New York, 1895
Jackson K. Mott of Sea Cliff was converted by the Salvation Army a few weeks ago. He reformed and was a constant attendant at services. Tuesday he was before Justice Gill, charged with beating his wife.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 22, 1895, p. 1.
Showing posts with label conversion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conversion. Show all posts
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Story of a Race Track Gambler Brought to Christ
1900
Notable Conversions
In a little mission in San Jose, California, a number of earnest Christian workers were holding an enthusiastic meeting, when in strolled a young man twenty-three years of age, uncultured, somewhat ignorant, but well versed in the art of horse training. William Mullen had lived many years with the associates of the race track and had adopted all their habits, and had also received the root of all evil, the desire for money. While he sat listening to many give their experience and tell how God had redeemed them, and others telling how God had kept them and prevented them from a life of shame, in the midst of the testimonial meeting the young man stood up, saying, "You people testify for Jesus Christ, I want to give testimony for the devil — I have served him all my life." What they thought of this is not known save to themselves. But he did not care, for he continued on saying; "I am bad, I have tried to be good, but I can't be good, there is no good in me. You say that Jesus Christ will save me, unless he does I will never be good. For every time I have tried to be good I have failed and I can't be good, but I am going to be good if God will make me good, and I am not going to leave this building until Christ does save me."
He sat down, and at the close of the meeting an old lady invited him to the front to kneel, and while waiting on God for some miraculous power to work upon him, the good old lady by his side kept saying, "Brother are you saved; do you feel you are saved?" Little did she think that she was acting in the person of Satan tempting the young man, for he desired not any such talk. It was an opportunity he wanted to be with the stranger whom he had met, God himself. He wanted God to reveal the light and he desired to be but alone. Getting up he testified that he believed that God would save him, but he was not quite sure.
He knew little of the Scripture, excepting a few passages that were taught him by a gentleman in Washington, D.C., many years ago, when he was an orphan boy with nowhere to go, sleeping under hay stacks, back of boilers, in coal sheds or other places that the boys of the street provided for him. Yet, a few of those verses had sunk deep into his heart. He remembered the kindly words and he remembered the good Sunday School teacher Mr. Clayton, who told him that some day Jesus Christ would save him and make a man of him. Mr. Clayton had met him on 14th Street in Washington, and stopped him, saying, "Little boy, what Sunday School do you go to?" for Mr. Clayton thought he was a good subject for the Sunday School. He looked up into Mr. Clayton's face, and said:
"I dinna gan' to Sunday School."
"Won't you come to my Sunday School?" said Mr. Clayton.
"Naw, I dinna' want to gan' to your Sunday School."
Mr. Clayton coaxed, but his coaxing apparently was all in vain. Finally, looking at the boy he said: "Do you want to go to jail?" Tears now came to the boy's eyes and he looked up into his face and said, "Mister, if you winnit put me in jail, gan' to your Sunday School," thinking that the Sunday School might not be quite as bad as a jail, for he remembered in his early childhood days the big stone wall that surrounded the institution of charity in which he was imprisoned for no greater crime than being an orphan.
And so the next Sunday at the door of old Mt. Zion Sunday School in Washington, D.C., there came a rap. A gentleman invited the stranger who was knocking inside of the church or Sunday School: "Won't you come in little boy?"
"Naw, but if you will, please tell Mr. Clayton I'd oot here."
The gentleman smiled, walked inside and called for the Sunday School teacher, Mr. Clayton, telling him there was a boy at the door.
The good teacher asked the whole Sunday School to promise, and got their promise, that they would not laugh at the strange little boy that was coming in. As Mr. Clayton went to the door he kindly took him by the hand. He looked upon the new scholar dressed up in a coat many times too large for him, covered with ham fat, a large man's pair of pants with the waist pinned around to one side, (possibly it was a horse shoe nail that acted for a button, as such was used commonly by him), but he had his hair combed at least, and it was so uncommon that the good Sunday School teacher who had noticed him many times made a note of the fact as he brought the boy down the aisle, to the sound of the clitter-clatter, clitter-clatter of the shoes that were too large for him.
The Sunday School scholars were compelled to put their handkerchiefs in their mouths to keep from laughing.
The good teacher, who had learned to act in the name of Jesus his Master,. went further than this, and at the close of the Sunday School he said, "William, you must come home with me now and have dinner; Mrs. Clayton wants you to come." All things were prepared for him on that table where he sat down to a nice white table cloth, silver knives and forks, plenty of dishes and good things heaped up purposely for him. It was the first time in his life that he was a guest, and a guest in the name of Jesus Christ.
Many years went by and as some one would say to him while carousing, "All Christians are hypocrites," tears would come to his eyes and he would say, "No, boys, I know better than that, there is one man on earth who is a Christian," and off would go his coat ready to fight as he would repeat, "I know that there was nothing on earth that would cause a man to take me in when I was a boy like Mr. Clayton did, if he was not a Christian." And so a tender spot was gained in his heart, and when the time came that God pressed him and showed him his utter inability to lead a good life without him, he accepted Jesus Christ.
To return to the little mission meeting in California, the young man, having given his testimony, as stated, promised he would return the next night. The next night they asked him to testify for Jesus Christ. Rising, he said, "I am saved, I know that I am saved, for I have not wanted tobacco all day." This was the test that he put God to. He said that if God would save him from the habit that he had followed from his childhood, that he would believe that God had saved him from his sins.
