, * Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,* at Enfield, 'Nevf England, and a glorious revival began, it was discovered by chance, that the elders of the church had spe7it the whoh previous night in prayer for a descent of the Holy Ghost. " "What is remarkable with Brother Moody is, that the Holy Ghost seems actually to precede him, as the cloudy pillar did Israel ; and when he comes, his announcement of the terras of mercy falls on open ears and open hearts." Before we accompany this beloved brother to England, wo must give some account of his famous coadjutor, the sweet singer, 1. 1 ■<] Ira D. Sanket. ^ He was born in Edinburgh, Pa., in 1840. His father's family were originally from England • his mother's from the North of Ireland. Both his parents were members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church ; and he, with his four brothers and four sisters, was trained up for the Lord, to whom he was consecrated in his infancy. His father was an influential man in the State, being for a length of time a member of the lower, and afLer of the upper house of the legislature of Pennsylvania, while his wealth and influence made him an exceedingly 'Cfleful member of the Church, in which he was also leader and ex- horter. When Ira was but sixteen, the family removed to Newcastle, in the same State, when the father assumed the presidency of a bank, and the son entered an academy, where he completed his education. His first religious impressions 1 prayer, ?able ser- eld, New vered by he whole. LOSt. that the B cloudy ement of land, wo le sweet father's from the Episco- sisters, Irated in le State, id afi/er I, while C/<<.'■ .. V \ ,, j. >>// '•' /ff'a^y''-?* for ri '"tfcst«'\r, of th*' Ilftiy C<)ir "Mooiiy is, that. U ii >H -tiiiosi Fcens actualiv v- ^'f^xfle liiin. ;is \)'A' clour ]Hl]ardid l.^r.ioi ; and when >• t;oriiotf, hi>i lUiuuiiiu-oaiont Lhetcrni? of nicroy 1 ilia 'ori o|."*.n cars uud open licait-j." Tiffor" we dccoaipany Ihis '»t loved hrotbei- U> K:iLrl.ii.>>l, \> r'\\\9i ^[vi sor* I v- account of his Umo.is coadjiUoi*, t.i^i i^.'.vufc TiA D ijANK-JTY. !!! He wa3 Von. in iviiub'irgh, I'a., la .••»S'lO. Ilia iiiiher hiunJ} -svere or^'aally frora Jfji^laad • h'm moilier'e iVom tl: IN' u rth of Irobhd. Both his parenf;s wf^re meiribtn'si <,i tht Metbc ii. t LpL pal Churcli ; and he, with his four brothers and four si.slt.T \v;ii. t^iia.xl '.p for tho Ioi*d, to w"' torn he wa:^ con:^ecr^ted hj^iiiiau'^;-. Uis foth* r watv an uirtnt^ntial luaa ir the Sta' U'liXiH for. a ieii||b c«f tnnda taivaiho? of' the lower, and aft ('" the )i'>p<3r ^hM»e p^"" th;j iegiskturtj of x'-injiHylvHnia, wli/ hia wealth arid iuHuonce made hiir.. an e.icwjdin^Iy C*)et ■ niembor oi tho Church, in which h>» was ii.!4o itader and (• .- irTter. When, im was but sb;W*^Tr, ;,h<.i lamily rt'iuaved ■,•» ^Vw«^.U«, in. the Svimo State, Thi^^y, iha laiiier asmimed V'w pn''%iis\*ry of a bank, ami the son ciutfei^ sin academy, wht -i? hi' t > W|«tad hia educatiQa, ilU imi reliu'ious impressiaa- I n piay r X\h]Q f, 1 ■vcn-'i ')•, that. U •oaiont rlii.vl, \> \ni 8 web filth Pi L nui r si.st»?r '\ ,ed StD' . afi wh. and it>VC(l ^vh t : ^'0 -essiaa' wcro in ill I good tiling I ren to til dyinj up a heaii tliat ^ when when S. S. to the an ea encou remar retain life. Xewci at firs drawn tures 1 and e. cast of of SOI began a shor1 Mood} calami' while ; tliat ie ! i HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 43 wcro rocc^r'cd from the instructions of an old Scotch farmer in the nelghborhooil. In a speech at a children's meeting, Mr. Sankey says of this good man, Fraser, " The very luMt recollection I liave of any- tliing pertaining to a religious life was in connection with him. I remember he took mo by the hand along with his own boys to the S. S.,— that old place wliich I will remember to my dying day. Ho was a plain man, and I can see him standing up and praying for the children, lie had a great warm heart, and the children all loved him. It was years after tliat when I was converted, but my impressions were received when I was very young, from that man. Ho was seventeen when he joined the M. E. church, and at twenty he was a S. S. superintendent, and then began to sing, as an attraction to the children, the bright melodies they love. He developed an early taste for the Word of God, and as a class-leader encouraged his brethren to use Bible language in their remarks, lie was a soldier in the war for the Union, and retained his faith and zeal amidst the temptations of army life. He was President of the Y. M. C. A. of his town of Newcastle, and thus came into contact with Mr. Moody, who at first sight fell in love with his style of singing, and felt drawn towards him as a dear brother. He also made over- tures to him to join him in evangelizing labors at Chicago and elsewhere. After solemn deliberation, ho resolved to cast off all worldly business, and devote his life to the service of song. He united himself with Mr. Moody, and they began operations, with Chicago as a centre. This was only a short time before the city was burned ; the church of Mr. Moody's gathering was likely to bo broken up. But this calamity was averted, and Mr. Sankey ministered to the flock while Mr. M. was absent. He related an incident in Dundee tliat is illustrative of the blessing God early gave his labors. ■ ■5, t? It- ■I 44 MOODY AND SANKEY. " I want to speak a wo^-d about singing, not only lo the little folks, but to grown people. During the winter after the great Chicago fire, when the place was built up with little frame houses for the people to stay in, a mother sent for me one day to come and see her little child, who was one of our Sabbath School scholars. I remembered her very well, having seen her in the meetings very frequently, and was glad to go. She was lying in one of these poor little huts, every- thing having been burned in the fire. I ascertained that she was past all hopes of recovery, and that they were waiting for the little one to pass away. * How is it with you to-day V I asked. With a beautiful smile on her face, she said, ' It is all well with me to-day. I wish you would speak to my father and mother.' * But,* said I, ' are you a Christian ?' *Yes.' * When did you become one?* * Do you remember last Thursday, in the Tabernacle, when we had that little singing-meeting and you sung, ' Jesus loves even m.e V ' Yes.' 'It was last Thursday I believed on the Lord Jesus, and now I am going to be with him to-day.' That testimony from that little child, in that neglected quarter of Chicago., has done more to stimulate me and bring me to this country, than all that the papers or any persons might say. I remember the joy I had in looking upon that beautiful face. She went up to heaven, and no doubt said she learned upon the earth that Jesus loved her, from that little hymn. If you want to enjoy a blessing, go to the bedsides of these bed-ridden and dying ones, and sing to them of Jesus, for they cannot enjoy these meetings as you do. You will get a great blessing to your own soul." These testimonies have been frequent since those hvimble beginnings, and Mr. Sankey has proved himself only less gifted in speech than in song. He was sought by others as a companion in evangelizing towns, but providentially clung to HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 45 ^Ir. Moody, and together they set sail for the old world. How admirably he was adapted to meet the tastes o^ the British, the following testimonies, and a multitude of others, may serve to show. " As a vocalist, Mr. Sankey has not many equals. Pos- sessed of a voice of great volume and richness, he expresse? with exquisite skill and pathos the Gospel messages, in words very simple, but * replete with love and tenderness,* and always with marked effect upon his audience. It is, however, altogether a mistake to suppose that the blessing which attends Mr. Sankey's efforts is attributable only or chiefly to liis fine voice and artistic expression. These, no doubt, are very attractive, and go far to move the affections and gratify a taste for music ; but the secret of Mr. Sankey's power lies, not in iiis gift of song, but in the spirit of which the song is only the expression. He, too, is a man i.i earnest, and sings in the full confidence that God is working by h\m. Like his colleague, he likewise has a message to lost men from God the Father ; and the Spirit of God in him finds a willing ami tlfective instrument in hisg'ft of song, to proclaim in stirring notes the ' mighty love ' of God in Christ Jesus. * It was a few evenings ago,* said a youth in the Young Men*8 Meeting in Roby Chapel, * when Mr. Sankey was singing in the Free Trade Hall " Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," that I was made to feel my need of a Saviour ; and when he came to these words, " Too late, too late," I said to myself it must not be too la+e for me, and I took him to m.y heart there and then.' ' I was in great darkness and trouble for somo days,* said a poor woman, rejoicing and yet weeping; *and just a little time ago, when Mr. Sankey was singing these words* (point- ing to thom with her finger), '"And Jesus bids m« come," my bonds were broken in a moment, and now I am safe in 1j ns arms. I 'A: 46 MOODY AND SANKEY. '\l:ib ■.' " Who ever heard of a fine voice and sweet music yield- ing such results as these 1 It is mere scoffing to say that Mr. ^loody's touching stories and Mr. Sankey's sweet singing are the secret of the power exercised by these men. The work is of God, aud they are His instruments, each earnestly using, to the best of his ability, the gift that God has given him, in the full confidence that the blessing will and must follow. " Not a few have been, not unnaturally, offended by V» I'hrase, 'Singing the Gospel,' which was at first used in hlvertisements ; and some have, unfortunately, never taken rlie trouble to inquire what was meant. But everyone who has heard Mr. Sankey sing is well aware that his hymns are more than the mere accessory to speeches, as they hivo toe often been among us. Ho has taught by example how great is the power of song when a man with gifts of music loves '.he truth of which he sings ; and the hymns which we have heard him sing, with his wonderful distinctness of articula- tion, unaffected feeling, and magnificont voice, will linger in our ears and hearts till our dying day. A few weeks have made his favorite hymns as familiar to every rank and to every age as those older hymns which we have known best and longest. Poor sufferers in the wards of the infirmary, lone old men and women in dark rooms of our high houses and back streets, are now cheered in a way no one dreamed of before Mr. Sankey came, by visits from those who do not attempt to preach to them, but only to sing psalms and hymug and spiritual songs. The consoling power of song has been tested and proved at many a sick- bed, and many a death-bed. And that is not all ; for we have been led to see that 7t is a mistake to confine song to utterances of praise or prayer in Christian meetings. We have learned to valu?> more highly its power in instruction. Tlio use of song for instruction and for the application of the truth is not now. It is as old aa HISTORY OF THEIR EARLY LIV5L«, 47 David, as old as Moses, but it has reeeirefl z flB(?w impetus among us ; and we who are called to ' teacla mad admonish one another in psalms and hymns' and spiritr'al mmg?^/ may well be glad to have been reminded how Uus* may be done." „, . " The admiration of Mr. Sankey's musie h (mthnsiastic. When he sin<^s a solo a death-like silence i^eipwy m as the Irish Times describes it, * It seems that he oaalj w present in the vast building.* When he ceases there is a jm<*tliivg like the leaves of a forest when stirred by the wmA. We mi "ht apply to him the language of Scripture : * Lo 2 thmsL art unto them as a very lovely song of one who hath a fhsmmt voice, and can play well on an instrument.* !No OBe &m. estimate the service he has rendered to the Church of fSkmt by the compilation of his book of * Sacred Songs ' aauid t&mt sweet tunes. They are the delight of all ages. I hatre heard in Scotland that already they are sung in our ismf^ distant colonies. Ere long I believe that they will be fmm^ wherever the English language is spoken over the eaalHsu jS^ot will they be confined, to that language, for a lady h at present engaged in translating them into German. JI« was a wise man who said, ' Let me make the songs of a im^smttjf and I care not who makes its laws.' " Mrs. Barbour says : *' Mr. Sankey sings mih ih& convic- tion that souls are receiving Jesus between oiae ajMe and the next. The stillness is overawing ; some of the Imm swe more spoken than sung. The hymns are equally usel Urn' aiwaken- ing, none more than * Jesus of Nazareth passfr^fe ©jr/ When you hear the * Ninety and Nine ' sung, you kaaiwr fd ai «juth that down in this corner, up in that gallery, bfJuMUi'l tkait pillar which hides the singer's face Aom the liston^r, iim hasnd of Jesus has been finding this and that and yoinler I'M one, to place them in His fold. A certain clas; of hsM&m come to ft ? •I*S 11 48 MOODY AND SAX£EY. tlie services solely to hear Mr. Saniigr^ stnd the song throws the Lord's net around them. ' ' " We asked Mr. Sanftfcy one day wlnatl he was to sing. He said, ' I'll not know till I hear Idqw Mr. Moody is closing.* Again, we were driving to ItBu® Canongate Parish Church one winter night, and Mr. SamkisT asBid to the young minister who had come for him, ' Fm ttBnmaikiiig of singing " I am so Glad," to-night.' * Oh ! ' said it2i» jmmg man, ' please do rather sing " Jesus of Xazaretk.* Am qM man told me to-day that he had been awakened hj itt th& last night you were down. He said, " It just wemlfc ttftiiraagh me like an electric shock." ' « " A gentleman in Edinburgh was m Jnsfaresg of soul, and happened to linger in a pew after lihe UMixiiaik-meeting. The choir had remained to practice, and l>e^sim '■ Free from the Law, happy Condition,' &c. QuidkHj thei Spirit of God carried that truth home to the awakenkei ©amacience, and he was at rest in the finished work of Jesuffi. " It is interesting to know that there sbu© scarcely two of those hymns which Mr. Sankey sings Ihjy pii& same author. They have been collected during an eigM yesHra' experience of the Lord's use of them among belieT-ent, mmqmrers, and the careless. In the singing of them he seaBM to become uncon- scious of everything but the desire that ttfla*' ttmith should sink deep into the souls of the listeners, and ttkelt the people who sit in darkness should see a great light fHiiiiniiiimg fat them from the cross of Him who hung upon the treift. " In a Highland parish, a young mam wino' had lived far from God, and seemed to his miniKfeer nnnaecftssible to the truth, was found one day last Bumnkesr i^««ply awakened. When asked to what this was owing, he msA iJt was in conse- quence of hearing his little sister sing, * When He cometh, when Hf oauKtlftv To make up His jewels.' mm HISTQIKT OF THEIR EARLY LIVES. 49 " Perliaps not oi \w3iBk. luia passed during the last year in vvliich we have iidt liud, evidence that the Lord had directly used a line of auc (if tiiese hymns in the salvation of some soul. A youn^ nmni who had been deeply impressed, and was yet unwilling ttit stay to the inquirers' meeting, and about to leave a church, ^w» arrested at the door by hearing the choir sing, * Tet:ihim'i& Room.' He felt there was room for him, went back tDtihipew, and after having the truth clearly laid before him, oraftdMQtL Christ. " The wave df iaMixid song has spread over Ireland, and is now sweeping thrmuiL England. But, indeed, it is not being confined to the TJaiiBdi Kingdom alone, for pway off on the shores of India, anil iiii many other lands, these sweet songs of a Saviour's love ots^ being sung. Mr. Sankey's collection of sacred songs has Hetm. translated into five or six languages, and are winging ijiiflir way into tens of thousands of hearts and homes, and i\iv Uiijaaing of the Lord seems to accompany them wherever suiuj. "* Wi- may foi^et the singer, IBittwJiLnts'er forget the song.* " Mrs. Sankcv^- iit an. earnest Christian woman, and fully sympathizes with iimi- husband in his blessed work. Both are members of the Mitiiodist Church ; while his sweet songs float over and .inf|]ira- multitudes in all Cliristian denomi- nations." The BiiiQi of David was the prototype of the Harmonium of Saiihiy. ^1 'Hi liiniii MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN, CHAPTER II. 11' n BEGINNINGS ABROAD. »N the 7th of June, 1873, Messrs. Moody and Sankey sailed for England. They had been invited by Kev. iiii if Mr. Ponnyfather, of London, an Episcopalian, and &?!^^i two other gentlemen, to hold meetings in that country. No one else had joined in the invitation, and no one else was interested in their visit. They Had no appointments. No arrangements were made for them. No compensation was promised. No one knew of their intention to come. They were persuaded that God sent them, and therefore they went. ]\Ir. Moody carried his Bible, Mr. Sankey his organ and singing book. In June they landed in Liverpool, sought a place to preach and sing the Gospel, and held a few services. No attention was attracted and nothing accomplished, and after a few days they proceeded toward York to find the friends who had invited them over. Two of the men were dead. But with a confi- dence that resembled audacity, they found a place to preach and went to work. One preached the Gospel ; the other sang it. They held their meetings, conversed with sinners, ^ rayed to God ; and men and women began to ask what they must do to be saved. They labored in York a month, BEGINNINGS ABROAD. 51 and it is believed that two hundred persona were converted to Christ. On Sunday, July 27th, they went to Sunderland, a con- siderable town near York, on the invitation of a Baptist minister, Eov. Arthur Eees. The other ministers generally hesitated, or opposed the work. " We can never go on in this way," was Moody's characteristic remark ; " it is easier fighting the devil than fighting the ministers." At length a delegation of young men from the Y. M. C. A. of Sunderland, waited upon the Evangelists at their lodgings, and one of them tells the story of their reception in the following fashion : " They had already been a week in Sunderland ; but, as yet, I had not seen either of them. Ah ! thought I, what a lift heavenward shall I get from these holy men ! We wero shown into a back parlor by the servant, and very soon the two Evangelists sauntered in, in a style neithet ecclesiastical nor dignified. Turning to me, Mr. Moody asked, in true Yankee fashion. What was our business with him? Ho did not show us a seat ; he did not offer us his hand : alto- gether an auctioneer-like reception. "*We represent the Young Men's Christian Association, Mr. Moody, and have come to ask i' you will give us an address in Victoria Hall, on Sunday afternoon.' " * Preach for you 1 Oli yes ! I'll preach for you,' re- plied Mr. Moody. " * We don't want you to preach for us ; we want you to preach for Christ.' " * Oh yes — ^yes ! All right ! I'll preach for you.* ** * Our comnittee,' continued I, * hope you will not mis- understand the reason of their not joining you earlier in your work. It is not for want of sympathy ; but because you came to us in a sectarian connection, and have allied yourself with Mr. Rees ; and if we were to join you on sectarian 52 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. :*:li'l m. 11 ill! grounds, we should injure our institution, which has enemies enough already.' " After explaining his position, and that his connection with Brother Eees and his congregation had no sectarian signi- ficance, he said, — " * I go where I can do most good : that is what I am after.' And when we left, he followed us out to the gate, saying, * It is souls I want : it is souls I want.' " Alas ! I had mistaken the man ; and whether he spoke of souls or anything else, it is all the same to me now." " * Well, Frank, what did you think of it V asked my com- panion, as we walked off from this strange interview. " ' Think ! it is money : that is what it is, James.' " However, I went to the meeting, being careful to keep out of sight ; but when Sankey began singing, I felt it draw me, and very little more of it would have pulled me on to the platform. ** That was not a good afternoon for Mr. Moody. His eye blazed with mournful earnestness, as it ranged that crowd, looking for anxious faces ; and its strange light lives in my memory yet, while all my prejudices and misconceptions are dead and rotten. " On the following Sunday night, when I got to the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, I found the meet- ing on fire. The young men were speaking with tongues, prophesying. What on earth did it all mean 1 Only that Moody had been addressing them that afternoon. * What manner of man is this V thought I ; but still I did not give him my hand. . . . Many of the clergy were so opposed to the movement that they turned their backs upon our poor innocent Young Men's Christian Association, for the part we took in the work; but afterward, when the floodgates of Divine grace were opened, Sunderland was taken by storm. BEGINNINGS ABROAD. 53 " I cannot describe Moody's groat meeting ; I can only say that ilie people of Sunderland warmly supported the movement in ppite of their spiritual advisers ; that there wan a treinondous work of grace, when measured by its immediate etfects, but far greater in its consequences, after the evangelists were away. All honor to these two brother-soldiers of tlio cross, who, like Jonathan and his armor-bearer, stormed this fortress of British unbelief alone !" The second Sunday evening, tnree cnousand peoph^ crowded Victoria Hall, and after the sermon, many followed them to a neighboring church, for an inquiry meeting. Among the inquirers, a young man came up the aisle, and threw his arms about his father's neck and kissed him, asking his forgiveness with many tears ; then kissing his mother and asking her forgiveness, afterwards tenderly embracing and kissing his younger brother. The little fire kindled in York flamed so high in Sunder- land, that Newcastle on the Tyne saw it. The ministers came over, and their hearts were" warmed. The evangelists were invited to go back with them, and went. Their fame had preceded them, and ministers and people were ready to wel- come them. The meetings were so multiplied that as many &s thirty-four were held in a single week. They continued through two months, the attendanco and interest increasing to the close. Crowds came from all tho surrounding towns, caught the fire, and kindled it through all the neighboring counties. Mr. Moody said : " We have not done much in York and Sunderland, because the ministers opposed us ; but we are going to stay in Newcastle till we make a-.i impression, and live down the prejudices of good people who do not understand mo. 3 If itt ti .1 J if '.!■ 54 MOODY AND SANKEY «N GREAT BRITAIN. u I i . -i :. ,!i! :' . ^ I'J:'! ill I i am always glad to see a minister come to ouij meetings, for he always brings a large reinforcement with him." Among the ministers prominent in connection with these servicas have been several of the Protestant Episcopal pastors, most of thom of the Low Church party. The Rev. Dr. Stewart, of St. Clement's Church, a leading High Churchman, has, however, given utterance to the following sentiments in his pulpit, which will be read with s great deal of interest: *- * ' "^ " It is probably well that I should say something respect- ing the work of certain evangelists who commenced their labors in this city to-day. I have heard that they are regarded with unkindly feelings by several mi!ji8ters : how far this extends I know not, but it certainly does not reach the clergy of this parish. The right and duty of every layman is, by precept and example to bring erring souls to Christ, and in the exercise of this plain right I bid these evangelists God-speed in their good work of awakening souls, who, when awakened, will seek the church and its sacraments. These men do not come to make proselytes, but Christians, and should be aided rather than hindered in the effort to bring lost souls to their Saviour." . From the interesting narratives of the glorious dealings of God with his people, we compile such as will most graphically portray them to our readers. After three weeks at Newcastle, great blessings were poured out on their work, which began at the Rye Hill Baptist chapel, and thence overflowed on every side. Every morning at twelve o'clock, in the Music Hall, there was a meeting for prayer, praise, and exhortation, at vhich were gathered from two to three hundred people, all earnestly desiring the revival of God's work in that irreligious town, and daily bearing before God numerous written requests from III; BEGINNINGS ABROAD. 55 believers, for their unconverted relatives and friends. These prayer meetings have been felt by all to be true means of grace to the hearts of God's children, and numerous and striking have been the answers to prayer for the unconverted. Every evening in the Music Hall and Kye Hill Chapel, Gospel services were held, Mr. Moody and Mr. Moorhouse preaching the Gospel, and Mr. Sankey singing his sweet spiritual songs. At the commencement of this glorious work, Kye Hill Chapel, which will accommodate from sixteen to seventeen hundred people, was used ; but, as many had to go away, not being able to get in, it was thought advisable to have two services on the same evening; hence the Music Hall, where Mr. Hoylo was carrying on a noble work for Jesus, was opened each night, and hundreds attended there to hear the preaching of the word ; and many were born again by the regenerating power of the Spirit of God. In connection with these services, Mr. Moody, with that indefatigable zeal and fei v^or which so eminently characterize him, announced that he intended to have an ' all-day ' meet- ing on Wednesday, September 10th, and earnestly invited all who could possibly come to attend. An all-day meeting was something so novel in the h.^tory of religious people in Newcastle, that much wonder was excited as to what would be the result of so bold an undertaking. Many anticipated a failure, others thought that it might be a success ; but those who felt the reviving power of God's love, and had made this meeting a matter of earnest prayer, knew that it would not, could not fail. According to their faith it was done unto them. Wednesday morning broke clear and beautiful. It was a day when all nature seemed to be rejoicing in the glad sunshine of the groat Father's beneficence. At ten o'clock, the hour for the service to begin, the wide area of Bye-hill Chapel was about half filled, and the people if* iwm 56 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. coming in quickly. By eleven o'clock the friends from Sunderland, Shields, Jarrow, and neighboring towns, had come in by train, and had occupied nearly the whole of the area. At twelve o'clock the message came, ** No more room in the area; we must throw the galleries open." By twr o'clock the galleries were well filled, and before the closing hour came round the spacious and beautiful chapel was filled with those who had left business, home cares and work pleasure and idleness, to come and worship God and hear Hi' word. Kever was the faith of God's people more abundantl^i satisfied. They asked and it was given, they sought and found, they knocked and the door was opened unto them. According to the programme which Mr. Moody had dis tributed largely over the town, the first hour of the servicef was to be devoted entirely to prayer and Bible readir'* After the singing of that beautiful hymn, " Sw Toui of Prayer," Mr. Moody led the devotions of God's people a* the throne of grace, and then read and commented on Nehe miah viii., 1-12, where it is stated that "all the people gathered themselves together as one man . , . and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law ol Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel." Mr. Moody clearly brought out the appropriateness of this Scripture to the services of that day, and concluded by unfolding and pressing home to the hearts of the people the joyous truth contained in the tenth verse, where Ezra said to the people, "Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto thetn for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy unto our Lord : neither be ye sorry ; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Mr. Hoyle, Mr. Swinburne, and several of the brethren spoke from the Word of God on the subject of Christian joy, and the hour of prayer and Bible-reading was gone before we BEGINNINGS ABROAD. 57 had well begun to open the Scriptures. This hour was felt to be exceedingly precious, and was received by all as an earnest of what was to come. The second hour was devoted to the promises, Mr. Lloody being the leader. Ha said he wished the friends that day to try to see how rich they were. He thought that very few of us had ever fully considered how much our loving Father really had promised to us. These promises, like precious gems, were to be found in every book of the Bible, and that way we might get into the company of all God's great men who had passed away, and hear what things they had to tell 18 about our Father's love. We could summon the patriarchs — the prophets — the kings ; we could listen to the historians — the biographers — the poets of the Bible ; and they would all give to us some of the precious j omises spoken by God, through their lives, to the ears of the wholo wcrld. The meeting was to be quite open and free ; not for speeches about promises, but for the reading forth of these good words of God to our souls. The audience at once seemed to catch up he spirit and intention of these words, and from every part jf the chapel — from young and old, from male and female — came passage after passage of the Holy Word, declarative of what in the boundless fulness of His love the Father has promised to all. The interest of the meeting had been steadily rising, as one Scripture topic after another had been most delightfully unfolded, when the last hour was reached, and appropriately given to the subject of Heaven. The address was given by Mr. Moody. Having selected numerous passages of Scripture to prove his points, Mr. Moody asked some of the brethren present to read them out as he called for them. This was a delightful picture — a crowded chapel, hundreds of open Bibles ready to be marked 58 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. !-'S ,;l 4 ■I 'mil IS;, when the passage should be announced, and the subject uppermost in each mind heaven. The first thought which the speaker called attention to was the locality of heaven. He said that his iTiind had once been much distressed by an infidel asking him " why he always looked upward when he was addressing God ? God was everywhere, and His home was just as likely to be below as above." This set Mr. Moody back to his Bible to see what it had to say about the matter. He was soon quite satisfied that God's home was above. The Word said that God, when communing with Abraham, came dow7i to see whether the people living in the cities of the plain had done altogether according to the cry that had come to him ; the angels asked the disciples on the morning of the ascension why they stood gazing up into Heaven; the same Jesus that had been taken ujj from them into Heaven would come again in like manner. These and similar passages ^ere sufficient proof to his mind that the home of God was above, and that we obeyed a divine instinct when wo " lifted up " our hearts to Him there. The locality having been spoken of, the next thought was the company gathered together there. Whom hav^e we there that heaven should be so dear to us 1 (1) The Father is there. Heaven is the homo, the dweli- ing-place of God. No home is complete without the father ; and no family is complete unless they can include the father among them. Our Father is in heaven. How delightful the thought of one day being with Him amidst all the joy and splendor of home ! Then (2) Jesus is there. He about whom we have read, whose Spirit has created us anew in Him, whose blood bought us, and whose love saved us ; Jesus is there: and we look to our home in heaven with longing eyes, because there, if net before, we shall see Him who is crowned with glory .and honor. Then (3) the angels BEGINNINGS ABROAD. 59 are there. The pure and ppotless creations of God, who have known nothing of sin and sorrow and travail, who have ever lived their life of bright intelligence and holy service in the sunshine of God's presence. These are there, and we shall meet them, and tell them of something they have never felt — the compassion and love of Jes'ia for sinful men. Then (4) there will be t7ie saints, the spirits of just men made per- fect. All the old heroes of God, the warriors and the kings, the prophets and the poets, the apostles and the early rnQHyj-s, all will be there, and wo shall be able to hold sweet com- munion with them all ; and our own loved ones, the father and mother, sisters and brothers, the babes, and the young and old, they will be among this shining band, who swell the ranks of the redeemed before the throne of God. O what a company is there 1 Father, Jesus, angels, saints — all who have fallen asleep in Jesus — all there 1 Waiting for us to come. Another point to which Mr. Moody cailed attention was that it is our treasure-Jiouse. The only things "v^e have or can have, as saints, will be found there. All else must be left. Death strips of everything but heavenly treasure. How this should lead us more and more to obey the Master's in- junction, and seek " to lay up treasure in heaven." It will be there all safe when we want it ; for there neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and thieves do not break through and steal. Not only is heaven our treasure-house — it is our reward. There we meet with the full fruition of all our labor ; there we receive every man his own reward for his own work. No mixing up, no confusion ; to each is given his full due. The Christian need not expect full compensa- tion below ', he will not get it. Ilcaixn — and in Heaven he will receive all that he expects. Mr. Moody next spoke very beautifully about Heaven being the place where our names I 6o MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. 1.1 ? \ are written. The disciples of Christ came back to Him from one of their journeys flushed with victory, because even the devils had been subject unto them ; but the Master said they had to rejoice because their names were written in Heaven. Our names have gone on before us. Just as a man sends his goods often before him when he is travelling, and he himseli follows after, just so our names have gone on before, and we are journeying after them. We are known in Heaven before we get there. The name of each saint is in the book of life, and cannot be blotted out. Then, again, Heaven ig to be our rest. The time to toil and suffer is now. We ought nol to want rest here. Mr. Moody, on this point, quoted the example which the life of Paul gives us of a man who con- ceived of the present being a life of service and not of rest The speaker's soul seemed to be set on fire with the thought of Paul's labors and consecrated ambition to serve the Master ; with words of true eloquence he described the sacred passion which Paul had for his Master's work, and wound up a splendid panegyric on Paul's character by wishing thai modern Christianity could be imbued with some of Paul's %rvor. The last point of this noble address was, " How to get tc Heaven." And here Mr. Moody found an opportunity foi doing that which is so dear to his heart, namely, preaching the Gospel of Christ to biuful men. The address, whicb throughout had been interspersed with touching and beautiful illustrations, and now and again by Mr. Sankey singing, wa? brought to a close with an earnest appeal to all " to become as little children, and so enter the Kingdom of Heaven.' Once more, as it had been many times ^hat day, was our deai brother Sankey's voice heard, giving his beautiful rendering of one of his choice solos, and when the benediction had been pronounced, and the six hours' service had come to a close fiii BEGINNINGS ABROAD. 61 all present felt that the time had gone too qnaacWj, The place of meeting had been none other than the IkwtKJBc f4 Ood " and the gate of Heaven. Thus ended the " aM-^sjr " meet' ing, but, thank God, not thus ended the memory .of ct ; that '?yill live till the last year of our lives, and m.imj » soul ravelling home to God, will think of it as ojie ((d ttlftft deep jools by the way, dug by the hand of a loving GfA S&t the refreshment of His children. In the evening a Gospel Service was held, Mesw*, Hoody and Moorhouse speaking ; the chapel was filled to ©rerflow- ing, and many souls went away having found peace 10 Jestw. Let the following incident, reported by H«Biy Moor- house, illustrate the feeling among the poor and ©©elj : A gentleman passing down a street in Ga't««!tt«sd lieard some one knocking at the window of a cottage. H« «ltopped, * and a respectable woman came to the door and «uii : ** Come in." He said he could not then, as he wac '^isg to a meeting. " Oh, sir, for God's sake come in, and tell bm mmeUhmg *bout Jesus, for I am wretched." " What is the matter 1 " said my friend. She said, " I am lost ; oh, tell me what I ffliwft 4i9 iohe saved. I have been standing at my window «I1 Ihs ftsf to see if a Christian would coro along, and if it feal !)««» » beggar who loved the Saviour I would have calk^'I fi^iiai m.** She had been at a meeting a week before, ainl haA been in a miserable state ever since. A Christian la'3j (saMed to see her and told her about the love of Jesus. Hhe ftmiated, and was saved. " I saw her to-day," said the j?j**ak«r, ** m happy and bright as possible." The Rev. Thomas Boyd, Presbyterian mimsttcr fif Hm place, after describing the meetings in the Wefilejju Chapel, says, after the evangelists had gone : J: 62 MOODY AND SANKilV Df GEEAT BRITAIN. ■iill! ;J " Such has been the numher off (Emes^ and such many of the parties, that had it been told tto am^ Christian friend a fortnight ago, he would not belier® it Even with all this before us, so wonderful is it, tlialt w& almost feel as if we dreamt. God's Spirit still works f«s(WffiirWIy. Every night souls are aroused, and, under tSote psMaaice of Christian friends, led to Jesus." At Stockton-on-Tees, in which ihs saaSj part of November was spent, the result is thus desmSbsd by an intelligent observer on the spot ; and once fmsM. w^ call attention to the union of prayer and Catholic hi^mg liefore and in the work : " This work has been v^^y greai; xad in examining, for our own future guidance and the gmixmxt of others, into the apparent causes of success, we are siamsk. wrfeh the following : First, the preparation of unitfi.d^ hdkmmgi prayer. Mr., I^Ioody said, that on coming into Itfce ffinaft meeting, he and Mr. Sanke;; felt that they were amcoitw a fraying people ; and to this and the next cause, viz. : the wmied action of the ministers of the town, he mainly attdHoiilffil the fact, that in no place which they had visited ioEai ihej witnessed such evident results in so short a time. lit was inesy delightful to see, at each of the services, eight ^oir Itsft ol those devoted pastors, most of them in the vigor ^ifmmg manhood, stroug- souled, intelligent men representing i^asMois ^ladea of denomi- national belief, but merging all difeToiiKO^iiiD mntual affection, and the common desire to aid in the ^(mma work ; and many hearts were constrained by the sight to govs tlanks for such a ministry in Stockton. Another very ompiQitant feature was the absence of noise in the meeting He experience of the past few days will, we think, have f the different denominationa have thrown themselves heart ind soul into the work, and the close of the week finds us recognizing, not in theory but in fact, that we are all one in Jesus Christ, and banded together, that by our union in Him we may honor his blessed name. "Never shall we forget Mr. Moody's farewell address. He would not say * Good-bye ! * No ! * Good-night * rather, and meet them all in the morning, in the dawn of eternal day. Then strong men bowed and wept out their manly sorrow like children, blessed children as they were of the same great Father ; and one of our brothers lifted our American friends up in the arms of love in prayer to our heavenly Father, the Jubilee Singers singing thereupon, * Shall we meet beyond the River 1 ' Then came the bene- diction. The business was over, and the grand occasion past, the memory thereof to die no more. " Although our friends took leave thus of the country brethren, they tarried with us, the people of Newcastle, yet a while. On that "Wednesday night, Thursday night, and BEGINNINGS ABROAD. <5S Friday, wore immense meetings, attended by thousands, overflowing into neighboring churches, although Brunswick Place Chapel would itself hold two thousand. At these Messrs. Moody and Sankey were present. Scores were converted. They were present at the noonday meetings of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, at the last of which between two and three thousand people met from eleven to half-past one o'clock. On Friday there was a midnight meeting, and four were rescued from sin and shame. The Saturday mcet- iug was the last attended by Mr. Moody. Hundreds had private conversation with him afterward, and crowds wont with him to the station, en route for Carlisle. ; : . CHAPTER III. THE WORD IN EDINBURGH. EPORTS of the wonderful interest reached Scotland, and Edinburgh heard the story. " Eev. Mr. Kel- man went twice to iNewcastle to see if the reports of what they heard were true. He returned over- flowing with joy, and full of glowing expectations for Scotland." lie spread the tidings ; his report was believed, and ministers and laymen united in inviting the evangelists to Edinburgh. On Sunday, the 23rd of !N"ovember, they began their work in the Music Hall, with two thousand present, and other thousands seeking admission in vain. The next day five hundred met at noon to pray, and soon the attendance at the daily prayer meeting exceeded a thousand. An all-day meet- ing was held. A meeting for students was announced in the Free Assembly Hall. So great was the eagerness to obtain admittance, that the doors were besieged by an immense crowd after it had become apparent that the hall was full. Mr. Moody went out and addressed the thousands in the open air, and returned and spoke to two thousand within, the most eminent professors in Scotland sitting around him on the platform. A service was advertised for the lower classes, and three thousand attended. Every evening there were around the pulpit ministers of all denominations, from all parts of the country, while among the audience there were THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. tf members of the nobility, professors from the University, and distinguished lawyers from the Parliament House. . At this time many abusive pamphlets were put forth against the methods and the men, and reports were circulated representing that Mr. Moody had not the confidence of his brethren at home. Measures were taken to sift this evil rumor to the bottom. Accordingly in response to inquiries from abroad, the following endorsement was proposed and sent to Scotland : CmoAGo, May 21st, 1874. \Vb, the undersigned, Pastors of the City of Chicago, learning that the Christian character of D. L. Moodt has been attacked, for the purpose of destroying his influence as an Evangelist in Scotland, hereby certify that his labors in the Young Men's Christian Association, and as an Evangelist in this City «nd elsewhere, according to the best information we can get, have been Evangelical and Christian in the highest sense of those terms ; and we do not hesitate to com- mend him as an earnest Christian worker worthy of the con- fidence of our Scotch and English brethren, with whom he is now laboring ; believing that the Master will be honored by them in so receiving him among them as a co-laboror in the vineyard of the Lord. This was signed by over thirty clergymen of all denomi- nations, and thus the temporary aspersion was removed, and he was nobly vindicated as a true, honest, earnest man of God, The Tide Eisino. "We are having a very good time here just now, under the preaching of Mr. Moody and the singing of Mr. Sankey. We are all delighted with them ; ministers of all denomi* i I 6S MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. I uutions are joining cordially in the work, and God is indeed AV(;rkiiig graciously. About 2,000 are out every night hear- ing ; many more come and cannot get into the church. Two churches are to be opened simultaneously each night next week. The singing of Mr. Sankey lays the Gospel message and invitation very distinctly and powerfully on the consciences of the people; and Mr. Moody's Gospel is clear, earnest distinct, and well illustrated — telling of death and resurrec tion — the " Gospel of God." He is a first-rate workman, and very practical, and God has been blessing his preaching. Every evening there have been a number of souls cominp into the inquiry rooms ; buj last night, when preaching or " the Son of man came to seek and to save that which w- lust," the Spirit seemed to be working in special power, an. old Formalitij got his neck broken, and the wounded and weeping souls came into the inquiry room in droves. I had to speak at one time to seven all at once, because there was more com than reapers; and others were similarly circum stanced. I saw Mr. Moody all the evening with generally more than one. Three rooms were open for enquirers, and 3 don't know what they had in the others, but we had about forty names on the paper at the close, of those we conversed with in our room. Mr. Moody keeps with us in the elders' vestry. Others, who are less susceptible and can stand at doors, do so, and lay hold of the people as they retire. About one hundred, I should think, were spoken with privately last night, and numbers of them decided for Christ. About ten did so (or professed to do so), in conversation with myself. May the Divine Spirit make it a grand reality to their souls that Christ is theirs ! On Tuesday night I had seven who professed conversion. On Wednesday I fought away with two only, both cnronic THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 69 cases, deep in the mire of their own thoughts, and feelings, and reasonings, and I left them very much the same as I found them. (One of them has been saved.) This was, I suppose, to teach me this lesson, that it is altogether Gud'a work to save, and man is powerless. This experience made me go out the next night with Jesus' word on ray lips, " This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fading ; " prayer is the symbol of our dependence upon God, and fasting is the symbol of " no confidence in the flesh" — or self-renunciation. No devil has so powerful a bold of an anxious soul but that prayer and fasting will cast him out in the name of Jesus. Our noon prayer-meeting is well attended ; about 700 are out daily, and there is a remarkable quickening and earnestness among ministers and Christians generally. I know Edinburgh well, and I am safe to say that I never knew a time when there was a greater appearance of harmony among Christians ; unity among the Lord's workers ; and humble, prayerful waiting upon God for blessing. On Friday there was much blessing to Christians, and numbers of souls were also brought in. On that evening we had a delightful work in the enquiry meeting, and, I think, [ had about half-a-dozen I had good hope of. One was epeci- ally interesting, a stranger from beyond Stirling. She was passing through, came to the meeting, heard, was awakened, came into the enquiry meeting, and into my hands, along with a girl of twelve, and both professed to see the way of salvation. This woman was astonished to hear that she had just to believe what she read there to be saved. She said, " Is that all ? have I only to believe ]" " Just to believe that forgiveness is yours as a gift from God." *' Then I do Ije- Mqmq" " Then God says you are justified from all things." Large numbers were out again last night, and we had a It MOODV AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. meetinrj for inquirers at tho Free Assombly Hall. About forty confessed that thoy wore new converts, and about forty stood up as anxious to bo saved, and were asked to go to tho other siile of tho hall, where they wore conversed with. I i^oi down beside a younj^ lady whom I saw anxious in the enquiry meeting, but I did i^ot have tho opportunity of speaking to her, and kept at work over an hour with her over the word of God. I could not tell you at length the deep in- terest of this caso ; bat at the close I had some hopo that she has divine life and will yet get liberty. • A beautiful incident happened as I was speaking to her. A young girl bounded up to us and said, with an overflowing joy, " I am the girl you spoke to at the Barclay Church, and gave the book to ; now I am just going, but could not leave without coming to tell you that / have found Jesus" We had a very sweet meeting at noon today. Mr. Moody gave us the prayers that God does not answer — Moses, Elijah, Paul. I pointed out to him afterward, to his great delight, that Moses' prayer was answered, to see the land 1483 years afterward, but not as in the midst of Israel, but in better coirpany, with Jesus in the midst, on the mount of transfiguration ; and he saw th© land in the light of the glory of Christ. And when he returned he did not care a bit for the land. He was all taken up with Christ, and instead of speaking of it or the goodly mountain of Lebanon, he and Elias spake to Him of His decease that he should accomplish at Jerusalem, the thing nearest the heart. That is the sight we, too, shall get (if we do not see it now) when He comes in his glory, and all his saints with Him. We have had a most impressive address from Mr. Moody this evening on the text, " Whnr" -'H thou?" He spoke very solemnly to Christians, and id .' they were to wake up, Edinburgh would be fillcil with a,.akening from one end THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 71 to the other, inside of forty-eight hours. Then he spoke to sinners, and it was most alarming. The three steps to hell, were— "• jf. Nerjled; ^. Refuse; 3. Despise. He told them, even weeping, of their danger, and besought them to get the question settled now. Ah, it is that tender, weeping power in dear Mr. Moody, that is so overwhelming to sinners. He is now preaching in one of the best and largest churches of the New Town, and yet he has been quite as faithful as when among the poor last week in the Old Town ; and there have been some marked cases of awakening. Mr. Sankey's singing of " Jesus of Nazareth " had a line effect upon them. I saw it striking in upon the hearts of many ; and many weeping eyes told of its power. A widow in front of me, with her little boy by her side, was moved deeply, and publicly addressed by Mr. Moody, listened with very wistful eyes ; and both of them came to the second meet- ing. I was anxious about the result of the inquiry meeting in that church, and they were rather long in coming in, but it turned out nearly as good as before. About fifty were conversed wiih this first night, and there seemed to be quite a number that believed. The first I got hold of was a working man ; and after showing him in the Word the way of life and peace, and getting him to decide, he said : " My wife's here." « Where r " Sitting there by herself. " Please bring her here." She, too, professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and they went home together believing. Then I got a youth about eighteen in a teiTible state of anxiety, and wrought with him a long time, and though ^ MOODY AND SANKEY IN VJKEAT BRITAIN. hopeful, I do not know that he sees clearly ; hut he lives near me, and I hope to see him again to-morrow. The life is in, I believe, hut he wants liberty. Then I got a word with about a dozen besides, and gave them books. I saw three all at once profess Christ in Mr. Moody's hands. But there were chronic cases that baffled the whole of us, and after ten o'clock there was a man in a corner to whom Mr. Gall had spoken all night, who was all h . desperate with conviction. Mr. Moody prayed with him, and he was bowed down and weeping, but he had to leave him still in bondage, showing how entirely it is God's work to set a soul free. Mr. Sankey sang " Jesus of Nazareth pasaeth hy" There was a power in it ; many wept. At the close I had three or four anxious sinners, and about as many anxious saints. Mr. Moody had a goodly number professing faith in his hands. Others also were busy. I had some interesting cases of saintt in darkness who again got light. Just as I was leaving, Mr. Moody put into my hands a young lady who had been con- versed with by one and another all thv^ evening; nd just as I spoke the very last word I intended to speak to her, her face was lighted up with joy, and she said, " I now trust in the Lord Jesus." Dr. Thomson remarked as we were coming out, that he thought it had been a night of more solid work than any we have yet had. One good thing in being in one of the ^ew Town churches is, that " the poor rich," as a noble worker ^alls them, have got a chance for their souls. The most respectable men ani wo len have been plentiful in the meeting, and not absent from the inquiry rooms. The poor have far more privileges and opportunities of being saved than the bettor classes. But they, too, are getting a chance sow ; and we have Mesn Bon:j marked instances of salvation pill THE Ri::VIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 73 among them. We returned home, praising God for His grace and blessing. I have observed that Mr. Moody speaks to inquirers with an open Bible in his hands, iixing them down to the Word of God, and anchoring their souls on the living rock of the Holy Scriptures. He also gets them to their knees in prayer ; and I have seen them rise from his side by twos and threes, wiping their eyes, and smiling through their tears, confessing Christ. Dr. Thomson said, " I think there could not have been fewer than one hundred inquirers here to-night, and I thin^ more have professed faith in Chr' t than any night." It was was very cheering to see the great heartiness with which Dr. Thomson entered into the work of the inquirers' meeting ; and also to see other ntinister^ there in considerable force from his own church and other churches engaged in pointing sinners to Christ. Having been every night at work for an hour and a half in the inquiry meeting, and judging of the work from seeing about forty come to Christ in my own hands, I judge that the Lord is doing marvellous things among us, whereof we are glad. Seven professed faith in Christ all at one time in one company, and we had a conviction that it was reality in at least four of them. On Friday night, after Mr. Moody's solemn word, there seemed to be a great smashing up of souls (as Mr. Kadcliffe used to call it), and among others a lady came into my hands from San Francisco, California, here for the healing of her body ; mA her trouble was, that the Spirit, 8lie thought, had left her. We showed that her anxiety to bo saved and her clinging to Christ were evidences to the contrary j and she left after ten minutes' conversation in a state of blessed emancipation and comfort. She was brought 10 me by one who got out of bondage the night before, and :■ i 74 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. W m^ I said, " Perhaps you will be bringing ivio each on Sunday night." Th« last case we dealt with on Friday night was the most solemn we have seen, except that man who was specially pra/ed for in the noon-day meeting the othei day, and saved that night. This was a young woman weeping floods of tears. She complained of a hard heart, and feared the scorn of the ungodly when she went home ; she faintly professed faith in Christ. ^ I felt such an interest in this girl that I could not sleep without sending her a line by post, inviting her to come next day that my wife might read the Scriptures with her, and tell her more about the Lord Jesus. She came : I was at a meet- ing I have on Saturday evening. We made special prayer for her, and the person who led us seemed to get near to God, and we had a conviction that we were heanl. It was so ; for on my return home I was met with the cheering intelligence, " The girl has been here ; I have read with her for nearly two hours j and she has just left, saved and happy. She said she faintly believed last night, as you said, but she is now at liberty, and says she never saw the fulness and frecness of salvation as she sees it now. Her eyes were red and swollen with weeping last night ; but she was looking bright and smiling ; and the only tears she wept were tears of expressed gratitude that Jesus had recoivod her, and that we had been so interested in her as to care for her for Jesus' sake as we had done." We have seen her since and she is looking unto Jesus ; but her demeanor is quiet and sublued, and she looks as one would do who had just escaped from drowning, or from a terrible railway collision. We have had a meeting to-day for parents and children. It assembled — about 2,000 were present ; the parents got a m ^ THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND, 75 good word. Our dear brother Sankey's sin^ag hx^f^ij gav« the Gospel to the children in a number of gosp*-! Bujunima, IMr. Moody addressed parents from Deut iy. S-ll ; ▼. 29 ; vi. 7. Sjme young people think they hear to© jauach about Christ and salvation from their parents, but hem thej have authority from God to speak of them, mcmina;^ Boon;, and night ; when lying down and rising up ; 'wh€3i mtUm^ m the house and walking by the way. There shoull Is© tlie most diligent instruction of the young by pareais, iimmg. their miuds with ' ' ) Word of God. Then from Mark x. 13-17 he addressed ib« cMlireti, and said that this is the only time when Christ va« sswcl to be much displeased. He told of the daughter of «ffi kifiiJftl dying in peace, after being only five weeks at "the Simsclaiy school. Also, of a boy of twelve, who heard Dr. Chalmeir« jwreiich, and came, at the close of the service, and said be kftl jiivtMng to give, but he would give himself to Christ H* nfiJ ao, and has been the means in our country of esta.l»i*Siiiitt!;c many JSabbath schools, with tens of thousands of seliolaase, an wisely chosen, so graphically told, and so well applied, at laever to fail in hitting the mark. I wisli once more to call attention to ism» (mmntial feature in the action of these good men — ^the daSjr mmm^j meeting for prayer. It bt^gan some weeks ago m am lijjfwr room in Queen Street Hall. That was filled afiter a fofw fbp. Next it was transferred to Queen Street Kal% wSikb id eapable of THE lEJDnnrAL in Scotland. 77 holding 1,200 porsniK. Ifc was not long ere this became over- crowded, and now ttthmr- are full meetings every day in the Free Assembly M»iH, which is capable of holding some hundreds more. I£t iff ck fact with a meaning in it, that simul- taneously with libfi iimraase in' the noon-day meeting for prayer has been titep increase in attendance in Broughton Place Church at thcmening addresses, and also in the number of inquirers aftorworik. Before tiie end of last week every inch of standing ^nuiUl in our large place of worship was occupied with eagar Uatmiers, and hundreds were obliged to depart without beinrjiitlb to obtain so much as a sight of the speaker. The nunihor of inquirers gradually rose from fifty to a hundred per aiifitt^. anil on Monday evening this week, when the awakened ;imll fcliose who professed to have under- gone the " great choifp)." wore gathered together in our church hall, to be addressftfl fty- 3£r. Moody, no other persons being admitted, there "were nBarly three hundred present, and even these were only jioilt (iff the fruits of one week. I wish to give prominence to tfflir statement that the persons who con- versed with the parriiraad; and inquiring were ministers, elders, and deacons, and igxuilfiod private members of our various churches, and ako (dhuBtian matrons and Bible-women, aa far as their valuabte^Bcwiijes could be secured. And now, at ithr oiireo of the week of special services at Broughton Place 'Oiumh^. I wish to repeat the statement in your paper which II made on Monday in the Assembly Hall, that there is no vrodk iit my lengthened ministry upon which I look back with «udL grateful joy. I would not for the wealth of a world Ihowj' the recollection of what I have seen uiid heard during ^fflflpgast week blotted out from my memory. When Howe "wbb? (rfhqrlain to Cromwell at Whitehall, he became weary rff t^te tnirmoil and pomp of the palace, and wrote to " his doRt inLt honorod brother," Richard Baxter 4l' 78 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. t t telling him how much ho 1 .mged to be back again *o his beloved work at Torringlon. " I have devoted myself," he said, " to serve God in the work of the ministry, and how can I want the pleasure of hearing their cryings and complaints who have come to me under convictions." I have shared with many beloved brethren during the past week in this sacred pleasure, and it is like the eating of angel's bread, first to hear the cry of conviction, and yet more to hear at length the utterance of the joy of reconciliation and peace I I was much struck by the variety among the inquirers. There were present from the old man of seventy-five to the youth of eleven, soldiers from the Castle, students from the University, the backsliding, the intemperate, the skeptical, the rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated ; and in how many instances wore the wounded healed and the burdened released ! It may be encouraging to Christian parents and teachers to be told that very much of this marvellous blessing, when once begun in a house, has spread through the whole family, and those who already had the knowledge of the divine truth in their minds by early Christian education, formed by far the largest proportion of the converts. The seed was there sleeping in the soil, which the influence from above quickened into life. There was a considerable number of skeptics among tlit inquirers, but their speculative doubts and difl&culties ver)! soon became of no account when they came to have a proper view of their sins. Some have already come to tell me ol their renunciation of unbelief, and their discipleship to Christ. One has publicly announced that he can no longer live in the ice-house of cold negations, and has asked Mr. Moody to publish the address which brought light to his heart, and to circulate it far and wide over the land. w THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 79 I witnessed no excesses in the inquiry rooms; but there was often deep and melting solemnity, sometimes a sob of sorrow, and the whispered prayer of contrition or gratitude. There must, however, occur at times imprudent things and excesses in connection with even the best works that have imperfect^ though good men employed about them. But cold criticism that is in seaich of faults, of ultra prudence that attempts nothing from fear of making mistakes, is not the temper in which to regard such events. I would not dare to take either of these positions, " lest haply I should be found to be fight- ing against God." I have already expressed my high appreciation of Mr. Moody's manner of addressing. If some think that it wants the polished elegance of certain of our home orators, it has qualities that are far more valuable ; and even were it other- wise, the great thing is to have the gospel of the grace of God clearly and earnestly preached to the multitudes who are crowding every night to listen to him. When the year of the jubilee came in ancient times among the Jews, I suspect the weary bond-slave or the poor debtor cared little whether it was proclaimed to him with silver trumpets or rams' horns, if he could only be assured that he was free. The following paper was issued and sent to every denomi- nation in Scotland : " Edinburgh is now enjoying signal manifestations of grace. Many of the Lord's people are not surprised at this. In October and Kovember last, they met from time to time to pray for it. They hoped that they might have a visit from Messrs. Moody and Sankey of America ; but they very earn- estly besought the Lord that Ho would deliver them from depending upon them, or on any instrumentality, and that He himself would come with them, or come before them. He iias graciously answered that prayer, and His own presence is r So MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. now woncUifully manifested, and is felt to be among them. God is 80 affecting the hearts of men, that the Free Church Assembly Hall, the largest public building in Edinburgh, is crowded every day at noon with a meeting for prayer ; and *that building, along with the Established Church Assembly Hall, overflows every evening when the Gospel is preached. But the numbers that attend are not the most remarkable feature. It is the presence of the power of the Holy Ghost, the solemn awe, the prayerful, believing, expectant spirit, the anxious inquiry of unsaved souls, and the longing of believers to grow more like Christ, — the hungering and thirsting after holiness. The hall of the Tolbooth Church, and the Free High Church are nightly attended by anxious inquirers. All denominational and social distinctions are entirely merged. All this is the God of Grace. " Another proof of the Holy Spirit's presence is, that a desire has been felt and expressed in these meetings, that all Scotland should share the blessing that the capital is now enjoying. " It is impossible that our beloveH friends from America should visit every place, or even all those to which they haye been urged to go. But this is not necessary. The Lord is willing Himself to go wherever he is truly invited. He is waiting. The Lord's people in Edinburgh, therefore, would aflfectionately entreat all their brethren throughout the land to be importunate in invoking Him io come to them, and dis- miss all doubt as to his being willLig to do so. " The week of prayer, from tne 4th to 11th January next, affords a favorable opportunity for combined action. In every town and hamlet lot there be a daily meeting for prayer dur- ing that week, and also as often as may be before it. In Edinburgh the hour is from 12 to 1, and where the sante hour suits other places, it would be pleasing to meet together THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 8i ill faith at the throne of grace. But let the prayers not be formal, unbelieving, unexpecting : but short, fervent, earnest entreaties, mingled with abounding praise and frequent short exhortations ; and let them embrace the whole world, that God's way may be known upon earth, His saving health among all nations. If the country will thus fall upon their knees, and God, who has filled our national history with the wonders of His love, will come again and surprise even the strongest believers by the unprecedented tokens of His grace. * Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.' " This was signed by thirty-eight ministers of all denom- inations. Mr. Moody addressed some special meetings in Free Assembly Hall. On Sabbath morning, December 14, he addressed the young men of the Sabbath morning Fellowship Union. On Friday, December 19, he preached to young men on being born again. On Sabbath morning, December 21, he addressed Sabbath school teachers. The same evening he preached to the students of Edin- burgh University and the New College, on "There is no difference." This was one of the most magnificent sights I have ever witnessed. On the platform with him were num- bers of professors of both colleges, and, I believe, the majority of the students. The hall was densely crowded, and I ques- tion whether he ever addressed a more intelligent audience, or one that gave him more profound and riveted attention. Hiid they noi had confidence in him, and felt his power, and, we trust, the higher power of God's Spirit and truth, they would not have sat for more than two hours with sucii quiet- ness. He commanded that immense meeting of about two I MOODY AND SANKLY IN GKr.AT liKITAIN. tliousand men, as no man on that platform, save Dr. Dufl", could have done. The living power of God's Holy Spirit was felt giving the word, and laying conviction on the conscience. The Gospel given at the end was most touchingly illustrated ; Hud the very appropriate hymn sung by Mr. Saukey, " I am sweeping through the gates," gave a spii'itual finish to the \vhole that had been spoken. It was an opportunity such as iio man ever before enjoyed here ; and we cannot doubt that God has given and used it for the conversion of souls and the glory of Christ. At half-past eight o'clock, December 29, there was a meet- ing held in the Corn Exchange, Grassmarket, which was at- tended by about 3,000 persons belonging to the pouro classes. The Eev. Mr. Morgan opened this meeting witL prayer. Mr. Moody began his addi j by telling the well-known story about Kowland Hill and Lady Erskine. Her ladyship •was driving past a crowd of people to whom Hill was preaching. She asked who the preacber was, and, on bavitl king over all Israel : — " All these men of war tlfcalfwalikeep rank came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to tmke I>aTi(l king over all Israel ; and all the rest also of Itiratnl w«t« of one heart to make David king, and there was great f9f in Lirael " (1 Chron. xii. 37) — so the one purpose to htve ihm Lord Jesus exalted and made supreme, and His giL.