God's Two Witnesses and Their Search for a Christ f & i & U I am sent to warn you not to propose marriage to that Edna Floyd. Can you not remember that Mrs. Fielding, the prophetess, has forbidden you to do so, and told you that you must not marry that girl, because she had burned a THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 63 Bible? If you marry her, she would die in a short time and that her death would cause you very much trouble. So do not propose to her nor marry her." I recollected that Mrs. Fielding had told me concerning- this girl, that I should not marry her. Also, the last words came to my mind that Mrs. Fielding had spoken: "You will die in prison !" As all these thoughts flashed through my mind I did not know what to do. When a half hour had passed, I concluded to go. I could not disappoint her on that important day. When I had reached the Floyd home, I found many young men and women assembled there. Everybody seemed to be waiting for some one. After excusing myself for being late, I con- gratulated Miss Floyd, and presented her the ring as a token of friendship. When I left I pressed my last kiss on Miss Floyd's lips. I was glad that it was over, as my mind was filled with strange and in- expressible mysteries. Next morning I went to work as usual. As my intention was to obey that which I had been commanded to do, I came to the con- 64 god's two witnesses and elusion to leave the city. That day I informed Mr. Harper that I was going as soon as he could find another man to take my place. I stayed in Chicago until Saturday, and then went to St. Louis, as I had an uncle there. I had told no one where I was going. I knew that it was unkind, but it was God's will. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 65 XII. Joseph Goes to St. Louis. Saturday morning I left for St. Louis. While my train was standing in the station at Chicago, the sky turned black and it began to rain very hard. Flashes of lightning were flying in all directions. It thundered fiercely. I recalled what Mrs. Fielding had told me — that I would leave Chicago and go to St. Louis, and that it would be raining, lightning and thundering the day when the train would leave Chicago. This surprised me. I was wondering why I had not thought of it sooner. When I arrived at St. Louis, as I left the train, I heard the same voice calling me that had spoken to me in my room in Chicago. It said : "J ose P n ,, this is the place where you will find the blind man. He is standing in front of the station. He is hungry. Take him to a restaurant and buy him something to eat. Then bring him back, and, before you leave him, give him a few dollars. Then look for two more beggars, and treat them like- wise." 66 god's two witnesses and At that time I was standing among many people who were also coming from the train. I looked at those next to me, to see if they heard the strange voice. I saw that they had not. When I had come to the front entrance of the station, I turned to my right-hand side, and was greatly surprised when I saw a blind colored man standing there. I talked with him. He told me that he was hungry and would be very glad if I would get him something to eat. I asked him to go with me to a restaurant. When we ate our break- fast, he told me how he came to lose his eye- sight and I recalled that Mrs. Fielding had told me the same story one year ago. I took the blind man to the station where I had found him, gave him several dollars and left, with the hope of finding two more beg- gars soon. After having walked one hour and a half, I found the second beggar, but he was not hun- gry, nor was he blind. I gave him several dol- lars and talked to him kindly. Then I hurried to find the third beggar, but I had to walk until 2 o'clock in the afternoon, when I found an aged and feeble woman who was begging. I talked with her and gave her several dollars. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 67 Then I sought my uncle's home, which I found without difficulty. Uncle John, who was my father's brother, and whose name was John Carrol, was very glad to see me. So was my aunt. But they were surprised that I had come without hav- ing written to them. When I told them I had come to stay, that it was my intention to practice my profession there, they were happy. They had no chil- dren, and were in good financial circum- stances. Uncle John had a shoe store, where he employed two clerks and spent much of his time. The business was prosperous. But he was getting old, nearly seventy. He was very religious, as most people are when they reach that age. Aunt Marie was also a great worker for the Congregational Church, of which both were members. The next morning when I was dressed and ready for breakfast, I heard the voice call me again, saying: "Joseph, I come to remind you that this is the day when you must walk through this city and give alms to every beg- gar you meet, and show kindness to all of them. Do this until you will be informed when to stop." After breakfast Uncle John was ready to 68 god's two witnesses and go to his place of business and asked me to go with him. I excused myself, telling him I had several things to attend to in the morn- ing and would come to his store in the after- noon. At 8 o'clock I had left the house and began to walk the streets. I looked for beg- gars and gave alms and spoke kind words to every one I met. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon I went to my uncle's store and waited for him until he was ready to go home. That evening after supper Uncle John asked me how I had passed the day. I wanted to tell him the truth, but had spoken only a few words, when I was seized with terrible pain, which lasted only a few seconds. As it left me, I heard the voice, saying: "J ose P n > have you forgotten that you must not speak one word to any one about those things that Mrs. Fielding, the prophetess, has given you to fulfill? If you do speak of it, such pains as you have experienced will torture you all your life." When the voice had spoken, I recollected that Mrs. Fielding had forbidden me to speak about her commands. - Aunt Marie began speaking about churches and asking me if I belonged to one in Chicago. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 69 I informed her that I had not been a member of a church, but that I had attended church services nearly every Sunday while in Chi- cago, and that I would become a member of one in St. Louis if I stayed there long enough. My aunt told me that the church of which she and Uncle John were members I would undoubtedly like. She also told me that they had a new preacher, a young man about my age, who had preached his first sermon on Sunday, the day on which I arrived in St. Louis. I promised them that I would go to church with them on the following Sunday. They were happy to hear me make this promise. The next day I walked the streets, looking for beggars, and did as I had done the day be- fore ; and I kept doing this the rest of the week. Sunday we all went to church, where I was introduced by Uncle John to several of his friends and to many members. When the preacher arrived I saw that he was a young man, and I judged him to be about twenty-seven years old. He was 5 feet 8 inches tall, had blond hair and wore a mus- tache. His sermon was about the Holy Ghost. I 70 god's two witnesses and had heard this sermon many times before, but the effect had never been so impressive as this time. When church was over Uncle John intro- duced me to the preacher, whose name was W. Voudel. I told him that I was a stranger in St. Louis. He gave me his card and invited me to come to his home Monday, if I had nothing else to do, and said that if the weather was suitable, we would go to the park in the afternoon. I promised him that I would come. Mon- day morning I arose early, had my breakfast and walked through the streets, meeting and aiding beggars as I had done the previous week. It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon when I reached the Rev. W. Voudel's home. He re- ceived me warmly and expressed his appreci- ation that I had kept my word. He was busy writing invitations to the members of his con- gregation for a party to be given a week later at the church. In a half hour he was ready to go to the park. But before we left his sister came home and he introduced me to her. She was a handsome young woman. She was engaged in missionary work. On the way to the park the Rev. Mr. Voudel expressed THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 71 a desire to introduce me to a friend of his, who was also a preacher of a Congregational church. When we had come to his friend's house, the Rev. Mr. Voudel rang the bell, and his friend opened the door for us, and was very glad to see us. The Rev. Mr. Voudel introduced me to his friend, whose name was Carton Shafer. He had two sons, one nine years old and the other twelve. He told us that he had been reading a religious period- ical for the last two hours. As we saw that he had nothing important to do, we invited him to go with us to the park. He accepted our invitation and brought his two sons along. On the way the Rev. Mr. Shafer questioned me a great deal. He wanted to know all about me. While the two preachers sat on a bench, I played ball with the two boys. When I came back to my two friends, I found them in a deep conversation. Their subject was among whom is there more real love for Christ, among the rich, or among the poor. The Rev. Mr. Voudel said that if Jesus Christ should come on this earth, he would be welcome in the house of a poor man, but the rich man would throw him out if he did 72 god's two witnesses and not have diamonds on his fingers, and his pockets filled with gold; that the poor man would divide his last toil-earned dollar with Christ. The Rev. Mr. Shafer could not see it that way ; he was on the side of the rich man. He said that if God wanted to help the poor, he has the power to do so ; that a man is poor because God wanted him to be so. This statement aroused the Rev. Mr. Vou- del, and he answered: "Friend, you are blinded by the luster of gold. One once said, Tf the blind lead the blind, they both will fall into a pit/ Pray to God so that you may not be lead into temptation." It was 5 :30 o'clock when we parted with the Rev. Mr. Shafer in front of his residence. The Rev. Mr. Voudel insisted that I must take supper with him. I could not refuse his cordial invitation and spent a pleasant even- ing at his house. I found the Rev. Mr. Vou- del a very good-hearted man. His friendship had impressed me very much. As I had never before associated with preachers and teachers of the Gospel, I thought it was their way. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 73 XIII. Joseph Goes to the Hill. In the afternoon next day I was sitting in the parlor, looking over the Sunday paper, when suddenly I heard the voice saying: "Joseph, I come to remind you that the time has come when you must go to the hill which you see over yonder, and there pray from 8 o'clock in the evening until 12 o'clock ; for you committed a great sin when you refused to kneel before the Holy Ghost. That sin will be forgiven if you fulfill all her command- ments. If you fail to fulfill one of them, you will never rest from the torment of evil spirits. While you will be praying on that hill, you can pray for all your friends whom you wish to see healthy, happy and success- ful in their undertakings. From this day on you must at all times speak the truth, not drink intoxicating liquors, nor smoke or chew tobacco. You also must go and visit prison- ers and do for them whatever they will ask of you, and do that until you will be informed when to stop." 74 god's two witnesses and This message astonished me exceedingly. I decided to fulfill all the commandments. At 7 :30 o'clock that evening I boarded a street car and rode ten miles out of the city. Thence I walked up to the hill on which the Spirit had told me to go. I read the Bible and prayed until 12 o'clock. The next day I visited beggars; at 10:30 I went to the prison. There I asked to be per- mitted to speak to prisoners that are allowed to have visitors. The warden was a good fel- low and asked me many questions as to why I wanted to see them. After I had told him, he permitted me to see four of them. These four had long terms to serve, and were re- gretting the deeds that had brought them there. I talked with them for a while; then I asked them if I could do something for them. These men asked for trifles only. One wanted chewing tobacco ; one asked me to buy him something to eat. I went out and bought those things for the four prisoners, and left the package with the warden. In the afternoon I went to see the Rev. Mr. Voudel, according to promise. When I arrived at his home, I found him very much changed. His voice was as that of a dying man; his face was very pale, and his eyes THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 75 had a peculiar luster and were very red as if he had been weeping all morning. He was very glad that I had come and was soon ready to go to the park. On the way we passed the Rev. Mr. Shafer's house, but we did not stop, fearing that he was busy figur- ing money-making schemes. 76 god's two witnesses and XIV. The Three Roses. When we arrived at the park I noticed three lovely roses hanging above the gate, and, as soon as I had seen them, I heard the voice speak to me, saying: "Joseph, have you seen those three roses? These are the roses about which Mrs. Fielding, the prophetess, spoke to you. If you get one of them, you will have more luck than you have had so far; if you get two, it will be still better; but if you get all three, all your wishes will be fulfilled; you will be greater than the great King Solo- mon." The Rev. Mr. Voudel was speaking to me at that same time, but I had not understood one word he said, as I had been listening to the voice. I decided to get those roses in the night when no one was looking. I also recalled that Mrs. Fielding had told me about them. The Rev. Mr. Voudel and I walked toward the bench on which we had been seat- ed a week ago. The Rev. Mr. Voudel aston- ished me when he said that he had come to THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 77 St. Louis on account of me; that be had a much better position where he had been than he had now; but that he had given it up cheerfully, and was very glad that he had met me. I asked how it was possible that we had not known each other until a week ago. He told me to stop and think and see if I was able to recall what the prophetess had told me about him. As I was unable to recall it, he reminded me that Mrs. Fielding, God's wit- ness, had told me that I would meet another prophet, who would give me another chance to do that before him what I had not done before her; that he was the other prophet; that if I would do before him what Mrs. Fielding wanted me to do before her, my first- born son would become the Reformer of the World, or the Second Christ. I was unable to recall what it was that Mrs. Fielding wanted me to do before her. The Rev. Mr. Voudel then said : "So you again refuse to do it." He was very angry. He said: "Joseph, you are an unfortunate man. You had been better off if you had not been born. You will have to work hard all your life, and your last days you will spend in prison." 78 god's two witnesses and As soon as he had spoken these words, he arose and started away. Then I recalled that he wanted me to kneel before him, but it was too late. I deeply regretted my last chance was gone. The last words that the Rev. Mr. Voudel spoke to me affected me very much. I was sorry to see him so angry. When he was about two hundred feet away from me, I called to him to wait for me, and he waited. I wanted to beg his pardon and tell him that I had forgotten what Mrs. Fielding had told me to do. When I came to him, he was pointing with his finger to some beautiful flowers and said: "J os epn, just look at them. Are they not beautiful?" I answered him, saying that they were very beautiful flowers. As soon as I had spoken these words, some power made me forget all that he had told me on the bench. We walked around in the park until 4:30 o'clock, and then started on our way home. He wanted me to go with him to his house and have supper there, but as I knew that I must be on the hill praying at 8 o'clock, I had to refuse his invitation. At 7 o'clock that evening I went out to the hill and there prayed four hours. It was 12 :45 when I arrived home, and had retired. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 79 Somehow I could not sleep. I felt as if I had forgotten to do something. I knew that I had visited the beggars, and that I had been to see the prisoners; had also visited the Rev. Mr. Voudel, and had also been on the hill. Sud- denly I recalled that I had forgotten to get those three roses. It was rather late to gr for them, but as I was afraid that some one else might get them, I arose, dressed quickly, and hurried out to the park. When I had ar- rived at the gate, I looked carefully about to see if any one was watching me. When I satisfied myself that there was no one near, I cut one of the roses with my pocket knife. I was very careful as I knew that if I dropped one of them all my work would amount to nothing. I succeeded in getting the first rose, and, with the utmost care, succeeded in get- ting the second. I put both of them in my pocket. Very, very carefully, I reached for the third, but, as I stretched forth my hand and tried to get a hold of the rose, it fell to the ground before I had touched it. It fell so mysteriously slowly as if held by an un- seen hand. When it landed on the ground, I heard thousands of voices scolding me, saying that I had to go and steal and could not be satisfied with one or two; that I wanted to 80 god's two witnesses and steal them all. It seemed to me as if Heaven and earth was on fire, or I had lost my mind. I pulled the two roses out of my pocket, threw them where the third one was lying, and started on my way home, where I arrived at 3 o'clock in the morning. I was very tired and disappointed and would not have gone after other roses if some one would have promised me the world. When I had spent five months at this work, I received a letter from my brother, who had found out from my uncle that I was there. He wrote me that he intended to come to St. Louis some day that week. I had requested my uncle and aunt not to tell my parents nor my brother that I was there; and when I learned in the letter that my uncle had told them all about me, it dis- appointed me very much. I did not want my parents to know about me as long as I had to fulfill the commandments. For I knew that if they found out what kind of foolish com- mandments I had to obey, they would worry, and I did not want them to worry about me. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 81 XV. Joseph's Brother Visits Him. Saturday afternoon, when I came home from my every-day beggar-search, I found my brother at the house. I had seen him last two years ago. He had gained in height and weight. He asked me many questions that I could not answer. My aunt had told my brother many things, out of which I saw that they had formed a wrong opinion of me. My brother informed me that Uncle John had written to my parents. He had complained that I had been there four months and had not worked nor did I look" for work; and that I was staying out late at night. This was sad news for me, and I regretted that I had not gone to the home of a stranger. Yet I could not blame my uncle for having written to my parents, as I myself realized that my actions had been very strange from the first day I had come, and that I did not give him any explanation of them, for I had been commanded by the Spirit not to speak about my strange experience to any one. 82 god's two witnesses and The Spirit had also forbidden me to tell a lie. So that when my uncle or my aunt asked me where I stayed at night and what I was doing in the daytime, I had no answer for them. That afternoon I took my brother through the city and showed him many places which he wanted to see, and then we went to my uncle's place of business. Uncle John was very glad to see my brother and inquired after old friends back home. My brother had only happy news for him, as nearly all of uncle's friends were alive and happy. One of our friends whom my brother men- tioned as having passed away was Frank Cra- mer. My brother said that he had commit- ted suicide by taking poison. In the evening I began to wonder how I was to leave my brother and go to the hill. I went up to my room ; my brother followed soon after. The clock struck eight; it was the time I should be on the hill praying. That very moment I heard the voice saying: "Jo- seph, why have you not gone to the hill? Do you think that you can fool God?" I was seized with pains and felt that I could not endure it. I writhed in agony on the floor. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 83 I prayed to God to forgive me, and promised that I would go to the hill at once, and every night promptly. When I had prayed about ten minutes I was relieved of the pain. As I arose from the floor I saw that my brother was laughing. He asked me what kind of an acrobatic stunt I had been doing. Then the mysterious power seized and tor- tured him worse than it did me. I told him to pray to God for forgivenness. He prayed like a child and the pain left him. When I was ready to go to the hill my brother insisted on going with me, and I took him along. On the hill I prayed; when my brother heard me pray he prayed also. We had stayed on that hill until 1 o'clock. When we reached home my brother wanted to know why I had gone to that hill to pray, and why he had been tortured with. pain. I told him not to ask me; that I would tell him all about it some day. Next morning I got ready for my usual morning walk, looking for beggars and poor people and giving them alms. As my brother wanted to go with me I took him along. I knew that he would not laugh at me as he did last night. ,We met more beggars that morn- ing than I had in a long time. The giving of 84 god's two witnesses and money to beggars evidently surprised my brother, but he did not dare to ask one word. In the afternoon I took my brother to the Rev. Mr. Voudel's home. I introduced him to the minister and to his sister. When we had been there about an hour, the Rev. Mr. Shafer came. My brother stayed with me two weeks. Dur- ing that time he got well acquainted with the Rev. Mr. Voudel and the Rev. Mr. Shafer. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 85 XVI. The Three Rabbits. I kept on going to the hill, until one night in the beginning of December, when I was there, shivering with cold, the voice informed me that I need not come any more ; that the one commandment was fulfilled; that every- thing would come to pass as Mrs. Fielding, the prophetess, had told me, and that before I would leave the hill three rabbits would come and look at me; that the three rabbits were evil spirits; that on the night I failed to come to the hill one of them had been torturing me. The voice assured me that I need not be afraid of them, that they could not harm me. I did not pray any longer, and was watching for three rabbits to come. When it was five minutes to twelve I thought that they would not come, but of a sudden I heard a noise just as if some one was dragging a heavy chain. I looked in the direction where that noise came from. It seemed to me as if it was coming from beneath a small bush nearby. The noise stopped ; from beneath the bush came one rab- 86 god's two witnesses and bit. He was three times as large as the ordi- nary rabbit. He came toward me, and as I was lying in the grass, the rabbit came right in front of me, and stood on his hind legs and looked straight at me again. The second rab- bit came in the same way as the first, but went and stood back of me, and the third one stood above my head. Not one of them moved in the least; they stood there like statues. I had a good view of the one in front of me. I no- ticed his eyes in particular; they were like two burning coals of fire. The rabbits kept their position for about ten minutes; then they dis- appeared. I started for home in a very happy mood be- cause I did not have to go there any more. The next night, when I stayed at home, uncle and aunt were surprised and asked me what had happened that I should remain at home once in eight months. I informed them that I was through with traveling in the night ; that in the future I would pass the evenings with them by the fireside. That made them both happy, as they saw that I had not gone to the bad entirely, as they feared. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 87 XVII. The Preacher Prophet. The next Monday I was very busy. In the morning I walked the streets and searched for beggars, and in the afternoon I had gone to see the prisoners. It was late when I came home that evening. Miss Voudel had come to visit us ; she had not been at our house for months. We were glad to see her, and greeted her cordially. She looked worried and we could tell by her voice that something was w r rong with her. At ten o'clock I escorted her to the street car. On the way, she asked me if I had had any strange experience with her brother, or if her brother had ever prophesied to me. I knew that Miss Voudel wanted to know, but I could not tell her anything as it had been forbidden me. Miss Voudel said that one month ago her brother had told her that he was a prophet, that he spoke in all languages ; that he could give her the gift of tongues if she desired it ; that she told him she would be very glad to have the gift ; that he asked her to kneel before him and she would then have 88 god's two witnesses and the gift. He said to her that she would not kneel before him, only before the Holy Ghost who speaks through one of God's two witnesses. She said that she thought her brother was only fooling her and that he could not give her power of languages ; that she did not kneel before him ; that her brother told her she had committed an unforgivable sin ; that he had commanded her to do many things; that if she failed to fulfill one of them she would be tormented for ever and ever. She told me that the day was one of the days when she was supposed to fulfill what her brother had commanded her to do, but that she had not done it, and had suffered torturing pain all day. I asked her why she had not done what her brother commanded. She said it would have hurt her pecuniarily. I asked her if it was not better to be hurt pecuniarily than spiritually. She ad- mitted that it was, but she could not see why God would give so great a power to her brother with which to torment her; that she was a missionary and was teaching the word of God as well as her brother. This was more than I could explain to her. I advised her to do everything that her brother had commanded, as long as she would not have to harm anvbodv- . V THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 89 She asked me if I believed that her brother was a prophet. I answered her that I would believe that he was a prophet if he would prophesy to me, as Christ has said, that those who will follow Him will be able to do greater wonders than He did. Miss Voudel said her brother was following Christ, and was as good a man as a man can be ; that as long as he had been a clergyman he had always had a good salary, but had nothing left from it; that he gave most of his money to the poor, and was willing to give the coat off his back to a man in need. I asked her what it was that was keeping her from accepting her brother for a prophet. I pointed out to her that if God wanted to chose a prophet, He would select one with a mind and a heart like those of her brother. I advised her to do all that he had ordered her to do ; and that, if she should be tortured again as she had been she should go to her brother and ask him to help her. She promised me that she would. I then asked her if her brother had not forbidden her to speak about it. She said he had not. I told her not to speak about it to anybody as I thought that the majority of people would not believe her, as it was too mysterious to be be- lieved in the twentieth century. 