The very next day William Mullen was called to preach. As before said he knew little of the Scriptures, but in the corral, where the horsemen were gathered, he would tell them the wonderful works that God had done for him. He could not declare unto them the Gospel as put forth in the Scriptures, but he would say, "Oh, I know that I am saved, I know that God has saved me for I have not uttered an oath and I could not help swearing before, I have not used any tobacco and I always loved it before, but now I do not care for it. I know that God has saved me, for he has made a new man of me, for the things that I used to love I do not care for any more now, and the things that I did not love I like now. I know and I have heard others say that he has done the same for them, and he will not turn anybody away, for I see that everybody that comes to him gets saved. I know that he will save you because he saved me, and if he could save me he could save anybody on earth."
Many have listened to the glad story, some have accepted it, some now are already in the field repeating the story, some have gone as missionaries, some are ordained ministers of the Gospel, while he goes on his simple way telling that Jesus Christ has died for sinful men.
—The Ram's Horn, Nov. 17, 1900, p. 11.
Conversion In Childhood
1900
The evangelist of the Free Churches of England, perhaps the greatest living evangelist of the world, Gipsy Smith, is a firm believer in the conversion of children. In an address made by him at a noon prayer meeting in London, and reported in The Christian, he pointed out that many Christian workers testify to having found salvation in the days of youth.
Mr. Smith went on to say that we need a deeper realization of the importance of evangelistic work among the young. We can scarcely begin too early, but we can easily postpone dealing with the question until it is too late, and the child has become a worldling. The late Mrs. Booth once said, "I believe it is possible to be ten minutes ahead of the devil." Save an adult and you save a unit; save a child and you save a multiplication table.
Mr. Smith told of an evangelistic mission in the North of England, at the conclusion of which a critical member grumbled about the only visible fruit being "only a boy." Yet that lad-convert is known today as Rev. Thomas Cook, the esteemed Wesleyan evangelist. At another mission a similar incident occurred, and the people said, "It's only a gipsy boy." That "gipsy boy" is now known as Gipsy Smith.
Mr. Smith added a story — told with a human interest and pathetic touch that moved many to tears — of his own little son. The lad was convicted of his need of Christ under his father's preaching in a meeting at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester. Many pressed forward to seek the Saviour. The boy stood for a time anxious and weeping, but timid, "the tears running down his face like bubbles in a mountain spring;" but ultimately he walked down the aisle, and entered the inquiry room. Nothing was said until the next morning, when, before daylight had broken, the little fellow crept into his father's room, taking with him a Bible which was a parental birthday gift. He had written, on the title-page, below the name: "Converted July 17, and the Lord added to the Church."
Concluding his appeal, Mr. Smith said that "Christ put heaven's richest diadem on the cradle of every homestead in the land when he said of the little ones, 'of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' "
—The Ram's Horn, Nov. 17, 1900, p. 20.
The evangelist of the Free Churches of England, perhaps the greatest living evangelist of the world, Gipsy Smith, is a firm believer in the conversion of children. In an address made by him at a noon prayer meeting in London, and reported in The Christian, he pointed out that many Christian workers testify to having found salvation in the days of youth.
Mr. Smith went on to say that we need a deeper realization of the importance of evangelistic work among the young. We can scarcely begin too early, but we can easily postpone dealing with the question until it is too late, and the child has become a worldling. The late Mrs. Booth once said, "I believe it is possible to be ten minutes ahead of the devil." Save an adult and you save a unit; save a child and you save a multiplication table.
Mr. Smith told of an evangelistic mission in the North of England, at the conclusion of which a critical member grumbled about the only visible fruit being "only a boy." Yet that lad-convert is known today as Rev. Thomas Cook, the esteemed Wesleyan evangelist. At another mission a similar incident occurred, and the people said, "It's only a gipsy boy." That "gipsy boy" is now known as Gipsy Smith.
Mr. Smith added a story — told with a human interest and pathetic touch that moved many to tears — of his own little son. The lad was convicted of his need of Christ under his father's preaching in a meeting at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester. Many pressed forward to seek the Saviour. The boy stood for a time anxious and weeping, but timid, "the tears running down his face like bubbles in a mountain spring;" but ultimately he walked down the aisle, and entered the inquiry room. Nothing was said until the next morning, when, before daylight had broken, the little fellow crept into his father's room, taking with him a Bible which was a parental birthday gift. He had written, on the title-page, below the name: "Converted July 17, and the Lord added to the Church."
Concluding his appeal, Mr. Smith said that "Christ put heaven's richest diadem on the cradle of every homestead in the land when he said of the little ones, 'of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' "
—The Ram's Horn, Nov. 17, 1900, p. 20.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Miraculous Cures Explained
1896
M. Littre, of Paris, who recently investigated a number of alleged miraculous cures, says that they can be accounted for without supposing a miracle. He explains that in many of such cures there is a muscular action of the affected part. The muscle contracts energetically; it breaks down the pathological adhesions, if they exist, and restores the bones violently to their place.
In commenting on this, the New York Medical Record says: "What the surgeon has to do with his hand is here done by an influence exerted on the muscles themselves, and in a far more beneficent manner than surgery can effect. The exciting cause of these energetic contractions is that which we find in all miracles of this sort — a strong persuasion, a complete confidence. It is the brain and feeling generated by the mind which give strength to the person who thinks strongly. A gouty man, who has long hobbled about on his crutch, finds his legs and power to run with them if pursued by a wild bull. The feeblest invalid, under the influence of delirium or other strong excitement, will astonish her nurse by the sudden accession of strength she may exhibit."
