Work in Churches and Missions.
As stated in preface I have always as opportunity offered been ready
to preach the gospel to all men. In this chapter I speak very briefly
of some of the work done in churches and missions and give some
letters from pastors and friends referring to this part of my labors.
STRANGELY LED.
I once had a young sister with me whom I had taken from Toronto,
Canada. I had told her mother I would return her safely and had given
her money to pay her fare home. As we returned through a field to the
city from the poor farm where I had held a service, I said to the
sister, "I am so hungry." She replied, "O wait till we get to heaven,
then we shall have of the twelve manner of fruit, and drink of the
water of life," and I was cheered and blest as I went along the way.
The Lord showed me to trust Him. When I reached my lodging-house I was
so weak and tired that I sat down to rest a few moments before
ascending the stairs to my room. The landlady sat by her well-filled
table after the boarders were all gone. She asked the servant for a
plate, and I watched her while she cut off a nice piece of turkey and
a piece of roast beef and then put some bread on the plate and handed
it to me. I was, O, so glad, but feared she was going to ask pay for
it, and I had only a dime. I asked, "How much is this?" and she
replied, "Nothing." I was so overcome with gratitude to God for His
goodness that I hastened to my room and thanked God for answering
prayer, in giving me food I needed to give me strength for the
meeting that afternoon on the street, and in the evening at the
colored people's church. At the close of the meeting in the evening
the preacher said: "The sister has given us a good sermon, and the
gospel must be carried, so come up and give us a good collection." The
people responded heartily and gave a very liberal collection, but
after the meeting the preacher handed me 25 cents, keeping the rest. I
felt very badly as I had prayed for money which I needed so much. I
must go to another city, and no money for traveling expenses. I had
been obliged to have some work done by the dentist which must be paid,
and no money, but I kept believing, yet no open heart or door. I
wondered why I was led to go to another place with no means provided.
When I had gotten the amount needed I left, heart-sick, lonely and
weary to go on alone in the work, and the sister to go home to Canada.
A few days later I was walking along the streets of Lynchburg, Va. I
met a man who said, "I am Rev. B---- from Chicago. I have met you
several times in your work. Sister Wheaton, won't you come with me to
church?" I said, "Where?" and he said, "To the First Baptist church."
When we entered the beautiful new church building the evangelist
introduced me to the young pastor, who hurried by indifferently. He
then presented me to some fine looking ladies who also passed by on
the other side. When the evangelist had closed his sermon he said,
"Now, friends, this is the lady I told you about who has done more
good than we preachers. I know her, but she don't know me. Receive her
as a sister. She is worthy." When the service closed, one after
another came to speak to me and gave me their hand and invited me to
their homes. A gentleman and wife came up and said, "We claim you as
our guest." The husband said, "The carriage is at the door. I will
walk and you may ride with my wife." I was at a loss to know just
which invitation to accept, when the evangelist came up and said,
"These are the people for you to go with." I did so and the Lord went
with me. I was invited to preach that night and the Lord was there in
mighty convicting power. At the close of the meeting the evangelist
said, "Sister, how did it happen that I met you just as I did this
morning?" I said, "Brother B., things don't happen with me. The Lord
sent me to this place."
The next day a young lady called at the house and inquired for me. I
went to the door and she handed me a small parcel saying, "Your
friends from the First Baptist church sent you this." Thanking her I
went inside and found it was fifteen dollars.
I was the guest of one of the F. F. V.'s, so was welcomed everywhere.
