Across the Sea.
I had greatly desired to preach the gospel in other lands and held
myself ever ready to go at a moment's warning, anywhere the Lord
should lead, and had been given letters of introduction to prominent
people in Great Britain. In the year 1890 my mind was much exercised
about the regions beyond--and without time for preparation, with but
an hour's notice, the call came to go forward. I was in Philadelphia
walking along the street praying--"O Lord, where next--what wilt Thou
have me to do?" Looking up I saw the large posters of steamship lines
and the thought came to me, "Go and inquire the price of a ticket to
Europe." I obeyed the impulse and went in and talked with the
steamship agent of rates and the time of departure of the first
steamer. Then I left the office praying, O God, show me Thy will--make
Thy way very plain to me. Then I went back to the office, feeling that
I must get alone with the Lord. I asked the agent if I might go into a
rear office which was unoccupied, to pray. He very courteously
replied, "Certainly, madam." There I knelt before the Lord and
inquired if He wanted me to go at once--that very night--on the first
steamer, to Scotland. The answer came clearly: "Go, my child, nothing
doubting." I arose, went into the front office and explained to the
agent the nature of my mission work; and how for years I had obeyed
the leadings of the Holy Spirit and that I had a sister traveling with
me who was waiting at the depot for my return, to know where we would
go next. Told him I would buy two steerage tickets for Glasgow,
Scotland, if he would refund the money for the one in case the sister
was unwilling to go with me. To this he consented, so I purchased the
tickets and hurried to the railway station where I had left my friend.
I knew we had only a few moments to catch the train for New York in
order to reach the steamer Devonia for Glasgow. Hurriedly I said to
her, "Do you want to go to Europe?" "Oh, yes," she replied. "When?" I
asked. "Oh, some time," was the answer. Then I said, "I have two
tickets. It is now or never. If you wish to go I will take you, if
not, I will go alone and you can return the ticket and get the money
for yourself." She said, "I will go." So we rushed to the gate, caught
the train on the move, and reached New York in time to get aboard the
Devonia.
ON THE OCEAN.
Leaving America's shores far behind us, we found ourselves doomed to a
stormy voyage, but with plenty of missionary work to do. There was, in
the steerage, much profanity, continual drunkenness of both men and
women, and card playing at all times only when the passengers were
sleeping or too sea-sick. While in mid-ocean we encountered a severe
storm which greatly delayed us. There were only six Christians on
board the steamer. I believe it was in answer to prayer that the ship
was saved from wreck. After thirteen days on the ocean, we saw the
shores of "Bonnie Scotland," and as we neared port there was great
rejoicing among the passengers--almost all of whom were going home.
But how different it was with me! I felt much as Paul did when he said
to the elders of the church at Ephesus, "And now, behold, I go bound
in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall
me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying
that bonds and afflictions abide me." Like him I felt that suffering
and persecution and perhaps imprisonment and death was before me in
that strange land, but Paul was enabled to say, "But none of these
things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I
might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have
received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of
God;" and with something of the same spirit I was enabled to say, as I
wept before Him, "Lord, I will be true--only give me Thy grace
sufficient for me."
IN A FOREIGN LAND.
I was a stranger in a strange land with only a few shillings and
without any great degree of strength of body and, strange to say, for
one reason and another I never saw one of those to whom I carried
letters of introduction. How the Lord was teaching me not to lean on
the arm of flesh! In answer to a letter of inquiry written to one to
whom one letter was addressed, I received the following very kind
reply from her husband:
11 Walker St.,
Edinburgh, Oct. 18, 1890.
Dear Friend:
Your letter of the 16th, with one from Miss Sisson, has just
reached me, forwarded from Crieff. Since Miss Sisson's letter was
written my dear wife has fallen asleep in Jesus and having left
Crieff I am in lodgings for the present in Edinburgh with my
sister and five children.
I have been praying over the subject of your letter, but I do not
have any light on the matter nor am I likely, so far as I can
see, to be in Glasgow for some time. Yet if the Lord sent you to
Scotland He will certainly show you what He has for you to do.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own
understanding: in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall
direct thy paths."
I enclose a one-pound note towards expenses.
Yours in Christ,
G. W. OLDHAM.
At the landing in Glasgow, I inquired of the policeman on duty and
secured a room with his family. Then I went in search of a meeting.