Deaf and Dumb Couple Converted
It seems to be a striking compliment to fervent eloquence, or some other peculiar power of persuasion, that among the converts made by a revivalist at Tekonsah, Michigan, recently, were two deaf and dumb persons, a man and his wife. — New York Sun.
M. Littre, of Paris, who recently investigated a number of alleged miraculous cures, says that they can be accounted for without supposing a miracle. He explains that in many of such cures there is a muscular action of the affected part. The muscle contracts energetically; it breaks down the pathological adhesions, if they exist, and restores the bones violently to their place.
In commenting on this, the New York Medical Record says: "What the surgeon has to do with his hand is here done by an influence exerted on the muscles themselves, and in a far more beneficent manner than surgery can effect. The exciting cause of these energetic contractions is that which we find in all miracles of this sort — a strong persuasion, a complete confidence. It is the brain and feeling generated by the mind which give strength to the person who thinks strongly. A gouty man, who has long hobbled about on his crutch, finds his legs and power to run with them if pursued by a wild bull. The feeblest invalid, under the influence of delirium or other strong excitement, will astonish her nurse by the sudden accession of strength she may exhibit."
Deaf and Dumb Couple Converted
It seems to be a striking compliment to fervent eloquence, or some other peculiar power of persuasion, that among the converts made by a revivalist at Tekonsah, Michigan, recently, were two deaf and dumb persons, a man and his wife. — New York Sun.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Liquor Thrown Away After Conversion
Pennsylvania, 1896
A novel scene was witnessed at the North East saloon, East Patrick street, Frederick, yesterday. Wm. L. Gilbert, the proprietor, last week professed religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church during revival services.
On Saturday, Gilbert, who says he intends leading a moral life and to assist others to do so, informed his pastor that he was offered $150 for his liquor license and the stock of goods on hand, and while he was desirous of waging war against the traffic yet he was sorely in need of funds for the support of his family.
Sunday Rev. Mr. Zimmerman set forth the case of the new convert to his audience in the City Opera House and requested that the amount be raised to start the young man in a more legitimate business. The sum was soon raised, and yesterday afternoon Rev. Mr. Zimmerman, accompanied by a committee, proceeded to Gilbert's saloon, and in the presence of a crowd of several hundred people loaded two barrels of liquor, a keg of gin and a slot-machine on a dray, and driving out on a lot on the gas-house road, dumped the liquor into a hole.
Gilbert, who is 27 years of age, has been a member of several different churches and also of the Salvation Army.
—New Oxford Item, New Oxford, PA, Jan. 24, 1896.
A novel scene was witnessed at the North East saloon, East Patrick street, Frederick, yesterday. Wm. L. Gilbert, the proprietor, last week professed religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church during revival services.
On Saturday, Gilbert, who says he intends leading a moral life and to assist others to do so, informed his pastor that he was offered $150 for his liquor license and the stock of goods on hand, and while he was desirous of waging war against the traffic yet he was sorely in need of funds for the support of his family.
Sunday Rev. Mr. Zimmerman set forth the case of the new convert to his audience in the City Opera House and requested that the amount be raised to start the young man in a more legitimate business. The sum was soon raised, and yesterday afternoon Rev. Mr. Zimmerman, accompanied by a committee, proceeded to Gilbert's saloon, and in the presence of a crowd of several hundred people loaded two barrels of liquor, a keg of gin and a slot-machine on a dray, and driving out on a lot on the gas-house road, dumped the liquor into a hole.
Gilbert, who is 27 years of age, has been a member of several different churches and also of the Salvation Army.
—New Oxford Item, New Oxford, PA, Jan. 24, 1896.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Friends Church: "You Need Baptism of The Holy Ghost"
Ohio, 1916
Increased Attendance at Friends Church Revival
Large crowds attended the revival services at the Friends Church, Sunday. Last night it was necessary to throw open the Sunday School room. Seven persons presented their names for membership.
In his sermon in the morning the pastor spoke on the need of "Divine Equipment for Service." In part he said: God not only wants to save men from sin, but prepare them for service. It is not enough to have your sin pardoned, but you need the baptism of the Holy Ghost to give you power to do. This is the crying need of the church to-day. In the days of Finney, Edwards and the Wesleys it is claimed less than fifteen per cent of the converts backslid. In our day less than this number stand and all because we do not preach a full gospel.
In the evening his subject was "God's Estimate of the Value of a Soul." He said that no soul has ever gone so low but what Jesus goes beneath that one to lift him up. It is an abomination in the sight of Heaven for church people to talk about trash. All men are human beings, and have a soul and the soul of a poor harlot or drunkard is as precious in the eyes of Jesus Christ as that of the President or a King. When you hear a person talk about trash you may rest assured that that person is dirtier than the "trash" they talk about. The mission of Jesus is to put all men on an equality. Blind Bartimaeus had to be lifted up, while the self-righteous Zacchaeus had to come down, and the two met on the same platform.
Meetings to night at 7:30. Special prayer and inquiry meeting at 6:30. Special music at every service.
Resignation
Rev. Hugh Willard Hanna tendered his resignation as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Kenton, "for the sake of peace and harmony." His resignation caused general surprise as he was called to the pastorate in June, 1914, from Freeport, Pa.
—The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1916.
Increased Attendance at Friends Church Revival
Large crowds attended the revival services at the Friends Church, Sunday. Last night it was necessary to throw open the Sunday School room. Seven persons presented their names for membership.