Other churches and other preachers invited me to their pulpits. In a
few days Mrs. Col. O. asked me if I would conduct a meeting for women
only at the M. E. church if she would arrange for it. I was impressed
that the thought was of God and agreed to do so. The meeting was
appointed for Wednesday at 4 p. m. On the way to the church I was so
burdened with the responsibility of the meeting that I told the sister
(the kind friend who entertained me) that I could not talk, I must
pray the rest of the way to church. To my surprise the place became
crowded. I had expected perhaps a dozen women and no men; and here the
place was full of elegantly dressed ladies, and the pastor of the
church, Brother H., and a policeman were also present. I tried to
proceed with the service, but seemed unable to do so. After prayer and
singing, "How firm a foundation," I arose and said: "Is any one led of
the Spirit to give me a text. I have no message." A sister arose and
timidly said, "The 14th chapter of John." Well, the flood gates of
Heaven were opened to my soul. God spoke and waves of salvation rolled
over the church, and women, God bless them! arose and said, "I thought
I was a Christian until today, but I find I have never begun to serve
the Lord yet. I promise, by God's help, to begin anew today for
Heaven." The dear Lord touched proud hearts and melted them together
until the place was filled with the glory of God. The pastor and
people asked me to hold another meeting the following day for both men
and women. I said I would do so in the fear of the Lord, and the Lord
wonderfully blessed the services. Souls were brought in touch with God
and saved. I said to them, "Friends, begin a revival at once. God is
ready to work with you if you follow Him. My services are ended in
this church. The prisoners, my special care, need me, and the poor and
the colored people." I remained three weeks in that city, wonderfully
blessed of God. When I left there were over fifty dollars in my hand,
of free will offerings. I see why the Lord sent me to the city to
arouse the sleeping church members and preachers, both white and
colored, from their cold, lifeless spiritual condition.
Soon after leaving Lynchburg I received the following letter from the
sister who planned the meeting, which greatly encouraged me:
Lynchburg, May 2, 1887.
My Dear Sister:
I received your letter several days since. I am truly rejoiced to
know that you receive that peace and comfort which a child of God
knows to be her portion.
My thoughts have followed you since your departure from our city
and prayers from many hearts have ascended to the throne for
your safety and success in the great work God has called you to
do.
I have not known of a revival such as is now in progress at Dr.
Hannon's church. Men and women are flocking to the meetings, old
and young, to know what they must do to be saved. My son was
happily converted last Friday night. He had long been cold and
indifferent, but now all is joy and he works and speaks for God
with willingness. He is in solemn earnest now in working, praying
and speaking in the great congregation. Surely goodness and mercy
have followed me all the days of my life and I will dwell at the
feet of my Master forever.
Though God has sent tears to my eyes and grief to my heart,
thanks to His dear name He has kept me from falling. I think you
left a good influence among the fallen women here. I have been
sent for to go to some since you left. I have sent this day a
request to the official board of my church to give me the use of
one room in the church where I can always meet them for the
purpose of hearing of their desires to lead a new life. In this
way my pastor can meet them and help me in this work. I await the
result.
Your friend with sincere love and prayers,
Mrs. Lucy K. O.
I went on my way, and some time after was in San Francisco,
California. Hearing one day, as I left the jail, of a holiness
convention, I was impressed to attend. When I arrived a testimony
meeting was in progress. I arose and began to sing, "Yes, I will stand
up for Jesus," and the minister in charge came down the aisle to me
and said: "Is this Sister Wheaton who held meetings in my church in
L----, Va.?" I said, "My name is Elizabeth Wheaton, and I held
meetings in that city. Are you Dr. H.?" and he said, "Yes." He
returned to the platform and told the people of my work in his church
and that about four hundred had been saved, and told the people to
receive me as a child of God. So homes were opened. The work of God
moved on. As I was a stranger in a strange city, I blessed God for
the leadings of the Holy Spirit in all my pilgrim way. I have not seen
Dr. H. since that time. He gave me a pressing invitation to his church
in San Francisco but work on other lines prevented my acceptance.
LETTERS FROM OTHER FRIENDS.
Wetumpka, Ala., Jan. 12, 1885.
My Dear Sister:
It would be impossible for me to express in words the Christian
sympathy and love I have for you--one that has left all; yes,
all--denying yourself and taking up the cross of Jesus, carrying
the glad tidings of salvation to the despised, to the outcast, to
the poor in spirit and to the oppressed. I pray daily that the
good Lord may bless you.
Dear sister, those in the world whose minds are carnal, cannot
understand your work, for your life is hidden in God, and cannot
be discerned in any other way but by the Spirit. Our crosses will
soon be over. Jesus will not let us suffer for Him long. He is
coming for us soon. Then "Be not weary in well-doing, for in due
season we shall reap, if we faint not." We are not the only
friends you have in Wetumpka. Long will you live in our memory. I
pray that the Lord may ever guide and lead you as He knows and
sees best. I am your brother in Christ,
A. J. ROGERS, Pastor.
* * * * *
Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 2, 1897.
