Moody said that being at Cambridge and Oxford were two of the happiest weeks of his life. So, he clearly felt a lot of good work had been done. I do not think the results in Oxford were as good as Cambridge, but they were still important.
THE CAMBRIDGE SEVEN
The reason why I have included so much here is because these meetings resulted in the salvation of three of what became known as the Cambridge Seven. The seven were Stanley P. Smith, Dixon Hoste, William Cassels, Montague Beauchamp, Cecil Polhill-Turner, Arthur Polhill-Turner and Charles T Studd. They all left as missionaries to China in 1885 and they all spent many years there, dying between 1925 and 1946.
Their story can be seen here: https://www.wholesomewords.org/missions/bcambridge7.html
Stanley Smith gave his life to the Lord when at a Moody meeting during Moody's first tour of the United Kingdom (1873-5)
William Cassels was already a Christian and was in the rowing team with his friend Stanley Smith at Cambridge.
Montague Beachamp came to the Lord while at Cambridge in 1881.
Dixon Hoste refused to go to Moody's meetings for three days, but he went on the fourth and was awakened.
Arthur Polhill-Turner gave his life to Jesus at the final meeting when Moody spoke on the Prodigal Son (see below).
Cecil Polhill-Turner was an army officer who was taken to Moody's meetings in London and finally gave his life to Jesus in 1884.
Charles T Studd was an internationally known cricketer. His father became saved under the teaching of D L Moody on his previous tour of the United Kingdom. Charles gave his life to the Lord at one of Moody's meetings, "There the Lord met me again and restored to me the joy of His salvation. Still further, and what was better than all, He set me to work for Him, and I began to try and persuade my friends to read the Gospel, and to speak to them immediately about their souls."
After all had heard the call of God to go to China, they spent their last month, before leaving in early February 1885, doing a tour of the United Kingdom. "For the next month, these seven young men toured the campuses of England and Scotland, holding meetings for the students. God used these students to bring revival throughout Great Britain. Everywhere they went, the meeting place was always filled with people. Many people, hundreds, even a thousand were converted each night through the simple but heart-moving testimony messages, which told simply the grace of God in their lives and why they were going to China. Those who were converted at these meetings went out and witnessed to their friends and brought them to Christ."
Who knows how many thousands of people these seven influenced during their lifetimes, but it is likely that little of this would have happened had D L Moody and I Sankey not come to Cambridge University in October 1882.
THE CAMBRIDGE MEETINGS
THOUGH not great cities, Cambridge and Oxford are the two most influential centres in the land. Peculiar importance and interest have, therefore, been felt to attach to the proposed visit of Mr Moody and Mr Sankey to the two Universities. During last week Mr S. A. Blackwood, Rev H. Webb-Peploe, and Rev C. B. Sawday, and Messrs Owers and Mitchell, of the Evangelisation Society, had been holding meetings of a preparatory character, and there had been much prayer that God would do great things at Cambridge.
On Sunday morning at eight, from 800 to 1,000 came to hear Mr Moody's address to Christians, who were greatly encouraged. In the afternoon, the Corn Exchange was packed with an audience of townspeople, with a sprinkling of gownsmen. Both meetings were good, and the people who had not known the men they had to deal with, were disabused of not a few false notions, and prepared to respect the messengers and to receive their message.
The evening meeting, however, was looked forward to as the critical and crucial period. It was for "Varsity men" only, and out of 2,900 men at Cambridge, about 1,800 came to listen to the strangers of whom they had heard all sorts of contradictory rumours. It needs some acquaintance with University life, circumstance, and character, to appreciate the significance of such a gathering: and to the view of the present must be added that of the future; for these men are our prospective legislators; our religious and scientific teachers; our future "men of light and leading," men who will influence for good or evil the coming generation. Probably a fifth of those present were Christians; a comparatively small number came with the intention and expectation of a row, the rest seemed prepared to listen with more or less interest and attention.