Found the car-fare a penny a mile and other customs quite different
from ours. The first meeting I found corresponded to our Y. M. C. A.
meetings. But our special mission was to the lost.
That evening I received permission from the policeman to hold open-air
meetings. Going along the street a woman who was drunk spied me and
rushed after me beating me on the back. As I made no resistance other
drunken women joined their companion in sin and I would have had a
hard time of it had not the police protected me. These drunken women
thought that I belonged to the Salvation Army, as the bonnet I then
wore was quite similar to the one dear Mother Booth had worn and I was
often told that I looked like her. I was in Scotland when she passed
to her reward in the land where there are no slums, no sinners to
rescue, to weep over and save. Had I been near enough how gladly would
I have joined the great throng that gathered to show honor to her
memory! Nearly every night while in Glasgow found us on the streets
preaching, singing, and praying, with those who never went to
church--many of them not even to the Salvation Army or missions. In
many respects we found worse conditions than in our home-land. The
public houses were always filled at night with men and often their
whole families--drinking all kinds of intoxicants--women with infants
in their arms as well as others drinking with men at the bar. And the
most beautiful girls to be found were secured by the keepers of these
houses to stand behind the bar and sell the drinks.
The prisons, my special burden, I found very difficult of access for
missionary work. I found that women were not expected, there, to do
that kind of work. Yet I fasted and prayed and wept before the Lord,
pleading that the prison doors might be opened to me and at last I was
successful in gaining admission to some of them. After some delay I
was admitted to Duke Street jail, in Glasgow, and there held several
services. It is a large prison, filled with the baser sort and those
whom the public houses had been licensed to make drunkards--to cause
to reel and stagger and abuse and kill when unconscious of what they
were doing. The Lord's presence was revealed in our services there and
souls got help from God, and I hope to meet many of them in heaven. We
visited the poor in their homes, different penal institutions--all of
the missions and Salvation Army Corps and many of the churches. While
time lasts we will find much to do to help those around us.
MY LIFE IN DANGER.
Oftentimes my life was in danger when visiting the saloons, which are
there called public houses--the keepers being called publicans. Often
the keepers of brothels and other places of sin drew revolvers on
me--threatening me with death if I did not leave, as they did not want
to lose their customers and their money--which they were sure to do if
souls were converted there, but the Lord always delivered me when
death stared me in the face. One day I went into a public house where
a woman kept a dive. She at once got very angry, demanded my business,
and ordered me to leave her place. She clutched me with a fiendish
grip, and pushed me out of the door, but purposely fastened one of my
arms in the door as she slammed it shut. I prayed God to release me
and with the help of the sister who was with me we got the door open
enough to release my arm. I am sorry to have reason to say that, as a
rule, I find the women who are in charge of brothels and saloons
harder to deal with than the men. A woman of judgment and tact when
fully saved can, in many cases, do more good than men from the fact
that she can go where very few men could go without being looked upon
with suspicion. What need, then, that we should be emptied of self and
filled with the Holy Spirit, all given up to the Lord in order that we
can work successfully for God and souls.
One Saturday night, while in Glasgow, I preached in a church. Great
crowds had turned out in the city spending their week's wages. There
was much drinking of both men and women. At the church was given a
"Penny Tea," consisting of a cup of tea and a biscuit, thus drawing
the crowds--and afterwards having some one preach to them.
A SONG STOPS A ROW.
When the services had closed, we were returning to our lodging and
were attracted by a great crowd of people engaged in a row and a
fight. I soon saw there was danger of bloodshed and stepping out in
the street I began to sing an old time hymn. This drew the attention
of many and they came running to hear. Then I talked to them of Jesus
and His love, and we went on our way and held another service on
another street. Then, coming to the quarters of a company of firemen,
I asked if I might hold a service with them some time. One of them
replied, "Yes, why not now?" It was then 10 o'clock and raining. I
stepped into the street and began singing. Across the way there was a
dance hall with dancing going on upon the three floors of the hall. As
I sang, the windows of the hall were lowered with a crash, perhaps to
keep out the rain--perhaps to keep out the sound of my voice.