90 god's two witnesses and XVIII. Joseph Runs Out of Money. When I had been visiting the beggars and the prisoners nearly a year, I was getting short of money. One Monday afternoon I was ready to go and visit the prisoners, but found that I had not enough money. I did not know what to do. Finally, I decided to go to the Rev. Mr. Voudel and to borrow money from him. When I was ready to go, the voice commanded me not to go to the minister, who was just as poor as I was. The voice told me to sell the things that I did not need ; that one suit of clothes was enough for me; that I should sell the other three suits; that it would not be very cold any- how, and that I could sell my overcoat; that these sales would give me enough money to fulfill my commandments. I sold my clothes for $28.99. I hurried to the prison. When I was entering, the voice tol me that it was my last visit, that I had fulfilled that commandment, and need no longer come there, unless I came voluntarily. I talked to the prisoners for a while, and in- formed them that it was my last visit; that I THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 91 was going to leave the city. One of the prison- ers told me that he was making a small horse- shoe for me as a token, but that it would not be finished for a day or two ; that he would leave it with the jailer for me to call for. I asked him not to hurry it, saying that I would call for it the next Monday. I asked the prisoners as usual what I could do for them. They asked for the same thing every time — food. At a nearby restaurant I ordered a dinner for six to be put in a basket and left with the jailer, to be given to the prisoners. The only thing that I- now had to do was to visit the beggars. Thursday of that same week I had given away all my money and went home "broke." As I had to borrow money from some one, I chose Uncle John. When he had come home in the evening and had eaten his supper, I put the matter before him. I told him how much I would appreciate it if he would lend me fifty dollars. He went to his safe and brought me the money. When he was handing it to me, he said : "Joseph, this it not a loan ; it is a gift. But if you should need more, do not come to me ; for if you do, you will not get it." He advised me to go to work. He mentioned several positions which he had open for me. He seemed to have forgotten that I was a dentist. 92 god's two witnesses and I told him that I intended to leave St. Louis. I thanked him for the fifty dollars. The next morning, when I was ready to go and visit the beggars, I heard the voice saying, that even that commandment was fulfilled; that I need not visit the beggars any more; that as long as I stayed in St. Louis, I must speak the truth at all times ; that I must not smoke nor chew tobacco, nor drink intoxicating liquors; that I must not speak about the prophets whom I had met. The voice also told me that I was one out of many thousands that could call himself fortunate, and that I should thank God in every prayer for the strength and power that He had given me to fulfill his commandments ; that I did not know how great a sin I had committed when I had refused to kneel before the Holy Ghost. That day I went to see some of the beggars which I thought needed help and gave them alms as before. When I arrived home I began planning to what city I should go. I had decided to go to some city where no one knew me. Finally I concluded that I would go to Kansas City as soon as possible. As I had promised the pris- oners that I would come to them on Monday, THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 93 and I wanted to keep my word, I • could not leave until after Monday. I had to give away all my money and now had no friends to whom I could go for money. When my uncle came home that evening he looked worried and spoke very little. After sup- per I told him about my intention to leave Mon- day or Tuesday for Kansas City, and there start to practice my profession. He seemed not to hear what I had said. Thinking that he might be worried about business matters, I rose to go to my room, and as I passed by him he stepped up, grasped by hand and begged me to forgive him ; that he did not mean what he had said to me yesterdaye; that when I needed help I should not hesitate to ask him; that he would be glad to help me at all times, and that the words he had spoken to me yesterday had worried him all day. I told him not to let small matters of that kind worry him, ; that I knew he did not mean it ; that I knew how hard it was for people to part with money, but that I had parted freely with mine. I showed him my bank book, which proved that I had deposited five thousand and eight hundred dollars one year ago, but that I was now out of funds. The bank book made Uncle John think for a 94 GOD'S TWO WITNESSES AND while. He said that when he was my age, he had lost most of his money in gambling houses, and that the experiesce which he had gained there had come handy many times and had saved him from many other games in later years. He encouraged me by telling me that before I had reached his age I would have my money back and much more. He asked me what I had done with my books, clothes and trunk, which aunt had told him I had shipped somewhere. I informed him that I had sent it to a pawnshop and was glad that I had, as I did not want it back. I did not tell him why I had pawned the trunk, as I feared punishment if I did. That night Uncle John was very kind and will- ing to aid and assist me. The next day I visited the Rev. Mr. Voudel, the prophet. I informed him that I intended to leave soon and had decided to go to Kansas City. He looked at me and said : "Yes, you will go there, Joseph; but if you could decide to stay here, you would be much better off. You would marry one of the girls out of our congregation and live a Christian life. Your life would never be troubled as it has been the last year. If you go to Kansas City you will have much trouble, THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 95 be sick many times ; and when a year or two will have passed, you will regret not having followed my advice." While the Rev. Mr. Voudel was speaking, I knew that he was prophesying, but I did not care to hear it, as I had already had too much trouble through prophesying. He answered my thoughts, saying: "Joseph, I know that you do not want to hear any more about your future, but do not fear, for it will never be as bad as it has been in the past, and never as good as it would have been You have lost your greatest chance. Whatever you will attain in life is not worth attaining. You will be about as well oft' as I am, work hard all your life, and never have anything." I thought to myself : "You preachers have it pretty easy. If I could at all times be able to take life as easy as a preacher, I would not be so badly off after all." At this point, Miss Voudel came home from shopping. Again, he answered my thought: "Joseph, if you would have life as easy as I have it, you would never say that it is an easy life, but if you would wish to have life as easy as my sister has it, that would be better. I get up early in the morning and get the wood and coal for her, and many times she makes a messenger boy out of me, sends me to the grocery or to the butcher. 96 god's two witnesses and She has it nice and easy.'' He asked me if I wanted to listen to a story that he just thought of. I told him I would be glad to hearit. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 97 XIX. The Preacher Tells a Story. He # began : "J ose P n > y° u have undoubtedly heard about burgraves and barons that existed in old countries in Europe, and at one time had great power over poor people. The burgraves and barons owned much land on which the poor people, the villagers, had to work six weeks, and sometimes two months, for nothing, and had to be glad if they did not get a beating from the overseers of the work. One of these barons lived in a certain county in Bohemia, where, one time, two hundred men were giving their six weeks' free service. These men became dissatisfied, rebelled against the baron, and decided to quit working for him, and made up their minds to rob his castle. Three, o'clock in the morning was the appointed time at which they wanted to start out. When that 'time had come, all the men gathered and swarmed toward the castle. The noise they made in ap- proaching the castle awakened the baron's watch- man. When he saw what was coming, he hur- ried to tell the baron, who, when he saw the 98 god's two witnesses and swarm of men coming, realized that he could not conquer them. He awakened his family and they fled on horseback with a few trustry servants, to a neighboring town, where they informed the police of what was going on in their castle. "As soon as the police were informed, they hurried out to the castle on horseback. When they arrived, the villagers were there no longer, having stolen all they could and left. "All the police could do was to guard the castle and wait until the baron returned. When the robbers had arrived in their villages, they were making a great noise. As they were passing John Henry's house, John Henry, stepped out and looked at them with great surprise. He had not been informed about the robbers, and did not know where his friends were coming from with all that choice booty — paintings, guns, clocks and mirrors. He stepped up to one of the men carrying a fancy clock, and asked him where he got it. The man was very much astonished when he saw that his friend, John Henry, had not been informed about the robbery, and had not joined the rebels. He gave him all the necessary information, and advised him to hurry to the castle, as there were still many things left. "Before the two men parted, John Henry's THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 99 wife saw the beautiful clock. She asked her hus- band where the man got that fine clock. When he told her, she became excited and urged him to hurry and get one for her. He, of course, wanted to show his wife that he was a man of nerve and courage, and hurried to the castle. When he ar- rived there, he was captured by the police who were still awaiting for the baron to return and give them further orders. They questioned him, and, as John Henry was an honest man, he