Dear Mother Wheaton:
We were so glad to hear from you. Our meeting closed on Sunday
evening, August 22, with twenty-eight persons asking the prayers
of the church. We are beginning special services three evenings
in the week.
We are planning to begin another revival meeting about the middle
of October. Would be glad to have you with us. We are praying
that the dear Lord may so order it if it is His will. The Lord is
leading and we are expecting great things.
Remember us kindly to Mrs. H. I hope you will write again, so
that we may be posted as to your movements. We are praying for
you. Do not forget us. Mrs. Cooper and Merrill wish to be
remembered to you. "The Lord bless and keep thee and cause His
face to shine upon thee." Good-bye for a little while.
Fraternally,
M. C. COOPER, Pastor St. Paul's Church.
* * * * *
Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 29, 1897.
Mrs. E. R. Wheaton.
Dear Sister in Christ: Your letter received and I must say I hold
it very sacred and dear.
I think of you often, and not only I, but a large number of
others. We cannot tell the good you did while here, but God above
knows and He will reward you. Many have been more willing to do
their Christian duty. They seem to realize more fully what it
means to be a Christian. O there is so much in it!
Dear sister, the Lord being willing, we are going to hold another
revival campaign, commencing Sunday, October 17. I am so anxious
I can hardly wait. I enjoy myself so much when I can be doing
work for my dear Lord and Master, who did so much for me. I wish
the Lord would see fit to send you this way during our revival,
and my prayers shall be to that end. It is God's work and you are
one of His workers. You have the constant prayer of St. Paul's
church, and we are sure that we have yours. May God's choicest
blessings rest upon and abide with you. "The Lord lift up His
countenance upon thee and give thee peace."
LOUISE ROUX.
* * * * *
(From the _Gazette_, Fort Wayne, Ind.)
MRS. WHEATON, FAMOUS PRISON EVANGELIST, "LED BY THE LORD HERE"--HER
FAITH IN THIS ABSOLUTE--OPENS INTERVIEW WITH PRAYER--LARGE AUDIENCES
HEAR HER.
Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton is in town and last night and
yesterday afternoon addressed a large audience at the revival
services which Rev. Mr. Cooper, of St. Paul's M. E. church is
conducting in a tent situated near his church, on Walton avenue.
She reached this city Saturday evening over the Pennsylvania.
Having missed a train at Warsaw en route to visit a sister who
lives at Elkhart, she was directed, she said by the Lord, after
prayer, to come to Fort Wayne to spend the Sabbath. On the way
over her singing and praying on the train attracted attention to
her and a member of the Wayne Street Methodist Church, on
learning who she was, invited her and her sister, Mrs. Hoffman,
to spend the night at his home. She had heard, she said, of the
meetings that Mr. Cooper is conducting, and she said, with a
manner of absolute confidence, that she had been directed to
attend these meetings. Rev. Mr. Cooper said yesterday that the
meeting was in progress as she and her companion entered and that
he was impressed to speak to her. On learning her name he knew
her instantly by fame as the widely traveled and much beloved
prison evangelist. She was given a welcome and was at once asked
to participate in the services. At the night meeting there were a
thousand people, it is said, who listened enrapt to her prayers
and moving appeals to the sinner to accept the salvation in which
she so thoroughly believes.
The prisoners at the jail were her first concern Sunday morning.
She told Mr. Cooper that after arising she turned to her Bible
for guidance and her eyes fell upon certain Scripture which
contained the word prison three times. She took this as evidence
that she should first visit the jail and thither she went. It is
quickly apprehended by those who come in contact with her that
she pauses not when directed, as she believes, to do a service in
the cause of the Master, but goes at once. She has no
questionings of faith.
A Gazette reporter found her last night at the home of Mr. Bower,
No. 136 Walton avenue. Her physical appearance marks her as no
ordinary person. Her face beams with a kindly smile, being plump
and fresh with the vigor of apparent health, though gray hair
indicates her past the prime of life. She dresses modestly in
black and carries with her a satchel in which she keeps a
Testament, her pass holder and some tracts. Her handshake is a
model of firmness and heartiness, conveying the impress of
intense earnestness. Before permitting the interviewer to proceed
further than the salutations, Mrs. Wheaton kneeled and prayed for
the Lord's blessing upon the interview. This unconventional
prelude was novel in the experience of the reporter, but coming
from such a woman seemed perfectly in place. There is reverence
and piety proclaimed by her presence and no thought of
incongruity obtruded. The prayer took the range of ready
invocation and communion with the Lord, and as is probably the
evangelist's wont, the prisoner and the fallen woman were not
forgotten in her petition to the throne of grace.