As we proceeded with the service a policeman soon appeared and ordered
me to stop. I told him I was not violating any ordinance of the city
and only holding the service at the request of these firemen. He was
angry and threatened to arrest us. He soon returned with two other
officers, and while the sister who was with me was speaking, he took
her by the arm and led her down the muddy street. I began singing, "He
is able to deliver thee." The other two policemen took me by the arms
and forced me through the deep mud in the street quite a long distance
to the jail. Before being placed in the cell I was asked the cause of
our arrest. I replied, "For holding open-air service on the street,
and there is no law in Scotland to forbid us from doing so." We were
placed in a room under guard to await the decision. We could hear the
shrieks of men and women delirious from drink.
I was asked who we were, and replied, "We have come from America to
preach the gospel." After cross-questioning and severely reprimanding
me they asked if I would hold my peace if they would let me go. I
answered, "I do not wish to disregard your request, but I must obey
God, for that is why I am here. And according to your law it is no
crime to hold open-air services; and it is a custom with the
churches." "Then we will put you into the cell." Another said, "No, we
cannot do that for this offense." Then he said I should be gone. I
said, "Will you not send an officer to show us the way to our lodging,
as you have arrested us without a cause and it is late at night?" But
they refused to send a guide. I asked if they would give me the name
of the policeman who arrested us, and told them the matter was not yet
ended; that they did not know with whom they were dealing. At first
they refused to give me the names asked for; but I said I should stay
till they did so, and I prevailed. When we had started to try to find
our way to our lodging place, we met a lady who kindly directed us to
the street and number.
On Monday a sister who had been preaching among the policemen for some
years, called to see me--having heard of my arrest and treatment. She
was much surprised and said she could have those policemen all
discharged for their conduct toward me. I said, "No, do not do that; I
only want to see them and talk to them about their souls' salvation."
"Then," she replied, "I will have them come and ask your forgiveness."
As she started away, I handed her some recommendations and railroad
passes I had had in America and letters of introduction to parties in
that land. Glancing over them she exclaimed, "Is it possible? A lady
with such a recommend! These letters are addressed to some of the best
people in Great Britain. Will you trust me with these till I return?"
"Certainly," I replied. She returned in due time, saying the policemen
would come and make an apology. I was very glad, for I felt then that
I could tell them it was the love of Christ for the lost ones of earth
that constrained me to speak on the streets. Many ladies called during
the day to give me their sympathy and show their interest. The
policeman who caused the arrest came and asked me to forgive him. He
bowed with us in prayer, and sobs shook his heavy frame while his
tears fell like rain. He said, "It is like mother used to talk, and it
is the same kind of religion she had in olden times." I believe that
man found Christ his Savior that day. He told us of his wife sick at
home and two "wee bairns," and as he could get no girl at home, he had
overworked; and on that Saturday night had taken too much liquor in
order to keep him awake.
He invited me to call upon his family. This I did the following day,
and found it as he had said. The two other men that had a part in
arresting us came the following day. One of them seemed very penitent
when I talked to them, and both humbly begged my pardon for their
conduct toward me.
While in Glasgow I was invited by General Evans, of the Gospel Army,
to conduct special services for ten nights at their hall--commonly
known as the Globe Theater. We copy the following from an editorial of
the General's published in his paper while we were there:
"Hearing of these evangelists we decided to invite them to Globe
Theater, and truly we can say God has visited his people. They do
not believe in forms and ceremonies like us formal Scotch
Christians, but speak as they are moved by the Holy Ghost. They
live by faith and do not ask for money or collections; however,
they seem to get on very well, and I never yet heard them
grumbling about having too little. They take whatever is given
them as from the Lord, and give Him their sincere thanks
accordingly. They have spent over a week speaking and singing
every night in our meetings, and not a few have been impressed by
the earnest words of our sisters. Some of the professors have had
their short-comings pretty well threshed out, the writer coming
in for his share. Our meetings have been well attended and I
believe a really good work has been begun in our midst. The elder
lady carries about with her a book full of newspaper clippings
and numerous testimonials about her work in America. Her special
field is in the prisons and among the unfortunates. She takes no
stock in sensational worship, but there is always a great
sensation wherever she puts in an appearance.... In closing I may
say that our heaven-bound sisters have had some severe trials
since leaving their native shores. Eternity alone will reveal the
amount they have endured for the Master's sake. Before they had
been many hours in Glasgow they were marched off to jail for
preaching at a street corner, and gathering a crowd. I trust
this epistle will open up our cold, hard hearts and that we may
receive our sisters as is our duty as a Christian community."
