When we reached the river, we could not get to the place the way we desired, as the rains had raised the water, and we could not pass. A fishing boat was making its way up the river and we made signs to it to come to shore. After the price was set, fifty cents in Chinese money, twenty-five cents in ours, we paid our fare, including our luggage, to Yanking, and went aboard. At the different places we stopped on the way; when the people would crowd up around us, Mrs. Estes would preach the Gospel. They would get so close that you could scarcely get a breath of fresh air, but one could preach on stale air in order to give them the pure Gospel. After taking the boat, the wind took us for a while, then we were towed part of the way, and the tide took us the remainder. We arrived at the mission where all seemed glad to see us, and we were happy to get to a place where we could get some food, as we were getting hungry after going most of the day in the hot sun without much to eat. So many touching scenes came to our sight that all we could do was to pray. We prayed for a blessed time there, and believed that the Lord gave it. We had many answers to prayer after landing in China, and are believing for more on this field, which was stained with the blood of martyrs, and our hearts were grieved that but a remnant was left to hold up the standard till others came to the rescue.
They were singing when I went in, and took my seat on the platform beside the Superintendent. I saw strange faces, but they were singing our songs. After the general exercises, the school was divided into classes. I went into the infant class. This was my choice, and it seemed very nice, like our school, and all seemed to enjoy it. After studying the lesson? we came together for the closing exercises which were also good. A young lady sang a solo, and it was beautiful. We again met for worship, and I spoke on some of the things which Jesus did while here on earth. They were so reverent, and we could just feel the presence of God. When the altar call was given, a number came. Some were so hungry for God and to be filled with the Spirit. In the afternoon I spoke to the missionaries of Nanking in a union service, and the Holy Ghost was present in power and souls came to the altar and received Him. So many of the dear souls needed to know what the Holy Ghost victory is, to be filled with the Spirit, and live in victory all the time, and to be kept in that land under the awful power of sin that is to be found there.
I visited a mission and had a meeting with the Chinese, and all seemed so happy, and some prayed and received the Holy Ghost. I also visited the Methodist mission and held a meeting with the Chinese and a number there said they were hungry to know more of God; they were a very nice class of Chinese, and seemed to be happy. Some prayed for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We sang, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again," and parted forever. May the Lord keep all who gave themselves to Him unto that day. At that place they all seemed to be sent of God and are ready to live, or die, if necessary, for the Gospel's sake, and we believe God will lead them on for His name's sake. We had prayer together, and it seems that it was in answer to special prayer that they had been preserved before. Our hearts were greatly touched, ass we heard their stories. God bless them! Iron gates were being opened by dead men for living men to enter.
Others shall stand on ground not yet taken with the Gospel sword, because these were willing to die for the glory of God. Many letters have been read by the living, which were written by these whose hearts are stilled, and we can say truly, "He being dead yet speaketh," and, "They rest from their labors and their works do follow them." It may be that these deaths have accomplished more than long lives would have done, and we will bow in submission to this loss, as it is their gain, and we will be true to God. As "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church," we shall expect a church in China "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing," and that it will flourish like the palm tree and grow like the jaw-cedar of Lebanon, and that our God shall do mighty things for His people and their deliverance. Our God is able to deliver us for His name's sake.
It seems wonderful that there is such a country as China and such a people as the Chinese. This country seems almost wholly undeveloped in its resources, and under the power of heathenism it will always be so. But as light and power to dispel the darkness comes, all things will be changed, and the country and people will be changed by the power of God, and many will be saved. God hasten the day! It is so sad to see those beautiful hills covered with heathen temples and those roads lined with idols that are powerless to answer the prayer being offered to them by hearts crushed with burdens unbearable, sad and in poverty, bowing here and obtaining no relief and no assistance, by continuing in ways that are not pleasantness and paths that are not peace.
My heart was made more tender as I saw the need of the world. The need of China must be met by a Divine Hand. And the darkness, so dense that it can be felt, can only be swept away when God says, "Let there be light." Their condition, mind, body and soul is appalling, and God is the only One who can bring to them salvation by the personal work of the Holy Ghost. Many talents that God has given are wrapped in the napkin of idolatry, and have never been put to usury for the glory of God. This people seems to be a good-natured people, and are jolly and lively and would be a people God could use. After they are saved, they could be used to spread the Gospel over their great empire where darkness now reigns -- for all is under a cloud.
