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Manchester - A Rector's View
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In his monthly address to his parishioners the Rev. S.B. Ainley, rector of St. James's South Manchester, refers to the Revival. He says: "The Revival in Wales
is a great sight. For some time the Church was in dire need of a
Revival. Avowed enemies of the faith of Jesus Christ have become bold
and militant. Men holding high positions in the Church - Conformist and
Nonconformist - have declared their unbelief on some of the vital
doctrines of Christianity. Now a great surprise is on us. Without any
organization or advertisement, which is thought necessary to prepare
the way of a parochial mission or of the visit of such evangelists as
Mr. Torrey and Alexander, the countryside is shaken by a moral
earthquake. It is not devastation. It is renovation. Sobriety replaces
drunkenness. Industry becomes joyful duty. Husbands and wives are
united in bonds of new and purer love. Prodigal sons and daughters
return home. And there are no mighty orators to sway the people. If we
ask what it all means, what the energy and power are that effect these
things - it is the Holy Spirit. God is working amongst the people. This
gracious visitation has been longed and prayed for. Shall not we in England be visited also?"
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