Mrs. Wheaton was not inclined to talk about herself. "What has
been done by me," she said, "was done of the Lord--His be the
glory. I was called to this work thirteen years ago, and I walk
by His guidance. I have never asked and could not accept a
salary. I have never had a collection taken for me. It is a
wonderful thing how He has led me. Here are some of the railroad
passes that have been given me."
And here she unrolled a leathern holder full of passes from all
the leading roads. Some were "Account of Missionary Work" and
some "Account of Christian Work." It is evident that she has
traveled this country over, and her ministrations have also
extended to the old world.
Mrs. Wheaton again attended the services last night, and moved
all by her stirring words. Many could not repress the tears. Her
address was not anchored to a formal text, but was a strong
appeal, nevertheless, to the sinner to repent. The audience was
slow to pass out after the meeting, being anxious to meet the
speaker.
The following from Bro. Snyder and his estimable wife who are my very
dear friends and whose home is always open to me when I am in
Baltimore, are very much prized. They explain themselves. Their work
for God and souls is very exceptional:
During the winter of 1894, Mother Wheaton was conducting a
service at the state prison, when one of our men expressed his
desire that she should attend our services. This was my first
introduction to this noble child of God, and since then she
seldom comes East without visiting our church; we all love her,
but she rarely stays over a day at one time, as her work calls
her away.
In 1898, we induced her to remain with us a week. At this meeting
hundreds of people attended and many souls were saved. One of
the wealthiest ladies of the church received her pentecost and is
now one of our best workers. During the day Mother Wheaton would
visit the outcast of the city. I recall a case of an old colored
woman that we found in a miserable hovel, dying without Christ;
how, after preparing the room and then praying to Father for the
body, she seemed to be brought back to life by the prayers of
God's saint that she might be led to Christ, and after she gave
her life to Him we administered the Lord's supper. Mother Wheaton
has always been a blessing, whenever she has come to my church;
good people are made better, bad people made good.
[Illustration: CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER, BALTIMORE, M. D.]
The church was dedicated to God by "Mother Wheaton" before it was
finished; while the building was in course of erection she paid
us a short visit; with the moon shining through the open windows,
mortar, bricks, etc., around us, she was prompted to take the
church to God in prayer. I will never forget the scene. Thousands
have been saved and many sanctified. The work is still spreading.
* * * * *
Baltimore, Md., January 19, 1901.
Dear Mother: Your kind letter to your children received today.
Began special meetings Wednesday night, the 16th. The three
nights have been blessed and owned of Father. Those in and out of
the church saved. Thirty-three at the altar.
You were mentioned last night in the meeting. I told them they
could look for you to come in at any time, as I believe Father is
going to send you. Never in my ministry did I feel more in
harmony with the divine Spirit. As I am writing I am thinking of
our citizenship in heaven. What a time we will have!
How I longed for you to shout with me Wednesday night over the
conversion of a man 60 years of age, who never knew Christ. I
could not sleep, but praised the Father all that night. He had
his wife and daughter with him in church last night.
Mrs. Snyder joins me in much love to you and Sister Taylor. As
ever,
Your son in the Gospel,
J. K. SNYDER.
* * * * *
Baltimore, Md., October 20, 1902.
Dear Mother Wheaton:
Your kind letter came today. Mrs. Snyder and Eddie often speak of
you; and once a day, at least, we pray for you.
Yesterday several of the boys in the Sunday School formed a
committee, and without a word being spoken about you, came to me
and asked of you and wanted to know when they would have you with
us.
Last week had fifteen born again; four last night. So you see
Father is still blessing your children.
God bless you and keep you, is the prayer of your son,
J. K. SNYDER.
* * * * *
1737 North Broadway, Baltimore Md., June 23, 1903.
Dear Mother Wheaton:
Your long expected letter received. Our dear heavenly Father
continues to bless us at home and at the church, souls saved and
believers sanctified. Glory! The Blood covers our sins.
