Class _,_ Book GopyriglitN COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. Ed. J. Phillips. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH ORIGINAL INCIDENTS AND STORIES By EVANGELIST ED. G. PHILLIPS Author of Soul Winners' Guide, also Solo, "A Dream of Home" CHICAGO THE EVANGELICAL PUBLISHING CO. 602 LAKESIDE BUILDING International Copyright, 1911 EVANGELICAL PUBLISHING CO. Chicago, 111. All rights reserved ©CLA303202 r Bo. 253. ©tamonba in tbe TRougb. ^•-vh JW- C. W. Byrok. pm^^ m 3 i . 1 V - -1 ' 1. While walking out one eve-ning, Not knowing where to go, 2. I used to dance the pol - ka, The schottische and the waltz, 3. One day, my precious comrades, You, tod, were lost in sin, drus. The day will soon be o - ver When digging will be done, #-= # ^-0~- -|-» *— 0-- mm i r v m -H-Wf $E± ^g^^^ iiia^iii And just to pass the lone hours Be-fore we held the show, I al - so loved the thea - ter, Its glitter vain and false; When some one sought your rescue, And Jesus took you in; And no more gems be gathered, So let us all press on; -0" m -0- The Beth - el Mis sion Bandpass'd, All singing with their might; And Je - sus, when He found me, He found me ve - ry tough, When you are tried and tempted By sin ners' stern re -"buff, When Je-sus comes to claim us, And says, "It is e-nough," ^ ■t- tzzt r-rr t=t. i 2EEJES =T =£ D. C. for Chorus. m 3=5 m I gave my heart to Je - sus, And left the show that night. But praise the Lord, He saved me, I'm a diamond in the rough. Don't turn a - way in an - ger, They're diamonds in the rough. The diamonds will be shin-ing, 'Wo Ion - ger in the rough. -#- -0^-0-' While reading thro' the Bible, Some wondrous sights I see, I read of Peter, James and John By the sea of Gallilee; And when the Savior called them, Their work was rude enough, . Y&l they were precious diamonds He gathered in the rough. 5. Now ksep your lamps all burn ng, The iamps of holy love, And unto Gvery sinner Point out the way above; The dying love of Jesus, Will help you love the tough; He'll polish into beauty The diamond from the rough. By Permission. [Written by an ex-clown, who is uow an evangelist In Te«#. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Ed. G. Phillips Frontispiece Mrs. Ed. G. Phillips Dedication After the roundup, Mr. Phillips < S. M. Gracy j A Saturday Crowd in Texas „ 16 St. Pauls M. E. Church, Muskogee, Okla 17 A tray of Diamonds 32 Barney Brush 33 Follow me and I will make you fishers of men 48 Mr. Phillips and his friend Mr. Stevens 49 L. J. Anderson before his Conversion * 54 L. J. Anderson after his Conversion 1 55 Happy Jack, burning his "blind tiger" 80 J. N. McConnell and James A. Filer 81 A quartette of Diamond diggers 96 A watermellon picnic 97 Farewell banquet for Dr. Chapman's party 112 Choir of St. Lukes M. E. Church 113 Dick Cargyle and Billy Downs 128 Billv Downs Group 129 Old Peoples meeting - 144 Farewell at Frederick, Okla 145 J. M. Smith 160 A friendly Game 161 A dispute in the game 1*^ The sad ending of the game *'' Andrew & Phillips meeting Greenville, Tex *92 Alf Allen the converted prize-fighter l93 xiv INDEX. A Change Wrought by Galveston Flood 116 A Diamond in the Rough 90 A Great Revival - 38 A Letter from a Converted Drinker , .-. 86 A Little Child shall lead them , 129 A Little Talk with Jesus makes it right 79 A Mother's Faith and Prayer _..u 194 A New Man . 127 Answered Prayer 85 "A Photo Mother left Me long ago"—. 47 Apologised to his Mule 166 A Queer Preacher ...„ . 67 A Remarkable Conversion 28 A Society Lady dreamed of R. R. Song.. 32 A Sunday in New Mexico 173 Beginning and end of a Poker Game 187 Billy Downs, the Gambler 139 Broke his Father of "Cussing" 107 Brother Groutcher 56 Called thro' his Dream 53 Cap has got something that makes his face shine 83 Chapman-Alexander Meetings 113 Cleburne, Texas, Revival 18 Conductor saved by a Song 35 Conversion of an Old-Time Friend u 180 Conversion of Engineer B. Brush 40 Conversion of J. E. Smith 112 Conversion of Jumbo 123 Crowds of St. Lukes' Church 199 Didn't Know him after he got Religion 152 Felt like "Two for a Quarter" 73 XV xvi INDEX Frederick's Revival 138 Gave "Teddy Bears" „ 146 Great Revival, A 38 Happy Jack 6 He said he would quit 45 His Evening Prayer ., 108 How it occurred 190 "I am not going to that Altar" 103 Infidel Converted 160 "Jeminy Do" 106 Joe, I've got the old-time Religion 76 Just a Common Chicken-Peddler 175 Killed by an Alton Train 92 "Mama, Papa don't curse anymore." 58 No X'mas Presents for the Children I Prayed Twenty years for one Man 20 Prize-Fighter now an Evangelist 202 Quit Sunday Harvesting 1 _ 93 Reclamation of a Preacher 100 Remember 164 Rescued from Ruin by a Song 143 Sabbath-Breaking 96 Saved 185 Saved by Song, "Can a boy forget?" 168 „ „ „ "Death is only a Dream" 10 „ „ „ The Old Fireside" 14 Saved from Suicide - 16 Self-invited Guest 154 So glad he was Ready to Go 45 Sunday at Jno. Wanamaker's Church 121 Sunday Midnight Theatre Service 115 "Tell Billie to meet me in Heaven" 170 "Tell Mother I'll be There" 149 The Old Milk-Man 62 There'll be no Christian in Hell 128 The Revival is Unique 136 The Revival Meetings of Claremont 23 The Story of Geo. Cook's Conversion 162 Three for One 24 "Where will you spend Etenity?" 