In his sermon in the morning the pastor spoke on the need of "Divine Equipment for Service." In part he said: God not only wants to save men from sin, but prepare them for service. It is not enough to have your sin pardoned, but you need the baptism of the Holy Ghost to give you power to do. This is the crying need of the church to-day. In the days of Finney, Edwards and the Wesleys it is claimed less than fifteen per cent of the converts backslid. In our day less than this number stand and all because we do not preach a full gospel.
In the evening his subject was "God's Estimate of the Value of a Soul." He said that no soul has ever gone so low but what Jesus goes beneath that one to lift him up. It is an abomination in the sight of Heaven for church people to talk about trash. All men are human beings, and have a soul and the soul of a poor harlot or drunkard is as precious in the eyes of Jesus Christ as that of the President or a King. When you hear a person talk about trash you may rest assured that that person is dirtier than the "trash" they talk about. The mission of Jesus is to put all men on an equality. Blind Bartimaeus had to be lifted up, while the self-righteous Zacchaeus had to come down, and the two met on the same platform.
Meetings to night at 7:30. Special prayer and inquiry meeting at 6:30. Special music at every service.
Resignation
Rev. Hugh Willard Hanna tendered his resignation as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Kenton, "for the sake of peace and harmony." His resignation caused general surprise as he was called to the pastorate in June, 1914, from Freeport, Pa.
—The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1916.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Motanic Bad Indian No More
1908Cayuse Chief Becomes a Christian — Makes Dramatic Confession
Spokane, Washington. — Motanic, bad Indian, terror of the Umatilla reservation southwest of Spokane and leader of pagan customs among the Cayuse braves, has embraced the Christian religion, and, as a consequence, there is rejoicing among the faithful in the Tutilla Presbyterian mission. The conversion of the chieftain was the dramatic climax to the ordination of Rev. Edward Conner, a full-blooded Cayuse, as minister of the gospel a few days ago.
Following the singing of the Cayuse version of "Washed in the Blood of the Lamb," in which braves and squaws joined heartily, Motanic, dressed in barbaric splendor, arose from his seat and, facing the congregation, declared his intention to live a better life. He vowed he would abandon the pagan customs, bid goodbye forever to the feathered headdress and the red and orange paint, to participate no more in the festal parades nor partake of the white man's firewater. He would not steal, gamble or cheat his fellow man or brother. Motanic had become a Christian. It was a fitting close to the ordination of Conner.
At the conclusion of the services which made Conner a full-fledged minister of the gospel there was stillness. Motanic walked to the front of the altar. Tears streamed down his weather-bronzed cheeks and his big frame shook with sobs. He looked neither to the right nor to the left. Motanic confessed his sins to the world and swore allegiance to a new king.
Suddenly a glad note burst from the throat of a little brown woman in the corner. It was the signal for a spontaneous outburst of song from the Indian congregation. Then his faithful squaw went home with the chief.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Being Convicted of Sin
Conviction in general, is the assurance of the truth of any proposition. In a religious sense, it is the first degree of repentance, and implies an affecting sense that we are guilty before God; that we can do nothing of ourselves to gain his forfeited favor; that we deserve and are exposed to the wrath of God; that sin is very odious and hateful, the greatest of evils.
There is a natural and just conviction which arises from natural conscience, fear of punishment, moral suasion, or alarming providences, but which, is not of a permanent nature. Saving conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, as the cause; though the conscience, the law, the gospel, or affliction, may be the means (John 16:8,9).
Convictions of sin differ very much in their degree and pungency, in different persons. It has been observed that those who suffer the most agonizing sensations are such as never before enjoyed the external call of the gospel, or were favored with the tuition of religious parents, but have neglected or notoriously abused the means of grace. To these, conviction is often sudden, and produces that horror and shame which are not soon overcome; whereas those who have sat under the gospel from their infancy have not often such alarming convictions, because they have already some notion of these things, and have much acquaintance with the gospel, which administers to a believing heart immediate comfort.
As it is not, therefore, the constant method of the Spirit to convince in one way, it is improper for any to distress themselves because they are not, or have not been, tormented almost to despair; they should be rather thankful that the Spirit of God has dealt tenderly with them, and opened to them the genuine source of consolation in Christ. It is necessary, however, to observe that, for repentance and conversion to God, there must be real and lasting conviction, which, though it may not be the same in degree, is the same in nature.
Evangelical conviction differs from legal conviction thus: legal arises from a consideration of the divine law, God's justice, power, or omniscience; evangelical, from God's goodness and holiness as seen in the cross of Christ, and from a disaffection to sin; legal conviction still conceives there is something remaining good, but evangelical is sensible there is no good at all; legal wishes freedom from pain, evangelical from sin; legal hardens the heart, evangelical softens it; legal is only temporary, evangelical lasting. — Adapted from McClintock & Strong.
There is a natural and just conviction which arises from natural conscience, fear of punishment, moral suasion, or alarming providences, but which, is not of a permanent nature. Saving conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, as the cause; though the conscience, the law, the gospel, or affliction, may be the means (John 16:8,9).
Convictions of sin differ very much in their degree and pungency, in different persons. It has been observed that those who suffer the most agonizing sensations are such as never before enjoyed the external call of the gospel, or were favored with the tuition of religious parents, but have neglected or notoriously abused the means of grace. To these, conviction is often sudden, and produces that horror and shame which are not soon overcome; whereas those who have sat under the gospel from their infancy have not often such alarming convictions, because they have already some notion of these things, and have much acquaintance with the gospel, which administers to a believing heart immediate comfort.
As it is not, therefore, the constant method of the Spirit to convince in one way, it is improper for any to distress themselves because they are not, or have not been, tormented almost to despair; they should be rather thankful that the Spirit of God has dealt tenderly with them, and opened to them the genuine source of consolation in Christ. It is necessary, however, to observe that, for repentance and conversion to God, there must be real and lasting conviction, which, though it may not be the same in degree, is the same in nature.
