By Charles H. Stalker
Object -- The salvation of sinners and that Christians might be sanctified wholly.
Beginning January 2, 1901 -- Ending When and where the Lord will.
Commission -- "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel." "In the regions beyond you."
For several years the great commission had been burning in my soul and shut up in my being. It was my privilege to attend many farewell meetings of missionaries and to listen to the touching stories of returned men and women of God, who had been laboring for Him in the foreign field. There had always been a yearning in my soul to witness for the Holy Ghost and Full Salvation to those across the sea, but I was told I was not prepared, which, however, did not satisfy my soul's longing. Not until February, 1900, did I have the privilege, under the direction of the Holy Ghost and a line of special providences, to go.
I sailed from New York City on my way to the Holy Land, where I had my first opportunity to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ through an interpreter. While on this tour, in the Garden of Gethsemane, I felt I should return to America and go to Portsmouth, R. I., Camp Meeting. Believing this to be the leading of the Spirit of God, I was willing to return from these sacred places, which had made impressions upon my heart beyond all expression, and for these my thankfulness is such that it is impossible to express it in words of tongue or pen, but will gladly declare it by a life of sacrifice and service for my Master. Glory to God! My salvation cost much, and the salvation of a soul from hell means much.
After visiting the Holy Land, I felt I could never preach, think, talk or act the same. The world would not appear the same to my vision, my home would be different, all was changed. While in the Garden of Gethsemane and those sacred places, it seemed that I could see Him as never before, sweating great drops of blood, weeping burning tears, living and dying for me. Oh, how I loved Him!
After spending sometime in Paris, I arrived in New York City, after a safe journey on land and sea. Upon my arrival, I went to Portsmouth, not to preach, not to sing and not to pray, but to be in the will of God. I felt that He had sent me for a purpose, but did not know what the purpose was. Such a desire came into my heart to visit the heathen fields that I said, ""Oh, Lord, let me go!" I went to my room and had a special season of communion with God in prayer, and felt that was what God had sent me to Portsmouth for, and that He would bring it to pass. Glory! There followed a night of prayer, in which the heavens opened, and on Sabbath morning Seth Rees preached on ""The Great Commission." And I felt that he must quit preaching or I would have to go at once to the fields to which God was speaking to me about. It was like fire in my bones. After the service I went to the tent and prayed, and I believe it was settled then and there that I should go on this tour. I went from that tent feeling great peace and comfort. It seemed that I could almost see the steamer on the ocean and hear the waves roll, and glory filled my soul. I said, "I believe it is done -- God is in this movement." I parted forever from some, but I felt God would work it all out.
I visited the Ohio, Western, Indiana, Kansas and Baltimore yearly meetings, in the fullness of the blessing of Christ, and witnessed for the Holy Ghost. The first missionary meeting was held in Tremont City, Ohio, and I felt the seal being placed upon the plan -- and it was. The next meeting was in Cincinnati at the Bible School. I was there only a short time, and next went to Chicago. God wonderfully blessed us, and souls were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, and we had a time of victory in the Lord. Glory! I next went to Philadelphia, where I stopped with George and Anna Williams, and talked over the wonderful leadings of God. I then went on to New York, Fall River and Westport. I spent two weeks in quiet and prayer, preparative to the trip, then went to the Providence convention. God set a precious and lasting seal on the meetings. Our hearts were melted together, the Holy Ghost was honored and Jesus glorified. At the mission that night, the Lord saved souls; this was the last meeting in America before sailing. That night I said, "Oh, Lord, it is enough."
I spent New Year's day in quiet, read my Bible, prayed much about the ocean trip, committed myself to God, and His sweet presence filled my soul. As I was preparing to sail, there was such a peace in my heart. I was willing to leave the Home Land and the dear associations that God had given -- all fruit of His Gospel -- and go to a new field, strange scenes, people and places for Jesus and the Gospel's sake. The Holy Ghost spoke sweetly to my soul at the thought of having an opportunity to witness for Jesus in other lands.
January 2d, 1901, we arose in the morning after a good rest. Soon after Bible reading and prayer we started to the steamer, and met two brothers in the Lord, who had come to see us and bid us "God-speed" on our journey, and left us a basket of fruit. We went to our cabin, had a season of prayer and they commended us to God and the keeping power of the Holy Ghost, on land and sea. We received some letters and at the time announced we pulled out from the wharf, and we left for the treacherous ocean, and committed ourselves to the stormy sea, with the pilot of Galilee, believing He would guide and keep us on our journey. that "He would never leave nor forsake us,". and that we should arrive safely in port after the tempest was past. In Him was our confidence.