TUMULT IN A DIVE.
"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the devil
shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried; * * * Be thou
faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life."--Rev. 2:10.
One Sunday night, as I was on my way going from the meeting, being in
company with General Evans and his wife and the sister who traveled
with me, I saw a public house open and went in and began to speak to
the men and women. I had only talked a few minutes when the proprietor
came in and asked, "Are you a customer here?" I replied, "No, I am
only speaking to these people about their souls." He said, "Now you
leave, or I'll make you." He ran into a back room, and coming out he
passed me quickly, running to the door and blowing a long blast on a
police whistle. This aroused the people and brought to the scene
several policemen and hundreds of people of all classes in general
fright. A man rushed in and catching me by the arm cried, "Come out of
this place, quick, or you'll be killed. You are in danger. You don't
know where you are! This is the Gallow Gate; the worst place in
Glasgow." I said to him, "Let me alone, I am obeying God." But as the
policemen closed in around me there was a cry raised, "It is Jack the
Ripper in disguise." The excitement in those days was intense all over
Europe. Jack the Ripper was a fiend in human form that was killing
women continually in the most horrifying manner and in cold blood. You
might see on a bulletin board in the city that a murder would be
committed on such a day and hour and these threats would be carried
out. Yet he defied the detectives and police. Large rewards were
offered for his capture. I saw that my life was in danger unless I
could convince them of their mistake, of which I now saw the cause. I
was dressed differently from them. I had on a long black cloak and had
thrown my black shawl over my head concealing my bonnet, and carried a
bag on my arm which contained my recommendations, railway passes, etc.
I said: "You are mistaken, gentlemen, I am not Jack the Ripper"
(removing my shawl), "I am a missionary from America; and preaching at
the Globe Theater every night. Come and hear me there. There is no
cause for this tumult." The General and his wife having come in, we
passed out, the mob following us several blocks with shouts and
screams giving me some blows as we went. But God delivered us from
their cruel hands.
A MOB OF DRUNKEN WOMEN.
Another night when returning from the Globe Theater in company with
General and Mrs. Evans we heard a great noise up the street and soon
discovered that it was made by a mob of some kind. On their coming
nearer, we found it was an immense crowd of drunken fallen girls. The
General said: "Hide yourselves quick! There is no telling what they
might do." The policemen had slunk away--not caring to try to make any
arrests, as there were so many of them and they were so violent. Poor
souls! They were some mothers' girls who perhaps had learned to love
the taste of strong drink before they saw the light and were bound by
both inherited and acquired appetite. I was told that on an average
there were four drunken women in Glasgow for every drunken man. Such a
statement seems beyond belief, but during our stay we saw much to
indicate that it was true. What could the harvest be?
While in Scotland I received a very precious letter of encouragement
and sympathy from Col. Geo. R. Clarke and wife of Pacific Garden
Mission, Chicago. I give it here and the reader can easily realize how
comforting it proved to me.
Chicago, October 29, 1890.
My Dear Sister Wheaton:
We received yours written from Glasgow last night. I am sorry
they treat you so badly there. But that is the way nice appearing
people treated our blessed Lord when on earth, and the way they
would treat Him now should He come to earth in the flesh. But it
is blessed to us, said Jesus, when men persecute us. We have a
right then to rejoice as He told us.
The Lord will stand by you as He did by Paul. He "will never
leave you nor forsake you." So you can boldly say: "The Lord is
my helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
The Lord's work is prospering at our Mission and we are much
encouraged in it. We have large meetings and many precious souls
for Christ every night.
We have started a noonday prayer-meeting for both sexes. The Lord
is greatly blessing the meetings. We have souls converted there
right along at every meeting.
We will pray for you and may the dear Lord greatly bless you in
your work and labor of love which you do in His name.
We have only a little time left now to wait for Him. The signs
are thickening and He will soon rush into view and then we shall
hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou
in to the joy of thy Lord." Praise His dear name. Glory to God!
Hallelujah!!! What a meeting that will be! It will be our time to
laugh then, but our persecutors will weep and wail. May God be
merciful to them now and give them repentance before that awful
day.