About one-eighth of the Chinese population have no homes, but live on the water. This would be about 50,000,000 that would have to be reached on the water, and would be harder to reach than those on the land. But they must have the Gospel at any cost, and will have it, and it will be to them the "power of God unto salvation," and they will rejoice with us that our names are written in Heaven, and sing with us redemption's songs of glory.
In those days that I have been permitted to spend in their land, and since I came in touch with its needs, I am of the conviction that men and women of the Holy Ghost ought to be scattered here and there in that country, like so many fire-brands, spreading this Gospel that keeps as well as saves from sin. And the special work of the Holy Ghost is not a theory, but a reality, and only this will break the spell and power that binds souls. One must be filled and faithful to carry out the Divine commission and preach to these creatures. The greater pressure brought to bear there can be met by the presence and person of the Divine, and theory fades away. But we must be practical, as well as spiritual, glory to God!, and not compromise with the flesh and the devil, as many are doing. God help us to be true.
Nanking is a city of several thousand in habitants, surrounded by a wall with eleven gates leading into the city, which are closed at night. When any special trouble comes, the gates are sealed by the viceroy, the seal being a piece of paper pasted on the gate, and if the seal is found broken, the penalty must be paid by death. It is not much of a business place. The greater part of the city was destroyed at one time, and has never been rebuilt, and I suppose never will be, but I could see many ruins showing its size in former times. There were a number of foreigners there, mostly missionaries, and some Custom Officers. One man who is there in the Custom Office was with Stanley in Africa.
The missionaries did not cause the trouble in China, and the most of them were treated with respect by the Chinese, and they seemed especially glad to have them in Nanking, and treated them very kindly, working to aid them in every way possible for "a few cash," and they are content with small pay, though they make a great deal of fuss about it. There would have been much trouble at the place in 1900, had not the viceroy, when he received the orders to kill the missionaries, cried and said, "They have done no harm. Why should we kill them?" He ignored the command, and instead, said they should receive the best protection he could give them. After being on the ground, and knowing the condition of affairs, I could clearly see God's hand and know that God is true to those who trust Him. It seems that the viceroy did more to keep trouble out of this part of China than any other man. He gave the order that if any one was seen disturbing a foreigner, he should be beheaded. About thirty of them met death in this way, and things were soon as quiet as a heathen city could be, as they make much noise, even when they think they are quiet in Nanking, or anywhere else in China.
One of the principal things here is the King's tombs, and the Temple of Ten Thousand Gods, which is a wonderful sight.
The simplicity of life is impressed upon one who is not used to such scenes. You can hardly understand how they live on so little, how they could hardly exist. They do not drink cold water, and this may be one reason they can live. All they eat or drink must be hot. During the flood many of them had to leave their homes, but they did not seem to think much about it. I was sorry to see them, but unable to do anything to help them. It is understood that if one Chinaman saves the life of another, he must support him as long as he lives, and they expect others to do the same; therefore they do not put forth much effort to save them unless they are very dear friends, and have much wealth, but nearly always let them die.
As the people come with their manifold diseases you are touched with the feeling that the need is very great, and I prayed that they might come to know Him for their bodies. How wonderful it would be! One can just feel that they have been subdued by sorrow and suffering, and have only the kindest feeling for them. Jesus had compassion for them. One day I was at the hospital, when a number came to be treated for various diseases, and it was touching indeed to see their poor diseased bodies, and to hear their pitiful stories. Some said their friends had been helped, and they came with fear and trembling, not knowing whether they would be killed or cured. They did look so helpless. It was quite an interesting sight, however, to see the first dose of medicine given to a child. The child does not take the medicine with the thought of being either killed or cured, but more in imitation, and to be like the older people.
The people there seem very different to those farther up the river and farther in the interior. There had been many foreigners there, and coming and going they had become acquainted with strangers. Yet a foreigner is always an object of public inspection, on arriving and leaving the city. Many things impressed me with the fact that I was not at home, but in China, which is still an unknown quantity, and will continue to be without the cost of life and the flow of blood we have not yet seen. This was my impression of China.
After spending three weeks in the city of Nanking, not feeling very well, with others, we decided to go to Kuhling, a resort for many missionaries during the summer months, to be refreshed for the remainder of the year's work. This is not a luxury, but a necessity. We took a steamer, and had a very nice voyage, and the last fifteen miles we had to be carried in chairs. I had four coolies to the first rest house, and six the remainder of the journey up the mountain side, arriving at about nine o'clock at night.
