THE NORTHFIELD SUMMER GATHERINGS. Summer Pursuits of a Busy Man — Mr. Moody at Home — Conferences of Christian Workers — Their Manifold Advantages — Outlines of Four Conventions — Bible Study, Consecration, and Anointing from on High. MR.MOODY’ S conception of the meaning of the word “vacation” must be peculiar to himself. With most men the word signifies a period of absolute repose, or at least of separation from serious work. With him it rather implies a much coveted opportunity for the fulfillment of some of the schemes with which his fertile brain is always teeming. It was in his vacation intervals that the educational work, already vast, with which he is identified was projected and year by year pushed to its present proportions. Institutions in which nearly half a million of dollars have been invested, and which are, perhaps, only the earnest of what shall be, will perpetuate one phase of his influence, and remain as a monument to his memory, if the Lord tarry, during generations yet unborn. Had he accomplished nothing else, it would have seemed wonderful that so many buildings could have been reared and so many forces set in motion within seven short years. Yet all these weighty and multifarious occupations have been, so to speak, but the pastimes of the play hours of a giant. During nine months of the year Mr. Moody is engrossed in the arduous evangelistic labor which he still considers the principal mission of his life.

Recently his campaigns have been of such a nature as to require almost constant traveling, in addition to preaching and toiling for souls. In former years it was his custom to preach in some immense tabernacle in the heart of some great city. If he had cared for personal distinction, it would plainly have been good policy for him to have continued that practice. But with increasing experience he realized more and more the desirability of closer contact with the people than was possible in the mammoth conventicles that had resounded with his voice. Baltimore was the scene of a complete change of plan. The city was divided into districts. In each district the Gospel was preached for a stated period, a large force of trained workers was kept busy among the inquirers, and arrangements for “drawing the net” were much more efficient than under the old plan of assaulting a whole city at once. Upon leaving the district the local clergy were expected to follow up the work. In this manner district after district was dealt with till the whole community was thoroughly canvassed. The results of this altered method were so satisfactory that Mr. Moody has followed it ever since. During his last visit to London, instead of preaching as he had done before to 14,000 people in the Agricultural Hall and similar multitudes in other places, his system of action was to attack the city in detail by sections. Two portable iron tabernacles capable of holding just as many people as he thought he could most advantageously address, were moved from time to time along the line of a predetermined circuit. If the work was less conspicuous and less available as a sensational topic in the newspapers, it was probably much more fruitful in profound and eternal results. Since his second return to America, Mr. Moody has still further developed the same tendency; and during the season of 1884-85 and of 1885-86, he has bestowed his attention upon the smaller cities so numerous throughout the continent. His habit is to arrange a course of travel, consisting of a chain of cities across some important belt of territory, and remain about three days in each place. During those three days he will preach, perhaps, three sermons a day, in which he endeavors to concentrate what he has found by experience to have been the most effective arguments and appeals in his entire arsenal of weapons; and whatever time is not thus occupied is for the most part spent in inquiry work. Other evangelists precede and follow him, and in each place the ministers garner the harvest and utilize the spiritual awakening. Thus with Caesar-like rapidity of movement Mr. Moody has, within two years, been able to visit cities of from ten to one or two hundred thousand population in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Canada, the Northwestern States, the Western States, the Empire of Texas, the Gulf States of the South, the Southern Seaboard States, and in fact representative points in nearly the whole of the most densely peopled portions of North America.

In June he usually shies to his beloved Northfield, and upon his arrival instantly plunges into the business pertaining to the two schools. In addition to his concern for their material welfare he assumes the role of a theological professor. The students have the rare privilege of hearing him unfold his own methods of Bible teaching and the principles upon which he frames his discourses to the unconverted. It must surely be of inestimable benefit to them to hear his words of advice, encouragement, and stimulus, and to see such a living embodiment of robust faith, sanctified commonsense, and unquenchable zeal.

