Rev. Robert Stuart MacArthur, D.D., LL.D.

              Rev. Robert Stuart MacArthur, D. D., LL.D
LIST OF SUBJECTS
The Empire of the Czar—the Great Bear of the North
Elements of Successes in Life
India, the Mysterious and Magnificent
True Story of the Louisiana Purchase
Shine and Shade From Spanish Hilltops
America’s Great Place Among the Nations
Anglo-Saxon Supremacy of the Pacific
American Principles in European Policies
Rev. Robert Stuart MacArthur, D.D., LL.D.
EARLY  LIFE,
 Dr. MacARTHUR   was   born  Dalesville, Quebec,  Canada.    His  father and mother were of ancient Highland slock, and they used  in their conversation their ancestral
Gaelic. The original Lairds of the rocky shores of Loch Awe were of the Clan MacArthur, which in later times was merged into the Clan Campbell. His mother was a Stuart, and some members of the Clan delight to trace the family line back to Prince Charles Edward Stuart, "Bonnie Prince Charlie," whose name is conspicuously linked with many popular Scottish songs. When only six¬teen Mr. MacArthur was accustomed to conduct religious meetings, and spoke to the people with an unction, force and intelligence which foreshadowed the coming divine. He gradu¬ated at the University of Rochester in 1867, and was especially distinguished for oratorical power. Among other prizes for literary excel¬lence, he took the first prize Senior gold medal, for superior ability as an orator. His theologi¬cal training was received in the Rochester Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1870, in which institution he won distinction as a thinker and a writer.
FIRST AND  ONLY  PASTORATE
After receiving and declining flattering and enthusiastic invitations to other pastorates, he decided to accept the unanimous call of the Calvary Baptist church of New York City, which was extended to him on February 25, 1870. Immediately upon his graduation from the Seminary he went to that church and be¬gan his official services, and from that time until the present he has labored without ces¬sation. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by the University of Rochester, in 1880; and in 1896 the degree of LL.D., by Columbian University. For thirty-four years Dr. Mac Ar¬thur has filled his present position, and the suc¬cess which has attended his ministry during this time has been phenomenal. The pros¬perity of the young pastor widened with the completion of each year. Large offerings were made for benevolent objects, one offering for Home and Foreign Missions amounting to the amazing sum of $71,000, and there was new life seen in every department of church work. The edifice on Twenty-third street, after a few years, was sold, and the costly and magnificent structure now occupied by the Calvary church, was erected on Fifty-seventh street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues. The edifice is one of the most costly churches on this conti¬nent. During his ministry of thirty-four years, the church has given for benevolent and mis¬sionary purposes two million dollars.
EARLY  LIFE,
 Dr. MacARTHUR   was   born  Dalesville, Quebec,  Canada.    His  father and mother were of ancient Highland slock, and they used  in their conversation their ancestral
Gaelic. The original Lairds of the rocky shores of Loch Awe were of the Clan MacArthur, which in later times was merged into the Clan Campbell. His mother was a Stuart, and some members of the Clan delight to trace the family line back to Prince Charles Edward Stuart, "Bonnie Prince Charlie," whose name is conspicuously linked with many popular Scottish songs. When only six¬teen Mr. MacArthur was accustomed to conduct religious meetings, and spoke to the people with an unction, force and intelligence which foreshadowed the coming divine. He gradu¬ated at the University of Rochester in 1867, and was especially distinguished for oratorical power. Among other prizes for literary excel¬lence, he took the first prize Senior gold medal, for superior ability as an orator. His theologi¬cal training was received in the Rochester Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1870, in which institution he won distinction as a thinker and a writer.