The choir, conducted by Mr G. B. Morgan, and consisting of about eighty men, sang a succession of hymns while the audience assembled. The meeting was opened at 8.30 with "Jesus, Lover of my soul;" prayer was offered by Rev Mr Barton; Mr Sankey, sang "The Ninety and Nine" with more, than usual pathos, and after prayer by Mr Moody, the solemnising hymn, "Man of Sorrows," was sung by Mr Sankey, the choir and congregation joining in the refrain, "Halleluiah, what a Saviour!"
At the close of each verse, and even of the prayers, there was an attempt at ironical applause, and this was continued, notwithstanding that Mr Moody appealed to the audience as a favour not to applaud. The stamping of the minority, however, was silenced by the "Hush-sh" of the majority.
It must be remembered that it was the 5th of November, when, according to the traditions of Cambridge, there is a scrimmage between townsmen and gownsmen; and although the celebration of Guy Fawkes' anniversary was, as it fell on a Sunday, to be deferred to the morrow, yet there was a degree of unrest and excitement in the air which affected the sensitive organisation of the Varsity men. Another somewhat disturbing element was found in the fact that the Corn Exchange is not a good place for sound, and the hustings-like platform gave the outward appearance of a political meeting.
Mr Moody held up the prophet Daniel as the type of a noble character and as a model for young men. There was neither the cant nor rant which the unsympathetic portion of the audience had perhaps expected to give them the opportunity of a noisy demonstration. On the contrary, in spite of the unfamiliar accent of the speaker and the imperfect acoustic quality of the building, the "men" perceived that they had before them an intensely earnest man of God, who fulfilled the conception of our great national dramatist, "I dare do all that doth become a man: who dares do more is none." Thus it came to pass that at the close he had gained the ear of the majority, and left them, according to his habit, desiring more.
Mr Moody announced in a kindly but independent way that he and his companion would be at the Gymnasium each evening during the week, and would be very glad to see them if they wished to come.
At the suggestion of one of the clergymen on the platform, a prayer meeting was held, to which more than 400 remained, including some of the fast men of the University. Rev T. Lang prayed a heart-stirring prayer on behalf of "the great body that we represent here - the University in this place." Rev H. Trotter followed, and then Mr Moody uttered a few final words based upon Daniel xi. 32. He then went into the body of the meeting and soon had a cluster of gownsmen round him, with whom he was quickly on intimate terms, for like seeks like, and a manly man draws men around him.
"The Christian," 9th November, 1882.
Cambridge has indeed much to be thankful for. During the past week, God has been giving showers of blessing both to the town and the university. The services conducted by Mr Moody and Mr Sankey in the Corn Exchange have been crowded each day. Many have come forward as anxious inquirers, and though it is too soon to speak at all definitely of the general results, there are many of whose salvation we have every reason to hope. Another encouraging feature of the mission is the unity and hearty cooperation which it has infused in all the evangelical sections of the Church in Cambridge. Representatives of every denomination have worked together most harmoniously and successfully, and all have been stirred up to greater earnestness in Christian work and life.
But the good has been by no means confined to the town of Cambridge. People have flocked to the services from all parts of the eastern counties, e.g. Peterboro', Scarboro' ; large numbers have also come each day from the surrounding villages.
Perhaps the most impressive service of all was that of Thursday night when Mr Moody spoke to those that were "not far from the Kingdom of God." At the close of his address he asked all who wished to be prayed for to stand up; a large number responded to his appeal. That night the inquiry room was packed with anxious souls eagerly seeking salvation. Apparently all classes and ages have been more or less reached; at present it would seem that the young women and lads who have received a religious training, but had not definitely decided for Christ, have been most widely blessed. Doubtless, many of these conversions are the direct fruits of the mothers' prayer meeting, established and led by Mr Moody All who have been privileged to attend these deeply interesting gatherings testify to the wonderful power and felt presence of the Holy Spirit prevailing them.
Deep regret is expressed on all sides that the visit of our American brethren must terminate so speedily, but steps have been taken by the different churches and chapels to continue and follow up the work which they have been enabled to commence so successfully.