Whenever his presence in this country and other conditions render it possible, Mr. Moody is wont to summon to Northfield, some time in the month of August, a Convention of Christian Workers. Precisely what his object is in so doing has never been exhaustively explained, but it may be conjectured that among the excellent purposes sought to be effected are these: Mr. Moody himself can have very little opportunity to hear other men preach or deliver expository lectures. When he wishes to gain some knowledge of the treasures others have reached in exploring Bible truths, or of their style of expression and illustration, how is he to obtain it? He can examine books, but books rarely convey the freshest thoughts of their writers, nor can there be the same advantage in reading a disquisition as in conferring with its author. And the views of several persons on the same subject, if in books, cannot be compared without inconvenience. But let the best Bible scholars and evangelists in the land be assembled in conference for mutual profit. Let them bring their ripest and latest wisdom, and let them exchange whatever discoveries they have made or whatever ideas have been found of practical utility. Could there be any way in which Mr. Moody might acquire so much information, if that is among his wants? In the second place, to the many evangelists who are similarly engaged throughout the year, and to such pastors and Christian workers as may be able to attend, a like advantage must accrue. It is safe to say that many of these have learned more with respect to the capital and essential truths of Christianity within one month than they would be likely to learn in a whole year of unaided study. In the third place, many are enabled to become acquainted with the Northfield Seminary and the Mount Hermon School by personal observation who would otherwise only know of them through the medium of print. The buildings are comparatively empty during August, and may as well be turned into temporary hotels for the entertainment of a concourse of friends from abroad. Mr. Moody always impresses upon his visitors that the schools are theirs as much as his; and the fact that the Christian public at large is responsible for their sustenance is realized by several individuals whom the Lord has blessed with large wealth. In the fourth place, Mr. Moody is afforded an unequaled opportunity of indoctrinating other laborers in the Master’s vineyard with the ideas upon which he lays such emphasis, and to stir them up to more vigorous and sagacious effort. One of his favorite principles is, that it is far better to set others to work than to try to do all the work oneself. That is perhaps the most potent consideration behind his exertions in the educational field. And it can hardly be without a place among the considerations impelling him to call the series of summer conventions. Although he takes but little time himself in comparison with the time he allots to others, what he says when in some degree he does lessen his self-imposed restraint is of the highest value, not merely to the eclectic company present, but to the whole Christian world. He believes the ordinary church life of today must be revolutionized in several directions before it can be at all adequate to cope with the civilization of this swift-working age. Such changes as he considers most imperative he proposes and commends with all the momentum of deep conviction.

Church workers and evangelists gain from him numberless keenly practical suggestions with regard to the best method of conducting meetings and winning the unsaved. And in his discourses they discern elements of that original theological system which has contributed to place him among the most influential spiritual teachers in either hemisphere. Finally, no one feels more than does Mr. Moody the need of what he terms the endowment of power from on high, as an indispensable requisite to success in preaching the Word. Hence, much of the attention of the convocation is always turned to the nature and offices of the Holy Spirit, His relation to preaching as a vital factor in its influence, and the importance of seeking His aid in abundant measure. All are led to engage in prayer for a special anointing of power for service, and on many sacred occasions earnest pleading has been answered by most awful and blessed visitations of the Holy Ghost. No one who has passed through such an experience will ever forget it. To many that Massachusetts hill has become a very Mount of Transfiguration, and they have gone down into the world with faces glowing and with hearts burning in newborn devotion to their Savior King.

The first Convention was called in 1880. From beginning to end it was a period of heart-searching, of consecration, and of humble supplication for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The only large building then constructed was the one now known as East Hall, behind which a capacious tent was pitched. Under this canopy, from day to day, were held meetings of the most thrilling character. Confession of unworthy motives issued from men prominent in Christian work, mingled with strong crying and tears that they might be purged from every taint of evil and “filled with the Holy Ghost.” For ten days these exercises continued with increasing fervor.

When they culminated it seemed as if the windows of Heaven were opened, and to each waiting soul was granted even more of the Spirit than he felt able to bear. The results of this transcendent blessing were soon apparent when the delegates returned to their diverse spheres of labor.

In 1881 a Convention was called for the purpose of Bible study, and continued for thirty days. At the invitation of Mr. Moody the Rev. Dr.

Andrew A. Bonar, of Glasgow, Scotland, who had just served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, crossed the Atlantic to visit Northfield. The venerable chieftain was a picturesque figure at all the gatherings. His addresses were characterized by the accuracy of scholarship and precision of statement peculiar to the Scottish intellect, combined with a profound insight into the deeper meanings of the sacred text, and an indescribable sweetness and tenderness of manner which immediately endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and won for him their unlimited deference and regard. He was accompanied by his daughter, whose musical talents were frequently called into exercise. Among the speakers, in addition to Mr. Moody and Dr.