FIRST AND  ONLY  PASTORATE
After receiving and declining flattering and enthusiastic invitations to other pastorates, he decided to accept the unanimous call of the Calvary Baptist church of New York City, which was extended to him on February 25, 1870. Immediately upon his graduation from the Seminary he went to that church and be¬gan his official services, and from that time until the present he has labored without ces¬sation. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by the University of Rochester, in 1880; and in 1896 the degree of LL.D., by Columbian University. For thirty-four years Dr. Mac Ar¬thur has filled his present position, and the suc¬cess which has attended his ministry during this time has been phenomenal. The pros¬perity of the young pastor widened with the completion of each year. Large offerings were made for benevolent objects, one offering for Home and Foreign Missions amounting to the amazing sum of $71,000, and there was new life seen in every department of church work. The edifice on Twenty-third street, after a few years, was sold, and the costly and magnificent structure now occupied by the Calvary church, was erected on Fifty-seventh street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues. The edifice is one of the most costly churches on this conti¬nent. During his ministry of thirty-four years, the church has given for benevolent and mis¬sionary purposes two million dollars.
PUBLIC SPIRIT  AND  INTEREST
In New York City he is constantly sought after to deliver addresses at dinners, before lit-erary and patriotic clubs and kindred societies. Me lias taken an active part in municipal, state and   national   politics,   and   although   only   a naturalized citizen, lie is widely known for his loyal Americanism.   His church is thronged on Thanksgiving and other patriotic days,  when it is known that he is to speak on national questtions  and various  living subjects.    Dr.  Mac-Arthur is an extensive author.   Already he has published nearly a score of volumes of sermons and essays, has compiled a number of hymn-books that are widely used, and now has four volumes in press, and it is his purpose to issue at least one volume each year for some time to come.    He was chosen to fill the place of the la-mented Spurgeon in furnishing sermons to the Christian Herald.    Few men in the  Christian pulpit of America are more busy than the Ca-vary pastor.
AS  A  PREACHER
Dr.   MacArthur   preaches   as   if the   Gospel were a reality, and the master force in human conduct, the cause of all real victory, and the supreme element in the transfiguration of hu¬man  life.    His sermons  are  characterized  by gracefulnes of diction, clearness of expression, richness of ilustration, directness of appeal and Corcibleness   of  argument.    His voice  is well modulated, strong, deep and sympathetic.    He is always fresh and suggestive, and speaks with an unction, directness, fervor, earnestness and
eloquence which never fail to awaken the at¬tention, arouse the enthusiasm, and convince the judgment of the hearer. Dr. MacArthur has proved during his ministry that great con¬gregations can be gathered and held without the use of sensational methods, but by preach-in simply the Gospel of truth and love. In the membership of his church there are ministers, lawyers, physicians, editors, authors, and men and women of varied culture and wide intelli-gence; in the same membership there are the poor, who are made as welcome as the rich. Pastor and people believe in a religion which reaches and blesses all classes in the community.
SOME, FRUITS
During his pastorate Dr. MacArthur has re¬ceived into the church over 5,000 persons; two colonies have been sent out to form new churches, and its present membership is over 2,000. It liberally aids in sustaining the New York City Baptist Mission and all forms of mis¬sion work at home and abroad, and carries on a vigorous and prosperous mission station of its own. The influence of this great church reaches out in every direction; and its pastor, Dr. E. S. MacArthur, is widely known as one of the most eminent and popular divines in the American pulpit.
Some Recent Press Commendations
Views of a Distinguished Educator
A widely knowrn and justly honored educator in a western state writes: I have heard Dr. MacArthur In four of his historical lectures, and 1 have not hesitated to say to him that I believe he has a divine call to popularize unfamiliar history. It is known that a number of educators have urged him to give all his time to the delivery of lectures on historical and patriotic subjects. By prolonged study he has gained a masterful knowledge of the history of Russia, Japan. Spain, India and other countries; and by long rhetorical training and special gifts in oratory, he has acquired the ability to give the results of historic study so as greatly to interest and inspire popular audiences. He is able to paint historic pictures so as to hold the attention and instruct the minds of boys and girls, and also of men and women who have never given special attention to these historic studies. His lectures show as much familiarity with history as do the lectures of Dr. John Lord; but, unlike Dr. Lord, Dr. MacArthur delivers his lectures without even a scrap of paper to give him facts or dates.