told them the truth, that all his friends had been out there and had stolen something, and that he had come for the same purpose. "When John Henry had declared his intention to steal, the officer in charge of the police ordered his men to give John Henry thirty- five lashes on his back and sent him home. "John Henry's wife was eagerly awaiting his coming, expecting that he would bring as fine a clock as the other man had. When she had gone the tenth time to meet him, she saw her husband coming down the hill, and she called to him: 'John, are you bringing a clock!' and he angrily answered : Thirty-five, and they are heavy.' " The Rev. Mr. Voudel then said : "Joseph, you will read this story in Kansas City in a weekly periodical about three years from today.'' Miss Voudel interrupted him by speaking to 100 god's two witnesses and me. She told me not to listen to her brother too long; that if I did, he would warp my mind, and I would not know whether I was in Heaven or on earth. I asked the Rev. Mr. Voudel if he was a prophet, and he answered : "Yes, one of two, and you have met them both. If you don't believe it, nobody ever will, for you are the only man who has met us both. I know that you are puzzled, and would like to know how God has chosen me. I have never told it to any person, but I will tell it to you." THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 101 XX. How the Preacher Became a Prophet. "The way was strange and mysterious, but it is the truth. I have told you already that I was born in Minnesota. My parents were farmers and all of us worked on the farm. My parents, brothers, and sisters were very religious, but I was an atheist. One Sunday, my parents, broth- ers and sisters had gone to church and I stayed at home as usual. When they came home I laughed at them, telling them how foolish they were for spending a lot of time in the church, when there was work, enough for all of us at home. I asked them how on earth a person with a sane mind could believe the things the Bible tells, and I told them that Sunday, as I had told them many times before, that there was no such a thing as a God. My mother wept bitter tears. I was the youngest of the family and yet an atheist. My mother told me that her only wish was to see me become a Christian. I told her that I would become a Christian and would believe in God if I got a sign which would satisfy my mind that there was a God. My mother and I were by ourselves in the room. I had chosen the 102 god's two witnesses and sign which was to decide my faith. I told my mother that it had not rained for many weeks and that all the farmers were praying for rain ;. that if it would rain tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock sharp, I would become a Christian and live a life as close to Christ as possible, forever ; but if it did not rain, I would never believe in God or anything else connected with Him. "My mother begged me to stop talking, and prayed to God to have mercy on my soul. She knew that I spoke the truth and had expressed my opinion truthfully and meant what I had said. I had positively decided that the sign of rain should decide my faith. "The next day was a very beautiful one. We all were busy in the fields. At noon, we had gone home for our dinner. In the afternoon, I stayed home as I wanted to see if I would get the sign or not. One o'clock in the afternoon the sun was shining and there was no sign whatever of rain. Two-thirty o'clock, and no sign of rain. It seemed as if it was impossible to rain that day. My mother knew what I was waiting for; she went to a small room and prayed. I could hear her. I was walking from one window to the other, looking at the sky to see if it would rain. "When it was fifteen minutes to three, a few blaGk clouds gathered ; five minutes to three, a THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 103 storm had arisen and the sky was as black as ink. I expected to see it rain most any moment. I turned to the clock to see what time it was — it was three o'clock. At that very moment, a flash of lightning zigzagged the sky, and a crash of thunder followed, and it began to rain, and rained very hard. "I had received the sign, and saw how big a sinner I was. I kneeled before the crucifix and prayed and promised God that I would live a Christian life forever. When I had spoken those words, I heard a voice ; it was God's voice, and He had chosen me for one of His witnesses, and He speaks to me ever since that day. What God had told me that day, I can not tell you. I must keep that sacred as long as I live. "After that miracle I began to live a Christian life. I have lived as Christ did when he was on earth. It may seem strange to you, but it has been just as I have told you. You have suffered for having sinned, for refusing to kneel before the prophetess whom you had met in your home. If you had knelt before her, everything that she told you would have come true ; and if you had knelt before me, your son would have been the Reformer of the World or the Second Christ. But you were afraid of the death that you would have to die, and you did not do it. God has tried 104 god's two witnesses and you and you have failed. You will be happy some day for having fulfilled all those commandments. Many men had been approached by the prophetess before you. None of them did what they were asked, nor did they obey their commandments. Most of them were tortured to death by the evil spirits that also tortured you. As you are the last man who has been approached by the prophetess, and asked to offer your life to that cause, I permit you to tell your experience to others if you want to. None of the other men will ever dare to say one word. The world will not be reformed that way — it will be in a way that nobody will know." Miss Voudel then entered the room and began telling us some news which she had read in the newspaper, and this closed the interview. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 105 XXI. Joseph Tells a Lie. The next day, Saturday, in the afternoon, I went to see the Rev. Mr. Shafer, to say good-bye to him. I did not like him very well, as he was too fond of money. Like too many other clergy- men, the dollar was his God, and he stuck up for it at all times. My sympathies were with the poor, and I decided to be one of them forever. When I arrived at his home I was received in a friendly manner. His house was filled with children, to whom Mrs. Shafer was giving a party. We were seated in the study, and con- versed about a half hour. I informed him that the object of my visit was to say good-bye to him, as I intended to leave the following Monday. He was sorry to see me leave, asked me if I could not find a position in St. Louis. He said if that was the cause of my going that he would find one for me. He asked about my brother, how he was getting along and if I had heard from him since he left. I told him that I had received a letter from my brother the day before; that he was well and getting along finely; and that, if he had not asked concerning my brother, I would 106 god's two witnesses and have forgotten to mention that my brother had sent his best wishes to him. The Rev. Mr. Shafer thanked me ; he was very glad to hear it. But I had not spoken the truth, as I had received no letter from my brother. That was the first lie I had spoken in one year, and that happened accidentally. I then recalled that the voice had forbidden me to lie. I feared nothing, as I thought that all would be well. I bade Mr. and Mrs. Shafer good-bye and started on my way home. As soon as I was in front of the house and started to walk toward the street, the voice spoke to me: "Joseph, you have not obeyed one of the commandments. You have lied to the Rev. Mr. Shafer. Return, con- fess to him, and ask him to forgive you." I did not want to do that, and kept on walking. I had not gone very far when I was seized with violent pains, and realized that there was nothing left for me but to return, and to confess. I went back to the house and confessed to the Rev. Mr. Shafer that I had told him a lie, that I had received no letter from my brother, and I asked him to forgive me, which he did. He looked at me with wide open eyes. What his thoughts were, I do not know. I was very much ashamed for having lied to him, but was glad that he had forgiven me and that the pain had left me. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 107 I again bade him farewell then hurried from the house. The next day, Sunday, all of us went to church and listened to the Rev. Mr. Voudel's sermon — the text was : "My kingdom is not of this earth." The effect was inconceivable. The whole church resounded with the mingled groans, sobs and shrieks of the congregation. It was the best sermon I had heard. When the minister had finished his sermon, uncle and aunt went home and I waited for the Rev. Mr. Voudel, as I wanted to tell him that I would leave Monday. When the minister came, and I had informed him, he said that he would come to our house and go with me to the train. In the afternoon I visited some friends and informed them about my departing. I would not have been able to see them Monday as the majority would be at work. Monday I visited the prisoners, one of whom, who had promised me the horseshoe, had it ready for me, and presented it to me as a token of friendship. The horseshoe was a very beautiful piece of work, and I appreciated it very much. Before I departed, I asked the prisoners what I could get for them, their request was the same as always — something to eat. 108 god's two witnesses and I informed them that it was my last visit, as I was about to leave the city. But if ever I did come back to St. Louis I would visit them. I shook hands with them and then departed. I went to the restaurant where I usually ordered their meals, and had the meals for the prisoners sent to the prison. Then I bought my railroad ticket. On my way home the voice spoke to me : "Whosoever has that horseshoe will have luck. You must not keep it. You must give it to some good friend whom you wish to see happy and successful in all his honorable undertakings." I decided I would do so whenever I found that friend. When I arrived home I packed the suitcase I borrowed from Uncle John, put my dental in- struments in order and was ready to go. My in- tention was to leave on the seven o'clock train that evening (Monday). At half-past three Uncle John had come home and handed me a small amount of money, sufficient to cover my expenses for eight or ten weeks, and said that if I should need more, all I would have to do would be to let him know, and he would get it to me as soon as possible. I thanked him for his generosity. Then I called up the Rev. Mr. Voudel, told him that 7 p. m. was the time when I wanted to leave St. Louis. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 109 He replied that he was ready and would be at our house in a few minutes. 110 god's two witnesses and XXII. Joseph Leaves St. Louis. It was four-thirty in the afternoon when he arrived. We then ate a light luncheon together, and, as he wanted me to stop in church and say a prayer before I went, I bade farewell to Uncle John and Aunt Mary, thanked them for all they had done for me and left with the Rev. Mr. Voudel, who carried my suitcase. We walked toward the church, where we arrived in fifteen minutes. We knelt and prayed at the altar. The Rev. Mr. Voudel was praying for me; he prayed aloud so that I could hear every word he said. He asked God to guard me, to keep me on the road which I had found, and to give ear to my prayers. After we had prayed twenty minutes, we arose and walked out of the church and toward the station. We still had forty minutes' time. The Rev. Mr. Voudel was speaking to me all the time, say- ing that I was going to Kansas City mostly on account of him ; that I thought that if I stayed in St. Louis I would never amount to anything financially ; that the prize that I would win else- where would not be worth having. If I wanted THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 111 to do the right thing- that I should remain in St. Louis with him; that he would find a better position for me in St. Louis than I would ever be able to find in any other city; and that if the money I had lost should ever worry me, he would help to make ten times as much in one year. He also asked me if I had ever thought of getting married; that in our church I was acquainted with good and estimable young women, and could get married to any one of them. When he mentioned marriage, I recalled that Mrs. Fielding, the prophetess, had told me that I must get married or that the Kingdom of Heaven would not be for me. I told the minister that I did not have to drop my friends by» leaving the city; that I could keep their friendship by writing to them often. He reminded me of the old saying: "Out of sight is out of mind." But that if I did not want to stay, I should write and write often ; and that if I ever desired to come back to St. Louis, no one would be more pleased to see me than he would be. We arrived at the station, and still had fifteen minutes to spare ; so we sat down and waited ten minutes in the waiting room. When that time had passed, I bade the Rev. Mr. Voudel good-bye and started for my train. I had made only one step for- ward when he took hold of my hand and said: 112 god's two witnesses and "Joseph, you are now ready to leave, but before you go, kneel before me ; that was the purpose for which you came to this city. Kneel before me and your son will be the Reformer of the World." I wanted to kneel before him, but at that very moment three ladies came rushing through the waiting room to catch their train, and one of them ran right between me and him and brushed me back into a seat. When I was ready to kneel before him, he said: "It is too late. You have not done it. You are an unfortunate person. You have lost your last chance. The world will not be reformed that way. It will be in a way that no one will know but God himself. You have not accomplished that for which you had come to this city. But do not let your heart be troubled. God has many ways in which he can reform this world. Live as you have lived the last year, and you will at all times be a prince of the world." He began to weep and I clasped his hand, bade him farewell, and hurried to my train which be- gan to move as soon as I had boarded it. When I was on the train, my whole experience with those two prophets came to my mind. I realized how many chances had been given to me but I had never been able to grasp them. I recalled that I had one more commandment to fulfill, and that was to get married if I wanted THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 113 to come into the Kingdom of Heaven. I also recalled that three different persons had foretold me that I would die in a prison, and that I would be innocent; that was to be the punishment for being afraid of being crucified, and for being ashamed to kneel before the Holy Ghost. But as the voice had spoken to me, and the evil spirits had tortured me, I was willing to do everything. I decided to fulfill also the last com- mandment — to get married — as soon as I was able. I arrived in Kansas City in the morning and stayed at a hotel over night. As I had no money to squander, I had to practice economy. There- fore, I wanted a boarding house. The first one I came to was on one of the streets near the Union Station. It looked much like my home in Chicago. When I inquired within, I found it to be moderate, suitable and satisfactory. During my first week's stay I got well ac- quanted with the city. I knew all the parks and nearly all the streets, and began to like the city. The second week I looked for a position, which I found without difficulty, but the salary at which I had to start was rather small. I managed things the best way I could, and lived contented and sat- isfied for one whole year. I very seldom thought on the prophets whom I had met. 114 god's two witnesses and XXIII. Joseph Seeks a Wife. When one year had passed I recalled the last commandment — to get married if I wanted to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I had had enough proof to believe Mrs. Fielding's words, as every- thing she had prophesied to me had come true. I began to go to church, became a member of one, joined societies, and went to all places where I thought I would meet a woman whom I could ask to become my wife. After I had spent eight months in the search I gave it up as a failure. I wanted to find a young woman who would be able to take care of herself; for I believed that what the prophets had prophesied would come true, and that I would die in a prison. 1 never told any one a word about my strange experience, but the secret that I wanted to get married became known somehow, and everybody in the office where I worked knew it, and many people wanted to help me to take that important step. One morning, when I had come to the office THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 115 and had entered the small sanctum sanctorum where I worked, I found a matrimonial paper lying on the table. It was a monthly published in Chicago. I thought it was left there by some friend of mine. The paper contained all kinds of ads. from young women and young men who wanted to get married. After I had looked it over carefully, an idea had come to my mind — that was to insert an ad. about myself in that paper and see how successful I should be. I did so that same week, and before long had more mail than I could answer. Out of the many letters which I received, I chose one from a young woman whose name was Edna Brauer, and who lived with her aunt in Omaha, but whose home was in a small town in Iowa where her parents were occupied with farming. When I had corresponded with her three months, I decided to call on her. I so informed her, and received a favorable reply. I obtained a leave of absence from my employer and on a Monday started for Omaha, arriving there after an uneventful trip. I called on Miss Brauer the next day and found her to be a beau- tiful and well educated young woman. Her charms and accomplishments were greater than I had expected them to be, and I found that she had written me nothing but the truth. 