Don't be in a hurry to die and go to heaven. You are more needed
by the Lord down here just now than in heaven. There are no
sinners there to whom to preach His gospel and He tells us to "Go
and preach" not "go to heaven." He will take us all home in His
own good time. Let us patiently wait for Him and "occupy until
He comes." With much Christian love we are yours in Christ.
COL. AND MRS. GEO. R. CLARKE.
IN PAISLEY.
I was summoned by telegram to go on to Paisley, Scotland, to hold
services for the Gospel Army in that place. We went immediately. Found
the city well informed of our coming by large striking posters which
read: "Hear the American Prison Evangelists--Be sure to hear these
ladies who have preached on the ruins of the Johnstown horror! Who
have visited all the prisons of note in America--led murderers to the
scaffold," etc. I was not accustomed to such sensational advertising
and tore down the posters I came across and chided with the General
for advertising us in such a way. He kindly explained that it was
customary in their work in order to arrest the attention of the people
and arouse interest in our meetings. Perhaps he was right but it was
something of a trial to me to be brought before the people in that
way.
We found much to do in Paisley, not only in the night services but on
the streets, in the homes of refuge and in homes. Found twelve hundred
girls employed in the Coats Thread Works and eight hundred girls in
Clark's Thread Works. Found great poverty among the laboring classes,
as there was much dissipation among both men and women.
Just before leaving Paisley I was called to go and hold services in
the Refuge for Fallen Women. During the services there did not seem to
be much feeling concerning their soul's salvation. It seemed I could
not reach them. At last, near the close of the meeting, I said:
"Girls, I am going away to my own land. I will never see you on earth
again. Will you not try and live so you will meet me in heaven? If
so, raise your hands." Not one hand was raised. Then I said, "Girls,
won't you pray?" No sign yet. "Girls, shall I pray for you when far
away? If so, raise your hands?" Not a hand went up. I was almost
discouraged. Could I leave that great crowd of lost women to go on in
their awful career without at least one manifesting a desire for a
better life? How could I meet them at the Judgment? At last I said:
"Girls, I leave to-morrow for America. I am all alone. Only this young
woman with me. How many of you will pray for _us_ as we cross the
ocean again to go to our own land? If any one will pray for us, won't
you raise your hand?" _Every hand went up_, and God's Holy Spirit
crept unawares into their hearts--so long unused to prayer, and the
spell of evil was broken, and God reached them. O the melting, tender
spirit which filled the room! And that company, I believe, gave God
their hearts. In learning to pray for us, their sisters, they found
God, and I trust to meet many, if not all, of those dear souls in
heaven. Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more."
And then the confessions, the tears, the promises! Bless God, His word
will not return void.
Shortly after my arrival in America I received the following letter,
which explains itself, from the matron of this Home:
Female Refuge, Paisley, Scotland, March 23, 1891.
Mrs. Wheaton.
Dear Friend: Glad I was to know that you had in God's good
Providence arrived safe at home among your dear ones, and rejoice
also with you that the work is prospering in your hand.
I have been called upon to part here with dear ones since I saw
you, but they are gone before me only a little while. My
assistants are all with me yet, and with myself had much pleasure
in your card. We often talk of you and your young friend that
accompanied you. I do hope she is still with you. We have now a
household of thirty inmates, many giving proof of a new life
being theirs for time and eternity. With our united kind regards,
I am
Yours truly in the Lord's work,
ANNIE J. BLUE.
I have already mentioned the fact that I found it difficult to gain
admittance to the prisons of Scotland. I waited in Edinburgh for days,
on expense, seeking opportunity to hold at least one service in the
large prison there. While waiting I held services in the jail and
missions and open air. Our meetings in the open air were largely
attended, not only by the working classes, but also by others who
would stop and listen, being attracted, at first, by the singing which
usually drew large crowds. We were much blessed in these services and
especially in the slums where large numbers of neglected children
gathered around us, ragged and dirty, but with hearts glad to learn to
sing with us.
RETURN TO AMERICA.
Various circumstances combined that seemed to require my return to
America and after nearly two months of constant toil in Glasgow,
Edinburgh, and Paisley, we hurried to Liverpool and November 15 took
shipping for New York on the steamship Wisconsin. On this return
voyage we encountered another fearful storm in which many ships went
down.
The storm raged about four days. Men and women were in great fear;
some weeping, some screaming, some praying, and some cursing. Among
all that multitude there were only four Christians; only four souls
ready to face eternity!