After a season of prayer, they made arrangements for meetings. These meetings were known as "Holiness meetings," and souls received the Holy Ghost. I remained two weeks, and after I left, the meetings were continued and many souls found the Lord, and I believe great results will come from these days of prayer and waiting before God. I considered this one of the grandest opportunities of my life to witness to the saving and sanctifying power of God.
That was a fine place for recreation and relaxation, and ought to be a place attractive for its spiritual power, and missionaries ought to receive and know the abiding Comforter, which would increase their life and power in the Gospel. There seems to be a man-fearing spirit, which must grieve the Holy Ghost, and greatly binds the work. A man who has been on the foreign fields two years, whose conversion was clear, and God had led him in a remarkable way many times, under tests and had gone to others who were supposed to know God better than he, and. asked them if there were an experience where there would be no warfare in the soul, and they told him that this was "the fight of faith," which was spoken of in the Word of God, and that we were to be faithful in this fight until death, and then we would receive the "crown of life." This did not satisfy his hungry soul, and after the message was given, telling them that the roots of sin and the desire for sin could be taken out of their hearts, and the Holy Ghost would come in and teach and keep them free from sin, and in constant victory, so that they could win souls, and tell every one that they could live a life of holiness while they were on this earth, and then continue the same in heaven he came with tears and asked if this experience was for him. We told him it was for him, and for everybody who would meet the conditions. He said, "I am ready to receive Him now," and with a broken heart he surrendered all and received Him. Of all the people who ought to be free in Jesus Christ, it is the missionaries, yet it is a sad fact many are not so. I shall never forget the impression of those days, and some expressions of need and hunger for some hearts who seemed to have lost sight of the promise, "But my God shall supply all your need." There is such a monotony to so many lives, which ought not to be, when there is such variety in life "hid with Christ in God." I am so glad that I can witness to this in my own soul and speak of the fullness of a Spirit-filled life. May the Lord bless those dear souls. I am sure if all would obey God, that those friends would hear a new voice, see a new face and hear an encouraging word from a far country.
Dr. DeVol, a friend who received the Holy Ghost at Nanking, kindly went with us to Shanghai. He stood faithfully by me in all my services. God bless him! On the way to Shanghai we were caught in a typhoon, and had to anchor for two days, which gave us an opportunity to talk to the captain and crew, and to sing songs and to witness to full salvation. One Chinese was saved, and they seemed to be much affected by the power of God. One night they thought the vessel was going down, and there was much confusion among the passengers so I was told. I slept with my head pillowed on the promise, "He giveth His beloved sleep." Praise God we are alive forever more! He ever liveth to make intercession for us.
On arriving at Shanghai, I went to the Missionary Home, where I remained until I sailed for Japan. I had meetings at the Presbyterian church, Seaman's Mission, Beulah Chapel and at Mr. Woodbury's work of the Christian and Missionary Alliance; had blessed meetings at each place, and souls sought and received the Holy Ghost. I met a native there whose testimony and shining face did my soul good. I am so glad that some leave all to follow Jesus, and are willing to live or die for his sake, and the salvation of souls.
After spending two months in China, I was convinced that there was a battle still unfought between Christianity and Paganism, and when this battle is fought, Christianity will win, but the lives of many will yet be taken and much blood shed to give China the freedom purchased for her by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These obstacles can only be met and overcome by Divine wisdom, and victories be won by Divine power. All else is a failure in China, as well as in other fields of work. This is essential.
These questions came to me on seeing the missionaries of the different fields: "How did they get there?" "Who sent them, God or Man?" "Have they the preparation for this great work which God intended?" According to their own testimony, many have gone forth to the field of battle without the Divine commission, or Divine preparation. Of all things, no one should go to the foreign field without these two essential qualifications. If they do, they will be driven back with great slaughter, and when weighed in God's balance, will be found wanting. To know God, is the secret of the whole thing. It is not to know the language. That is not enough. Many know the language, and are not soul-winners. It is not to know the people. Many live in the same house, eat the same food, dress in native apparel, and yet, show little fruit in service. It is not to be a good builder, an architect, and have good buildings. They only look at these, and no conviction is produced. It is first, last, and all, to know God in prayer and power, and to know this, is to know the Holy Ghost, who is grieved and in many places almost ignored. I asked a missionary if she had received the Holy Ghost, and she told me that she felt she could not have gone through what she had if she had never received Him. And I said, "Very well, you ought to know." The next morning before I left my room, the coolie brought me a note which stated that she had had no rest that night, and asked me to forgive her for saying what she did the night before, and that she wanted to receive the Holy Ghost. After a time of prayer and waiting before God, she fully surrendered to Him for time and eternity, and received the witness of the Holy Ghost. In her own words, "He came to abide forever." The life of many a dear missionary is so filled that very little time is spent in communion with God. This is a sad mistake that is being made by many, and is productive of sad results, both in the individual life of the missionary and in the work in which he or she is engaged. Communion with God ought to precede all service that is to be fruitful, and bring glory to God.