116 god's two witnesses and Her aunt, who was the widow of a soldier, I judged to be about sixty-five years old. She was a kind-hearted old woman. After having stayed four days in Omaha, and having given a satisfactory account of myself, I proposed to Miss Edna Brauer and was accep- ted. One week later we were on our way to Iowa to see her parents, for whose consent I wanted to ask. When we arrived at the station there, we were received by her older brother who was waiting for us with a buggy. At the farm house, her brothers, sisters and parents welcomed us cordially. After having been there a week, and becoming well acquainted with her parents and all the farmers in the neighborhood, and having also given a satisfactory account of myself to her parents, I asked them for their daughter's hand, and they consented, believing that a dentist was able to take care of a wife. I was very happy, as I knew that I would soon fulfill the last com- mandment that had worried me so long. During the second week, we talked matters over, and fixed on September 17 for our wedding day. That date gave us sixty-five days' time for preparations. I decided to go back to Kansas City and there prepare a new home for my bride, as I liked that city better than any other in which I had been. I also asked Edna for her opinion THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 117 concerning our new home, but she left the matter entirely to me. She was willing to go with me anywhere, but preferred city life to that on the farm, as she had lived on the farm nearly all her life. Monday morning I left for Kansas City. The first week after I had arrived, I did nothing but look at cottages, with the intention of buying one. When I had seen a number of them, I found that property was high. As there was one cottage which I preferred, I decided to buy it. As I had not quite enough money to pay cash for it, I wrote to my uncle to St. Louis, inform- ing him that I was going to be married Septem- ber 17, also, I told him of my financial standing and my intention to buy property. I asked him for a loan of $3,000, for I knew that he was the only one my relatives that had the money. Three days later, I was greatly surpised by Uncle John's arriving in Kansas City. He was healthy, happy and looked as well as when I saw him last. He told me that he had received my letter, and thought it best to come and visit me, and help me in buying a house, as he was well acquainted with real estate values. 118 god's two witnesses and XXIV. Joseph Buys a Home. After dinner I took him to see the cottage I had wanted to buy and was satisfied with the price. We bought it that same day. The same week we bought furniture and fur- nished the whole cottage, which looked very com- fortable and inviting when we got through with it. Uncle John was a great help to me, in that line of work. I appreciated it very much and asked him how I would ever be able to repay him. At the end of five days, Uncle John was ready to leave for St. Louis. I wanted him to stay with me over Sunday, and told him I would appreciate it, but he said he could not. He re- minded me that when I was in St. Louis I never stayed home at night, and that now he could not stay away from St. Louis on a Sunday. He told me that he was conscious about the work I had been doing when I was in St. Louis, and had been giving away my money. He said that he had to give thousands of dollars in a way, as I had to, and that he was not yet through with his work. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 119 When my uncle had informed me about his giving money, I knew that the Rev. Mr. Voudel, to whose church Uncle John belonged, must have prophesied to him, as the prophetess, Mrs. Field- ing, had prophesied to me. I did not ask him what kind of commandments he had to fulfill, but I inquired what he thought of the Rev. Mr. Voudel. He replied: "That is just what I wanted to ask you." He said that the Rev. Mr. Voudel was a great man with great power, and looked like a God to him ; that the preacher himself had told him that he was a prophet, one of God's two witnesses. He said that he believed that the Rev. Mr. Voudel was one of the two witnesses of God, about whom John, the Divine, prophesied in the Bible in Revelation, Chapter XI : "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand, two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the tv/o olive trees, and the two candlesticks stand- ing before the God of the earth ; and if any man will harm them fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies ; and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophesy; and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite 120 god's two witnesses and the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testi- mony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottom- less pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them, and their dead bodies shall lie in the street of a great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where alsu our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another, because these two prophets tor- mented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three and an half, the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, come up hither, and they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand, and the remnant were affrighted and gave glory to the God of Heaven." When my uncle had told me this, I went and looked for my Bible to see if what he had just THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 121 told me was correct. I had read the Bible many times, but had never read this prophesy about the two witnesses. I then informed my uncle that I had also met the other witness, a woman, whom he probably knew, Mrs. Fielding, and he knew her, but had not seen her for eighteen years. I told him what she prophesied to me, and how she wanted to make a reformer of the world, or a Second Messiah. When I had told him my whole experience with the two prophets, he was greatly astonished. He said that the Rev. Mr. Voudel did not want to make a Messiah out of him, only wanted him to give some of his money, and had advised him to follow his advice, and that if he failed to do so, he would not have one peaceful day the rest of his life. My Uncle John and I accepted these two prophets as the two witnesses about whom the Bible speaks. Friday evening, after supper, Uncle John was ready to depart. I carried his traveling bag and accompanied him to the station. On the way I reminded him not to forget to attend my wedding September 17. He assured me that he would be there. He said that the money which he had lent me to buy the cottage, he wanted me to accept as a present, and that he was very glad that he could do such a favor for me. 122 god's two witnesses and When we arrived at the station I thanked Uncle John for the great favor he had done for me, and bade him farewell with the hope of seing him on my wedding day in Iowa. That same week I wrote home to my parents, brother and friends, and informed them that I was going to be married and invited all of them to attend. September the seventeeth finally arrived, and Edna and I were married. My parents, brother and uncle, and many friends of mine, had at- tended; also Edna's relatives and friends. The next day Edna and I departed on our honeymoon trip, which we had planned, to Yellowstone Park, where we spent three weeks. From there we returned to our cottage home in Kansas City, and there enjoyed peace and rest. The next week I showed my wife through Kansas City. Then I began to practice my profession. We were happy and satisfied until four months had passed. One evening, when I came home from the office, a messenger boy handed me a telegram from home. It had been sent by my brother. He said that my father had met with an accident, and wanted me to come home. I telephoned to my employer the same evening, informing him about the telegram. He consented THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 123 to my going home. My wife and I left for Montana that same night. When I asked the doctor about my father's recovery, I found that he had given up all hope. I then entered the room where my father was lying. He recognized me, but was unable to move, being entirely help- less. He spoke in a low voice, and explained how the accident had happened. He had been caught in a big, fast-running wheel in the shop, and be- fore the machinery could be stopped he was picked up from the floor unconscious. While he was speaking to me, he looked at his finger ring lying on a small table. He told me to take the ring and keep it as a token. The ring bore an emblem of a fraternity of which he was a member. When he had spoken those words, he closed his eyes and breathed very feebly. I saw that a great change had taken place in him since I had seen him last, at my wedding. Grief and sorrow overtook me, and I left the room with tears in my eyes. Later in the evening he grew worse, he was unable to recognize any one, and we realized that no medical skill could save him. All our family stayed awake. At eleven o'clock he passed into that deep sleep called death. 124 god's two witnesses and XXV. Joseph's Father Dies. The funeral was held from our home. Father was the first one to be buried in our family lot. The first day after my father's burial, Mrs. Wayne, formerly Miss Cramer, came to visit us, and sympathized deeply with our sorrow. I had not seen her for five years, but I had been in- formed about her wedding three years ago when I was in St. Louis. Changes had taken' place with both of us. Both had married. Her father had committed suicide. My father had been killed by an accident. I recalled that when I had been home five years ago, Mrs. Fielding told me one day, when she had come to visit us, that she had prophesied to Mr. Cramer and had asked him to do something, and he had not done it; that she had given him a commandment which he must fulfill ; that when the time would come, he would have to fulfill that commandment, he would re- fuse to do it; that when he would be tortured, would suffer very much, would not be able to stand it; and that he would commit suicide by taking poison. THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 125 As we were talking my wife came in the parlor where we were sitting. I introduced her to Mrs. Wayne, who then began recalling old times, say- ing how bashful I had been five years ago, when I was home after I had finished my course in the dental college. How she had to beg me to have my future told by a friend ; that when I did con- sent to have it told, my father had come and stopped Mrs. Fielding from telling it. She also recalled that