We had a very smooth journey for the time of year. During the voyage I did not make much comment on the sights and scenes, neither did I often go to the table, but was quiet and content on my back. The first day I enjoyed my meals and after supper was talking to a Swede by the name of Carl Hadburg, whose mother had died and he was returning from New York to Sweden. He was a bright boy, and after listening to his story, which was touching and sad, we walked around on the deck for a time, then stopped and looked out upon the waters. I asked if he were a Christian, and he answered "No," but he had been thinking he ought to be. At this point the "World-Wide Mission" began, and as I told him about our Jesus he listened attentively, the Holy Ghost touched his heart and I heard a sob and saw a tear. I prayed. When I closed I asked him to pour out his heart to God. Then he prayed and wept most touchingly; after a silence he raised his head and said, "I am saved." I did not see him then for two or three days, after which he came to my room and seemed so happy. I said, "Carl, when were you saved?" He said, "January 2, 1901." He was a favorite among the passengers, and made many warm friends. When we arrived in Liverpool, we parted, but I hope to meet him in heaven. God bless him! When we reached London we were tired and worn, so went to the hotel and had supper, it being the first I had eaten for some days.
We spent several weeks in London holding meetings, going to places of historical and Biblical interest, writing, reading and praying for souls. I heard Joseph Parker, John McNeil, Mary Guy Pearce, Lady Henry Somerset and others. It was blessed to hear those who stand at the head of the work on the other side of the sea.
From there we went to Ireland and held meetings. On the second night of the meeting souls were at the altar seeking salvation and the Holy Ghost. The attendance and attention was good. A preacher of Holiness was something new to those people, but their hearts were receptive and God blessed the messages from time to time. The altar was filled and a number of souls prayed through to victory; some were saved and others received the Holy Ghost. and some received a definite call to the foreign fields. It refreshed my own soul, as I gave the message on the soon return of our Lord, and they accepted it with joyful hearts. After having meetings for some weeks, we felt the time had come for us to go, and as we were leaving the hall that night, one poor man remained at the altar, determined not to leave until the Holy Ghost came into his heart. He prayed until late in the night, and the fire fell. We have heard since that he became a real soul winner.
While in this city we went to see a precious saint of God who had been twelve years an invalid, never leaving her bed, but her heart was filled with the love of God and a burden for those about her. Many came to her bedside and she prayed with them until they found Jesus. Her faith in God was marvelous, being perfectly submissive in His hands, never once murmuring or complaining of her life having to be spent in such isolation. She lived with her sister in a dingy rooming house on the fourth floor, in the smoke and dirt of the most undesirable part of the city. Friends had offered to give her another home, but she wished to remain there, thinking she could reach more souls for Him and give them the message of salvation. This life, beautiful though sad, made a great impression upon us; we had seen those in higher places, but we felt no greater work was being done than by this humble follower of the lowly Nazarene.
The most attractive thing on the street was a two-wheeled cart with no top, a seat on either side, and one for the driver. It is called an "Irish Jaunty." It seemed rather strange to have no top when it rains so much there, but the rain does not keep the people from hearing the Gospel. They assemble at the hour appointed through all kinds of weather. The meetings continued in the power of God and souls were saved and sanctified.
The subject that has absorbed many, or all minds, and touched many hearts and has reached over the world, has been the illness and death of the world's greatest sovereign and monarch -Queen Victoria. The whole world seemed to respond with tributes of respect and appreciation of her long, noble and victorious life. She was not only great, but good. She enjoyed great prosperity and peace until near the close of her reign, when trouble with South Africa -- the Boer War -arose. This was the cause of much sorrow, and no doubt hastened the close of her beautiful life, and brought this great loss to her people and the king to the throne at this time. Much sorrow was expressed during the illness of the Queen, and the news of her death came like a lightning flash to the nation over which she was ruler. Death comes to all -- the great and good, in palace and in hovel alike -- it is no respecter of persons. It was a great sight to see that city of six millions of people in mourning. The day of the funeral was declared a day of mourning, the business houses and saloons were closed, but as I thought of her noble life, it seemed to me that we ought to mourn over the living, who know not God, rather than the dead.