Dr. DeVol went with me on the steam launch to the steamer, and after prayer on the ship, he went ashore. We waved as long as we could see each other, then he returned to his work among the lost of China, and I to carry the message of salvation to different fields.
I had sent a telegram to Tokyo, announcing the arrival of the steamer at Yokohama, and when I reached there, Mr. Cowman, and three of his band were waiting for me, and gave me a warm welcome to Japan, the Sunrise Empire, a land where blessed awakening is taking place. I believe that God sent me at that time. It was a beautiful evening, and I was praying most of the time for the natives that crowded about us on all sides. I felt that I could not speak to them, but could pray for them, and God does answer prayer. Souls were saved and believers sanctified. We arrived at Tokyo about seven o'clock, and after a few minutes walk, we came to Brother Cowman's, and praised the Lord from a full heart, that He had brought us safely to another country to witness to His power to save and sanctify souls, and that others might receive Him. We sang and prayed until a late hour, then we retired, feeling grateful to God for all His favors and blessings that He had so freely bestowed upon us, worms of the dust.
On Sunday, we went a distance of about five miles to service, a man pushing us in a ricksha. This is not the most desirable way of traveling, but you do not have any choice. It is this way or walk, so we submitted. When we arrived at the place of worship, we found a very nice audience to greet us with bowed heads, a unique welcome. When all the seats were taken and many seated on the floor, the service began. It was a wonderful time. A Japanese who was to interpret for me had charge of the service. "Hover O'er Me Holy Spirit" was sung in the Spirit. A Japanese lady played the organ while the audience sang. They had a season of prayer, then he introduced me. I did not know what he said. It made no difference, however. After giving the message, I made a call and a number came to the altar, and some said they were saved, others that they had received the Holy Ghost. God knoweth, I was touched to see so many hungry souls in Japan. Heaven must have rejoiced over that day's service, and I believe the fruit has remained, and I pray that those souls shall be kept till Jesus comes. They seemed to be very serious in their worship, and it was a meeting that would be a credit to any place in America. They could teach us many lessons in devotion, and it would be well for us to follow them in reverence and humility. God seeketh such to worship Him "In Spirit and in truth." They did not seem to look at the messenger, but received the message as. from God. While there were many places of attraction in the city, none was so attractive to them as the holiness meeting, and most of the people came on time, and were very quiet, and a real spirit of prayer prevailed during the entire service. God manifested His presence, and my soul was refreshed in giving the Gospel, even though it had to be given through an interpreter, which was very difficult, but it was all for Jesus' sake.
The manners and customs of Japan differ in many ways from those of other foreign countries. They wear wooden shoes and dress in very gaudy clothes, which are very attractive. Many just take a few yards of cloth and wrap it around themselves loosely, tying it around the waist by a cord or belt, and it is very unique. Very simple indeed is their manner of life, and all have their own styles. One is not supposed to enter a native house, even a hovel, without removing the shoes. This is required of both men and women. Another interesting sight is to see a mother carrying her babe strapped to her back. Sometimes the child is crying, sometimes sleeping and sometimes eating. It may be more interesting to see them than to be the child itself. They usually seem to be resigned to their fate without a murmur. This is life. The Indian squaws carry their babes in this manner, but it looked rather strange to see it in Japan. However, it is a constant street scene.
After spending a night in prayer, the way opened to hold a meeting with the missionaries at "Karazuwa." This is a mountain resort about five hundred miles from Tokyo, where many missionaries, and others come to spend the hot summer months, which are so trying in these foreign countries, and where rest and change of this kind must be taken in order to be able to continue the work with efficiency and for the glory of God. Whether one desires to or not, they must do it.
