An Interesting Occasion.
By George B. Starr
THROUGH an acquaintance with the city missionary of the Y. M. C. A., I received an invitation to attend a general meeting of the Bible workers,—a class of some considerable numbers, comprised mostly of ladies, who visit from house to house and read the Bible among the people. The subject for consideration at the meeting mentioned was the personal second advent of Jesus. The subject was introduced by Rev. Blackstone, of Oak Park, and after stating his love for the doctrine and expressing faith in the nearness of the event, he invited all present to present briefly their views of the subject. Several responded, among them Dr. Goodwin, the leading Congregationalist of the city, who expressed his sadness at the tendency with both the ministry and people of the present day to spiritualize the plain declarations of Scripture referring so unmistakably to a personal second coming of Christ, and contenting themselves with the Spirit, which was only to represent the Saviour until his personal return. He thought the preaching of the personal second advent would tend to lead the people to faith in a personal Saviour. He said he believed the coming of Jesus would precede the millennium. Major Whittle, the evangelist, Major Cole, and others expressed themselves in substantially the same way. It was really refreshing to me to hear the testimony of these men in favor of this precious Bible subject, and thus lend their influence to the investigation of the theme by others. Chicago Mission, 219 West Madison St.