•• IIw ontpoiiring that have been offm-ed ; for it is getting iimilSc *'i><^ m!nd of God as the Psalmist got, when he said: ■" TlbotTi **:i.-t niagniticd Thy WORD .above all Thy name." Hi* A>M.jr^"»?3 on such themes as " How to study the Holy iimi>Ximvs* 'M-d. *' The THE lM:^niVziL IN SCOTLAND. 9ff Script'iTos caTiTifit lif l^mlam ;" his own Eiblo lectnroi=i, vLich wore so full of Sfsvjfttiirf?, and helpful to liMinlrcds i)f Cliris- tian.s; nis constuifl ivil5u"«ncQ to thu Liblc, and qnotaLimis from it in his !]wmuiiiiif; ; his nioviiij; about umong tlio anxious with the lymii Bihle in his hands, that ho might get them to rest thou- -Hnilk on the " true sayings of God ;" and liis earnest eszhditildiin)* to young Christians to read the AVonl, and to uUhw ;inil well-taught Christians to got up " Jhble reading," ttnll invite young Christians to como to them, that they luidlC lie made acquainted with the mind of Christ, all showotl iiow much in earnest he is to give duo prominence to ihe Mil){^ Scriptures. Mr. Moiuly hot^ liko gi\'ett us a thorough specimen of good Gospel premjiinj^ both as to matter and manner of communication. IHl iH-not a mi.xture of law and Gospel: his Gospel is '* tlje"G(m^j*jlia£ the Grace of God," " witiiout tho works of the law,,";i]ln'"Go>jpel of God" coming in righteously and saving the iotft„niJti by a mere judicial manipulation and theoretically, hut hv -pnce, power, and life coming in when men were dead, sotillut! we have not only sins blotteil out by the blood of Clirifft. iViit deiivnrance from sin in the nature by death and resurrcflliiinv and hfe beyond deati), so that a risen Christ is before iifi..anE wo in Him, when it is said, *• There is therefore nowaimurndbmnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Tliere as '*' jjustitlcation of life " in liis preaching, immediately that wpshm'* justified by His hlood." He has also difdihgni^ed with much decision and pre- cision between ^iv Jftdum nature and tho new creation iii Christ, and made itt m dnar aa noonday that salvation is not the mere setting a!^,Uti of n.an's existing faculties', but tho im[)artation of iirwliiii in Christ, a new nature, a new creation, 60 that thorn uxitJt f^wi utterly opposed natures in tho one responsible Christioii man, and that " these are contrary tho ; 92 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT T^RITAIN. one to the other:" and the knowledge of thio gives young Cliristians immense relief, and a solid foundation for holiness at the very cjommencement of their Christian cdurse. New creation in Christ — not the mending of the old creation — is Mr. Moody's idea of Christianity : and it is the divine reality which many are now enjoying. This also leads to the Pauline theory of holiness, as preached by him. He lias imbibed very fully the theology of the Epistle to the Komans on this point, and insisted with much earnestness that Scripture has it that Christians are not under the law in any shape or form, and that this is essential TO holiness : — " For sin shall not have dominion over you ; for ye are not under the law, but under grace " (Rom. vi. 14) ; " But now we are delivered from the law that we should serve in newness of spirit " (Rom. yii. 6). His doctrine is that the law never made a bad man good or a good man better, and that we are under grace for sanctification as well as for justification ; and yet the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh (that is, under law) " but after the spirit " (Rom. viii. 4). His clearness in distinguish- ing between law and grace has been the lever of life to many Bouls. Our American brethren have also been of great use in showing ns what may be accomplished in the conversion of souls, if the heart is only fully set upon it, and there is a determination to have it. They came to us with that distinct aim and object in view ; and the Lord gave them the desires of their hearts ; fend as the result hundreds of souls have pro- *fessed salvation. They gave themselves to " this one thing," and they stuck to it, brushing aside all other things : even the conventional courtesies of life were made short work of by Mr. Moody if ho spied an anxious soul likely to escape. His friends might introduce some notable stranger at the close so, THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 93 of a meeting, and feel rather annoyed that, in.u ad of eon- versing with him or her, he darted off in a moment to awakened souls ; but he made that his work, and everything else had to be subordinate to it. " This one thing I do," seems to be his life-motto; and in sticking to this all- absorbing object, he has read us a noble lesson of holy resoluteness and decision. If we who are ministers have similar faith and expectancy, and work like our American friends for the conversion of souls, the conversion of souls we shall have. Our Lord said to those who were to be the first preachers of His Gospel, " I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (John xv. 16); and when they were endued with the Holy Ghost and with power, they did " bring forth fruit " in the conversion of souls (Acts ii. 41 ; iv. 4) ; and their fruit remained (Acts ii. 42), and has done so, in the millions of souls saved in all ages down to the present day. Our friends have been the means of rescuing hundreds of eouls in this city fiom impending and everlasting damnation. Their labors have been especially fruitful in the conversion of young women and girls, who in course of time will be in the important position of wives and mothers ; and if the thousand of them that appear at the young converts' meeting to receive Mr. Moody's farewell address, should all hold out, it will be an unspeakable blessing that has been confc.rred by God on this community through their instrumentality. Persons at a distance have wondered at us having so many ladies among the anxious, and the question has repeatedly come to us, " Where are the meni Your anxious inquirers are nearly all women, as we read of them in your reports," If such persons had been present on Friday, Jan. 16, and run their eyes over the young converts in the Free Assembly :;i'i ■ V- h [ ^■ *■*■ 94 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. Hall, between eij^lit and nine o'clock, and counted, as was done, tho 1,150 that were present, and failed to find 150 of them men, they would no longer have been at a loss to seo why the greater proportion of the cases of awakening men- tioned are women. But we believe also that any one who would affirm, from the excessive preponderance of women over men on Friday at the young converts' meeting, that tho movement liml only laid hold of women, would be very wide of the truth ; for, althougli the meetings went on for three weeks almost with- out men, towards tho close there wore many young men who were brought under the pov.'er of the truth. It is, however, well known that many young Scotsmen, from a variety of iiilluennos and motives, even though converted, would ratlnir bo excluded from the meeting than face tho ordeal through which those had to pass who received tickets ; and had there been a converts' meeting for men to come without any examination or receiving of tickets, hundreds would have attended it. In a time of awakening it is also well known that women who are religiously impressed will go through fire and water to comply with the wishes of those who have been made use- ful to their souls. They will do anything they are asked to do ; hence the mass-meeting of women on Friday, the 16th. But not so with men — especially Scotsmen — hence tho ab- sence, notwithstanding that many are known to have been converted. Before that meeting was held we had given it as our calcu lation, based on the facts that had come under our owr observation daily in the inquiry meeting, that there might he 1,500 souls converted, or who had professed to be converted, believing themselves to be so. "We are still of the »am« judgment, and that very many more of them are men tliai that 11 lid tliirt (lie .liviJ to hi !ii;c:i| lioul .iljtl THE KF.VIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 95 tliat converts* farewell moelinj:; revealeil. Twelve hundrcil woiniin and three hundred men and boya seem to ho the ]tiM|)()rtii)n and sum total who have professed conversion. ' iliiiulreds of tlieni njay go on flourisldn^ly, and bring forth thirty, sixty, and a hundred fold. Hundreds may go back, (lie out, or be chokeil with the world, and many who have divine life in their soals may collapse, and the work may have to bo done over a^ain, and they revived and set at liberty liocanse of tiie lack of teacliing. This has been onr observa- tion of the results of past revivals, having been in nearly ill thit have taken place in this country for the last six-and- 'venty years. Uut we S(!e no necessity for this sad outcome <»r a blessed work of grace, if the professed converts were ! illy taULjlit in all the precious truth of God with regard to heir place in a risen and glorified Christ, as lionians, Ephe- >iil//s, Jiiid C'llossians, spiritually and competently expounded, ^ ould touch them. G.^od ujiik, and plenty of it, makes an iid'.iut thrive and grow. "As new-born babes, desire the iiicero milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby. Grow III grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus ('lirist." 'J'ho only way not to fall is to grow, and growth and strength are by the truth. f CHAPTER IV. visit. ON TO GLASGOW. IVJfi meetings in one day, at Berwick-on-Tweed, drew thousands together, and the arrows from God's quiver pierced hundreds of hearts. * A fow days in Dundee awakened such interest that the evangelists returned five months later, when the enthusiasm far exceeded that of the previous Every evening for a week from 10,000 to 16,000 people assembled in the open air to listen to the Gospel. Hundreds yielded to Christ, and a mighty impulse was given to religion. On their leaving Dundee evangelistic services were held in various churches with many tokens of blessing. The number of enquiries was very considerable. Many cases were charac- terized by deep conviction of sin, and there wore several remark- able conversions. Of the many hundreds, doubtless some were only slightly impressed, while others are bearing about their trouble to this day. For, whatever may be the explana- tion, there are always some who very gradually arrive at settled trust and peace in Christ. As the result of the awaken- ing there have been large additions to the membership of the churches — in some congregations as many as one hundred and upward. Groat care has been taken in watching over the young Christians, and we do not know of any wlw have gone hack: On the occasion of tho second visit of the evangelists to THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 97 f Dundee, ifi June, when groat open air raoeting« wore hold in Barrick Park, Mr. Mooily organized and set f^oiti.; spocial means and efforts for reaching young men. Witli the aid of a large stall' of earnest Christian men, who volunteered their services at the call of Mr. Moody, the Young Men's Associa- tion carried out the scheme with energy and success. l\\ the course of two weeks, upward of one hundred and thirty y )ung men were individually conversed with, almo ' the whole of whom ultimately professed faith in Christ. The wnk has been carried on throughout the year by tlie Association, as well as by the direct instrumentality of the churches, with much prayer and pains, and many have been added to the Lord. In the Post and Telegraph offices alone there are aome twenty youg mou aui lads who have come over to the Lord's side, and are zealous in His service. As Andrew found his brother Simon, and brought him to Jesus, so in many a pleasing instance, brothers have been bringing brothers, and young men have been bringing their companions to the Saviour. The seal of God's blessing has been clearly stamped on the efforts of the Christian young men. And although, to the eye of an observer looking only on the surikce, nothing may be apparent save the ordinary ripple of Christian work, to those who look more closely, a powerful under-current of spiritual influence is plainly seen to be at work among the youth of our town. In many quarters the tide is fairly turned and is setting in steadily in the right direction; and we ex- pect still greater and better things. In regard to the work among the children, we have never before seen so much precious fruit in the same space of time. All the year round there has been great joy in many a family and in many a Sabbath-school. Nor has this joy proved to bo evanescent or fruitless. To this fact parents and teachers bear decided testimony. Running parallel with the work of IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^ A ^/^i/^"^ <. ^y^ «/. /a I '! iio I.I 1.25 S lis IIIIIM 1.8 U ill 1.6 m v^ ^. ^ .V /a ^/a '-'W 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET V.'EBSTSK,N.Y. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 I I / 98 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT liRlTAI.N. the Holy Ghost, there has been a rcniarkalno dispensation of providence in the removal of many liltie ones to the spivit- worlJ. Beautiful and int^tructive in many instances have been the last solemn scenes of life. To the clear eve of a child's faith there is almost no darkness in the valley. To the ear of the little Christian, quick to catch the voices from above, the solemn sound of Jordan's waters has no terrors. With marvellous wisdom and force, these dying children gave forth their testimony to Jesus and Ilis grace. While the immediate results of the work are exceedingly precious, the value of its full outcome can scarcely be over- estimated : believers are refreshed and lifted higher — Christian workers of every class have renewed their strength, and are filled with fresh hope and zeal. The whole body of the living Church has made an advance ; her forces are increased, her methods are improved. So mighty an impulse cannou fail of great and lasting results. But there remains much land to be possessed, and from the recent movement there comes to us a "loud and stirring call to go forward. Thanking God for the past, and taking courage, we look into the future with a heart of good cheer; and we feel assured, " 'Tis better on. before !" But the great meeting in Scotland was in Glasgow. On Sunday morning, February 8, 1874, at nine o'clock, Mr. Moody addressed 3,000 Sabbath school teachers and Christian workers, in the City Hall. At half-past five in the evening, an hour before the time for services to begin, the hall was crowded in every corner. The crowds became so great that it was necessary to hold separate meetings for men and women, and even then no building in Glasgow could be found large enough to hold the congregations. The interest among tlie impenitent was leyond precedent. It was am ither Pentecost. Again and again 1,000 inquirers remained after the sermon to be pointed to Christ. THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 99 During the six days beginning with Tuesday of last weolf, the suburb of Hillhead was nine times flooded with crowds hur- rying to the Crystal Palace. This unique glass house is the lar- gest place of Public Assembly in Scotland, and can seat about four thousand, while a tliousand or tvvo more may be crowded into it. Tuesday eTening was for the young women. Hun- dreds appealed in vain for tickets after seven thousand five hundred hud been distributed, and hundrrds who had them struggled in vain for admission. The builling was crowded up to the fainting point, and the meeting was partly spoiled by Its numerical success. On Wednesday the young men wlio were ticket-holders darkened the Great Western road more than an hour before the time of meeting. All comers were welcome on Thursday, so long as there was any room. In spite of the rain the Palace was filled by seven o'clock, and about one-half of the audience seemed to be young men of the middle classes. On Friday the noon prayer-meeting wis transferred to the Palace, which was comfortably filled with the better, or better-off, classes. Friday evening's meeting was the most signilicant of the series. Tickets for it were given only to those who, on applying for them in person, declared that they believed themselves to have been co averted since January 1st, and gave their names, addresses, and church connection, which information, we are told, is to be forwarded to their several pastors. It was publicly stated that about three thou- sand five hundred had received tickets on these conditions. As the Americans did not arri'^o till six weeks aft^r New Year, and as the tickets were not exclusively for the fre- quenters of their meetings, it was hardly fair in one of our contemporaries to insinuate that the object was to number and ticket Moody's converts. The chitlren had their turn on Saturday at noon, and the working people at i)ight. On Sunday morning the young women wore admitted by tickt»t, 100 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. f ,.A< ■i'-.' I;.'). anil at six o'clock p.m. the Palace was filled both insidp and outside, as an Irishman would say. While several ministers, along with Mr. Sankey, conducted the service inside, Mr. Moody addressed a crowd in the open air that filled the whole space between the Palace and the gate of the Botanic Gar- dens. Many hundreds did not even get the length of the garden gate. The estimates of the vast throng — mere guess- work, of course — range from fifteen to thirty thousand. A month ago, in the same place and under the same auspices, another meeting was held for six and a half hours. We refer to the " Christian Convention," which Dr. Cairns declared to be " unparalleled in the history of the Scotch, perhaps of British Christianity." It was reported that about five thou- sand were present, of whom some two thousand were min- isters and office-bearers from Scotland and the North of England. Now these are conspicuous facts, and challenge the ro_ spectful attention and sympathy of all, whatever their religious views may be, were it on no higher principle than that of the ancient poet, " I am a man, and deem nothing human unin- teresting to me." Some have already, photographed the humorous side of these religious assemblies, and proved what we dare say nobody will deny, that some blemishes cleave to them. We are persuaded, however, that many of our readers will not be disinclined to look at the higher aspects of " these wondrous gatherings day by day ;" for we are not aware that so many large and representative meetings have been drawn together in Glasgow by any cause or interest whatever during the past century. Here is a novel addition to the " May meetings" — a new General Assembly, with representatives of ;i|inost every class of Society and every Protestant Church in the land. The religious movement, of which these meetings are the THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. lOl most outstanding manifestation, dates, so far as it met the public eye, from " the week of prayer " in the beginning of January. The ministers and oilice-bearers of almost all the churches then met, and formed a committee to arrange for united prayer meetings, and also for the expected visit of the American Evangelists. The record of what was going on in the North of England, and especially in Edinburgh, had pre viously inflamed, as well as informed, many of the more receptive and sympathetic souls. Tokens of growing interest had also been appearing in many quarters ; and evangelistic services, such as thosiB conducted by Mr. Brownlow ^North and others, had indicated that the spiritual thermometer was steadily rising. During the first week of January St. George's Church was crowded at noon, while the overflow was accom- modated in Hope Street Free Gaelic Church. After the first fortnight Wellington Street United Presbyterian Church was made the centre, where, on an average, about a thousand met daily for prayer. I.i the second week of February, Messrs. Moody and Sankey began their work among us ; and for the last three months they have conducted meetings every day, with a few exceptions. The mind experiences a sense of fatigue in detailing their efforts. They certainly have not spared themselves. Here is something like an average week- day's work : twelve to one o'clock, prayer meeting ; one to two o'clock, conversations with individuals ; four to five o'clock, Bible lecture, attended by some twelve or fifteen hun- dred ; seven to half-past eight o'clock, evangelistic meeting, with inquiry meeting at close ; nine to ten o'clock, young men's meeting. The tale of some Sabbath-day's work is even heavier ; nine to ten o'clock, City Hall ; eleven to half past twelve o'clock, a church service; five to seven o'clock, women's ; seven to nine o'clock, men's meeting in City Hall. Very few men possess, or at least exorcise such powers of ser- 6 102 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. i lill vice ; though in addition to the aid from the realm beyond on which true workers reiy, we doubt not that congenial and successful Christian work may sustain a man beyond any other form of human elfort. Admission to these meetings was usually by ticket, a necessary precaution against over- crowding. The animated scenes of last week in the Botanic Gardens prove that the interest has not waned, even after three months' use and wont had worn off the edge of noveltv. Accepting tliis as a genuine Christian work, it may be worth while to fix attention on some of its leading character- istics and results. "We would say here, in passing, that we cannot well understand why some educated minds, without granting a hearing, condemn religious revivals out-and-out on philosophical grounds. Viewed on the human side, the philo- sophy of revivals, as they term it, is just a department of the philosophy of history. In no region has progress been uni- formly steady and gradual : but it has been now and then by great strides, by fits and starts, and such events as the Germ m^ call epoch-making. In all the alFuirs of men there hi.ve been tides with full floods. Every channel along which human energies pour themselves has had its " freshet." We are familiar with revivals in trade, science, literature, arts, and politics. Times of refreshing and visitation are not much more frequent in sacred than in secular history; and they indicate the most interesting and fruitful periods in both. To say that the work betrays some imperfections, and that there have beftn many objectors, is only to say what has been justly saiil of every great enterprise, civil and religious. But this revival seems to be distinguished from all previous revivals bv tho circnnistance that it has been indorsed bvsonie- t' V thing like the cath(dic consent of the churches. From the outset nearly all our leading ministers, and not a few of our THE REVIVAL IN SCOT LAND. 10^ foremost laymen, identified thotnsolvcs with it. 1'hey vsat and sang tof]jetlier on the pulpit stairs and platform at the daily prayer meeting. A Highland member of the Free Church Presbytery lately protested against some of the accompani- ments ; and in a court that numbers about one hundred and fifty members, there was not one to second his lament- One of our most conservative churches — the Eeformed Presby- terian — gave its unanimous and cordial approval the other day at its Synod. The unfriendly letter-writers fall into two classes. Some sign tliemselves clergymen and are much exercised about their clerical status. If any in these days will make it their chief concern to stand upon their official dignity, they shall find by and by that they have not much ground to stand upon. No evangelists, however, have come among us who have more respected the position and influence of the ministers. Mr. Moody's first statement at his first meeting in the City Hall was, that he met with the Sabbath school teachers first Decause he knew that no class would welcome him more heartily, with the single exception of the ministers, and that it would be presumption in him to lecture them. The other class of unfriendly critics write in the interest of intellect- ualism and culture in its " broadest" sense. "VVe suspect that the "sages," whose profession is, as one of themselves has said, that they are neither great sinners nor great saints, ar*=» the enemies of revivals only because they are the enemies of the things revived. Would they object, for instance, to a revival that gave body and popular attractions to the worn- out ideas which they commend as the ne plus ultra of attain- able truth ? At all events, it will not do for them to say that :)nly the women and children have been attracted, for there )>Hs been nightly a most imposing muster of the vigorous Jimhood of our city, and the City Hall has been often found, 104 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. too small to accommodate the men who flocked to some of the special services. Mr. Moody !3 very fortunate in having such a colleague as Mr. Sankey. lie has enriched evangelistic work by son\cthing approaching 'the discovery of a new power. He spoils the Egyptians of their finest music, and consecrates it to the ser- vice of the tabernacle. Music in his hands is, more than it has yet been, the handmaid of the Gospel, and the voice of the heart. We have seen many stirred and melted by his singing before a word had been spoken. Indeed, his singing is just a powerful, distinct, and heart-toned way of speaking, that seems to reach the heart by a short cut, when mere speaking might lose the road. Most people admit that the work has been conducted in a very calm and sober-minded fashion. Mr. Moody is credited with a large share of shrewd- ness and common sense. He has not yielded to the tempta- tions that powerfully assail his class. He does not give himself out to be coddled and petted by well-meaning but in- judicious admirers. We have not noticed in him that offen- sive affectation of superior piety that provoked a sarcastic acquaintance of ours to say that some revivalists seemed to begin their story as Virgil makes iEneas begin his, " I am the pious ^neas." He keeps close to the essentials, and is free from such crochets as often narrow the sphere and destroy the influence of evangelists. It is not irritation but balm, that he tries to bring to our religious divisions. It must be owned that a premium has not been set on the hysterical, the convulsive, and the sensational forms of religious excitement. The proverbial weakness for numbers has been more apparent in some of his sympathizers than in himself. Nor does he make himself responsible for the reality of every apparent conversion. He has set his face sternly against the religious dissipation in which some of his most indefatigablu ^icarcis rejoK grati meet mitte thou* midd tion THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 105 rejoice. Novelty-hunters and marvel-mongers have not been gratified. Sight-seers have been usually excluded from the meetings for inquirers, and only " workers" have been ad- mitted. That there has been nothing necessarily repellant to thoughtful and educated people is proven by the number of middle-class young men in sympathy, and by the fair propor- tion of them at the " Converts* Meeting," and also by the crowds of genteel people at the quiet afternoon Bible lectures. Though he has introduced some novel methods, he has stuck to the simple old truths, and his convictions are in entire accord with Scottish orthodoxy. His straightforward, busi- ness-like, slap-dash style gives a fascinating air of reality to all he says, while his humor, capital hits, vivid and homely illustrations, and now and again his deep feeling, seldom fail to rivet the attention of his hearers. He has not a round- about and far-off way of handling divine things, and hence many accuse him of abruptness, brusqueness and undue familiarity. The Christian life he commends is manly and genial, intense, and yet not strained or twisted. These features go far to explain what would be called in America his personal magnetism. Many ask, " But will it last? What is to come out of all thisi" In Edinburgh, they say that since the Americans left, the impression has been steadily increasing, and that it has entered influential spheres almost untouched before. The summer scatterings will severely test the reality of the move- ment, but perhaps they may also scatter a share of the stimulus along both sides of the Clyde. The avowed end from the first has been that the ordinary congregational channels might be flushed and flooded with fresh energy. Such extraordinary eff'orts are most successful, though their success is less appar- ent when they add new power to ordinary agencies. If this be the result, the friends of the movement will have no ?.ause I06 MOODY AND SAN KEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. I,' for disappointment, while its enomies will point to the absence of demonstrative accompaniments as a proof that it has entirely collapsed. We may expect that something will he gained from the experience of the past months. New methods of conducting meetings are already finding favor. Some may be in danger of surrendering hastily the individuality, and adopting modes of speech and action foreign to them. We may easily ascribe too much to the new methods of the American Evangelists. Their success is due largely to the fact that they approach the Scottish Churches on the side on which they are weakest. It would seem that Scottish styles are about as popular in America as American styles have proved in Scotland, and for the very same reason. At the Evangelical Alliance in New York, tho speakers from our country were most appreciated, because they were strong where Americans felt themselves to be weak. Th<* career of Dr. Hall in New York is also a notable case in point. By all means let us have more elasticity and a greater readi- ness to adopt and adapt whatever is serviceable. But, after all, new methods will not help the churches a great deal. The surprise and force of contrast soon wear off ; and if men go too far for a little in any direction, they take their rereng'- in abandoning what formerly they overpraised. Age an^l repetition by and by maks the most skilful methods dull and conventional. The grand need is far deeper — an inward vitality that makes men and churches fresh, vigorous, and fruitful. If, as we are told, multitudes in all the ctMirches have been recently quickened, new bottles should be made, as well as borrowed, for the new wine. Some confidently expect a more general co-operation of Christians than has hitherto prevailed. Dr. James Hamil- ton's quaint illustration has been so far verified. When thb tide is out each shrimp has a little pool of salt water, which THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 107 13 to him all the ocean for the time being. But when the rising ocer,n begins to lip over the margin of his lurking-place one pool joins another, their various tenants meet and mingle, anil soon they have ocean's boundless fields to roam in. It will be a pity if an ebbing tide carries each back to his little narrow pool. The relation f this work to the masses has been much discussed. Those who blame lS\r. Moody for not worliing among them should remember that the tickets for all tlie meetings were distributed by the ministers of each district, and that in soLie cases the non-church-going iiad the prelVrence. Recent speeches in presbyteries and synods show llut many are anxious to give a home-mi-sion direction to the move- ment. Quickened life in pre^cn^o of neglected multitudes must approve its sincerity by zealous mission work. We hear that the committee have already [mrchascd a monster tent, capable of holding two thousand, and that it will soon bo one of their chief rallying-points. The young ladies of the choir, who give invaluable ai'l, are likely, it is said, to continue at their post. This would be a very graceful and tcllin;^' way of bringing together the East and West Ends. Hundreds of young ladies with splendid voices and an expensive musical education might thus find a grateful relief from ennui., and a healthful substitute for other excitements. The work among the masses gives them a fine opportunity of gaining a recom- pense for all the trouble and cost by which they have become gifted musicians. It will be a new power to them and to many preachers who can appreciate such co- operation." Says one : " It seems to be generally admitted that tho young men have had the largest share of the blessing. Their case from the very first was especially laid upon the hearts and consciences of the praying people. Our spiritual dead among the young men wore carried forth like the dead pon of I08 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. l;:i tho widow of Nain. A widowed Church carried them forth with affoctionato sorrow, but not in despair, u3 Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, and His fame was in tho land. At Tlis biilding she stood still, expecting flis aid ; and many of our spiritual dead hoard Ilia life-giving word and were restored to tho crown and joy of tho Church. I do not think that I havo over soon better religious meetings than some of those young men's meetings." ' Among the laborers at Glasgow was Brownlow North, Esq. , one of the wonderful men whom God has lately raised up to propagate the Gospel outside the ordinary channels. We give tho following obituary notice : Tho death of this distinguished lay preaclier and evan- gelist took place at Tillichewan, Dumbartonshire, on the 9th :)f November. ** All that was interesting in his life to the Christian community," says the Daily News, " began exactly twenty-one years ago, in November, 1854, when he was sud- denly and overwhelmingly arrested by the fear of death when playing at cards. He was then forty-four years of age, and his previous life had been such as to make him tremble at the prospect of death and judgment. His talents were of a very high order ; with his athletic frame and vast energy he was fitted to take a foremost position in any line of life he might have chosen. But, not requiring to engage in professional pursuits, he gave himself to what seemod to him a life of pleasure, and, in the highest sense of the word, became a man jf the world. But the cold hand of death, as he took it to be, came upon him with a terrible arrest. He earnestly cried for mercy that night ; next day he announced to his family that for the future he was a changed man, and he immediately Dwned God in his house by daily prayer and reading of the Scriptures. After many months he found peace of conscience through our Lord Jesus Christ, set himself to distribute tract? THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. ICQ and visit tho sick and dying in his neighborhood. Gra>^iially this led to lar^jor meetings, and then to preachirg in country churches, for which his Oxford studies fitted him ; for he had been educated for the Church of England, but his conscience kept him from taking orders." After throe months of toil and conquest almost unparal- leled in the history of evangoLzation, the brethren turned the faces to tho North. On Wednesday night upward of seven thousand men managed to find sitting and standing room within the Palace, packing exceedingly close. The vast assemblage was most deco- rous, and obeyed orders implicitly. The full, strong singing of the hymns was a sound to be remembered. Numbers of inquirers gathered afterward in the opposite church, and many could state that there was a good result of that night's work. Admission to these two meetings had been exclusively by ticket. On Thursday night the Palace was open to all ; but soon tho doors had to be shut, leaving large numbers outside. The meetings throughout were conducted in the usual vigor- ous style, Mr. Moody being present, and delivering pointed addresses, clergymen and laymen relating their own experi- onces, and bringing forward instances and reports of the work elsewhere. On Friday evening came the meeting for those who pro- fessed to have been converted during the last few months. The tickets for this had only been given to those who placed their names and addresses, and the names of their ministers, on a register, opened for that purpose ; and of which, they y were informed, extracts would be forwarded to the clergymen to whose churches they belonged, thus to prevent thoughtless application for converts' tickets, an ultimate check being established. Another brief visit to Edinburgh and Dundee was followed 1 10 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. by a tour of great interest in the Scottish Highland country. Many of their meetings were held in the open air, and attended by vast multitudes. As a specimen of what transpired at these places we take the account of a visit to Elgin, Aberdeen, and Craig Castle. It was a strange contrast last Thursday ; at.five o'clock in the busy Show at Inverness, at seven in the streets of Elgin quiet at all times, but that night altogether passenger- less and deserted. Surely something unusual was going on — the streets abandoned, the house doors fast, the shops closed. Through half a mile of the empty streets ours were the only footsteps that echoed on the pavement, and everything was silent and desolate as a plague-stricken city. At last, just on the verge of the town, the stillness was broken by the distant sound of a voice, and the turn of a lane revealed a sight which time can never efface from the memory. There stood the in- habitants, motiionless, plague-stricken indeed — plague-stricken with the plague of sin. The sermon was evidently half over, and the preacher with folded arms leaned over the wooden rail of the rude platform. Oh, the sin upon these faces round him ! How God was searching the heart that night 1 I can- not tell you who were there, or how many, or what a good choir there was, or what Mr. Sankey sang, or which dignitary prayed. I cannot tell you how beautif'dly the sun was set- ting, or how fresh the background of woods looked, or how azuro the sky was; But these old men penitent, these drunk- ards petrified, these strong men's tears, these drooping heads of women, these groups of gutter children, with their won- dering eyes 1 Oh, that multitude of thirsty ones — what a sight it was ! What could the preacher do but preach his best 1 And long after the time for stopping, was it a marvel to hear the persuasive voice still pleading with these Christies? thousands 9 I'l THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. Ill It is useless to attempt to give even an approximate idea if the extent of the blessing which fell upon Elgin on Thursday night. The whole of Morayshire has shared it, lud a powerful hold has been gained in nearly every farm- iiouse and village throughout the country side. At the pressing request of a large number of those who lad taken part in the evangelistic work set going in Aberdeen, Mr. Moody paid a farewell visit to that city in August, and nldressed several meetings, at the same time taking occasion o urge on to greater zeal those who were engaged in the good vork, Mr. Sankey was obliged to go south to a more genial 'i'mperature to recruit his health, but Mr. Moody wrought ■jn. since he left Aberdeen in different districts in the North almost without ceasing ; the same remarkable results always attending his labors. At seven o'clock Mr. Moody met with a large body oi young converts in the Free South Church, and addressed to them a few parting words. He spoke on his favorite topic ol ** confessing Christ/' pleading hard with t^ose who had lately come to Christ, to come bollly forward and confess Him. The Music Hall was crowded to excess long before eight o'clock, the hour at which Mr. Moody was announced to give an address, the passages, orchestra, and galleries being quite packed. *' Except a man be born again he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven," was the text on which Mr. Moody based his di^nourse. Christ did not say these words to a drunkard, to a thief, to a harlot, but to a man who in our days would be made a D.D. or an LL.D. After referring to the often-doubted possibility of sudden conversion by thosa who could not understand it, even although there were living evidences of it before them, he bade the meeting farewell, with the hope that they would all meet on the shores of eternity. 112 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. ill '■■ v, I '■ ' III On Sunday afternoon an opon air evangelistic meeting wag held on Craig Castle lawn, conducted by Mr. Moody. Tho weather in tho early part of the day was very unpropitious, heavy showers descending, with brief intervals, until 4 p.m., when the rain ceased, and it continued fair daring the evening. The wot detained not a few at their homes, no doubt, but most of those who came seemed to have determined to be present in any case ; and by five o'clock a very large company — especially taking into account the tliinly-peopled districts from which they had gathered — had assembled on the beautiful lawn in front of the castle. Every valley and hamlet within a-radius of ten miles, sent its company in gig, cart, or afoot, until at five o'clock about 2,500 people stood on the lawn. The gathering resembled somewhat one of the Covenanter hill-side meetings, save that while the Bibles were still present the broadswords were altogether absent ; and the rendezvous, instead of being a wild, rocky pass, was a hospitable castle, with its fairy dell and leaping linn, celebrated in song, and known as one of the loveliest spots in Scotland. The beauty of the scene seemed specially to move ^Ir. Moody, who referred to it in his discourse, which was one of peculiar beauty, power, and pathos. Standing in an open carriage placed near a towering tree, the preacher spoke for nearly an hour from the parable of the marriage feast. A very marked impression was produced, and many retired at the close of the service for conversation with the preacher and other ministers and friends. The Craig gathering of August, 1874, will be ever memo- rable to noc a few as " the beginning of days " to them. " I must say," said Dr. H. Bonar, " that I have not seen or heard any impropriety or extravagance. T have heard sound dor rine, sober, though sometimes fervent and tearful speech, tlio utterance of full hearts yearning over the wretched. ijii'i "ii'iililiiiji THE REVIVAL IN SCOTLAND. 113 and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. That I should accord with every statement and fall entirely in with every part of their proceeding need not be expected. Yet I will say that I have not witnessed anything sensational or repul- sive. During the spiritual movement which took place in Scotland about thirty years ago, in mobt of which I had part, I saw more of what was extreme, both in statement and pro- ceeding, than I have done of late. There was far more of excitement then than there is now. The former movements depended far more upon vehement appeals, and were carried along more by the sympathetic current of human feelitig than the present. When the present movement began, I feared lest there should be a repetition of some of the scenes which I had witnessed in other days, and I did not hesitate to express my fear to brethren. My fears have riot been realized. I have been as regular in my attendance at the meetings as I could, though I will not say that there was nothing which I might not have wished different, yet I have been struck with the exceeding calmness at all times — the absence of excitement — the peaceful solemnity pervading these immense gatherings of two or three thoosand people, day by day — the strange still- ness that at times so overawed us ; and I felt greatly relieved at the absence of those audible manifestations of feeling common in former days. Eowland Hill was once asked the question, * When do you intend to stop 1 ' * Not till we have carried all before us ' So say our brethren from Chicago, We say, Amen. This needy world says, Amen. Human wickedness and evil say, Amen. Heaven and earth say, Amen. The work is great and the time is short. But the strength is not of man, but of God." And after more than two years have passed by, the great results continue to appear, and the wave of holy influence has swept with purifying onergy over all that land. ;^ CHAPTER V. Iiiil THE EVANGELISTS IN IRELAND. ^R. MOODY said at his last Bible-reading, th.i in considering what should be the subject, li' thought, What was it he wanted most himsell '( When nine months ago he came to Scotland, a perfect stranger, he felt utterly powerless, anv\:"; -"■■;■ v .^■:'''-^ ■■-/"• ^r,''^"'-: • As time advances, this gracious work of God seems to extend and deepen rapidly. On Tuesday the experiment was tried of holding a meeting in the evening exclusively for women, in order to reach the case of workers in mills and warehouses. More than an hour before the time of meeting, the streets around were packed with a dense mass of women ', and when the gates were opened the place was filled almost in a moment ; and after that, with the overflow, three large shurches. In all these meetings the anxious, willing to bo i!i THE EVANGELISTS IN IRELAND. I I (;po1 Ine to the last. A more suggestive Bible-lecture it was never our privilege to hear. We had a compendium of some half a dozen Bible- readings. The great bulk of the people, ministers included, were taking notes. It is given to few preachers to have so many reporters. Many a good sermon will be got out of yesterday's addresses. One minister remarked that it was as good as an addition of many a good book to his library. It is calculated that in the evening there was not less than 12,000 persons assembled in the Exhibition building. There is not a Sabbath service in any congregation in Britain in which there is a greater solemnity and decorum than there was in that vast assembly. The sight from the platform of these earnest, and, in many places, awe-stricken thousands, is one that it will be impossible for us ever to forget. Some cue remarked to me, a day or two ago, how significant it was that during the severe weather of last week, even a cough was scarcely heard in that great crowded glass building. When Mr. Sankey sings the silence is sometimes even oppressive. We are now engaged in giving out tickets for the Thanksgiving meeting to be held on Wednesday evening, the last night Mr. Moody has promised to be with us. Tlio tickets are given only to those who profess to have been brought to Christ during the special service. We are very careful in giving these tickets, though I doubt not there may be many stony-ground hearers. We have the help in this work of some of the most experienced ministers of the gospel in our city ; and the general impression made on the minds of the brethren who have taken part in it, is of deep and intense gratitude for the many indubitable tokens of the presence and power of the regenerating Spirit of God. ;■ *)'^t :' ^::"^ m ■i 130 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. Arrangements have been made for the carrying on of special prayer and evangelistic meetings, after our brethren have left. Leading ministers of all our evangelical churches have thrown themselves heartily into these arrangements. We have felt that it is a good thing — good for ourselves, and good for that cause which, with all our imperfections, is dearer to us than life — for brethren to dwell together, and work together, in unity. The labors of the Evangelists closed with a three days' convention, which was attended by 800 ministers from all parts of Ireland, besides thousands of the general public. The first day was devoted to discussions on the following topics : " Praise and Thanksgiving ;" " How are the masses to be reached V " What can be done to promote the Lord's work throughout Ireland 1 " &c. Ths second day was signalized by a gathering of over 2,000 converts, to whom Mr. Moody addressed loving counsels, and on the third day there was another gathering of the ministers in the Exhibition Palace. And thus terminated one of the most remarkable gathering? ever held in Dublin. Mutual love and courtesy marked all the proceedings. Strangers could not tell to whab body of Christians many of the speakers belonged. The happy visit of Messrs. Moody and Sankey to Dublin is now a thing of the past. These men of God are gone from us, but the work remains. That work consists : 1. 'In a great general aioahening throughout Dublin and its neighborhood. This is a fact which is patent to all, and cannot be gainsaid or denied. It is a fact that from 12,000 to 20,000 persons have been attracted to the Exhibition Palace every Sunday afternoon since the work began. What has been the great attractive power which has drawn together such vast multitudes 1 Tliank God, it was the .nmple state- ment of gospel truth — the old, old story of Jes'is and His love, plainly and lovingly told. "'Illiliiiiiiii fH THE GLORY OF GOD IN DUBLIN. 131 2. The bringing in of some 3,000 converts to the fold of Christ. Nearly 2,000 tickets were issued to those who pro- fessed to have found the Lord Jesus as their Saviour since these services began. To these must be added the many- hundreds who came up from all parts of the country to attend the services, and who found "joy and peace in believing," some of whom are known to myself, besides all those who are still day by day being added to the Lord. 3. The quickening and refreshing of many hundreds of ministers^ in connection with the convention held this week. It was a happy thought to bring so many ministers of the various evangelical denominations together at this time. It afforded them an opportunity of seeing with their own eyes the reality of this great work of God which is going on around us, getting their own hearts warmed up afresh, and thus of becoming, when they return home, more than ever centres of spiritual light and heat in their own parishes and dis- tricts. Says a well-informed writer : "The finances of the Dublin revival are worthy of special attention. Some days before Messrs. Moody and Sankey arrived, three or four gentlemen met at the office of Mr. David Drummond ; and, after con- sultation and prayer, decided to send out a circular, saying that the American Evangelists were coming ; that t\ you, you are forever lost ! Ho loves you, though He hate your sins ; and in order that you njight be saved, He laid dowh His life a sacrifice for the guilty. And now He comes ! bringing the gift of salvation to tiie door of your hearts. Wiu' you receive the gift ? D. L. Moodt." It has been resolved to purchase the museum in Petei street for the Young Men's Christian Association for $150,000 which has been raised. The ^uilding will then become the home of the noon prayor-meeting and the centre of the united Christian eflfort which now appears to be fairly inaugurated in Manchester. A few yards from the Free Trade Hall, on the same sidx, of the street, stands a dingy-looking old public building. It was formerly used as a natural history museum, br t since th« erection ef the magnificent Owen's College, and the conse- quent transference of its contents, the old museum has bee* THE HARVEST IN ENGLAND. 141 unused. The Yoang Men's Christian Association have long l)een looking for some suitable building as a centre for their operations in this important city with its 70,000 young men ; and now the necessity is felt for a place to cax/y on the daily prayer meeting and other united evangelistic efforts, after Messrs. Moody and Santey have left ; so it has been decided to purchase the old museum building and use it for these pur- poses. It was secured accordingly ; and in a couple of days part of the building, giving accommodation to about 500 persons, was seated, lighted »fith gas and heated ; so that Mr. Moody used it as an inquiry-room after the meeting in the Free Trade Hall, and we had the joy of seeing it full of anxious souls. This was a blessed consecration of the building for a higher 'ind nobler object than ever it had been used for before. The scheme for the visitation of every house in Manches- tf>r worked well and with the happiest results. The fol- lowing is the plan adopted : A Christian architect, who en- tered most heartily into the service, cut up the large scale Ordnance Map of Manchester into about fifty districts, each of which is under the charge of a superintendent, who is supplied with a sufficient number of visitors to reach every house within the limits of his district. A leaflet, containing the hymn, " Jesus of Nazareth passeth by" and a short address by Mr. Moody, is left at each house ; but it is understood by the visitors that this paper is only to be used as an introduc- tion for the purpose of gaining admission to the houses, so as to have personal conversation about eternal things with each individual, as far as possible. Some of the visitors have already given in mos^t cheering reports of the niavvoUous way in which the hearts jf the people seemed open to receive their visits, showing that the Lord is in this movement, and is pre- paring many hearts for the reception of Plis own blessed message of salvation. w y ' I 142 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. The meetings came to an end the last day of 1874. They have been blessed to vast numbers. In the inquiry-room I have met with many who stated that thty had never had the way of salvation so plainly pub before them as by Mr. Moody. In not a few instances, too, Mr. Saukey's beautiful and touch- ing solos, especially " Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," " Al- most persuaded," and " Prodigal child," have proved to bo arrows of conviction, entering the heart in the most unex- pected manner and leading to conversion. And what shall I more say 1 for the time would fail me to tell of all the blessed fruits, already apparent, of the extraordinary eflforts of these dear men of God. Suffice it to say, in a sentence, that all classes of the community— old and young, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, ministers and laymen, masters and ser- vants, teachers and scholars — have received a large blessing from the religious services conducted by the American breth ren, and are deeply sensible, I trust, of the mighty debt ol gratitude under which they have been laid. The Lord bless them, and make them blessings wherever they go ! The closing week has been the most joyful of all. The tide of blessing which has been steadily rising has this week reached its flood ; the earnestness of the preacher and the eagerness of the people, have seemed alike to intensify, and the unconverted have been called to take refuge in Christ with a vehemence of entreaty which has exerted a mighty influence on the assemblies. During these five weeks God has answered the prayers of "many years, and we cannot but feel that what has been going on in the city has made Man- chester peculiarly i/tteresting to the dwellers in heaven. l»ii liiiiP:v '/ ' CHAPTER VIII. 'i ^i TIMES OF BLESSING IN SHEFFIELD. ' HEFFIELD, a city of a quarter of a million, is noted for its worljers in iron and steel. Hearts hard as adamant were now to be assailed by sermon and song, and God honored the man who honored His gracious truth. At nine in the e ening of Decem- ber 31, 1874, the Evangelists first appeared befove a Sheffield audience, and for two weeks the power of God was manifested through them in the most delightful n mner. The work opened here most auspiciously ; the two meet- ings held on New Year's eve were crowded, and t le impres- sions produced were most solemn. The first meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, at nine o'clock. Mr. Sankey sang a new hymn, written by Dr. H. Bonar expressly for him, " Kejoice and be glad i the Redeemer has come." «> The impression produced by his singing was very striking ; those who had been merely curious or altogether indiiferent seemed attracted, and earnest attention, and even in some cases silent weeping, took the place of carelessness. The watch-night service was particularly solemn. The Albert Hall, where it was held, was crowded, many having stood before the doors da hour before they were opened, in order to make sure of admittance. Messrs. Moody and Sankey were accompanied on to the platform by a large number of ministers of all denominations. !»•(?•'■ 144 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. The vicar offiired up a fervent prayer for the Divine blessirif, on the work in Sheffield. One most interesting feature in this service was Mr. Sankey's singing of " Jesus of Nazareth passeth by." It might be the novelty of his style, or the associations naturally arising at the near approach of the new year, but I certainly have never seen such an effect produced. I have heard him in all the towns they have visited in Scotland, and also in Manchester ; but I never heard him sing so pathetically, more especially in the last stanzas : . " Too late! too late 1 will be the cry, Jesus of Nazareth has passed by." Mr. Moody spoke from Luke xix. 10, "For the Son of man is com^>- to seek and to save that which was lost." As illustrating this verse, he graphically narrated the two stories immediately preceding his text, that of the opening of the eyes of blind Bartimeus, and the conversion of Zaccheus. It was only a re tolling of the stories, but given in that way peculiarly Mr. Moody's o.vn, making his listeners part ami parcel of the story, as if the whole thing were enacted just in the Targate, an I Jesus was just passing the hall doors. Ho connected the two stories by throwing out the thought tliafc as Bartimeus was oil his way home to tell his wife, Zaccheus met him. " Why, isn't that the poor blind beggar 1 it's like him ; but it can't be he, for his eyes are open." "Yes, it is I." ^ ^ , . ' • ** What has nia le your eyes open 1 " " Jesus of Nazareth did it." " Where is Ho ? I must see Him." " He's just on the road to Jericho." Away Zaccheus runs ; and because he is a little man, he gets up a tree, to see well. Jesus stops, looks up, calls him, TIMES OF BLESSING IN SHEFFIELD. 145 Mr. " Ziccheus, come down." This was one instance of sudden conversion. Some don't believe in sudden conversion ; but here, Zaccheus was not converted when he went up the tree, yet he came down a converted man. We are told he received Jesus gladly. From these incidents he proved how willing, how eager Christ is to save all. What have we to do? Nothing, blessed be God I If we had, we would never do it. Only accept. What had Zaccheus to do 1 Only come down, only obey. He concluded by drawing the attention of the audience to the fact that the old year was fast dying — only a few minutes — and what if the new year should come and find us where we were — ^lost ! Oh, let each of us take it, the offer is here ; will you have it 1 Salvation — ay, even before this year is closed you may be saved. As there are only a few minutes of this year remaining, let us finish the old and begin the new on our knees. The whole audience then sank on their knees, and the new year found them bent in silent prayer. Mr. Moody asked that those who were unsaved might stand up, that they might 1)0 prayed for. For a time none were willing to do so, but on Mr. Moody's asking a second time " if there were none in the hall wishing salvation," a few stood up, and the Christians were asked to pray for them. Just then the bells began to ring in the new year, and the Uev. E. Green engaged in prayer for an outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the town of Sheffield, and most particularly on the special meetings to be held. Mr. Moody also engaged in prayer. This was one of the most solemn scenes I have ever been privileged to witness. While the audience were bent in prayer the most intense stillness prevailed, broken iinly by an occasional sob. After singing the doxology, the ineeling separated. m I 11 i'l I! *' 146 MOOUY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BPaTAIN. The street? were made lively after the meeting with vigor- ous singing of hymn3, as bands of Christians wended their way home. Sunday was a day of blessing for Shoiaeld. The meetings were attended with most blessed results. The morning meeting for Christian workers was not, per- haps, so well attended in point of numbers as might have been expected, but the Christians who had come out at this early hour were right-down hearty wo.kors. As Mr. Moody said, " He would rather have a moderately small meeting of such earnest Christians than have it packed with thousands of careless people." -'- - At the afternoon meeting, the Albert Hall was densely packed half an hour before the time ; the lower Albert Hall was thrown open for. the overiiow, but even then many had to go away disappointed.. . Mr. Moo ly addressed this large gathering from Eom. ii. 23 : *' For there is no difference." Many were evidently struck to the heart ; some whom we heard scoffing at the commencement, were in tears at the cou- clusion of his address. When Mr. Sankey followed by singing "Free from the law happy condition !" it seemed to produce a deep impression. The Sunday evening meeting was glorious. The hall was again densely packed. Mr. Sankey sang his solo, " There were ninety and nine." Mr. Moody then gave his address ou " Kegeneration," from the words, " Ye must be born again. " The result of the whole proceedings in Sheffield since the coming of our dear brethren must be considered highly satis- factory, and as affording great cause for thankfulness. At the closing service, Mr. Moody spoke with his accus- tomed pungency, simplicity, and power, chiefly addressing the young converts. Surely they will never be able to forget his II TIMES OF BLESSING IN SHEFFIELD. 