Bonar, were the Rev. Dr. Pentecost, of Brooklyn; the Rev. Dr. Gordon, of Boston; Major Whittle; Mr. Geo. C. Needham; Mr. R. C. Morgan, of the London Christian; the Rev. Dr. Brookes, of St. Louis; the Rev. Dr.

Goodwin, of Chicago; the Rev. J. W. Erdman, and many others. The singing was conducted, and many special pieces sung, by Mr. Sankey, Mr. and Mrs. James MacGranahan, and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C. Stebbins. The forenoon and evening meetings were held in East Hall. The afternoon meetings were held in the Congregational church of the village, necessitating a walk or drive of about a mile and return. Occasionally meetings were held in Bonar Glen. When time permitted, knots of people would stroll into secluded places and improvise meetings for the closer study of God’s Word. During the whole month the interest never flagged, but rather seemed to deepen. The range of study was extensive, closing with a season of personal consecration and waiting for the Spirit.

Owing to the absence of Mr. Moody in England no Conventions were called during the three summers following. But in 1885 a call was sent out for a Convention, to occupy ten days, in the early part of August. When the visitors arrived most of them were astonished to behold the changes that had been effected during their absence. Two new buildings — Marquand Hall and Stone Hall — had arisen as if by a touch of Aladdin’s lamp. New drives had been laid out, and the grounds artistically beautified.

The metamorphosis was at first bewildering. Marquand Hall became the principal hotel. The classrooms of Stone Hall afforded lodging for a number of men who took meals at the Marquand dining room. East Hall as a hotel had the advantage of being slightly retired. Accommodation was found for many guests in the homes of the villagers, though the pressure in that direction was not as great as on previous occasions when the Seminary was still in embryo. The general meetings, forenoon and afternoon, were held in the great auditorium of Stone Hall. Devotional meetings were held morning and evening in the chapels of the two dormitories. At some of these smaller meetings interesting addresses were made by missionaries or persons engaged in unusual work. A tent was pitched on the green near the road, in which additional meetings were convened when demand arose. One of the most striking incidents of the Convention was an address by Mr. J. E. K. Studd, of the class of 1883, Cambridge University, England, and distinguished in athletic circles as having been captain of the University Cricket Eleven. Mr. Studd gave an account of the visit of Mr. Moody to Cambridge, and the wonderful religious movement in the English and Scotch universities. He narrated the circumstances leading to the departure of a band of Cambridge’s best men for China, headed by Mr. Stanley Smith and his own brother, Mr. C. T.

Studd. His rehearsal of their apostolic tours in Great Britain of their voyage to the East, marked by numerous conversions on shipboard, and of the marvelous blessing attending their first exertions in China, was received with exclamations of amazement and delight. An honored guest of Mr.

Moody was the late John B. Gough, who spoke at a special evening meeting in Stone Hall, few supposing that he was so soon to be caught up from earth. At the same meeting a vigorous address was made by Mr.

William Noble, whose work has led to the erection of Hoxton Hall, in London, England. Among the lecturers on Bible topics were the Rev. Dr.

Gordon, of Boston; the Rev. Dr. Pierson, of Philadelphia; the Rev. Dr.

Pentecost, of Brooklyn; Dr. L. W. Munhall, of Indianapolis; Mr. Geo. C.

Needham; the Rev. W. W. Clark, of Staten Island; and several others. The singing was conducted by Mr. Sankey, Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Towner, and Mr. and Mrs. James MacGranahan. The themes of discussion were all practical, and such as held direct relation to aggressive evangelical work.

The last day was devoted to the contemplation and invocation of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Gordon spoke in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Mr.

Moody gave an address which must have been superhuman, whether in wisdom or power. Prayer followed for a special blessing upon each one present. Many a withered rod was thereafter made mighty in the hand of Jehovah; many a vessel was refilled from the ever-flowing fountain.

