The Man with the Book; or, The Bible Among the People.Weylland, John Matthias
History
The Man with the Book; or, The Bible Among the People.
Weylland, John Matthias
City missions; London City Mission
Soon after this, the founders of the midnight meeting movement consulted
him about that project, to which he gave his hearty support. Upon the
first night he gave away the invitations, and for that purpose
penetrated places into which no one but himself dare have entered with
that object. The large room was crowded, not less than 250 young women
were present; and he stood rejoicing with prayerful heart beside the
Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, while he gave the first address. The
midnight visitor knew that a movement was then being inaugurated which
would continue to recover many from destruction, and which would raise
the moral tone of London. Several private individuals now commenced
visiting at night, and the Committee of the London City Mission had
compassion upon their overworked servant, and by the appointment of a
Missionary to night-houses, relieved him of these self-imposed duties. A
change of importance had however been brought about. His evidence before
a Committee of the House of Commons, his writings and private influence,
had its share in securing a beneficial Act, closing night-houses from
one until four o'clock in the morning. This was a great moral good, and
it has resulted in the establishment of hundreds of street
coffee-stalls. There is still much room for Christian effort at night,
as the following extracts from printed statements of the two
Missionaries thus employed will clearly show. We introduce these with an
extract from "The Sword and Trowel:"--
"The Missionaries invariably leave their homes at twelve o'clock in
the night, and return about eight o'clock in the morning. And the
number of cabmen is now so great, and their spiritual instruction
so much needed, that the effort has proved to be one of the most
necessary, as well as fruitful departments of evangelization. There
are nearly 2000 night cabmen. They are very docile, remarkably glad
to be taught the message of God's love. And, indeed, the two
Missionaries seem generally attached to them. Being earnestly
desirous for their best welfare, and remembering how close death
must be to most of these old men, these messengers of peace yearn
over their souls. In numbers of instances their efforts have been
blessed. Poor old men, down whose furrowed cheeks the tears of
penitence have flowed, have found in Christ the truest consolation
for their wearied hearts. In the hour of life's eclipse--for death
to the Christian is nought more--they have witnessed a good
confession, and have given bright and glorious testimonies that
they have been born again."
One Missionary writes,--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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