147 •ess uu accus- ing the et his words of affectionate encouragement and caution, as he pointed out the dangers that would inevitably come to them in their Christian life, and the unfailing source of strength amidst them all. Then came his parting words, evidently painful alike to speaker and hearers. " I have learned to love you," said Mr. Moody ; and the earnest gaze and tearful eyes before him testified more loudly than words how his love was recip- rocated and his labors and counsels prized. I was forcibly reminded of the scene of Paul's farewell meeting with the elders at Miletum. I verily believe that many hundreds of young converts would, one and all, have fallen on Mr. Moody's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. One little fellow, at the close of the meeting, came to me in great distress when he found that Mr. Moody had left without hav- ing given him a shake of his hand. Upward of eighty— clergymen of all the evangelical de- nominations in the town, and the other members of the com- mitee — met Messrs. Moody and Sankey at breakfast in the Imperial Hotel, on Saturday morning, to bid them farewell. Reporters were excluded, but I understand that the unani- mous expression of the company was one of gratitude to tho Evangelists for their untiring and successful labors in Sheffield, and for the spirit of cordial co-operation among the various divisions of the Church that their visit had so blessedly gene- rated. Practical, as he always is, Mr. Moody used the occasion to urge upon the committee the necessity of rearing a central and suitable building in the town, where all those interested in the continued success of the work could meet on neutral giound and carry on the meetings. In summing up the results, and giving general impressions of the value of these special services, the following account may be found useful : '■t m f tir: Mi? I < I:'. .-J ■.:l| il'i:: |Sll|ll!ii|!. ... 148 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. T'le crowded meetings, thrice repeated every day, attended by persons who set aside engagements, alike of business, work and pleasure, have been accompanied with much power from above. Shefilield is usually considered, as a population, difficult to arouse — sturdy, independent, unimpressionable; like the metal in which we work in these parts, true, but hard as steel. Yet the place has been thoroughly aroused, and proof to demon- stration given that God is able to work here, as in Jerusalem of old, and as in other towns of England now, thus greatly encouraging Christian ministers and laborers to look with faitli for greater things. All the meetings have been pervaded by a sense of God's nearness ; believers have been filled with fresh joy and fired with new zeal ; the anxious have found soul- rest, the careless have been aroused. In fact^ we have had at once a revival and an awakening — a revival touching the hearts of God's people, and an awakening spreading among the thoughtless. The influence reached its height on the la^t night of Mr. Moody's presence in the town, when he addressed specially the converts, who were present in goodly numbers-, together with a vast crowd of Christian workers. His words seemed to have a thrilling power among us all. When he closed by saying that he did not like " farewell," and " good- bye" was almost as bad ; he would therefore just say "good- night," and meet us in the morning (pointing to the skies), I think the whole audience deeply felt how much our beloved brother had endeared himself to us. And when Mr. Sankey followed directly -with his touching farewell hymn, so appro- priate to such an occasion, and so specially addressing every class of hearers, many were the eyes that were bathed in tears. Had it been possible, we would not have parted with our brethren. But may the Lord go with them in other places, confirming their word with signs and wonders, as he has done here! TliMES OF BLESSING IN SHEFFIELD. HJ very ears, oui aces, iono The verdict of almost all Christian people upon this move- ment is, that it is the work of God. I am convinced that such an estimate is just, on many grounds : 1. The movement was an answer to prayer. Though we had not waited on the Lord so long as Christians in some other towns have done, a weekly united prayer-meeting had been maintained for nearly a year previously. Many of God's people were also quietly sighing and crying for the abomina- tions of the city, and hungering and thirsting for spiritual blessing. One feature in the prayers previously offered was very noticeable. While all were preparing heartily to welcome Messrs. Moody and Sankey, there was a thorough recognition in the supplications that not they, but their God, must open the floodgates of grace. The Spirit was honored ; and we have had the answer. 2. Eemarkable unity prevailed. At least in its outward manifestation this was realized, when ministers of the Estab- lished Church and th^se of the Free Churches sat together on the same platform, and followed each other in prayer. The force of exhortation, backed by the united sympathy and sup« plications of the whole Christian Church, is multiplied tenfold. Doubtless Christian union is o^ (xod. When will it genuinely prevail 1 Is not the attainment of it worth the surrender of the causes of division '{ 3. The movement had a growing power. Its influence at first was not to be compared with what it became in its pro- grt'ss. Indeed, the feeling of myself and. of others with whom I have conversed was at first one of disappointment. Both Mr. Mondy's speaking and Mr. Sankey's singing seemed to tall short of what we had expected ; but it was not long befofe the impressivencss of both made itself fult by all. To my mind this is a true test of excellence. A picture, a piece of music, a landscape — do ihey grow upon you by repetition f 9 150 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. Th^ work of these Evancjcliste has grown upon us. I appre- liend it would have been the other way had it not beeu of G d. 4. The stillness was remarkable. The noise and Confusion favorable to revivals whicli are the work of wan, was altogether absent. The quiet, favorable to the descent and operations oi the Holy Ghost was marked. A man of my acquaintance once observed that " anybody could get up a revival, if he only made enough noise." There was nothing of that kind here. Indeed I noticed that if any brother throw a needless physical exertion into his entreaties, Mr Moody would be sure to say, *' Let us have a few minutes' silent prayer ; " and this was mostly followed by the subduing strains of Mr. Sankey's harmonium and voice. A solemn quiet reigned at all times, and even Mr. Moody's humorous sayings did not destroy the solemnity of it. A work done under conditions such as these, 80 different from those which have prevailed in son? "evivals," commends itself to me as the work of God. Th<. ^ic many things that I might touch on ; but only one thing more will I mention. 5. The work is evidently one of faith. This quality is very observable in Mr. Moody. He has faith — not a proud self- confidence engendered by success, but a humble reliance upon God and fearless expectation of blessing. LETTER OP MR. MOODr TO THE YOUNO CONVERTS. A meeting of converts was hold on the evening of January 19, presided over by the Rev. E. Staunton. During the proceedings the chairman read the following letter s Birmingham, Jan. 19, 1875. " My Dear Friends : !Mr. Sankey and I would have bceii very glad to have seen you all ouco more tu-iiight, but God Ik idlllllii TIM MS OF ULESSING IN SIIKFFIKLD. 151 ?ing iceii jiud has given ua work in another cornor of His vinoyiirl, ami wo can only join you in well-wiv^hos. I am very yiad now to have this opportunity of fullillin^' my promise to send yuu a short message. There are many thing's I should like to say if I had the time, but I fear I must confine myself to one or two very plain words. Ever since we loft ShetUeld, every one of us will have changed a little. Some will be merrier and some will be gloomier. Some will bo fuller of Go I's love, and some may oven feel a little emptier ; others, again, may not have got over the period of loonder, and still lind themselves asking, 'And can it really all be truel Is it not just soHiO ^t ange dream 1 Is it really possible that God loves us, and that wo are really saved for evermore 1 ' And this is my only one reply to these very common and rational questions : We are changed^ hut Christ ia not. Oh, if He were different, it would be a very, very serious thing. A id if we are changed and are frightened about it, we must find out at once .f Ho is changed too. If it is only loe who are different, it does not matter much, because salvation does not depend upon us, but upon * [lim. And the Bible tells us all about it in one little golden sentence, which we must all ask God to burn into our hearts, And then we shall never be troubled any more about our feel- ings. In Ileb. xiii. 8, He says, * Jesus Christ, the same ^^estcrday, and to-day, and forever.* Yes ! the same ; no matter now changed we are, no matter how dull, how joyless, He is \^ iust as He was yesterday, just as he was the night when we got our firs^ glimpse of His dying love for us. "Oh, dear friends, let us keep looking to Him, and as we look, God will give us the longing to be more and more like Him. Perhaps some of you already feel that longing, and you don't know what it is ! Perhaps you think it is very nard to have this cravinj]f at'tor a bvjttor heart und a holier life. Cui; Christ says it is *■ biuosed.' It is not haid ; it is not a 152 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. .V' * Ma M .Misfortune : it is not a sign that the health of the soul is gone. No ; appetite is not the symptom of disease, but of bealth. And the Master himself has told us that it is blessed no be hungry and thirsty after Him. And some of you may oe mourning over your empty hearts, for little love is there ; now little faith, how little zeal for the Master's service I Well, it is not hardship to feel like that. If it be real, it is oot sad to be that way, only don't mourn over it. Christ says it is 'blessed' — blessed to be poor in spirit; and the poorer, and weaker, and humbler we feel, the more room is there for Him to perfect strength in our weakness. *My grace is sufficient for thee ; my strength is ma le perfect in weakness ; * * * for when I am weak, then am I strong.' And now, dear friends, before closing, let me ask you all to do something for Christ, something this very week. I cannot tell you what to do ; but God will if you ask Him. He has something for everybody to do ; and let us be earnest in doing our best for Him, and let us do it soon. Death will be upon us when our work will be but begun, and * the night Cometh whan no man can work.' And for every one of you, that God may bloss you, and keep you, and cause the light of His face to shine upon you, and enable you to grow in the knowledge and likeness cf His only begotten Son, is the tiaruest and humble prayer of youi affectionate friend, "D.L. Moody." ! W' t * t- .-. CHAPTER IX. s*^ THE " world's toy-shop " WELCOMES THEM. |TRMINGHAM, with its 400,000 people, the con stituency of John Bright, the English reformer, now looks up to God for a shower of grace upon the seed- sowing of the Evangelists, who began there January 17, and closed on the 29th. Never before in Birmingham have any preachers irawn such vast numbers of people as these brethren are Joing at this time. Thousands are flocking daily to hear them from the districts around. The whole community jeems stirred up. That which seems to be uppermost in men's minds, is the present marvellous gatherings that are daily taking place. There is no lack of opportunity for the Christian to put in a word for the Master, for wherever you go — whether in the counting-house, shop, refreshment-room, train, omnibus, and even as you walk along the street — the one topic is the doings of these wonderful men of God. If you want to get a seat at their meetings, you must be there fully one hour before the time, and a stranger entering the town must be struck with the determination of those who daily seek these gatherings. Every day this week hundreds have been turned away from the noonday meetings held in the Town Hall. Meet* ings are now being held in Carr's Lane Chapel every after- noon at three o'clock, and here again it is necessary to be there acme time before the service commences. In fact, yes* 154 MOODY AND SAN KEY IN GREAT B.-^ITAIN. m It terday I was there at two o'clock, and the btnly of the chapel was then filled. It is estimated that three thousand people aro in this building every afternoon. To convoy to the mind of the reader the sight which pre- sents itself on entering Bingley Hall is impossible. Sloping down from the galleries which run round the building, other galleries have been erected, and the whole building, from the speaker's platform, looks like one vast amphitheatre. The crimson cloth which drapes the galleries adds to the general effect, and makes the hall look very comfortable. The im- mense sea of faces is singularly impressive, especially when from 12,000 to 15,000 people are listening eagerly to catch the words that fall from the speaker's lips. The question may be asked. What effect is this movement having upon the people in general ? I reply, Good every way. The stirring addresses given by Mr Moody to Christians from the very first morning are bearing fruit. They are beginning to look about, and realize that thousands around them are living without Christ. Many Christians have spoken to me of the fresh anergy with which they have been stimu- lated, through attending the meetings. As for those who nightly throng Bingley Hall, the best test of the work I can give is, that whereas at first the after-meetings were held in a neighboring church, the anxious ones have now become so numerous that they are obliged to remain in the hall, while earnest Christian workers, with Bible in hand, pass from one to another, and open to inquirers the way of life. All this proves to us the great power of God, and what He can do by two men who give themselves wholly up to Him. The work " is marvellous in our eyes," but it is not less mar- vellous that their physical strength does not give way under their unceasing labors. While Mr. Sankey is greatly git'teij with power to use his voice in singing the Gospel, Mr. n t( t tl THE "WOKLD'S ToV-bilJp" WLLCOMKS TIIICM. 1 5 iHe im. lar- llof te.J [r. Moody has a way of marvellously picturing, in the most vivivl manner, Bible truths. From the humorous he can come down to the pathetic, and so move his hearers to tears, and withal there is a '' holy boldness " which is seldom to be met with in the preachers of the present day. The Morning News says : " Never before in the history of Birmingham, I believe, have two men drawn such large num- bers of people together as Messrs. Moody and Sankey have done, time after time, during the whole of last week and yes- terday. The Town Hall, Carr'a Lane Chapel, and Bingley Hall, have be^n entirely filled at most of their meetings, uncomfortably crowded at some, and all but full at one or two others. Since commencing their labors here they have held twenty-two services, namely, four in Carr*s Lane Chapel, six in the Town Hall, and twelve in Bingley Hall, No doubt in many cases the same persons presented themselves at the meetings again and again ; but it is probable that the audiences were, for the most part, different on each occasion. At the four meetings in Carr's Lane Chapel, some 1 2,000 ! at the six in the Town Hall, about 24,000, and at the twelve in Bingley Hall at least 120,000 persons must have been pre- sent, making a total of 156,000 men, women, and children, to whom, during the last eight days, they have preached and sung the GospeL Nor does the interest in the men and their work as yet know any abatement, it being likely that the services to be held this week will be as numerously attended AS those of last week." Amidst all the cavil of unbelief, and other opponents, thousands can testify, day by day, to the reality and power widely spreading and deepening blessing upon their souls. Sinners have been converted to God, and believers edified. Whole congregations, both in churches and chapels, have felt its animating power. The clergy and ministers of various 156 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. m dpiiominations have rejoiced together in this blessed work of the Lord, and fell its quickening influence. Many of the Lord's servants have met together for the first time, and felt their hearts drawn out in brotherly love and sympathy, enabling them to overlook various minor differences of creed and church government. Tlie noonday prayer meeting was first held in the Town Hall, which large building was filled long before the appointed hour. A very solemn and prayerful spirit seemed to pervade the masses — the stilliess was quite impressive, and the great bulk of the people seemed to enter most deeply into the im- portance and solemnity of the occasion. The numbers at the noonday prayer meeting were probably quite 3,000*. After- wards it changed to Lin^'^ey Hall, where thousands more might be accommodated. The afternoon Bible-reading is also well attended, and greatly enjoyed by many. The evening meetings have gone on steadily increasing, until at length, I suppose, some 15,000 must have been congregated together. The attention of these great masses (assembled an hour before the time) was well sustained by singing— and, as a brother clergyman said to me on the platform, " We never heard such singing of the good Old Hundredth Psalm before, and probably may never hear the like again " — as it burst forth from the hearts and lips of this vast assemblage. Oh ! it was a touching sight and a telling sound — such as Birmingham itself had never witnessed before — 15,000 met together, night after night, to listen to the loving, sympathizing, fervent preaching of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners ! And the audience felt it 1 The Holy Spirit of God seemed working in our midst — ^alike on preacher and hearers — and many were the hearts moved. At 7.30 Messrs. Moody and Sankey entered the building. The service began by singing, then prayer was offered, another anl HI ■™^'lll: THE "world's toy-shop" welcomes them. 157 to 1st, liyran or two were sung, a portion of Holy Scripture read, another hymn, and then followed the addre?s. Numerous anecdotes were related, as if not only to illustrate certain points, but also to rivet the attention, and then, as the preacher's heart and tongue seemed set on fire, all these little adjuncts were submerged in the one glowing, burning theme, salvation for lost sinners — yea, a present and immediate salva- tion, for every one that believeth in Jesus ! As I sat near the preacher, I could read the moaning of the big drops upon his brow, and how his whole frame was moved, not with selfish passions, seeking personal admiration, but steeped in the love and spirit of his Master. One great object was kept steadily in view — the glory of God in the salvation of sinners through Jesus Christ, and the intense longing that thousands might share with him the blessings and joys of this great SALVATION ! Almost breathless stillness chained the audience. Numbers stayed for the after-meetings ; the females in the side-galleries, the males in the Scotch church adjoining. On the first Monday evening Mr. Moody himself undertook the men, but finding the numbers so large, he sent up to the platform for assistance. Undoubtedly personal interviews are the best. We have reason to believe that many found pardon and peace in Jesus, and are spreading their happy and holy influ- ences around. The singing appeared to be improving night after night, as the vast masses gradually learned the tunes and hymns. Mr. Sankey's solos were powerfully and sweetly sung, and his clear utterance and distinct enunciation of sellable after syllable gave a great effect and pathos to the whole. And on Tuesday, January 26, the day of the convention, it was 8uppos( then, if we do our best to get speakers for another week, M'ill you do your best to get hearers for the speakers 1 (Many cries of " Yes, yes.") Well, keep your promise. Why, almost any man could speak in this hall to such a meeting as this. The very sight of you is enough to make a dumb dog bark. I'll telegraph off to Liverpool and London to send us all the help they can. There will be a service on Sunday afternoon, when one of your own ministers will preach. On Monday night you'll have a thanksgiving service. Come to it to thank God for. having answered our prayers to bless these meetings. Has God not answered your prayers 1 (Cries of " Yea, yes.") Then on Tuesday we'll get some one else to speak. On AVednesday there will be the usual services in the churches ami chapels. On Thursday night there will be another speaker. On Friday I will come back, on my way to Liverpool, and we'll have a meeti ng for all the converts. Now, let all arise who will support he committee and attend the different meet- ings. (Almost ih ) entire audience stood up in response to this appeal.) Yes; the committee ai-e quite satisfied. We'll go on then. Pray there may be hundreds and thousands con- verted next week. If things do not always please you, don't complain ; just pray Ifray for a great blessing next week. Services were held in Bingley Hall, from 5,000 to 7,000 persons having been present at ofvch. At McssrH. Moody and Sankey's farewell service, Bingley I JS i l60 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN, Hall was once more crowded to its utmost, nearly 1,000 con- verst' tickets being applied for. It would bo manifestly prema- ture to assert that this number of people hive been converted during the previous three weeks* services. As Mr. Moody said at tiie Conference in London, on the same day, they did not desire to reckon up the number of converts, because they could not judge of the reality of the cases. At the same time we think it very probable that many have been brought sav- ingly to believe in Christ who did not apply for converts' tickets. In any case, the progress of the movement in Bir- mingham has been such as greatly to encourage and cheer our American brethren and those who helped them in their labors ; and we resoond to Mr. Moody's hope that it may " continue for a year." Mr. Moody's address to the converts was, as usual, most fitting. His parting sentences were the expression of affec- tionate regard, and it was plain, from the demeanor of the audience, that the parting on their side was a most reluctant one. Mr. Sankey sang the farewell hymn with great pathos ano feeling ; and on leaving the hall both he and Mr. Moody were besieged with friends anxious to receive a parting shake of the hand. They proceeded to Liverpool on Saturday. A correspondent writes concerning this meeting : " We shall never forget that address." Such wa« the almost invol- untary exclamation of a well-dressed mechanic who was stand- ing by us in the aisle of Bintfley Hall. And truly the work of the Lord in this town is such as has never before been seeo here. We were praying and expecting great things, but the blessing has exceeded our expectations ; never before have the people of every class been so moved and such glorious results followed. A week having elapsed since Mr. Moody left us, we are enabled to speak in a measure of results. is THE " WORLD'S TOY-SHOP " WELCOMES THEM. l6 1 First, the life of the ministers who have taken part has been largely increased, so that the testimony of many of the hearers last Sunday was, " Our minister preaches like a new man ; " then the renewed life of the churches is already manifesting itself in the desire to work either in Sunday schools or tract districts : and besides this, the people outside are more dis- posed to hear the gospel, many coming into our churches last Sunday, and in more cases than one when notice was given out after the service thai: inquirers would be spoken to, num- bers varying from twenty to sixty passed into the vestry, and many rejoiced in a new-found Saviour. Our hearts are indeed full of praise ; should we be silent, the stones might well cry out, " But we will bless the Lord from this time forth, and for evermore." T know of no one of the many blessed hymns which has more struck the heart and arrested attention than that sweet ont( whose chorus begins, " Oh, 'twas love, 'twas wondrous love, the love of God to me." This love and its manifesta- tion is the theme of every sermon, and, of course, God owns it. Ministers wonder at failure, and try to discover the cause; a week of services such as Birmingham has had f^s fQp a building capable of seating eight thousand per- sons, and when crowded, several thousand more were accommodated. It was named Victoria Hall. The Friday preceding the arrival was observed as a day of preparation on the part of many of the churches, and the first meeting of the Evangelists was on Sunday morning, at eight o'clock, for Christian workers. This was followed by the afternoon and evening meetings. All Liverpool was moved by them ; but not with the nios . desirable feelings. Some were actuated by a spirit of embit- tered hostility, and did not hesitate to write and speak of these servants of Christ what had not the shadow of trutli. This very opposition, however, did good. God makes " the wrath of men to praise Him." I have known of some who entered Victoria Hall bitter enemies, and left it attached friends to the movement. Many flock to the meetings ap- parently from idle curiosity, and thousands under spiritual anxiety, whilst God's people rally round the Evangelists with an enthusiasm and hearty good-will which is cheering to observe. At last Monday evening's meeting, an intelligent yount,' man informed me ho came into that hall to scolf at all h^ LIVERPOOL'S MONTH OF MERCY. 163 eu 111 OS 1 jak of neard. " I believed only in Goil and the devil ; the latter I served well, and, ^is sitting laa<:;hing at the lools (as I then thought) about me, that beautiful hymn, ' Safe in the arms of Jesus,' was sung. A sudden thrill passed through my whole fmrae, and then like a dart ran through my very heart. !My feelings were awful, but I listened to the next verse, and felt there is a Saviour. Who is He 1 Where is He ? In- stantly I realized the truth, Jesus is the Saviour. I throw myself into His loving arms, and here I am now, rejoicing in Him." " Blessed be Gf '1," 1 said, " for such news. Now, brother go home and tell your friends what great things God hath done for your soul." " Will you pray ] " he said. We went together to the throne, and then he aaid, " God bless you. I will now live and work for Jesus." The devil lays his plans, and no doubt thinks they are well arranged, but whilst he proposes certain events, God dis posejj of them in a very different way than Satan expected. Of this I have had an instance. " I am under a dreadful temptation," said a young man to me. "What is itl" I asked. "I was given drink by ^ man professing to be a Chris- tian, and whom I have heard preaching the truth to me and others, but who is opposed to Moody and Sankey, and I was sent here by him to give annoyance. Now I am brought to Christ, in place of dishonoring Christ in this meeting, what am I to do to this man 1 " " Pray for him," I said, " and God will give him to you as a star for your crown. Tell him plainly his state, and bring him here with you next night. " I knew a lady who went to a religious meeting an l64 MOOUY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. avowed iiifiilcl, sent there by two sisters-in-law for a similar purpose to that which brought you this night here. She was broup^ht to Christ, and sent back to them full of Jesus, and was the moans of their saving conversion ; and now all three are rejoicing in the great salvation effected by Jesus, the Son of God, for every pouiteut, believing child of Adam." Truly the Lord ia doing great things for us, " whereof wo are glad." It may emphatically be said of them, " Thoy came, they spoke, they conquered." For twenty years I have been more or less mixed up with evangelistic work, but never have I met with more opposition and scorn to any movement than the present. The erection of the vast hall to hold 10,000 persons was looked on as a monstrous folly. As it was being built, the talk was, To what purpose is this waste 1 But what was called Moody's folly proved to be God's wisdom. The part allotted to me in the great work has enabled me to see and test much that is going on. And this I can say — there is wheat ; there is chaif. The wheat is sound, and will be a glorious, bountiful harvest. The chaff will be blown away. Wheat and chaff always grow together. Never have we been privileged to see so much real, genuine work — anxious faces, tearful eyes, aching hearts. Mr. Moody, after a telling address, went into the inquiry room, and his place was occupied by a layman, who wielded the sword of the Spirit with amazing power, right and left. His words, powerful and well chosen, fell with force, and told on the vast audience, that seemed spellbound. Many seemed to be convicted of sin, and hurried into the inquiry room. Mr. Moody remarked that many people thought the Vic- toiia Uuil wab a bad inveulmuut, but that, if souls wort; but;i LIVERPOOL S MONTH OF MEKCV. 165 I me uiry th i-ia Hall. The hody of the church was filled partly with the overflow from the hall, and partly with those who henl heen induced to enter by personal solicitation, and by hearing a group of young men singing hymns in the churchyard. It was a motley company, and a gieat majority consisted of those who, from their dress and app arance, do not often find their way tn God's house. There were numbers of men such as one sees loungii^^ at street corners and about publi<^-hoUbes, many young girls in working ottire and without bonnets, and a number of rough, neglected- lookicg street Arabs. Their behaviour, with one or two pxnnptions, was most orderly and attentive. A good spriuk- LlVERrUOL'S MONTH OF MERCV. 167 ling remained at the close to be conversed with, and many of them were enabled to lay their sins on Jesus, or, as the speaker said, to accept the fact that God had laid them there nearly nineteen hundred years ago. It is interesting and refreshing to notice how all grades of society and all ages are represented among the anxious who throng the inquiry room at the close of Mr. Moody's addresses. From the richly -dressed lady to the poor waif of the street, with scarce enough of clothing to cover his nakedness ; from the boy and girl of eight or ten years to the horny-handed, gray-headed working-man, with all the intervening stages of life — there you find all, burdened with the same sense of sin, and afterward rejoicing in e same Saviour. The afternoon meeting for women was a wonderful sight. Tiie hall was packed to excess, and many hundreds failing to gain entrance, an overflew meeting was held in Newsome's Circus. Mr. Sankey sang the solo " Mary Magdalene " amidst the most profound silence, and the pathetic and beautiful words of the hymn brought tears to many an eye. Mr. Moody spoke on " What Christ is to us," a most pregnant and powerful address on a theme that he said it would take all eternity to exhaust. As at other times, Mr. Moody asked those who wished to be prayed fur to rise up, and hundreds upon hundreds raspouded in all parts of the house. A more touching or cheering sight I never witnessed. Mr. Sankey sang " Almost persuaded," and Mr. Moody said that there were so many anxious, it would be impossible to speak with them ; so he asked them to go home, and at five o'clock to take God's Word, and kneel down pleading His promise, and commit themselves to Him. All the Christians in the hall would be praying for them at that hour. He prayed that they might be altogether persu^ided. Valuable testimony was given as to the tangible eHects ol l68 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. It' -■5i the work in Liverpool. It was stated that one class reached had been those who, though religiously trained, had, during these special meetings, seen a new meaning ^nd power in the truths with which they were familiar. Many sailors, and ship captains too, had come to the meetings and been guided into the true haven of rest and peace. Then there were many working men who had plunged into the depths of intemper- ance, and whose insulted and injured wives, after being driven from their homes, had been com^iUed to support themselves and their children for years together. These wives, in this day of grace, had sent letters to their husbands, extending their forgiveness and imploring them to come to Victoria Hall and seek forgiveness of the Saviour. Some of them had come and found that forgiveness, and gone back to lighten their homes again with a new lustre and joy. Allusion was made by one of the speakers to another class, one much too large and full of strange tnd painful interest, consisting of those who have in past yea: s made a profession of love to Christ but have wandered if- m' " Away on the mountains, wild and bore,** and have been glad to take of the husks that the swine did eat. It had often been asked whether the converts connected with this revival would stand the test of time and endure the temptations of the world. When the question is put, as it often is, " Brother, have all your converts stood fast 1 " I can only confess, that during the forty years but one that I have preached in this town, I have missed a great many from the fold ; but I have found some of them in that inquiry room. The first night the inquiry room was needed I lingered on the platform, not intending to go into the room, when ^ message came to me, " You are wanted immediately ; an inquirer wishes to see you." I went, and I had -.ot seen that h,c& — I will LIVERPOOL'S MONTH OF MERCY. 169 Ihe it Ian Ive Ihe [m. ho go les ill not tell you wliet'ier it was man or woman — for twenty years ; and I found that soul had wandered away and had kept out of my sight with perfect success. The first conviction was to go and tell him by whose hands they had been received into the Christian Church. Many a wanderer has come, and Christ alone knows how many more He will welcome back to His all-forgiving arms, and fill our hearts with a gladness they have never experienced before. And so the great work flows steadily on. As the days and weeks roll oast, and the same scenes are so often repeated, it is difficult to find fresh terras in which to describe " these wondrous gatherings day by day." Tlie four meetings on Sun- lay last may briefly be stated as a repetition of those on the Sunday before. All crowded to the utmost capacity of the great hali, and in some cases, especially at the afternoon and evening meetings, multitudes turned away for lack of room. Mr. Moody, before leaving Liverpool, addressed an im- mense meeting in behalf of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, and laid the corner-stone of the new building, in- scribed, " This memorial stone was laid by D. L. Moody, of Chicago, 2d March, 1875." He used a silver trowel presented to him for the occa.sion. The closing ser "e« were held on Sunday, the 7th March, at eight a.m., for Chi istian workers ; at eleven A.M., for young converts and inquirers; at three p.m., for women only; and at eight p.m., for men only. Each was very largely attended. In 1873, not a convert was known to have been made by the meetings held by the Evangelists in Liverpool, and now behold the wonderiol rictories of the Truth 1 »:■':>' CHAPTER XL MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. 'HE scale of magnitude by which the work was car- ried on in the metropolis may be measured in our thoughts by one fact — over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars were expended in the prosecution during the four months from its commencement — March 9th to July 11th, 1875. During the first month the meetings were held in North London, and in the Agricultural Hall, the largest building in that quarter. It is said that ones, at the Agricultural Hall, Mr. Spurgeon preached to twenty -two thousand people. But for the diflferent style of the ari'an;;era.ent8 in the vast interior, that would probably have been the number present on Tuesday night, when tlie Chicago Evangelists entered on their London campaign. As it was, the audience could not be less than eighteen thousand ; in all likelihood it reached twenty thousand. The chairs numbered fourteen thousand according to some authorities, fifteen thousand say others ; and not one of these, nor scarcely an inch of standing-ground, was left unoccupied, while the doors had to be closed in the face of many hundreds for whom there was no room. The anxiety to procure admission was indicated by the fact that fully two hours before the time advertised for the b'-ginning of the service crowds began to assemble. We were there a lew minutes after six, and already the building seemed to be more than half full, while the stream of people entering was in full flood, and required MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. 171 not many minutes to crowd every vacant spot, excepting only the reserved seats near the platform, for which tickets were required. At half-past six the singing of a hymn was begun in a distant part of the hall ; but the Kev. Thain Davidson* from his seat on the platform, requested the stewards to repress volunteer attempts of this sort, and in a moment his wish was obeyed. The arrangements wore indeed admirable. Ushers, each invested with an official rod, were scattered all over the building. Those near me were young merchants and professional men ; and they did their work with quiet, effec- tive energy. There seems to have been no screw loose any- where. The silent seating of so many thousands was a masterpiece of administrative care and skilL At seven o'clock the Kev. Thain Davidson gave out the hymn, " I hear Thy welcome voice," and the volume of sound which rose from the audience indicated that it was a familiar strain to most of the people present. Then, after a brief interval, the hymn, " Tell me the old, old story of Jesus and His love," was finely sung by the choir, which was composed of two hundred voices. At half-past seven to a moment, Mr. Moody stepped on to tha dais, while Mr. Sankey took his place at the organ ; and the former, in the least conventional of voice.<«, said, *' Let us rise and sing to the praise cf God. Let us praise Him for what He is going to do in London." The response, as the people sang the familiar Doxology, was thrilling ; and no sooner had the strain ceased than the Kev. Mr. Billing, the incumbent of the nearest church, offered prayer. " We bless Thee, that we have seen this day and this hour," he said ; and hundreds gave audible vent to a thanksgiving that was uttered with deep fervor. Very hearty, too, were the " Amens " which followed the request that God might, be pleased to " speak to '41 London " by the mouth of His servants from the other »77 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. bh Iff , side of the sea. Mr. Moody gave out the Scotch version of the hundredth Psalm, Mr. Sankey saying, " Let us rise and sing. Let all the people sing." To all, but more esp'scially to the Scottish friends, that was a soul-stirring strain. Mr. Moody then stated that he had that day received despatches from all the great cities in Britain, letting him know that the people were praying for London. All their expectations must be in vain unless they were depending upon God. He therefore asked them to spend a few moments in silent prayer. Hereupon a great calm fell upon the as- sembly, and every head was bowed. In a minute or two tho hush was broken by the voice of Mr. Moody, who prayed that God's blessing might rest upon the work on wfcich tlioy were now entering, and that many might be encouraged to go out and labor in this dark city. " It is a great city," he said, " but Thou art a great God. May we ask great things, and expect them ) " He gave special thanks for the many min- isters present, and prayed that there might bo "no strife among the herdmen." Mr. Sankey then sang the solo, " Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," explaining before he did so that it was simply a Christian song. " May the Lord bless the singing of this song here, as He has blessed it elsewhere," said Mr. Sankey, and he requested the people to keep very still. The first stanza, and especially the line, " What moans this strange commotion 1" was thrilling in its effect ; but a slight disturbance in a distant part of the hall some- what marred the closing verses. At the end of the piece some present began to applaud ; but they were instantly rebuked into silence by a murmured " Hush I " from thous- ands of lips. It was speedily apparent that great blessing from on hig.i was present in that meeting. The address was full of power ; anecdote, illustration. Scripture entreaty, persuasion, sue- MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. ^73 it le » at ly ceeded e&ch other again and again, with lightning speed and force, while the vast audience listened intently. As the interest heightened, and story after story was told, many could be seen wiping the tears openly, apparently uncon- scious of what they were doing. The graphic picture of the meeting of Bartimeus and Zaccheus, after the former had been healed, was thoroughly enjoyed ; and the quiet hit at those "who don't believe in sudden conversions," in the statement that Zaccheus "was converted between the branches and the ground," was greatly enjoyed. The story that fol- lowed, of " the young man converted on his mother's grave," gave occasion for an impassioned appeal to turn to Jesus then and there. Silent prayer followed the conclusion of the address ; and, amid a hush that was almost awful, the sound of music floated on the air, and Mr. Sankey sang softly, " Come home, come home." Every head bowed, thousands earnestly praying, while the soft music seemed to enter into the very souls of that mass of humanity, bowing and swaying even the hardest to thoughts of repentance and prayer. Then Lord Radstock concluded with prayer, and the hymn, "I hear Thy welcome voice," was sung as Mr. Moody went from the Hall to the first inquiry meeting in London. Many hundreds followed him. The third evening service was much more largely at- tended than the second. Much better order was observed than at the commencement of the previous evening, the meeting being admirably controlled The address was most solemn and searching in character, concluding with an ex- hortation to immediate and final decision. Mr. Moody ended his discourse by prayer. Then " Safe in the arms of Jesus" was sung ; then silent prayer ; next, " Guide me, Thou great Jehovah !" then thfc benediction and the •nquiry mepting. 174 MOODY AND SAN KEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. .1 * 5 »^> Am After singing, a gentleman spoke earnestly of the way and the need of working for Jesus. He was followed by another, who told a touching story of how the lost are found in London. A tract distributor offered a man a tract on Waterloo Bridge ; it was declined with the remark, ** I shall be in hell before night ; " the words were heard and answered, " No, you will not, for Tm going to heaven, and will stick to you all day." They left the bridge together, the hungry man was supplied with food, and taken to a place of worship. There ho fell asleep. ''Perhaps he has been walking all / night," said his friend ; ** let him sleep ! " Service over, he was conveyed home to supper, inquiring concerning all this kindness, " What's up f" He was fed, tended, reasoned with, instructed, and brought to the way of heaven, instead of being in hell, as he had said. So ends the first three of Mr. Moody's noon prayer-mcct ings and the first three nights of work in London. And it i>< simple truth to state, that such meetings were never held before in London, if ever they were in the world's history. In three days of noon and evening service, about eighty thou- sand have listened to the glorious gospel of the blessed God. Well might Mr. Moody express his thankfulness to God for tbo encouragement he had received and felt, and his deep sen^o of the sympathy and help extended to him and hb colleague in their great work. Well might he dissolve in broker accents and tears of entreaty for a rich blessing on himsel) and those who, laboring with him, will share his eternal rest and reward. Suiely, when bankers and rich merchants, and ministers holding high official positions, are content to be doorkeepers, it must be said, " We never saw it after tiii? fashion," and this was exactly the case at the door of £xet(?i Hall yesterday. Mr. Moody took for his text Isaiah Iv. 6, stating for two MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. 175 eveninffs he had dwelt on man seeking God, but now ho would speak of God seeking man ; yet recommending earnest- ness in seeking God by many touching incidents and suggef«- tions. This, amon^ others, he thought "the dying thief might have haul a praying mother." He also turned to the ministers around him and asked, " Did they believe that God was present and willing to save t " and was instantly answered by an audible " Yes." A tearful, impassioned appeal followed to all classes to seek the Lord, and He would assuredly be found. Silent prayer succeeded, and Mr. Sankey sang "Almost persuaded." Then the audience were dismissed, and all anxious, and all workers, were invited to remain, an invitation that was accepted by several thousands / The whole space under the arched roof was occupied by seekers and workers, while the responses to earnest prayers rolled around like the deep tones of the great sea waves at night. The Lord was there. Inquirer after inquirer made themselves manifest, until there were scores in the inquiry room, and scores remaining in the hall speaking with the workers there. In the inquiry room were seekers and workers in every direc- tion, and very many found peace in beliv«jving. One fine young man fell to the lot of the writer, and it was emphati- cally good to watch the dawning of divine truth on the mind, as shown in the intelligent face — to see tlie look of anxiety and fear give place to the knowledge anrl love of God — to watch the birth of the soul to eternal life bring forth that look of brightness on the face which is never seen from any other cause. One young lady said " she was so happy, she seemed to tread on air ; " and in instance after instance the testimony grew and multiplied, till we oould only rejoice in believing that numbers were born again — ^not of corruptible seed, but of the incorruf^tible, which liveth and abideth for ever. Then the long, happy evening closed by Mr. Moody wBw .^ 176 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GRKAT BRITAIN. calling the workers together, and giving some brotherly advice and counsel concerning the details of work in the in- quiry room. Oh, for the time of blessing ! Oh, for the rain upon the weary 1' Oh, for the coming, in mightiest i)ower, of the loving Spirit and the King our Brother, among the ruined and lost — ^among the weary and burdened laborers on this rough and stony ground ! Our Father, hear and answer Thy children's heart-cry, for Jesus' sake ! On Sunday morning, March 14, the usual unbroken quiet of Islington experienced a striking change. From every direc- tion solitaries, couples, and bands of well-dressed people were hastening to the Agricultural Hall. Many parties of singers had arranged to meet in their different localities, and marched with songs to their dostii ion. Sunday-school teach rs resi- dent in the line of march near to the hall had invited their fellow laborers to breakfast at a very unusual hour ; while the vendors of hymns and papers round the hall took their usual week-day positions, and transacted a large amount of buying and selling, to which multitudes made strong and indignant objection. Pouring in at all the entrances to the hall, there was speedily convened such a gathering of its Christian workers as London had never soon. It was a complete re-union. Friends, whom the exigencies of work had sepaiated for years, met and clasped hands once more ; young men grown old in service met with others in like condition, whom they had labored with in years of strength ; and comely matrons' faces were recognised as those of former girls in Sunday schools. Long before all old friends could be recognized and greeted, the time for the service arrived, and the Evangelists stood face to face with many thousands of the Christian workers of the great metropolis for the first time. Cool, prompt, and business-like as ever, Mr. Moody an- MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. ^77 nounccd the first sonj? would he " Hold iIk; fort," which was Kunj» with a viyor that left nothing to be desired. Mr. Moody narrated a striking,' instance of a Sunday school superintendent who was not convertod, but finding this to be 80, went honestly to his minister and offered to resign.- The minister siiggoHttMl a mon; excellent way — that the superin tendent should first turn to tlio Lord at once and then cnntinu<' his Labors. This was done ; ho turned to the willing Saviour, and then became the means of the conversion of the teachers and a great revival in the school. It was the duty of eacK Christian — not duty, but privilege (away with mere duiij I we did not talk of dutij to wives and mothers, and why iu religion 1) — to speak to some person daily. For twelve years there had scarcely been a day in which he had not done this. Seek out friends, and bring them into the current, that they might get a blessing and pass it on. We must also get into sympathy with the unsaved. When ho was laboring in tin- school at Chicago, a teacher, who was going away to die, cam*' to him in bitter trouble about his unconverted class. He felt his strength too far gone to visit them ; they were unsaved, and he was leaving them — going awav for ever. Mr. Moodv procured a carriage, and they went together day after day for ten days, until the teacher had seen all, pleatled with all, and won them all for Jesus. Tiie tearful eye, the pale face, and the deep sympathy had triumphed for Christ ! Tiien they all met him on the platform, and the wave of his hand from the carriage was a last, long farewell. The effect produced by tliis narration was very deep. Sobs and tears were almost univer- sal. The ministers on the platform were wiping both eyes and glasses, and some were literally scooping away the tears with their hands. Strong men were weeping like children, and the speaker himself wept abundantly as he remembered an I depicted the touching scene. Yes, he continued, wo must 178 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GRliAT BRITAIN. nt , gift ill sympathy — make thoir case our«, thoir troulilea and 8o^ ro\V8 uui*», uml then wo 8h'ill liavo provuiliii^' powur. Ho spuko of a puor niothor, whoso child had boon drownod in procuring drift- wood from the rivor, and whom he visited along with hia little diiughter. 'Mf that was nie," said my child, " wouldn't yoa/ecl bud, father 1 Don't you feol bad for the po«r mother 1" This unlocked the springs of sympatliy, and I did fool bad for her. I found • grave for the poor child, and afterward bought ground lor k Sunday-school lot to bury a hundred of our poor little scholars. In the midst of a most striking scene of weep- ing, such as that hall had never seen before, tlio address con- cluded, and Mr. Moody atiampted to pray. So deeply was ho moved, that he was compelled to pau.se in his prayer, amid dead silence, to recover himself, and be able to proceed. Then we sang " Work, for the night is coming," and the benediction ended the first workers' meeting. On Sunday afternoon, at three, the first special meeting for women was held. There were, at the lowest computation, about 17,000 present ; and the power of the Spirit was clearly there : tears, and sobs, and repressed cries, anxious faces, low, earnest words and entreaties for mercy were all around, as the discoui-se proceeded from point to point. God was the preacher of this sermon, said Mr. Moody ; and though tk > first audiencu was small, the sermon has come rolling down the ages, and many, I hope, are asking themselves this question now. I am speaking to professors, to backsliders, and to those who never made profession, but all equally lost. Then all sang the hymn, " Lord, I hear of showers of blessing," and the meeting closed to allow inquirers to gather. Such a number accepted the invitation that the large inquiry room could not contain them, and many were spoken to in the bitter cold without the room. The evening service was simply a repetition of the after- uoon, but for men only, instead of women. Thousands ui MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. '79 wonipn, nevcrthcluss, accompanied their male friends in liupo ..t admission, but were disappointed — they could not be admitted. Nevertheless, the building was filled to its utmost capacity, and the doors were closed nearly an hour before the service commenced. The would-be infidel orator of London is in the habit of saying that '' Religion is an affair of priests and women." Never again will he be able to repeat that taunt, after the meeting on Sunday evening last, when nearly 15,000 men of London were held breathless by the wimple preaching and singing of the Guapel of Chrinf. Before the address was delivered, Mr. Sankey sang " Jesus of Nazareth pasaeth by ; " himself singing the verses, and the vast multi- tude joining in singing the last line in each verse, thus pro- ducing the effect of one of the mightiest choruses ever sung on earth. After the address the inquiry room was opened, while the meeting in the hall continued with praise and prayer. So great had been the effect produced, so large was the number of inquirers who were not " priests " or ** women," that there were not enough workers present to deal with them. Nor ccn this be wondered at. Christians had been entreated and eigoined to stay away that the unconverted might have all the room ; and this request was too literally obeyed. St. Mary's Hall is a large concert room, with chairs on the floor, fronting the platform, and a deep gallery round the sides and end of the hall. Mr. Moody divided the inquirers, leaving the women on the basement, and sending the men into the gallery, and directed the workers to divide in the same way. All round the gallery were men in twos and threes, to the number of two or three hundred — each couple or three separated from their neighbors, and earnestly engaged ill their own work, without taking any notice of those near fll: 1 80 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. m > i'V I*:' • and around. Here was a couple discussing a difficulty in the wiv. There another couplo earnestly reading passages of God's Word. Next was one pleading earnestly with another. Next one whose work was done, as the close, loving hand- clasp showed. Many were striving together in prayer, two by two. Here a worker earnestly asking for the light to come ; there another pressing the inquirer to pray lor him- self ; and others praying earnestly together. The Chnstian World thus summarizes the first month's work : • To-day the American Evangelists, whose names are on every lip, enter upon the second month of their London cam- paign. They have all but completed the series of meetings at the Agricultural Hall, in Islington, designed more especially for the benefit of the people dwelling in the great northern region of the metropolis ; and now they are about to enter on the daily occupation of a building specially erected for their accommodation at the East End. From week to week we have furnished our readers with full reports of the proceedings. In this way tho public have been enabled to obtain a compre- hensive, and we believe accurate, view of a series of meetings that certainly stand without a parallel in the religious annals of England. We may not be able to say, with a respecteil contemporary, that Mr. Moody is the modern Wyclifie — a name we should rather assign, if we used it at all, to a great English preacher who has been proclaiming the gos^^el to mul- titudes in London every week for more than twenty-one years. Neither are we prepared to coincide with the ma^' nanimous assertion of a Wesleyan Methodist journal, that thin movement puts the revival which was wrought by WhitlieM and Wesley into the shade, in respect, at least, to the numbers brought under tho sound of the Gospel. These are statf- monts, as it seems to us, which would require to bo gieully MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. i8i rings thiH tioia ibers itatc- qualified before they could be accepted by thoughtful men. Yet, without going the length of our too exuberant friends, we can testify thut the Success of tlie gatlierings over which Tilr. Moody pn titles has been simply marvellous, and in its way quite un \.4..ipled, either within the memory of living men or in ah u.at has been recorded by the pen of the Eng- lish historian of the Christian Chmch. Whatever may be llie view he ta'ces of tho work, as to its true spiritual signi- licance and value, every canditl on-lookcr must acknowledge tliat the present is ^ phi'iiomenon whicli cannot bo too care- fully scanned, or too fully described by tho contemporary journalist. It will unquestionably claim for itself a chapter of no inconsiderable magnitude in tho book that deals with the religious history of England in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Sonio little service to the future, as m^U as to the present day reader, may therefore bo rendered by an attempt to gather up the salient points in the story of the first month spent by Messrs. Moody end Sankey in London. The reports of spiritual work achieved in connection with tho movement, not only in London, but also in the provinces, have been multiplied daily ; and these form a feature of the I)roceedings at Exeter Hall which does much to keep alive tho interest and to intensify the fervor of tlie assembly. Then there has been the appearance of now speakers from day to day — witnesses to tho reality of the revival in Scotland, Ireland, and provincial towns of England. When the meet' ing is thrown open to volunteers, the result has not always \mm gratifying; but ^Ir. Moody, as a shrewd and ready- witted president, keeps tho most of tho tirao occtipied with a swift and flowing succession of song, prayer, and exhortation, so that the hour seems to all i)resent to be only too short, and is iliviously most refreshing to their spirits. Mr. Moody 's, [•'■iliftps. seen at Ids best in Exeter Hull. Some of his sho t il 1 82 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. ;> • ', addresses there have heen gems of pithy exposition ; and his o<^casional quaint bits of self-defr.nce, and frequent touches of jningled humor and pathos, have been remarkably effective. People fronj the country have formed a distinctly perceptible element in the congregation ; and we cannot doubt that these, along with the city brethren, have derived npeiul hints from Mr. Moody's method for the conduct of prayer- meetings in their own places of worship. Tn this way we think it likely that a great deal of good may be done. The three afternoon meetings held at, Sanger^s (formerly Astley's) Amphitheatre were among the must successful of all the gatherings, and are said to have been the most fruitful in spiritual results. The place could not hold all the people who flocked to them ; and a proportionately larger number of th o " lapsed masses " were to be seen in these south-side gather- ings than in the assemblies at the Agricultural Hall. The two afternoon Bible readings — the first held in the Conference Hall at Mildmay Park and the second at Exeter, and to both of which admission was . ocured only by ticket — were crammed, and they seemed to ii<) greatly enjoyed. As for the great meetings, those held every night (with the exception of Saturday) at the Agiicultural Hall, and thrice on Sunday in the same enormous edifice, they have continued to attract an average attendance of at least eleven or twelve thousand down to the very last. On the two nights when the address was not given by Mr. Moody there was a great falling off in the congregation. On Good Friday the Times " felt hound " to express it« ** strong conviction that the interest of the meetings was rapidly falling off;" but the facts do not sustain this view. The largest congregations nave assembled within the last ten days ; and these have included all ranks and classes of society. Royalty itself, in the person ot Ilor lioyal llighne** i\\v. IMuccss Teolc, lia.s MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSEU 183 reu hts 3 a lio at ,ho lis vo ill IMS expressed its intention to come since the leading journal pro- claimed the turning of the tide. On one evening tliero were at least sixty clergymen of the Establishment present, with Dean Stanley occupying a conspicuous seat on the platform ; and on the night of Good Friday the evangelical Earl of Shaftesbury sat on the same chair which a few evenings before had been occupied by the Broad Church Dean. Lord Shaf- tesbury, at the close of the service, paid a visit, along with his daughters, to the inquiry room. In respect to the numbers of the Agricultural Ilall congregation, the floor of the building is capable of seating 9,000 persons ; the raised platform for the choir and ministers, 250 ; the eastern side gallery, 900 ; tlie western side gallery, 1,000 ; the upper raised gallery in front of the platform, 1,350 ; the balcony in iVont, 850 ; and the upper western balcony, 350. Even on moderate compu- tation, it would seem that about 350,000 n»ust have been the total of the numbers present at the Agricultural Hall services during the mouth ; though it must be borne in mind that very many persons were frequent, and not a few constant, attenders. It would probably be a liberal allowance if we were to say that 200,000 separate individuals were present. The arrangements made by the committee for the comfort of the congregation and the preservation of order have, from first to lost, been admirable. With respect to tha inquiry rooms, they have been largely attended every night by Christian friends, clerical and lay ; and the penitents pressing in for spiritual advice have, on many occasions, numbered several hundreds. Mr. Moody iias detailed instances of persons brought to a knowledge of Cud in the inquiry room one night, and appearing on the next with friends whom they desire to see sharing the puai'. which they had secured. Since the second Sunday a young iiK.'u'b iuci;Ling has been held every night in St. Mary's Hall, 1 84 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. immediately after the public service ; and latterly this feature has ccrae more conspicuously into view, and been more press- ingly urged upon tlio attention of the class referred to by Mr. Moody, who is ambitious of securing a band of at least a thousand to assist him in his work. The meetings in the East End of London were held in the Bow Road Hall, and a tent pitched close by. Here the rich and poor congregated, and God graciously poured out His Spirit. In the West End, the Royal Opera House in the Haymarket was obtained. In South London, Camberwell Hall was specially provided for the immense multitudes sure to gather. During the greater part of April, services had been con- ducted daily in each of the four divisions of the metropolia Messrs. Moody and Sankey have divided their labors almost equally between the East and the West Ends — officiating at Her Majesty's Opera House, in the Haymarket, at the daily noon prayer-meeting, and also at an afternoon Bible-reading, while in the evening they have generally been present at the service in the Bow Road Hall. On two evenings of f-ach week, they have returned to the Agricultural Hall in Islington. The Bible readings have attracted great congregations, these including many members of fashionable society, led by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, who was present on Thursday, April 15. In an artich on "The American Re- vivalists in England," the New York Independent says : " We presume that the aristocrac}' and the literati will scarce hear of the movement that is about them. It is an after-generation that builds the monuments of the prophets. Bunyan got no words of honor from the Duke of Bedford, whose descendant has lately set up his statue." Several months before these words were written Mr. ^Mooily had sojourned as a guest Avithin the walls of Dumobin Caslle, the uci'hoiii j^eat of the MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSIiD. iSs Duke of Sutherland ; and, weeks b?^ore, ho had dined with the Lord Chancellor of England at Bournemouth. 