THS WAIHI REVIVAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2689, 27 September 1905, Page 17

THS WAIHI REVIVAL.

A -REMARKABLE MOVEMENT. (By \ Special Correspondent.) WATHI, September 16. The visions of the young an d dreams of tlie okl are being fulfilled because the Holy Spirit is being" poured on the town of Waihi. For months conversions have been frequent in all the r-hurche«. and several persons alr=o experienced a personal Pentecoet. Dr Watson's visit, Augii-r, 13 i'o 21, was anticipated by eottmje and church meetings for prayer. Expe^fanr-v ra:n higih. The doctor's message was to Christian people. It was, "Full surrender to God, perfect cleansing, and then a filling with the Holy Ghost." This was resisted with bitterness. Those who ware most bitter were the first to surrender. Believing with the heart, they made in the start confession. A profound impreeaion was made on all who heard, and dnrmn the week many were ''endued with power "' and others converted. It was felt That tho special mission left us where ifc ought to ha\c found us. It was announced that Wesley Church -would ]» opened for

services each night up to August 25. The first service was poorly attended, but a; bright young man was converted. The following night the church was if-ull, and many halting ones decided. On the Thursdaynight a. church trustee made public conftsssion of his need of the Holy Spirit, and' dime forward. A remarkable scene was then, witnessed. Fourteen others followed him. It was proposed to hold a united meeting after church services for testimony and! prayer. The hall was crowded, and people in all parts of the building, with glowing heart and burning word, gave testimony to a definite baptism of the Holy Ghost. Many ' responded to the appeal to declare publicly feir Christ. Each evening since different churches have been visited. All are filled, and no meeting has yet dosed without publio avowals of discipleship. Persons ranging from 74 years of age to 12 have been converted. Presbyterian elders, Baptist offic ; als, Methodist lay helpers, and Salvationists have hewed together in confession and ■ prayer. The outdoor meetings have been, largely attended. The revival, through conversions of well-known men, is the tlalk of the town. In the mine, on the street, in the hotels, and everywhere meu gather they talk of the movement. The outstanding features of the revival are — first, the perfect disappearance of all sectarian divisions, the prompt and clear testimony of those converted and sanctified, the absence of preaching arid advertising, and human leadership. ■ Hymn singing, prayers, exortation, testimony, and praise are prompted by the Holy Ghost, and all do as they are bid. Old quarrels and grudges have been diiopped, reconciliations made, and long standing debts paid up. There are no signs of abandonment. Only the fringe of the population has been reached as yet, but faith is strong ' and hope high. " Honour the Holy Ghost " is the watchword of the revival. Thus He works all unhindered among all classes »f the community. It is impossible to stale numbers.