The American Missionary — Volume 35, No. 2, February, 1881Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 35, No. 2, February, 1881
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
While these dear brethren were resting from their voyage, the
church came together and re-consecrated themselves to God. There
was a quick and deep apprehension of the necessity of personal
holiness and of self-denying service for Christ. Indeed the entire
month of October had been a month of prayerful preparation for the
movement. Printed notices were widely distributed, and Christians
went from house to house and invited people to come and seek the
salvation of their souls. From the opening night the meetings were
marked by deep seriousness and the evident presence of the Divine
Spirit. The method of the Evangelists was simple and honest. No
artificial means for exciting emotion were used. The Gospel was
preached in its simplicity, its purity, and its power. The sermons
were heart-searching, faithful and tender. The law in its exactions
and the Gospel in its provisions and promises, were presented
night after night. Brother Irving stayed with us ten days, and
Brother Wharton three weeks. After the sermon the Pastor took
charge of the meetings, and called the inquirers to the “mourners’
seats.” Special appeals and prayers were offered. Inquirers were
directed one by one how to find the Saviour, and to obtain peace
in believing. At some meetings Christians were permitted and
encouraged to speak of the love and preciousness of Jesus; and such
a volume of testimony! We could truly say, “Lord, it is good for
us to be here.” As I recall the sheaves that were gathered in this
glorious harvest I find much to thank God for. In two instances
both the husband and wife--all young people--were converted, and
standing side by side took the vows of the church upon them. Women
who had struggled with manifold temptations, and around whom the
wildest storms of sorrow had gathered, found in Christ a refuge
from the storm and the tempest. Young men with the hopes and
possibilities of Christian manhood before them, humbly, heartily,
and I believe, forever, took their position as the disciples of the
Son of God. When Brother Wharton was compelled to leave us to meet
an engagement in another church, the Pastor continued the meetings
for another week, assisted by Rev. A. N. Wyckoff, of the Canal St.
Presb. Church, Rev. Dr. John Matthews, of the M. E. Church, and two
able colored preachers. The fire burned brightly to the last.
The first Sabbath in December, thirty-one were received to
the Central Church on profession of their faith in Christ. We
hope forty-eight were converted in this revival. Some joined
other churches and more will yet unite themselves with us. The
meetings were thronged as never before. Crowds of young men
attended constantly. Some of them were won for God--others were
impressed--and with very many, let us hope and pray, the truth they
heard and the scenes they witnessed will prove to be “bread cast
upon the waters,” to be gathered in some future day to the glory of
God.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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