Eddie was glad to know you had not forgotten him. He is a great
help in the church; your prayers are not in vain. We remain
Your children,
J. K. SNYDER AND WIFE.
* * * * *
(From the Whosoever Will Rescue Mission.)
New Orleans, La., May 24, 1897.
Dear Mother Wheaton:
We are getting along nicely at the Mission. The Lord is blessing
our work and many souls are being saved. We have started a branch
mission further downtown. We call it "No. 2."
We will never forget you, dear mother; your visit did us so much
good. The boys at the Mission often talk of you and Sister
Kelley. We would like to have you visit us again soon, the Lord
willing. Mother and all send kindest regards. Wife sends love to
you both. Pray for us. I remain
Your brother in Jesus,
J. H. HAAG.
* * * * *
(From the Mission Worker, New Orleans.)
PRISON EVANGELIST.
"Mother Wheaton," the noted prison evangelist, arrived in the
city on the evening of February 21, and spent several nights
during her stay. This sister in Israel has visited nearly all if
not quite every state prison in the United States and some in
foreign countries, preaching to their inmates the glad tidings of
great joy. She is a forcible speaker and very deeply in earnest.
Her visit to this city was a pleasant one and resulted in much
good to many.
During her stay here Mother Wheaton has been kept very busy about
her Master's business. She has visited about all the prisons and
eleemosynary institutions in the city, singing, praying and
exhorting the inmates to a better life. She has been at the
Mission every night, and we have had some wonderful meetings.
Sister J. H. Haag has been her almost constant companion and the
two have done splendid work. On her way from the Mission this
Mother in Israel has several times stopped in at saloons, and
talked to all present about their soul's welfare. She is
intrepid--absolutely without fear--and well she may be for she
leans upon the Everlasting Arm.
We do not know how long she will stay with us, but probably for
some days, as she now has several invitations on hand. She will
go when and where the Lord leads her. Our prayer is that she may
be made the instrument of winning many souls to Christ that her
crown in glory may be studded with precious jewels. She says of
herself that she "has no home but heaven."
* * * * *
(From Pacific Garden Mission.)
Chicago, October 6, 1903.
My Dear Sister Wheaton, God's Chosen One:
How I praise my heavenly Father for your life and that I ever
knew you, and for your unselfish mercy to the poor and neglected
classes. May you long be spared to "gather them in from the
fields of sin" is the prayer of
Your sister in Christ,
SARAH D. CLARK,
Pacific Garden Mission.
SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS.
During the early years of my mission work I arrived one day alone in a
Southern city. Went to the postoffice and was reading my mail when a
good old man stepped up and inquired who I was and where I stopped. I
told him I had just arrived. He said, "Come home with me. My wife has
a room and a home for good women like you." I was praying for an open
door. Did not know where I was going to stay over night, but was sure
God had sent me to that place. I found them kind, hospitable people.
He was an old-fashioned Methodist preacher already superannuated, and
he has long since gone to his reward. He sent for the pastor of their
church and arranged for me to hold a meeting. I went at the request of
the pastor to visit an old lady who was sick; thought best to have an
open air meeting on the street and invite people to the church that
night. During the service on the street I noticed a very well dressed,
fine looking young man. When I closed he came to me and taking my
hand asked me to call at his store a few doors away. I did so and he
gave me a fountain pen and seemed unusually interested in what I had
said.
The meeting that night was led by the Holy Spirit; souls were saved,
Christians quickened into new spiritual life and power, and sinners
awakened. Other services were held in several of the churches. God was
honored and the Holy Spirit held right-of-way. Often I would have
services in the white people's church till 9 p. m., then hurry to the
colored people's church and preach and sing and pray till 11 o'clock.
Then at 5 in the morning would meet again, at the Methodist church,
such crowds of worshipers--devout, humble seekers after God. I left
the city just as the meetings were at their height. In the next world
when we all assemble together I expect to see many who were converted
at that series of meetings.
CALLED TO THE MINISTRY.