As the people were absent from their homes, we had no meetings that day, so we went to find a standing place to view the procession. It was very impressive to see the soldiers in uniform and glittering spears march by, some on horses and others on foot. All seemed proud to play a part in the last honors of the Queen. Most of the people were dressed in mourning, the men wearing black hats and the women black veils and dresses and it made a very imposing sight. I was much impressed with the quietness of the crowd, except a few fainting ones, some of whom were carried out on stretchers, all were quiet and attentive. I was glad I had the privilege of being there at that time, as the Holy Ghost gave so many precious lessons. I thought when the saloons were closed for this occasion, Oh! that the day would come when the saloons all over the land would be closed forever and the boys and girls saved from the wreck and ruin of this awful curse.
There is always a crowd everywhere in that city; it is much like being in a whirlwind, and almost anything will attract attention and stop the traffic.
Our meetings began in the Chaplain Assembly Rooms that night. Brother Moore was pastor and offered the use of the hall, put out some bills and was very kind to us. It was a blessed meeting. The Holy Ghost was with us in power and answered prayer. Glory! The people gave good attention and at the close souls came to the altar and received Him. I was glad to have the privilege of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that is "the power of God 'unto salvation," and to tell Christians they could be sanctified. The meetings continued five days, and every service was a blessed time of victory in God. Changes took place in hearts that will tell in eternity. One poor man who had been given to drink for years came and asked us to pray for him, and he believed and the Lord delivered. A worldly young lady who had given her time to the empty things of society, knelt at the altar and there and then denounced all things which were not pleasing to her Lord, and promised to walk with Him; and many others settled their soul's destiny with God, for which we praised Him.
Letters came from George Cadbury and Harriet Greene, extending invitations to their homes for meetings, but as my time was limited, I could not go.
I went to Newgate prison where Elizabeth Fry did such noble work among the prisoners. I remembered the impression that celebrated picture made on me when a child, and to see the place was a great privilege and blessing. She was a worthy woman and did a world-renowned work.
I was also at Exeter Hall and heard the children from the Charles Spurgeon Stackwell Orphanage sing. It was very touching to see those five hundred orphan children who had been picked up, all over that wicked city, and to hear them sing and praise God from pure and innocent hearts.
In every meeting God laid on our hearts a special message on the sanctification of believers. There were many hungry hearts who gladly received the truth. At each service souls received the Holy Ghost, and it seemed that the meetings could have continued for an indefinite time, for the people insisted upon our remaining with them, and the last meeting was the crowning service and the best of all. We continued in prayer until late in the night, but felt the time had come for us to go on.
They were just beginning the new reign under King Edward VII, and we rejoiced in our own hearts that many were beginning a new reign tinder the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and will be loyal subjects in that kingdom which is "an everlasting kingdom."
We attended a meeting conducted by Mrs. Baxter who has a faith mission. The attendance was good, and after giving a message on Divine Healing, a number remained for prayer, and bodies were healed and the people rejoiced.
After I went to my room and was waiting before the Lord, He gave me some lessons on the life of Moses. It was wonderful to note the faithfulness of God in this man's life. He was in the wilderness forty years alone, then he was with the people forty years. Moses was taught forty years, then he was a teacher forty years. He was led forty years, then he was leader forty years. The teacher must first be taught: the man must first be with God before he is with the people. We must be spoken to before we are spoken through. When Moses went alone he became fearful; when God sent him he was faithful; when he went alone he began to kill, but when he had Divine authority, he began to save. When he went alone he was afraid of the people, but when he went with God, the people were afraid of him. While God was showing Moses supply, He was showing the people their great bondage and need, and sent them a great deliverer to deliver. If God had more flaming heralds full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, who would hold up Jesus, a complete Savior, one able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him, what a wonderful work would be accomplished for the great masses of needy souls.
The day Parliament opened, we went into an English Court of Justice and saw the cases being tried. It was very impressive. The Judge in the chair and the lawyers all wore wigs and wrote with quill pens; all was quiet and dignified; they had on black gowns and white cuffs and ties and paid no attention whatever to the visitors in the galleries, but proceeded with the case in hand. It took my mind to the great solemnity of the Judgment Day, when all the millions of earth shall pass before God and receive the final word which shall seal their destiny for eternal happiness or despair.