Evangelical conviction differs from legal conviction thus: legal arises from a consideration of the divine law, God's justice, power, or omniscience; evangelical, from God's goodness and holiness as seen in the cross of Christ, and from a disaffection to sin; legal conviction still conceives there is something remaining good, but evangelical is sensible there is no good at all; legal wishes freedom from pain, evangelical from sin; legal hardens the heart, evangelical softens it; legal is only temporary, evangelical lasting. — Adapted from McClintock & Strong.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Remits Dime After 7 Years
1920
Conscience Prompts Man to Pay Debt He Couldn't Forget
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Elmer Green of Mitchell, has sent Walter Simmons, Louisville hardware dealer, 10 cents which he owed for seven years on a baseball glove.
"I owe you 10 cents on a baseball mitt I bought seven years ago," Green writes, "so I hope you will forgive me and let me know if you will accept the dime. The Lord has saved me, and I have had no peace because I haven't paid you. I want to make everything right so I won't have to come up short at the judgment bar of God."
1896
Gods on the Average
The average Japanese god is sixty feet high.
The latest fad is to tell people's characters by their teeth.
The foundation of a church at San Como, Guatemala, has been shifted seven inches by the growth of two large white gum trees.
Conscience Prompts Man to Pay Debt He Couldn't Forget
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Elmer Green of Mitchell, has sent Walter Simmons, Louisville hardware dealer, 10 cents which he owed for seven years on a baseball glove.
"I owe you 10 cents on a baseball mitt I bought seven years ago," Green writes, "so I hope you will forgive me and let me know if you will accept the dime. The Lord has saved me, and I have had no peace because I haven't paid you. I want to make everything right so I won't have to come up short at the judgment bar of God."
1896
Gods on the Average
The average Japanese god is sixty feet high.
The latest fad is to tell people's characters by their teeth.
The foundation of a church at San Como, Guatemala, has been shifted seven inches by the growth of two large white gum trees.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Baptist Sermons on Conversion, Winning Souls
Ohio, 1909
Rev. Bauer occupied the pulpit again in the special services in the Baptist church and preached a stirring sermon on "The Necessity of the Church Getting in Earnest in Regard to Christian Living and Sincere Efforts in Winning Souls." The interest is manifested in the meetings and will be kept up from time to time. The theme of Rev. Bauer's sermon, this evening, is "Remarkable Conversion." Come out and hear him. Service of song, at seven p.m. Preaching, at seven-thirty p.m.
—The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert, Ohio, Jan. 19, 1909, p. 3.
A good congregation greeted Rev. Bauer, last night, and he preached an earnest, practical sermon on the "Conversion of Zacchaeus the Publican." He emphasized the need of a life changed by God, and the earnest attention given the speaker, throughout the discourse clearly indicated that the congregation was being led to think of the heinous effects of sin on the soul and man's responsibility to God. Rev. Bauer will speak, tonight, on "Confessing Christ." The theme is a vital one and will be ably handled by the speaker. Come and hear the glad tidings.
—The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert, Ohio, Jan. 20, 1909, p. 3.
Note: The article had a multiple typo pile-up, giving the name in the sermon title as "Lyacclieus."
Rev. Bauer occupied the pulpit again in the special services in the Baptist church and preached a stirring sermon on "The Necessity of the Church Getting in Earnest in Regard to Christian Living and Sincere Efforts in Winning Souls." The interest is manifested in the meetings and will be kept up from time to time. The theme of Rev. Bauer's sermon, this evening, is "Remarkable Conversion." Come out and hear him. Service of song, at seven p.m. Preaching, at seven-thirty p.m.
—The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert, Ohio, Jan. 19, 1909, p. 3.
A good congregation greeted Rev. Bauer, last night, and he preached an earnest, practical sermon on the "Conversion of Zacchaeus the Publican." He emphasized the need of a life changed by God, and the earnest attention given the speaker, throughout the discourse clearly indicated that the congregation was being led to think of the heinous effects of sin on the soul and man's responsibility to God. Rev. Bauer will speak, tonight, on "Confessing Christ." The theme is a vital one and will be ably handled by the speaker. Come and hear the glad tidings.
—The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert, Ohio, Jan. 20, 1909, p. 3.
Note: The article had a multiple typo pile-up, giving the name in the sermon title as "Lyacclieus."
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Evangelist Works In Love; "No Blacksnakes" About Him
Lincoln, Nebraska, 1904
BLACKSNAKES
Evangelist Rowland Has None Concealed About His Person, but Deals in Kindness
There were four professed conversions in the young people's meeting yesterday at the Second Presbyterian church. This service is becoming a force in East Lincoln for a Christian life that is making many glad.
The meeting of last night was a sweet, spirited one and simple, clear directions were given for entering the better life. No evangelist who ever visited Lincoln excels Mr. Rowland in ability to guide an enquirer. He was a trusted lieutenant of Mr. Moody in several of his great meetings, having charge of inquiry meetings, a work the great evangelist never entrusted to any but the ablest men. In one thing Mr. Rowland differs from most evangelists and pastors. He has absolutely no blacksnakes concealed about his person for any one. What he can not do by kindness and love and gentle persuasion he refuses to attempt to do at all. The feature of the meeting last night was the presentation of requests for prayer by people who were burdened for friends.