my father and Mrs. Fielding quar- reled about fortune-telling. Mrs. Wayne then suddenly stopped talking, as if she had been struck by something. Then, with great excite- ment, she exclaimed that on that date (five years ago), Mrs. Fielding had foretold my father's death. She repeated the very words that Mrs. Fielding had used on that day. I also recalled them. My mother said that she had never for- gotten them, that they were on her mind ever since, and she praised Mrs. Fielding for being a great prophetess. Mrs. Wayne said that Mrs. Fielding had told her future twice, once at her home and once at our home, the last time was five years ago when I was there. As we were speaking Mrs. Fielding entered. She seemed just the same as she had five years ago — not changed in the least. I greeted her in 126 god's two witnesses and a friendly manner, and introduced her to my wife. I asked her to sit beside me. I knew and had felt something of her great power. I decided to ob- serve her closely so that she would not have a chance to exert her power over my wife. I was wrapt in these thoughts, when she spoke to me, saying that she knew that I was angry at her, and begged me to forgive her if she had harmed me in any way. I told her that I forgave her freely. tier face flushed with happiness and her eyes beamed with joy. She told me that she did not have to prophesy any more ; that I had been the last man to whom she had to prophesy, and that I should not be afraid of her, as nothing unpleasant or evil would happen to me any more ; that her work was going on just the same, only it was being done by a younger person than herself. She said she was very happy to be relieved from prophesy- ing ; that she made enemies every place she went ; that even her own daughter and son-in-law had been angry at her for a long time, and told her that she had made them unfortunate with her prophesying. Mrs. Fielding went on speaking as follows : "All those whom I have met and to whom I have prophesied, and who call themselves unfortunate on account of having fulfilled my commandments THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 127 will some day call themselves fortunate. I must say that the only time when you, Joseph, lived a Christian life, was when you were fulfilling my commandments. You should not call that a mis- fortune, nor curse the one who brought it upon you. You should thank God every day for having given you strength and power to overcome evil. As God has proved His strength and power to you, you should at all times try to live the life of a Christian. For the sinner is the one who knows right from wrong and does wrong. The majority of people do not believe in God and still less in Christ. They say that Christianity started from a political dispute in Christ's days. Many go to church and donate money while poor peo- ple are hungry and naked. I want you to under- stand that Christ can not be found in the churches ; that is why I have not been in one for the last forty-eight years. If ever a true reformer does arise, he will start to reform the churches first. You, Mr. Carrol, know about God's power, so it is useless for me to preach to you. Live the life of a Christian as you did when you were in St. Louis and all will be well with you. For we all know that we must face our Creator some day, and receive our reward according to our work. "The preachers have been preaching this, and 128 god's two witnesses and are still preaching it. The people know it, but in their wild chase after money forget all about it. Nearly everybody wants to attain wealth, and many people do. When they have attained wealth, they realize that they have done wrong, and begin to feel the weight of their sins. A few out of the many begin to give their wealth away, and believe that by doing so they will wash their sins away." Mrs. Fielding kept on speaking, but she did not interest me at all. I wanted to live a Christian life, and had decided to live as Christ had lived when He was on earth. I had tried it, but had found it very difficult in the twentieth century, and gave it up. Then I tried to live as all the other so-called Christians did. My purpose was to start a dental office of my own, and to earn enough money in five years so I would not have to work. That was not a Chris- tian purpose. My brother had also listened to Mrs. Fielding and he was getting nervous. His idea about the hereafter was to go there where his friends would be. If he belonged among the sheep, he would go to them, and if among the goats, he would go to the goats. He arose and asked me to take a walk with him, as he did not want to listen to Mrs. Fielding any longer. We excused ourselves to the ladies, and then THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 129 walked toward the forest about three-quarters of a mile from our home. When we came to the forest, we lay down on the grass and rested. My brother was worried by the new responsibilities that had fallen on him. He was to manage our father's business, and felt that he lacked the necessary knowledge. He requested me to stay with him about two weeks, and help him out in his work as much as I could. I promised him to stay until he got everything in order. When we arrived home, Mrs. Fielding was still there, but was getting ready to leave. I walked with her through the garden, as I wanted to ask her a question. When we had come to the gate, I asked Mrs. Fielding if she knew the woman who had asked me to kneel before her in the train when I was on my way to Chicago five years before. She answered that she her- self had prayed for me to God that He would have mercy on my soul ; that God had heard her prayer and had given me another chance to kneel before the Holy Ghost who had spoken to me through that woman ; that she was a poor work- ing woman and herself did not know that the Holy Ghost had spoken through her. Mrs. Fielding told me that I was the last man to whom she had prophesied, and that, like all 130 god's two witnesses and the others, I had been afraid to die for the peo- ple. She began to weep ; then she turned and walked away. When I had stayed at home two weeks, I saw that my brother was well able to manage the business, and decided to leave on the following Monday. On that day, my wife and I bade my mother, brother and all our friends farewell, and left for Kansas City. There I began to work at my profession. I allowed nothing to worry me for eight months. But when eight months had passed, a torturing thought had settled on my mind: that was the fear of the prison; for Mrs. Fielding had told me that I would be taken a prisoner and would die in a prison, but that T would be innocent of the crime with which I would be charged ; and that no one would be able to help me. These thoughts worried me day and night. I believed that it all would happen, as everything that Mrs. Fielding had told me had come true; and it had been told me not only by her, but also by two other persons, the woman on the train, and by the Rev. Mr. Voudel. Every one in the office where I worked was astonished at the great change that had taken place in me, and they often asked me what caused it; but I never explained THEIR SEARCH FOR A CHRIST 131 anything to anybody as I knew that no one could help me. The only thing that could shake those fear- ful thoughts from my mind was prayer. So, whenever I was tormented by those thoughts I went and prayed, often hours at a time. My wife also saw that a great change had taken place in me, and she often said that I was not the man whom she had married one year ago. But I did not tell her the cause, as I did not want to see her worry. Every fourth. Sunday I had to work half a day. It was on one of those Sundays that those tormenting thoughts had taken possession of me, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not shake them off. The three months' torture had weakened me phys- ically and mentally. I had lost thirty-five pounds. I was nothing but only skin and bones. My complexion was that of a man who had spent ten or fifteen years in prison, and I was as w r rinkled in my face as an old man. I was as reduced physically as a man can be. That Sunday the torment was worse than ever. I got so weak that I was unable to work, but managed to finish the work on the patient on whom I was operating. Then I went out, locked myself in a private office and there de- cided that I would not see another Sunday. 132 god's two witnesses and Then I prayed to God to relieve me of the torturing thoughts. When I had prayed about one hour, the chimes in a near-by church began to play, "O Near My God to Thee." The chimes were playing and I was praying. Sud- denly, like a crasb of thunder, I heard a voice speak to me. It was a very different voice from that which had spoken to me in St. Louis. The voice said : "J ose P n > I have heard your prayer. Your sins are forgiven, and that which my prophetess has prophesied to you will not happen. You will not go to prison and will no longer be tormented. Obey my commandments and do right at all times." How these words affected me I can not ex- press. I thanked God for His mercy, for I saw that He was really merciful. I arranged matters with the other doctor in the office, so that I could go home, and arrived there just in time to go with my wife to church. That Sunday was one of the happiest days I had in many years; I knew that all my com- mandments were fulfilled, and that I would no longer be tortured and that God proved to me His power in a way as He had not to veiy many men in the last nineteen hundred years. NOV 13 1913 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Dec. 2004 PreservationTechnologies