'At his first meeting in the Agricultural IIal5, he was assisted by a peer of the realm, and other noblemen took part in subsequent gather- ings, while Lord Cairns, the Earl of Shaftesbury, and many other members of the aristocracy, formed part of his audience. The favor with which his labors are regarded by a largo section of the nobility has been still more conspicuously displayed since the opening of the services in the Haymafrket, and especially since the visit paid by the Princess of Wales. Standing somewhat in the same relation to Mr. Moody that the Countess of Huntingdon did to Whitfield, her Grace the Duchess of Sutherliind has been well nigh a daily attender, accompanied sometimes by her daughter and Lady Constance Leveson-Gower. Twice last week the Duke and Duchess of St. Albans were seen in the royal box ; the Prince Teck has also been present, land so have the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, the Countess of Gainsborough, Lady Dudley, Lord and Lady Rendelshara (the latter a daughter of the late popular Earl of Eglinton), and many more of the " upper ten thous md." To crown all, it is alleged, not only that Lord Dudley interested hin^self in securing the Opera House for l^^o American Evangelists, but that his loidship was encouraged to do this by no less a personage than the heir apparent. The following is given as the number of meetings and aggregate attendance during the four months that Mr. Moody has been in London : In Camberwell, sixty meetings, attended by 480,000 peo- ple ; in Victoria, forty-five meetings, attended by 400,000 ; in the Opera House, sixty meetings, attended by 330,000 ; in Bow, sixty meetings, attended by 000,000 ; and in the Agri- cultural Hall, sixty meetings, attended by 720,000. The amount of money expended for buildings, printing, stewards, \ < M : pi m li I 1 86 MOODY AND SAN KEY IN C EAT BRITAIN. etc., is $140,000. Messrs. Moody and Suukey have declined to receive any compensation from the committeo. It is statctl that a prominent business man has bought the Victoria Theatre and intends to fit it up for religious work. Inquirers multiplied ; young men's meetings were held ; thousands of children were gathered. A great array of workers went out, two by two, to visit every house in London with the Gospel. Every text Mr. Moody quoted was an arrow from God's bow which went straight to the heart ; every song from Mr. Sankey won some soul ; every appeal persuaded some heart to yield to Christ ; every meeting sv;elled the throng of converts. The mighty movement swept from one end of Lon- don to the other. As the Evangelists left one quarter of the city for another, the meetings were continued in the localities left, until, when Mr. Moody, during the last month, was at Camberwell Green Hall in the South, Major Cole was at the Victoria Theatre in the West, Henry Varley at the Bow lioad Hall in the East, while Henry Drummond was holding his young men's meet- ings with great success, ol^otwithstanding all thes'j great meet- ings, numbering often many thousands, the central meetings under our two brethren moved on with wonderful power and success. As the last week drew to a close, the interest became in- tense. On the last night Mr. Moody became very earnest and urgent in his appeals to the vast and intensely interested audi- ence to accept Christ. " Just let me pause here," he said. " Ask yourselves whether yon ought net to receive the Lord Jesus Christ now 1 Who is there in this assembly who will receive the gift of God and be saved ? " After a ])ricf pause a voice came from the left-hand gallery, somewhat faintly, " I will." It was speedily followed by others from all i)arts of lli » bouse. " Well," continued Mr. Mcody, " thank Gud for that. MIGHTY i.oNuuN IS r.i,;;ssi;a .87 I am just passing round the cup of salvation. Who else will take itl" *^I will," " I will," " I will," " I will," came re- sounding on every hand. " That's right, my boy," replied he, speaking to a little fellow down in front of him, whose "I will " came up to the platform with the rest. " Will the Christians keep on prayingi Men do not speak out like this unless God is at work. Who else will accept the gift of God )" Again came a perfect volume of " I will's." " Would it not be a glorious thing if every man here would take it to-night 1 Is there another ?" "I will." "Another V "I wUl." " How many are to-night willing to stand up before God and man and say by that act that they will join us in our journey to heaven 1 You that are willing to take Christ now, would you just rise V* A mighty army of men rose to their feet at once. " Why not three thousand 1 The God of Pentecost still lives." Numbers more stood up, until one could scarcely distinguish between those sitting and those standing. Mr. Moody prayed and said, "And now we will sing, * Safe in the arms of Jesus.' " Mul- titudes flocked into the inquiry room, where there was a scene of ingathering never to be forgotten by those who were pre- sent. A fitting close to the labors of our brethren in Great Britain. Their work had continued without interruption through tyro years and three weeks. They had held meetings in perhaps a hundred cities and villafjos. They had person- ally attended between two and three thousand services. It must bo conceded that this was the most wonderful series of revival meetings ever held in the world. In the union of all God's people ; in the mighty but perfectly quiet workings of God's Spirit ; in the honor put upon God's simple word ; in the dependence put upon prayer and the simplest agencies ; in the earnestness with which Christians labored, and the liberality with which they gave their money ; in the multitudes which everywhere flocked to the services ; in the l88 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT liKITAIN. wide extent of tho work, in the readiness with which men received the Gospel ; in tlie nuraber of conversions ; in every aspect of it, the movement is without a parallel in the history of Christianity. It seems to betoken a world-wide revival of religion. All through his mission in Great Britain, Mr. Moody has striven to make the Gospel so plain as to bo understood by the meanest comprehension. lie has avoidiul collateral issues aud eschewed theological discussions, and hold to the procla- luatiou of tho good news of salvation through faith in a crucified and risen Saviour. One of his favurito texts lias been the question of the jailer, " What must I do to be saved V and this he chose* for his llnal gospel addresses to London audiences. Many people, he said, still disbelieved in sudden conversion, and he proceeded to draw from tlie treasury of Holy Scripture numerous illustr^ions to show that the new birth is, of necessity, an instantaneous act, antl not a gradual change. Ho quoted the ark, the salvation of Lot from Sodom, the preservation of the children of Israel in Egypt by sprinkling the blood on their doors, tho (iities of refuge, and others, as well ns illustrations from lystory antl from daily life. At tho close he spoke with much emotion of how he had tried in all possible ways to allure sinners to Christ, and entreated those present not to go out of the build- ing without receiving Christ as their Saviour. They might never hear his and Mr. Sankey's voice again on earth, but he hoped there would not be one missing at the last great meet- ing. Many rose in response to his pressing appeal at the close, and the inquiry rooms were afterwards the scene of much earnest conversation and prayer with the crowds of anxious sisters. The evening meeting for men was almost liiled before the last of the inquirers and workezs hud left ihki building. L.Alt MIGIITV LONDON IS BLESSED. 189 Still, although sinners by thousamls wore coming to Christ, some, who hold high places in what they called the kingdom of Christ on earth, made use of the secular press to give faint praise and forced rebukes to those irregular workers in the Lord's vineyard. The devils were fleeing— cast out by the power which accompanied their word ; but the men were nol following certain traditional lines. The Archbishop of Canterbury felt moved to explain that, from what ho had heard of Mr. Moody and his work, ho had no doubt good was being accomplished ; in which, of course, all Christians must rejoice ; but it was not at all according tc Ills sense of the high dignity of his office to sanction such i I regular proceedings, or advise his clergy to co-operate ir tliom. To this another eminent minister replied : — " I think it rather presumptuous for an archbishop to talk about sanction- ing the work of Mr. Moody and Mr. Sankey. I should at soon think of asking him t^ sanction the kindly rain thai fulls upon the parched fields, after weeks and months 0) ilronght." Another event which made no small stir, and which even agitated the great British Parliament itself, was Messrs. Moody and Hankoy's meeting in the vicinity of the famous old school at Kton. One of the Eton boys had been happily converted at the revival meetings in London ; and, feeling desirous that his schoolfellows should profit by the same precious Gospel which had been so blessed to him, he sought and obtained a promise from Mr. Moody that, some time, he would go down to Eton and hold a service there. Mr. Moody had forgotten all about it, when, nearly a month afterwards, the young man claimed the fulfilment of the promise ; and arrangements were mado to hold the meeting in a tent which had been pitched not far from the school. This famous college is a Iligh-Charch institution ; and 190 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. I": one or two of its patrons, who did not wish their sons to ha 6ul)jootcd to any such irregular religious influcnco as the preaching of Mr. Moody, protested against the proposed ser vice under its shadow. One honorable member of the House of Commons announced his intention of publicly questionin*; Mr. Gladstone, who had given a letter of introduction to tho head-niaster to one of Mr. Moody's friends. The House of Lords also took up the matter ; and violent articles appeared in the newspapers, denouncing the evangelists and their friends, for attempting to forward their interests or increase their reputation, by thus associating their work with the Etuii school. The excitement became so great that Mr. Moody was waited upon by a committee, who begged him to withdraw his appointment. He replied : ** I have never missed an appointment yut, during this trip ; and I certainly shall nut begin now." The invitation which he had accepted had been signed by a largo majority of the students in the college ; and to yioM to the pressure agaiust him was not at all congenial to his tastes or habits — in whom the quality of firmness, especially under the impressions of duty, is developed to a remavkuldi; degree. He was only anxious lest disturbances, which seem* il likely to occur, should result in a fight, and that some of tlu; boys might receive bodily injury ; in which event he would be blamed as the cause of all the difficulty. However, tlio meeting, which evidently could not be safely held in the tent, was appointed to take place in the Town Hall ; the Mayor, who was a nonconformist, bravely maintaining his position in favor of free speech, though set upon most vehemently with a view to obtain an order closing the Hall agaiuit Messrs. Moody and Sankey. At last, however, his courage failed ; and hastily causing a notice to be printed, to the effect that no meeting would be held, he despatched it to the college, MIGHTY LONDON IS lil.LSSia). 191 lehcro it vrna diRtributiMl among the boy«. This was at two )V'lock. The meetinj; was to bo h<;ld at four id the afternoon. Tho private grounds ol' a gentleman at Eton were placed it Mr. Moody's disposal; and here ho prcaclied in th'i presence jf about two hundred of tho collogo boys, and twice or thrice that number of tho citizens of tlie town. His text \v;is, — •' Behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy whicii shall bo to all people." IJut why he shouM h. ,0 been so belabon-d tn Parliament, and abused in the public ]>res^ for bringing ^lad tidings of great joy to a company of lads in Eton college, is still somewhat of a riddle to a large portion of the British public. The Timr.^, in its fathnrly way, repeated, in substance, the famous advice once given by tho town-clerk of Ephesus , with tho further kind 8U;^'gostion, to those who had rushed into print, and disturbed the solemn counsels of the nation m 80 small a matter, not to make themselves ridiculous. Thip •jood counsel was acted upon, and no more noise was heard. The last meeting of all will, wo tliiuk, be reckoned, by those who have attended tho Loudon meetings throuf.'liout, the best of all. It was as clesoly i)acked with men as could be ; hov/ many were left outside we cannot tell. A meeting for them was held in the CamborweU Green Hall. !Mr. Sankey took his seat at the instrument about half an hour before tho Lime, and while he was singing for Jesus to the eager crowd 3f listeners^ Mr. Moody and a few friends were in the little waiting-room below, supplicating God for a Pentecostal blesS' ing on this parting service. And their prayer was answered of a truth. We have not witnessed such a wondrous scene (luring any of the many gatherings these last four months ; the only approach to it was one Sunday afternoon at a women's meeting in the Opera House. Several of Mr. Moody's American friends were present to IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 116 112 I.I 12.5 1.8 L25 ■ 1.4 m V] <« A>^ ^ ^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STRKT WEBSTER, N.Y. l4!iM (716) •72-4503 ^ 6^ 192 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. . h' ?| witness the crowning service of this mission, before de- scribed. ' At the farewell meeting at London, of the 700 and odd ministers who were present at this memorable gathering, there were 188 belonging to the Church of England, 154 Congre- gationalists, 85 Baptists, 81 Wesleyan Methodists, 39 Pres- byterians, 8 foreign pastors, 8 United Methodists, 7 Primitive Methodists, 3 Plymouth Brethren, 5 Countess of Hunting- don's Connection, 2 Society of Friends, 3 Free Church of England, 1 Bible Christian, and upward of 20 not known. These figures we take from the official statement supplied at the meeting, and they significantly show the catholic and unsectarian character of Messrs. Moody and Sankey's services, as well as the universal esteem with which our evangelist brethren are regarded by all sections of the Church of Christ in this country. A large number of influential laymen and Christian workers were present, among the best known of them being Lord Sh^aftesbury, Lord Cavan, Mr. Cowper- Temple, M.P., Mr*. Alderman McArthur^ M.P., Mr. Samuel Morley, M.R, etc. . We only give those of the addresses containing interesting facts and statistics relating to the movement. Rev. R D. Wilson, of Craven Chapel, said a new spiritual glow had come into the hearts of many during the last four months. They had learned, too, that their cherished traditions had no more sanctity or authority about them than the new things, i7hich startled some of them at first, but with which they had now become most blessedly familiar. It was too soon to speak of the results as a whole, but within the last three days he had met no less than twelve or thirteen distinct cases of conversion in consequence of the ministrations of the Evangelists. He read the following extract from a letter he had leceived : ** I feel it my duty and inexpressible pleasure MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED 193 de- to tell you that I and one of my brothers were converted at one of Mr. Moody's meetings last week. Could you know my inner life for the pist ten years, you would indeed say I have been plucked like a brand from the burning. I cannot cease to marvel at the greatness of my salvation." The mother of that young lady, said the "opeaker, had come to him yesterday, and stated that for twenty-five years, 'with few exceptions, she had regularlj attended the services of the sanctuary, but the happiest day in her Christian experience was the previous Sunday, when ahe sat with her converted daughter on her right hand and a converted son on her left. As the speaker told this affecting little story, we felt certain that the tear of joy gathered in many an eye, only we could not see for the mist that came across our own. He went on to say that we had never known what it was to " sing the Gospel" of Jesus Christ till our two brethren came. We could now understand how the sweetest tones could become the highest sort of Christian eloquence, in declaring to men the Way of Life. He would so far disobey the rule that no reference was to be made to the two Evangelists, as to assure them that they would carry home to their American country the warmest love and heartiest esteem of the ministers and Christian people of this country. At this remark the pent-up feelings of the audience could iio longer be restrained, and they burst out into loud, and prolonged applause. Mr. Wilson continued : " We shall not forget, when the Atlantic lies between their homes and ours, at our family altav^ at the place of sacred meeting with our God, in our prayer-meetings, and in our Sabbath assemblies, to pray that God's richest blessing may rest upon them there. And it will be a glad day for us all, if ever that day comes, when we shall hear from the other side of the Western Main the intelligence that they are coming again. Until then we shall continue to pray that, 194 MOODV AMD S/.NKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. '. I 1 < vv)ieii Oo 1 SOPS moet that they shouM come, tliey may come ill the i'lilije.sB of tho blessinjir of the Gospel of Christ." Eev. Ji )bert Taylor, of Xerwood, gave some intensely in- teroslin'4 facts respecting what had transpired in the inquiry room at Camber »vell Green Hall. He had to do what Mr. Moody called '* police work" there, and in this capacity he was ible to take a general view of the inquirers who, night after ftigb.t, thronged the rooms. One or two things had struck him. First, the largo number of old people who came us inquirers, and who went away as very young Christians. He was afraid chat, in their anxiety to shut up and shut in the young, they had been in danger of shutting out the old. They had fallen into the unbelief of Nicodemus, who said, " How can a man be born when he is old 1" But many blessed births of the old liad been seen in the inquiry room at Camberwell. He was also struck with the amazing variety of opinion — religious opinion and n > opinion — represented. One evening he gave up his seat in the hall to a distinguished literary Jian, who lately wrote that " there was a Power above us ♦•hat, at least, we know to be working for righteousness." One evening in the inquiry room, he met a young woman, and asked if she was anxious. Yes, to know if there was a God. Did she not believe it 1 Well, the sum of her belief was, that " there was something above us." He could tell of a wife, deserted by her husband, who had been in such utter misery and agony that she had twice contemplated going to London Bridge to commit suicide.' In that inquiry room she was brought to faith in Jesus Christ and peace with God through the preaching and singing. Afterward she prayed so beautifully for her husband that the laly who conversed with her was deeply touched as she listened. She did not pray that he might be restored to her — now she did not care so much about that — ^but that God would bring him to Himscff, and that they may be reunited MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. 195 f she ,enot ewas y her ' that mrait h in and band d as d to God nited in heaven. He could tell of several Eoraan Catholics brought to simple faith and sweet peace in Jesus. He could tell of a man who for twenty minutes hid his face from the lady who spoke to hira, so deep was his distress and shame. He after- ward told her how he was standing at St. Giles's, and tossed up whether he should go to the theatre or the meeting. It was " Heads the theatre, tails Moody and Sankey." It was tails. He went to the meeting, was led to go into the inquiry room, and, as he described it in a letter to the lady who was the means of bringing him into light, ** She fought manfully with him for the Lord Jesus," and he went home a rejoicing be- liever. These were but a few specimens of hundreds of cases le could quote, and when friends said to him the night before, jvith. sad hearts, they were so sorry the meetings were over» he could only reply, " Yes, and I am so glad the work is so gloriously begun. Rev. Marcus Rainsford said he felt we were living in day a which many had looked and longed for, but had not seen. Ho thought that God had been working much moro with the masses than the ministers. For his own part, he had learned much since Messrs. Moody and Sankey came to London. Many prejudices had been broken down, many difficulties removed, and many a lesson learned that he would never forget. He had been taught by a costermonger liow to preach the GospeL He was talking to a costermonger one evening, and trying to show him the great salvation, when a bright- looking young fellow came up and quietly put him aside, saying, " Sir, I found Christ last week ; I think I can talk to this man better than you." " Well, let us hear what you have to say." " I never heard such lingo," said Mr. Rainsford. ** Now, Joe, s'pose it was all up wi' yer ; mother starvin', wife starvin', children starvin', and the mackerel nowhere. S'pose T «ee yer luoLtu' very pale and sud and niisuiablc ; and, says 196 MOODY AND SANKEY IN GREAT BRITAIN. u T, 'Joe, here's a fat half for you.'" (I wond-^rcd what thai was, but the other seemed to know all about it.) " I give it yer with all my heart. Away you go to Billingsgate and spend the fat half." (It means half a sovereign, and a six- pence means a " thin half.") " You get the mackerel, and bring it home ; you get the money, and you bring home some bread ; yes, there it be at home ; now what would you say.'' " I would say, ' Thank you ; God bless you ! ' * " Well, say that to Christ, for Ho didn't give you the fat half, but tlic whole." And that was the Gospel as ably and spiritually preached, and as blessedly preached, as the Archbishop oi Canterbury could preach it. After some farther striking experiences, he expressed a hope that the work would go or after our brethren had left, and that many would be found tc imitate their example in telling of Jesus to all around. The Earl of Shaftesbury said, nothing but the positiv( command of Mr. Moody would have induced him to come for ward on the present occasion , and say but a few words in tht presence of so many ministers of the Gospel. But as Mr Moody had asked him to speak of what had occurred during the past four months, he did so with the deepest sense of grati tude to Almighty God that He had raised up a man with suet a message and to be delivered in such a manner. And thougt Mr. Moody said they were not to praise him or his friend Mr Sankey, yet if they praised God for sending them auch men as these, they did no more than express their admiration of the instruments that He had raised up, while they gave Hira all the glory. He had been conversant for many years with the people of this metropolis, and he might tell them that wherever he went he found the traces of these men, of the impression they had made, of the feeling they had produced, and of the stamp that he hoped would be indelible on many of the people. He could speak that as the truth as to many MIGHTY LONDON IS BLESSED. 197 men m of Him with that tho ced, any any ]iarts of London, and the lowest parts of London. Only a few SANKEY IN AMERICA. 213 tlace for >wd. 5om- run end the ose Irgu- lula- newed and lieigbt«atil ttlicae demonstrations, and the utter- ances of Mr. Moodj laamd the excitement, enthusiasm, — religious fervor, um SANKEY IN AMERICA. 227 was of excitement Bitt Mr, Moody, realizing that mere excite- ment is not heaMaT, (tljceketl it while that wis possible, leav- ing to the iiiflacBuiot* ©ff the Holy Spirit the completion of the work which had -eTttiftxuliIy commenced in many hearts. Bey. Mr. Mointsf lelaited the conversion of a man of intel- lect and character and a very dear friend, who was '*ddicted to strong drink. I^ t^aatkeT invited him to go to the Eink meeting to hear Mir. Moody. He said : " I'll do it for your sake." He went, ami God touched his heart. On his way home he resolTed h^ wmM crush his appetite and curb bis profanity, and Beit nop M» fgimily altar there for the first time in the history oi Ms hamlj. He met me the next day, and embraced me witk Uaum oif thankfulness that I asked him to go to the Rink mee^m^ We don't know what results come from little things. H« aaked me to come here this morning and ask you to beair bim up in your prayers. A young maa am tfimihie agony and tears said he wanted to find Jesus. We UM him how the best we could. He left the place greatly idlflcred. The next night he came to the platform with his tmsi sMning with joy. He went for liia younger brother, aaui hs mats the next day rejoicing in Christ. Another young iBaiii eamt to the meeting at the Eink, and could not get in. H® wandered around and went to the Dutch Church adfoBDimii^ which was empty. About nine o'clock the 3/oung weam eanse into the young men's meeting, and I prevailed Moody choso his subject, " The Holy Ghost," and related an incident m his early life as an Evangelist, when an old gentle- man had said to him, " Young man, when you ^poak again, honor the Holy Ghost." INIr. Moody said he had never for- <;otten tlie advice, and had profited much from it. " Tho Holy Spirit is a person. We get life through the Holy Ghost. We can have no revival save through Him. lie gives hope. AVhen he arrives we loan upon some hi. i» more than human supports. Men often- utter the prayers which they spoke twenty years ago. We only know how to pray when we have the Holy Spirit. There are two kinds of Christians. The one class are as an ordinary well, from which you must pump all their religion. The other are artesian, and send forth the waters of love continually. If we are full of the Spirit to-day it is no assurance for to-morrow. We must keep at the foun- tain all the time. Think of Elisha, how he followed Elijab, and at last received his robe and a double portion of his grace. That old farmer made the mightiest prophet the world ever saw. The Church is living too much upon old manna. They think one supply enough for their life." Another element of influence has been forcibly stated. Here is our view of the case : Unselfishness is the greatest power in the world. The man who gladly makes sacrifices for the honor of God and the well-being of mankind wields an immense power. When the Holy Spirit is allowed to enter and occupy the hearts of men, selfishness disappears. Selfish- ness and the Holy Spirit cannot dwell together. It is because of tne absolute unselfishness of these Evangelists now working m Brooklyn that multitudes hear them gladly. They are earnest and enthusiastic, not seeking their own, but Christ's glory. They themselves are nothing — Christ is everything. Persistent efibrt has been made by the enemies of pure and undeliled religion to discover flaws in the character and 232 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. methods of these men. The world itself, which generally delights in trutLfulness and fair play, has frowned down the effort as dishonorable. Honest Christians know well the falsity of the accusation. These self-denying men have no stain of Caesar's gold about them. They are after souls, not money. They are engaged in heaven's mission,- working to lift society from the debasing bondage of Satan to the blessed service of Christ. In self-sacrifice they are strong. Consistent and self- denying lives are yet largely an undeveloped power within the Church. Unworthy membership breeds much mischief. It was at this citadel of sin that Moody and Sankey directed their first shot. The sacred fort has in too many cases been betrayed into the hands of the enemy through the foes within it. The world is not reading God's Word, but scanning closely the lives of Christian professors, and they find many grievous blemishes. It is because Moody and Sankey are, iike Enoch, walking daily with Go J, that they are honored and successful. They have learned that most difficult lesson that we cannot serve God and mammon. They are fully persuaded that they are their brother's keeper ; and men flock after them to hear the truths of the Gospol in all their grand simplicity ; to learn from uen who in their lives and labors present glorious examples of the blessed influence of the Gospel message. They are bold, yet most unassuming soldiers of the cross ; not afraid of the war- fare, but rejoicing in the conflict. It is upon such that the blessing of heaven descends. There is no difficulty in under- standing the power of these men. It is of God. They are living obedient lives. If we fail tc perceive the connection, the fault is our own. The scales have not yet fallen from our eyes. Mr. Sankey, in explanation of the chorus, " HoM the fort, for I am coming," said that during the rebellion one of the Union officers in command of a fort closely invested by Gen- . .kiiiii MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. 233 fort, If the Gen- eral Hood, was almost persuaded, by the distress of his men, to surrender the position, when he received a despatch from Gen. Sherman to this effect : " Hold the fort, for I am coming — W. T. Sherman." It filled the soldiers with confidence, they kept up their courage, and were saved. He exhorted those present to show an equally abiding faith in Christ and they would be saved. Mr. Sankey produced a remarkable effect by the manner in which he rendered the last line, " Victory is nigh," and dwelt with redoubled force upon the word " Hold," until .x version of the Psalms. The Evangelists were accustomed to sing the 100th, 23rd, and 40th Psalms, or the 1st, 107th, and 125th Hymns of the collection, and then ask the Presbyterians to sing " Hold the fort," which they usually did, and at length sang any of the hymns. The record of God's gracious dealings by the agency of His honored servants in Brooklyn promise to be eclipsed by the brilliant display of divine mercy on their work in Phila- delphia ; and we may bring our review to a close by giving the keynj«e as struck by Mr. Moody the morning of his advent in the city <■'' churches. "Ah ! Lord God 3 bold Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great ^ .*wer and stretched-out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee." "And there is nothing too hard for Thee." During the past two years, into every town and city that Mr. S?inkey and I have gone, we always took this verse as the kpynote to our work. We generally commence every prayer-meeting by reading this verse — nothing is too hard for God — and it was a wonderful help to us. Sometimes our ways seemed hard MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. 235 Qg the ey and to our it was I hard ways. Then we came back to the old text, and these ways were freed from all darkness. It sometimes seemed as if some men could not be converted. But we came back to the old tc^ct, and flinty hearts would break. At Edinburgh I was told that a young man who was pointed out to me was the chairman of an infidel club. I went and stood beside him, and asked him if he was thinking of his soul He turned to me and said, " How do you know I've got one f ' I thought it was no use trying, but then I thought nothing is too hard for God. I asked him if I might pray for him. He said, " You may pray if you like. Try your hand on me." I got down on my knees and prayed for him. His head was held up and his eyes did not notice me, and he seemed to say to the people that my prayers did not affect him at all. For six long months prayers were daily offered in prayer-meetings for the infidel. This was in January or the latter part of Decem- ber, and a year afterward, or a little over a year, w^ien we were at work in Liverpool, I got a letter from a person in Edinburgh, who said that the infidel was at the foot of the cross, crying for mercy; and just as we were leaving England, we heard that he was leading a meeting every nigl»t I was to give you this as our keynote — nothing is too hard for God. It is just as easy for God to save the most abandoned man as for me to turn my hand over. If this is God's work, we had better cling to it ; if this is Christ's work, it is as lasting as eternity itself. I have a good^eal more hope of this prayer- meeting than of the meetings at the Eink. It is not preaching that you want, you have plenty of preaching. You have plenty of men who can preach better than I can. You have plenty of men who can sing better than Mr. Sankey can. Let this be your keynote— nothing is too hard for God to do in His great power. I asked my boy how God created the world. He said, m M' f I ■' is - "■ ' H' }i' • ^ 236 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. ** He spoke." That is all ; " He said, let there be light, and there was light." He can conrert the thief, the harlot, the moz^j abandoned, and another class still harder, that is the self-righteous Pharisee. God can do it. Nothing is too hard for Ilim. Let us every morning keep this text in our hearts, " Nothing is too hard for Thee." Our God can do it. They tell us that the sun is thirteen hundred thousand times larger than the world, and our God created it. There have been eighty millions of other suns discovered, but these are only a fringe on the garments of God. Our God did it all. If, then, God is so great, shall we not ask Him for great things ] Wo honor God by asking for great things. Alexander had a general who accomplished a great victory ; and it pleased him greatly. He told the general to draw on his treasurer for any amount he wished, and directed his treasurer to honor the draft. The draft was so large that the treasurer was afraid to pay it. Tlie emperor said, " Didn't I tell you to honor his draft ? Don't you know he honors me by making so large a draft V* Don't you know we honor God by asking for great things? The Church has been asking for little things too long. Let us now go to the 20th verse. " Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me 1" Just as if it pleased Him. He #,ys to Jeremiah, " Is there anything too hard for Me 1 I am the Lord the God of all flesh." God has shown us great things, but when we ac- cept His truth we will see still greater things. The next chapter, 3rd verse : " Call unto Me, and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Now, my friends, let us this morning call upon God, and when we pray let us ask Him for some- thing. There are a great many who come for nothing, and therefore they get nothing. Let us come with some great MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. 237 burden upon our hearts — seme great petition. Let us bring it before God. Let us try it. When a man was one time making a long prayer, and asking for nothing in particular, an old woman says, " Ask God for something, and see if He don't give it you." Let us ask for something, and we will get it. Let every mother ask for the salvation of her sons and daughters. iJ^'othing is too hard for Hfln. We may not see the answers to our prayers, but God does answer the prayers of the faithful. Between thirty and forty years ago, at a prayer-meeting which I held, there was a mother who had a very bad son. He was a very bad man ; he was very profane, and was one of the noted men of the town for his sin. And when the church was struck with lightning he said he Would have given $25 if it had burned it down. During the past few weeks the Lord God has found him. He has resolved to stop swearing and come back to church. I asked him to go down on his knees and pray. He answered that he had been on his knees all day. We may not see the answers to our prayers, but God answers the prayer of faith. Let us pray. Our heavenly Father, we thank Thee for this "Sweet hour of prayer." Wo thank Thee for the privilege we have this morning of coming to this place and worshipping, and we pray that Thou would'st give us the spirit of prayer. Teach us how to pray. May we come and ask Thee great things. Nothing is too hard for Thee. So we pray that Thou would take the whole country to Thyself and lay it at Thy feet. Do a work in this country that shall make all men embrace salva- tion. In answer to prayer may there go up a cry, " What shall I do to be saved V* Teach Thy servant to preach. Send him a message from the upper world to-night, and may his words come from the heart and go to the hearts of many. We pray for these mothers that are here this morning. May they 238 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. 'ill |i III': m pray for their sons and daughters, that they may be saved. "We pray for those Sunday school teachers who have uncon- verted scholars ; may they labor and pray much. We pray that the children may be gathered into the fold of Christ. May the harvest be ripe, and may we come to this place carry- ing our sheaves, and Christ will have all the praise and glory. Amen. * il :i CHAPIER XIV. THE EVANGELISTS IN PHILADELPHIA. iHEIR advance on Philadelphia had been carefully prepared for by earnosl, wise, and strong men, who arranged for a gigantic campaign corresponding with the greatness of their city, and the popularity of the men who had carried Brooklyn by storm. The freight depot, corner Thirteenth and Market Streets, was fitted up for the accommodation of twel\ a thousand per- sons, as many as it was probable the preacher's voice could reach. A grand choir of five hundred trained and superior singers was drilled to act as a choir to aid Mr. Sankey, and a union of churches eiFected, by which all the ablest and most efficient Christians were combined in solid phalanx. Unworn by the immense labors undergone in Brooklyn, the brethren tore themselves away from their frif;nds there, and sped to the City of Brotherly Love, there to preach and sing of that Divine love which is the theme of sermon and song by day and by night, wherever the Evangelists set up their standard. Never had men equal advantages, and never was more ex- pected of human beings. There was a feeling of need in the churches of something more than they had, and they were looking to the men whom God has so greatly honored, and stood ready to co-operate with them. In one branch of the church this was the testimony : Eev. W. P. Corbit spoke with much earnestness. The Methodist Church, he said, was in a deplorable condition. The chief causes were a laxitj of m 240 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. Ill !!ll!!lll ij^ discipline and a want of praying bands. A speedy remedy for this state of things was needed. No new agencies were wanted. The Methodist Episcopal Church, worked by its own machinery, would take the world, if it were allowed to work. Let the preachers and people gather together as Moody and Sankey have got them together. He did not depreciate Moody and Sankey, but they had many men in their own body who were just as gifted as they, or more so. It was not Moody, and it was not Sankey, but the power which they possess of bringing good people together to work for God. The Brooklyn revival has been in certain features a sad disappointment to us who have taken an interest and part in it. Mr. Moody failed, it must be confessed, in his evening meetings at the Rink to reach that outside class which he sought. The reason for his failure is so discreditable that we almost hesitate to give it. But it must be confessed that it was the dishonesty, the selfishness of excitement-seeking pro- fessed Christians, that made these meetings a partial failure. Mr. Moody tried his best to open the door into his meetings to those who were not church-goers, and to shut it against church members. He begged these latter to stay at home. He pled with them ; but they still would come. He then issued tickets, that were offered only to the non-church-goers ; but the conscience-hardened professors would rob their uncon- verted neighbors of their tickets and lie their way into the Rink, and then have the face to stand up when all Christians were requested to rise, and thus flaunt their hypocrisy in the face of the Evangelist. Our words are strong, but the respon- sibility of souls is on the head of these " Christians," who have yet to learn that Christianity means honor and truthful- ness. We do not like to say these words ; but we commend them now to the members of the Philadelphia churches. In MOODY A3fD SANKEY IN AMEI^ICA. 241 spon- who thful- lond In a famine, that maaa, ctacle to behold Christians so eager to be fed or taught, atbiI ilt is probable that the blessed results will appear in thouBsnucI? of churches. A Scottish Siam'lftf school teacher ays : " I venture to send you the followanttg latter from London, because of the re- ference to young wurankMa'* meetings, which are already proving so useful to the maaajr ^irt-t in our country who consider them- selves too grown up laaaii too dignified to attend Sunday school. The letter tells its owm sftonry, but I may just add, in thankful acknowledgment tjf mat lo-^ing father's willingness to bless the feeblest attempt (off ttue weakest beginner, that that young lady was the very foft «Jlirainger I ever spoke to about coming to Jesus. It was sorrow. If we go through the world all the time with a long face, we will drive men away from Christ There are so many people always borrowing trouble and looking on the dark side of the picture instead of praising God, that they are only in the way of men coming to Jesus. A man once severely cut his handy and said ' Praise God,' and," said Mr. Moody, *' I thought it was a strange thing to praise God for. On asking the man why he praised God, he said he did it because his hand was not cut off. You can see, then, that in the midst of affliction one can praise the Lord because it might have been worse. What we want is more sunny Christian men, who always have happy countenances; th^y go far toward making religion attractive and drawing sinners to a knowledge of their condition and the necessity of their seeking the Lord. 1 If men praise God and are happy in the Church, the fire will be caught by others and spread until the whole Church be- comes alive, and all are happy in the knowledge that Jesus is their Master. If there are any who should be happy, it is those who are sincere Christians, those who have come to Christ. The first thing a young convert always does is to pray, and when, in praising God, he sings, * O happy day 1' how happy he is 1 If the ten thousand persons present could be induced to take Christ as their only friend and sing praises to Him, there would be such a shout as to almost raise the roof. We want to see the time when the streets are filled with people filling the air with songs of praise to Zion. When that time comes the people will be happy, bucause they have found Christ. When we stray away from God, we don't want to pray ; but when we return to God, then we want to sing His praises. What we want to-day is a Church of workers, and when we have that we will have a praidiug Church. 252 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. iiiii'^^!: ^ h rc% ii> AV^hen a man gets out of himself, becomes unselfish, and com- mences to work for others, he becomes a happy man, because he is doing God's service. If you want to prnise God, go and do some work, lift up somebody, relieve the sick and comfort the heart-broken. By so doing it will be the best praise that we can give to God." The speaker said that some years ago he met a man who told him that he was going to take his ' family of five children to church with a smile. The man said to him, whenever he passed a house on a certain street he always looked at the windows where he saw children, and he aUvays smiled upon them. Said the speaker : " Kindness to children is never forgotten ; it is the way to reach their hearts and gain their affection." The children became so fond of * seeing the man that they watched for him, and finally they said he was so good and kind that he must be a minister. They resolved one Sunday after he passed to follow him, and t^ey did so ; when they found that he entered a church, they r ISO went in, and after service returned home and said that ihey heard the best sermon of their lives. They went r.^;ain, and finally joined the church. The man said that he got them in with a smile. A crabbed and cross Christian never accom- plishes any good ; they are stumbling-blocks in the way of others, and prevent the building up of the Christian Church. Oh, that we may have live churchea ! What we want to do is to get rid of these dead churches^ with thei^ cole forms anc^ ceremonies, and have them filled with live, happy people. The speaker continued in this strain for some time, and urged his hearers to come to Christ and be happy. When they did 60 they would continually praise Him for His goodness. Mr. Moody then gave out the 25th hymn, which was sung by the choir and the entire congregation, hd by Mr. Sankey Tlie people seemed to be deeply impressed with *t, and such whule-sottled singing by more than eleven thousand persons MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. 253 has never been heard before in this city. It is in these words We praise Thee, God I for the Son of Thy love, For Jesus who died and is now gone above. Chorus — Hallelujah 1 Thine the glory, Hallelujah, Amen. Hallelujah I Thine the glory, revive us again. We praise Thee, O God ! for Thy spirit of light, Who has shown us our Saviour and scattered our night. All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain, Who has borne all our sins and cleansed every stain. All glory aud praise to the God of ull grace. Who has bought us, and sought us, and guided our ways. Revive us again : fill each heart with Thy love ; May each soul be rekindled with fire from above. ;-ain. sung |nkey such arsons Mr. Sankey next rose from his cabinet organ, behind which he had remained seated during the service, and said : " How many prodigal sons may be restored to their homes to-day 1 The recurrence of Thanksgiving recalls to my mind a story told me by a very dear friend in Europe of a prodigal gon who was saved by love. A wayward boy who could not be persuaded to do good, whose steps were only evil continually, was finally, at the request of his brothers, sent into the street. He went away, but on Thanksgiving day poor John, home- sick and heartsick, returned. His father saw the poor wan- derer at the door, and received him back to his arms. Then his brothers again demanded that the black dheep should again be cast out, but the father answered, * Xo, no, my son John, I'll not cast thee out ; come, gather around our board to-day.' This overwhelming love was too much. The long-lost pro- digal wept, the family knelt with him and prayed for him, and to-day that boy is one of the hardest workera for Christ to be found in all Europe. A father's love saved him I Let us re- member that. Our friends may cast us olf, but our heavenly iTather will receive us if we only knock at the door. I will 254 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. Bf-T '3 t ' e ■ w ii ! no;? sing you the hymn * Ninety and nine.' " Mr. Sankey here took his seat, and in a sweet voice sang with touching expvession the words : ** There were ninety and nine that stately lay In the shelter of the fold ; a But one was out on the hills away, Far off from the gates of gold. Away on the mountains wild and bare, ** Away from the tender Shepherd's care ; Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine^ Are they not enough for Thee I Bat the Shepherd made answer : This of mine . * Has wandered far away from me ; And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find my sheep." NTever was our National Thanksgiving more perfectly sym- bolized than in the scene which yesterday morning gladdened the eyes of the Evangelists as they entered the old Exhibition building at Thirteenth and Market Streets to begin their early pntyer-meeting. The seemingly limitless auditorium, decorated as it is in our national colors, with wide, beautiful expanses of pure white between the relieving tints, was almost Wed with eager worshippers, whose very glances beamed with praise and thanksgiving, while, with many a henison and on silvery pin- ions, the light of opening day, descending earthward, poured in a flood of welcome through the ^ass-covered roof and rested on the picture like a dove of peace. The preaching of Mr. Moody is irresistiUe in its effects; so plainly is the teaching of the Saviour ma^8, and 80 convincing is his argument in behalf of the religion of Christ and the great necessity of turning away irom the paths of vice, that before a person is aware of it, he is unconsciously forced to make a public confession of his sinfulness and hia desire to lead the life of a Christian. iiii! MOOmr AKD SANKEY IN AMERICA. 255 " Go," said be ; " gio» to some hovel where a drunkard reels to every day. See iht ehildren run away and hide in terror when the beeoHad hSha staggers up the hill ; see the pale, ha^gard-faoed vife tKmlitt ; she bears many a scar made by that strong ri^it atm on that defenceless body. Such a man mav be here tcndaj. He may repent at last and secure the Lord Jesus. Thoi^ in a Httle while, see what a change ! The little children willl (dimtb on his knee and clasp their loving arms about his imek ; the wife will wear a happy smile, and instead of the drmssikgm aemg, yon will hear ' TkoK M m. ffotEntaiA filled with blood.' Or perhaps lie wM lemember a hymn his sainted mother taught him, and if G^od, Ton may travel through your own coontiy, and in OaA^msm stand in awe bpfore the great trees at whidh to maxij lasre wondered, but except you bo bom again yon aaii zkeri^ set the tre« of life which stands in the parsdiae ot Qod. You mxj stand on the banks of many mighty rifvn, M) except yon be bom again you never can see the riTer tlMfc bmstv ^om the throne of God and runs through His \ \i%{itm Toa may look with pleasure upon the jewelled crowns if ISm csnth, but unless you be born again you cannot see Ika Gwu of life. Ton may meet with princes in this world, bal oofft yoa be born again you cannot meet the Priuc« c€ Fmhl A few years ago I met with a man fll vety, very lonesome. * Have you • Tea,' was the reply, * I have one — in heaven.' Bs Ikm diowed me the picture of a beautiful child, about sev*s jcids of a^, and said, ' I am glad she is in heaven, for while die flirftd I worshipped her, and when she was taken from me I aUraost cursed my Maker, for I was a cursing man. Aad whtm. I was still in this terrible mood I who set ma? iMppj 110 children k* \id Sf*? %€ Hill! mr' ■M !l!l!!i;iil ill: I Wi!i!l!!ii ililli,ilili!.{ II i I ' " 11 1 IIHllHllltM'i 256 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA threw myself on the bed and at last I slept, and dreamed, I suppose, though it may have been a vision. I thought I was travelling along a desert waste, and at length came to a dark, fathomless river. I thought I heard the voice of my darling calling, " Father, come over ; it's beautiful over here." Then I saw my precious one amid a choir of heavenly beings, and she kept on beckoning to me until I attempted to cross, but found I could not ford the stream. While I was looking for sorao way to get over, I heard a voice from heaven saying, " I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." I awoke a changed man, and now only live to meet her in that heavenly sphere where death can never again come. If my little one had lived I might have led her astray, but she is safe now, and I believe that a kind father will let me follow her.' Oh 1 how many of you," said Mr. Moody in conclusion, " have little ones beck- oning to you from the other side of the river of death 1 Havo you children, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, godly fathers, or sainted mothers in the land to come ? Only go to God, be born again, and meet them in the kingdom of God." At the conclusion of the sermon, Mr. Moody called upon those who desired to be prayed for to stand up, and fully two thousand rose to their feet, and stood with bowed heads and glistening eyes while the leader offered up a fervent supplication in their behalf. Mr. Moody spoke on the prayers of Jesus, and said He was the example, for He was praying all the night before He chose the twelve apostles; and on every occa&ion where there was a special communication to Him from His Father In heaven, it came in answer to prayers. What we need is more of the praying spirit, that all who come to these meetings may be reached by the Spirit of God. Even those vrho are unable to get into the meetings are sometimes ia that way led to a spirit of reflection. A man came to one of the services and found the door closed, and the words of Scripture rushed upon his mind, " And the door was shut." He said, " What if the door of heaven should be shut?" and was led to serious consideration, which resulted in his conver^iion. A lady in ilOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. 257 Brooklyn had been praying that her son might attend tlin meetings. She had tried to persuade him, but ho had re- fused. On the last of the services there, the young man thought he would go to the Tabernacle for the afternoon meeting. He found the gates locked, the building being full. Ho went into the overflow meeting, and heard Mr. Needhaiu. That afternoon he was converted, and his mother's prayers were answered. There is nothing for which we may not pray. Jesus prayed at the grave of Lazarus ; and wo may bring our dead sons and daughters to Christ that he may give them spiritual life. Eev. Dr. Newton said he wanted to relate an incident which had been revived in his memory by the observations of Mr. Moody on prayer. Forty years ago, said he, I was a student in a theological college in New York, and was brought into intimacy with a graduate of West Point Military Aca- demy, whose brother was a fellow-student of mine. The officer was a strictly moral man, of sterling integrity, but not a Christian. His brother one day spoke to him, and asked if he would not become a Christian. His reply was : " What more do you want me to be than I am now 1 " and his man- ner was such, that the brother said no more, but determined to pray for his conversion instead of arguing with him. The next winter the ofl&cer was ordered out West for frontier ser- vice, and his wife, who was a lady of high moral character and great attainments, was in consequence temporarily sepa- rated from him, and went to live at Providence, Ehode Island. While she was there a great work of grace was pro- gressing in the parish. She was among those who were brought to the feet of Jesus ; and after she was converted, the minister, at whose house she was staying, asked if she would not join the church. She said, " I can't until I have written to my husband. I have never taken a step that we could not take 258 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. ill Bu together since we were married. I can't put a barrier bet^VL'on him and myself until I have written to him and tbld htm of the change in my life." She immediately wrote ; but before her letter reached him out on the frontier he had written to her, and their letters crossed. He said that for several days he had a strange feeling, such as he had never experienced before. He felt that he was unworthy and a sinner, and that he needed pardon. He had no Bible in his tent, and borrowed one from a comrade ; then he read about the way of salvation, and found light. He said in his letter that he had become a Christian ; so when her letter reached him, the wife was in possession of the glad news that both were following Jesu.s. Who can tell the joy there was in that family 1 Although this occurred many years ago, and the dear follow to whom I refer is now in heaven, the impression it made upon me will never be effaced, and I tell it to-day because it may lead others to pray for the conversion of those friends who do not feci their need of Christ. After silent prayer for a few moments, during which it seemed that every Christian heart was lifted to God in earnest supplication — for the most solemn stillness prevailed through the house — the meeting closed with the Doxology and bene- diction. ^ ' "4 MEETING FOR DRUNKARDS. One of the most interesting meetings yet held by the Evan- gelists in this city, was that set apart especially for the benefit of drunkards who had been unable to conquer the demon of alcoholic stimulus. The congregation was much larger than on the preceding day, and, as would naturally be expected, very different in many other respects. Several hundreds of Christian workers, who have been regularly attending all the meetings, remained away, in order to leave as much room us MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. 259 possible for those vrho were directly affected by the curse of intemperance. A glauce over the audience showed a large number of temperance advocates and missionaries, several clergymen, and a few regular Christian workers. Almost all the other faces were new. There were old fathers whose white hairs had almost been brought in sorrow to the grave by the wayward steps of loved and almost lost sons ; aged mothers, whose doubly refined features had been pinched by suffering, and once rosy, smiling lips blanched to whiteness by long- continued effort to choke back the sobs which will well uj) from hearts wrung by the anguish of seeing dear ones sinking into ruin; there were pale-faced, loving-eyed sisters, whoso young lives had been nothing but woe instead of innocent, hopeful joy, and whose bright smiles had long given place to sighs over the downward course of some wilful brother. Here and there could be seen the bloated faces of blear-eyed drunkards, who glanced wildly around as though the strange- ness of the situation was so overpowering that it required a great effort of will to remain, and not a few were accompanied by mothers, wives, sisters, or, perchance, sweethearts, who, liaving exhausted worldly means, had determined to lay their burden before the Lord. The great majority of all those who gathered in the Depot Tabernacle yesterday afternoon were as sad-faced and tearful-eyed a collection of humanity as it would be possible to assemble in one place. By far the largest pro- l)ortion of the congregation were women, almost all of whom had evidently clutching at their hearts the agonizing imago of some past or present experience with woe in its most ter- rible form. As the exercises proceeded it was interesting to note the change which gradually came over the scene. As jMr. Moody declared over and over again that the God who nad once cast out devils could do it now, and would do it if obly asked, and as fervent supplications for this Divine inter- w^ 2jO MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. r,l :i position were made, the cloud seemed to rise from all hearff, the noonday sun poured in upon the picture like blessed ruys of hop'j ; eyes I mg dimmed by tears beamed with a new light ; lips so long tightly pressed by anguish smiled with a new-fouid joy, and dissipated faces lost their reckless look and became resolute in the strength of noble determination It is probable that more than one slave was freed, and more than one heart made happy. Eev. Dr. Newton road the requests for prayer. He said t' At as the day was set apart particularly for prayers for the intemperate only, only those which related to persona held by the demon drink would be read. Among the requests wore twenty for prayers for intemperate husbands; ten fordrunkon fathers ; twenty-five for dissipated brothers from sisters ; and ten from widows for intemperate sons. Rev. Dr. J. Wheaton Smith also offered a fervent prayer for the salvation of those who were unable to take even the first step towards saving themselves. He asked for conifort for aged hearts, for wives and daughter.' and sisters, so tliat they could feel to-day the joy of thanksgiving, and asked specir^ blessing on those who were engaged in the unhallowod traffic, that they should be taught that all happiness on earth or in heaven would be lost if they should continue in their present course. The congregation then rose, and with heartfelt earnestness translated into the harmonies of sound the words of the 3rd hymn : ** I need Thee every hour." Mr. Sankey stopped the singing at the third verse and eaid : " Now we should like to hear every one in the hou.sf who believes that he does need the Lord join in that chorus ; "I need Thee, oh I I need Thee." Ti MOODY A:>D SANKEY in AMEIUCA. 261 Thus adjured, every voice seemed to combine with every other to fill the grand auditorium with the musical reverbera tions of the beautiful supplication, au'd the waves of harmony rolled moontain high through the seemingly limitless struo ture. Eev. Dr. Hatfield, in referring to the course of intemper- ance, said th»re was, humanly speaking, no hope for a drunk- ard. Only in rare instances could tlio victim of alcoholic stimulants be saved. But it'^thiHg was too hard for God to accomplish, and he wanted his hearers to try and have faith in what seemed an uttrr impossibility. At one time the speaker could not force himself to have full faith, but a num- ber of instances which had since been brought to his attention, had proved to him how weak had been his confidence in God. One of these instances was the case of a man who was sc com- pletely rtiined by drink that when at lost he showed soma sign of repentance the speaker thouglit he must have some evil design. But the man was prayed fur again and again, and these prayers were answered, for he has been a sober, in- dustrious, respectable citizen for the la^st eik;hteen years. '' Father " Martin next offered a prayer for the salvation of drunkards. Mr. Moody said he noticed an aged man the evuiiiug before urging a young man to go into the inquiry room. Afterward, when ho went into the room, he met that father and the youth together auil prayed with them. Tlie old man, with tears in his eyes, then said : " Mr. Moody, I live twenty miles out in the country, and came 9II the way here to-aight to thank you ; for this afternoon I received a letter from my son, who has been attending these meetings, and is now converted." " Is this young man also your soni" asked the speaker. " No" was the unexpected reply ; " he is a stranger to me." ** This," continued Mr. Moody» " was the mott beautiful part of it. The old man had come 262 MOODY AND SAN KEY IN AMERICA. 1%' to thank us for assisting in his son's conversion, and had seized the opportunity to urge some other man's son to seek the Lord. Now we ought to lift our eyes above all human belief, and remember that Christ has the power to help every one who asks for his divine aid. But some say, * It has be- come a disease with me; I can't help myself; my soul don't need a physician ; it is my body that is sick.' But don't you suppose Christ can heal your body? He has power over disease. The Great Physician never fails. Some mothers say, " My son is dead to everything tliat is " '•e; dead to every- thing that is holy.' You remember the caild that wjis dead and Christ raised it up when asked to do it 1 You will find Him able to raise up any child of the flesh, whether dead or not. Christ has power over devils, over disease, and over death. In London I saw a great many incurable hospitals. They did not need anything of the kind when Christ was on ( arth. No case was incurable then. Now let us pray that He will cure this disease of drunkenness. " Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for such a Saviour as Thou hast sent, and now we come to-day to ask that Thou wilt rebuke the devils who have taken possession of fathers, and brothers, and sons, and cast them oi t ; make bare Thine arm to save these drunkards ; bless these strangei who have come to us to-day. They are strangers to us, but n< « strangers to Thee ; heavenly Father, help them, raise them, so that soon a band of men who are now the slaves of strong drink may be working for His glory. While the intidels are mock- ing and scoffing and saying, 'God cannot save drunkards,' Grod ! make bare Thine arm and show tkem Thy strength , show them that God can save the lowest drunkards, uid it will be to Thy great glory. Amen.'* The 56th hymn was then sung as follows : MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERIC^ 263 ** The great Pliysician now is near, The sympathizing Jesus ; He speaks the drooping heart to cheer. Oh ! hear the voice of Jesus. Chorus — Sweetest note in seraph song. Sweetest name on mortal tongue^ Sweetest carol ever sung, Jesus, blessed Jesus I " Key. Dr. Breed arose and said he had long felt the strongest sympathy for those who were suffering from that T^articular evil, and he knew there was not a minister living who did not feel in the same way. In all such cases the man was still the same. It was only the appetite which was un- conquerable. All had heard of the member of Congress, who, when asked to sign the pledge, said, •* Sign it, yes ; and then I would cut off my right arm if that would compel me to keep it." Don't think there was no hope. A lady of this city, who once had a drunken father, many and many a time had gone out to look for him at night, and, finding him in some saloon, would stand in the cold and snow until he came out. The touch of her hand would turn him, and he would follow her staggering to their home. One evening, while the keen winds of winter swept down every street, and a freezing sleet covered everything with a coat of ice, she attempted in the same way to lead him home, but he staggered and fell on the pavement. She bent over him, trying to revive him, and when ho returned to consciousness her hair was frozen to his lips. She succeeded in getting him home alive, and in less than one month afterwards he completely reformed. A con- verted rumseller in the audience then arose and said he was once a dealer in the accurst^ i stuff, but now thanked God that he would never again touch the hell-distilled fluid or raise '♦. to the lips of a brother. Kov. Mr. Newton prayed eifiiiesv*} 264 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. SM pI I iiii''-' m\^i that all Tn^ho were'struggling for salvation might be saved by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and that those who had sunk so low that they had no desire to rise, might be brought to see the terrible error of their ways and helped to redeem them selves befoxe it was too late. The congregation then united in singing the 89th hymn : " Yield not to temptation, • For yielding is sin ; Each victory will help you Some other to win. Fight manfully onward, Dark passions subdue, l Look ever to Jesus, He'll carry you through. Ohorut — ^Ask the Saviour to help you. Comfort, strengthen, and keep yon • He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through." This hymn was sung with a will, all joining most heartily in the chorus. It was then announced by Mr. Moody that another meeting of the same character would be held next Friday at noon, and the meeting adjourned. Mr. Sankey, with all his enthusiastic love of the Father, for whose worship all hymns were written, never forgets that flesh is very weak, and must be helped by all the means which can be provided. He therefore usually selects hymns for the opening praise with a light, joyous melody, which soon brings all hearts into sympathy, so that, as the services proceed, the majestic movement and grand harmonies of fa- miliar long-metre hymns do not roll ineffectively around souls still insensible from worldly influence, but sweep in resistless waves of music along the tenuerest chords of the human heart, lifting the soul far above the burden of clay which weighs it to the earth. When a meeting is held specially for young men, it is MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. 