F. E. ROGERS.
THE UNIVERSITY MEETINGS.
The young men of our Universities are often looked upon, and perhaps in some cases consider themselves, as a class of society hedged around by education and many other advantages, to whom (in religious matters, at any rate) no ordinary individual must presume to come or to speak. They are only to be reached by dignitaries of high ecclesiastical standing.
They go in large numbers on Sunday afternoons to hear the "University Sermon" from one of the "selected preachers for the term." They are there addressed as "brethren" or "servants of the Lord," and yet in how many cases the sermon, often faithfully delivered, makes no more impression than if spoken to the winds. Nay, further, I have heard some who rank amongst us as "decent sort of men," discuss the merits and defects of what they have heard, and in the next breath remark casually that spent the rest of the afternoon at whist or rouge-et-noi, and made arrangements to meet after college chapel, in So-and-so's rooms, to consume so many bottles of port during the evening.
Yet we are told that no special effort is needed and that if one were made it would produce no effect,
Even many Christian men held the same view, that such services are quite uncalled for and out of place for undergraduates. Happily, however, there are some who are concerned for the souls of their companions, and when, two years ago, Rev Neville Sherbrooke, and last November, Capt. Owen Hay were invited to address undergraduates, about 1,500 were present on each occasion, and several found salvation, showing that the men will listen to the Gospel even if not preached from such a lofty height of ecclesiastical position.
Of course many and varied opinions were expressed about the coming of Messrs Moody and Sankey; and of the non-sympathiers, part kept away from the meetings altogether as unsuited to undergraduate needs and circumstances, while others with less decency went determined to disturb them, or, as one Christian (!) man put it to me, "With an honest intention of having some fun," his excuse being that "If second and third-rate preachers will come to the University they ought to be snubbed !"
But whatever signs of dissent were shown in the Corn Exchange last Sunday night, the meetings during this week in the Gymnasium, though much smaller, have been characterised by the most perfect order, while deep interest and attention have been depicted on every countenance. There has been a steady increase night by night, and the interest has increased in proportion.
On Monday and Tuesday, Mr Moody gave short simple addresses in the after meetings, showing how reasonable it was, when a man had any difficulty, to seek guidance from another, and therefore if there were any who had any difficulty he would be only too glad to help them by personal conversation. The men felt they had to deal with a man who had a loving heart and who longed for their salvation, and many conversed with him.
But Wednesday evening exceeded our strongest faith and showed us how little we really had. In the town meeting Mr Moody had gathered 150 mothers together to pray for the young men that night, and abundantly those mothers' prayers were answered.
After urging the men to decide for Christ, Mr Moody asked all who were willing to do so to go up into the gallery, where he would gladly meet with them. There was a pause; one man rose and hastily bounded up the stairs. The start was made, and fifty-one men streamed up, while the choir sang,
"Thou wouldst be saved, Why not tonight? "
As Mr Moody said, "he never saw the gowns look so well before." Rev Neville Sherbrooke, Mr Joseph Weatherley, and others assisted in speaking to the inquirers, and truly there was joy in heaven over many repentant sinners.
The subject on Thursday evening was "Sowing and Reaping." Mr Sankey thrilled the whole gathering by singing, "What shall the harvest be?" and Mr Moody followed with an address, which, though not so general as before, yet sank deep in prepared ground. Again many went upstairs, while others took the Word home with them.
On Friday night the attendance was still largely increased. Mr Moody spoke on " Excuses." Many were impressed, and in deep silence, all heads were bowed while Mr Sankey sang "Almost Persuaded." The result was that when Mr Moody invited the unsaved and those who had received blessing this week to go into the gallery, they could not go fast enough, and they trod on each other's gowns as they slowly ascended the staircase. Meanwhile, between two and three hundred joined Mr Sankey near the platform in praise and supplication, and in quick succession some twenty, prayers went up from the undergraduates for the great work in our midst, and to plead for rich blessing on next week's visit at Oxford.
