LOUISIANA.
Revival in the Central Church—Theological Department—Church Dedication.
REV. W. S. ALEXANDER.
The hope expressed in my last letter that I might have glad tidings to send you, has been fully realized, and it is my happiness to record one of the most precious revivals in the history of the Central Church. I do not forget the history of the past four years, and the seasons of spiritual awakening through which the church has passed. The present movement differs from the preceding, if at all, in a more intelligent grasp of the truth, and in a deeper spiritual tone. The past summer was a time of preparation for the scenes that were to follow. The Revival was the constant theme of conversation and prayer. It was the one burden upon their hearts. Sunday, January 4, the first day of the week of prayer, was marked by evident signs of deepening interest. On that day, eight were received to the church, of whom three came on profession of their faith. For twenty-seven consecutive evenings, we met in our lecture room. The Gospel was preached with directness and earnestness. A “church in earnest” took hold of the work and pressed it forward. Beginning with an audience of 75, the numbers in constant attendance rapidly increased to 200. The interest suffered no diminution to the last night, when six came forward to the “mourners’ seats” with the cry, “Pray for us.” Some continued in an anxious state for two, three or four weeks, while others, coming in from motives of curiosity merely, were stricken down by God’s Spirit, and as quickly brought into the light and liberty of believers.
An old man of 70 years was brought into the Kingdom, and is as happy as the youngest convert. Another, much in political life, and who publicly said, “I have been an awful sinner,” seems now to be a reformed and converted man.
Four of our University students have joyfully professed Christ.
While incidents occurred daily which touched our hearts, and added to the tenderness and deep solemnity of our meetings, they cannot of course be faithfully recorded, and I do not attempt it.
Let me say that there was no undue excitement, and not the slightest approach to merely physical and emotional demonstrations. The work was too intelligent, too spiritual for that. In prayer, in song, and in appeal, human agency was forgotten, and the converting power of the Divine Spirit was reverently recognized.
Sunday, Feb. 1st, was our “Feast of Ingathering.” Of the thirty converted in the meetings, twenty-four were received to the fellowship of the church, with two who came to us by letter. The people brought flowers for the pulpit and communion-table. Of the 250 present in the audience, 150 received the sacrament. “The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad.”