Rev. Long said he had the names of forty-seven in a little book for whom he was praying. Perhaps it is revealing a confidential message, but the pastor did not sleep much last night on account of some of these people whose names are in his little book. Second church people feel that they are getting back into regular work of an apostolic sort in having fifteen or twenty services a week. Back to the days of which it is said, "The Lord added to the church daily such as were being saved."
Rev. Long assured his people last night that in some one of the three services held daily some one was being daily led to Christ. The subject for tonight will be "The Man Who Lacked But One Thing."
—Lincoln Evening News, Lincoln, Nebraska, Nov. 16, 1904, p. 6.
Note: Evangelist L. P. Rowland began the evangelistic campaign Sunday, Nov. 6, 1904, at Second Presbyterian church, also called Second Presbyterian Temple, corner Twenty-sixth and P streets. The Rev. Barzillai M. Long was the minister.
BLACKSNAKES
Evangelist Rowland Has None Concealed About His Person, but Deals in Kindness
There were four professed conversions in the young people's meeting yesterday at the Second Presbyterian church. This service is becoming a force in East Lincoln for a Christian life that is making many glad.
The meeting of last night was a sweet, spirited one and simple, clear directions were given for entering the better life. No evangelist who ever visited Lincoln excels Mr. Rowland in ability to guide an enquirer. He was a trusted lieutenant of Mr. Moody in several of his great meetings, having charge of inquiry meetings, a work the great evangelist never entrusted to any but the ablest men. In one thing Mr. Rowland differs from most evangelists and pastors. He has absolutely no blacksnakes concealed about his person for any one. What he can not do by kindness and love and gentle persuasion he refuses to attempt to do at all. The feature of the meeting last night was the presentation of requests for prayer by people who were burdened for friends.
Rev. Long said he had the names of forty-seven in a little book for whom he was praying. Perhaps it is revealing a confidential message, but the pastor did not sleep much last night on account of some of these people whose names are in his little book. Second church people feel that they are getting back into regular work of an apostolic sort in having fifteen or twenty services a week. Back to the days of which it is said, "The Lord added to the church daily such as were being saved."
Rev. Long assured his people last night that in some one of the three services held daily some one was being daily led to Christ. The subject for tonight will be "The Man Who Lacked But One Thing."
—Lincoln Evening News, Lincoln, Nebraska, Nov. 16, 1904, p. 6.
Note: Evangelist L. P. Rowland began the evangelistic campaign Sunday, Nov. 6, 1904, at Second Presbyterian church, also called Second Presbyterian Temple, corner Twenty-sixth and P streets. The Rev. Barzillai M. Long was the minister.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Over the Telephone — An Unusual Conversion
1917
The Family Altar has a story of an unusual conversion. A young woman came before the session of a Presbyterian church and said that she wished to unite with that church. No one present knew her; she made an unusually clear confession of faith, impressing the minister so much that he asked her how she had been led to Christ. "Through Dr. S.," she replied. "Is Dr. S. a friend of yours?" she was asked. "No," she said, "I have never met or even seen him."
She was a telephone operator, and had had night service, from 9 p. m. to 3 a.m. Receiving many calls for this physician. Dr. S., she had more than once rung his bell by mistake. Always he answered, not only with courtesy, but in a voice that showed no trace of impatience. It was such a grateful relief from the surly, sleepy voices of others awakened at midnight, or the harsh expressions directed at her when she called a wrong number by mistake, that she finally became deeply interested and wanted to know the secret of the difference between Dr. S. and other men.
She made inquiries about him, until she learned that Christ was supreme in his heart and life, and that what she was so admiring in him was simply Christ living in an earnest Christian. Soon Dr. S.'s Savior was her Savior. Herein is a suggestion for those who have telephones and are sometimes annoyed by untimely calls.
The Family Altar has a story of an unusual conversion. A young woman came before the session of a Presbyterian church and said that she wished to unite with that church. No one present knew her; she made an unusually clear confession of faith, impressing the minister so much that he asked her how she had been led to Christ. "Through Dr. S.," she replied. "Is Dr. S. a friend of yours?" she was asked. "No," she said, "I have never met or even seen him."
She was a telephone operator, and had had night service, from 9 p. m. to 3 a.m. Receiving many calls for this physician. Dr. S., she had more than once rung his bell by mistake. Always he answered, not only with courtesy, but in a voice that showed no trace of impatience. It was such a grateful relief from the surly, sleepy voices of others awakened at midnight, or the harsh expressions directed at her when she called a wrong number by mistake, that she finally became deeply interested and wanted to know the secret of the difference between Dr. S. and other men.
She made inquiries about him, until she learned that Christ was supreme in his heart and life, and that what she was so admiring in him was simply Christ living in an earnest Christian. Soon Dr. S.'s Savior was her Savior. Herein is a suggestion for those who have telephones and are sometimes annoyed by untimely calls.
Preacher Compares Sin To Leprosy
Fresno, California, 1907
Christ Cured Physical Leprosy, Surely He Can Cure Leprosy of Soul, Says Rev. Perkins
The revival services at the Christian church gain in power. The audiences are large and the interest keen. Tonight J. R. Perkins, the pastor, will preach on "The Sympathy of Jesus." One made the confession after the sermon last night. The services will begin at 7:30 as usual.
Last evening Rev. Perkins preached on "The Leprosy of Sin." He said: "Just as leprosy removes the afflicted from the society of his fellows so sin removes the soul from God. In many places in the Bible when the inspired penmen would impress the people with the deadliness of sin they would use the word 'leprosy.' It was the strongest figure known to them to portray sin in all its vivid and terrible forms.