I was accompanied to this place by Mr. Cowman. We had to change cars three times on the journey, but went through a beautiful country. The green rice fields were a beautiful sight, and all the scenery was beautiful and charming. It was a lovely time to see Japan. The recent rains made all look so fresh and nice, and mountains in the distance added much to the appearance of the valleys. The streams finding their way down the rocky precipice are very attractive and refreshing to the traveler. Going up the mountain, we went through twenty-six tunnels. We were very glad when we got through the last one and found ourselves on top of the mountain almost to our destination. The train soon stopped, and some missionaries met us, who were awaiting our arrival. They gave us a warm welcome, for which we were very grateful to God and man. We felt it would add to the service of the coming day. To God be all the glory. Arrangements were made for our entertainment by Brother Buxton of England, whose kindness we shall never forget. He is a man of God, a man of great faith and prayer.
The meetings were well announced, and from the very first were well attended. There was some opposition manifested, but the fire continued to burn, and many souls came into life and liberty. Some came to my room and gave all to God, and received the Holy Ghost, and went away with victory. It was a meeting of much prayer and special powers.
There were some special cases. We remember one of a man who had been a deacon in China, who came to the altar and received the Holy Ghost as simple as a child, and he seemed so thankful for the message that brought the light, and said if no one else received Him, it was worth coming to Japan that he might be filled with the Holy Ghost. The warm shake of the hand and the falling tear said to me, "It is done." I never shall forget him. May the Lord keep him until we meet again, or until Jesus comes.
Another case was that of a man and his wife, who came to the altar and sought and found the Holy Ghost, and gave a clear testimony, and seemed so hungry to learn more about how to honor Him, live a life of constant victory, and get others to receive Him. They were very happy, and on leaving, left fifty dollars as an expression of their appreciation of what they had received from God. I believe God has used these dear souls to help many with whom they have come in contact, and who are needy Christians.
These were wonderful days to many souls. The hungry were fed and filled, and the needy were supplied, and souls shall rejoice forever in what God did at that place. "Blest be the tie that binds." We counted this a marvelous victory for holiness, as it had never been preached there before, and no one knew it could be done. Glory to God!
I went from that place to Mito where Guerney and Elizabeth Binford have charge of a mission work. They were doing a grand work ' and the Lord was blessing their efforts, and souls were being saved. I was there for ten days. The meetings were blessed, and I was glad to witness to the hungry souls. Some came to my room to inquire the way more perfectly, and to be sanctified wholly.
As I came away, I saw some caves near Mito, Some mere clefts in the rocks, which were filled with poor people and beggars, who stay there and go around and beg their food. They have scarcely any clothing, and it seemed that when winter came, there would be much suffering among them. There are so many needy ones in that land, one needs to have Divine guidance to know whom to help. There is such dreadful need that one could not see how many of them lived at all.
It was the time of rice harvest, and most of the people were thus engaged. They bind a scaffold of bamboo poles around little pieces of ground, then pull the bunches of rice up by the roots, and tie it into sheaves, then hang it on a pole, so it is at the edge of a piece of ground, then let the bunches dry. Then they beat it and shell it like wheat, and this is their principal food. At that time, one could see all in the field , men , women and children, helping to harvest the precious grain, and garner in that, that will sustain life. Our hearts went out in great compassion for this great multitude of people, who have hope only in this life, and have heard so little of the life to come.
When I arrived in Tokyo, I took a jinrikisha from the station for myself and baggage, and started for a ride of about five miles to MitaSheba. After going over hills and through valleys, I arrived at my destination, and received a warm welcome from Gilbert and Minnie Bowles, and was told to make my home with them while I remained in Tokyo. It seemed very good indeed to a weary, way-worn traveler, and I felt that God had sent me there, as He had to all the other places, and had prepared the way before me, as He always does. Glory!
The first week I was there, I had a meeting with the Friends. The students from the Girls' School were in attendance, also many others, at most every service. When I went out in the town, my height seemed to attract attention, and I prayed that even this might be blessed to their souls. That is a very aristocratic place, one of the educational centers, yet souls found God and became true followers of Jesus.
After holding meetings there, as the way opened, and having a special time in prayer with workers, they accompanied me to the station, where a large crowd of natives gathered around us, and made a very close investigation as to whether we were men or animals. Many of them cannot tell men from women, and if they can speak a few words of English, they ask which you are. One has opportunity to cultivate patience. I felt relieved when the train was called, and I was, ready to go, locked in by one having authority. The crowd began to disperse as the train moved away, and we felt a prayer in our hearts, and asked God to bless the needy place and to keep those who remained there.