These after-meetings have nightly deepened in interest. Mr Moody makes it understood that the meeting is ended and that if the men stay it is on friendly and social ground, and thus groups of twos and threes are formed of men, anxious and saved, teaching and taught. It is grand to see the unity of all present. Ministers of the Established and most of the Nonconformist Churches work hand in hand. Here an M.A., is in prayer with an undergraduate. A freshman is explaining the Way of Life to a third-year man and a second-year man to a B.A. And I saw two Bachelors who only found peace two nights ago busily leading others into the light. I watched the faces of a few who bid Mr Moody goodnight, and one rather stylish man, as Mr Moody asked him if it was all right, exclaimed, with tears in his eyes, "Yes: thank God I ever come in here." It was nearly twelve o'clock when the gas was put out.
The committee have nearly 200 cards of men who have expressed either decision or anxiety for salvation Arrangements will be made in each college that these may be kept in view, and strengthened by the Christians in them.
We now bid a reluctant farewell to these two servants of God, feeling it a high honour to have known them. They have won the hearts of hundreds, not only by the earnest preaching of the one and the sweet singing of the other, but also by their cordial and hearty manner, their anxiety for souls, and the ever-ready ear and helping hand to those in doubt or need. As they leave us, many a fervent prayer will rise for their future work, next week at the sister University.
G. E. MORGAN, St. John's.
Cambridge, Oct. 11.
THE CLOSING DAY.
At eight o'clock last Sunday morning, about 2,000 Christian workers met in the hall. The success that had attended the previous meetings seemed to inspire all present, and the telling words spoken by the evangelist fell upon fully prepared ground. Mr Moody very appropriately spoke on "The Work of the Holy Spirit for Service."
In the afternoon the hall was crowded with 3,000 women, and at six p.m. it was filled again with men. Hundreds failed to get admittance. At the latter meeting Mr Moody spoke with great power on the Prodigal Son. Great solemnity pervaded the meeting. As Mr Sankey sang "Prodigal child, come home," many were broken down. Over 2,000 remained to the second meeting. Later in the evening over 1,700 undergraduates were addressed. Perfect order was maintained throughout. This was the last meeting in Cambridge, and it seemed as if Mr Moody's prayerful appeals were even more earnest and beseeching in tone than before. A large proportion remained to the prayer meeting, and many were inquiring the way Zionward. It is reckoned that at the four meetings held on Sunday between ten and twelve thousand were present, which is a good proportion of the population of Cambridge.
We are glad to learn that some scores of undergraduates called on Mr Moody privately during the week, in anxiey about their personal salvation. It has been arranged to continue the meetings during the present week.
"The Christian," 10th November 1882.
THE following interesting and excellent account is taken from The Cambridge University Herald of Saturday last:-
"The visit of the American evangelists to Cambridge, which will be long remembered by the vast numbers who attended their services, was brought to a conclusion on Sunday last, on which occasion four such meetings as have never before been witnessed in this town, were held at the Corn Exchange, besides meetings at the Old Theatre and the Sturlon Town Hall. The Sunday services in the Corn Exchange formed a fitting termination to the Mission, and both the preaching of Mr Moody and singing of Mr Sankey were more appreciated at the end of the Mission than they were at the beginning. Speaking of the results of the Mission, as a whole, it must be said that the success has been far greater, and as far as can be judged, more real, amongst the students of the University than amongst the general outside public. As the visit to Cambridge was undertaken primarily to reach the undergraduates, the promoters may be congratulated upon having accomplished their object.
Mr Moody's preaching is different to what many people expected. The methodistic plan of division and sub-division is absent; the preacher discards all formality and plunges at once into his subject with plainness of speech, earnestness of manner, and, withal, with a rich vein of humour which ever and anon breaks out and excites the risible faculties of such of his audience as can appreciate a joke. He is intensely in earnest, and, without ranting, occasionally breaks out into a powerful burst of declamation. His great success appears to be in his reasoning with the audience; he does not attempt to terrify with highly coloured pictures of impending wrath. As to Mr Sankey's singing, we can only say that it is wonderfully effective, the simplicity of the tunes contributing greatly to that result.