But our God is a very present help in time of trouble. There in that
terrible hour, I was conscious of His presence and I knew that He was
able to deliver us. When the storm had abated, with a heart full of
gratitude and thanksgiving, I tried to sing, but could only utter
softly the words of one old-time hymn:
"How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord."
So wonderfully did God deliver us that in spite of that fearful storm
we reached New York harbor after being only twelve days at sea.
On board these steamers a religious service is held every Lord's day,
but it is usually led by the captain who is often an ungodly man. Many
seemed to ease their guilty consciences by observing this form of
religion. But my heart was often left more hungry and sad by a service
which seemed to me mere form if not a farce and mockery.
During this return trip I supposed I was about out of money, and was
somewhat tempted to doubt the promises, and I prayed much for
guidance. When almost ready to land I took from my purse my small
stock to have the steward get it changed for U. S. money, and to my
glad surprise I found in another part of the purse a pound note. I
could not tell how it came to be there. So I felt reproved for my lack
of faith.
Among my old papers I find a touching letter written by a dear young
sister to whom I became much attached while in Scotland. Had it not
been that her family were largely dependent upon her she would have
gone with me in my work. I give the following extract:
Glasgow, Nov. 17, 1890.
My Dear Sister in Jesus:
I received your card Saturday night; and was very much surprised
to learn that you had gone so suddenly. But not our will but
God's will be done. Dear sister, I hope you and Nellie will have
a safe passage across the ocean and may the dear Savior be very
present to both of you. You have His blessed promise, "Fear them
not; for I am with thee."
Mrs. P---- and the husband were asking very kindly after you. Mr.
L---- could scarcely credit that you had gone home so suddenly.
Several others also in the hall wish you a special blessing in
your effort to win souls for the Master, who will reward you in
His own time.
Dear sister, you do not know and you will never know until you
are within the Pearly Gates, how many precious souls have been
brought to the knowledge of the truth through you.
May the dear Lord make us truly Holy Ghost workers and may we
have a desire to point sinners to Jesus--the all-sufficient
one--the author and finisher of our salvation. Glory to God! May
we be more and more like Jesus, humble, meek and mild, loving one
another as the Lord has also loved us. May we be clean, empty
vessels for the Master's use. Dear Jesus, do strip us of
everything that would hinder the blessing and would keep our joy
from being full. Write soon; and if we do not meet again on
earth, with God's help we will meet in heaven, Praise God!
Your loving sister in Jesus,
RACHEL SMITH.
SECOND VISIT TO EUROPE.
In the year 1896 the Lord made plain to me that it was His will that I
should again go to Europe. While in Washington, D. C., I was led to
return to Iowa, and there found that a band of missionaries who were
ready to start for Africa had been praying that I might come and go
with them as far as New York. When they saw me alight at their door,
they shouted and praised the Lord. When I asked them the reason they
said because God had answered prayer--that they had prayed God to send
me to see them off for Africa.
While we were holding a few meetings in Philadelphia I felt directed
to go on with them as far as London, so purchased my ticket with
theirs, taking steerage passage across the ocean for the third time.
Immediately after getting my ticket there came upon me a wonderful
outpouring of the Spirit and an assurance that was unmistakable that I
was in divine order. When I told those young missionaries I was going
with them as far as London they told me they had been praying that I
might be led to do that very thing. After a safe voyage we reached
Southampton in seven days.
One Sabbath afternoon in London when we were holding an open-air
meeting on the street, God opened the flood-gates of Heaven, and I
with others sang and preached under the power of the Holy Spirit. A
Christian came and said, "Sister Wheaton, there is a preacher here who
wants to speak to you." I refused to go, as there were drunkards and
toughs on their knees under conviction of sin. I thought he was a
preacher who wanted to criticise my methods. They called me again, and
I went to see what was wanted. I found a fine-looking, well-dressed
man much past middle age under awful conviction of sin. He was a
backslider, and had stopped in passing, being attracted by a hymn I
was singing--one his mother used to sing. Yet he was unwilling to
yield himself to God. Some of those in the company had talked with him
and begged him to kneel. At last his stubborn will was broken, and he
knelt there on that London street and confessed his sins to God. When
he arose from his knees he said he had been on his way with a dagger
then in his coat sleeve, to commit suicide, but was attracted by that
song his mother used to sing, and could go no further. Thus by the
power of the Holy Ghost that Presiding Elder was saved on the streets
through faithful, honest trust in God, where the preacher and the
drunkard knelt side by side in the dust. I hope to meet them in
Heaven, and trust that all found peace with God. The word says, "Go
out in the streets and lanes of the city, and in the hedges and
highways." "Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost," not
the righteous but sinners. He came to save. How often people are
waiting for Christians, who profess to have salvation, to speak to
them, and how glad they are to receive the message if delivered in
love.
