"Many Throng Christ But Do Not Touch Him," said Pastor

Pennsylvania, 1915

Too Many Christians Only For Effect Is Impression Conveyed In Discourse "Have You Touched Christ?" — Three Decisions

"Too many people of the world, simply throng Christ but do not touch Him", was the declaration made by Dr. Oyler in his sermon of last evening at the Methodist revival. It is the tendency of persons to profess Christianity but in real life their deeds fall short of the true Christian character and their submission to Christ is one of form rather than sincerity. This statement was developed in Dr. Oyler's theme "Have You Touched Christ," delivered to one of the largest congregations since the opening of the revival.

Three more persons announced their intention to follow Christ and there were two requests for prayer when the call for converts was sent out by the pastor. This makes a total of five decisions and eleven requests for prayer since the meetings began.

The music was a prominent part of the service last evening. The large choir rendered the usual number of revival hymns, leading the congregation, and Dr. and Mrs. Oyler sang two excellent selections, "He'll Never Forget to Keep Me" and by request repeated "The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago," which they sang Sunday evening.

Tonight will be "School Night" and Dr. Oyler will have for his subject, "God's Call To Youth". The school children of the church will have a block of seats in the front of the auditorium.

The Cottage Prayer Meeting today will be held at the home of Mrs. Annie Tate, 67 East Middle street. It will commence at 2:30. It was announced by Dr. Oyler last evening that Miss Nettie Swartz, of New Oxford, a deaconess of the Methodist church, will be present and assist in the services next week, and perhaps will be here for Sunday's meeting.

Dr. Oyler's sermon last evening was woven about the Bible story of the woman who touched the hem of Christ's garment and was healed. This he emphasized "was one of the most beautiful instances of faith in all the Bible." The great need in the church and the world today is Christ. There is a great difference between thronging and touching Him and there are many people in the church and Sunday School, who throng Christ but do not touch Him. The theme was profusely illustrated by personal experiences of Dr. Oyler during his life in the ministry.

—The Star and Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA, Jan. 15, 1915, p. 2.