In his lower register his voice is soft, sweet and musical; and in denunciation and appeal, it rises to a trumpet blast, stirring the emotions and compelling immediate decisions. Traces of his Highland Scotch ancestry are discovered in his tones, while his care¬ful mastery of the best English and American writers and speakers is constantly in evidence. In articula¬tion, enunciation and pronunciation many public teachers gladly accept him as a model. His lectures at Chautauquas and in Lyceum Courses are stimulative of patriotic impulse, intellectual endeavor and moral earnestness.
The Knoxville (Tenn.) Daily Journal and Tribune
One of the most entertaining and instructive lectures of the Alkahest Course was that of Dr. Robert Stuart MacArthur. * * * He traced the history of the Russian rulers from the founding of the government to the present time, giving short sketches of Rurik, the first founder of the empire, 862; Vladimir, the "sunny prince;" Ivan III., the second founder, 1462; Ivan IV., or "The Terrible;" Peter the Great, the third and great founder of the empire, 1682. * * * Dr. MacArthur gave a vivid description of Alexander II., the Czar Liberator. He held his audience completely, and was repeatedly applauded, especially when he announced some of the great American doctrines which have made this country the very home of liberty.
Doylestown (Pa.) Daily Democrat
The Rev. Robert Stuart MacArthur delivered one of the most fascinating lectures, in Lenape Hall, that it has been the pleasure of Doylestown people to hear. His subject was, "The Empire of the Czar." From personal study of the country, its people and its history, the lecturer wove a marvelous view of this wonderful empire. * * * It was a lecture to lift one out of the commonplace, broaden his vision, and give him a glimpse of the vast expanse of world history and politics. Dr. MacArthur spoke of the boundless ambition of this people for the acquisition of territory, and of the elasticity of their conscience, the two main national characteristics. Russia is now reaching out for Afghanistan, Persia, Japan, Korea, and all the pieces of broken China she can get. Her ambition is to make the world her empire. * * * The lecturer's description of the crown jewels of Russia, and the parallel he drew between the cere-monies of the Greek Church (the State Church of Russia) and the ceremonies of the Pope's Jubilee, both of which he witnessed, was eloquent and thrill¬ing. The lecture was polished, thoughtful, forceful, an oratorical gem; and the deep impression it made upon his audience was evident in the rapt attention which his hearers gave him and the applause accorded him at the close.
The Mt. Gretna (Pa.) Chautauqua
The lecture, on "India, the Mysterious and Mag¬nificent," by Dr. MacArthur, was a magnificent exhibition of enthusiasm, patriotism and scholarly eloquence. The large audience in the auditorium hung on his words with breathless interest, and fre¬quently applauded him to the echo.
The Ashland (0.) Press
There are other great preachers and lecturers in this Union of ours besides Gunsaulus, Dixon, Con-well — MacArthur is one of them. Robert Stuart MacArthur—he of Scottish clan but unbounded Amer¬icanism—demonstrated that fact last Thursday night in the first lecture of the new Ashland course. It was a grand effort. * * * It is not every farmer who can unload a ton of hay and at the same time amuse and entertain any bystanders who may be onlookers. Neither is it every lecturer who can unload a storehouse of facts—ponderous, significant, prophetic, historical facts—and at the same time embellish them so that they attract and entertain, not to say amuse his hearers. MacArthur can do that, however.
Boonville (Mo.) Western Christian Union
The lecture on Russia, by Rev. Dr. MacArthur, was one of the best lectures we ever heard in the English language. It is believed by many that it was the best ever delivered in Boonville. Dr. MacArthur has been pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in New York City for thirty-three years—his first and only pastorate. The influence of such a man is not con¬fined within denominational limits, but becomes the commonwealth of entire Christendom. We have profound respect for such powerful intellects.