265 always better that those for whom it is intended should take the most prominent part in the exercises ; but every one who has had the management of such gatherings will readily ap- preciate the difficulty that is always experienced in carrying this rule into practice. What is needed to make young men's meetings full of interest and productive of benefit is short addresses, prayers, and little crumbs of experience inci- dent to a young man's life ; and when twenty or thirty par- ticipate within an hour, each contributing to the spirituality of the occasion, there never need be any fear of a dull meet- ing. A word of encouragement from an old Christian, who has a young heart, is always welcome and beneficial ; but when the aged brethren monopolize three-fourths of the time, as is sometimes the case, with long, prosy, and wearisome sermonizing, all the soul of the meeting is effectually stamped out, and the time is, of course, then wasted. A happy suggestion was made and acted upon. Mr. Moody announced on Sunday that the following evening a fathers' meeting would be commenced at Dr. McCook's church, Penn Square ; " and henceforth," said he, " nobody over forty years of age will be admitted to the young men's meeting. I put the limit at forty, bocause that will jost allow me to go there when I want." Said Mr. Moody : " I was never more shocked than on one occasion when a father said to his son, after he had re- turned from a meeting of this kind where he had given his heart: 'My son, I always hoped that you would become established in business before you gave attention to matters of religion ;' but I don't believe one father out of ten ilu- lions would say such a thing as that. It is better to go up to heaven from the poor-house than to go down to hell in a gilded chariot. What is there to be gained by losing your soul and thinking only all the time of richest" The 266 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. m^ mi speaker said that he would rathor lose h'^ eyes ten thou- sand times over than to lose his soul. He tLer. narrated an incident of a Ifttle child who had been run over and killed, and the news was takon to the father by the superintendent of a Sunday school in Chicago, and when the superintendent told the father he arose like a wild man and rushed to the mother, and she cried out to be taken to see the child ; but the good man told her that the child's body was so mangled that it could not be recognized by her. The superintendent said to Mr. Moody that he would rather do anything again than to bear such news to a family and witness such a sight. The speaker said that it would be better to lose everything than to lose your own souls. The little child went to heaven; it would have been far worse to have borne the news that their little child's soul had been lost. Let the news go up to heaven to-night, "Saved." Strive to enter heaven by the straight way. A man has but to will to do a thing, and it will be done. God has done all he can for you. He has sent His only Son to save you, and if you will to be saved you will find comfort, peace, and happiness. It is for you to decide to-ni^ht whether you will serve the Lord or will take the side of Satan. Since the fall of Adam, Satan has been a usurper; he has no right to this world. The Son of Man has come to seek and save ; He is here now to seek and save. Are you willing to be saved now ? No matter how dark and deep your sins may be. He can pardon your sins if you will only come to Him. Christ comes to you to-night to carry you over the dark river, if you will only let Him. Sinners, won't you come to Jesus to-night 1 MEETING FOR WOMEN. The afternoon service, which was exclusively for women, may be said to have commenced the actual work of the re MOODY AND SANKLY IN AMERICA. 26; men, e re- vival. The meeting was one never to be forgotten by any who were present. At two o'clock the doors were thrown open, and the crowds began to pour in until before half-past ttiree all available space was crowded. More than eleven thousand womun gathered at this religious service, the ushers and reporters being the v uly men allowed on tbe main floor. By far the larger portion of the occupants of the platform were ladies representing the upper and middle classes, while here and there could be seen poverty-stricken needlewomen who in their battle for life had been unable to ilnd time to think of the life to come. Fully three hundred members of the combination choir were in their seats, and on the stage were many prominent clergymen. Said the Evangelist: ^'You have seen the murderer before the court of justice. If he had a mother she was there with him. She was not ashawied of him, but would say, * Guilty or not guilty, he is my boy, and I love him.* How such a mother clings to her son's side every moment possible ! How she watches every witness who comes to testify against her own 1 How she weeps and prays with him in his narrow cell ! and when at last the verdict comes in, * Guilty,' the loving heart-strings break at last, and the mother is carried fainting, almost dead, from the room. But her boy still lives for a few hours, and she comes back. She follows him to the scaffold, and suffers a thousand deaths while he is sufft^ing one." At this point the loud sobbing of a woman in the audience be- came so painful that for a moment the speaker could not proceed. Eecovering himself, he said : '' Such is a mother's love, and yet your Heaveily Father loves you more dearly, more devotedly than a moti^er ever can." All who desired to be prayed for were then requested to rise, and at least tliree thousand persons stood up. 268 MOODV AND SANKEV IN AMERICA. lilili!! :'\\. INQUIRY MEETINGS. Mr. Moody then rose and said : " I want to say a few words to yon to-day abont the inquiry rooms. Many persons talk about them as though they were something new, and ask what is the object of such places 1 We have been much hindered in our work by ])eople who, night after night, come as spectators, as though we were all on exhibition. I think it is very strange that any Chris/^ian should not understand the object of inquiry meetings, for they are not an innovation. Look at the third chapter of Luke and at the ninth verse : ' An.l now also the axe is laid at the root of the trees ; every tree there- fore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. And the people asked Him, saying, What shall we do thenl* Then there was an inquiry meeting at once. The people became anxious about the salvation of tlioir souls, anvl wanted to know what they should do to be saved. ' Pie answereth and saith unto them. He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none ; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.' That was an inquiry meet- ing. All the people wanted was a little advice, and that was given them. ' Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto Him, Master, what shall we do] And He said unto them. Exact no more than that which is appointed you.' That was another inquiry meeting. *And the soldiers like- wise demanded of Him, saying. And what shall we dot And He said unto them. Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely ; and be content with your wages.* You see all classes of bearers were asking, ' What shall we do ? ' They were given special answers for special cases, and that constituted an inquiry meeting. Even John could not speak so plainly but that his hearers wanted more expounding. The object of in- quiry meetings is tc answer those who have special questions to ask. Many persons may be affected by a good sermon or touched by a fervent prayer, but each one may have peculiar difficulties to overcome, and unless these can be presented to some Christian who, having been through the same trials, oan a 1 vise how to get rid of them, even the most auxious souh MOODY ABTD SANKEY IN AMERICA. 269 may go awaj dwoomaf^id^ and, what is worse, remain away. In the thirteeoiitli tAa^r of Matthew we read, * Now Jesus sent the multitiftdie awzj and went into the houi^e ; and His disciples came uiaio Him, saying. Declare unto us thv<) parable of the tares of tbie fidlcj/ There was another inquiry meeting at once. Evem the £»itlifal disciples of Jesus had questions to ask as soon as (Ofi^imtumtj offered. In the fifty-first verse -we find that tii« MailtcT himself opened an inquiry meeting, for it says ; 'Jesaxt xath unto them. Have ye understood all these things ! Thfty lay onto Him, Yea, Lord.' There, you see. He was eiKxranft^jiiiD^ them to make inquiry. This is the only way the tnsih €am be preached and be made effective. We must get riglit im suaaofig the people and answer the num- berless questions vlukh ermfase groping minds, if we wish to bring souls to CBamC If there were more inquiry rooms there would be imote eHleetive preaching. In the eighteenth chapter of Mattbfew we read : * Then came Peter unto Him and said, Lord, iaitDW toDi »hall my brother sin against me and I forgive him ? till jnersm times I ' This was an inquiry meet- ing started by Fdt#r, amd it is a very good thing that Peter went to the Lord wnttbt thiat question, for otherwise we never would have had ihm hksstd answer : ' Jesus saith unto him, I say not imtu ISmk^ until seven times ; but until seventy times seven.* Cferwtalwajrs encouraged His followers to come to Him, and He v«« always ready to answer their inquiries. The preaching that 4m» being inquirers is just the kind the devil does not want. ''Another ix^qniiirsr nsfteting is told of in the 19th chapter of Matthew : ' AJiad hdinsAA^ one came and said unto Him, Go'jd Master, wkM pi^ thing shall I do that I may have eternal life ) ' Im itihte 21th chapter of Matthew, still another inquiry meeting is xpfiAen of : ' And as He sat upon the Mount of Olives, die dsaeiples came unto Him privately, say- ing. Tell us, whioa siiaE these things be 1 and what shall be the sign of Thy mmhs^ and of the end of the world 1 ' These all show how tbey mmA to have inquiry meetings in the days of Christ. la tbe ^ad ebapter of the Acts we read : * Now when they hiend Hm, tbej were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles. Men and brethren, what dull we d&% Then Peter eaid unto them, 270 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. III 1 ■'' 1 ill 1 Repont and be baptized every one of you in Hie name of Jesu Christ for the remission of sins, and ye sliall rot oive the j^itt of the Holy Ghost.* In the Stli chapter of the Acts we hear of au inquiry meeting that did not take place after a sermuu or in church, but away off in the desert. Philip found a poor eunuch out in the desert, and quieted his anxiuus spirit hy telling him it was only necessary to believe in order to h(» saved. The eunuch was baptized, and went on his way re- joicing. The Bibles is full of accounts of inquiry meetings. While Paul was at Rome there were at all times anxious per- sons hastening? to his house and inquiring,', * What shall we erson!S after they have been listening to a gotxl sermon, for you may disturb the seed already sown. Don't you know it's the devil who is most apt to disturb the seed? We should not only sow it, but harrow it down. All the workers in the inquiry roomi should carry their Bibles and have them ready for just such cases. When the inquirer is seeking for light you need not talk to him ; hold up just the right passage from the Scripture and let liim read it. The third class are those who are not convicted of sin. I met a man last evening who acknowledged that he had not been in a place of worsliip for eight years, but still he was very anxious to have me understand that he was not a bad man, though he did admit that now and then, when he became angry, he would swear. Now I knew the only way to do in his case was to get the law on him. So I turned to the 3i(l chapter of Romans and read to him : *And it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.' Then I turned to Isaiah ai ;covered planet He is not con- tent with simply giving his life to the cause of religion, t.ubcmg to some higher power to carry home the arrows shot at itkuaom, but so husbands his strength, so concentrates his cLbrgiOb, toud 80 persistently directs his efforts to the special 274 MOOD/ AND SANKEY IN AMERICA *n. work of the moment, that every word is made to toll, and each succeeding sentence carries more and more conviction to the hearts which it is intended to influence. It will bo remembered that, contrary to all precedent, the Evangelist commenced his work of regeneration, not with the uneoii verted, but with professed Christians. Ignoring the sins of sinners, he preached only of the sins of saints. Curious as it may appear, the groat Evangelist seems in- stinctively to liave adopted in his spiritual warfare with Satan precisely the same tactics which, originated by the j^ieat Napo- leon, was the secret of his numberless and marvellous victories. Napoleon never made a direct movem^t until he had so divided the battalions of the enemy that by a coup d*etat ho could concentrate his whofe force on one subdivision, thereby gaining a certain victory without material loss, and thus con- tinuing until the enemy was reduced to fragments and routed. The Evangelist, in his crusade against evil, follows exactly tlio same plan. Instead of imitating tiie Church, and firing indis- criminate and ineffective rounds into the well-trained rankfl of the enemy, he persuades the sinners to divide themselves into clearly-defined classes, and then concentrates his wliolo force on the separated fragments, with, as a result, an amazing number of unconditional surrenders. But, besides Mr. Moody's earnestness and attention to system, there is back of all an overpowerng strength of will, made peculiarly effective by a large amount of animal magnetism. These qualili( 8 combined wo'ild raise any man of ordinary ''ntclligence above his follows ; but when this power is controlled by intense religious feel- ing, it not only raises the leader above his follows, but his fellows above themselves. Who shall describe the Ev.uifjel- ist's preaching 1 He is not oratorical, or rhetorical, or « ven -ogicaL His brightest ideas aro not oeathetic, and hirt most effective appeals are not pathetic. Still, he has the fn'.iilt) THE WORK IN PHILADFXPHIA. * 275 of selecting the very arguments or illustrations which will most affect the particular heart he desires to touch, and of presenting those ar;?uments or illustrations in such a gleaming li^'ht of plausibility as to throw into a shadow every opposite thought which chance may evolve. When speaking to par- ents, he invariably tells of the beautiful children who stand ))eckoning to their loved papa and mamma from the summer Ian 1 ; when talking to sons and daughters, he adjures them l)y their white-haired father or sainted mother to hasten on- ward to the place of pure delight where all who loved may be again united. He appeals to husbands to reform for the sake of their lovingjwives and innocent children, and to wives to come to the Father for the sake of their wayward husbands and helpless babes. There may be art in such methods of making truth patent, but with Mr. Moody ib has the effect of the perfection of art — artlessnoss. THE HARVEST OATHERBIK The third week of the Evangelists* labors among the un- converted in Philadelphia, drew to a close on Saturday, Dee. ll^h. At the end of a fortnight their special work, that of arous- ing members of churches to activity and individual effort, was ])robably as far advanced as at I>rooklyn when the Evangelists ha*l ended their month's labors ; but then it must be remem- bered that the City of Brotherly Love had caught inspiration from the glorious and successful meetings in Brooklyn, which will always be remembered as initiatory of a revival that pro- M)ise8 to be widespread, if not national, in its influence and ixtont. There were some difliculties to be overcome when the Vurk was begun in Brooklyn, which did not present thorn- Stives in Philadelphia. When the Evangelists came here oi» 276 MOUDY AND SAN KEY IN AMERICA. the 2l8t of November, it was no longer a matter of doubt that in their own land, as well as in the British Isles, gteat crowds would be attracted to listen to Mr. Moody's earnest talks and Mr. Sankey's sweet gospel sermons in song. Something of the methods by which the multitudes were to be reached and brcrght under religious influences had begun to be appreci- ated; the efficiency and important mission of the inquiry meeting were recognized, if not generally, at least in part ; and 80 the special work in the City of Churches, while it has brought forth lasting fruit in the conversion of many souls, and night have been still more effective had it been of longer duration, was also influential here in Philadelphia^ and in many cities and towns, through the medium of the press, as sounding the preliminary bugle notes which called the Lord's hosts to battle. A great work has been done amongst the young men. Meetings were conducted each evening by Mr. John Wanna- maker in the Broad and Arch M. E. Church, at which tlie average attendance has been little short of live hundred. Here many conversions have taken place ; young men have learned to talk to young men, and with loving entreaty and kind sym- pathy lead them to Christ. Mr. Moody spoke to those who gathered at this meeting, and incited them to band themselves together for a canvass of the city, that they might bring many strangers to the meetings and make their influence felt in all parts of Philadelphia. Not only was this work recommended, but hints were thrown out that a still more important mission might be given to the young men of this city. Philadelphia, he said, was a great centre, and there are hundreds of towns and villages in all the surrounding country where special meet- ings might be held and become productive of most wonderful results. *' A thousand yopng men are wanted/' he said, " to devote themselves to Christ's service." THE WORK IN nilLADELPHlA. 277 bt that [jrowds ks and ling of ed and ippreci- inquiry :t ; and it hits f BOUls, : longer and in )re88, as ) Lord's ig men. Wanna- lich the Here learned ad sym- ose who imselvos g many It in all nendeil, mission ielphia, towns meet- nderful Excursion trains were running almost every night, bringing in hundreds to the meetings. Thus the village churches and country ministers were aroused, quickened, and encouraged, and a spirit of energy and Christian zeal very widely infused. Judging from Mr. Moody's own words, the results have been more than satisfactory — they have been surprising. More converts are believed by the Evangelists to have been made during the past week than in any other week ever spent in America. The inquiry rooms, so often explained and so ably defended by Mr. Moody, have been full almost every evening, and a large proportion of those converted have at once become workers for the salvation of others. There were on Sunday three regular services, the first in the morning for Christians, tbe secor 1 at four o'clock for women, and the third in the evening for men. At the early morning service the Evangel- ists were greeted with a congregation of over 6,000 Christian workers, supported by an excellent voiced and well-drilled volunteer choir of 500 members. The choir has been so perfectly trained, under the direction of Mr. Fischer, that it has become one of the best organizations of its kind ever drawn together in the city. The services opened with the nth hymn, " I hare » Saviour, He's pleading in glory, A dear, loving Saviour, though earth't> friends be few ; And now He's watching in tenderness o'er me. And oh 1 that my Saviour were your Saviour too," which was sung by the whole congregation with much spirit and rare grace of expression for a body of 6.000 or 7,000 singers, most of whom were strangers to each other. The words, " For you I am ;>raying," were repeated in the softest of echoes. The 87th hymn 17 2/8 MOODY AND SAN KEY IN AMERICA. ^ *' Lord, I hear of showers of blessings. Thou art scattering full and free — Showers the thirsty la ^ refreshing ; ' Let some droppings fall on me. Chorus— Even me, even me, Let Xhy blessing fall on me,** was next sung by the choir, led by Mr. Sankey, whose eweet voice rang out pure and clear above the multitudinous har- monies, like the notes of a silver flute amid the fortissimo tones of a powerful orchestra. Wm. B. Dodge, of New York, then made a prayer, asking that, in the spirit of the liynni just sung, all might move forward through the day, a^id that the Lord might grant to each and all a Sabbath day's bless- ing. He prayed that all might be quickened in their efforts for the advancement of His glory, and that clearer views of the beauty of salvation, as well as of the pains of eternal death, might be given. Ho prayed that His servant, Mr. Moody, should be strengthened and be able to speak like a dying man ^0 dying men. The 79th hymn *' Sowing the seed by the daylight fa j ' Sowing the seed by the noonday glR.v Sowing the seed by the fadini; light, Sowing the seed in the solemn night, Oil ! what shall the harvest be ?" was next announced. This, whether regarded from a Scrip- tural, poetical, or musical standpoint, is one of the most beautiful hymns in thr collection ; and it has become such a favorite that nearly all singers have learned it, and now as the familiar notes of the choruj are touched by Mr, Sankey, the sweet melody, rich harmony, and rather intricate move- ment are perfectly followed by thousands of voices. The last verse, " Sowing the seed with an aching heart," was suug THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 279 with affecting expression by Mr. Sankey, and as the echoes of the solo died away the choir cotild be heard repeating the chorus in whispers of melody. Mr. Moody then arose and road a part of the twelfth 'ihsptcr of Eomans. After which the 170th hymn, ** Hark 1 the voice of Jesns crying * Who will go and work to-day f * " was sung by Mr. Sankey to the beautiful tune of "Toup niisition/' which became such a favorite with the martyred President Lincoln. The theme and spirit of the two compositions are very similar, the latter being religious, while the original, though far from irreligious, was still better adapted to secular than purely devotional occasions. Mr. Moody preached an eloquent sarmon from the text, " Occupy till I come," Luke xix. 13. He said the Church had been divided by some one into four vsry familiar classes. First, there were the destroyers, who found their way into almost every congregation and proved destructive to prosperity, as well as to peace and harmony. Then th«re were the obstructors, who continually opposed every movement, whether good or ill. Next came the idlers, and finally the workers. " Now, which of these four classes do you belong to y' continued Mr. Moody. "I shall judgo no man ; take your places as you please ; but if you have faith in Christ you must desire and occupy till He comes. The Church seoms to have gone into camp and become demoralized. Some of its members have gone in simply to sleep and rest. I heard of one man who left one church whei'e he had been a hard worker, and wanted to enter another, but said he did not want to do any work. * Oh !' said the minister, * you have made a mistake ; you should apply to my neighbor, who is pastor of the Church of the Heavenly Kest.' I think -280 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. very many more churches could appropriately be named the Heavenly Rest. Som people think because they can do but little their efforts are of no use. When Moses told Pharaoh that his God could remove the plague of the frogs, Pharaoh said, * Oh ! I don't think much of your God if He is the God of such an insignificant little thing as a frog.' * Yes,' replied Moses, ' but there are a great many of them.' Let us remem ber that we may be little, but if there are only a great many of us we can du a great work. We must remembor that each one of us has talent peculiar to himself. I can't sing like Mr. Sankey, or carry on business like Mr. Stuart; I am not an organiser like Mr. Wannamaker ; yet if I use my half a talent as such a man as Rev. Dr. Dodge uses his ten, I will receive the same reward." Mr. Moody here spoke of a number of interesting instances of men using for the Lord such talents as He had given them, referring particularly to a Quaker in London, who, being unable to talk, sing, or other- wise labor, had expended his fortune in printing and circulat- ing tracts, *• This man," said Mr. Moody, ** has already sent out more tracts than all the American and London publication societies combined, and he is now in daily receipt of piles of letters from people who have been converted all over the world." The speaker also told of a gentleman of fortune in England who had spent the past nine years in searching through tho alums of London and educating the gamins whom he rescuoil. Referring to the responsibility which all Sunday school teach- eis assumed, he told of a little girl who was converted by her teacher (who probably afterwards forgot all about the child); that child grew up, became the mother of ten sons, all of whom were led into *' paths of peage," and six of whom became min- isters of tho Gospel. At the conclusion of this sermon, those who were willing to trv to save even one soul during tho led the do but 'haraoh *haraoh he God replied remem a great tiiembor I can't ;uart; I use my IS ten, I oke of a ae LoihI irly to a 3r other- circulut- idy sent )lication piles of ver the inglaud ijjh tho [•escuQil. \l teach - by her child); whom le min- i, thoso Ing tho THE VVUKK JN PlIILADELnilA. 2SI week were called upon to stand up, and fully two-thirds of those present rose to their feet. The persons who desired to become Christians were next requested to rise, and one-hall the remainder stood up. " Let ns gather up the snnbeams Lying all around our path," was next sung as a solo by Mr. Sankey, ths choir joining In the choros : " Then scatter seeds of kindness, Then scatter seeds of kindness, Then scatter seeds of kindness, ^ For our reaping by and bye." . Mr. Moody then read the parable of the ten virgins, from the 12th chapter of St. Matthew, and as he concluded Mr. Sankey exquisitely sang the new hymn, " The wise and foolish virgins. " The latter part of this hymn is an adapta- tion of Balfe'a " Too Late," and was rendered by Mr. Sankey with rare beauty of expression. Mr. Moody next read a few verses in the 14th chapter of tho Gospel according to St. Luke, in which the parable of the marriage supper is written. " I wish," said Mr. Moody, "to • ill your attention to the words, * I pray thee, have me ex- cused." Though 1,800 years have rolled away, we find people still with one consent praying to be excused. It was not a pestilential hospital to which they were called, but to a mar- riiii^e supper. To-day the King of kings isends an invitation ' ' every human being to be at the marriage supper, and yet w many want to be excused. Suppose the Lord should ike you all at your word and then lay the hand of death l)on you 1 What a wail would go up from this city of Phila- 'Iphia ! Suppose He should cease trying to compel you to me in, and just quietly shut the door upon you, have you 'ver tried to think of the anguish which such a change would hi ing] If all who wanted to be excused should be taken III) Ml CI) 282 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. r away, the pprass would soon bd growing in the streets of Phila- delphia. There would he a good many shops shut up, thcr(^ would he no saloon-keepers left, and I would have a very small audience here to-morrow night. Now, look at the excuses which these three men gave. The first said he had hought some land, and must needs go and see it. Now, when men huy land they go and see it hefore huying it, and even then would not start off at supper-time. The answer hears on its face tjie fact that it was a downright lie. The excuse was manufactured. The second man had a more absurd excuse than the first. He said, ' I have bought a yoke of oxen and tnust needs go and prove them.' That excuse was mauufac tured also. Men don't buy oxen and then prove them ; they prove them first and buy them afterwards. More than thnt, the morning, not the evening, is the time to prove oxen. That excuse shows in lidolf that it's a lie. Then the third man could not come to the supper because he had married a wife. Why, if he ]m\ a wife, this fine banquet was just the place she would niost likci lo attend. Jjmt excuse also was manufactured. Just notice how miserable all these excuses are. Now, I want to ask this audienco just one question, Have you got a l)eiter one t Can any one get up here and say, * Mr. Moody, I have a good excuse I ' I ntjver saw any one in my lifu who had a better excuse, and few have as good ones, yet even these, poor as they are, are manufactured. Look at some of the excuses wo hour in tlie inquiry rooms. Some say, * Oh I it's so hard to serve tlio Miistei.' This is a mis- take, Christ is an easy Master. * The way of th liaTe courage given thum, and let them not be ashamed of the Word of God. If there is a prodigal child here, oh, help the wanderer in his efforts to return 1 " At the conclusion of the prayer, over 1,000 men accepted the invitation to go into the inquiry rooms; and as the throng were pressing forward the vast asflemblage sang the 86th hymn : *'Rock of Ages, cleft for me." This hymn was repeated, and with each stanza hundreds more arose and joined the throngs pouring into the rooms where the Christian workers waited to receive and comfort them. Never was the Gospel truth presented to erring man with greater force, and at no time since the inauguration of the meetings have such great results been seen. Hundreds flocked to the inquiry rooms, all anxious to know more of the love, mercy, and tenderness of the Saviour, and very many more I'ft for their homes, for the first time giving any heed to the warning words of Him who came upon earth to call men to repentance, and who died that sinners might be saved. At the Monday morning roll-call Mr. Moody said that, as usual on Monday, the early meeting would be devoted to reports of progress from all sources. He began by reading an affecting letter from a convert, who was spoken to only a week before. In the note the writer said he had not been in church ten times in as many years. But when he listened to the sermon his heart broke, and returning home, after being spoken to by Mr. Moody, he wept for his sins, and finally surrendered unconditionally to Jesus. A man in the audience next arose, and jiold of two brothers who started out one Saturday morning, became intoxicated. And continued in that state until Sunday afternoon, when their mother re- cuostod prayers for her wayward boys. Both afterwards IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A i/.x !.0 1.1 £ Hi 2.0 1.25 1.8 U I L6 m n /a e. ^>A^^^^ ^;^ # Photographic Sciences Corporation ^> 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) S72-4S03 iV '^ w <"^^ ^^"- ^^1^ ^^^^' C^ A c^ !^ •Mfi 286 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. iii>i :i!ii''u went separately and accidentally to the revival meetings, and, to the surprise of both, they met each other in the evening converted men. Mr. Cret spoke of a young man who, after many struggles, rose for prayers and was finally converted. Kev. Mr. Culver spoke of the work at the Grace Mission, where fifty persons went into the inquiry room, and thirty declared they had found peace. Many more cases had been noted in the congregation. A clergyman in the press box said that at a previous service he spoke to a man who hap- pened to be seated at his side. The man acknowledged that he had come to scoff. He went to the inquiry room and was converted. Mr. Sankey referred to three men who had spent the whole of the morning meeting scoffing at the ser- vices, but who, upon being spoken to in a kindly manner, were easily led into the inquiry room, and soon afterwards led to the foot of the cross. A number of clergymen gave tbie most encouraging accounts of the progress and effect of the revival in their churches. Several young converts pre- sent related their experiences in their journey from darkness to light, '^ A young man in the back part of the audience arose, and in a trembling voice thanked the congregation for prayers and work which had helped to bring him, broken-hearted and repentant, to the foot of the cross. Eev. Dr. Newton next called attention to the total absorption of the woman, in the chapter jusc read, to the will of God. She had a submission and a sublimity of con- fidence which all Christians should endeavor to emulate. When she was asked if all was well, she answered, though she knew the child was lying cold and lifeless on his bed, " It is well." " Let us, too, remember," continued the speaker, " that even if our prayers should not be answered, even if our dearest joys should be stricken from our lives 'ii pijiiiiii '1, 111 f 'il '' THE WORK IN PHILADEX.PHIA. 2S7 ;s, and, evening 9, after verted, [ission, thirty kd been iss box 10 hap- ed that m and lio had the ser- aanner, srwards n gave sffect of rts pre* arkness m, and prayers hearted M total to the of con- mulate. though lis bed, ed the swered, lives, we should be able to say, * It is well.* The great principle cf this movement should be entire submission to God and unfaltering confidence in His love." Mr. Geo. H. Stuart next rose and related an affecting incident of a man who came into the inquiry room on the previous night, and after long years of infidelity at last was able to return to his wife, who had been so long praying for him, a Christian man. Mr. Sankey also spoke of two cases for which he desired special prayers. One was a man who came to him the night before last and said he was one of eleven children, who all had become Christians but himself. He said he had once come to the meeting in hopes of finding Jesus, but could not. He came again on Sunday. "And then," continued the man, " when I heard Mr. Moody tell of that little child beckoning from the other side of the dark river, I though my heart would break, for I had lost my only child only three weeks before. Oh ! cannot you help meV "I prayed with him there on the street, where we met," added Mr. Sankey, "and he went home with a changed heart." Another case mentioned was that of a young girl who was converted on the previous evening and afterwards informed Mr. Sankey that she was the niece of an eminent clergyman in Belfast, Ireland, with whom the speaker had long been acquainted. " I told her to write to him at once," said the speaker, " and to tell the uncle who had so often prayed for her while he has been carrying on the good work that his loved one had found Jesus clear across the sea." Love to Christ will enable us to make sacrifices for Him without feeling it to be a hardship. In illustration of this, Mr. Moody related a touching story of the wife of an Indian missionary giving up her children to the care of Christian friends in this country, so as to go back to the mission fi.el(J I- 288 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. m "where her own and her husband's labors had been before greatly blesned, and saying, just before she parted from them, " I want to say good-by without a tear, for I v/ould not like my children to think that it cost me tears to serve Christ." Then besides working from love, let us also put ourselves in sympathy with the people we want to influence for good. A man who had just come out of the penitentiary and had no friends was won, and his hard heart broken, by just the kiss of my little girl. Let us pat ourselves in the place of those who are in trouble and distress, get in sympathy with them ; then the Lord will bless our efforts. Wo nnist have a heart to weep with those who weep. There were those who were affected to tears, so pathetic and yet so strikingly truthful were the words of the re- vivalist. At a meeting presided over by Mr. "Wannamaker, he said : " These we golden days for Philadelphia. But a little while and we were all under a shadow. The traveller who has baen to Interlachen will remember a feeling coming over him as of some impending shadow of gloom. It was in some such shadow that we were until now ; like a mantle covering us come these days of brightness. To-night let this vast congregation join in the solemn prayer," he con- tinued, " to the Lord for the great and glorious work that is now progressing amongst us." The hymn, , " Eejoice and be glad ! The Redeemer has come, Qo look on His cross and His tomb," was sung in such a beautiful and touching manner that an old gentleman sprang up at its conclusion from his seat on the platform ana exclaimed : ** I have frequently heard it said that Jesus loved a musical heart more than a musical vo.'ce. If that is so, I can tell vou that here we have leartn \hl\ iiMiillir.llii '"Oili. THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 289 how both can be united." Tiie old gfintleman's remark ap- peared to intensity the quiet feeling felt by every one pre- sent as the musical sounds in waves of melody rolled along the peaked roof of the immense structure. Mr. Wannn maker at this moment requested the quire to sing <( I am so glad that our Father in heaven." " I want to utter a word of thanksgiving," said Mr. Sai.key, " for having been permitted to witness in this dear land this glorious spectacle. Often in the British Islands have Mr. Moody and I wondored, and hoped, and prayed that we might be able to epread the old story amongst you all. When your chaiLr^u came to England and told us that a wave of prayer was* going through this city, we were en- couraged. We now praise the Lord in our hearts that we have ccme, and that our efforts have been beneficial in their results." A gentleman rose and said: "Among the most conspi- cuous persons at the Eink in Brooklyn was a man of over fifty years, by profession a reporter of the sensational sort. En- tering into conversation with him the second evening, we found him partly intoxicated, ribald, sneering, and profess- ing infidel principles. Inquiring further concerning him, we found that he had been several times in the city jail, for mis- demeanors committed while under the influence of liquor, although originally a man of culture and polish. " Time passed, and at one Friday evening meeting the same man, conspicuous by his commanding figure, sat in a back seat at the Simpson Church. I accosted him once more, and this was the answer : ' ■ , " ' I am waiting to thank Mr. Moody, who under God haa been the greatest blessing of life to me. I have given up my engagement, the temptations of which are such as no Christian 290 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. ■¥^- can face. And I am a Christian, a new creature — not lo* formed ; you can't reform a drunkard ; I tried that a hundred times — but regenerated, born again by the grace and power of God. I have reported oermons many a time, simply to ridi- cule them, but never had the least idea what true religion meant till I heard Mr. Moody's address on " Love and Sym- pathy " ten days ago, and I would not have believed there could be so mueh sweetness in a lifetime as had been con- densed into those ten days. My children know the change ; my wife knows il ; I have set up the family altar, and the appetite for liquor has been so utterly taken away, that I only loathe what I used to love.' " The most interesting part of the meeting/was the story told by Mrs. Keen, of the way in which she was led, when 19 years of age, to give herself entirely to God ; of how many times she felt that she must give up everything to God before she could work for Him, and how at a ladies' meeting she was afraid to rise and say titat she would give up her will to God because the ladies would say she was such a young, giddy girl. It would be all gone to-morrow, and, said Mrs. Keen, " they did say so. But I felt from that hour a different being — that it was all between God and myself, and it mattered not if I was thought singular, so long as I had this sweet feeling of lest and peace in my own soul. The thought came. Can I give my will to Him 1 but I said, Lord, I take Thy will to be mine, so mine must be Thine." At the close of the morning service an inquiry meeting was opened in Rev. Dr. McCook's church, and was continued all the afternoon. The attendance at this meeting was very large and the converts many. Mr. Moody rose and said : " I will open the meeting with a yery few remarks about the inquiry room. We have a great deal of trouble with people coming into the inquiry room ou m '". THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 291 not ic- lUndrod ower of to ridi- religion d Sy Ol- id thero en con- jhange ; and the it I only le story 7fh&n 19 w many >d before she was I to God ddy girl. , "they ig — that not if I leling of e, Can I rill to be meeting jntiuued NSiS very ;ing with e a great room ou outside business. One man pressed past the ushers yesterday and wanted to shake hands with me just because I was born in New England j another wanted to see mo because I once lived in Chicago ; others want to present requests for friends ; others want to talk on all sorts of subjects, and, because I can- not attend to them, think I am very rude. Now I don't want that impression to get abroad, and therefore ask all who desire to talk with me on purely personal or general sub- jects, to try and find some other time for seeing me." The leader next read from the 5th chapter of Romans, beginning with the 7th verse. Continuing, he said in all cases where per- sons had been blessed in the Bible they were asked to go home and tell their friends, and when they did this, either then or now, many more souls were at once led to Christ. He hoped that all young converts would confess Christ before the world, and thus be the means of leading hundreds and tLousands of souls to the Saviour. " After a man is a Christian I would work him day and night. I believe that for one man killed by overwork in the cause of Christ ten thousand die from laziness." Mr. Moody, at the conclusion of his address, read a letter which he had just received from Manchester, in which a lady stated that all on behalf of whom she had requested prayer dufeing the services in that city had been converted, except one, her brother, who had left his wife and family after bringing disgrace upon the family, and whose misconduct was breaking his father's heart. " This is really a story of grace," said Mr. Moody ; " for this lady says in her letter : * If he would but come home there will be no reproach. Nothing but love.* Perhaps this man may have wandered in here this afternoon, or he may be in this country. Let us pray that he may be brought back, and that his family may rejoice over the return of the wanderer." 292 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. After preaching his famous discourses on " Heaven," Mr. Moody turned tlie tide of men's thoughts very sharply, and preached on " Hell," taking as his text two words from the parable of Dives and Lazarus, *' Son, remember." " I can well imagine," said he, " that if you had known what I was going to preach about to-night many would have stayed away ; but I cannot afford to have it said that I held services in Phila- delphia for four weeks and never once spoke about hell. * Son, remember.' These are the words of the Lord himself. If any one of you has a servant, and you send him with a message, if he keeps back part of your message because ho thinks it too harsh, you would dismiss that servant at once. I must deliver the message that the Lord has given me as I jBnd it ; and if you have any quarrel about these words it must bo with God, and not with me. The thought that we take memory with us into the other world is very solemn. We talk about forgetting things, but the fact is we never forget. Twice I have been very near to death ; and all my past life came rushing back upon me ; everything that I had dono crowded upon my memory. My whole life came up before me, tramp, tramp, tramp. When God says, * Son, remember,' all the past will be recalled. We talk about God's book of record ; but we will need no one to tell us what we have done, for He makes every man keep his record. Talk about God condemning us ; why, we shall condemn ourselves ; we won't want any one to condemn us. Memory will come up against us, and there will be no need of any witnesses to prove our guilt. " A man who had charge of a swing-bridge opened it just to oblige a friend who said there was plenty of time for his boat to pass through before the train of cars came along. But a moment after the lightning express came thundering on and dashed into the dark waters below. The bridge-keeper, whoso negle'^.t had caused the disaster, lost his reason, and his life since has been spent in a mad-house. The first and only words he uttered when the train leaped into the open chasm were, * If I only had 1* and he has gone constantly repeating the vain regret. That will be the cry in the lost world, * If I only had !* That is the cry of men who were living in Philu- (lelplua a year ago. Ask the man in piisun what it is that ■:i'-'^^^i THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 293 makes his life so wearisome, and he will tell you, ' Memory, memory.' And in the prison-house of hell it is memory that makes the place so awful — to think what they might have heen if they had but accepted Christ when He was offered to them. A young man met the deacon of a church one Sab- bath morning and asked him the terrible question : ' How fur is it to hell V * Young man,* wan the reply, * Don't mock such a terrible reality, you may be nearer to hell than you think.' They had only just tiirned the corner of the road and ridden a few yards, when his horse throw him, and he was picked up dead. Some of you went out of this building last night laughing and making merry ; you mocked at the idea of heaven, and when its joys were offered you, you kicked them away like a foot-ball ; but the time vull come when you will remember that service. Some may go out to-night and drown the memory of this text in drink, but it will come up in the other world and then you can't drown it in drink. No doubt all the six thousand years Cain has remembered the terrible sin he committed, and has heard the voice of that loving brother whom he murdered. Has Judas ever forgotten how he betrayed the Son of God with a kiss ) How that word has knawed away at his conscience these eighteen hun- dred years ! I tell you there is coming a time when you can't forget. Memory is the worm that dieth not. It is the same Bible which speaks of heaven that tells us of hell. There is no place in heaven for unprepared, men — for those who are unredeemed. Besides, what are such men going to do if they get there 1 Do you think that these rumsellers, who are de- stroying 60 many souls, bodies, too, as well as souls, and making so many widows and orphans — are they going to heaven without repenting and turning to God for salvation } Or these men that are cursing and blaspheming God — can they join in the songs of heaven 1 Your own reason tells you no. Now mercy and salvation are oflFered, but in the lost world there will be no * Jesus passing by,' no praying mother, no praying wife there ; they will be iu another world, and be- tween these is a great gulf fixed. Eemembcr, you have got a praying wife to-night, perhaps she is sitting by your side. You can be saved to-night. God offers you salvation and u^rey, aad warns you, and pleads with you to be saved. 18 \ :( 294 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. \ hv '•' •■ *' It U l.nt one step out of yourself into Christ. Perhaps * lovt'd minister has been pleading with you for many years — thore will be no ministers there. You may laugh and scoff at the&e meetings — but there will be oo special meetings in hell. And this service tc -night will come to you by and by ; you will roinomber how the predchor pled with you from this pulpit, and how Mr. Sankey eang. There will be no young man there putting his hand on your shoulder and asking you to bn 8aved ; no Sabbath school teacher to lead you to Christ. Why not say now, * I will turn to the God of my mother ; 1 will this night seek salvation ; ' for God says : * Then shall ye find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.' " I have heard people say, * These meetings make men worse instead of better.'. That is true — no one can pass through these special meetings without becoming either better or worse. When people have been stricken down by your side, and you still go on living in sin, you will soon get more and mure hardened. The sermons that now move you will make no impression." Mr. Moody related an incident of a man in Chicago, who twice determined to give his heart to God, but never bad the courage to acknowledge Christ before his ungodly companions. When recovering from a long sickness he still refused to come out boldly on the side of Christ, saying : " Not yet ; I have got a fresh lease of life. I can't be a Christian in Chicafjo. I am going to take a farm in Michigan, and then I will pro- fess Christ." " I asked him," said Mr. Moody, " How dare you take the risk 1 " He said, " I will risk it ; don't you trouble yourself any more about my soul, Mr. Moody. I have made up my mind." I never left a man with a sadder heart in my life. The very next week he was stricken down witii the same disease. His wife sent for me, and she said, " He don't want to see you, but I can't bear that he should die in such an awful state of mind," He says, " My damnation is sealed and I shall be in hell in a week." I tried to talk and THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 295 Perhaps ly years nd scolf itings ill and by ; rom this 10 young i asking i you to i of my od says : ) with all lake men can pass her better I by youi I get more ) you "will it pray with him, but it was no use ; he said his lieart was as hard as a stone. " Pray for my wife and my children, but don't waste your time praying for me." His last words were : "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved," and then the angels bore him away to judgment. Dr. J. Wheaton Smith offered the closing prayor, and from two to three hundred persons entered the inquiry rooms, while the congregation sang : " Jesus, lover of my soul." Fre- quently upwards of forty clergymen, with many other Christian men and women, were engaged in conversation with those who are anxious to find salvation. Prayer for the intemperate was again the theme of the noonday meeting, as on the two previous Fridays. There were not less than five thousand persons in attendance. Mr, Moody said he would again call attention to the new birth. " I don't know," said he, " of any other refuge for a man addicted to strong drink. Unless Christ give him a new nature, all his good resolutions and his efforts to reform him- self will be of no avail. You can't find anything in Scripture which will justify a man in the belief that he can reform tlie flesh. It is only when the new life is given by God that he can resist temptation. Flesh is flesh, and you cannot improve it. Some one has said, * God never mends anything ; He creates anew.' It is of no use to go and tell a man he ougf^t to reform ; just tell him to give up trying and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, God does not put a new piece into an old garment. When God saves a drunkard he takes away all the appetite. Then a man does not have to give up the drink ; he does not want it any more, has no desire for it. Why, I would, just as soon go and eat mud as go into a saloon and drink. I have got something better. " Some say, * Oh, but I want something as a stimulant. Suppose you do, you can get better stimulants than drink. 296 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. i, I When the Spirit of God fills a man's heart, and he gets a thorough acquaintance with h'i Bible, he has the best kind of stimiflant. God wants every poor drunkard to become a partaker of the divine nature. Of course the natural man don't know what we are talking about ; we must be born of God before we receive spiritual strength ; with God's Mfo in us we shall overcome. A man who has been intempeidte for thirty years, and who would drink five glasses before break- fast, has just been reclaimed ; he says that all the appetite has been taken away. God can do this for every poor drunk- ard in Philadelphia, and he has douo it for many daring the last week or two." Mr. Mooily then read a letter from an inquirer who, while trying to do right, knew his love for Christ was not the motive. He had come to a meeting hoping some word might be spoken which would help him to decide the ques- tion, What should he do to be saved 1 Mr. Moody continued : ** It is better to have love for Christ than to lead a blameless life without love. Now, the subject for to-day will be back- sliding; but I wish to say, first, that very few who call themselves backsliders ever slid forward ; they entered the Church for some personal, social, political, or business reasons, and when they left it they were no worse than when they went in. Now, I want to speak to those who have really once been born of God. Such men may have slid back- wards, but they are never satisfied, for any man who was onco converted finds the world spoiled for him. In the 2d chap- ter of Jeremiah, you will find the question, * What iniquity have your fathers found in Me ? ' What iniquity have you found in God that you should leave Him 1 That's what the question means. A backslider don't leave a congregation or a people ; he leaves God. In the 19th verse you will find the words, * Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and tby m THE WORK IN PHILADELPHLA. 297 backfllidings ehall reprove thee.' Do not think God can lot such faults escape. The backsliders are the unhappiest mor- tals on the face of the earth. They seem to think it's a very light thing to break God's law, but God will punish them. God nays to the backslider, ' I am married to you ; I am merciful ; but only acknowledge your sins and I will forgive you. Turn, O backsliding children ! saith the Lord, for I am married unto you.' What words can be more beautiful than these 1 Why is it that these men have left such a Father 1 £f you will only come back now you will ha^'u a warm wel- come. But I believe many backsliders are still Christians outwardly, but they have been moving away in heart. They neglect secret prayer, and become very formal in public devo- tion. Now, one very great comfort is to treat Christ and think of Christ as a personal friend. If I should go from here to Chicago, I should bid good-by to my friends here before I started ; but did you ever hear of a Christian going to Christ and saying : ' Oh, Christ ! you have been a dear friend to me, but I must bid you good-by now. I am going away from you, and never expect to call again. Good-by, for I am going back to the world 1 Did you ever hear of any one backsliding in that way ) I never did. You do not bid farewell to Christ; you just run away from him without say- ing a word. All you need do now is to come back, and Christ will receive you." Sunday, the coldest day of the winter, seemed most for- bidding for an early service. Nevertheless, at the eight o'clock service a congregation of seven thousand gathered to listen to Mr. Moody's address on " Daniel." Anticipation of a rich feast seemed written on many faces, for a goodly num- ler had heard of the remarkable impression made by the delivery of this address in Brooklyn nnd in the cities across the Atlantic. Mr. Moody had ah audience more ((Sympathetic ^:- 9gS MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. m ^3 and thoroughly earnest than perhaps any that has gathered on previous Sunday mornings. All had gathered expeotiug to ohtain a hlessing, and to learn som:) great lessons from the life of one of the greatest Bible characters ; and we venture to say no one went away disappointed. The meeting had been advertised as specially for young men, and probably three- fourths of those present were of that class. The address was a rapid review of the life of Daniel ; and great emphasis was laid upon the fact that at the age of seventeen he and his companions, Shadracb, Meshach, and Abed u ego, were not afraid to come boldly as God's servants. When ordered to eat meat and drink wine from the king's table, which had been offered to idols, and therefore was forbidden to the Jews, they refused. That is often the turning-point in a young man's history to be able to say " No," when the first temptation of city life is presented to him. During an address which lasted three-quarters of an hour the most rapt attention was given throughout. Mr. Moody spoke in the afternoon in continuation of his last Sabbaih afternoon's subject, which was on the text, " I pray thee, have me excused." Many people, he said, make the doctrine of election an excuse why they cannot accept snlvation. He believed that the world had nothing to do with that word election ; it was only intended for the Church, not for the unconverted ; the only word that tho unconverted had to do with is " whoso- ever ; " Christ settled the question by telling John to write, " Whosoever will, let him come and drink of the M'ater of life freely." " Do you think that God offers the cup of salvation to all men, and then, just as you are going to drink, ho snatches it away, and says, ' Oh, but you are not one of the elect f God doesn't do anything of the kind. Some young people say that religion is going to make them gloomy, and they want to enjoy life before they accept salvation. Who told you that lie t Pardon for the coudemned, bread for the THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 299 hungry, a feast in the wilderness^-are these lilcely to make men gloomy ? None are too young — and a marriage feast is just the thing likely to make the young happy. Some people stumble over their intellect, and say they can't understand religion. There are hundreds of things we believe that we cannot understand. Many parts of the Bible I don't under- stand ; but I am not going to fight against my Lord with my puny reason. " That excuse will not serve us on the last day. We can't say then that we didn't come because God gave us too much reason and intellect. Some make the excuse that they are too bad. We preach a Gospel for the very worst ; but you can't clothe yourselves with your own righteousness ; you must have the righteousness of Christ Many think they must prepalb themselves. God wants you just as you are in all your guilt and rags. If you come as princes he sends you away as beg- gars ; if you come as beggars he sends you away as princes. Just because our hearts are so bad is the reason we need a Saviour; the harder the heart, the more need you have of Christ. Nobody tells us we must weep over our sins so many hours ; it ain't necessary to shed tears to get into the kingdom of God. Feeling is the last plank the devil throws out just when a man is almost ready to step on the Eock of Ages. All you have to do is to believe — not believe yourselves, but be- lieve in Christ Tou can't give a reason for not accepting the invitation. All your excuses are a tissue of lies. Do you say you have not timel Make time. Say, as a lady did last week, ' I won't leave this room u itil I have found salvation;* and she went out soon after rejoicing in sins pardoned." At the close of the sermon no less than live hundred rose for prayer, and a very solemn feeling was prevalent through- out the vast assembly. It not unfi'equently happens that persons embrace the in- vitation to the inquiry room just for the purpose of airing their religious crotchets, or seeking the Evangelist's opinion upon some peciUiar tenet to which they may be attached. Some are anxious to have an argumentative encounter on a doctrinal point, or an intellectual set-to as to the reasonable- 30O MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. lit ' 1% ness of some plain statement of Scripture. All sucb receiTo the cold shoulder from hoth Mr. Moody and Mr. Sankey, as well as from most of their fellow-workers ; and, the cavillers and questioners are beginning to learn that the inquiry room is no place for them, unless they come prepared humbly and lionestly to seek directions from the Holy Spirit through con- versation with Christian men and women. A large party of gentlemen from Washington, who were invited to visit and inspect the Centennial preparations, took occasion to hear the Evangelists, and on Sunday evening, the •19th, the following distinguished persons were upon the plat- fSkn : President Grant; Hon. George M. Eobeson, Secretary of the Navy ; ex-Gov. Jewell, Postmaster-Geheral ; ex-Secre- tary Borie ; Hon. Geo. Bancroft ; Judge Strong, of the United States Supreme Court ; Governor Hartranft ; ex-Governor Joel Parker, of New Jersey ; ex-Governor Bigler ; Hon. Thomas A. Scott ; Col. Fred Grant and lady ; Bishop Simpson, of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; Judge Buell, of New York ; ex-Speaker Blaine ; Hon. Morton McMichael ; General Pat- terson ; General Garfield ; Senator Christiancy, of Michigan ; Senator Wallace and wife ; ex-Senator Cattell ; Congressmen Wells, of Mississippi ; Thompson, of Massachusetts ; Purhara, of Florida ; Judge Pierce j Messrs. Geo. H. Stewart, G. W. Childs, and John C. Bulli. When these prominent and well-known men appeared on the platform there was quite a commotion in the congregation, and many evinced a disposition to applaud. Bishop Simpson made the opening prayer, and pleaded very earnestly for a blessing upon the President and his Cabinet, for the governors of states, and all in authority. It W8 with great difficulty that Mr. Moody preached on Sunday night He had contracted a severe cold, and the exer- tion of speaking during the early services of the day, and con- THE WORK IN PniLADELPHIA. 301 rersing with the inquirers for an hour besides, had rendered him very hoarse. As he warmed up in his discourse, however, his voice became, for the lime at least, stronger and clearer, and he spoke with almost his wonted earnestness — at fully his usual rapidity. Governor Hartr^nft, on leaving the building, said that he had heard so much of Mr. Moody's power to in- fluence a great popular assembly, that he had in advance formed a very high estimate of his ability as a public speaker. After listening to him he had come to the conclusion that all hi? friends had told him of Mr. Moody was not exaggerated. President Grant expressed himself as greatly pleased with the entire service, being especially gratified with the singing of Mr. Sankey. Ex-Speaker Blaine thought Mr. Moody was a wonderful man, and others of the distinguished visitors who occupied seats on the platform expressed themselves in similar terms of gratification. During the progress of the revival, the question often re- curs as to the results achieved by such vast expenditures and labors. " - ' ^ Mr. Moody says truly, that the test of a revival is the prominence it gives to Bible study, the power it has in turn- ing men to the examination of God's Word, that they may learn therefrom of their danger, their need, their duties, their encouragements, their helps, and theii hoj)es. From the days of Xehemiah d )wn to the present time, every true revival of pure religion has shown itself in a new interest in God's law and testimonies on the part of leaders and people. ^ Hence it is that the present great revival is a blessed and hopeful revival ; for it secures a prominence to God's Word beyond anything which has been known since "all the people" of the Jewish nation " gathered themselves together as one J^ian into the street," to hear and study " the book of the law ' . God," " day by day, from the first day unto the last day" .''.'