In a special meeting in Tokyo souls were seeking the Lord, and we were glad to see so many ask for the Holy Ghost. Every service was a meeting of great power, and I praised God for the privilege of witnessing for Him to a people who would receive the Gospel. Although spoken through an interpreter, they gave the closest attention, and while I could not understand their prayers. I could understand their tearful eyes and broken spirits, which need no interpreter in any land, as God has made of one blood all the nations of the earth, and the Blood will save them -- the precious blood of Jesus; no other power can save them. These precious scenes can never be forgotten, but will be a blessing to me as long as I live, and "will dwell in the house of the Lord forever," and expect to meet some of those people in heaven who were saved at those meetings.
I next attended a Holiness Convention held at the Y. M. C. A., and those were blessed days. I was told that more than a hundred souls were at the altar at the first meeting, and as the meetings continued, they increased in attendance and power until the close. It was in many ways a wonderful Convention. I was glad to see the way the Holy Ghost worked in Japan, and felt the power in every meeting. It was such a blessing to me as I met with dear hungry souls. I felt a new love for the Gospel, and Sasao San, my interpreter, had such a sweet spirit, and when he prayed, I felt he was a man of great faith.
That field does not need to wait for months, but is now ready for the reaper, and the old question arises, "Where are the reapers?" The answer is not given -- we wait -- who will answer? Are there not unknown possibilities and force that curse instead of bless? Is there not blood in the heart that ought to course through the veins and sustain life and give forth life and light and love through the Gospel of the Son of God? Are there not sacrifices that will render a glad-hearted service for the salvation of the millions who know not God? There are so many shell pickers, who ought to be pearl divers, going down into the deep with God. Money locked up in the banks of New York, brought a panic to America, which if it had been used for the Lord would have saved millions of souls. Thus, it became a curse instead of a blessing. So unsurrendered lives at home, keep many from going to the foreign fields with the message of salvation. It was not what Ananias gave, but what he kept back that brought death to himself and wife. Oh, may many give up their possessions, and be filled with the Holy Ghost and love for souls, and live or die for Jesus! There is no land in greater need of the Gospel than Japan, though in many ways it is quite different to other fields. She does not need more soldiers in uniform, for they are stationed everywhere, but she needs soldiers of the Cross, and many are enlisting under the great Commander.
One morning Brother Nakada came in and brought me some presents, reminding me it was my birthday, and we had a blessed time in prayer together. He then left, and others came in to dinner, and it was quite a surprise. I felt very unworthy of such kindness, but it was highly appreciated, and though ten thousands of miles from home, God gave me such precious seasons of communion with Himself, and provided all things, and I felt that I would never have enjoyed this day with those dear friends in that land, if I had not received the Holy Ghost. The time spent in Japan was blessed.
One of the saddest of the many sad sights I witnessed in all the lands I visited was the slavery of women. Women in heathen lands are simply slaves. I could scarcely endure to look at some whose heads were silvered over, their backs bent, and their steps tottering, carrying burdens much too heavy for them, especially since they were so near the grave. They seemed no more than beasts of burden. They also suffer great punishment at times, if they have not done that which was required, and it seems to me that women in Christian lands should say, It shall not be. Motherhood should be respected in all lands, and women have their place in the home and in society, taking her place by the side of her husband. Nothing in all my travels moved me more than this, and this condition can only be bettered by the Gospel being taken to these sad, neglected human beings, whose lives are such that they must feel it would have been better had they never been born, which decision is certainly true. With Christian motherhood, any nation would be raised, and just as she is respected, will the nation be exalted. Jesus brought woman into a prominent place, and she ought to keep the place given her by the Lord, through the Gospel of the dear Son of God, who was born of woman. After spending several months in a foreign climate and living on foreign food, just before leaving Japan, my appetite left me, and I began getting weaker and weaker. I suffered much day after day in my body, but had such sweet victory in my soul through the abiding of the Holy Ghost. It looked as if I was going down under the climate.
Different things were suggested as remedies, but I did not feel clear to resort to these. I constantly grew worse and worse, and became so weak I could hardly be about. There was much ahead to be done, but I could not go ahead with the work in this condition. I began spitting blood and continued thus several days. One day after an earthquake, I was lying on the ground praying when glory filled my soul, and I began to weep and remember how good God had been, how He had saved me when a child, and called me to preach the Gospel; then in a time of such need, He gave me the Holy Ghost, and how wonderfully He had led me since, and how all my needs had been supplied. Surely I had lacked nothing. I began to praise Him, and give Him all the glory. After I had lain there for sometime, I thought I had better go to my room. I had forgotten all about my pain, but upon arising, found that I could hardly walk up stairs. After reaching my room, I had prayer and retired. I began to weep and tell God it must be done. I wanted the will of the Lord to be done by life or by death. I would go all the way at any cost. It seemed that all heaven was filling my soul. This was beyond anything I had ever known. Then it seemed that all my strength left me for a time, and I began to believe God all alone for my healing. A new life came to me then and there. I arose next morning and went to the meeting. The altar was crowded, and I have been going ever since, telling every one they can be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost and healed.