I was located for a time at Woolwich, near the London Arsenal. There
were stationed thousands of soldiers and they were often found in the
public houses under the influence of drink. I would plead with them to
quit sinning, turn to God, and seek salvation. Often tears were shed,
and resolves made to serve the Lord. There are many incidents of souls
being saved on the streets, in the slums and public houses, but space
forbids my going into details, but suffice it to say that I have been
given many proofs of God's love and mercy from among the thousands who
have heard the gospel in those far-off lands, as well as in our home
land. Then let us encourage our missionaries everywhere to press on
until the Master says, "It is enough, come up higher."
I was much pained, while in England, to see so many young women there,
as in Scotland, selling beer and other strong drink to customers in
the public houses; beautiful girls selling their souls to the tempter
to be lost forever unless in some way rescued before it is too late.
During this second visit to Europe I was often stopped on the street
and asked to sing to the people, which I frequently did, regardless of
remarks or criticisms, and the Lord blessed my singing to the good of
many souls. While in London, night after night I would sing and preach
the gospel to people who longed for salvation, but knew not how to
get saved. How often we neglect an opportunity to do good. Years after
some of our missionaries returning from Africa, passing through
London, heard the people calling to them, "Where is that old lady who
sang for us?" So we labor not in vain. In due season we shall reap if
we faint not.
After spending several weeks in England (most of the time in London) I
saw that precious band of young missionaries take the steamer for
Africa. The next day I embarked for home at Southampton. Soon after
starting we sighted the vessel on which they sailed and I could
distinguish some of them waving their handkerchiefs in farewell. One
of them died in Africa ten months later. By and by we shall meet again
in the Kingdom of heaven, each one, I trust, bringing with us sheaves
to lay at Jesus' feet.
During the return voyage the sea was stormy at times, yet the voyage
was made safely, and on Sabbath morning, the day after my arrival in
New York, I went to the Tombs prison to hold services. I was very
tired, and after the services I was so faint I prayed for the Lord to
open the way for me to have some refreshments, as I was to preach in
the afternoon at a Rescue Mission. There were many elegantly dressed
lady visitors at that meeting, but they all passed out and left me
alone, when a young, humble-looking man came to me and said, "We are
very poor, and are able to afford but one meal a day, and not a full
meal at that, but it would be such a blessing to my wife and myself if
you would come and share it with us." My heart was touched that this
stranger should offer to share the little they had, when others never
thought of my needs. I did not go with him, although I thanked him; it
was so far to his home, but God will reward him. For Jesus said, "I
was a stranger and ye took me in, hungry and ye fed me; I was in
prison and ye came unto me, sick and ye visited me."
Behold a homeless wanderer, poor and thinly clad,
To biting cold a victim, with hunger almost mad,
Entering yonder mansion, dares to boldly steal
What none should e'er deny a dog--the pittance of a meal!
See the greedy sleuth-hounds of the outraged law
Wage against this robber an unrelenting war;
While _Christian_ judge and jury, with ready wit, declare
His crime an awful outrage, that merits prison fare!
But he who rears his costly domes
O'er wreck and ruin of human homes,
Plants in the breast a raging thirst
And leaves his victims doubly cursed,
Can roll in luxury, loll in pride
And, with _the law_, his gain divide!
Tho' every dime he pays the state
A thousand cost in wakened hate!
--_Geo. W. H. Harrison._
Learn that in many a loathsome cell
A prisoned genius or a saint may dwell,
Whose power, developed by an act of love,
May lead a million to the Courts above.
Shall it be yours to touch that vibrant chord
And share the honor of the great reward?
What heaven endorses that alone can stand;
All else is stubble, built on shifting sand.
--_G. W. H. H._
[Illustration: STATE PRISON, JOLIET, ILL.]