ADDITIONAL REPORT OF THE REVIVAL.
PROF. R. C. HITCHCOCK.
The revival which has been in progress for several weeks at Central Church has been to me a constant wonder. Even in sedate old Connecticut a revival season is usually a scene of much emotional excitement, and it is often impossible to tell how much is sincere and permanent; but this revival has been all through marked by a quiet, deep and reverential character. It was my first opportunity for observation of such meetings among the colored people. I had heard and read a great deal of the tumultuous excitement on such occasions, and each night I looked to see, when they should be fairly “warmed up,” such scenes as I had had pictured. What I actually did see was this. Each night the pastor preached a short, practical gospel sermon, packed full with reasons why religion should be chosen and chosen now, to an earnest, attentive audience. Then he stepped down in front, and in kind but strong words invited all who felt the truth of what had been said and wished to become Christians, to come forward for conversation and the prayers of the church. Most of those who accepted the invitation were men of middle age and young men; a few were young ladies.
Night after night this went on; while the pastor and others were talking with those who came forward, the audience engaged in singing. No general invitation was given to speak or pray, a few only being called on each night to take part. Each night some souls found peace and joy. It was my good fortune to talk with nearly every one of the converts, and I found all, so far as I could judge, thoroughly in earnest; no one scared or urged into confessions, but each, as the new hope was born in his soul, rising, generally with streaming eyes, to tell what God had done for him and ask for fellowship and prayerful help.