When the time came to leave Japan, the thought of leaving so many thousands in heathen darkness was sad, but the one of leaving a band filled with the Holy Ghost was one of joy and gladness. The sights and scenes of Japan shall never be erased from my memory. The times of great blessing were an inspiration and an uplift to my faith in God and my confidence in His Gospel. The ringing of bells and the blowing of horns in a heathen land, when once heard, can never be forgotten. The millions tramping on in darkness, calling upon their gods of wood and stone who make no response to their cry of. need, but leave them more powerless, make an indelible impression upon one's life. This cannot be gotten from reading or hearing, but one must place their feet on heathen soil, and breathe the air that has been poisoned for centuries with the smoke from heathen altars, and see the men measuring themselves on the stony ground, with the blood issuing from their sides, in self-torture, while the masses of people adore them for their humility, and watch the great numbers bow at the noise of the drum, to see why the heathen so much need the Gospel. And they must have it, as nothing can take its place. It does not need to be proven, but preached all over this earth.
It was my privilege to preach by the side of a place of heathen worship. It was one of their feast days, and as I walked along, my blood chilled at the awfulness of the sight, and during our whole service the drums were beating and the people carrying on their idol worship. I spoke loud in order to be heard above the din , and shall never forget my feeling on that occasion. Souls came to the altar and well they might. When we see the power of the devil in a heathen land, or any other, we are conscious that nothing but the power of God is adequate for the fight and to insure victory. However, every soul is saved and has the Holy Ghost, may always be sure of victory, and for this I shall work; and preach, and pray. It is the message of my heart to witness for Jesus, and to get others to receive Him in all His fullness and walk of faith, who can do exploits for God and His glory in heathen lands. That one important word, "tarry" must be held in mind as well as "go." We owe a debt to the heathen world, the principal of which is unpaid and the interest is increasing. A missionary came to one of our meetings and was seeking the Holy Ghost. When he came to the place where he felt that if he gave up all, he would have to return to the home land, as he would not be allowed to hold his place of appointment in the mission of which he was principal, if he was sanctified wholly and preached the doctrine. After a long struggle at the altar, and the devil seemed to do his worst, he arose and said, "While I know God has called me here, and that I am a child of God, and felt clear in coming, and God has, in a measure, blessed me in His service, yet I am willing to return to the home land rather than to live longer with carnality in my heart," and with tears and great tenderness he raised both hands, and called Heaven, and earth, and hell, to witness that he for time and eternity abandoned himself to God, and let the Holy Ghost come into his heart and have full control of lip and life. The time spent in that land was mostly spent in tears and prayer, and as I left, the thought came that I might never have the privilege of being in the foreign field again, but such a desire came to my heart for others to go, and if I could not go, I could give. In leaving, I felt that I had not followed a cunningly devised fable, but a clear leading of the Holy Ghost, and I returned with the reward of peace, to the land from whence I was called, and feel more like glorifying God than ever, for the greatest opportunity I had ever then had to give out the burning message to dying souls.
As I looked back over the past, I could see the hand of God leading in a very definite manner, and the thought of having stood in that land and represented Jesus Christ meant more and more. The pressure that is brought to bear upon the mind, body and soul, is only known by those who remain in those heathen lands. The very air you breathe seems to take your strength, and you feel that the investment is more than the income ' and that you are giving away under it, and can only depend on God for physical strength, as well as spiritual power, but you are glad to know the truths you could never otherwise believe. There seemed to be an awakening all over the empire of Japan, to hear the Gospel, and they are hearing it with great results. But there must be a large increase in numbers and interest before Japan as a nation receive the Lord Jesus Christ.
When leaving Japan, a number came with me to the steamer, and after prayer and song, we parted, they returning to the shore, and I to sea. There were on shipboard some men who had been around the world in search of gold for Wall Street, and I was glad that I had been around the world in the interest of the Kingdom of God. On the 18th, we passed the International Date Line, which was a long day of forty-eight hours. We did not sight a sail on the entire voyage.