The young man who seemed so interested in that first street service
came to all the meetings. He was clearly converted and was called to
the ministry. For some time he was a successful soul winner,
manifesting a pure spirit and a godly life; but he afterwards became
discouraged and went into business to support his family. In a letter
from him in later years I received the following words:
"At the time I got your postal I was in serious meditation on
spiritual affairs and was fully considering re-entering the
Gospel ministry. I know I was called of the Lord through His Holy
Spirit to preach His everlasting gospel. Praise His holy name! He
gave me the seal of His approval in the witness of His Spirit and
the fruit of my labor in the salvation of souls. I know this of a
truth from experience. You cannot imagine how I long, Oh, so
intensely, to be again filled with His Spirit and to enter upon
His work in the salvation of souls.
Lovingly yours,
I. H. N."
A COLORED WOMAN SAVED AND PREACHING.
In the year 1886 I was holding meetings in Houston, Texas. Was in a
colored people's church one day, and was much perplexed as to how to
reach the people's hearts. I wept before the Lord in prayer. I did not
know it then, but God was working, using my zeal and grief to help
save a soul. Finally a woman who came to scoff and ridicule was
converted. She received a call to preach after vowing that women were
never called to preach. Well, the years rolled by and one night in
Oklahoma City I saw the Salvation Army gathering in a tent. I went in
and was invited to read the Word and lead the meeting. I did so, and
as the services were about to close a colored woman arose and said she
wished to state that she was saved, and told how she was also called
to preach by the Spirit of the Lord through what I said in that
meeting in Houston, Texas, so long before. She labored for years as an
evangelist and so far as I know is still preaching. In her
evangelistic work she has labored successfully in many of the states.
At one time she wrote of her conversion as follows:
"When I was seeking life in the Lord, I did not want to eat for
two weeks, and had no appetite, but I prayed on and the change
came and I felt brand new. I loved everybody--white and colored.
I seemed to have on a white garment, and that death had fallen
beneath my feet and had no more dominion over me. It seemed that
I had seen the Lord and He told me to go in peace and sin no
more, and I was one more happy soul. I wanted to tell everybody
what the Lord had done for my soul."
STRIKING EXPERIENCES.
Once while holding meetings in Wichita, Kansas, I was greatly
troubled. I knew not why. I could neither preach nor sing. I did not
know what was wrong. Suddenly a large man rose and rushed from the
room taking his wife and children with him. He told me afterward that
he came with the avowed purpose of killing another man who was there.
And they both came there with the intention of killing each other.
At the same mission a man came running in and said that a young
railroad man across the street in the jail was dying, having taken
poison. I went to the jail where the young man was lying on the floor
and kneeling beside him, took his hand and for two hours pleaded with
God to spare his life and save his soul. And the Lord answered prayer.
The doctors were amazed and perplexed, as they could not understand
how the man could live, as all their efforts had seemed to be
fruitless. It was simply one of God's miracles.
SAVED BY A HYMN.
Passing along the street one night in Louisville, Ky., I saw standing
in a doorway a group of well-dressed young ladies, also a lady much
older. I spoke to them and asked for a drink of water and some favor
to further the conversation. When once in doors I saw a piano, and
said, "Which one of you ladies will play a piece on the piano? I love
music so much." A little boy four years old came in. They asked him to
tell me what he intended to be when he grew up. He said, "A preacher.
I am going to see my mamma in Heaven." He was their sister's boy. He
sang for me while one of his aunts played the piano. In his sweet,
lisping voice he sang, "I never will cease to love Him." I was
impressed to ask him to come to the mission where I was going to
preach that night, and sing that piece, and have the aunt play the
organ. Both consented to go with me and when I asked him the little
boy came on the platform and sang beautifully. His father had heard
of my desire to have the child sing, and had straggled into the
mission under the influence of strong drink. He was so convicted and
heart-broken he wept, and that four-year-old boy walked from the
platform down the aisle to that lonely, heart-sick father, who then
and there gave himself up to God, and was saved before he left the
hall, through the singing of a hymn!
* * * * *
God _will_ forgive each penitent whate'er his sin may be,
Whose heart is overflowing with _love_ for bond and free.
Oh, listen! brother, listen--'tis Jehovah's plan--
And a _time is fixed_ to right the wrongs of Man....
--_Prison Poetry._
[Illustration: ARTHUR C. HOFFMAN, NEPHEW OF E. R. W., SITTING ON FRONT
OF ENGINE.]