I went to hear Dr. Parker who had a large audience and what he said was good. He preached from a text in Isaiah, describing the Church's fruitfulness, and said: "We are not to be barren, but fruitful. Isaiah was a gardener, an out-door man, a man of the field and forest. I hike this man very much. Faith, Hope and Charity, and the greatest of these is Charity, and the other two know it, and all must believe it for it is true, and without this we are nothing and never will be; it makes us what we are."
At the close of the simultaneous Mission, a meeting was held by the pastors of the different churches throughout London. It was to be a conference where the question, "How to hold and how to conserve the results of missions" should be discussed. We were invited, and went. They had been united in prayer, the rich, the poor, high and low, and said there was much oil in the veins of the Church as yet undiscovered. The meeting at night was good. There was a large number present and God touched hearts.
Leaving London, we took a steamer across the English Channel, had a smooth sea and in about an hour we took the train for Paris. We visited the Louvre, the finest picture gallery in the world. There are many sacred pictures there which are very impressive, as the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, The Last Supper and the Marriage in Cana, and many others which gave us a glimpse of what our salvation had cost. One cannot see those pictures without thinking of the real scenes of Gethsemane and Calvary. We also visited the old prison where Madam Guyon was placed for several months, and which was destroyed during the Revolution. We went up on the tower which is one hundred and fifty feet high. As we thought of how that saint of God had looked upon the stone walls of that old prison and said they shone like diamonds, because she was there for Jesus' sake, we felt a new determination in our souls to win souls for Him whose word says, "They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever."
We visited the Morgue, where all the bodies, the cause of whose death is unknown, is kept for identification. They can be kept three months. We then took a steam launch and went up the river Seine four or five miles, and on our way had a view of Paris, also of the buildings of the World's Fair Grounds, Eiffel Tower and other places. Many of the buildings are now being taken down, and all that looked so beautiful so short time before was being destroyed. I thought, so much of man's work goes to naught, but the work of God abides forever. Oh, to see more of His work and less of the work of man! Many illustrations came to me as I viewed this place.
I attended the Friend's meeting in which the Holy Ghost had right of way, and it seemed good to attend a meeting conducted in our own tongue; with the exception of one prayer it was all in English. I was so happy that day, as it was just nine years before that I received the Holy Ghost; and what wonderful years they were in God. As I think of them now, gone so quickly, I see the hand of God making way for me, guiding, guarding, comforting and blessing. He has been so much to me, the most of the time away from home and friends, but never away from God. I will continue to follow my Guide until He says, "It is enough," or until Jesus comes. My desire is that all that God has taught me may be a preparation for more efficient and effective service and that I may lose sight of all else and see Jesus with a more perfect vision, and that as I see Him, others may see Him too and many may receive the Holy Ghost.
The city of Paris reminded us of Paul's visit to Athens, as it seemed to be wholly given up to idolatry. Sunday is their busiest day, and all business places are open and work goes on just as on other days. It pained our hearts to see the people desecrating His holy day and breaking His laws. There are lewd pictures on every hand, and it is such a gay place. The people have not the fear of God before their eyes, and every man seems to guide himself. In conversation with different ones, I spoke to them about settling their destiny with the Lord, but they were so busy, taken up with the things of the world, they paid little attention.
We were asked to conduct a meeting here, and I spoke on the importance of the individual knowing God for himself. I spoke through an interpreter (I call them an interrupter.) It was a time of deep conviction; God was there in melting power, and after the message was delivered, several souls broke down and cried out to God. I could not understand a word, but my interpreter said they prayed for salvation. It was a very impressive scene to me. I may forget many things, but I shall never forget the prayer of the first soul in another tongue crying to God for mercy and pardon, and I am sure it was granted, for God has promised not to turn any empty away. Glory to God!
The lady who had charge of the mission invited us to her home, and told us some of the history of the work and some of her experience; being brought from Catholicism to Christianity. It was interesting to hear the dealings of the Lord with another soul, and to mark His mercy and care, so much of which we see in our own lives, as well as in the hives of others. Oh, may I be true to Him! We bade this servant of the Lord God-speed and went on our way rejoicing. We were so glad that God had a servant stationed in this place of great need, and returned to our rooms with glory filling our souls.