On the morning of the 22nd, we arrived at Honolulu. After going under some "red tape," we went ashore and spent the day. We went to the Y. M. C. A., and some other places This indeed seemed to be a new world, with its slow movements, where men pull you around over hill and through valley, and where women are mere beasts of burden. We had left the place where the noise of guns is heard when the city gates are to be closed, and where men wear queues as an expression of loyalty, and where the people with their gowns look like priests, or persons of nobility. We had left the land where the mountains and valleys seemed crimson with the blood of recent martyrdom. We had left the nations all under different flags, and found ourselves under the American flag, the grand old "Stars and Stripes," and with full heart and tearful eye, we said, "Thy will be done," if by no other means, by a life of service and loyalty. We thanked God for His care and protection on the tour. Glory to God!
One week after our arrival in Honolulu on a tossing ship, we left two hundred and sixty tons of cargo, and on the morning of the 29th, at eight o'clock, we passed through the "Golden Gate," and anchored quietly in the bay, and as the fog cleared away, the city of San Francisco came in sight, and the custom officers and quarantine being passed, we landed on native soil, to the delight of all the passengers.
How grateful we were, after having crossed the swelling tide, to be again in our own land. Many memories crowded upon us, but we first acknowledged the guidance of the Holy Ghost all the way since we had left New York City in 1900. We realized the tender and compassionate way in which He taught us more and more of the things which Jesus said and did. His hand had been in preparation, as we had been giving the message of full salvation in every place and every time there was an opportunity. This is the "power of God unto salvation," in all lands and to all people. It produces the desired effect on rich and poor, young and old, high and low. All need the Gospel, and while there is much to be done, yet, much has been done, and well done, and there are people standing at their posts all over the world, to do or die for Jesus Christ and the Gospel's sake. With simple faith in God, they are doing loyal service by testimony and life, giving forth the message to the hungry millions that crowd around them and listen to the words of eternal life and the glad news. The seed is falling in "good ground" in many places which will spring up with rich fruitage, and bring forth an abundant harvest. A great responsibility rests upon us to carry the Gospel light to those who "sit in darkness," and "the shadow of death," and the question to consider is not, what will become of the heathen if they do not get the light, but what will become of us if we do not take it to them. They are missing much of the joy of earth, as well as the joy of heaven, and we are missing the joy of obeying the great commission. We must now do a work that should have been done long since, if the people had had the burden of a lost world upon them as Jesus had.
When Queen Victoria died; the news was given to the world in a few days, and the whole world was mourning, because of the removal of this great and good woman, and people who had never seen her, mourned her loss, and with tearful eyes and sad hearts, many bowed their heads to this sad providence, feeling their great loss of a ruler, a mother. In India, in the darkness of heathendom, groups of poor helpless women met and said, "Mother is gone, what shall we do?" They had never seen or known her personally, but had been blessed by her long reign. When President McKinley was assassinated, two hundred and sixty thousand words were sent out from Buffalo that afternoon, telling the sad news to the nation of which he was the honored head. The word was taken to the world and memorial services were held in many countries. Expressions of sorrow, tokens of respect and appreciation were general, for his ability as a man, as a statesman and a leader and ruler of men, as well as a nation.
Eighteen centuries ago, outside the walls of the City of Jerusalem, on the brow of a high hill, called Calvary, the man of Galilee, the King of Heaven and Earth was crucified, and the world is still waiting for this message of so great importance to heart and life, that affects the destiny of individuals and nations, and many are yet saying, "We have not so much as heard whether there be a Holy Ghost," and have never heard of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, who has power on earth to forgive sins. We are responsible. God gave the message to us, and He commanded us to take the tidings to the "uttermost parts of the earth," and what will our answer be to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, if we have neglected this command! Will we not be speechless when we stand before the throne and see Jesus, who gave His life for us as an expression of love, coming as the first foreign missionary from the shining courts of Heaven, to this lost and dying world, sold under sin and under the power of the devil? He said, "I came to do Thy will, Oh, God." Can we say less? May God help every reader to say it and to keep the vow until Jesus comes, and at whatever cost. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe." I will obey His voice, will go if He says go, and will stay if He says stay.
"My Savior calls, I cannot stay, To heathen lands I'll fly away; To souls in sin and darkest night Who never had the Gospel's light.
The Spirit draws, I feel its power, It fills my soul this very hour; For them the Savior bled and died, On Calvary was crucified.
Though hard to leave, and friends oppose, My soul with Heavenly love o'erflows; My native land, I'll bid farewell, The 'Gospel Story' I must tell."