4 Wrecked by the Wine-Cup 91 "You talked my Right Arm Off 122 INTRODUCTION. Few Books have been more widely read amongst pastors and evangelists than Begbie's "Twice Born Man." — It is the "Common Story", — common to those who preach Christ and deal directly with men, of men who were thoroughly and hopelessly bad, as the world thought, being reached through the Christian hand of love, and under God transformed and purified, becoming as thoroughly good and pure as they were once depraved and bad. Mr. Begbie went to London, England, for material out of which his great book is made, and while we thor- oughly enjoyed every chapter and thanked God for its production, we found ourselves wishing that such a book might be produced nearer home. That just such com- plete transformations were being wrought by the power of God here in the home-land we knew, and we have hoped for the time when from many sources we would have story after story of just such "re-births" as those of which Mr. Begbie writes, and we are fortunate in find- ing and presenting herewith a book of such a character xvii xviii INTRODUCTION from the life and work of Mr. Phillips, one of our Evan- gelists. Few men have stood more prominently before the church of the South as a personal worker than Mr. Edwin G. Phillips. For several years he has been contributing to our Magazine, "The World Wide Revival," a series of stories concerning men, who through his personal efforts have been led to Christ. He has been urged often to let these thrilling experiences have a wider circulation by placing them in book-form, and this he has finally consented to do. Mr. Phillips while in college, as he often says, "studying to be a high-steepled preacher " dreamed that he sat on the bank of a beautiful stream of water. The bank was moss covered and inviting, while the water was clear as crystal. He had an ex- pensive pole, linen line and silver hook, and sitting there on nature's carpet holding his expensive fishing tackle over this beautiful stream of sparkling water he says, "there was not a fish to be seen up stream or down." With an expensive outfit he was "just fishing." The scene in his dream changed. He was on a muddy, noisy stream. He had a fishing outfit composed of a cocklebur stick, string and a pin hook, and there, standing in the mud, with this unpromising equipment, he was landing great big big mud-cats as fast as he could haul them to shore ! Mr. Phillips is not visionary, he does not dream dreams and see visions, but there seemed to be in this dream, with its changing scenes, the voice of God, and little by little he lost his ambition to be a "high-steepled INTRODUCTION xix preacher", and there came a deeper and a still deeper desire to just "reach men." Finally convinced that it was not his mission to preach and to teach, but to sing and deal directly with men, one by one, he dedicated his life to the great field of evangelism. His success as a gospel-singer and chorus-director is well known through the many states where he has labored, but his greatest strength is that of reaching men — reaching hard men! I consider Mr. Phillips, in many important parti- culars, in a class by himself. I know of no one who has the happy faculty of approaching the unchurched man, indifferent, sinful man, and making him feel that there is someone who cares for him as can Mr. Phillips. And I know of no one who has the gift of Grace that makes it possible to persevere through the most discour- aging circumstance and actually snatch glorious victory, from what seemed complete defeat, as has he. For days and days I have seen him actually camp on the trail of a "Hopeless case," as the church believed, and, though defeat seemed certain, yet nineteen times out of twenty when he returned from the trail he had that sinner's heart clinging to the cross of the conquering Christ. The stories of experiences that follow in these pages are just a few of the many scores and hundreds which Mr. Phillips might give. These experiences are without "trimmings", without extra frills, for the simple reason that "fact is pfter stranger than fiction," and to many of these incidents there could be added no wonder to make the incident more thrilling, or the change more complete. These stories of "Diamonds from the Rough," xx INTRODUCTION diamonds discovered, polished and sparkling for Christ, cannot but stimulate the faith and increase the labors of the thousands into whose hands they shall come, and we earnestly pray that through the reading of these pages other men who have given up hope, may be reached and know the joy and power of the "New Birth." John Edward Brown, Siloam Springs, Ark. Mrs. Ed. J. Phillips. Btbltateb to Aifiifr (HmmtlUy fUfttHptf, »ja mity (Mimftti &an1fir* anb !