- i ■1 'I 302 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. of the protracted meeting which followed their retarn from captivity. Kever in the best days of olden time was there anything like the present interest in Bible study, in the home, in the Sunday school, in the social religious meeting. More people are studying the Bible than ever before. A larger proportion of all the people are sngaged in this study. The study is more systematic, more intelligent, more thoroi>gh, and more fruitful than at any former time. This interest in Bible study is not by any means exclusively a result of the meetings led by Mr. Moody. It is a result of the work of God in whicli the Moody meetings are a single element, and of which they are an evidence rather than a cause. But Mr. Moody works in the line of God's providence in this particular. He values Bible study. He urges it on all. Ho leads many to it. Through his labors and appeal Bible study increases, and its methods improve. It was a remarkable and a most gratifying fact, that at the early morning meeting, on a dark, damp, chilly day, from six to eight thousand persons came together expressly to be told liow to study the Bible to best advantage. Mr. Moody said that he counted it the most encouraging meeting he had ever attended in America. If he had been told five years ago that that number of persons would come together for such a pur- pose, on such a day, in the city of Philadelphia, he would have said that the man was crazy who suggested it. A very large proportion of all present at that meeting had their Bibles and used them freely, and very many in the audience were taking notes freely, as Mr. Moody told of the methods he valued m the effort to search out, and to profit by, the truths of the Bible. It was pleasant to hear that building " rustle wi' religion," as the thousands of Bible leaves were turned ogether at the leader's call THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 303 from If Mr. Moody's work in Philadelphia had no other result than the bringing of disciples, old and new, to the more intel- ligent and systematic study of the Bible, it would prove a rich blessing to the entire community. The entrance of God's words giveth light ; it giveth understanding to the simple. God's words are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. The believer is to bo sanctified by God's truth. God's Word is truth. Mr. Moody's valuable instructions on " How to study the Bible," will be found among the " Sermons," in the back of this volume. " The following letter from Mr. Moody to " the recent con- verts in Great Britain" will have an interest to many in this country ; not only to " recent converts," but to some who have long been counted as believers. Dear Christian Friends : — Since returning to America, iu response to my invitation, I have received precious commu- nications from many of you. Were it possible I would gladly reply to each ; but, as I have not opportunity for this, I shall avail myself of the columns of The Christian to send to you a few words of greeting. • I praise God continually for what he has done for yor in saving your souls through the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son. You are much on my heart, and in my prayers. But most glad am I to know, that when I cease to remember, Jesus himself bears each one of you in continual remembrance before his Father. You are graven upon the palms of His hands (Isa. xlix. 16), and written upon the heart of His aftec- tions (Ex. xxviii. 29) ; and ot you He has said, " My sheep shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John x. 28). You have taken the Lord Jesus for your Redeemer, and it lias become eternal salvation unto you. Now, Jesus is some- m K')*- 304 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. thing more unto you. He has become your High Priest. Hia great business in heaven to-day is to represent you — your needs, your infirmities, and your trials. I want you to know this very fully ; for no other truth can give you more daily comfort, or more firmly establish you in a constant holy walk. Having died to save you, Jesus lives to keep you. At the cross he washed you from the condemnation of sin ; at the mercy seat He will cleanse you from daily defilement. Some of you have written me how old besetting sins are annoying you. Take them straight to Jesus. Don't rely too much on yourselves in overcoming them ; don't follow human advice too much, or copy the example of other people too much in gaining the victory. Spare youri^elves this weari- ness. Cast it all before your blessed Advocate, and let Him bear you and your burdens too. And do not, above all, forsake your Bibles.^ You can never separate Jesua the Word made flesh from the written Word, He who proclaimed himself the Way^ declared also that He was the Truth. Pack your memory full of passages of Scrip- ture, with which to meet Satan when he comes to tempt or acc'Xd you ; and be not content to simply hnoWj but strive to obey the Word of God. Never think that Jesus has com- :nanied a trijle^ nor dare to trifle with anything he has com- manded. I exhort the young men to be sober. Exercise yourselves unto godliness; run the race according to Paul's motto, " Looking unto Jesus ; " draw your inspiration and power directly from himself. I exhort the young women to great moderation. Your sphere of testimony may not be public ; your place of useful- ness may not be large ; in your own houses " adorn the doc- trine of God your Saviour." Keep one little thought in mind — "I have none but Jesus to please." And ao make your THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 305 dress as simple as you know wiii please your Lord; make your deportment as modest as you know will commend itself to Him. And for you all, **-among whom we have gone laboring," our prayer is, "That your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment ; that ye may approve things that are excellent ; that ye may be sincere, and with- out offence, till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God " (Phil. i. 9, 10, 11). Mr. Sankoy joins me in Christian love. Your brother in Christ, D. L. MooDT. BrooklyUf November 12, 1876» Among the most effective presentations of truth made by the Evangelist are the discourses on ]!^oah. Mr. Moody preached from Genesis, chapter vii., verse 1 : ** And the Lord 8aid unto Noah, come thou and all thy house into the ark." He said it was a loving invitation from a personal God. This communication came to Noah, that God would destroy the world, that His Spirit would not always strive with man. This was one hundred and twenty years before the flood that He told Noah to build the ark. Grace always precedes judg- ment. You find that when Christ came into the world He came in grace, and then judgment followed. Mr. Moody's description of the entry of the animals into the ark was very touching. God shut the door of the ark. As in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the last days. So clear and unmistakable is the plan of salvation presented that the most illiterate can readily understand it. There is no chance for the slightest excuse ; no one can plead ignor- ance after hearing the warning words of the Evangelists, or Bay that the opportunity was not offered them of coming to 3o6 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. tlie Saviour. Some of the most remarkable instances of con- version have taken place, and many who attended the meet- ings with no thought of becoming Christians, have, under the preaching of Mr. Moody, and the singing of Mr. Sankey, been induced to enter the inquiry rooms and make an unconditional surrender of their hearts to the Master. OLD 1876 SHROUDED WITH PRAYER. — THB ORBAT WATOH MEETINQS. No outside attractions of holiday week drew away from the meetings at the Depot Church. Indeed, at no time be- fore was the attendance uniformly so large, day by day, and the seriousness of the hearers so general. The interest of the week culminated in the watch meetings of Friday night. The building was packed to overflowing, and crowds outside vainly sought admission. There were three meetings during the evening, one beginning at nine, one at ten, and one at eleven o'clock. Mr. Moody preached earnestly at each service. " Should any people faint," said Mr. Moody, " I hope the ushers will carry them right out, and don't let me see three or four thousand people straining their necks just because some one has swooned away." After a general chorus of the hymn, " Eejoice and be glad," Mr. Moody read the thirteenth chapter of the First Corinthians. " Grant, O God," prayed Mr. Moody, " that if there be any here who have made reso- lutions to do better during the coming year than they did in the blessed year that is closing, their resolves may be taken away from them, and cause them instead to put their trust in Thee." " For the last time in this old year," said Mr. Sankey, " I will sing you the * Ninety and nine.' Let us ask a blessing upon its singing." The popular hymn was well rendered, and the Evangelist smiled a heavenly smile of 5 of con- be meet- tider the ey, been aditioual WATCH eay from time be- day, and iterest of ay night. s outside ;s during d one at 1 service. hope the see three , because IS of the lirteenth " prayed ade reso- )y did in may be )ut their jar," said Let us rmn was smile of THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 307 satisfaction. " A man cannot serve two masters," said Mr. Moody. " I couldn't belong to the Democrats and to the Re- publicans at the same time. You remember the border men in the late war when our army got among them. Oh ! they were all Union men, red-hot j and when the Confederates came, then they were all Southerners, and the result was that both parties hated and plundered them. None of you, except iulidels, would say that you wouldn't w^nt to become Chris- tians some time. Why not decide to night, in the closing momenta of the old year 1 All the good men named in the Bible were men of decision, and the others, Pilate, Agrippa, and the rest, wavering — * almost persuaded.' When Egypt was so troubled with frogs that the king couldn't stand it any longer — it was frogfl, frogs, nothing but frogs everywhere ; he couldn't move his foot without treading on a frog — he called Moses, and says he : * Moses, I want you to get rid of these frogs for me.' Moses says : * When 1 ' • Why — a — a — to-morrow,* says the king. He had no decision, and wanted to keep the frogs for another night. Tou must come down with the * I will ! ' If there's no God to punish sin — if there's no hereafter, let's turn our churches into theatres ; if the Bible is a tissue of lies, let's build monuments to Voltaire and Payne ; if there's no hell, * let's eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we die.' I believe that the hand of God is upon this nation, and that things are going to be worse if there's not more repentance. I know what keeps men from deciding ; it's some darling sin. * I like to play cards and I can't give it up ; ' * I love my rum-bottle — oh, my darling rum-bottle, how can I part with you ! ' Sinners, this may be your last chance to decide. Oh, for Christ's sake — for your own sake — trust, believe ! throw yourself into the arms of the Saviour, who alone can bless you with a happy new year." Ten o'clock was announced, the first service closed, and 308 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. several thousand departed, their seats being taken by new- comers. At eleven o'clock occurred a repetition of this egreiis and ingress, and the last portion of the watch began. A little after ten o'clock, Mr. Moody called the Rev. Dr. Plumer, an aged minister, to what he called the " witness- stc^nd," and interrogated him as to his Christian experience. It was a novel way of doing things. Mr. Moody asked ques- tions as if doubting the Wovd which he so often preaches, and the venerable doctor answered. The following is Mr. Moody's ow n account of this original jepisode : In response to a request for an account of the watch night inquiry meeting, when the Rev. Dr. Plumer was questionetl by me as to the great truths of salvation, I give the questions and answers, as I recall them, aided by notes taken by others at the time : Dr. Plumer. — I wish to give a year-text to this assembly. It is from the 73rd Psalm : " Whom have I in heaven but Thee ! And there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee." Mr. Moody. — Dr. Plumer, we speak of the duty of " con- viction." What is conviction t Dr. Plumer. — Conviction is a clear persuasion that a thing is true. Religious conviction is a clear, settled persuasion of five things. Firsts That I am ignorant, and need instruction. Second, That I am guilty, and deserve wrath and not pardon, Third, That my heart is vile, and must be renewed. Fourth, That my condition is miserable ; I am " wretched, and miser- able, and poor. Fifth, That I am helpless ; I am without strength ; I cannot save myself ; I cannot think a good thought without divine grace. Mr. Moody. — What is the use of conviction 1 Da Plumbr. — The use of conviction is not to punish a man tor his sins ; nor is it to make him any better. The devils THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 309 i egresB 9T. Dr. ritness- irience. d ques- les, and ioody's h night istioned lestions f others sembly. ven but besides f " con- s thing asion of Faction, pardon, Fourthf 1 miser- without ;hought unish a dovils in hell have been under an awful conviction for a long time, aud not one of them is any better. The sole object of convic- tion is to light up the soul to the faith of Jesus. The sole object of conviction is to bring the sinner to accept salvation by atoning blood. Mr. Moody. — Ib any given amount of distress necessary to genuine conversion ? Dr. Plumer. — Lydia had no distress — we read of none. God opened her heart, and she attended to the things spoken by Paul ; but the jailer at Philippi would not have accepted Christ without some alarm. If you will accept the Son of God, you need have no trouble ; there is nothing in trouble that sanctifies the soul. Mr. MooDr. — Well, Doctor, what is conversion t Dr. Plumbr. — Glory be to God, tliete is such a thing as converaion ! If there was not, everlasting chains and dark- ness would be our doom. To be converted is to turn from. sell, self-will, self-righteousness, all self-confidence, and from sin itself, and to be turned to Christ. The turning-point in a man's conversion is his acceptance of Jesus Christ ; that he closes in with Christ and gives him all his confidence. Mr. Moodt. — ^Why must a sinHer come to Christ for sal- vation? Db. Plumbr. — Because Jesus Christ is the only ISaviour. All the angels in heaven and all the saints in heaven and earth cannot save one sinner. He must come to the Saviour. I will tell you why. Here are quintillions of tons of atmos- pheric air, why does not that support life without your re- spiring ! Tou must breathe it, or you die. For the same reason you must make Christ yours, or you perish, notwith- standing what he has done. The sight of a river will never quench thirst, and the sight of food will never satisfy hunger. You must come to Christ and make his salvation yours. 19 #** V 310 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. wmr ij~iM U Mb. Moody. — Can a man be saved here to-night before 12 o'clock — saved all at once 1 Dr. Plumeb. — Why not 1 In my Bible I read of three thousand men gathered together one morning — all of them murderers — tlioir hands stained with the blood of the Sou of God. They met in the morning, and before night they were all baptised members of Christ. , God added to the Church in those days such as should be saved. If you are ever saved there must be a moment when you accept Christ aud renounce thj world. ^ Mr. Moody. — What is repentance 1 Dr. Plumbr. — It is turning to God with abhorrence of sin, and cleaving to Christ with promise of obedience. A man truly repents of his sins who does not commit the sins he has repented of ; therefore saving repentance always terminates in purity of life and reformation. A thorough change of heart is followed by a thorough change of character. Mr. Moody. — How can I know that I am saved ! Dr. Plumbr. — The fact that God is true. " Let God be true, but every man a liar." If I accept Jesus Christ it is not Mr. Moody's word, nor Mr. Sankey's, nor Dr. Newton's ; it is the Word of the living God whose name is Amen. " He that believeth on the Son of God hath everlasting life.** Mr. Moody. — What if I haven't got faith enough 1 Dr. PuiMER — Glory be to God, if I can touch the hem of my Saviour's garment I shall be saved. A little faith is as truly faith as a great deal of faith. A little coal of fire in the ashes is as truly fire as the glowing heat of a furnace. Jesus says not, if you have great faith you will be saved, but " he that believeth shall be saved." Oh, come and trust Him fully. Give Him all your confidence, and if your faith is not as strong as it ought to be, cry, as did the disciples, ** Lord iocrAHse our %ith." THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA* 311 fore 12 f three f thcni Son oi jy were lUrch in ir saved mouQce e of sin, A man s he has inates in I heart is God be it is not L*s ; it is He that 1 Mr. Moody. — But I don't know that I have the right kind of faith. Dr. Plumer. — Are you able to analyze your faith and say •vhether it is exactly of the right kind 1 The thief upon the «ross did not say, if I had a little more faith I would ask Thne to remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. Ho ofTored his prayer with the faith he had, ahd Christ accepted him. You must have faith in God through grace, and then your faith must have works, to be of the right kind. Mr. Moody. — I don't feel that I love Christ enough. Dr. Plumer. — And you never will. To all eternity you never will love Him as much as Ho deserves to be loved. " Had I ten thousand thnnsaud tonguei^ Not one should silent bu ; Had I ten thousand thonsnnd hearti^ I'd give them all to Thee." "■.:■> % ' . • - ■ ■ ■ . . ■ Mr. Moobt. — When the temptation comes, it is so much stronger than my resolution that I yield. What shall I do 1 Dr. Plumer. — Look to Jesus. He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Christ can give us tlie strength of giants. Jesus is the best Master and the best- Friend in the universe. Glory be to His name for ever. The questions and answers are worthy of preservation. It would be indeed well if the scene, on the occasion of this con- ference between the two men of God, could be faithfully pic- tured to our readers. It was near midnight. The close of the year was at nand. The Depot Church was crowded. Twelve thousand persons sat listening intently to the words of the earnest Evangelist, Mr. Moody had concluded a sermon from the text, " How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him ; but if Baal, then follow him." The appeal had come 312 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. i home with power to many who now longed for words of per- sonal counsel, or who were burdened with anxious doubt. An ordinary inquiry meeting, such as usually follows Mr. Moody's sermons, was not practicable then and there ; for the seryices in the main room were to continue until the new year opened. Said Mr. Moody : "Ycu always show an interest in the inquiry meetings. I often see some of you who are outside looking in at the doors to see what is going on in there. Some of you have been there. Some of you ^would like to go there to- night ; but we've no chance for such a meeting now. So I propose to turn this whole meeting into an inquiry meeting. Here is the Eev. Dr. Plumer, of South Carolina. He is seventy- four years old. He has been living on borrowed time for four years. For fifty-five years he has been sitting at the feet of Jesus. I'm going to put him on to the witness stand, and question him before you all. Dr. Plumer, will you take the pulpit." The venerable clergyman, with his commanding form and patriarchal presence, arose, and with tremulous movements took the stand before the vast congregation. He gave his Bible greeting from the seventy-third Psalm to the waiting heerers. Every word was spoken with distinctness and with deep feeling, aaif under a sense of weighty responsibility in thus witnessing for the Lord. THE MIDNIGHT WATCH. , At eleven o'clock the doors were again thrown open while the big audience sang " Oh for a thousand tongues to sing." This was the commencement of the watch-meeting proper — watching for the first stroke of the hour which marked the end of the old and the beginning of the new year. Though but a few more persons got in through the briefly opened THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 313 doors, it was because those who had come to stay the meeting out held on to their seats, unwilling to give up an opportunity of once a year's happening. Another solemn hymn, " A charge to keep I have," and one of a joyful character, " The Lord of earth and sky," were sung, Mr. Sankey standing by the organ, while Prof. Fisher played, beating time by gently clapping his hands, and the Eev. Dr. March, formerly of the Clinton Presbyterian, prayed. He entreated God that all the meditations of the night should draw the congregation to a contemplation of their great blessing in Christ. The twenty- eighth hymn, " One more day's work for Jesus," was sung, the solo by Mr. Sankey and the chorus by the choir, Mr. Sankey substituting the word " year " for " day " and asking the choristers to do the same. The change fitted the hymn very well. Mr. Moody then began his third sermon of the evening by the sudden utterance of the words, " There are thirty-five minutes left for you to take Jesus." He resumed the theme "Decision," which he had treated two hours before, taking for his text the words in Matthew, " What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ V* If Pilate, said the preacher, had decided to follow Christ he would have been walking with Peter, John and the disciples in heaven ; he would now be in the fold of Christ ; but he liked popularity, and he listened to the call of ambition, and he gave Jesus up to be crucified. Every one in the depot had to go out to-night with or without Jesus ; there was no mora serious question to be settled in the last few minutes of the year. The Jews had said, Crucify Him ! crucify Him I when the words of the text were asked of them. Would those present do the samel Let Christians in " these last minutes of 1876 " lift up their voices in prayer for the salvation of sin- ners. Mr. Moody pictured Pilate's supposed remorse on the morning afUr he had refused to save Christ from the cross. 314 MOODY AND SANKIlY IN AMERICA. He followed the footsteps of Judas — this man Pilate, who would be popular with Csesar — and put an end to his life. The man of pleasure and the woman of the world were then exhorted to come to Jesus. " How alout you blasphemers who have come in here to-night ? What are you going to do 1 Many are here to-night who have made resolutions to com- mence the new year with, but they can do nothing without Jesus." At 15 minutes to 12 Mr. Moody asked them all to join in a silent prayer. Heads were bowed all over the build- ing, and silence reigned, Mr. Sankey breaking it by playing the soft strains of " Almost persuaded," which he sang, or rather recited, in a broken voice. Mr. Moody asked those Christians to rise who wished other Christians to pray for them. Almost the entire audience rose to their feet. Then the unconverted were invited to stand up and ask Christians for their prayer. Rev. "Mr. Johns led in prayer, remembering both classes — the converted in need of help and the uncon- verted in need of a Saviour. Dr. Newton, after this, recited the Lord's prayci, and all the congregation followed. The doxology, " Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," was sung, and Mr. Moody said that there were about four minutes of the old year left, which he wanted spent in silent prayer. It was un awful solemn four minutes. It was so silent inside that the sudden clang of the bells and shriek of the whistles on the stroke of twelve on all sides of the building broke with startling distinctne83 on the ear. A few words of prayer were uttered in the meanwhile by Messrs. Moody, Sankey and George H. Stuart, the multitude still bowing their heads. The benediction was impressively pronounced by Rev. Dr. Plumer, and Mr. Moody, wishing all a " Happy new year,' closed the meeting. Dr. Plumer said, " I wish you all a tappy eternity," and with this solemn greeting the vast multitude passed out. THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 315 THE MID-DAT SERVIOB. At the noon sorvice, which was specially for the reclama tion of inehriates, more than a hundred requests for prayei were read for unfortunates of all ages and sexes of that class. Mr. Moody's text was, "All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth." He told of a man who, in his drunken mo- ments, came into one of these meetings, declaring: ''John Wannamaker's catchpenny won't have any effect on me." But the question "Where art thou?" so affected that drunkard that he was led to the Saviour. Dr. Pluraer, President of Columbia College, exhorted the people, saying : " Oh, believe ! Be saved i Come, ye opium-eaters and smokers, ye drunkards and ye chloral drinkers, oome all and be saved ! " The hymn "Sowing the seed" was announced. Mr. Sankey said : Before we sing this song, I will tell you one reason why we should sing these hymns, and that is, God is blessing them to many a poor wanderer who comes to this building night after night. Last week a man who had once occupied a high position in life came into this hall and pat down. While I was singing this hymn he took out his pass book and wrote down these words : " Sowing the seed of a lingering paia, Sowing the seed of a maddened brain. Sowing the seed of a tarnished name, Sowing the seed of eternal shamCy Oh, what shall the harvest be f* , !l ! Last night that man in the inquiry room went on his knees and asked God to break the chain that had dragged him down from such a high position to the lowest of the low. He said he had resolved when he went out of that praise meeting that he would cease to indulge in the intoxicating cup, but before r 316 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. He reached home he went into a saloon and broke his resoln- tion. We prayed for him last night. He is now praying that God may break his chain. I want yoa to pray that this brand may be plucked from the burning, and that God may use these gospel hymns to tnrn the hearts of sinful men. • Key. Dr. Cuyler, of Brooklyn, said the question was asked: ''Are there any permanent results following the labors of these two brothers, Moody and Sankey, in the only two cities they have visited in this country t" We had no substantial results in Brooklyn until the froth of novelty h'ld blown away. In Philadelphia the froth of novelty has now blown away, and you have got to the blessed work. Every church in Brooklyn that followed up the labors of Moody and Sankey with personal e£fori is to-day in the midst of a greater or more limited revival of religion, and every case that has been followed up by an effort has been succeeded by a permanent conversion. Our chief dif&culty was from the self-indulgence of church members, who were greedy to get enjoyment for themselves and not pass it to a dying soul. Sabbath>school teachers were quickezked in their work, but the greatest results of the wwk have been in regard to young men. Two union prayer meetings have grown out of the work— one in Brooklyn and the other in New York. God has blessed the labors of these brothers in reaching that class of men who are addicted to strong drink. The most significant example I have yet met with in Brook- lyn is that of a man given up by everybody. That man was picked up in the mud before my church door many a time, and he has stood before that church and damned it. He is now sitting at the feet of Jesus, humble and in hia right mind. If Grod will save him, He will save any man in this city. Mr. Moody said he had received a note on Sunday night. THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 3»7 asking him if a person could come to the baviour if he wanted, or, in other words, has one power in himself to come 1 To answer this, he read from Matthew xi. 27, and from other portions of Scrioture. If & man wants to come, no power on earth or hell could hinder him ; but God will not receive any one who is not willing to give up his sins. The only sorrowful meeting of ihe week is the prayer meeting for drunkards on Friday. The glimpse that is given in these meetings into many of the homes of the great city is an appalling one. Wives, sisters, daughters, send up a bitter cry for intercessions in behalf of those who are walking in the sure way to death, and wrecking the happiness of others in the work of their own destruction. And darker still was the revelation when the requests for prayer mentioned wives, mothers, and daughters hastening to a shameless end through strong drink. One note was in behalf of a wife in a home of wealth, of social position, the slave to strong drink, " whose husband would gladly give all his wealth for the restoration of his partner and their home." Another for an only daughter given to the use of intoxicating liquors. The prayers in behalf of these cases are most urgent and beseech- ing, and it is a relief to those dark unveilings to know that some of the poor slaves of drink have been rescued from their bondage, and brought in humility and penitence to the feet of Christ. A SUNDAY-SCHOOL DAT AT THE DEPOT CHURCH. Thursday, January 6, the noonday service at the Depot Church was specially in the interest of the Sunday schools. The platform was crowded, as was also the space in front of the separating eurtain, which was finally lifted, and a large number of persons occupied the space beyond. Mr. Moody conducted the services, which began by singing, under Mr. w^m 3i» MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. Sankey's leadership, the hymn beginning, " There is a land of pure delight." After reading a few verses from Matthew xviii., Mr. Moody said : We nave been having such a tender time in these noon- day meetings for a few days back, that we want to keep on to-day in the same line. And so our topic is, " How to lead our children to Christ." Now my experience in the Sabbath school has been something like this : that wherever I could find a teacher who was willing to work personally with the children, and get them to learn one by one, and talk with them, and pray with them, and pray for them, and then, after they had succeeded — because that kind of work always succeeds — in bringing them to Christ, if they just nursed them, and fed them with the sincere milk of the Word — instructed them, and taught them how Christians ought to live, how Christians ought to walk — that teacher has always been successful. I never knew such a teacher to fail. But those teachers who never speak to their scholars, except in the class and when they are all together, are about as successful as the ministers who never have any inquiry meetings, and who always meet their people in the pulpit, and preach to them in a body. If we are to be successful in leading children to Christ, it must be done personally. A friend of mine, who has been a teacher some time, said to me that he had never seen a soul converted. Hr had in his class five yoang ladies of position and influence in the town in which he lived. He had tried to teach them the Bible, and had talked to them about Christ, but had never spoken to them personally about their going to Christ. Some remarks wore at length made to him about working personally with the children. He went home and thought over the matter, and the next Sunday he said to one of the five young ladies that he would like to see her and have a little talk with her after the school had broken up. The young lady stayed when the rest went out, and he then spoke to her personally about her soul's salvation; told her how anxious he was for her conversion. The tears began to trickle down her cheeks, and he found that she was ready to THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 319 i a Ian J Matthew 86 noon- keep on ' to lead as been teacher ren, and nd pray ley had jeds — in and fed sd them, tiristians jsful. I ers who id when uinisters lys meet a body. !hrist, it 16 time, jd. Hr afluence ih them )ut had Christ, working thought 3 of the have a The then old her )ep;an to eady to ). le be taught the way. The next time the others met that young lady they asked her what he wanted of her, fend she told them. The next Sunday he asked another one to stay, and in five Sundays those five young ladies were led to Christ, and all of them have been successful teachers now ibr five years. Remember that this was done in five short weeks, by exhorting them personally and praying for them. I remember once going out with two of my teacher's class, calling upon some scholars. We went into one house and met three young ladies who had grown up in our mission Sunday school. They had been there from child- hood up. As I went out I said, " Now let us go to work and see if we can't win those three to Christ. You take Margaret, you take Sarah, and I will take Henrietta, and we will give them books, write to them, visit and pray for them — work personally with them." Within a month two of them have been led to Christ, and since I have been in Philadelphia a young man has come to me from Chicago and told me that Margaret has been converted. Prayer has prevailed, and those three have been saved, and two of them have been co-workers with me in the Sabbath school for a long time. If teachers here will hold their classes next Sabbath with a determination, God helping them, that they will try to lead one soul to Christ, and pick out one member of their class and earnestly endeavor to work with that one member, you don't know what you may do for Christ. And if you can't see them on Sunday, make a point of meeting them through the week, invite them to some of your meetings, and then pray to God to convert theji. My friends, when you turn one of these little children to Christ, you don't know and you can't tell what God may do ^«'ith them ; you don't know how they may be raised to be a great blessing to the honor of the L*d, or how they may hereafter turn hundreds and thousands to Christ. If we dcm't get into this personal work of dealing with souls I don't think we are going to be very successful. It is my experience, after having superintended schools for twelve or thirteen years, that the people who deal personally with the scholars make tha successes. m 320 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. And not only that. How very few mothers take thoir children off into a room, talk with them, pray with them, tell them the way to Christ ! I know if that were done we would have fewer requests here from mothers for drunken sons ; but the fact is, that hundreds of mothers do not believe in the conversion of their little children, and the result is that soon those children wander into billiard halls and drinking saloons, and at twenty many of them have become confirmed drunkards, and then, and then only, the mothers begin to wake up and cry to God that He must save their sons. Wo ought to commence earlier. In Cincinnati, at a Sunday school meeting, the little chil- dren were repeating verses, and one of them, a little child only four years of age, got up. She was so small she had to be put up on a seat. She got scared at the people, and was afraid to repeat the verses her mother had been teaching her through the week — " Suffer little children." With trembling lip and heart, she said, " Suffer little children," and then broke down. She commenced again, " Suffer little children to come," and broke down the second time. She attempted it the third time, " Suffer little children to come, and don't any of you stop them from one and all to comer She had got the mean- ing of the phrase. She could not have given a better one. Don't any of you stop them, for God wants them all to come, and it is this miserable unbelief in the Church that is keeping bacb the children. How many could be brought to Christ in the morning of their days if we labored for their salvation as we should. God help us to be wise while we have our children with us young — their hearts tender. Let us pray to make an impression upon them for eternity, that they may go to Christ in the morning of their day. Mr. Sankey said many a parent and many a teacher, it is to be feared, as the result of all his earthly career, will at last be able to say nothing better than that he has gathered " nothing but leaves." Pardon me, then, while I sing that hynrti, and let each one pray that his harvesting will be far better. After singing, the Rev. H. C. McCook spoke as follows : THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 321 Faith is natural to a cbitd. There is scarcely anything that a chilil does not receive by faith. In the family circle, when he comes to learn the first principles of right and wrong, he has nothing for it but the word of the father, ** Thift is right, my child," or the i;v '^ of the mother, " This is wrong, my child ; you must do this ; you must not do that," and the child believes. You scarcely ever find a doubter among children. Now, God has already prepared the children for this. When you come before them persuaded that the child can be led to Christ — as Brother Moody has said — peiauaded that the Word of God which you teach is able to make the child wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ — when you sit down before that little immortal, God has made the whole way, so far as his natural disposition is concerned, perfectly plain and easy for you. . . Kow, what are you to do f You do not need to stop and explain what faith is, or what regeneration is, or to enter into any other of these questions about religious doctrines and life, but the great thing is to hold up the object of faith. If you can put Christ's creed before the child, showing what Jesus is to the child and to all the world, in all his lovely attributes, the child will follow you, and the Holy Spirit will bring that child to embrace Christ by faith. Now, then, point to God as the Father of the child in Jesus Christ. Let him be taught to believe through all his days that this heavenly Father is his own Father — his Father in heaven — and that he may go to him for every blessing. Several years ago I was playing with my own little girl and a companion who had come to the house, when the children were both very smalL They were leaping down from the stairway, and as I stood below, my little child said, " Papa, let me jump into your arms." " Very well," I said, *' go up a step or two higher," and I reached out my arms. The little 322 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICi*. V- one stepped up and then sprunp; down the steps withcut any hesitation, and I caught her safely. " Now," said I, "Grade, you try it," and little Gracie went up a step or two, and stood as thou(;h she was going to make the jump, but she didn't do it. Once, twice, several times, she tried to make the jump and couldn't do it, and I had to reach up and lift her down in my arms. Now, what was the difference 1 How can you account for the difference in those two children 1 Why, my own little child had the spirit of a child in her. I was her father, and so with an unquestioning faith she leaped right down-stairs, knowing that I would catch her. But the other child was not of my family. She was only in there as a play- mate for a season, and when she came to attempt to repeat the action her little heart failed her, because she didn't see her father down below with outstretched arms. Kev. C. A. Dickey, D.D., next addressed the meeting. He said : " God has laid on me many responsibilities, under which I tremble, but there is none that I carry like my two children, because I feel that for those I am wholly responsible before God. I believe that in regard to every other soul on God's earth somebody must share the responsibility with me — some other father or some other mother must divide it with me — but before God I feel that for two souls I am wholly re- sponsible. And I say that nothing bears upon me like the weight that God has put upon me for those two little children. And if I have one word to say to you, knowing that most of you are parents here to-day, it is this one thought, that the responsibility is yours and not the child's. I therefore wish that this question had been otherwise presented. Instead of how to bring the children to Christ, we ought to be consider- ing on our knees how we are liable to hinder the children from coming to Christ, for I believe that there is nothing which can possibly interpret the promises, of God and the pre- THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 323 copts of God but this thought, that so far as God and his plans of mercy are concerned, they embrace the children, and God is exhausting everything to save them all, even those y^ho are hindered by others. It is to me the most humiliailiig thing that falls from the Word of God that the disciples are presented in the most beautiful picture of God's Word as the obstacles in the way of the children. There is no picture that God has painted upon the Word so beautiful as that where Christ beseechingly says, " Suffer them to come." And I say that the dark line on that bright picture is the fact that the disciples must be rebuked and be gotten out of the way before Christ can be gratified in the possession of the chil- dren. It is not said, " Suffer little children to be brought unto me," but " suffer them to come," as though the little ones were themselves eager to come ; as though their hearts were full of the desire to come ; as though they, by the plans and purposes of God, would come ; as though everything that was essential was provided but one thing, and that was the removal of the obstacle, the taking away of the hindrance. " Suffer them to come." " I am ready," says Jesus. The children are ready. The trouble is that something is in the way, somebody is violating some pledge, somebody is violating some promise, somebody has thrown himself in the way of the child, and it is prevented from coming to me. Rev. Dr. J. Wheaton Smith, of the Beth Eden Baptist Church, related an interesting incident. He said that they organized some years ago a mission on South Street, and among the scholars was a little boy who was a rider in Dan Kice's circus, and whose mother kept a peanut stand at the Arch Street Theatre. The little boy was a great trouble in the school, and none of the male teachers could do anything with him. Finally a lady said she would take the boy, and soon after he noticed the little fellow looking earnestly into hip W' 324 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMEHTCA. k '('''■' '^ !.'■ i m iuachor's face, and intently listening to her. Through her he was led to the Saviour. He finally left the school, and some time after they beard that he was a drummer boy in the Union army, and was mortally Grounded. He sent a letter to his old teacher, full of love, thanking her for leading his soul to Zion. Some persons buy that they are not sufficiently educated for teachers, but, said the speaker, all that is required is to have the love of Christ in our hearts, and He will do the rest. Mr. Moody gave his experience. He said when he found a teacher willing to work personally with the children — get theip alone one by one and talk with them, and pray with and for them, teaching them how a Christian ought to li^ro and walk — that teacher has always been successful. Teachers that never speak to their scholars only in the class are about as successful as preachers who never have any inquiry meet- ings. If we are going to be successful in leading children to Christ it must be by personal teaching. Mr. Moody related several instances of the successful result of personal teaching, both by Sunday school teachers and mothers with their chil- dren. If mothers would take their children alone in a room and teach them, there would not be so many requests by mothers for us to pray for sons who are drunkards. The Rev. Dr. E. P. Rogers said : I want to give a single illustration of what my friend Mr. MoDdy said in his opening address. One fact is worth. a thousand arguments. He said we didn't know what our children might be the instruments of accomplishing in God's hands if they were early converted. I want to state one single fact to him and to you. The scene occurred about twenty-five years ago, and I shall never forget it. One beautiful Sunday morning word came to me that a little girl, six years old, a member of my Sunday school, was lying on her dying bed. She was a child of un-Christian parents, the highest people in the state, her father the Gove^ Tllli WORK IN I'lIILADELPIIIA. 325 , Gover- nor of tlio State, a former Judge of the Supreme Court, a L;(;ntl(^iiiau of the highest standing, but out of Christ. The litUegirl, as I stood by her bedside, said to her father, "Father, come hei'e." She took him by the coat, drew him down to her 60 that his head almost touched her cheek, and said, " Father, I am going up, I am going up, I am going to Jesus ; and now, ul. He His little le in she ed," and "Who lad sent Br. She id asked Qe," said swered, !e asked the first ho said, " Let not your heart be troubled." He thought, " My teacher had no such word for me, but Jesus had it, and I have it from the lips of Jesus." And just there and then he felt that Jesus had personally suffered with and sympathized with him, and was ready to bear his burden and take away his sins. Let us hold up a personal Saviour such as that This is the Saviour the children need. Mr. Moody read a letter from an English correspondent, in which a very touching account was given of the call up higher of two Christian boys. " Precious jewels " was then sung, and the meeting closed, the mothers tarrying to pray in one anteroom, and many of the men retired for the same purpose to another. Teachers in the Sabbath school might well take some hints from "aiv. Moody. He preaches for a purpose. He does not merely do it to interest, but to convert. He would not preach at all, we may be sure, unless he did interest and instruct, but we may be equally certain that he would cease to preach if he did no more than this. His great aim is so to interest and instruct that his hearers shall decide for Christ. When a teacher spends all his time on that which will secure the attention and give instruction, he may find that after all he has accomplished nothing. He has taken the easily-captured outworks, while the citadel remains untouched. The heart, and not the mind or the fancy, is the real object of attack. Mr. Moody in one of his sermons said : " Suppose I go to find a poor beggar-woman whom I have seen standing on the street clothed in rags. I find her all nicely clothed, and ask, * What does this mean ! ' She says, * Why, Mr. Moody, a man came and put into my hand, as I stood here, a ten- pound note.' * How was that 1 Did you know how to put out the right kind of handl Was your hand all right t* ♦Why, sir, you don't understand. The stranger put tfce 328 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. money, a ten-pound note, into my hand ; laid it here on this very palm. Why, I got the money ; isn't that enough ? ' Now, many come to me and say, * I am afraid I haven't got the right kind of faith.' Faith is only the hand held out to God. Don't look at your hand, look up to God. You don't feel joyful 1 Take Jesus at His word, and let feelings alone." Mr. Marsh, who has been on Mr. Moody's track, writes : I have not once heard the complaint, so often made after revival excitement has cooled, that converts did not ** hold out." It was a common thing for people to come into his meetings indifferent and go away converted. Indeed, the emphasis with which he preached to all alike the duty of im- mediate surrender, was a stumbling-block to some goof^. v " ole. Who could not see that a man who decides promptly when an issue is fully before him, is quite as much to be depended on as one who dallies a long while over a decision 1 There are no more steadfast soldiers of Christ in the British Churches to-day than those who enlisted under Mr. Moody. Perhaps no other minister in Edinburgh has had to do with so many of the converts in that city as LIr. Wilson, of the Barclay Church. He recently stated that he had known of but two declensions. But I am sure that the most important result of this two years' work is not measured by the number of hope- ful conversions in connection v\th it, many thousands though they were. The breaking down of denominational prejudices is most marked. The spiritual life of the churches has been greatly quickened. Ministers confess that they have preached since as they never knew how to preach before. " He used to be a very different man, but he got a blessing when Moody was here," was a remark made about an earnest Christian worker in Edinburgh, the like of which one often hears in Scotland. It was something marvellous how he inoculated thobe whom he met with his zeal for souls. A business man / )n this >ughr a't got out to 1 don't alone." writes : e after ; « hold nto his led, the r of im- pruple. Ly when epended There Jhurches Perhaps 10 many Barclay hut two esult of »f hope- though )judice3 las heen ireached .Q used Moody [hristian .ears in iculated IBS man THE WORK IN nilLADELPHIA. 329 in an English town went to hear him in another city. They had a five minutes talk together. A new fire was kindled in his heart, and since then he has had no greater joy than to preach in the evening on the street to those who never go to church ; adjourning to some convenient room for a prayer and inquiry meeting with such as may he entangled in his net. In Aberdeen I found the theatres filled every Sunday evening to listen to the simple, pleading presentation of Gos- pel truth from a lawyer; and a police magistrate holding meetings in the Infirmary with the old people who are too feeble to got out to any other service. The results that followed his flying visits to some of the smaller cities were sometimes quite remarkable. At Berwick- on-Tweed I asked whether he held meetings there. " Yes, he was here for one day." I suggested that such a short visit did not leave much of a mark, probably. " Indeed it did," was the answer. " It was the beginning of a great revival. Berwick has never been the same town since." In many places the special revival interest — if it may be called special in such a case — ^which began with his meetings, still con- tinues. *' Evangelistic meetings " are a common form which this quickened interest in Christian work takes, — meetings with the special aim of leading sinners to Christ. They are held in hails, in churches, in tents ; on week-day evenings and on Sundays, conducted sometimes by ministers and sometimes by laymen. Edinburgh seemed to be full of them. The noon prayer-meeting is one of the notable results of the work in the latter city. It ^3 held in the Free Assembly Hall, and attended by hundreds every day. The ministers and mem- bers of all denominations seem to be most thoroughly and delightfully united in it. It flows on full to the banks with a current of its own. No one comes for the sake of " keep- 330 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. ing it up." The specific requests for prayer that are sent in to it sometimes reach a hundred in one day, a goodly num- ber being accompanied by thanksgiving for answers received to prayers previously solicited. On Saturdays it takes the form of a crowded children's meeting, similar to those held in Dundee and other cities on Saturday afternoons. It is with some pleasure that we present the views of the Eev. Dr. Bichard l^ewton as to the work of Messrs. Moody and Sankey in Philadelphia. Dr. Newton is so widely known, both in this country and abroad, from his prominence as a preacher to children, as a representative clergyman in one school of thought in the Episcopal Church, and as editor of The Sunday School World, that a communication from him will always command attention. Moreover, as chairman ol the Committee of Arrangements for the meetings of the Evan- gelists in Philadelphia, he has had unequalled opportunities of learning the truth as to the subject on which he now writes. I write, by request, a few lines expressive of my own im- pressions of those dear brethren, Messrs. Moody and Sankey, and of the work which they are carrying on in this great city. The details of their work are reported in the papers every day. I need not dwell upon them. The striking pecu- liarities which mark the men themselves have been spoken of again and again. We are all familiar with these. There are three points of view from which these men and their work have most strikingly impressed me ; and on each of these I wish to say a few words. The first of these is the illustration afforded in the work of these men of the essential, practical union existing between Protestant Christians. Many instances of this might be re- ferred to in connection with thii" movement. A single ono may here be adduced. This occurred rather in the preparation fur tlio work than in the work itself. A part of this prepara- THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 331 are sent ily num- received akes the a held in VB of the 3. Moody Y known, tnce as a n in one editor of rom him irman oi ;he Evan- ortunities )W writes. ' own im- l Sankey, ihis great le papers :ing pecu- jpoken of There are leir work ■ these I the work g between ht be re- mgle one eparation prepara- tion was to have a class of Christian workers trained and ready to go into the inquiry rooms and render service there in guid- ing anxious souls to Jesus. The class was composed of between three and four hundred Christian men and women. These were gathered from the different churches of the city known o be in sympathy with the Evangelists and their work. They were the best specimens of Christiau knowledge and experi- ence that these churches could furnish. And when convened together this body of " Christian "Workers " made up a deeply interesting assembly. The preparation of these workers was intrusted to a com- mittee of four ministers, representing the leading Protestant denominations. The Eev. Dr. Breed reprebonted the Presby- terian Church ; the Rev. Dr. J. Wheaton Smith, the Baptist ; the Rev. Dr. Hatfield, the Methodist ; and the present writer the Episcopal Church. This committee met the workers several times for general counsel and directions in view of the solemn and responsible work in which they were to engage. At these meetings each member of the ministerial committee addressed the workers in turn. There was no concert or agree- ment beforehand as to the points to be discussed, and yet the most delightful harmony prevailed through all the exercises. Not one jarring or discordant note was struck from the begin- ning to the end. If a stranger had been present he might have listened most attentively to the teachings of these men repre- senting the leading branches of the Protestant Church ; and for the life of him he could not have detected the slightest shade of difference in their teaching. From anything he saw or heard there, he could not have told who was the Presby- terian, the Baptist, the Methodist, or the Episcopalian. The watchmen on the walls of Zion were seeing eye to eye. They Imd approached so near to Jesus that they no longer saw things in the decomposed rays of their separate denomination- ?H' 4.' 332 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. alism. The pure white lif^hfc that shines eternally from the Sun of Righteousness was shedding down its beams upon them ; and, on that grandest of all questions, " How shall a man be just with God ? " they were made " one in Christ Jesus." And whatever helps to bring us thus together in such a way is a blessed work, and one on which God's blessing must certainly rest. Another interesting point of view from which to contem- plate the work of these men is in its influence for good on the ^Jiurches. "We see several things from which this influence must spring. One of these is the ma.'knd characteristic of these men. If asked to put my finger en this peculiarity, I should say it was great singleness of aim, a remarkable earnestness and intensity of purpose. And to be brought into contact with such men, especially when, as in the present case, they are possessed of great magnetic power, cannot fail of having a good effect on all about them. We hear the song of life pitched to a higher key than we have been wont to sing it ; and before we know it we find thut our hearts and spirits have been attuned to harmony with this loftier strain. Then, again, the Church in general is receiving good from the effect of Mr. Moody's style of preaching on the clergy. The most striking peculiarity that marks his preaching is its simple, direct, practical, unceasing, and intensely earnest appeals to the Word of God. And greater conformity to u style of preaching, so truly primitive and apostolic, in the pulpits of our land, would be an unspeakable blessing to tlie '^/hurch. It would be to put aside what the Apostle Paul caJs " the enticing words of man's wisdom," and substitute for them " the demonstration of the Spirit and of power." This is a great want of the Church in the present day. Still further, these Evangelists are doing good to the Church THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 335 from the *m8 upon AT shall a in Christ er in such »ing must 3 contera- ^od on the nee must of these I should imestness ;o contact ijase, they ' having a ig of life > sing it ; irits have ood from le clergy, ng is its earnest lity to ti in the y to tlie stle Paul ubstitute power." ^ Churcl' by promoting, on the part of Christian people, a more careful and diligent study of the Word of God. All the services in ■which they engage lead to this result. This is especially thi* case with the Sunday morning services for Christian workers. I wished, while at these last named meetings, that every mem- ber of my church could have been present, for I was satisfied that it would have done them all great good. I never went to my Lord's day work in a better frame of mind for doing it than on the mornings when I had the privilege of attending those meetings. "What we need among our church members in these days, above everything else, is greater acquaintance with the Scriptures. And these men are blessing the Church by helping to lead Christian people on to just this result. The other point of interest from which to contemplate these Evangelists and their work, is, in their power to reach and bless multitudes of men not reached or blessed by the ordi- nary ministrations of the Gospel. This is seen in the character of the assemblies they are addressing all the time. It is seeL' in the open acknowledgment of numbers converted at thesr meetings ; and especially in. the numerous cases of those lost t their families, or to society, and given up to the body-and-sou destroying tyranny of strong drink ; but who, througl; Go ' • blessing on their instrumentality, have been " pluck * •>•« brands from the burning," and restored to health and hope- — to peace, to comfort, and to usefulness. The recovery of ont such would i>e a sufficient recompense for all the time, and money, and labor expended in this work since these brethren came to our city. But when this one comes to be multiplied by dozens of scores of rescued men of tliia most hopeless class of all who go astray ; and when to this one class are added large numbers of those in every ether class of transgressors, brought back to God through the labors of these Evangelists, I feel, for myself — whatever others may say or do— that I can ' m 334 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. do nothing else than thank God for sending them here ; and pray Him to hless them more and more while they tarry among us ; aid then to follow them with His blessing whero- ever else it may please Him to lead them. Ir !V^( MB. KOODT 8 WINSOMENESS. Gentlemen thus write from Philadelphia : For once we have an Evangelist who is an evangelist. A? such no fault can be found in him, except by some scurrilou? papers, rum-dealers and infidels. Many thanks to Him whc has raised up and sent to us Mr. Moody. No crotchets, oi hobbies, or eccentricities, or taint of heresy, or anything ob jectionable to earnest Christians — what a comfort in this, to begin with. But in expounding the Book he is mighty, be cause he has made it his study, is full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and has strong common sense. In all these sevei Meeks of labor no heresy-hunter has even smelled any un soundness. Plain, pointed, all-sided, tender, and intensely earnest, he reaches every case. In the power of illustration !ie has no equal known to us — though he is not conscious of any scholastic rules or professional technicalities. For onco we have an evangelist who has solved that question of minis- terial conferences and Sunday school institutes, '*How shal) we reach the masses 9" Over eleven thousand people, of all classes, crowd the great tabernacle, all eager ta get near the stand, and all hang upon his thrilling words. Mr. Moody is an organizer and a manager in the best sense. Classifying Christian workers by age and sex, foi greater efficiency, by meeting at different hours and places adjoining, and all under his direction, his way of doiiig thin;j; = wins the co-operation of all. And if, as rarely is the case, anything falls out of line, or is likely to disturb the harmoji) , THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 335 ere ; and By tarry g whero- list. As curriloup iim whc chets, 01 hing ob this, to ghty, be host and se sevei any un ntenselj ustration scious oi ?'or once f minis- ow shal) le, of all near the bhe best sex, fot i places: gthin;;^ he case, armoji}', he has the happy faculty of shutting it off without offencf. Hence what a work has been done in seven weeks ! No exact estimate can be made, of course, but inquirers have gone lip to thousands. And the good gained to the church members in attendance, and to the ministry, cannot be told. At this point the interest is steadily rising and extending, and it seems vastly important that Messrs Moody and Sankey continue here a long while yet. The sweet gospel-singer has also won the hearts of the people by his unequalled singing, and his loving labors in the inquiry room. In the churches that are enjoying the influence of thes? great meetings, the good will be long felt, and the fruits seen. God never has a work to be done but he finds a worker to do it. Commonly, too, his choice is just what man's would not be. Samuel blundered as to Israel's first king, and the last thought. of David, the chosen one, prefigured the mis- ohoices of the kingly ones by men, and their rectifications by the Lord of the kingdom ever since. John, the shaggy rustic of the wilderness, with loathsome " locusts and wild honey " for " his meat," grimy fishei'men, and a hot-headed youngster fiercely " haling men and women to prison," who of the " wise men " would have picked these as the men tc tell the world the great redemption story 1 Tkey were chosen and did it. Seventy years of Sunday school work has drawn Christians into the general use of what are called the International lessons, which are simply a plan by which Christians agree to open to the same chapter and study it together, each Sabbath of the year. The Chris- tian world never before by their own choice hit upon such a doing together of anything. It has pleased Jesus, the king, and throughout the world he has drawn the heart of man to the divine Word in a wonderful manner. He has anointed ones in the service. This humbly-born, illiterate Mr. Moof ly .i3<5 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. is a " chosen vessel," or witness to the treasures hidden in the book of grace. He didn't set out to do this work. He doesn't claim to be doing it beyond all other men. I think he is doing it, though he may not know it, fur, while aiming at and attaining other wonderful work — using this as a means only — he is educating millions m a way of study f which will go on after all his other work ends, and outgo it in real value. m i MR. BANKET ANSWERS A QUESTION. " How should music be conducted in the Lord's work 1 " asks one. Before we give his reply we inseri. the crisp remark of a veteran pastor : " There are these three," said Dr. Plumer, at one of the Moody meetings, " faith, hope, charity, but the greatest of these is charity, for cliarity endureth forever. There are these three, prayer, the sacraments, praise, but the greatest of these is praise, for praise endureth forever." I can scarcely expect that my views will be accepted by all singers ; but my opinions are based upon the results of more than fifteen years' personal experience in conducting the service of praise in various branches of the Lord's work in this country and other lands. I will speak first of the music in the church, which should be conducted by a good, large choir of Christian singers, who would encourage th?> congregation to join heartily with them in the songs of Zion, instead of monopolizing the service themselves. I would not have unconverted persons leading the praise of the people of God. I am fully persuaded that four-fifths of the traditional trouble with choirs arises from having un- converted people conducting this part of the service of the sanchiary. If I could not get a converted choir, I would go back to the good old ways of our forefathers, and select the iiiil THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 337 idden in rk. He I think B aiming a means lich will al value. work 1 " » remark e of the satest of lere are latest of pted hy )sults of ing the 7ork in should rs, who h theci service ) praise ir-fifths ing un- of the >uld go ect tlio hoA Christian man in the church who had a good voice, and put him up in front of the congregation, and let him lead as best he could, and I am sure the people would join more heartily under his leading than they would with a choir who are anxious to show how well they can execute some new tune which they have just found. But there are very few churches, if any, in which a good Christian choir may not be formed, and no one will doubt that when all the parts of our sweet church songs are sung from the heart, and the words of the hymn are distinctly pronounced, it is much sweeter than where all are singing in unison. I would have the singers and the organ in front of the congregation, near the minister or speaker, and would insist on deportment by the singers in keeping with the services of the house of God. The conduct of the choir during the ser- vice will have very much to do with the success of the preach- ing. Instead of whisp3ring, writing notes, passing books, and the like, the choir should give the closest attention to all tho services, especially to the preaching of the Word. There should be the most intimate understanding between the leader of the singing and the pastor When new tunes are to be introduced into the church they might be sung frequently by the choir alone, before the regular services commence, as voluntaries ; thus the [)eople would become somewhat familiar with the music, and when it is introduced into the regular service they would be able to take up the tune and sing it with pleasure and profit. New hymns and tunes should be introduced occasionally, but great damage is often done by injudicious choir leaders trying to introduce a new tune at every service. The congregation should be exhorted by the pastor to join heartily in the singing, and if a choir-master persisted in bring- ing out new-fangled tunes in which the people could not join 338 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. \i '■ _4J^__ .