In 1886 another Convention was held, continuing for ten days, from the 4th to the 15th of August. On this occasion the central figure among the visitors was the Rev. Marcus Rainsford, incumbent of Belgrave Chapel, in London, England. Two sons of his have attained distinction in the Episcopal Church. One of them — the Rev. William S. Rainsford — is the successor of the elder Dr. Tyng, as rector of St. George’s Church, New York. Mr. Rainsford, who came from London especially to attend this Convention, is portly and dignified in appearance, with a bright, genial face, and ruddy color. He is of Irish birth, and his earlier ministry was in the Emerald Isle, as chaplain to the Earl of Roden. Consequently, there is a quaint flavor in the literary form of his addresses, which at times he does not hesitate to irradiate with Hibernian humor. His later life has been spent among families of rank, which renders it all the more noteworthy that his discourses are so uncompromising in declaring “the whole counsel of God” without regard to the feelings or preferences of his hearers. He is singularly gifted in Bible exposition, especially in bringing out the full meaning of episodes in the earthly life of our Savior, and in elucidating the mysterious doctrines of the Christian revelation. Mr. Moody presided at all the meetings, and at the close of some of his suggestive addresses suffered himself to be made the target of countless questions from all parts of the house. Among the other speakers were the Rev. Dr. Pierson, of Philadelphia; Major Whittle; the Rev. Dr. Gordon, of Boston; the Rev. Dr.

West, of St. Paul; the Rev. A. F. Schauffler, of New York; the Rev. J. W.

Erdman; Mr. Geo. C. Needham; the Rev. H. M. Parsons, of Toronto, and Mr. Wm. E. Blackstone, of Chicago. On the last day several addresses were made upon the work of the Holy Spirit, Mr. Moody supplementing what had been said with observations of his own as they occurred to him.

Prayer, silent and vocal, ascended that every disciple present might receive the Divine unction and be clothed anew with power for service as never before. The air trembled, as it were, with the unmistakable brooding of the gracious Spirit, and it was in a subdued and hallowed mood that the company dispersed. Those who remained till the farewell meeting in the evening were doubly blessed.

The attendance at these various Conventions has reached from 300 to 500, if those only are included who travel from a distance. The people of the village and vicinity enlarge the throng, which at times must rise in number to 1,500. Mr. Moody never announces his program more than one day in advance. Cut-and-dried programs he eschews as an obstacle to the free course of the Spirit, and depends almost momentarily upon guidance from above. One result of this habit is that attention must be constantly on the alert. He insists on hearty singing and plenty of it. Mr. Towner has brought a male choir consisting of Mount Hermon youths to a high point of proficiency, and Mr. Moody regards their performances with almost childish delight. When they finish one piece he will say, “Now, while you are on your feet, sing something else” — usually indicating the selection.

Mr. Sankey, Mr. MacGranahan, and Mr. Towner are ever composing new melodies, and they are greatly aided in determining the value of these by observing the degree of readiness with which the people assembled are able to join in singing the choruses. Mr. Moody sees that an abundant supply of vehicles is in readiness during the intervals between the meetings, whose owners are willing, at a moderate charge, to enable visitors to enjoy the exhaustless beauty of the surrounding country. In his own conveyance he carries as many as practicable of his personal friends, new and old, and points out to them the limits and adjuncts of the Seminary property. He is particularly pleased when the pleasure seekers in their afternoon drives turn in the direction of the school for young men, four miles away, over the river. He is wont to say, “Your education isn’t completed till you have seen Mount Hermon.” Now that the Seminary for young ladies is so well established, he feels that it demands less of his care than formerly; and if there is one thing upon earth upon which his heart is set inordinately, it is the prosperity of the newly founded “school of the prophets.”

So far as can now be known, similar Conventions will be held in succeeding years. Mr. Moody desires to encourage the attendance of ministers of the Gospel engaged in regular pastoral work, and to this end he purposes diminishing to the utmost the cost of their entertainment. At the last Convention a number of college students who had attended the Summer School at Mount Hermon, and greatly desired to attend the August assembly also, solved for themselves the problem of cheap living.

The frame buildings on the hillside, intended for dormitories, were appropriated to their use. By clubbing together in a somewhat primitive fashion, they contrived to live at an expense per head of only thirty cents a day, and “live well.” In some such manner as this it is hoped that a great number of ministers throughout the country, who would otherwise be debarred from so doing, will be enabled to visit Northfield, and have part in the seasons of refreshing on that mount of privilege.