We left at two o'clock in the afternoon of the next day for Marseilles. The day was like spring. We passed through a nice country dotted with green fields and flowing streams, people working in the gardens with the hoe and plowing in the fields. Their plows are rather queer looking, as they have one horse hitched in front of the other. On our arrival in the morning, we went down to the wharf where we saw a steamer coming in and saw the fishermen going out for an early draught of the sea's meat.
Our steamer arrived on which we were to sail for India. After going to our room, and having prayer for our safety and guidance, and all things pertaining to our voyage, we felt the precious assurance that we were in the will of God. Just one year ago today since I sailed for Palestine, and what a blessed year this has been! The Holy Ghost has led in a wonderful way and all has been blessed. We had a smooth sea, and in the afternoon I was asked to sing, and I sang "I Must Tell Jesus." I then followed with a message on the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and found in this company some hungry souls, some missionaries returning to India, and others to Australia; also some who were going out for the first time. God bless them! W hat a wonderful message we have to carry across the sea, "On earth peace, good will toward men." The harvest is ready and we must reap.
We had a good rest the first night on the steamer, and rose refreshed and praising God. This was indeed a new life -- all kinds of people going about, some smiling, some singing, some walking, some talking and laughing. It seemed like a new world. I saw some smoking and drinking, but the most of the people at our table were abstainers. This was a restful time to my soul. I felt that I must know God better each day, and will more and more trust Him who calms the sea. There is no favor like that received at the hand of the great Pilot of Galilee. There are so many in need of salvation, and how can they hear without a preacher? When the pilot of the ship met us we were taken into the harbor, and the thought came to me, when we enter the harbor of eternal rest, "We shall go out no more forever."
After the arrival of the boat Iris, from Brindisi, Italy, with the mail, which was placed on our steamer, we left Port Said and went into the Suez Canal, which is about ninety miles long. I had seen the moon rise many times before, but had never seen it rise on the Suez Canal before, and what a beautiful sight! No wonder astronomy originated in Arabia. We passed a steamer near Ishmalia, with its light glittering on the water far ahead, and it is so with one led by the Holy Ghost, there is always light ahead to direct that soul, and he shall know no darkness any more. The statue of the man who constructed this channel is at Port Said, and is an object of no little interest to the traveler, as this channel saves the weary passenger two weeks travel on the stormy sea. What a wonderful God back of it all! He has given a plan which, if followed, will save the weary pilgrim from traveling over a route of sin, and will anchor his soul in the haven of rest. I was then farther away from home than I had ever been, but nearer my heavenly home, and when I thought of what I had lost in one and gained in the other, I was glad I had heft all to follow Jesus till He comes. In crossing the Red Sea, I read about Moses, how he crossed on dry hand, but Pharaoh and his host did not get over.
Meeting the missionaries on board was a blessing to my soul, to see how God had been leading His children in different lands, but some of these did not have the Holy Ghost, and did not seem to know Him. And as to tell them about Him, was the object of my trip, I felt that if one missionary going to carry the message of salvation to those in heathen darkness would receive Him, it would more than pay for the whole trip, but I have faith to believe that many will hear and heed the command to tarry until they receive their Pentecost. These were days of communion with God and of special blessing to my soul. We passed two ships that looked beautiful and majestic as they made their way through the great deep; we simply raised the flag and passed on. They coaled our steamer, which seemed to take a long time, but it was very necessary to be well prepared when we struck the boisterous waves, so with the Christian, he should find a coaling station before entering upon the voyage of life, in order to go safely into port. The place of provision is the right place from which to start, but not the place in which to stay.
I was talking with a passenger whose wife had died in Scotland, and his little girl was then in London. He seemed sad and I felt that he ought to know the Comforter who comes to a broken and crushed heart and gives lasting peace, and I believe he received Him.
Just before we arrived in Aden, Arabia, we had another meeting with the missionaries which was blessed of God in song and prayer and touching testimonies. Some were so much affected by the sea that they could not take much part, and a number received the Holy Ghost. A man and his wife who were on their way to Egypt to do mission work, gladly received Him, and said they would honor Him wherever they went.
There, for the first time in my life, I saw the Southern Cross, which is composed of four stars, which very distinctly form a cross in the skies. "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge." It seemed so wonderful, whether in sight of the Southern Cross, or under the northern sky, that men are ready to live or die for Christ's sake and the Gospel's, and yet, what a privilege this is to every true follower of the Master.