}«* fctmib btr Me in All My Work IX PREFACE The title of this book "Diamonds from the Rough" was suggested by the little song "Diamonds in the Rough," written a few years ago by Charley Byron, the converted clown of Ft. Worth Texas. I present on the following pages the song, having secured permission from owner of copy-right of same. Mr. Byron was traveling with a large circus, and while showing in Ft. Worth he dressed in his clown suit one night and went strolling down the street to attract the crowds and head them toward the circus. He passed by what was then called the Bethel Mission and heard them singing. He dropped in, thinking he might catch some religious joke that he could crack in the circus ring, and have a laugh on the church folk. As he took a seat a woman approached him and asked him if he would be a Christian ; to her astonishment he said "yes." She and others prayed for him and he was saved right there. He says in the first stanza of the song "I gave my heart to Jesus and quit the show that night ;" he did, and his life was a blessing to thousands in Texas xi Xll PREFACE who chanced to hear him preach. He was working under a forfeit of twenty-five hundred dollars. When he quit the show it cost him something like three thousand dol- lars to get away from his job. He received a salary of four hundred dollars per month for acting the fool. I find many people these days who play the fool for noth- ing and board themselves. "AFTER THE ROUNDUP". While holding meetings in West Texas one day a cow-boy asked Mr. Phillips to go out and assist them to round-up a herd of cattle, not knowing that he had been reared on a farm and ranch. He donned a cow-boy outfit, mounted a spirited horse and bounded away across the plains and made a full hand all day, to the sur- prise and delight of all the cow-boys, and later led the owner of the cow-pony to Christ. S. M. Gracy. Six months after Conversion (see page 16, "Saved from Suicide") NO CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR THE CHILDREN. TRAVELING salesman stood in one of our men's meetings and asked for pray- ers, after hearing a very strong sermon by Evangelist Lovic Pierce Law on "Sowing and Reaping." At the close ^£>0^ sq3^ of the service this song was sung: "Be Kind to a Man When He's Down." He went away, and the next day told the city mayor this sad story, the sequel of which turned his footsteps heavenward. He said : "I have certainly been down, but that song has given me new courage, and I want you and the Christian people to pray for me and help me to stand." He further said : "I have been an awful drunk- ard and have almost broken my wife's heart. I went in off my run a day or two before Christmas. I was so drunk I did not want to go home, so I went to the hotel and went to bed, and told the proprietor not to let my wife know I was there or even in the city (St. Joe, Mo.) I staid there some time, until the holidays were over, then went home, heart-sore, sick and dejected. Wife met me at the door and said: "Husband, where in the world DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH have you been? Babies and I have been so lonesome. We have looked for you all these long, weary days and nights, and thought sure you would write. What is the matter, husband? Do tell me where you have been/ 'Been to the hotel sick.' 'You are very sick, aren't you?' 'Yes.' 'Drunk, aren't you?' 'Yes.' 'How long have you been drunk?' 'Several days.' 'Have you brought any Christmas presents for the children.' 'No.' " At the thought of this it seemed his heart would break. " 'Have you any money?" 'No.' 'Where is your last month's wages?' (The wages of sin is death, and he had almost realized that even before he reached the end of life.) 'Did you say, where are my wages?' 'Yes.' 'Spent for liquor.' 'Have you paid our last month's grocery bill?' 'No.' 'You are very sick, aren't you, John?' 'Yes, wife, please put me to bed.' 'Alright, dear, I will. Come right to this warm room and lay down. I have had this bed ready for you all these days, awaiting your return.' " She put him to bed, bathed his feet and hands with warm water and his face and head with hot tears, gave him clean linen and put him to sleep. While he slept she worked and prayed. iShe took what small change he had left in his pockets and what she could find about the premises, and went to the toy shops and purchased some cheap toys for the children and got a nice little testament for the poor, heart-broken husband and placed it under his head while he slept. He got up from his bed the second day walked into the dining room and sat down to the table, with his DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH wife and children to the scanty meal that she had man- aged to prepare. She never said a word, perhaps thought many; tried to eat, but she could not, tried to keep back the tears, but her efforts failed ; though her heart was bleeding she was kind to him. He sat and looked at her a moment and then at the children, finally got up and walked around to where she sat, put his arms about her queenly form, fell down upon his knees' and said : "You are the best wife that God ever gave a man, and if you will forgive me for being a brute, from this day on I will be the best husband that God ever gave a woman, and today I will pledge you on my honor that another drop of liquor will never go down my throat." In a day he was sober as a Methodist preacher. He left his home to go out on his regular trip. On the first train he met some of the old friends of his reckless days, who had helped him squander his money and debauch his soul. They said: "Hello, John! Happy new year! Come take something." "No, I have