— iiPs' (luring the hour of public worship, he should be set aside and liis place supplied by some one who would not be so ambi- tious to show oflF how well the choir could perform, but who would be filad to have all the people join in the good old songs of Zion, which will be loved and sung until •* All the ransomed Church of God Are saved to sin no more." The whole question of the singing should be kept in the hands of the office-bearers of the church, and the choir should never be encouraged to entertain the idea that they are an independent organization, with power to levy war upon the church and bring it to terms, or to secede from it and cause a disruption. Praying singers are likely to be loyal to the church, and not to give trouble. The singing in the regular prayer-meeting shr be of the most spirited and spiritual character, and should be led by a single voice, usually without instrumental accompani- ment, so that no restraints of any kind may interfere with the worship of even the oldest saint, who might not be able to sing in just such time and voice as would be expected were the instrument used. The singing of long hymns should be avoided. Two or three verses well sung and bearing upon the key-note or sub- ject of the meeting will do more good than a dozen verses poorly sung. Old familiar hymns and tunes should be used, with now and then a Sunday school song, so that the children may feel that they have a part in the prayer-meeting as well as in the Sunday echool. The young should be encouraged to attend the prayer-meetings to assist in the singing. Nothing will kill a prayer-meeting more effectually than poor, drawling, lifeless singing ; while many a poor prayer meeting has been saved by good and spirited singing. THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 339 iskle and so ambi- but who ;ood old ^t in the ir should y are an ipon the 1 cause a 1 to the be of J. be led Bompani- with the 8 able to ted were Two or 3 or sub- Q verses be used, children f as well 50uraged lly than prayer The American Sunday school has done more to make us ft sitiging people than all other causes combined, and to at- tempt giving suggestions as to how its singing should be con- ducted, may seem rather venturesome. But as there are schools where, for want of a good singing leader, there is a 8ad deficiency in this most delightful service, I may be par- ilunod for dropping a few suggestions for their benefit. In the first place, you should have a lady or a gentleman wlio can play the cabinet organ. If you have not such an instrument already, I would advise you to get ono as soon as possible. Let the leader, seated at the organ, before the school, with a few good voices near by, conduct the singing in a hearty and spirited manner, inviting an< I heard the children sing them in the Alps. As I returm ! through another portion of Franco, I heard those hymns suii^ on board the railway trains, and 1 thought, * What shall tlr ■ harvest heV You do not know how many souls have be«'ii rested by hearing * Safe in the arms of Jesus.' Then, I sail. by God's grace I will keep on singing, and I will encounip ■ every other person who has a voice to keep on singing the.-o sweet stories of Jesus and His love, and somebody will hv. blessed, just as somebody is being blessed here. May God bless the singing of these hymns throughout the earth, until we meet to sing a better song in heaven." Mr. Sankey rendered the favorite hymn, " Jesus of Naza! - eth poasoth by." His voice, in the lines " Oh, all ye heavy- THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 343 ■jGT oui befoi*' I coulil an talk ris, and id, neat st thinv,' lume ol window ng this [s gentlr ). i re 'riend a-^ ested t« :ntiy. The o. ig in t)i that >•«"• montlx retuTiK'i ins sui)-i ihall tli«- ,ve betni , I sai'i, icourap' Ing the?o will ^)t' [ay God Ith, until )f Nazar- re heavy- laJeu, come," and afterward in " Too late ! too late ! will be the cry, Jesus of Nazareth haa passed by," became so low, broken, full of pity and clear withal, that dozens of people half rose from their seats and bent forward toward the stage as if by magnetic attraction. Mr. Sankey's singing was as tine as ever, and it seems strange that any one who listens to liis beautiful songs of praise is not touched and brought to look upon the question of eternal life as the most important that could be presented. Men have, risen for prayer who have stated that they were brought to realize their lost condi- tion and to seek salvation through the hymns that they have heard sung. Mr. Moody read the 35th chapter of Isaiah, after which he made an earnest prayer, thanking God for the rich bless- ings that he has showered upon the people. Eeports were then received. Mr. Moody first made the report as to the women's meetings. He stated that they are very interesting, and God is showing His power greatly. The prayers of mothers and wives are being amazingly answered. The 87th hyinn was then sung^ *' Lord, I hear of showers of blessJiSg.*' The reports were then continued as follows : Mr. George H. Stuart reported a great awakening in the First Reformed Presbyterian Church. He said that the pastor had taken a great interest in the revival services, and that since they have commenced his only son has given his heart to Christ. There are now twenty-three young men who are living witnesses of what Jesus is doing in that church, and while he could not give the number of ladies who have professed Christ, he would say that there have been quite a large number. Several youn^' men in his store had come out on the Lord's side. Mr. Rowland represented the Young Men's Christian i'' r 1 iilli! if m 344 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. A.ssociation. He said that the prayer-meetings on Saturday evenings are largely attended, and that there is an average of twenty young men who at every meeting rise for prayer and express a desire to come to Christ. There have been twenty- seven drinking men converted. Meetings have been inaugur- ated by the young converts among the workmen at the Gas "Works aud tlie seamen on board of the receiving-ship. He also stated that a good work is being done by the Yoke Fellows, and that bands of workers were going out, holding meetings, and bringing men to the Saviour. Eev. Dr. Hatfield followed, and said that he had been greatly encouraged with the meetings, and had given them very much of his time. He spoke of the great work that is being done among the women, and said the results are astonishing. He then referred to the young men's meetings, and stated that he had seen as many as fifty rise for prayer. The number of conversions are surprising, and, do what he would, he never could get away until a very late hour. A school-teacher from the country during the Christmas holidays was converted at one of the meetings, and he writes that after he got home he gathered the boys together and had a prayer-meeting. Several have since been held, all of which have been greatly blessed. On Monday last a lady came to the women's prayer-meeting and was converted. She said that the evening before her husband had attended the meeting in the Depot and given his heart to Christ. The conversion was brought about in this manner : The two had engaged in a quarrel, during which their little girl, unobserved by them, on the porch knelt down and prayed for them. A neighbor noticed the child, and went into the house and told the parents. The quarrel ceased, and that night the father went to the meeting at the depot, and there was converted. He returned THE WORK IN PHILADELPHIA. 345 home and set up the family altar. The result was that the wife and mother the next day attended the meeting and was also converted. The family are now rejoicing in the Saviour. Mr. John Wannamaker, wh« has so efficiently presided over the .young men's meetings, made a very encouraging re- port of the work that has been done and is being done for the conversion of souls to Christ. He said that on Sunday night, in Eev. Dr. McCook's church, between four hundred and five hundred young men on their knees consecrated themselves afresh to the Master's work, and nearly all of those young men were convertea during the past eight weeks. He had never witnessed such meetings, and on earth he never expected to be closer to God than he has been while in attendance upon them. Every night men have stood up and given their hearts to Christ, and are now laboring haid for the conversion of all out of the fold. A recent convert who once had been a Chris- tian, but who had fallen through the power of strong drink, related his experience. He had lost two fortunes, and all his friends had left him, but through the efi*orts of Mr. Moody he had been again brought into the fold. At the final monp'tr farewell services the Depot was filled with upwards of 12,000 persons. The doors were closed, and within twen*.y minutes from this time there were over 7,000 more around the several entrances, striving in vain to gain ad- mittance. At the close of this meeting threa thousand persons went into the inquiry room. A gentleman, whose son had found rest in a Saviour's love through the instrumentality of their meeting now closing, sent to Mr. Moody a diamond ring, which had been so long worn that it seemed a part of himself, as a thank-offering to the Lord for this great bless- ing, with instructions to dispose of it as the Holy Spirit ;4<5 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMLK1L.A. phonld direct. This ring was afterward sold for $1,000, and tho money given to the Y.M.C.A. Over $100,000 were raised at the collection. > . Mr. Moody concludeil the services by thanking the minis- ters of Philadelphia for their support and sympathy, and asked their prayers as he went to New York. He thon prayed most fervently for all the young converts, that they may be kept true to the faith. After singing " Blest be the tie that binds," the happy throng dispersed, and the glorious record of the Evangelists in Philadelphia was closed. It is a wonderful record which . made of the meetings led by Messrs. Moody and Sankey in Philadelphia. Including the young men's and young women's meetings, there have been in all about 250 dilFeient services of the series, with an aggregate attendance at them of perhaps 900,000 persons. It is thought by the committee in charge that at least 300,000 different persons have in all been at these meetings. To the last the interest in those services has deepened, and the attendance at them has increased. The meetings ot last Sunday at the beginning of the ninth and closing week, were as crowded as any from the first of the series. Very many Christians have been quickened to new activity in the work of the Lord, and very many sinners have been led to yield themselves to a waiting Saviour through God's bless- ing on these services. The good results of the meetings are not to end with the removal of the Evangelists from Phila- delphia. There is a new Christian life in this city, mani- fested in a spirit of union, and in zeal and heartiness in all religious endeavors beyond anything hitherto known there. Unmistakable evidence of this is given in the varied exercises of the closing week of these evangelistic meetings. The THE WOR<^ IN PHILADELPHIA. 347 nrighteet anticipations of friends of ^his work at its beginning >i-e mofe than lealized in Philadelphia. It is interesting to note that the closing meeting of the ourse was densely packed by the best people of the city, while thousands were unable to gain admittance. Faithful to Christ and to the truth, he wins the confidence of good men, and more than all binds them closer to the Lord and to liuty. ill CHAPTER ::v. r«> i^.; It,' 'i '1 !l I THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEW YORK. Messrs. moody and SANKEY, and their ChnV tian helpers, after a short respite from the treraen- dous labors necessary to the successful conduct of their work, attacked sin and unbelief in \is stronj^hold in the metropolis of the western world. The lr)nj» awaited campaign was commenced on Monday night, Feb. 7th, at the Hippodrome, and continued for sixty-four days. The location of the Tabernacle is in the very e«ntre of the city, accessible from every direction by all classes. On one side of it lie the homes of wealth, the avenues of fashion, and the great hotels, on the other the masses of the middle classes^ and a little beyond, the crowded abodes of the poor and the dens of wickedness and vice. It is the old depot of the Har- lem Kailroad, and occupies the block bound«'d by Madison and Fourth Avenues and Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh streets. It was the scene of Barnum's great p^eant, and subsequently of Gilmore's monster concerts. It is about one- fourth larger than "Depot Church," Philadelphia. Mr. Varley preached here for several Sabbaths, the first occasion being a wonder to every one. On a wild and stormy winter^s night, 15,000 people crowded the place, while multitudes ■were unable to gain entrance. Frequently then the roar of the wild beasts would be heard mingling with the unging and prayers. THE WORK OF GRACE IN NKVV YORK. 349 treraen- iduct of in Wh n worKJ. iced oTj 'ntinued e of thfe On one on, and classes^ rnd the be Har- ladison leventh it, and at one- Mr. scasion winter's titudes oar of inging The committee rented this structure at $1,500.00 a werk, nil.) spent 810,000.00 in fitting it for the meetings. It has beon divided into two great halls, one seating 6,500, the other 4,000, while between there is a wide space inclosed for inquiry rooms and for the Evangelists, with a passage from one to the otlier for their use. After speaking in the large room Mr. j\roody and Mr. Sankey pass over to the other or overflow iDOfitipg, where, meantime, addresses and prayers are to be mnde by clergymen and laymen, chosen for their adaptation to such work. Into the Hippodrome gathered day by day the largest audiences ever collected in New York. Lawyers, bankers, juovchants, some of whom scarcely ever enter a church, were just as much a part of the congregation as the lowly. All classes and conditions of men have been represented at these meetings. Such an anxious seeking for the truth has never been witnessed, and it is a question whether the same amounf'of good has been accomplished anywhere in so short a time. All classes have been benefited by these spedal religious services — ministers, Christian workers and sinners. All who attended the meetings have reason to look back npon the period with great pleasure, for they have witnessed wonderful manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and the blessings of the labors of the good and faithful ambassadors of Christ. As full details of Messrc. Moody and Sankey's meetings, held in other places, have been given in former chapters of lliis work ; and as the mode of conducting the meetings, the numbers attending, the remarks of assistants, the requests for prayer and their remarkable answers, etc., were very similar in New York to what they were in Philadelphia, we will avoid the tediousness of repetition, and occupy the space so 350 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. HI ■I gained with selections from Mr. Moody's sermons delivered at the Hippodrome. ' Mr. Moody's first discourse at the Hippodrome was upon human weakness and almighty power. Long before the hour advertised immense crowds had gathered on Madison Avenue, and when at last the large doors at the entrance on that side of the building were thrown open, the crush became considerable. Men and women appeared to forget every other consideration in the all-absorbing eflfort to get in early in order to obtain advantageous seats. Some were a good deal crushed in this endeavor, but no one was much injured. The policemen around the building, only fifty in number, had no diffic'^lty in keeping order. When once the immense throng began to surge in, it took a very sliort time to fill the large hall to its utmost capacity, the body, galleries, and every available seat in the building being brought into requisition. The smaller hall was then thrown open, it being found that there were still large numbers wait- ing ^or admission. Too much cannot be said in commenda- tion of the arrangements inside the building. Notwithstand- ing the rush of such a number of people into the hall, there was not the slightest confusion. The ushers were here, there, and everywhere, and performed their duties most efficiently ; so much so that the immense crowd was seated in a very few minutes, and in as quiet and orderly a manner as an ordinary church congregation woidd be. For some time before the entrance for the general public had been thrown open, the platform had been gradually filling up from the Twenty- seventh street entrance, which had been reserved for ministers, reporters, and the holders of complimentary tickets. Among those on the platform were Bev. Drs. Ludlow, Adams, Hastings, Tucker, S. H. Tyng, Jr., T. H. Marling, !Newell, Hall, ex'Gov. Morgan, Rev. Dr. H. B. Chapin, Hon. THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEW YORK. 35 I delivered was upon 'owds had large doors own open, appeared )ing effort be. Some 10 one was , only fifty ^hen once very sliort the body, ing being 3n thrown bers wait- Dmmenda- vithstand- lall, there ere, there, ficiently ; very few ordinary efore the »pen, the Twenty- ninisters, Ludlow, Marling, in, Hon. William E. Dodge, Rov. Dr. R. D. Hitchcock, J. B. Cornell, Mr. Kalph Wells, Revs. W. McAlister, H. Moore, Rev. Drs A. M. Clapp, G. H. Hepworth, Taylor, (ion. C. B. Fisk, JJishop Janes. The platform to the left uf the speakers was set apart for the choir, the men of which had also assembled and liikeu their seats before the entrance on Madison Avenue luid been thrown open. The first meeting of the great revival iu New York, was a decided success. The audience was very quiet. It was only when Mr. Saukoy led the choir in some of his well-known hymns that they showed their enthusiasm l)y the way in which they joined in the chorus. Mr. Moody's address appeared to deeply interest the assemblage. As usual with him, it was simple, but he showed his deep earnestness throughout the whole of it, and those are the qualities that make his sermons so eifective. HUMAN WEAKNESS AND ALMIGHTT POWER. Mr. Moody took for his text " But God hath chosen the foolish thiwjs of the world to confound the wise, and God hntJi chosen the weak things of the loorld to cotifound the ihim/s that are miyhty" " That no Hcsh should ylory in his presence." Now, said he, if we are going to have a work in this city <»f New York we must give God all the glory. 1 dread com- iii,' to a new place, for it takes a week or a fortnight to get tluwii to solid work. People to^e leaning 011 the choir and saying : ** Is not that a largo choir?" Or they are saying: "There are so many laiuisters here, this is going to be a great work." It is not by might or power, but by God's Spirit, and we are to get cur e^'es ofl" from those things. There will be no blessing until we get done leaning upon anything of that kind. It is the old Gospel— the old story, and we want the old power — tlie power of the Holy Spirit. If it is anything less than that it will be like the morning cloud, it will soon pass away. 352 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. III'.-' rV :' If"' I can tell you who will be disappointed, and who, in after years, will say tho meetin^;a wero a failure : It will bo every man and woman who does not ^ot quickened. If there is u minister who does not got quickened, he will say the work is a failure. What we want is to get down to ourselves. If there is to be a true revival, there must be a casting down before there is a lifting up. It was when Abraham was oii his face that God talked to him. When we are humble God will lift us up. Until God's people are quickened, there will be no revival. It will only be a counterfeit revival if you work among the unconverted before you get quickened your- self. When the Lord has restored us to the joy of His salva- tion, then we will be able to teach transgressors the way to the kingdom of God. If we are cold and lukewarm, and havo not the Holy Spirit resting upon us, God will not revive tlio work. There may be one or two converts, but tho work will not be thorough unless the Church of God is quickened. I have come from Princeton, and I have not seen anything in America like what I saw there. I think they have a Holy Ghost revival there. The president of the college told me they never had anything like it before, and the same reniaik was made by one of the faculty. They had been disappoint- ed of the leaders they wanted, and they met together and prayed. One of the faculty asked them to pray for him, ami right there at that meeti^^ the work broke out. There have been about iifty brought back who had wandered from Christ, About fifty have been converted, and it looks now as thoii^^li all Princeton would be brought into the fold. Oh, that it may commence here and quicken us, and then the Lord will use us. If you want to introduce two men to each other, you want to be near them. If you want to introduce sinners to God, you must be near to God as well as near to the sinner. If a man is near God he will have a love for the sinner, and his heart will be near him. Until we are near to God our- selves we cannot introduce men to God. Some one has said God always uses the vessels nearest at hand, and if we arc near to God He will use us, und if we are not God cannot use us. Now we want to be in a position to give God all the glory. There are some things that make me tremble for fear .our work will come to nought. There is so much man-wor- THE WORK OF GRACIC IN NEW YORK. 353 sliip. We nuist sink ourselves. "We must got "I" down in tlui (lust. Wo must lay a«i(lo our di^'nity and say : ** Hero Aiu I, U90 mo." I must decnaso, but He must increase. I want to urge you Christian people of Now York not to buy anything on the street. I am told that sixty-five men have come over from Philadelphia to sell photographs and medals, and they are hawking them on the streets. It is a wonder people come to the meetings, they are so beset with pooplo having these photographs to sell. People who patron- ize these men are doing the work a great injury. I would like to urge the people not to buy even tho hymn-books on the street. Go into the book-stores and buy them. Those photographs are no more photographs of us than they are of you. I have not had a photograph taken these eight years. Many men will not come into the meeting, because they say, " these men are speculating." That impression has got abroad on account of these men on tho streets. Let mo urge and beg you to do anything to keep down this man-worship. Let us get bohind the cross, and let Christ be full in view, and then we will have men come into the kingdom of God. Let us go back to the text. It is tho weak things that God wants to me. Jhe world does not want the foolish things ; it wants tlie mighty. But God takes tho foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Next, God takes the weak things to confound ihe things which are mighty. Then he takes the base things, and the despised things, and the things which are not, to bring to nought the things which are, that no flesh may glory in His sight. That was written that we may learn the lesson that God must have all the glory, that we must not take any glory to ourselves, that no flesh may glory in His sight. Just the moment we are ready to take our places in the dust and let God have His glory, then the work will be begun. If we get lifted up and say, " This is a great meeting," and get our minds off from God and are not in com- munion with Him, this work will be a stupendous failure. Now you will find in all ages that God has been trying to teach His children this lesson — that Ho works with the weak things of the world. When He wanted an ark built He called one man to build it, and the world looked upon it with con- tempt. God's ways are not our ways, and God's thoughts 354 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. are not our thonghta. God called one man to build tlio ailc, and though it was thought by the world to be contemptible, yet when the deluge came it was worth more t'jan all tl"} world. When God wanted to deliver Israel out of the hand of the King of Egypt, He did not send an army. If we had that work to do, we would have sent an army : or if we were going to send a man, we would have sent an orator, and laid the matter out before the king in grand style. The Lord called this man Moses, that had been in ;he desert forty years, that had an impediment in his speech. Down goes Moses to the King oi Egypt, who looks upon him with scorn and con- tempt, and says, " Who is God, that I S'\.ald obey Him?" He finds out who He is. Look and see how God works with that king. He uses the little frog. Pharoah looks upon tho frogs with scorn and contempt. Moses said that there wcio many of them, that their God was a mighty God, who de- lighted to take the v/eak things of the world to confound tlio mighty. We are not weak enough. It is weakness God wants. If we lay our weakness upon the altar God M'ill take that and use R. One depending upon God's strength is worth all the strength of tlie world. He luis power, and He wants us to learn the lesson that power. comes from Him. Look at that giant coming out to defy Israel. Down in the valley came the giant of Gath every morning, and til© whole army was afraid to meet that g'lnt. When Israel was trusting in God whole armies came against them and i^ey were not afraid. At last a stripling came up, and when this uncircumcisfMl PhiJistine came out the young boy enquires, " Who is this man that defies the army of God T They tell him. He wants to go right out at once and meot him. He was the very last person we would have chosen. We would want to have some other giant to meet the giant of Gath. Gv-»d will have the glory. That is tho point. If some great gia. t had slain the giant of Gath the people would have given him all the jlory. God takes that youth from the country, and he goes out not with Saul's armor. He has no armor of Saul upon him. He takes a few smooth stones out of the brook, and with his sling goes forth to meet tho giant. He says, " You have your spear, but I come in tlio name of my God." He leaned upon th-^ strength of his God ««r THE WOR.: OF GRACE IN NEW YORK. $$$ d the ailc, itemjjtiljl.', lan all tl") f the hand If we had if we were *, and laid The Lord 3rty years, 3 Moses to 1 and con- jy Him?" rorks with I upon tlio here were [, who dc- found tlio nc88 upon Jin«i:uj)on He has ver, comes fy Israel, morning, . When inst them > up, and )ung hoy of God i" md meot e chosen. ;he giant oint. If )le wouk uth from He has ,h stonos meet tlio lie in tlio 'his God And now look at him as he puts that little stone in hisslin,!:^. He takes one aim, God directs it, and the giant of Gath falls That boy was the very last man we would have chosen, but lie vvas chosen of God. God takes the weak tnings of the world to confound the mighty. We want to learn the lesson tliiit we are weak. We do not want our own strength. God called Sampson, and with the ja^vbone of an ass he slew a thousand men. Look at Jonathan and his armor-bearer. God (!an save by few as well "as by many. It is not by might or power, but by the Spirit of God. If we will learn that les- son to-night we can be of use at once ; we can be used us chot-x^.n vessels to carry the Gospel to others. Then the work can commence in New York at once. Let me impress this upon you, that it is weakness that God wants. There was weeping once in lieaven. Johr. \vept when ho got there, and some one handed him a book, and it was sealed, and there was no one there that could open the book. Abel was not worthy. Ho might have looked upon Enoch ; he was not worthy. He might have looked upon Abraham, the man who had such mighty faith in God ; yet the father of the faithful was not worthy to open the book. He might have looked upon Elijah or upon Daniel, but they were not worthy. Ho might have looked upon the Now Testament saints, but they were not worthy. Stephen was not worthy. John began to cry as he looked into heaven and down upon earth, and found there wa.-i not one upon earth who was worthy to open tlu^ book. John heard a voice saying : " Tiiere is one who is worthy ; the Lion of the tribe of Judah." John looked around to see the Lion, and lo ! it was a lamb. Instead of our having strength, we want weakness. When tlie lion of hell was to U', overcome, the Lamb of God came forth, and the Lamb of Calvary slew the lion of hell, and con- quered him. If we are going to have strength in God, we must have weakness. Wo want to a^sk God to give us weak- ness, not sti ength. When God wanted Germany to be blessed Ha gave power to one man to do it and Germany was blessed. When dark- ness and superstition were settled over Scotland He did not call forth a groat army to deliver the land. The Spirit of the Lord cume on John Knox, and ho shook all Scotland. You 35^ MOODY AND SANKl-Y IN AMERICA. cannot move through that country now hut you feel the in- fluence of John Knojf there. You feel in England the influ- ence of John Wesley and Whitfield. They were not giants in intellect, but the Spirit of God was on them ; they wero mighty in God. Look at Gideon. God wanted him to go up against the Midianites. He marshalled 32,000 men. The Lord said : " If I give you victory, Gideon, with that army, Israel would say, * What have we done ; we have slain our hundreds of thousand of Midianites.* Just say to the nicti who are fearful that they can go back home." Out of 32,000, 22,000 left, so that he had but 10,000 remaining. His heart sinks within him. " Too many yet," said the Lord. " If they get the victory they will say, * See what we have done.' They will tako the glory to themselves. Take them down to the water and we'll try them again." Well, out of 10,000 only 300 were left. So the Lord sent them forth with their empty pitchers, and they overthrew the Midianites. I would rather have 300 men in New York city whose hearts were set on God — who were not full of fear.^ and doubts, than thousands of those who see so many giants, so many obstacles always in the way. I have heard so many say, " New York is a hard city ; you won't succeed here." They are all the time looking at the difficulties. If God be with us we will succeed. Is not the God of our fathers enough for New York 1 Cannot our God take this city and shake it as He would a little child 1 There is not an infidel or a sceptic in New York that the Lord cannot reach. When in Philadelphia, we almost thought it was a failure for the first few weeks. They talked about the crowds all the time, but could not get their eyes fixed on God. Then the holidays +)egan and the aiuli- ence fell off. It was the best thing that happened. The work then commenced, and I believe he results are deep and lasting as eternity because it was God's work. Don't you say that anything is small that God has a hand in. Look at that little cloud yonder, not bigger than a man's hand ; but as the hand of God is in that cloud it is found to be enough for all Palestine. The land then thirsting for water got all that it needed. Don't call it tmall ; it is large enough if God only give it. Let me say, before we «lose, what we want to get is the s\9 THE WORk OF GRACE IN NEW YORK. 357 el tlie in- tlie intlu- aot giants they woro him to go len, Tito hat army, slain our I thR men >f 32,000, His hoart )r(l. " If ive done,' 1 down to Df 10,000 with their I would arts were bts, than ' obstacles ^ftw York all the .8 we will BW York ] would a in New Iphia, we J. They get their the amli- ed. Tlie deep iin>l ou't yoii Look at md ; but p enough got all h if God et is the blessing homo to ourselves. Let us not be so anxious to leacb the unconverted as ourselves. People will say, " That is just what such a jwrson wanted." They will never hear for them« selves. Use your ears for yourselves. Let us pray God to get a blessing ourselves, every one of us. Let ourselves get quickened, and what the result will be it will take eternity alone to tell. Let us get quickened aad anointed ourselves by the Spirit of God, afresh, and I have no more doubt that I exist than that a great work will be accomplished in our roidst. But if we are not blessed ourselves, then the work will be a superficial one. It won't be the work God wants to give us. L us ask God to-night that we may receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Let our prayer be : " O God, bless me. Give me a fresh baptism of Thy Spirit. Kestore to me the joy of Thy salvation." Just before Elijah was taken iway the Lord told him to call Elisha to take his place. If God calls us He will qualify us for our work. He is able to do it. He can qualify us for it So Elijah called Elisha, and when the time came for him to be called away he started from Gilgal to go down to Bethel. He said Itaibha should not go with him. But it had been revealed to Elisha that Elijah should be taken away, and he wanted to get his spirit, so he said : " I will not go without you." When they got to Bethel, Elijah said : " You stay here a^d I wiU go to Jericho." He wanted to visit the theological aeminaries there. But Elisha said : " Yon will not go without me," So arm in arm the two went to Jericho " You tarry heie till I go over Jordan." But Elisha would n^. stay without him, so arm in arm they went to Jordan. Elijah now said : " What do you want — what is your petition ) " Elisha answered, " I want a double portion of your spirit." A. pretty bold petition indeed. Oh, let us ask great things ! That is just what God wants. Elijah said : " Thou hast asked a hard thing ; nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken up, it shall be so unto thee." But Elislia will not leave him. They now come to the waters of Jordan and pass through dry-shod together. They leave the Jordan arm in arm, when lo ! suddenly a chariot separates them. Elijah goes i^way from him ; he is swept away to the clouds, but, as he goei, back comes his mantle. Elisha takes it up to Jordan. With it he strikes the waters. The answer f-W' 'jSs.' 358 MOODV AND SAN KEY IN AMKRICA. now comes ; these waters separate and he goes over alone. And when the sons of the prophets saw it, they lifted up theJT voices and cried out : " The spirit of Elijah rests upon Elisha." Oh, may the spirit of Elijah rest upon us to-night ! Let us go to our closets and plead with God. Let us go to our homes and cry mightily to God that the spirit of Elijah may rest upon us. Then we can say : " Here I am, use me." Oh, that we may get self out of the way. Let us make no pro- vision for the flesh, but give up all to Jesas, and you will see how quickly he will bless our service. THB DEATH OF OHBIST. You will find my text this afternoon in the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, 4th and 5th verses : *' Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows ; yet we did esteem Him stride- eUf smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities ; the chas- tisement of our peace was upon Him ; and with His stripes we are healed^ Five times that little word ** our " is used— our sorrows, our griefs, our iniquities, our transgressions, and the chastise- ment of our peace — there is a substitute for you I I would like, if I Goi^d, to make the 53rd chapter of Isaiah real. I woidd like, H I could this afternoon, to bring before this con- gregation, or to bring out this truth — what Christ has suffered for each one of us. We take up the Bible, we read the account of His crucifixion and death, how He suffered in agony, and we go away, lay the Bible down, and think nothing more about it. I remember when the waa* was g' ing on I wouM read about a great battle having been'fought, where probably ten thousand men had been killed and wounded, and after reading the article I would lay the paper aside and forget all about it. At last I went into the army myself ; I saw the dying men, I heard the groans oi the wounded, I helped to comfort the dying and bury the dead, I saw the scene in all its terrible realities. After I had been on the battlefield I eould not read an account of a battle without it making a profound imprewion upon me. I wish I could bring before you in living colors the sufferings and death of Christ. I do THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEW YOR'C. 359 rev alone. I \\\) th»3iT II Elisha." ;ht 1 Let go to our lijah may ne." Oh, te no pro- u will see •d chapter borne our Um strick- unded for ; the elms- lis stripes ir sorrows, d chastise- I would b real. I this con- is suffered le account gony, and ling more I wouM probably and after forget all saw the helped to ne in all .tlefield I making a ng before St. I do not believe there would be a dry eye hero. I want to speak of His physical sufferings, for that I think we can get hold of. No man knows all that Christ suffered. Now, when a great man dies we are all anxious to get his last words, and if it is a friend, how we treasure up that last word, how we tell it to his friends, and we never tire talking to our loved ones of how he made his departure from the world. Now let us visit Calvary ; let us bring the scene down to this present age ; let us bring it right down here into this world this afternoon ; or let us go back in our imagination to the time of Christ's crucifixion : let us imagine we are living in the city of Jerusalem instead of New York ; let us take just the last Thursday he was there before he was crucified. Lot us just imagine we are walking up one of the streets of Jerusalem. You see a small body of men walking down the street : everybody is running to see what the excitement is. As we get nearer we find that it is Jesus with His apostles. We just walk down the street with them, and we see them stop and enter a very common-looking house. They go in and we enter also, and we find Jesus sitting with the apostles. Yuu can see sorrow depicted upon His brow. His disciples see it, but do not know what has caused His grief. We are told that He was sorrowful unto death. As He was sitting there He said to the twelve, " One of you shall this night betray me." Then each of them wondered if he were the one of whom the Master spoke, and they said, " Is it 1 1 " Tlien Judas the traitor said, "Is it 11" Jesus said it was. Christ said, "Judas, what thou doest do quickly." Then Judas got up and left the room. For three years he had been associated with the Son of God. For three years he had sat at the feet of Jesus. For three years he had heard those wordn of sympathy and love fall from His lips. For three years he had been one of the faithful twelve. He had seen Him perform His wonderful miracles. He had heard the parables as they fell from the lips of Jesus. For three years he had been a member of that little band. So he got up and went out into the night, the darkest night that this world ever saw. He goes out of that guest chamber. You can hear him as he goes down those steps, off into the darkness and the blackness of the night. Then he went to the Sanhedrim |>^w' MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. I'llli;! and he said, " I will make a bargain with you, I will sell him cheap ; " and there he betrayed -his Master for thirty pieces of silver. That was a small amount. Men condemi him, but how many are selling Him for less than that) How many will give him up for less than that ? There are men who will sell Him for a little pleasure, and women who would sell Him for two or three hours in a ball-room. You can hear the money being counted. He puts it into his pocket. He says, "Givo me a band of men and I will take you where He is." It was then that Christ said those beautiful words. It was on that night that He said, " Let not your hearts be troubled. 1 go to prepare a place for you ; and if I go to prepare a place for you I will come again, that where I am there ye may be also." Instead of the disciples trying to cheer Him, He is trying to cheer them. He takes I'eter, Janiea and John off from the rest, and then He with- 'Irawfl from them about a stone's throw. Then he prayed to the Father. He that knew no sin was to bear all our sins. Ho who was as spotless as the angels of heaven was to suiTer fur us. From this lone spot His prayers ascended to heaven. And wliile he is praying tlie apostles fall asleep, for their eyes are heavy. Peter, James, and John were heavy with sleep. When He gets up from prayer He looks into the distance. He sees the men who are hunting for Him. They are looking around through the olive trees for some one. He well knows who they are looking for. He went up to this band of men and said, " Whom seek ye 1 " And they said, " We seek Jesus of mzareth." " Well," said Jesus, " I am He." There was something about that reply that terrified those men. They trembled and fell to the ground. Tlien at last Judas came up, and I don't know but he put his arms around His neck and kissed Him. When Judas had kissed Christ, the soldiers seized Him, for Judas had told the soldiers lljut when they saw him kiss a man that was He. Those hands that had wrought so many wonderful miracles, those hands that had often been raised to bless the disciples, were bound. Then Peter takes his sword, and cuts off the high priest's servant's ear. But Jesus heded the wound at once. He would not let the soldier sufifer. Then they take Him back to Jerusalem. He can see the THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEW YORK. 36 1 ill sell him rty pieces era*! him, it 1 How ) are men 7ho would iits it into and I will said those jaid, " Let e for you ; igain, that J disciples He takes He with- prayed to I our sins. LS to suffer bo heaven, their eyes trith sleep. ) distance, re looking ^ell knows id of men We seek " There tn. They das came His neck le soldiers -hen they that had that had Id. Then servant's dd not let n see the soldiers and the populace mocking Him. When they take Him hack they are summoned before the Sanhedrim. They lead Him before the Sanhedrim, and Annas is sent for. He is taken before Annas and Caiaphas : Christ is taken before the rulers of the Jews. There were seventy that belonged to that Sanhedrim. The law required that two witnesses must appear against a person on trial before he could be convicted. They 'secure false witnesses, who come in and swear falsely. Then the high priest asked Jesus what it was that those men witnessed against Him, but He said nothing. Then the high priest asked Him a second time and said, " Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed f" Jesus answered, " I am, and ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest said, " What need we any further witnesses 1 Ye have heard the blasphemy from His own lips." And the verdict came forth, " He is guilty of death ! " What a sentence ! After a moment he was pronounced guilty of death. You can see one of these soldiers strike him with the palm of his hand. Another spits in His face. Why, if I should spit in any of your faces you would be disgusted and get up and leave the hall. They not only struck Him, but they spit upon Him. They keep Him until morning. While they are keeping Him, Peter is out in the Judgment Hall swearing that he never knew Him. They had all forsaken Hiin. Judas had already come back and thrown down the money which had been paid him for betraying innocent blood. He was about going out to hang hinivSelf. About daylight th 'B i ^ * ^. . »r i'l 1 1 ' ^ ,11 Pi! at Nazareth. When he heard that, glad to get rid of the responsibility, Pilate says, " Then I will send Him to Herod." There are a great many Roman soldiers keeping back the crowds in the streets, the same as our police on some great day. You can see these soldiers going before the crowd that has Jesus, clearing the streets. Herod was glad when Jesus was brought into his presence, for ho hoped that Ho would perform some miracles to gratify his curiosity. We are told that Herod's men of war set Him at naught. They dressed Him up, took some cast-off clothing of one of their kings, perhaps, and said, "Hail, King of the Jews !" Then tlioy came up and struck Him on the face. Oh ! my friends, let us make this scene real to-day ! He was bruised for our transgressions. He is your substitute and mediator. After they had mocked Him, they dressed Him up in His own garments and brought Him before Pilate. You can see the crowd around the Judgment Hall. They are ready to put Him to death. Pilate wanted to chastise Christ and release Him, and then deliver a prisoner to them. And they cried, " Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas." They opened the prison door and let the prisoner out. Then Pilate thought of a way tcr save Ilim. He remera bered that it was a custom among the Jews that on a certain day one prisoner was to be releasnd to them, and go unpunished. So he said to the Jews, ** Which of these two prisonera shall I release, Jesus or Barabbas 1 " And when tho Chief P^est found out what was going on he went through the crowd and asked that Barabbas might be released. Tho Governor was disappointed, and when he put the question to the crowd, " Which shall I release unto you, Jesus or Barab- bas 1 " Jesus who raised the dead, or Barabbas who took tlio lives of men, whose hands were dripping with the blood of his fellow-men 't No sooner was it put to the crowd than they lifted up their voices, shouting, " Barabbas, Barabbas ! " Then he said, " What shall I do with Jesus 1 " And the cry rang through the streets, *' Let Him be crucified." But a few days before the crowd were crying, " Hosanna to the Son of David 1 " Then when the Governor heard it he turned and wrung his hands, spying, '< I am innocent of the blood of this just man." THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEW YORK. 363 rid of tlio to Herod." back the some great Jrowd that hen Jesus Ho would ^e are told 3y dressed leir kiiif,'s, Then they riends, let id for our p. up in His u can see ady to put nd release hey cried, IS." joner out. e remem 1 a certain , and go these two when the t throu<,'h led. The lestion to or Barab- took the blood of ihan they pabbas ! " i the cry 5ut a few le Son of rned and blood of Ob, until I came to read all about what Christ suffered, I never before realized what He had done for us. I never know until I came to read all about the Roman custom of scourging what it meant by Christ being scourged for me. When I first read about that I threw myself on the floor and w ept, and asked Him to forgive me for not having loved Him more. Let us imagine the scene where he is taken by the Roman soldiers to be scourged. The orders were to put forty stripes, one after another, upon His bared back. Sometimes it took fifteen minutes, and the man died in the process of being scourged. See Him stooping while the sins of the world are laid upon Him, and the whips come down upon his bare back, cutting clear through the skin and flesh to the bone. And, after they had scourged Him, instead of bringing oil and pouring it into the wounds of Him who came to bind up the broken heart, and pour oil into its wounds — instead of doing this they dressed Him up again, and some cruel wretch reached out to Him a crown of thorns, which was placed upon His brow. The Queen of England wears a crown of gold, filled with diamonds and precious stones, worth $20,000,000 ; but when they came to crown the Prince of Hea»ren, they gavo Him a crown of thorns and placed it upon His brow, and in His hand they put a stick for a sceptre. Now you might have seen at one of the gates of the city a great crowd bursting through. What is coming ! There are two thieves being brought for execution. l>et\veen the two thieves is the Son of God walking through the streets of •Jerusalem. And he carried a cross. You ladies wfear small crosses made of gold and wood and stone arcund your nee!"" but the cross that the Son of God carried was a rude, heavy tree made into a cross. I can imagine Him reeling and stag- gering under it. Undoubtedly He had lost so much blood that He was too faint to carry it, and before they got to the place it well nigh crushed Him to the earth. And then some stranger undertook to bear it along after Him. I can imagine tiie strong man carrying it along, and the crowd hooting " Away with Him ; away with Him " — a pestilent fellow, as they called Him. This was only nine o'clock in the morning. 'J'hey arrived at Calvary a little before nine. Then they took ur *.he Son of G^d uad they laid Him out upon that cross. 3^4 MOODY AisD SANKEY IN AMERICA. "1 . ¥ ?•' I can imagine them binding His wrists to the arms of the cross. And after they had got Him bound, up came a sol- dier with hammer and nails and put one nail into the pahn of His hand, and then came the hammer without mercy, driving it down through the bone and flesh, and into th() wood, and then into the other hand. And then thoy brought a long nail for His feet, and then the soldiers gathered round the cross and lifted it up ; and the whole weight of the Son of God came upon those nails in His hands and feet. O, you young ladies, who say you see no beauty in Christ that you should desire to be like Him, come with me and take a look at those wounds; and renioni- ber that that crown of thorns was laid upon His brow by ; mocking world. Look at Him as He hangs there, uid at the people who pass by deriding him. There are the two thieves that reviled Him, and the one that said, " Save us and save Thyself if Tliou be the Son of God." But hark ! At last there comes a cry m the cross. What is it 1 Is it a cry to the Lord to take Him down from the cross 1 No ! It is, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Was there ever such love as that 1 While they were crucifying Him, He was lifting His heart to God in prayer. His heart seemed to be breaking for those sinners. How He wanted to take them in His arms ! How He wanted to forgive them ! At last Ho cried, "I thirst !** and, instead of giving Him a drau^^'ht of water from the spring, they gave Him a draught of gaul mixed with vinegar. There He hung I You can see those soldiers casting lots for His gar- ments as they crowd around the foot of the cross. While they were casting lots the crowd would mock and deride Him and make all manner of sport of Him. He cried only, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Eight in the midst of the darkness and gloom there came a voice from one of those thieves. It flashed into his soul a> he hung there, " This must be more than man ; this must bf the true Messiah !" He cried out, " Lord, remember me wheT* Thou comest iL Thy Kingdc anxious get It the last word or act of our dying friends. Hare was the last act of Jesus. He snatched the thief from the jaws of death saying, " This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise." AnC THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEW \ORK. 365 n^ain He spoke. What was iti "It is fiuished," was Tlis cry. Salvation was wrought out, atonoment was made. His blood had been shed ; His life had hoen given. Undoubtedly, if we had been there we would have seen hjgions of deviJa hovering around the cross. And so the dark clouds of death and hell carao surging up against the bosom of the Son of God, and He drove thorn back, as you have seen the waves come gathering up and surging against the rock, and th«;n receding and then returning. The billows were over Him. He was conquering death and Satan and the world in those last moments. He was treading the wine-pn'sa alone. At liist He shouted frrfra the cross, " It is finished." Perhaps no one who heard it knew what it meant. But the angels in heaven knew ; and T can imagine the bells of heaven (if they liave bells there) ringing out, and angels singing, " Tlie God- man is dead, and full restitution has opened the way back into Paradise, and all man has to do is to look and live." After He cried, "It is finished," He bowed His head, com mended His spirit to God, and gave up the ghost. Do yoii t(^ll me you see no reason ^hy you should love such a Saviour^ Would you rather ho hU enemy than His friend? Have you (10 desire to receive Him and become His ? May Qod softei all our hard hearts to-day. 366 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. lU^'' LOVE. It speaks in Galatians about love, the fruit of the Spirit bfiing love, joy, peace, gentk'iiess, long suffering, meekness, and temperance. The way this writer has put it — and I think it is very beautiful — is that joy is love tycultant, peace is love in repose, and long suffering is love enduring. It is all love, you see ; a gentleness is love in society, and goodness is lovo in action, and faith is love on the battle-field, and meekness is love at school, and temperance is love in training. Now there are a great many that have love, and tUey hold i\w truth. I should have said that they have got truth, but they don't hold it in love ; and they are very unsuccessful in working for God. They are very harsli, and God cannot, use them. Now, let us hold the truth ; but lot us hold it in love. People will stand almost any kind of plain talk if you only do it in love. If you do it in hardness it bounds back, and they won't receive it. So what we want is to have tlio truth, and at the same time hold it in love. Then there is another class of people in the world that have got the truth, but they love so much that they give uj) the truth because they are afraid it will hurt some one's feelings. That is wrong. We want the whole truth any way. We don't want to give it up, but hold it in love ; and I believe one reason why people think God don't love them is because they have not this love. I met a lady in the inquiry room to-day, and I could not convince her that God loved her ; for she said if He did love her He would not treat her as He had. And I believe people are all measuring God with their own rule, as I said the other day, and we are not sincere in our love ; and we very often pro- fess something we don't really possess. Very often we profess to have love for a person when we do not, and we think God is like us. Now God is just what He says he is, , and He wants His children to be sincere in love; not to love just merely in word and tongue, but to love in earnest. That is what God does. You ask me why God loves. You might as well ask me why the sun shines. It can't h('l|) shining, and neither can Ho help loving, because He is lovt; Himself; and any ouo that says He is not love does not ■liiliii.j^ THE WORK OF GRACE IN NliW YORK. 3^V le Spirit nes8, and bink it is love ill all love, IS is lovo neekneas g. Now hold tho 'uth, but uccessful d cannot lold it in ,1k if yon ids back, have tliu orld that J give up mo one's uth any in love ; on't love lady in her that le woulil are all her day. ten pro- )ften we , and we ys he is, , t to love earnest. Ds. You n't hell* I is luvi! loes not know anything about lovo. If we have pot the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do. There is a good deal of what you might call sham love. People profess to love you very much, when you find it is all on the surface. It is not heart lovo. Very often you are in a person's house, and tho servant comes in and siiys such a person is in the front room, and she says : " (J+i, dear, I am 80 sorry ho has come, I can't bear the sight of him ; " and she'll get right up and go into the other room and say, " Why, Jiow do you do? I am verij glad to see you." [Laughter.] There is a good deal of that sort of thing in tho world. 1 remember, too, T was talking with a man one day, and an acquaintance of his camo in, and he jumped up at once and shook him by tho hand — why I thought he was going to shake his hand out of joint, he shook so hard — and ho seemed to bo so glad to see him, and wanted him to stay, but the man was in a great hurry and could not stay, and he coaxed and urged him to stay, but the man said no, he would come an- other time ; and after that man went out my companion turned to me and said, " Well, he is an awful bore, and I am glad he's gone." Well I began to feel that I was a bore, too, and 1 got out as quick as I could. [Laughter ] That is not real lovo. That is love with the tongue while the heart is not true. Kow, let us not love in word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth. That is the kind of love God gives us, and he wants the same in return. Now, there is another side to this truth. A man was talking to me out here tho other day that he didn't believe there was any love at all ; that Christians professed to have love, but he didn't believe men could have two coats, and I think he reflected on me, because I had on my overcoat at that time and he hadn't got any. I looked at him and said * " Suppose I should give you one of my coats, you would drink it up before sundown. I love you too much to give you my tjoat and have you drink it up." A good many people are complaining now that Christians don't have the love they ought to have, but I tell you it is no sign of want of love that we don't lovo the lazy man. I have no sympathy with those ■^f 368 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. raon that are just begging twelve months of the year. It would be a good thing, I believe, to have them die off. They are of no good. I admit there are some that are not real, and sincere, and true, but there are many that would give the last penny they had to help a man who really needed help. But there are a good many sham cases — men that won't work, and the moment thoy get a penny they spend it for drink. To such men it is r.o charity to give. A man that won't work should be made to work. I believe there is a great deal more hope for a drunkard, or a murderer, or a gambler than there is of a lazy man. I never heard of a lazy man being con- verted yet, though I remember talking once with a miiiisiiier in the backwoods of Iowa about lazy men. He was all dis- couraged in his efforts to convert lazy men, and I said to him, " Did you ever know of a lazy man to be converted 'i " " Yes," paid he ; "I knew of one, but ho was so lazy that he didn't stay converted but about six weeks." And that is as near as I ev<'r Iieard of a lazy man being converted ; and if there are any here today saying tliey don't love us because we don't give them any money, I say we love them too well. "We don't give to them, because it is ruin. Some years ago I pickod up several children in Chicago, and th< light I would clothe them and feed them; and I took special interest in those boys, to see what I cou^l make of them. I don't think it was thirty days before the clothes had all gone to whiskey, and the fathers had drank it all up. One day I met one of the little boys, for whom I had bought a pair of boots only the day before. There was St snow storm coming up, and he was barefooted. " Mike," says I, " how's this 1 Where are your boots ? " *' Father ind mother took them away," said he. There is a good deal that we think is charity that is really doing a great deal Df mischief, and the people must not think because we don't ?ive them moyey to aid them in their poverty that we don't love them ; for the money would go into their pockets to get whiskey with. It is no sign that we are all hypocrites and insincere in our love that we don't give money. I be- lieve if the prodigal son could have got all the money ho M .inted in that foreign country, he would never havo come home ; f>nf Matthew Adam had THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEV YORK. 37$ d^ne this, had sinned and broujijht death upon the wor](>ii hung Ills " Lnrd, if: gB it Ijjick e wIu'io jt le (1i)d fur ivn it ri<,'lil \ to cliaif^o ssing llinir = Why (lid \\A Ailiuii. ill; took The tir.4 and fell. d is every r us. The world aro n he left a 1 went up The tiist 5 went up svery man 10 victory chenibiin to the tivo 1 had gone y friendi^, it is a good thing to be able to die, that in the evening of life we may shuffle off this old Adaju coil, and be with the Son of God. There is nothing sad about death to a man that is in Christ Jesus. God put a sword there to guard the tree of life. The Son of Man went into the garden and plucked up the tree, and transferred it into Paradise. The gates are ajar (that is a poetical expression, but I use it for an illustration), and all we have to do is to walk right in and pluck the fruit and eat. Men complain because Adam was driven out of the (jarden of Eden. I would rather be up there, where Satan cannot go, tlian bo in the old Eden. Thanks be to God, Satan cannot go up there ! The tree is [danted by the throne of God, and theio is the crystal stream by the river, and the tree is planted beside it. If God put Adam out of this earthly Eden on account of one sin, do you think he will let us into the Paradise above with our tens of thousands of sins upon us ? If he punished one sin in that way, and would not allow him to live in the old garden for one sin, will he perjjiit us to go to heaven with all our niai/v sins upon us t There is no sense in tlie sacred history of the atonement unless our sins have been transferred to itiiothor and put away. There is no hope unless God's sword liiisi been raised against sin, and if Gud finds sin on you and me we must die. All wo have to do is to turn our sins over to Iliiu who has borno our sins in His own body on the tree. \S\\\ you turn to the third chapter of Colossians, 3rd verso : " For yo are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Wiien Adam was driven out of Eden, all he lost was an earthly gai-Uen. God never promised him heaven. He was not a fallen man ; he was an earthly man. God gave him Eden. What do we get if we are of the second Adam ? The moment that God pronounced His creation good, then evil began to creep in. You could hear the footsteps of Satan coming. Sa- tan said to himself, " Good, is it 1 I will mar it then ;" and he went to work to destroy God's work. But no sooner had Satan left Eden than God came right down and put man into 1 hi;;her place than before. Thanks be to Him, we have our *ife hid with Christ in God. You know Satan vva« once the Sun of the Morning, but Ond afterwards cast him out, and Gud tjUtes a man and puts him in Satan's former place beside 3;8 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. Ilim on the throne. "We have more in the second Adam than wo Inst in the first Adam. Tliero is a poor sinner tliat takes and hiiles his life in Christ ; how will 8atan get at him 1 Ho U secure. Our life is whore Satan cannot get at it If hu could he would get at it before we couM have time to got uur dinnors to-day, and we could not have the power ourselves tu knep him out ; but Christ keeps him out, and we are secure. When God said to old Adam, " Where are thou ?" Adam went and hid away. When he asked the second Adam, " Where art thou?" he was at the right hand of God. When God aisked the firtjt Adam, '' What hast thou done )" he said he had sinned. The second Adam said, " I have glorified Thee for ever." He came for that purpose. That is all that He did when He was down here on earth. I want to call your attention to the natures of the two men. It is one of the most important truths that can be ])rought out. I was a Christian for twelve or fifteen years be- fore I understood the two natures. I had a good deal of doubt and uncertainty, because I did not understand one thing. I thought when a man was converted, God changed his whole nature. We very often talk about a change of heart. I do not think that is a good way to put it. You can- not find those words in Scripture. All through Scripture it is a ** new birch ;" it is a new creation ; it is new life given ; " born from above of the Spirit ; " " born again." If it is a new birth it must be a new nature. I believe that every child of God has two natures. Some people say, " Wiiy have you Christians so much conflict 1 You are always struggling with yourselves, and having coifflict. We don't have it. Why is it?" Because we have two natures; and there is a battle always going on between the worlds of light and darkness. Once there was a judge who had a col- ored man. The colored man was very godly, and the judge used to have him to drive him around in his circuit. Tlie judge used often to talk with him, and the colored man would tell the judge about his religious experience, and about his" battles and conflicts. One day the julead duck and he has you anyhow, and doea not bothor about you until he gets mo for certain." So the devil has no conflict Ho can devour the helpless and the widow, and it does not trouble him ; he <;an drive a sharp bargain, and get the advantage of a man and ruin him, and not be tioubled about it ; and he can heap up such things all the time, and have no conflict within. Why! Because the new nature in him is not begun. When H man is born of God he gets a new life. One is from heaven aud comes from Christ, that heavenly manna that comes from the throne of God. The other is of the eaith, and comes of the old Adam. When I was born of ray father and mother I received their nature ; when they were born of their parents tiiey received their nature ; and you can trace it back to Eden. We then received God's nature. There are two natures in man that are as distinct as day and night With that old Adam in us, if we do not keep him down in the place of death, he brings us into captivity. I do not see how any one can explain the 6th, 7th, and 8th chap- ters of Romans in any other way. People sometimes tell me thoy have got out of the 7th chapter of Romans, but I notice tliey always get back there again. The fact is, we do not kitow ourselves. It takes us all our lives to tind out who and what we are, and when we think we know, something happens li^at r^«Vea us think we are