Our steamer stopped at Port Said in the evening, expecting to go on at once, but the next morning found us still there. By and by we ascertained the cause of the delay. It was due to a missing mail bag for which they searched as soon as they discovered the loss; however, it was considered a serious thing, but was found to be only a miscount. After this difficulty had been settled the anchor was taken up and we were soon out on the sea. If such care is taken in regard to the mail, what care should be taken in searching for souls as one should give an account in joy and not in grief. I trust that as I stand before the Judgment Bar of God that no so that I ever should have won for Christ shall be missing.
I was talking with a man and asked if he had ever been converted. He asked me to explain what it meant, as he had never heard the word before. And it was beautiful how he grasped the story, and was glad to know that he could be redeemed from sin. It ought to bring a blush of shame to our faces to think that there is one who has never heard of Jesus -- and there are millions. I gave some of the dealings of the Holy Ghost with my own soul, as we walked and talked. He seemed much interested and I committed him to God and went to my room, as it was time for all passengers to leave the deck. Tears came to my eyes, not because I had left home or friends and was out on the treacherous sea, but because souls were so ignorant of Jesus Christ, and did not even know the Holy Ghost. I am so glad for the early teaching and training of a now sainted mother, and that I was early brought to the feet of Jesus. The service for my Master has been so sweet. I see more and more the need to know God in order to reach men. "He that winneth souls is wise." We must have Divine wisdom to meet human needs.
I was praying for the needy souls on the ship and it seemed that every day I could see their need and how ignorant they were of eternal things. There was an army officer on shipboard who carried about him an independent air, but I was drawn to him and found him to be a most interesting man, and with a receptive heart. Before we had reached our destination he had given his heart to God.
They organized a "Sport Committee" on board to help the people who could not pass the time readily; I told them I was having a very pheasant voyage, and my time was all taken.
That night another soul asked me to pray for him. He said he had never prayed or read his Bible in his life, but would do so now; he was one who was well versed in secular things, and the next morning he told me he had prayed and felt peace to his heart. Another person, who was on his way to Calcutta, told me he had never been converted, and I told him about Jesus and the Lord drew another soul unto himself. I praise the Lord for a burning message which the people are hungering for all over the world. "The fields are white, but the laborers are few." "Pray ye" -- "Go ye" come very near together, and in many lives mean the same. In a Bible reading which we held the Holy Ghost spoke through His word to my soul, and I desired all my days to be spent for the glory of God, and the salvation of souls.
We at last reached India, after a long and pleasant voyage; it was under Divine direction and appointment. Before we left the ship a native brought us a letter from a missionary, giving us an invitation to visit their work; other invitations followed, giving us a hearty welcome to this land of need.
As we walked through the streets of Calcutta strange scenes greeted our eyes. Our hearts were touched with the helpless, hopeless condition of the great masses of humanity. After securing a pith hat, which every missionary needs to protect them from the burning sun, we walked through the busy streets and saw many women carrying heavy loads on their heads, the men busy in their shops, etc. They walked erect and with the pomp of a member of royalty, clad in their different colors, of which they are very fond. They put the most of their clothing about their necks and head, and very little on their body. The heard needs protection from the blazing sun, and they seem to understand the penalty of being unprotected, so they are careful. The sun is said to be very dangerous. We noticed a large crowd of natives, and went to see what it all meant, and oh, such a sight as we saw! It was a strong heathen man who was performing a certain ceremonial worship. He had come for miles and miles, measuring himself on the ground. He would make a mark on the ground at his head with a stone he had in his hand. Then he would stand on his feet and fall again to the ground to the length of himself. He had continued this over many weary miles of hard travel. For this he believed he would receive no merit in this world, but he would in the world to come. After looking on this scene, I went to my room and in tears poured out my heart to God for this people who were in such bondage and darkness.