just gone through enough trouble this Christmas to break the heart of any man, caused from liquor, and I have taken my last drink with you boys." "Oh, come now, don't get pious. Guess you have been to meeting. Come, boys, let's make old John take a new year drink with us. Let's pour it down him." This stirred what little manhood he had left. He straightened himself up and said : "There may be enough of you boys to do that. You can take me down and hog-tie me and pour it down me. But," he clinched his fist and said, "the first man of you that lays hands on 4 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH me, I will knock him through that car window and stand him on his head in the snow on the outside." This was enough. They left him alone. He went his way rejoicing over the great victory he had won for himself, his wife and his babies, and when I saw him and talked with him he was a sober man, seeking to live a pure life, and always with money to pay house rent, grocery bills and some to send Santa Clause for Christmas presents. WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY? In my first meeting at Siloam Springs, Ark., now my home, I had a peculiar experience. I was invited there by Evangelist Jno. B. Andrews to conduct the music. The meeting very soon came to be the sensation of the town. We had a large union choir and, perhaps, the best ever had in the city, so far as I know. We sang a song one that seemed to be a favorite, "We're Going to Spend Eternity Singing Around the Throne." The meeting closed and we went to other fields of labor. There were some movers passing through the town and camped just below the tent down near the Siloam Springs. They were going from Missouri to Oklahoma, seeking a home. One of the men, a man of perhaps fifty years of age, heard the song, as they were camped so near the tent. Next morning they broke camp and went on their journey to the new country. But leaving the camp did not leave the conviction behind which had been sent to his sinful heart. He told me five years after this that he went to Oklahoma and moved twice while out DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH there trying to get away from his convictions, but said, "every where that he went he could hear the song ring- ing in his ears," "We're Going to spend Eternity Sing- ing Around the Throne." Yes, he said, I believe those Christians will. But where will I spend eternity? Finally he moved back to Missouri and remained a year or two and this same conviction stayed with him, so he decided to try Oklahoma again and packed up and started. He was passing through Benton County and saw a notice of a big tent meeting to be held at Siloam Springs by Brown and Phillips. He made up his mind he was going right down to the meeting where he had been convicted several years before and get right with God. He did come and came forward for prayer the first night. As I went and sat down by his side to talk to him. He said "Is this Bro. Phillips?" I said "Yes." Then he told me his story. Plow he had wandered from state to state "seeking rest but finding none." He said I camped here near this place five years ago and heard some people in a tent-meeting singing a song about eternity and I have been hearing it all the time since then. And I came here to get saved tonight... We had a prayer; I instructed him in the ways of truth and righteousness and led him up to trust it all to Christ. When we arose from prayer he took me by the hand and said, "I trust Him and rle fully saves me; now I know where I will spend Eternity. He joined the church that night and stayed in town until the meeting was over. I went on my way holding meetings and did not think much about 6 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH my man, only I rejoiced to know that he was saved and on his way to heaven. A few years later I was holding a meeting with Evangelist Law in Southwest Missouri. Had only been in the town a day or two when crossing the street one day I heard some one say, "Hello Bro. Phillips." I could not tell from what direction the voice came, so I stopped and looked around and I saw an old white-headed man standing in the alley. He motioned me to come up. I went up to him. He held out his hand and said You don't know me, No, I don't believe I remember you." "Oh," he said, "We're going to spend Eternity Singing Around the Throne." "Yes, yes of course I know you and will meet you over there." The poor old man was just a wood sawer on the streets and the snow was deep and cold. But he said, "I keep warm by sawing sticks and singing songs about where we will spend eternity." I gave him a hearty hand shake and kind word and while it was cold without, I had a fire within that the world knows not nor can not take away. I was just as happy over this and, perhaps more so, as I would have been if he had been president of the city bank. HAPPY JACK. There are many whom we meet on life's pathway who carry a bewitching smile and would impress the casual observer that nothing but sunshine and happiness reigns within, when too often, it is just the reverse. Shadows and sourness, despondency and gloom reign supremely within, and the outward "petrified