"Leprosy has ever been looked upon as an incurable disease. Well might it be written over the gate of every leper colony what Dante says is written above the portal of hell, 'Through me you pass into the city of eternal woe: all hope abandon ye who enter here.' And well might such inscription be written upon the souls of sinful men were it not for pardon and peace in Christ. He alone can remove the leper stain of guilt and He is willing as well as able. Believest thou this?
"No reconciliation was possible to the leper. He left his home and with the wanderlust in his soul he sought peace and found it not till death came as a fond, sweet relief. And you, my unconverted brother, cannot be reconciled to God until your moral leprosy is removed. Thank God it can be removed. Listen to the message from the Bible: 'But now in Christ Jesus ye who were one time afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our Peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, that He might reconcile us to God.' There is power in the blood of Christ, power in His death because there was power in His life, and there is power in His word.
"Remember that it takes a great salvation to save great sinners as we are. Man lost in sin is lost so completely that self-recovery is impossible without the divine touch of healing. It requires a God to save a man. Divinity plus humanity mean pardon and perfect peace. Divinity is ever ready; but humanity halts between two opinions. Jesus cured physical leprosy, surely He can cure the leprosy of the soul. In perfect trust and faith the ten lepers of Galilee stood before Him and were made whole. Will not the ten and more unconverted in this house tonight stand before Jesus and be cleansed from all sin? Just as you are. Don't try to go the way alone. Failure is certain. Be ye reconciled tonight. Be ye born anew, from above. The stain is too deep for so-called morality to remove it. Too deep for all remedies save the oil of His salvation. Sin has broken your life. Here is a broken vase. We pick up the pieces and paste them together, but the broken pieces show. So will the broken pieces in your life show till your life is placed in the hot crucible of His love and molded anew by the Divine Potter."
—Fresno Morning Republican, Fresno, Nov. 26, 1907, p. 7.
Christ Cured Physical Leprosy, Surely He Can Cure Leprosy of Soul, Says Rev. Perkins
The revival services at the Christian church gain in power. The audiences are large and the interest keen. Tonight J. R. Perkins, the pastor, will preach on "The Sympathy of Jesus." One made the confession after the sermon last night. The services will begin at 7:30 as usual.
Last evening Rev. Perkins preached on "The Leprosy of Sin." He said: "Just as leprosy removes the afflicted from the society of his fellows so sin removes the soul from God. In many places in the Bible when the inspired penmen would impress the people with the deadliness of sin they would use the word 'leprosy.' It was the strongest figure known to them to portray sin in all its vivid and terrible forms.
"Leprosy has ever been looked upon as an incurable disease. Well might it be written over the gate of every leper colony what Dante says is written above the portal of hell, 'Through me you pass into the city of eternal woe: all hope abandon ye who enter here.' And well might such inscription be written upon the souls of sinful men were it not for pardon and peace in Christ. He alone can remove the leper stain of guilt and He is willing as well as able. Believest thou this?
"No reconciliation was possible to the leper. He left his home and with the wanderlust in his soul he sought peace and found it not till death came as a fond, sweet relief. And you, my unconverted brother, cannot be reconciled to God until your moral leprosy is removed. Thank God it can be removed. Listen to the message from the Bible: 'But now in Christ Jesus ye who were one time afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our Peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, that He might reconcile us to God.' There is power in the blood of Christ, power in His death because there was power in His life, and there is power in His word.
"Remember that it takes a great salvation to save great sinners as we are. Man lost in sin is lost so completely that self-recovery is impossible without the divine touch of healing. It requires a God to save a man. Divinity plus humanity mean pardon and perfect peace. Divinity is ever ready; but humanity halts between two opinions. Jesus cured physical leprosy, surely He can cure the leprosy of the soul. In perfect trust and faith the ten lepers of Galilee stood before Him and were made whole. Will not the ten and more unconverted in this house tonight stand before Jesus and be cleansed from all sin? Just as you are. Don't try to go the way alone. Failure is certain. Be ye reconciled tonight. Be ye born anew, from above. The stain is too deep for so-called morality to remove it. Too deep for all remedies save the oil of His salvation. Sin has broken your life. Here is a broken vase. We pick up the pieces and paste them together, but the broken pieces show. So will the broken pieces in your life show till your life is placed in the hot crucible of His love and molded anew by the Divine Potter."
—Fresno Morning Republican, Fresno, Nov. 26, 1907, p. 7.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Unbelieving Father Asks Prayer For Dying Son
Chicago, 1907
PLEASE PRAY FOR BOY WHO IS DYING.
A year ago in the city of Chicago, says Dr. Chapman, there came a gentleman into the hotel where I was stopping to tell me that his wife had formerly been a member of my church. When I asked about himself he said he was an infidel. Then he began to speak so blasphemously of God that I insisted on his either ceasing or leaving my presence. Then he told me that his boy was ill, and that he was then on his way to pawn his overcoat to secure the price of the prescription. He refused financial aid and went away.
On Good Friday, when I was preaching to the men in the Young Men's Christian Association, I saw him put a note in the hand of the usher, and when I read the note it said: "Please pray for a boy who is dying. This request is sent by a believing mother, and carried by an unbelieving father." It was laid upon me to pray for the boy. I learned that he had pleuro-pneumonia, that the doctors had given him up, and that the mother had been informed that there was no hope. He was far beyond the danger point, and they were waiting for him to die.