After a good night's rest, we arose early, and after a light breakfast we took our sun hats and umbrellas and started for the meeting in the Methodist church, where we found a very nice congregation and nearly all were on time. It seemed the most like a meeting for real worship than any we had yet been in since leaving the home land. During the time the congregation was coming in they sang, "More Love to Thee, Oh, Christ," which was the prayer of my heart. The minister was an earnest representative of Jesus Christ. Over the pulpit were these words, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." His text was, "The fire in all ages is kept burning on the altar and never goes out." It was a good Gospel sermon, made vivid by illustrations of the sun, the dividend of love and of Christ cleansing the temple. The speaker made an earnest appeal for all the converted to be filled with the Holy Ghost. He said love was the fire -- our God, a consuming fire, brings destruction to all who are not made invulnerable by the love of Christ. Love surmounts all difficulties, love can fly on its own pinions. Nothing can stand against the ministers of love, who are a flaming fire, and not hike the fire that comes from a rock struck by a horse's hoof. It was very impressive to see the large number of children present and the good attention they gave. There were the announcements, and the songs, the regular routine. My soul praised the Lord for the Gospel in India; "It is the power of God unto salvation." We came from this service feeling that we had been to the house of God. The house was kept comfortable by a punka, which is a movable fan, suspended from the ceiling by a cord, pulled by a man, who sat at one side almost out of sight. The fan is a necessity there. The hour spent in this church is a very pleasant memory; it was a good service in which my soul was blessed. The Holy Ghost was with me and my heart burned within me.
The next morning we visited brother Lee's mission, in which I gave a Bible reading and conducted prayers. It was a meeting of teachers, pupils, waifs, and all. We felt it was a great privilege to speak to them for some raised their hands, saying they accepted Jesus as their Savior; many knelt at the altar and wept their way through. Oh, such need there! The famine waifs who had been brought in were almost starved. We should be more thankful for food and raiment. "Let us therefore be content." Those dear missionaries -- may God bless and reward them for their service in that place, facing all difficulties with the love of Christ burning in their hearts -- are willing to endure all for Jesus' sake. May Divine blessings attend their untiring efforts for the lost heathen. My heart was much touched when I saw what the Gospel had done and was continuing to do for India, and I have preached it as never before, by the help of God and the unction of the Holy Ghost. They bade us Godspeed as we went through India, and prayed that souls would be blessed and saved. It is worth all the world to see such cases of salvation, worth every sacrifice, time, talent and life. There were not more than half a dozen living who were here when the church was established twenty-five years ago; all the rest had passed away. The workers had been taken, but their work goes on and will continue to do so, as the people will witness to the power of the Gospel as long as the sun shines.
We went from there to Benares, where in a meeting the first night I had an opportunity to honor the Holy Ghost, received special answer to prayer. There were hungry souls. I spent an evening in conversation and prayer with the Chaplain. He seemed so glad to talk about the things of God, and seemed to deplore the condition of India's millions -- said he hoped for a better day. He prayed Divine blessings upon our work and Divine guidance for our movements. God will answer the earnest prayers that are offered.
We arose early on the following morning and three of us took a carriage and drove to the Ganges River to see the people drink of its waters and bathe in the "Holy River." There were several thousands to be seen, some bathing, some worshipping, some torturing themselves, some washing clothes; men, women and children of all ages.
Oh, to see the poor heathen worshipping stone! I was almost speechless at the sight, and it seemed hard to believe my own eyes, nevertheless, it is true. It seemed so sad to see the old men and women who have spent their lives in this way, then the children following in the footsteps of their parents. I am sure I cannot be thankful enough for being born in a Christian hand and living a Christian life. Oh, the sorrow, misery, degradation and disappointment in the life of a heathen. What can be done? What can I do? Jesus died and we should be willing to give our lives for the salvation of this world. Such dense ignorance and superstition. I can now see more reason for God's thundering from Sinai, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," and can understand why they were so strict with the children of Israel about many things.
The so-called "holy men" in India are more like beasts of the lowest type than human beings. They wear long hair, their bodies are painted in various ways, and they are horrible looking objects, indulging in all kinds of sin. Oh, such a religion, such filth, and such life! It is awful. May God save this people laden with iniquity! The hives of the women must be miserable beyond description.
We saw a funeral. The mourners were beating their breasts and going through some chant. Such form and ceremony I had never seen before. It seemed so sad to live that it must be a relief to die. God is merciful. Another sad sight was the burning of bodies. They make a pile of wood on which they place the bodies, then put wood on this and set it on fire. We saw thirteen bodies burned at one time. There were over a hundred deaths from the plague in one day, I was told. It seems that the government cannot do anything to stop the plague; the disease is mostly among the natives. One person who died while we were there was brought down on a bed and taken right out and, burned. What is man, life, or death to the heathen? Not much I am sure. The funerals are very sad. We had heard all of these described, but it was different when we saw them as they were, without any coloring whatever, and it seemed hard to believe.