Sunday morning will be remembered to have been a very sharp, frosty, murky morning, but, in spite of this, soon after seven o'clock the people began to stream into the Corn Exchange, and by eight o'clock, the time of the commencement of the meeting, there could not have been fewer than twelve to fifteen hundred people present, some of whom had evidently come from the country. The service was a very good one, and from the point of view of Christian workers was perhaps the best of the Mission. The afternoon meeting for women was extraordinary; at least an hour before the time fixed for a commencement the Corn Exchange was crowded, and there could not have been fewer than 4,000 females There was a great deal of singing, Mr Sankey singing several solos very sweetly. Mr Moody was very happy in the selection of his subject; the chief point was the relationship which was formed between Jesus Christ and the home of Martha and Mary at Bethany.
The evening meetings were remarkable ones. The first was announced to commence at six o'clock and to be for men only. On leaving the afternoon meeting before its conclusion (at half-past four we met large numbers of men flocking to the Corn Exchange for the men's meeting, and long before the time for commencing the Corn Exchange was filled, The contrast between the afternoon and this meeting was very marked. It is such a rare occurrence to see such an assemblage of men for religious purposes, that one could hardly appreciate the fact that we had not met together to hear some distinguished statesman deliver a political address. However, there they were. Cambridge did not furnish the whole of them, as was evident, and one batch of men told us they had driven out of Essex to hear the evangelists, and should have to drive back after service. Mr Sankey sang "Sowing the seed by the daylight fair," and tried to awaken reminiscences of boyhood by the solo "As I gathered round the homestead." Then Mr Moody plunged into his subject, which was the story of the Prodigal Son, as narrated in the Gospel of St. Luke.
The story was told with such pathos that the attention of the hearers was riveted to the speaker and excited emotion in the breasts of strong men. In concluding, he most earnestly appealed to many present to resolve, as did the Prodigal, and at once say? "I will arise and go to my Father." A large number accepted Mr Moody's invitation and met him in the annexe, which was converted into an inquiry room.
The concluding meeting was for undergraduates; it was the most remarkable meeting we have ever seen at Cambridge, and our experience extends over a quarter of a century.
Nearly 2,000 undergraduates thronged the bull ring, joined in the singing with the utmost heartiness, and listened to the address with the greatest possible attention; from first to last there was not the shadow of opposition, interruption, or inattention. This meeting fully atoned for the misconduct of a few men on the previous Sunday night. On the platform were the University choir (composed entirely of members of the University), and a number of dons ard clergymen. Mr Sankey sang with great effect as solos "Nothing but leaves," and " Oh, the clanging bells of time!" Mr Moody, in the course of his address to the students, appealed to all the high aspirations of their nature, and to the recollection of their mothers religious teaching, to decide for Christ. He cautioned them against taking a decided position without giving the matter full consideration, as he said it they became Christians for only a short time and fell back it would be far worse than if they had never taken the step. Still, he urged them to seriously consider if they would not at once stand up for Christ. Alluding to his work amongst them, he said it had afforded him great satisfaction, and he only regretted that he could not remain longer with them. He then appealed to those who had obtained good during the week to meet him in the annexe, and also those who wanted to make a start, that he might have a concluding word with them. He asked them to do this because it was taking up a cross. The sight that met our view was truly marvellous: at least 200 men rose to their feet, and in sight of all the rest crowded into the annexe. This was an entirely voluntary act on their part and was not the result of personal persuasion. Thus the visit of these evangelists to Cambridge ended, and will never be forgotten by vast numbers.
(The meetings were continued last week by Rev. Neville Sherbrooke, in Holy Trinity Church, and were well attended. His object has been rather to strengthen those who have lately taken their stand and to bring out those on the point of decision. In University Church on Sunday night last the Bishop of Sodor and Man addressed a large audience of University men only.)
"The Christian," 23rd November 1882.