grin" usu- DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH ally reveals to the close observer the absolute restless- ness and discontentment hidden in the human heart. Occasionally it is my unavoidable privilege to stumble upon such characters, as was the case in the meeting in which this incident occurred. There was a man in the town who was running a "Joint," better known in Texas as a "Frosty." From his congenial disposition and happy-go-lucky way he had acquired the very catchy name of "Happy Jack" and he was a terror to the Christians and a leader among his unsaved associates. Most of the Christian people were actually afraid of him. In his place he had every thing from a dice box to a "cock pit" and he kept them running when he could. In telling this I do not mean to cast any slurs at the man, for he is my friend today; I only want to show how the grace of God can clean a man up. The meeting had been running for several days before he ever attended and was getting quite interesting when he did come. The first time he came, I said to the evan- gelist, "There is one of the biggest diamonds I have seen lately." He said, "Well, I hope you can land him." "I will do my best if you will help me." "Alright," said he, I stood at the door as the crowd was passing out that night and as he came by I took him by the hand and said : "Well, Jack, you have been in sin long enough. I want you to quit tonight and start for Heaven." He grasped my hand and as he went away thanked me for my interest and said, "I will think about it." As the meeting continued the interest grew and many were saved. Nearly everybody was watching "Happy 8 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH Jack." The next time he came I stopped him as he left the house and said, "Well, old fellow, your name may sound happy and you may try to make people believe you are happy, but you are not. You are the most miser- able man I ever saw and I know it and am asking the Lord to save you and make a sure enough happy man of you." He continued to come to the meeting, though resisted all the calls up to the last day, which service I shall never forget. It was quite rainy and we did not expect many out" the closing service, so the public school dismissed for the last day's meeting. We began the service with song and testimony, which continued for quite a while. Then Mr. Andrews preached his fare- well sermon to young converts, admonishing them to stand fast for the cause they had so recently espoused. At the close of the sermon the call for confessing Christ was given and many were coming forward, indicating their intention to live for Christ. Almost every man in the house came forward. "Happy Jack" was standing there like a great tree with all its limbs stripped from it, as most all his pals had been converted. The final and last call was made something like this: "If there is a man in the house who will have to lose anything finan- cially by giving up sin and quitting his business, I'll see to it that the Christian people of this town stand by him and he does not lose anything." Every eye was turned to "Happy Jack" for they knew to whom the evangelist was talking. The moment was a supreme one for him — to accept Christ and quit sin or continue in sin and lose his soul. The suspense was awful; the people DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 9 were watching him. He was tall, straight, square-shoul- dered and rather fine looking. As the last stanza of the last song was rolling forth with mighty force, "When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there." "If you will come, down and take me by the hand say so now," Jack made a step, somebody said "Amen!" I said, "Well glory." By that time he was down nearly to the front. Well, talk about shouting, we had it there that day. After his profession some one said, "Now Jack, please make a statement as to what you will lose in becoming a Chris- tian." He stepped forward on the platform and like -the man that he was, said, "My fellow citizens and friends: I have nothing to lose, but, praise the Lord, all to gain and I'm so glad I have accepted the bargain. Thank you from my heart for the interest you took in me." This service ran till one o'clock, then we hurried off to dinner. While we were eating the phone rang and the pastor said to us, "Come down on the square im- mediately, we are going to have a show." We rushed down as soon as dinner was over and found piled high in the center of the public square the entire contents of the "blind tiger." He had taken down everything in his place and stacked it out there to burn. There were jugs, bottles, barrels, tables, dead roosters, killed in the "cock pits," cards, dice and everything that makes a firstclass or tenth class "Joint." To this pile of rubbish he applied a five gallon can of oil. Then Jack touched the thing off. And nearly a thousand people stood on the streets and in the mud and sang, "It Is Truly Wonderful," while 10 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH this heap of implements, or instruments of the devil went up in flames. The excitement ran high as we sang and shouted. We took up an offering to assist the fellow in starting up some kind of legitimate business and