The temples were covered with obscene pictures, and seemed only places of vice. The singing consists in motions. All these were strange scenes, but we were in India, and one can see almost anything there, and need not be surprised. Salvation means much in India, and it is almost the same as death to renounce idolatry and accept Christianity, but it can be done, and I was glad to see some sample cases there of what the Gospel has done and will do again at any cost. Men and women of God will carry on the great commission. Glory to His name.
Delhi is a Mohammedan city, a place of great battles. We had meetings morning and evening at St. James' Church, which was originally built by a man who was wounded on the battle field, and made a vow to God that if he were allowed to live, he would build a church, and upon his recovery he built a Mohammedan mosque and a Hindu temple, after which he became a Christian and dedicated these to God. We had a blessed service here. The Spirit of God rested upon us, and there was deep conviction and souls found Him.
After the meeting we drove through a village. It was the time of the Mohammedan feast, and just one year previous to that time I was in Jerusalem and similar scenes had greeted our eves. Coming up to the Holy City, where families in droves, young and old, all seemed ready for the occasion. I was not homesick, but heartsick, for the salvation of these idolatrous worshipers, and I would be willing and would consider it a blessed privilege to spend twenty-five years in India, preaching the Gospel to these needy souls. I thought they were missing much in time, but what would be their loss through all eternity and our shame, if we neglect their salvation? They may be our condemnation at the Judgment Bar of God -- so few missionaries -- so many heathen! I am sure the eye of God looks in great tenderness upon the ignorant, superstitious, idolatrous worshipers and His great Father heart yearns in pity toward them, but how does He look upon a sin-desiring, pleasure-loving, carnal Church, having the form, but devoid of power; leaves, but no fruit? What a sad condition will prevail when He comes, if we do not walk in the light, and if the light within us becomes darkness, how dense will be that darkness. The darkness of heathendom may be felt, but can never be told. God save the heathen!
We spent two days at Agra, saw one of the finest sights here, the Tarz [Taj Mahl? -- DVM] by moonlight, an edifice that was seventeen years in building. After it was finished, they put out the eyes of the man who built it and burned the plan, so there is nothing like it in all the world. And as I stood and looked upon that magnificent structure, in the moonlight, the most beautiful scene I had ever beheld, I thought, if man can build a temple like that here on earth, what will our mansion in heaven be like? The Revelator spoke of the "jasper walls, the gates of pearl, and the streets of gold," and says, "There shall be no night there, and they shall need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign forever and ever."
The day I was to leave Agra, while at the hotel, I heard the gong sound for worship and made my way to the place. On my arrival I found a very nice congregation, old and young, men and women, ready to worship the true God. On the wall above the pulpit I saw some marks, and I asked a man who could speak a little English to translate them, which he did. "Miss Blackwell came here and spent one year and died, aged twenty-two years. She was the founder of this work." My heart burned within me, as I thought of what could be accomplished in so short a time by one who knew God. A congregation of hundreds of people are now gathered from among the heathen. The missionary, Mr. Jones, a sweet-spirited man, came at once and asked me to speak, which I did, he acting as my interpreter. I was so glad to witness to this people. All listened very attentively, and some arose for prayers. My heart continues to go out in prayer to God for these dear people, and may He bless the missionaries stationed as signal lights in India. After bidding Mr. Jones good-bye, I went my way, glory filling my soul.
After a short journey we arrived at Horpulpur, the nearest railway station to Now Gong, and were taken directly to the Friend's mission. We arrived praising the Lord for His continued mercy and blessing in permitting us to come to India and to this place. We found our mail here which added to the welcome given by the missionaries, Miss Fistler, Miss Beard and Miss Edgerton, women full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Their faith is shown by their works.
After a little rest and preparation we went to our bungalow and then visited the mission and the school. The children entertained us by counting and other little things. It was amusing to me to gee all sitting on the floor except when they were reciting. What a privilege to teach these children and bring them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God. "For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked and ye clothed me; I was sick and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." I thought of these words of the Master as I listened to the touching stories, of the great need of these little ones, and how they had been supplied. In the evening I went to see the children of the mission take supper. They all sat on the ground, so they brought me a seat and I joined them, and we bowed our heads and said:
"God is great and God is good,
And we thank Him for this food.
By His hand must all be led,
With His food must all be fed."