The Ironton (0.) Daily Irontonian
It would be manifestly unfair to the other persons who have appeared here in this course to state that the best was reserved to the last, but this seemed to be the consensus of opinion of the auditors of Dr. MacArthur. His subject, "America's Great Place Among the Nations," was a learned and interesting discussion. He presented facts and statistics show¬ing the rapid progress of the United States until it has reached its acknowledged position at the very head of the nations. China, after centuries of slum¬ber, is awakening and is destined to become a grea.. power because of its unlimited and practically inex¬haustible natural wealth. * * * Dr. MacArthur is an American by adoption, a scholarly gentleman and a pleasing speaker. His presence is commanding, his personality attractive, and his eloquence enthralled his audience to the close of the lecture, which was one of the best ever heard in Ironton.
Dr. MacArthur at the Ottawa (Kan.) Assembly
Perhaps the most marked feature of the session, and the most commented upon, was the lecture by Rev. R. S. MacArthur, on "America's Great Place Among the Nations." Pregnant with facts, ruddy with patriotism, scintillating with wit, and moving like a cloud in a summer sky, it was a sublime utterance. Dr. MacArthur's honors at the Ottawa Assembly are without qualification. He was emi-nently helpful in many ways during a stay of several days.—Dr. W. R. Wood, in "The Standard," Chicago.
Mansfield (0.) Shield
Dr. Robert Stuart MacArthur lectured on "The Empire of the Czar." Though the night was a terrible one, the audience was good, and every one had words of highest praise for the eloquent lecturer and his magnificent presentation of the "Great Bear of the North."
Fall River (Mass.) Daily Globe
Dr. Robert Stuart MacArthur lectured in the Y. M. C. A. Course on "The Empire of the Czar." * * * From the moment of his appearance on the stage the audience formed the impression that the speaker was a man of wide experience and capable of interesting them in his topic. He has a keen sense of humor, and he caused much laughter with his recitations of personal experiences. Dr. MacArthur retired amid rounds of applause.
Warren (0.) Daily Tribune
Dr. R. S. MacArthur gave the third entertainment of the lecture course, with his lecture on "America's Great Place Among the Nations." Despite the inclem¬ent night, the church was filled to its capacity. This was a return engagement for Dr. MacArthur, he having appeared on the course last year. The man¬agement showed good judgment in this respect, for he is one of the most eloquent speakers as well as one of the most prominent divines of the country. He placed America in advance of all other nations in all the essentials of real influence and true great¬ness. * * * The speaker accomplished many elo¬quent and patriotic climaxes, and was frequently applauded by his enthusiastic audience.
Oneonta (N. Y.) Daily Star
Dr. Robert Stuart MacArthur delivered his lecture. "The Empire of the Czar—The Great Bear of the North"—at the Normal Assembly Hall. The lecture was entertaining, instructive, scholarly and historic. The lecturer was brilliant, holding his audience in a sway of oratory and humor. He, as he said in the beginning, could only touch the hilltops of Russian history. But he did this in such a masterly manner and with such characteristic word painting that the story of Russia's past was made a vivid picture. The country's great rulers were brought forth one by one and shown in the impartial light of the historian. The description of the line of thrones and crowns, captured by Russia during her numerous wars and now standing in the treasury building at Moscow, was a masterly effort.
Cincinnati (0.) Journal and Messenger
The lecture of Dr. MacArthur, on Tuesday evening, on "India, the Mysterious and Magnificent," was one of the most eloquent, impressive and profitable of all the evening entertainments. It entertained, but it did more—it gave such a view of India, geographi-cally, ethnologically, historically, religiously, as few had ever had before. It told of the wonderful uplift which has come to the great country under Brit¬ish rule, and of the encouragement to missionary endeavor there. Dr. MacArthur will be welcomed in the future. He is "full of matter," and he has a wonderful art of pouring it out upon his audiences. On the platform, as in the pulpit, he is a master.
Sandusky (0.) Daily Register
Dr. R. S. MacArthur lectured here last evening, his subject being, "The Empire of the Czar." Dr. Mac-Arthur, who has traveled extensively in Europe and other countries, handled his subject in a manner that showed he had a fund of information concerning Russia and the Russians. He took his audience from the founding of the government by Rurik, in 862, down to the present ruler of the vast empire. He described in eloquent language the social and religious conditions of the Russian people. The lecture was one of the best ever delivered in San¬dusky and was enthusiastically received.