At 12:30 o'clock I called upon Major James H. Cole to pray. It seemed to me as if I had never heard praying before. He prayed that God might save the boy for the sake of his father. And now will you hear the result? At 25 minutes of 1 o'clock, when the doctor had said the boy would be dead, he began to recover. He rose from his bed, he moved about the house a little later; he was soon about the city; and in an incredibly short space of time was at his work once more. God had heard and answered the prayer.
I heard that father stand upon his feet and say: "My friends, God has answered the prayer for my boy, and I want to know him," and I heard him later make as true a confession of Christ as I have ever heard. He is one of my devoted friends today, and I know that God answers prayer and says "Yes," when we speak to him.
PLEASE PRAY FOR BOY WHO IS DYING.
A year ago in the city of Chicago, says Dr. Chapman, there came a gentleman into the hotel where I was stopping to tell me that his wife had formerly been a member of my church. When I asked about himself he said he was an infidel. Then he began to speak so blasphemously of God that I insisted on his either ceasing or leaving my presence. Then he told me that his boy was ill, and that he was then on his way to pawn his overcoat to secure the price of the prescription. He refused financial aid and went away.
On Good Friday, when I was preaching to the men in the Young Men's Christian Association, I saw him put a note in the hand of the usher, and when I read the note it said: "Please pray for a boy who is dying. This request is sent by a believing mother, and carried by an unbelieving father." It was laid upon me to pray for the boy. I learned that he had pleuro-pneumonia, that the doctors had given him up, and that the mother had been informed that there was no hope. He was far beyond the danger point, and they were waiting for him to die.
At 12:30 o'clock I called upon Major James H. Cole to pray. It seemed to me as if I had never heard praying before. He prayed that God might save the boy for the sake of his father. And now will you hear the result? At 25 minutes of 1 o'clock, when the doctor had said the boy would be dead, he began to recover. He rose from his bed, he moved about the house a little later; he was soon about the city; and in an incredibly short space of time was at his work once more. God had heard and answered the prayer.
I heard that father stand upon his feet and say: "My friends, God has answered the prayer for my boy, and I want to know him," and I heard him later make as true a confession of Christ as I have ever heard. He is one of my devoted friends today, and I know that God answers prayer and says "Yes," when we speak to him.
Friday, April 20, 2007
The "Good Indian"
Nebraska, 1903
At the time that Little Bear, the Sioux Indian, was executed for the murder of two companions, his body was brought back from Sioux Falls by a deputy marshal, relates the Omaha Excelsior.
The marshal was well known to everybody up near Niobrara, and at the train several spoke to him, and it was soon noised about that he was in charge of the "dead Indian" in the baggage car. But the unfortunate redskin had had another companion in his last moments and who had promised to follow him to his last resting place, a man of the same Sioux nation, though of another tribe, the Rev. William Holmes, an ordained priest of the Episcopal church.
He had heard of the plight of Little Bear, who was singing his death song alone in his cell at Sioux Falls, and resolved to go to him, to extend to him the comforts of religion and to do all in his power to bring him to a sense of his crime, for Little Bear insisted he was only meting out Indian justice to those he had killed in old Indian fashion. Mr. Holmes converted Little Bear and baptized him.
The marshal and the Indian minister and Bishop Williams, of Omaha, were seated together in the smoker when the train stopped at Creighton, and a bluff and hearty cattleman entered, and, seeing the marshal, but not noticing Mr. Holmes, cried out:
"Hello, marshal. I hear you have a good Indian with you today," referring, of course, to the old adage that the only good Indian is a dead one.
Quick as a flash the marshal jumped to his feet and said, to avoid mortification of his friend, the dark-skinned minister:
"To be sure I have — let me present you to him — the Rev. William Holmes, of the Episcopal church, and Bishop Williams, of Omaha!"
The bluffness all died out of the stranger and he sank into the vacant seat offered him without a word.
But Bishop Williams says there was a very merry twinkle in the eye of the "good Indian."
—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, Iowa, March 4, 1903, page 5.
At the time that Little Bear, the Sioux Indian, was executed for the murder of two companions, his body was brought back from Sioux Falls by a deputy marshal, relates the Omaha Excelsior.
The marshal was well known to everybody up near Niobrara, and at the train several spoke to him, and it was soon noised about that he was in charge of the "dead Indian" in the baggage car. But the unfortunate redskin had had another companion in his last moments and who had promised to follow him to his last resting place, a man of the same Sioux nation, though of another tribe, the Rev. William Holmes, an ordained priest of the Episcopal church.
He had heard of the plight of Little Bear, who was singing his death song alone in his cell at Sioux Falls, and resolved to go to him, to extend to him the comforts of religion and to do all in his power to bring him to a sense of his crime, for Little Bear insisted he was only meting out Indian justice to those he had killed in old Indian fashion. Mr. Holmes converted Little Bear and baptized him.
The marshal and the Indian minister and Bishop Williams, of Omaha, were seated together in the smoker when the train stopped at Creighton, and a bluff and hearty cattleman entered, and, seeing the marshal, but not noticing Mr. Holmes, cried out:
"Hello, marshal. I hear you have a good Indian with you today," referring, of course, to the old adage that the only good Indian is a dead one.
Quick as a flash the marshal jumped to his feet and said, to avoid mortification of his friend, the dark-skinned minister:
"To be sure I have — let me present you to him — the Rev. William Holmes, of the Episcopal church, and Bishop Williams, of Omaha!"
The bluffness all died out of the stranger and he sank into the vacant seat offered him without a word.
But Bishop Williams says there was a very merry twinkle in the eye of the "good Indian."
—Davenport Daily Republican, Davenport, Iowa, March 4, 1903, page 5.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