not much further than we were IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ,^ f^^ ' chapter of Romans it is written: "Knowing this, that an oia man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should . not serve sin. For he that is dead is frood from sin." And in the 11th verse there are just three words to be especially considaredr "Reckon yourselves dead." If we were really dead, we would not have to reckon ourselves dead ; but if we were dead as it means there, we have to think of it and " reckon" about it. Judi- cially we are dead, but in reality we are dovvn here fighting the world, the flesh, and the devil. Some people seem to think they have got away from the flesh, and that they are ttoaring away in a sort of seventh heaven, but they get back again sooner or later. We find them wandering off down here. You cannot make the flesh anything but flesh. It will be flesh all the time ; it will bring us into captivity. If we do not put it off" and crucify it, and keep it in the place of death, it wilt keep us thtire for ever. What if a man does yield and says it is not ho, but it is the sin in him 1 It is but one man after all, not two men ; and one man is resjwnsiblo. If I am led astray by Satan, I may protest against it as much as my accuser does. I say I know I have been wrong ; I was off guard ; I was not watching ; but I hater it as much us any one does. That is the reason why in the 1 7th chapter of Ro- mans he calls it, " I protest." But protestation does not excuse me. A man went into court, having been arrested for something. He said he did not do it, and when it was proved Hgainst him he said he did not do it — it was the old man in him. The judge said : " Well, I will send the old man to prison : the other may do what he can." If we yield and sin we have to suffer. And at the very time that we are doing good Satan comes along and says, " That is a good actian,"^ and goes on and gets us all puffed up, There are a good many that have been ruined by spiritual pride. At the very time we are trying to do good the devil is present trying to get us to it with some impure motive. We are to put him off. He is no longer our master. We have been redeemed, and we belong to the new man. We must starve out the old man ; give him no food at all; not let him speak. The more we put him down iUa THE WORK OF CRACK IN NEW YORK. 381 hings. In { this, that sin might sin. For 1 1th verse r "Reckon 1 not have s it means it. Judi- •e fighting Q seem to t they are get back off down h. It will y. If wo e place of man doot^ It is but sponsible, t as much <; ; I was tch as any ter of Eo- does not rested for as proved man in man to d and sin tan comes 1 and gets lave been trying to vith some onger our the new no food at iown iiio N weaker he gets, and the mere the new man speaks throngh n?', the more power he has and the stronger he gets. As the house of Saul grew weaker and woaker, the house of David grew stronger. If you feed the old Adam he will go right on growing. If you go on with the world, and go to the theatres and dancing halls in preference to prayer-meetings, the old man will get stronger and stronger. A friend of mine said that when he was converted and began preaching, he talked a good deal about himself. He said one day he saw in one of the hymn books left by a godly woman who had a seat in the church, a Hy leaf on which was written these words : " Dear Harry, not 1, but Christ ; not flesh, but spirH ; not sight, but faith." These words my friend pasted in his bible, and never preached or thought any more about himself. He kept h'mself out af Ihe way. That is just what the old man does not do. Witli him it is self, self, self. If it is the new man, it is not I, but Christ. If it is the new man, it is not flesh, but Spirit. If it is the new man, it is not sight, but faith. In the old Adam it is death ; in the new Adam it is eternal life. We all come under the two heads. Which, my friend, do you belong to, the old creation or the new ? Let us pray that we may stand by the throne of Orod clothed in the righteousness of the second Adam. E^i.. _-- ADDRESS TO YOUNG CONVERTS. * Farewell Services at the New York Hippodromef held Wednesday Evening, April 19, 1876. In the fourteenth chapter of Romans, and fourth verse, you will find these words : " God is able to make him stand." I have no doubt that there are many sceptics, and even luke- warm Christians, that are saying in their hearts that these young converts will not stand long. They say, " Wait three months, or at the most six months, and see where all the con- verts are at the end of that time." " They won't stand ; they won't stand " — I have heard that said all my life. Our fath- ers and our forefathers heard it. " Ah," they say, " they won't hold out," but look at the thousands and thousands of Christians that have held out notwithstanding all these pro- phecies. If you young converts, now in the morning of your Christian experience, will learn the lesson of this one word " able," it may save you many a painful experience. You cannot stand of yourselves, but it is God that is going to make you stand. He was able to make Joseph stand down there in Egypt, and to make Elijah stand before Ahab, and to make Daniel stand in Babylon, and John Bunyan to stand in Bedford. Probably he had as mean a nature as any one, and yet God was able to make him stand and to enable him to overcome that mean nature. The moment we lean on an arm of flesh, that moment we fall ; then we are on dangerous ground ; we walk on the edge of a volc&no, on the brink of the precipice. I remember when I was a young Christian I used to think that it would be easier after a time, and that when I had been a Christian fifteen or twenty years I should have but few temptations and difiiculties ; but I find that the longer I live the n^ore dangers I see surrounding me. Why, Samson judged Israel for twenty years and then fell into sin ; J, held th verse, m stand." ven luke- liat these ''ait three I the con- nd ; they Our fiith- y, "they asands of hese pro- ;; of your ►ne word is going ,nd down hab, and to stand any one, able him m on an angerous brink of iristian I Bind that I should that the I Why, nto sin ; THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEW YORK. 383 and how many men there are who fall in thoir old acje. I don't mean that they are finally lost, but they full into sin. They make some mistake, or their old temper sprin«,'s up, aiul they do some mean thing, and very often the church has not as much sympathy with sucli persons as it ought to have. Too much is frequently expected of young Christians. There is a great difference between a man falling into sin and loving sin. If you fall into sin and all the time hate it, so and tell (Jod all about it, for he is faithful and just to forgive us oui sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Guard a^^ainst self-confidence, and the Lord will strengthen you and " make you stand." AVe find in the tenth of 1st Corinthians tliis caution : ** Wherefore, let him tliat thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." Be watchful ; be prayerful ; keop your eye fixed on Christ, not on any man, however good he may be. Christ is able to make vou stand, able to d(!liver you out of every temptation ; and He will not sufler you to be tempted above that ye are able. In Hebrews ii. and 18th verse, we read, "For in that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted." It has often been wonderfully encouraging to me to think that my Mastei has travelled .dl through this wilderness, that he knows ail about the trials and temptations to which we are subject, and that therefore he is able to succor those that are temi)ted. When the old nature and the old temper assail you, look to Him for strength. People lay it down as a wise rule in tem- poral things, " Don't live up to your income ; " but you ought to live up to your income spiritually. Use all the grace you have. God has yet plenty more. He has got a throne of ^'race established so that you may go and get all you may need. Use all the grace God gives you, and don't save any, but when you want more go and ask Him lor it. See the face of God every morning before you see the lace of man. Don't get more than one day's march from the throne of Grace, and you will not go far astray. An old. Scotchman said lo his son : " I want you to eat two breakfasts every morning. Do you know what I mean]" And the son retiected, " You mean I am to cat a breakfast fur my soul as well as for ray body." " That is right," .said SM MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. i>: his father. Ute the face of your Father in heaven before you see tliat of your earthly parent ; go to Him every evening, and do not sleep at night without seeking pardon for the sins of the day, for He is ever faithful to for^^dve. He delights to forgive. It is an old saying that "short reckonings make long friends." If you run up a long account with your grocer, when you come to settle you say, " Here's this two pounds of sugar I never had, and this thing and the other thing I never had." You have forgotten all about it, but if you had paid for it at the time you would have remembered all about it. Keep short accounts with God, and you won't fall far into sin. In 2nd Timothy, and the twelfth verse of the first chapter, we have Paul's persuasion. The Presbyterians, the Baptists, and every other denomination claim Paul as belonging to them. Mr. Sar.key says ho was a Methodist (laughter), but here we find what was Paul's pursuasion. " For I know (he says) iu whom I have believed, and am persuaded that Ho is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." I don't so much mind what church you belong to, but I want that all these young converts should be of Paul's persua- sion. If you really believe you have received the pardon of yoi.r sins, commit your life, your reputation, yotir money — commit it all to the Lord. Tell Satan vou have committed it to the Lord. Eefer him right over to Christ. Don't attempt to make any argument with Satan, for the Lord is able to keep that which you have committed to Him. A boy wanted to fight with one who was smaller than himself, but the little fellow said, " Wait till I call ray big brother." Christ is your big brother. You cannot fight with Satan, for he has six thousand years' experience, and is a deal wiser than you are. But the Lion of the Tribe of Judah had a battle with him, and overcame him; and since then Satan always flies when no hears the name of Christ. Our elder brother is able to help us, and He will always make a way of escape. In a town where I once lived, a man commenced business at a store where several others had failed. Hy had not much cap- ital, not as much as some other men who preceded him, and every one expected that he would very soon fail. But he did not, and people couldn't understand the itasun, until one day )efore you evening, r the sins elights to iiake long ir grocer, pounds of g I never had paid about it. p into sin. chapter, Baptists, nging to titer), but know (he hat He is tu against to, but I I's persuu- pardon of money — iraitted it t attempt is able to ly wanted the little Christ is )r he has than you ittle with irays flies er is able )e. In a ness at a luch cap- him, aud ut he did 1 one day THE WORK OF GRACE IN NEW YORK. 385 it was discovered that he had a rich brother down East who kept furnishing him with money. Wo have a rich brother in haaven, and He is able to keep that which we have committed to Him, and to supply all our need. Let the young converts bear in mind that Christ is their keeper, and that they can- not keep themselves. In 2nd Corinthians xi. 9, God says, " My peace is suffi- cient, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Now we want these young converts to serve Christ. It is not too much to expect that each one of you should bring twelve more. One young man came to me and said ho was converted on the 3rd of February ; he had a list of tifty-nine persons, with the residence of each, whom he had since that time been instrumental in leading to Christ ; and if that young convert has led fifty-nine, every man,^omar. and child should be abhi to reach some. Let each one go to work ; that is the way to grow in strength. " Tiiey that water others shall themselves be watered, and the liberal soul shall be fed. God is able to make all grace abound." Let me give you a little advice. Let your friends be those who are in the church. Select for your companions experienced Christians. Keep company with those who know a little more than you do yourselves. Of course, you get the best of the bargain ; but from my own experience I know that it is the best way to mnko advance in a religious life. Get in love with the blessed Bible, and the world will lose its hold upon you. It will not be giving up and making sacrifices, but you will have drink. Even though certain classes of people may drink it moderately, don't you touch it. There are some people of strong will that drink and do not sufler thereby ; but ninety- nine out of every hundred men have not this strength, and they need the strength of your exaniple. Give it up for Christ's sake ; give it up for the sake of those who have be- come the slaves of drink, but who now would rather lose their right hand than touch a drop of liqupr. One word more to the young converts : Be sure that you don't disgrace " the old family name," as Dr. Bonar puts it. Some of the people of New Yo|j: are very proud of their old family name ; and let us remember that the family to which you now belong has a history reaching back ei^'hteen hundred years. You are called the sons and daughters of God ; a high calling — a wonderful calling. Walk circumspectly ; walk as daughters of heaven, as the sons of a king. Walk so that the world may take knowledge of you, by your walk aod conver- sation, that you have been with Christ. And now, brethren, I would, in the farewell words of Paul to the Ephesians, commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified. He is able to build you up, and to make you buiklers in Christ's kin^'dom, if you know your TlIK WOiUC OF GPACE IN NEW YORK. 380 Dibles well. The Word is the sword of the Spirit, and until the Word is hid in our hearts we can bo of little service. There are two dangers ahead. The moment a young convert becomes an active worker, there is danger of spiritual pride, Satan conies and tells him what a great work he is doing, or some foolish man or woman in the cliurch pats him on the back. The other danger is that young converts should get discouraged and not work at all, because some think all they do is not judicious and proper. In regard to what has been accomplished during the last few weeks we have no chance to boast. Instead of a few thousands being converted there ndght have been tenfold as many had we done our duty. Let us be ashamed of ourselves, but not ashamed of Christ. Bear in mind that we are only channels ; the work is Christ's, and all the glory shall be His. In conclusion Mr. Moody said : And now, dear friends, I must say good-by ; but I do not like the word — rather let it be good-night j for the night will be but si|oit, and the morning will soon come when we shall meet on the other side of the river, where there is no parting. We have received nothing but kindness since W3 came here, and the Lord has abundantly blessed our work. May God bless all the police- men, and the reporters, and the choir, and the ushers, and all who have aided the Lord's cause sinci we came here ten weeks ago. God bless all the ministers who have worked so nobly with us for Christ, and may the good work go on when we are far from here. Mr. Moody then prayed long and fervently, and asked that the Holy Ghost might abound with all present. He wound up by again calling down a blessing on all concerned in the work, and was greatly affected at the close. Mr. Sankey sang a farewell hymn to the air of '' Home, sweet home," and the services finished with the sin^ng of ** Praise God from whom all blessings flow," and the benediction, pro- nounced by Rev. J. Cotton Smith, D.D. Messrs. Moody and Sankey at onco left the platform and retired to the private rooms, but it was a considerable time before the vast congregation had dispersed, many lingering to give the parting hand-shake to those with whom they had been associated during the past two or three weeks. 9J. 390 MOODY AND SANKEY IN AMERICA. It ia estimated that 3,500 new converts were present, the remainder of the audience being composed of Christian workers, cler;:,'ymen, and the chair. The words of the farewell hymn sung by Mr. Sankej are as follows : •' Farewell, faithful friends : wo must now hid adieu To those joya and those pleasures we L isted with you. We labored tofjother, united in heart. But now we must close, and soon we m ist part. Our labors are over and we must be gone. We leave you not friendless to struggle alone. Be watchful and prayerful, and Jesus will stay- Cling close to the Saviour, let hiu) lead the way. Farewell, dear young converts, we leave you likewise s *» And hope we hIiuII meet you with Christ in the skies. Oh ! who will turn back and the Saviour deny. Like Judas, the traitor, deny him aud die ? Farewell, trembling sinner, sad time now with you ; Our hearts sink within us to bid you adieu One step back or forward may settle your doom— 'Mid the glories of heaven or eternity's gloom. • ' Farewell, every hearer, we now turn away : ^ No more may we meet, 'till the great judgment day.. Though absent in body, we'll be with you in prayer. And we'll meet you in heaven — there'a no parting therck , Home, home, sweet, sweet home, : ■ Prepare us, dear Saviour, for yonder blest home;.** :U CHAPTER XVT. NL<:\V STORIES FROy AN OLD BOOK. NE peculiar charni of Mr. Moody's preacliin;,' is the fresh and life-liko stylo in which he tells Bible stories. To him those Scripture characters are real men and women ; and he makes them seem as real to his audience as to himself. It is a little surprising at first to see those ancient worthies behaving themselves like citizens of London or Chicago : wearing modern costumes, speaking English in Mr. Moody's own vernacular, and permitting him to turn their heads and hearts inside out, in order to show his hearers what is going on in ther^. But when the effect of the shock has passed away, tne force and moral of their stor;/ begins to he appreciated as it scarcely could be, if set forth with Oriental stateliness of language, and covered with the dust of remote antiquity. Irreverent people sometimes laugh at the idea of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abeg-nego, tumbling into Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace, in broadcloth coats and trousers, stove-pipe hots, and Wellington boots ; or to hear King David telling his experience, like a man in a Methodist class-meeting, and not always in grammatical style. But there is no small advan- tage in having these men modernized ; for thereby their trials and their triumphs come home to men's own hearts, making them feel that the Scriptures are not out of date, but were written for the learning and encouragement of all ages and all 1% »92 NEW STORIES FROM AN OLD BOOK. people ; and leading them to say : What God did for these old-time believers, He is just as willing to do for me. In this chapter it is proposed to give some of those qIcl stories in their new dress, as Mr. Moody tells them. It must be borue in mind that he never tells a story merely because it is interesting, or to help fill up the time, but always to illustrate and enforce the GospoL STORY OF A BLIXD MAIT. In the 18th chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke, you will find Christ was going into Jericho ; and as He drew near the gates of the city, there was a poor blind man who sat by the wayside, begging people to give him a farthing, and crying out, " Have mercy on a poor, blind man ! " This blind beggar met a man who said to him, •* Bartimeus, I have good news to tell you." " What is it ? " said the begjL^'ar. " There is a man of Israel who can give you sight." " Oh no ! " said the blind beggar ; " there ia no chance of my ever receiving my sight. I never shall see. In fact, I never saw the mother who gave me birth ; I never saw the wife of my bosom ; I never saw my own children. I never saw in this world ; but I expect to see in the world to come." " Let me tell you, I have just come down from Jerusalem, and I saw that village carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth ; and I saw a man who was born blind, who ha^ received his sight ; and I never saw a man with better sight. He doesn't even have tb use glasses." Then hope rises for the first time in this poor man's heart, and he says, '^ Tell me Aovr the man got his sight," "Oh," says the other, " Jesus first spat on the ground and made clay, and put it on his eyes " — why, that is enough to put a man's sight out, to till his eyes with clay ! — "and then He told him to wash his eyes in the Pool^oi Siloam, and he would receive his sight. More than that, Bartimeus, He doesn't charj^e you anything ; you have no fee to pay ; you just tell Kim what you want, and y«;a get it, witliouc STORY OF A BLIND MAN. 393 for theso 3. those olcL s a story the time, you will ' near the it by the 1(1 crying lis blind kave good " There lo ! " said receiving saw the fe of my iv in this erusalem, 1 ; and I ds sight ; Bu't even I time in the man e ground is enough !— "and . Siloam, artimeus, to pay ; , without money and without price. It does not need dukes, or lords, or influence ; you just call upon Him yourself; and if He ever comes this way, don't let Him go back without your going to see Jesus." And Bartimeus said, " I will try it ; there's no liarin in trying it." I can imagine him being led by a child to his seat as usual, and that he is crying out, " Please give a blind beggar a farthing." He hears the footi^teps of the com- ing multitude, and inquires, Who is it passing 1 What does the multitude mean 1 They tell him it is Jesus of Nazareth passing by. The moment he hears that he says, " Why, that is the Man that gave sight to the blind ! " The moment it reached his ear that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out at the top of his voice, " Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy upon me ! " Some of those v.'ho went before — perhaps Peter was one them — rebuked him, thinking the Master was going up to Jerusalem to be crowned King, and did not want to be distracted. They never knew the Son of God when He was here. He would hush every harp in heaven to hear a sinner pray ; no music would delight Him so much. But the blind man still lifted up his voice, and cried louder, " Thou Son of David, have mercy on me ! " and the prayer reached the ears of the Son of God, as prayer al- ways will ; and they led the poor blind man to Him. Well, when Jesus heard the blind beggar. He commat^ed him to be brought. So they ran to him, and said, "jbe of good cheer ; the Master calls you ; He has a blessing for you." When Jesus saw him He said, " What can I do for you 1 " " Lord, that I may receive my sight." " You shall have it ; " and the Lord gave it to him. And now the beggar follows with the crowd, glorifying God. I can imagine he sang as sweetly as Mr. Sankey ; no one sang sweeter than he when he shouted, " Hosanna to the Son of David ! " — no one sang louder than this one who had received his sight. Then he follows on \vith the crowd, which we see pressing into the gates ^1 the city. lean imagine when he gets into the city he says to himself, " I will go down r^nd see Mrs. Bartimeus," — having, of course, after all those years of blindness, a curi- osity to see what his wife looked like. As he is passing down the street, a man meets him, and turns round and says, " Bartimeus, is that you 1" '■" $ 394 NEW STORIES FROM AlS OLD BOOK. " Yes ; it's me." '* Well, I thought it was, and yet I thought my eyes must deceive me. How did you get your sight 1 " " I just met Jesus of Kazareth outside the walls of the city, and I asked Him to have mercy on me; and He gave me my sight." " Jesus of Nazareth ! is he in this part of the country 1 " " Yes ; He is on His way to Jerusalem. He is now going down to the eastern gate." " I should like to see Him," e^ays the man, and away ho runs down the street ; hut he cannot get a glimpse of Him, being little of stature, on account of the great throng round Him. He runs to a sycamore tree, and says to himself, " If I get up there and hide, without any one seeing me. He can- not get by without my having a good look at Him." A great many rich men do not like to be seen coming to Jesus. Well, there he is in the sycamore tree, on a branch hanging right over the highway ; and he says to himself, ** He cannot get by without my having a good look at Him." All at once the crowd comes in sight. He looks at John — " That's not Him;" he looks at Peter — " That's not Him." Then he sees One who is fairer than the sons of men. ** That's Him ! " And Zac- chaeus, just peeping out from amongst the branches, looks down upon that wonderful — yes, that mighty God-Man, in amazement. At last the crowd comes to the tree, and it looks as if Christ is going by ; but He stops right under the tree. All at once He looks up and sees Zacchaeus, and says to him, " Zacchaeus, make haste and come down." I can imagine Zacchaeus says to himself, — "I wonder who told Him my name. I was never introduced to Him." But Christ knew all about him. Sinner ! Christ knows all about you ; He knows your name and your house. Do not think God does not know you. If you woUld try to hide from Him, bear in mind that you cannot do so. He knows where each one ol you is; He kiiows all about your sins. Well, he said to Zacch^us, " Make haste and come down." He may have added, " his is the last time I shall pass this way, Zacchaeus." That is ' le way He speaks to sinners, — " This may be the last time I shall pass this way ; this may be your last chance of eternity." He may be passing away from some soul to- THE lic'u lii 'I ft ^ THE widow's son. 405 of Nazaieth whom he has heard of — that same man that, peo- ple said, could open the eyes of the blind, make lame men walk, and who had even raised the son of the widow from death, over there at Nain. If only it were He ! At any rate he will take the chances, and cry out after Him ; and so ho shouts, at the U^ of his voice, " Have mercy upon mo !" All the rest of the crowd are afraid of him ; hut Je> nothing too hard for Thee." Mr. Moody said he had taken that chapter to every place where he had been. He had tried to find a substitute, but had never succeeded. He then said : It's just what we want to give the keynote to our meet- ings. Many of us look about and see so many wretched and wicked people that we become disheartened. But it's as easy for God to save every drunkard and infidel in New York as it in for Him to turn His hand over. Think of this earth tliat God has made, with its mountains and rivers ! Some 20 JH ^. 1 il fl « 1 1 .1 1 ^u 1 422 PRAYER-MEETING TALKS. one has said it is only a ball thrown from the hand of God, and another that the stars and the moon are only the fringe of His garments. If God can do theee great things, think you He can't save drunkards 1 If He could speak worlds into existence, can't He save dead souls \ I have more hope of these prayer-meetings than of any others. But if we don't get a hold of God here we won't anywhere. I believe that God answers prayers. If we ask a fish, He won't give us a stone. Some have said these meetings will pass away and do no good. But it won't; be so if God is with us. The late war taught men bow to pray. It seems to me that some of the best work I ever saw was among the soldiers. Those boys away from their mothers, how many prayers were uttered for them, and how many were converted ! I well remember a young lieutenant from Indiana. In one of our meetings, when we had been speaking of mothers' prayers, h^ iiot up and said the remarks reminded him of letters he had received from his mother, expressing great anxiety about his soul. He had told ber that he would come to Christ after the war ; but she reminded him he might never see that time. Another letter came from his home, and that mother was dead. And with the tears trickling down his cheeks, that noble young man told his tale, and came to know his Saviour. Now we come to-day to call upon the Lord for a great blessing to rest upon this mighty city. A Hainy Day Prayer-mbbtino. — Pa. ciii. — There ai four precious clauses in this P^alm, viz. : " He forgiveth all thine iniquities ; " " He healeth all thy diseases ; " " He redeemeth thy life from destruction," and "He crowneth Ihi with loving kindness." Christianity is better than anythlnof that the world can give. It satisfies us. That is what wealth cannot do. The crowns of Europe cannot give the peace and contentment that come from the Crown of Life. I like thase rainy day prayer- meetings. It costs us Bome'Dhing to get here. Iillhl I nd of God, ' the fringe lings, think worlds into ore hope of if we don't )elieve that 't give us a way and do . The late lat some of era. Those vero uttered 1 remember ir meetings, , he Tot up lad received It his soul. ,er the war ; e. Another lead. And loble young Now we )sing to rest -There ai 9rgiveth d^- jesj" "U. wneth Lheo m anythlnfif what wealth e peace and *e. I like ^me'Dhing to ' CHAPTER XVIII. THE PROPHET DANIEL, IN MR. MOODY'S VERSION. '0 those who have heard the stately and brilliant ora- tion of Dr. Punshon on " Daniel in Babylon," by which this line of address was first suggested to M^, Moody, this rendering of the story in homely lan- guage will be especially interesting. The contrast in style will be striking, but the power and effect of the two discourses will be found almost identical. A diversity of gifts ; but the same spirit. When we come to the life of such a man as Daniel, the first thing we ask is : What was the secret of his success 1 Well, my friends, I'll tell you what I think was the secret of this man's success : — He knew his God. A great many professing Christians never get on intimate terms with their God, and so they never amount to much. But Daniel, from his boyhood, knew and trusted in the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ; and that was what Dut such courage into him. There is another very important thing about Daniel : he was able to say no / at the right time. I tell you, ray friends, it would be a great thing for our young men to be able to say no ! when the devil comes up to them and begins to coax them away from the God of their father and mother. W"e don't knc.v just how old he was when we hear of him first : probably about seventeen. The king Nebuchadnezzar had given orders to take some of the best and brightest boys among the Hebrew captives and bring them up among his (vise men. They were to be taught the language and the 424 MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. mz "i I learning of the Chaldeans, and to be fed with meat and wine from the king's table. " But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not de- file himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank." There was something in the law of bis God forbidding him to eat meat or drink wine which had been offered to idols ; and Daniel knew that the king's meat and the king's wine had been offered to idols, so he deter- mined not to touch it. If he had been like a good many of jur modern Christians, he would have said something like this : " Well, it can't be helped. I don't like to defile myself this way ; the law of God forbids it ; and if I were cnly home in Jerusalem I never *would do it in the world. But I really don't see how we are going to help it. We are slaves. Besides, it is the king's special order ; and if he should hear of our disobedience, our lieada would come olf in no time. Really, we can't be expect- ed to run such a risk as that." That's it ; the devil told him to do in Babylon as the peo- ple of Babylon do. But Daniel had the courage to stand up to the law of hie God, and say no / Consequences 1 Never mind the consequences. There wasn't any such word in his dictionary when it came to obeying the law of his God. He was bound to do it, let the consequences be what they might. Do you hear what it says here in this eighth verse of the first chapter ? " Daniel purposed in his heart." That's the trouble with a great many people : they purpose to do right, but they only purpose in their heads, and that doesn't amount to much. If you are going to be Christians, you must purpose to serve God away down in your hearts. " With the heart man belie veth unto righteousness." So when the servant who had charge of them came to bring them their dinner, Daniel and his three young friends told him they couldn't eat that meat and drink that wine, be- cause it was against the law of their God. Look at that ! Daniel doesn't try to dodge the question at all ; he gives the true reason light out at once. I am afraid some of you, if you had been in his place, would have tried to bide behind some excuse. You would lEL. MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. 425 it and wine uld not de- or with the , the law of which had king's meat D he deter- Christians, , it can't be the law of lem I never how we are i the king's jdience, our 't be expect- 1 as the peo- to stand up es. There it came to it, let the rerse of the That's the to do right, m't amount lUst purpose ,h the heart m came to ung friends at wine, be- 16 question his place, You would say you weren't very well ; or that meat and wine didn't agree with you. Not so with Daniel. He tells that heathen the true reason why he can't cat the king's meat or drink the king's wine, and I have no doubt the man respected Mm for it. " But, says he, " it won't do at all. If you don't eat it, the king will find it out. He'll see you some time looking lean and thin, and he'll ask what the matter is, and then I shall lose my head as well as you." " J uat try us for ten days," says Daniel. " Give us pulse to eat and water to drink, and see how we get along on it." So the servant tried them on the pulse and water, and at the end of ten days they were the fattest and best looking of the whole crowd. Some people think wine makes them look better, and that they can't get along without it. Look at ti.eir red noses and Dloal-ed faces ! I tell you, all the stimulant a person needs is the "Word ind the Grace of God. There was a soldier down in Tennessee when I was there, — a great strong, hearty fellow, who was a teetotaler. One .lay, when the army was going on a long march, a man offered him a drink of whiskey. " I am a teetotaler," was the reply. " Never mind that. You're in the army now ; besides, you need some stimulant to help you on this long march." Taking out a pocket Bible, ho held it up before the face of Lii tempter, and said, — *' This is all the stimulint I want." " Just so with Daniel. Ho took God's side in this ques- tion, and held to God's terms, and God made him strong and healthy ; gave him favor with those who saw his honesty* and, above aJl, peaco in his own soul. The next wo hear of him is about two years after. I seem to see the ofRcer coming in and laying his hand on Daniel's shoulder, and arresting him in the king's name. " What's the matter V eays Daniel. " Why haven't you heard 1" says the officer. " The king had a dream last night, and when he woke up he couldn't re- member it; 60 he called all his wise men together, and a£kru 42^ MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. Wl'. kik w I I m m m m w 111 'ill them to tell him his dream, and then interpret it for him. Nobody could tell it. The king was so angry that he com- manded that all the wise men should be put to death. You belong to that school ; so you will have to die." " It seems to me the king is rather hasty," says Daniel — cool and calm as a summer morning. ** Just let him give us a little time, and I'll show him his dream and the interpreta- tion also." He knew his God and trusted in Him. All secrets belong to God. That night Daniel and his three friends had a little prayer- meeting together. I have no doubt they read the story of J oseph ; how the dreams of old Pharaoh were revealed to him ; and how he came to be a great man in Egypt afterwards. And then they went to sleep. I don't think many of you would have gone to sleep with such danger as that hanging over your heads. But Daniel slept; and iik his sleep the king's dream was revealed to him. The next morning there was a great stir all about the palace. It had gone out that a young Hebrew captive was going to tell the king his dream, and save the lives of all the wise men of Babylon ; and everybody was anxious to know all about it. I can see the young man brought into the presence of the mighty monarch. He stands there without the slightest fear. His God, in whom he trusted, has made him master of the situation. The King looks at him, and says, " Young, man, can you tell me my dream and the interpretatioii of iti" " My God can !" answers Daniel ; and he begins. "In your dream, king you saw an image " " That's it / " says Nebuchadnezzar, his face lighting up all at once ; " You've got it ! I remember it all now." " Yes." says Daniel ; " my God revealed it to me last night in a dream." You see he doesn't take any credit to himself for it, but gives the glory to his God. " The head of this great imago was gold, his breast and his arms were silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, and his feet part of iron and part of clay. And L!ien, king, you saw a stone cut out without hands, which oung, man, MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. ^2/ struck the image upon its feet, and cruRhed it to pieces till it became like the dust of the summer threshing-floor." " That's all right," says the king. " Kow can you tell me the interpretation of it ) Now I imagine some of you would have tried to soften down the interpretation a little. It was a pretty hard thing for Daniel to stand up there before that great monarch, and tell him his kingdom was to be like the dust of a summei, threshing-floor : but he did it. " Thou art this head of gold. And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee; and another third king- dom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron. Afterwards it shall be divided, and become part strong and part weak. And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed ; it shall break in pieces and destroy all those kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." The king was greatly pleased with Daniel, and made a great man of him ; and, for his sake, put his three friends into ofl&ce. You see Daniel didn't forget his friends when he got into a good place himself. « Well : not long after that — maybe it was the dream that put it into his head — Nebuchadnezzar made a great image, and set it up in the plains of Dura. It was about ninety feet high and about nine feet wide. Some people say it was made of solid gold. I rather think the king intended that image to represent himself. He was goirg to have a universal re- ligion, and he was going to be the head of it, — there are some 8uch people now-a-days, — and so ho gave orders to have all the nobility and great officers of his kingdom brought together to worship the golden image which he had set up. I don't know where Daniel was at this time. Perhaps he was away in some other part of the kingdom on business ; but his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, were there to represent him. Their enemies were there too. A faithful servant ^f God is sure to have enemies, watching for a chance to get him out of the way. It was a great day when the image was unveiled. T seem to see it flashing in the sunlight; the vast throng of worshi^r 428 MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. W m I' I m\i pers standing around it ; and the king, at the head of a splen* did procession of his lords and ladies, coming across the plain with hanners flying and music playing ; really, it must have boon a trying time for those three men, who were so much out of fashion as not to how down to the great idol when everybody else was doing it. ]3ut the law of their God and the law of the king were in •conflict. The king said. Bow down ! God said, No ! — and it didn't take them a minute to decide what to do. ISorae people would have said, " There's no great harm in bowing with all the rest ; but then you needn't worship, you ' know : just bend your knees a little, but don't say any pray- ers to the idol." Not a bit of it. These men were not going to compromise their consciences ; and their enemies knew it very well. The hour has arrived ; everything is ready ; the king makes a sign wi:;h his hand, and the cornets and sackbuts, and all the other instruments, give a great blast, and the whole multitude fall down on their faces before the great image which Nebuchad- nezzar the king has set up. No ; not all ! There are three pairs of stiff knees in that kingdom — three men who will not DOW to the false god. Their enemies have taken care to put them in the front rank, near to themselves, where they can watch thorn, and so find occasion to accuse them to the king. I seem to see these fellows looking out of the comers of their eyes, when, by the king's command, they ought to have been worsliipping the idol : and I hear them saying to them- selves, " Aha I we have got you now 1" and so they go to tell the king. *' king ! live for ever. Do you know that there are three men in your kingdom who will not obey you I** " No : who are they 1 " " Three of those Hebrew captives ; they don't bow down along with the rest of us ; and we thought yon wonrld like to know it" " Bring them to me," says the king, in a great rage ; " I will see whether these fellows are going to disobey my orders like this." It is quite likely he would have ordered their heads to be NIEL. MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. 429 i of a gplen* )ss the plain t must have ere so much t idol wheD cing were in ^o ! — ^and it eat harm in 'jorshipf you y any pray- compromise well. The lakes a sign ill the other iltitude fall Ntbuchad- re are three ho will not care to put •e they can em to the ) comers of jht to have ig to them- jT go to tell ; there are ir bow down dd like to ; rage ; " I my orders eads to be taken off at once, if he had not remembered that they were particular«friends of Daniel. Now they stand face to face with the great king. " What is this I hear of you 1 " says Nebuchadnezzar. " They say you disobey my orders, and do not bow down and worship my golden image. Now, I will try you once more ; and then, if you don't bow down, into the furnace you go." We do not know who the speaker was on that occasion ; perhaps it was Shadrach. He stands there with his two friends, looking calmly at the king, and thinking of the fiery furnace without trembling in the least, or feeling the slightest fear And this is what he says, — " We are not careful to answer thee in this matter, king. The God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burn- ing fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, king. But whether He deliver us or not, we will not bow down." " Who is this God of yours, that is able to deliver you out of my hands ? " says the king, in a towering rage. " Go and heat that furnace seven times hotter than ever, and take these fellows up, and thrust them into it. Be quick about it. I will not have such rebels in my kingdom." So some of the lying's servants hurry away to the furnace to stir up the fire, and othv^rs seize Shadrach, Moshach, and Abe i-nego, and take them away ; and when the furnace doors are opened, they come near to cast them into the fire, — which is so hot that it burnd the servants to death, but does not harm the men who are cast down headlong into it. Then the king goes and looks into the furnace ; and what is his aston- ishment at seeing fouf men, iimtead of three, walking in the midst of the fire, as safely as if they we/e in the king's garden ! " Did I not tell you to cast in three men? — and lo ! I see four walking about in the fire ; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." The Lord Himself was with His tnree faithful servants. The great Palestine Shepherd looked down from heaven, and saw those three sheep of His fiock about to be cast into the fire ; and He made haste, and came down Himself, to see that they suffered no harm. Ah ! Jesus is always with His people. Though they pass through water, they shadl not be drowned ; 430 MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. m:- al thouf;! they pass through fire, they shall not be burned. The fire burned off only the devU'ci bands : it did not singe a hair of their heads. Does not Christ say that the hairs of our heads are all numbered 1 There is wonderful care and love in that. Did you ever know a mother who loved her little child so well that she would count the hairs on its curly head 1 But the Lord loves His children so well that He counts their hairs — every one ; and not one of them comes to any harm, so long as His child is faithful to Him. There was not even the smell of fire upon their garments; and the king's coun- sellors, and princes, and governors, and captains, and all together, saw these men upon whose bodies the fire had no power. My friends, let us remember that it is always safe to do what God wants us to do. If our way to heaven lesds through fire and water, it is all the same : it is all right. That is the proper way for us to go. And now King Nebuchadnezzar orders these men to come out ; and he restored them to their places again. He has found out who was the God that was able to deliver His ser- vants out of the hands of the king ; and I am quite sure that, from this time, neither the king nor anybody else in Babylon ventured to say anything against those men, or against the God whom they worshipped, and who had delivered them out of the fiery furnace. The king himself makes a decree, " that every people, nation, and language, which shall speak anything amiss against the God of Shadracb, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill, because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort." So the king promoted these men ; and, instead of being burned to death in the furnace, they came to be more honor- able than ever. The next thing that we hear of the king is, that he has had another dream. He seems to have been a great man for dreams. This time he saw a great tree which " reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth ; . . and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven, and cried aloud : * Hew down this tree, and cut down ^lEL. MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. 43 1 be burned, not singe a 3ads are all that. ttle child so [lead t But s their hairs Eirm, so long )t even the ing's coun- ns, and all fire had no 9 safe to do »ds through That is the len to come 1. He has rer His ser- e sure that, in Babylon against the d them out sry people, ling amiss -nego, shall i dunghill, • this sort." of being lore honor- lat he has it man for iched unto earth ; . . lown from I cut down his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit ; Itt the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches. Kevertholess, leave the stump of his roots in the earth. . . . Let his heart be chtinged from man's, and let u beast's heart be given unto him, and let seven times pass over him : to the intent that the living may know that the "Moat High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whoiu- soever He will.* " The king seems to have been as much puzzled by this dream as by the other ; and nobody could tell him what it meant, until he sent for Daniel. Even he was troubled about it at first ; but presently the Lord showed it to him ; and then he preached such a sermon to the kintr about his pride, and the necessity of repentance, that the king's face turned pale, and his knees began to shake, and it was not long before he lost his reason, and wandered away from his [)alace, out into the woods and the deserts, and became more like a beast than a man. But at last the Lord had mercy on him. His counsellors and pfinces gathered about him again, and brought him back to his palace. But the king's heart was softened. I think he became truly converted to God ; and from this time we don't hear L m saying any more : " Is not this great Babylon that I have builded 1 " But we hear him blessing •the Most High, and praising and honoring Him whose domin- ion is everlasting, and whose kingdom is from generation to generation. And now the king makt j one more proclamation, differ- ent from all the others. Up to this time he has been telling other people what to do ; now he begins to speak of his own duty, and he says, " I, N^ebuchadnezzar, will do this — I will do that." *' I will praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven, all of whose works are truth." He has found out his own duty. His heart is soltened ; and although we do not hear anything more of him, I have no doubt that Daniel fiUd he used to walk the streets of Babylon, arm-in-arm, and talk over their experiences together ; and when the king died, I feel quite sure that he went safely to heaven, to be wel- comed by the God of Daniel ; and through the long eternity King Nebuchadnezzar will rejoice that that young man, Daniel, took his stand for God when he came down to Baby- 432 MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. it Ion, and did not follow the fashion of that wicked capital, thon£?h it might have cost him his life. Tho next thing we hear of Babylon is, that the grandson of Mebuchadnozzar, a wild young prince, called. Bolshazzai; has come to tho throne. On a certain occasion he makes a .great feast to a thousand of his lords. They come together 'n a great banquet-chamber, and they drink and carouse all night long. They do not care for the armies of Cyrus, which are besieging the city. They trust in its high walls and its gates of brass, and feel themselves perfectly safe. At last, when the head of the young king has been quite turned with wine, he orders the golden vessels, which his grandfather captured from God's temple at Jerusalem, to be brought into the banquot-hall, that they may drink wine out of them in honor of the god's of Babylon. But while they are doin^ this impious thing, behold, a hand appears, writing with its fingers upon the wall — the doom of the kingdom of Babylon. Drunk as he is, the miserable king is frightened. " Bring in the wise men," says he. And the ''ise men jome in haste, and stares at the writing, but not c f them is able to read or understand it. Xo uncircumcibv-.* eye can read God's handwriting. Somehow or other, the news of this strange affair reaches the ears of the king's mother ; and she sends a servant to ^"'ui, telling him that, in the days of his grandfather, there Wc.3 a man in Babylon who could interpret dreams,and reveal secrets, and do all manner of strange things, and maybe he would be able to read the writing. It seems that Da!iiel had been lost sight of for the last fifteen years ; but novv there is special work for him to do ; and so they find him out, and bring him in and ask him to read the writing. '' Mene, Meiie, Tekel, Upharsin:" and the meaning of it was clear as daylight to him. Now I have no doubt that a good many courtiers, if they had seen such writing as that upon the wall of the king's palace, would have softened the meaning of it a little, and not have given it in its full strength, for fear of offending the king. But that was not Daniel's fashion at all. He reads it just as God writes it. "Meiie: God hath numbered thy Tekel: Thou art weighed in tli" .iigdom and finished it. flEL. ked capital, [le grandson Bolshazzai; he makofl a ne togethei carouse all yrus, which alls and its ). At last, mrned with grandfather rought into of them in r are doin«^ ng with its jf Babylon. 3d. ) ^ise men f them ...v* eye can iair reaches ant to i"in, here Wm,3 a 'eal secrets, 9 would be or the last lim to do ; ask him to ;"and the JTS, if they the king's little, and ending the le reads it bered thy led in tli" Moody's sermon on prophet daniel. 433 balances, and art lound waiting. Peres: Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians." Ah ! poor miserable Belshazzar ! Even now the soldiers of Cyrus have turned away the waters of the Euphrates, and are coming into the city along the empty banks. The soldiers are battering away at tlie doors of your palace, and before morning your blood shall be spilled upon the stones, along with the wine wlrioh you have been drinking, out of the ves- sels from God's holy temple at Jerusalem. You are weighed in God's balance, and found wanting. My friends, suppose God should begin to weigh some of you to-day ; suppose you were to step into the balances now, don't you think you would bo found wanting ] Get into the scales, take along with you your education, and your wealth, and your dignity, and your fashion, and your hne clothes, and everything you have that is splendid, — and the Lord will put the ten commandments in the other, and up you will go like feathers — " weighed in the ^valances aftd found wanting." Only they who have Christ in Lheir souls can stand the test of God's weighing. Dare you step into tho biuances to-day 1 Some one will ask me, **Mr. Moody, dare you stt^) into tho balances to-day, and be weiglicdl Do you know that you would be saved, if the Lord should bring you to judgment 1 " Yes ; thanks be to God, Christ is able to save me — even niej and He will save all of you who will cast off your sins, and take Christ instead. After a while, Darius, the Mede, comes to the throne of Babylon. He must have met Daniel somewhere in hia trav- els, for no sooner does he set up the kingdom than he puts him into a place of great power. He chooses a hundred and twenty princes, whom he places over the kingdom ; and over these princej he appoints three presidents, and he makes Daniel the president of the presidents ; so that he really is the first man in the kingdom, after the king. His business was to " see that the king suffered no damage ; " that is, he was to keep watch of the accounts, to see that nobody cheated the king. This must have been a very difficult place, and Daniel must have had his hands full. He had to watch those hundred and twenty rascals, who were all the while trying to steal something off the revenue ; and to go over their accounts m % ^ ■ ! !!i; m 434 MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. again smd agr>In, so as to be certfuii that they wore correct to a penny. It was not long before Daniel became very unpopular with the princeo. I soetu to hear them talking amongst themselves in this way : — " There is that miserable old Jer?, Daniel : if we only had him out of the way, we could make no end of money. "We would very speedily be rich; we would ha%re our country houses and our city houses, and our fine horses and chariots, and we would live in the very highest style, off the revenues of this kingdom ; but that old fellow watches us as narrowly as a cat watches a mouse. We can't cheat him — even to a shilling." " Why/' says one, " I never saw such a man in all my life. I gave in an account the other day that was only a few pounds short ; and did not he send it back to me, an I make me pay the difference 1 I wish he were back in Jeru- salem, where he came from.** However, the king trusted Daniel; and he was such a thoroughly good and honest man that they really could find no way to revenge themselves upon him. They talked it over together again and again, and all agreed that there was no chance of getting him out of the way, unless they could find something in his religion by which they could bring him into trouble. •* We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God." What an honor ! Nothing wrong with him — even in the eyes of these bad men — except that he was too faithful to his God ! How many of you are likely to be complained of on that account ? Finally, they hit upon a plan which they thought might possibly succeed. One night they are closeted together in secret ; and one of the princes says to the rest : " I think I have got a plan that will work. Tou know King Darius is very popular, and he is very proud of it. The people praise him a great deal, and he likes it. Now suppose wo ask him to establish a royal decree, * that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of the king, he shall bo cast into ^ae den of lions.' That will be putting the king in the place of the gods, and he is most likely to be flattered iiiiiii' IIEL. MOv^DY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. 435 re correct to (opular with t themselves vre only had loney. We )ur country nd chariots, he revenues as narrowly —even to a h a man in lat was only to me, and ck in Jeru- was such a f could find liked it over ere was no could find ng him into niel, except t)d." What the eyes of his God ! of on that jght might together in " I think I g Darius is ople praise VQ ask him a petition ig, he shall !g the king 30 flattered more by that than by anything I can think of : then, if once we can get that old Hebrow into the lion's den, we shall make a good deal more money than we have been able to do with him watching us all the time." This notion seemed to please the princes very well. They drew up the document immediately. It would not do to let Daniel hear of it, before the king should sign it ; and so they appointed a committee to take the decree down to the palace the very first thing in the morning. There were some law- yers amoug these hundred and twenty princes ; and I seem to see them drawing out the law with great care, making it firm and binding — laughing to themselves and saying : " The laws of the Medes and Persians change not. If once we can get Darius to stamp this document, with his signet-ring, Daniel is done for sure enough." §* So the committee go down to the palace next morning to obtain his signature. They begin by flattering. If a man wants another to do a mean thing, he always begins by ap- pealing to his vanity. " O king, we have been thinking how popular you are in your kingdom, and what you might do to make your- self even more famous than you are ; and we have come to the conchision that, if you would publish a decree that nobody in the kingdom, for thirty days, should pray to any other god except yourself, it would turn the hearts of all the p^^ople to- wards you even more than now. We should then have a universal religion, and the king would be at the head of it." Darius felt flattered by this proposition. He turned it over in his mind and presently said,-<" " That seems sensible." " All right," said the prince^. ** We thought you would like it ; and in order that there might not be any delay, we have the document here already drawn up. Now if you will please to stamp this with your signet-ring, we shall have it published right a^ay." The king takes the document, reads it over, stamps his seal upon it ; and the committee go away laughing, and saying, " Ha, ha I old Hebrew, we will havo you in the den of lions before night" The princes lost no time in publishing the new decree of ^1 ■^ , m^ 436 MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. the king. I can imagine some one of Daniel's friends, who had seen the document, going up to his office in great haste, to ,'»ive him waruing that there was some trouble brewing. ** Have you heard the news, Daniel ? Those hundred and twenty princes have gone and got Darius to publish a decree that nobody shall pray to any other god, except him, for thirty days. That is a conspiracy against you. Now I want to give you a little advice ; and that is, to get out of this town in a hurry." But Daniel says he can't leave his business. He is afraid these huBidred and twenty princes will cheat the revenues while he is away. His duty is right there, and he is deter- mined to stay there and attend to it. ** Well, then, had you not better pray more secretly? Yoiv have a habit, that is all well enough in ordinary times, of going tip to your chamber, where the windows opened towards Jerusalem, and saying your prayers there three times a day. And sometimes you pray pretty loud, and people out of doors can hear you. Now just shut your windows while you pray, for the next thirty days ; for these princes are sure to have some spies watching you at your prayers. You had better stop up the keyhole of your door also, for these mean fellows are not above peeping in to watch you. It would be still better, Daniel, if you would not kneel down at all, but say your prayers after you get into bed." Ah ! how many young men have gone to Oxford, or Cam- bridge, and lost their peace of mind and their hope in Christ, because they were afraid to pray before their room-mates ! And what does Drniel say to such advice as this ? He scouts it. He tram pels it under his feet. No man shall hinder him from praying. No king shall frighten him out of his duty. He attends to his'morning's work ; looks over the accounts as usual ; and when twelve o'clock comes, he goes to his cl^amber, puts the windows wide open, kneels down and prays, not to Darius, but to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His windows are opened towards Jerusalem, and his face is turned that way ; for Jerusalem is dearer to him than his life, and the God of his fathers is his sure defence. I can ecem to see him kneeling there — that old man, with his white k>cks and beard, praying at the probable cost of his life ; but EL. MOODY'S SERMON ON PROPHET DANIEL. 437 ends, who L'eat haste, rewing. mdred and ih a decree t him, for ow I want tut of this [e is afraid a revenues le is deter- •etlyl You jr times, of ed towards a day. And ' doors can u pray, for have some ter stop up >ws are not till better, b say your d, or Cam- in Christ, mates ! this'f He man shall lim out of [s over the 68, he goes down and Isaac and m, and his him than ice. I can his white life ; but he does not seem to be trouuled by the daiger ; neither is ho angry at the command of the king or the manifest wickedness of those hundred and twenty princes. He prays for the king, his friend, — who, he is sure, has done this wickedness in some thoughtless moment. He prays for his enemies, the princes, who are wickedly seeking to destroy him. Those men have taken care that two witnesses shall bo underneath Daniel's windows at the tim« when he usually goes to pray. " Hark !" says one to the other. " Did you hear that 1 The old man is up there praying, sure enough ! Listen : he is not praying to King Darius." " No, says the other ; " he is praying to the God of the Hebrews." So they listen till the prayer is finished, and then they hurry away to the princes, to give their evidence against Daniel ; and the princes lose no time in l^ing the matter be- fore the king. " King Darius 1 live for ever. Is it not written that the laws of the Medes and the Persians change not 1" '' It is," said Darius ; " anything that is stamped with the king's seal cannot be changed." " That is what we thought," said the princes. Did you not make a decree that no man should pray to any other god than to the king f ' " Yes, 1 did, said Darius." Then they tell him that the chief of the presidents — this Daniel, the Hebrew — has refused to obey the king's command. Poor Darius ! " What a mistake I have made !" says he. " I might have known that Daniel would not obey such a comtnand as that. I had quite forgotten about him when I made it." There is not a man in all Babylon who is so troubhal as the king. The account says that " he labored till tho ^'oincj down of the sun to deliver Daniel." But the command had gono forth, the law had been made, and it could not bo changed, even for the sake of Daniel himself. If Darius had loved his friend only as much as Christ loves us, he would have gone down into the den of lions for him. Our Darius, our King, counted not His life too dear unto Himself, but freely delivered it up for us. 87 J!!ii 438 MOODY'S SERMON UN PROPHET DANIEL. At sundown the king's officers go for the old man, to take him away to the lions. They bind his hands behind his back, and lead him along the streets of Babylon towards tlie den. The whole city goes out to see the sad procession. The princes look out of their windows, «ind rub their hands, and laugh over the success of thnir wicked plot ; and the people look on in wonder, to see such a sweet-faced old man led away to die like a criminal ; and poor Darius walks the chamber cf hts palace, wringing his hands in agony, saying, "Ah me I I have destroyed my friend." But Daniel walks with a firm step. His old knees don't shake a bit. The wind of the evening plays with his white locks, and with a smile upon his face he goes to meet the lions. He has served his God now for seventy long year?, ami he feels sure that God will not desert him in this great liour of trial. I can imagin him saying, " My God can brin«,' me out of the jaws of the lions just as easily as He has saved my three friends from the furnace of fire. But even if they eat me, I shall only die for my God.** And when they put him into the den, God sent one of His angels to shut the mouths of the lions. At the hour of the evening prayer, Daniel kneels in the den ; and if he can get the points of the compass down there, he prays with his face towards Jerusalem ; and then, taking one of the lions for his pillow, he lies down and sleeps, as sweetly as any man in Babylon. The king sits up all night, thinking what his folly has cost him — even the life of his most faithful servant. But he remembers that the God of Daniel has done strange things for them who trusted Him. He has heard of Shadrach and his friends coming out of tho fiery furnace ; and he knows that Daniel went into the den feeling that his God would go with him and save him. At the first dawn of day he orders out his chariot, and you can hear the wheels rattling over the pavements of Babylon before the people are up. Away he g()