some- thing like $150.00 was raised for him. We had a final farewell meeting at the depot and short talks were made, then we sang "Sweet By and By." Just as we closed the song and said good-by, Jack's step- son, a grown young man, was happily saved and as the train rolled out from the station the last thing we heard was, "When the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there." Later — The last time I was in Ladonia, Jack's home, I asked the hotel proprietor where Jack was and what he was doing now. "Oh," said he, "Jack has been away holding revival meetings all summer and he is stirring things up, too, wherever he goes." SAVED BY THE SONG, "DEATH IS ONLY A DREAM." Some meetings are more productive of peculiar and remarkable incidents than others. Where the power of the Holy Spirit is manifested as it was at the Green- ville revival we always notice more wonderful things than in ordinary meetings. One night Evangelist An- drews asked me to sing "Death is Only a Dream" and made some comment upon the song before I sang it, say- ing these were the dying words of a Christian girl to her mother just before she passed away. There were two sisters and a brother sitting in the congregation at that time. But neither of us were aware of the fact. A few DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 11 nights after an elegant lady came to me and told me that it was her sisters of whom we had spoken, and at the same time introduced me to two more of the sisters and all three of them requested that I sing the song again, as they had a very wicked brother there that night, for whom they were praying and they hoped that the refer- ence to the last words of their sainted sister would touch his heart. The song was sung as requested with the incident related just as it had occurred. The wayward boy was there, and heard the message from the God thru song. When the altar call was made he was among the large number who came forward and surrendered to God and as I shook his hand he kindly smiled and said, "Brother Phillips, I thank you for singing that song. I have given myself to the Lord and will try by the Grace of God to meet my sainted sister in heaven." The strange part about this incident was this : Eighteen years before I had heard this boy's father preach a touching sermon on heaven and he quoted part of the song and told about the last words of his dying daughter. At the close of his sermon he asked all unsaved people who would give up sin, accept Christ and try to meet him in heaven to come shake hands with him. I with several others went; a few months after I was happily saved and have been trying to sing this wonderful story to dying men, since the Lord saved me. That faithful preacher has gone to his reward years ago, but his work lives after he has gone. 12 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH ANSWERED PRAYER. I was singing in a revival meeting not long ago in a Southern city in which a remarkable answer to prayer occurred. There was a family there that I had known at an other time, in fact I had held a meeting there before, and the husband had manifested some interest and really made a profession of religion. But he failed to unite with the church, and as his associates and partner in business were neither Christians, his surroundings were not conducive to a religious life, consequently he fell by the wayside. I noticed at the beginning of the meeting the wife came out to the services alone and always seemed to have a sad face. The first opportunity I got I asked where her husband was and why he did not come to the meetings, at the same time expressing a desire to meet him and have a talk with him. She looked me straight in the face and said, "Brother Phillips he wont be at the meeting at all. He is not well and is now preparing to start to Oklahoma soon and, more than that, he doesn't like you and don't want to see you." (It's passingly strange how many men get the Oklahoma, Mexico or Cuban fever and want to leave home as soon as a revival starts.) I looked her squarely in the face and said: "Sister S that man ain't sick and I'm sorry you said he didn't like me, for I love him and am anxious to see him and have been praying for him for two years and ex- pect to continue until he is saved." "Well, I hope he will be, but he is going off tomorrow." "Well," I said, "he is running from God and this meeting and I am going DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 13 to pray that God will send him back and get saved in this meeting." "Alright," she said. By this time she saw I meant business and she became interested too. He left next day as he had planned. The meeting continued with increasing interest; many were being saved; I prayed for him almost hourly and my heart went out to him continuously. He went to Western Oklahoma to be gone several weeks for his health. He reached his destination, took in the situation, settled down for a quiet time. He stayed one day and one night got desperately sick, home sick or sin sick, took the train for home next morning and landed back there in about five days from the time he had departed. Passing down the street one morning I met him. "Oh," I said, "I thought you were in Oklahoma." "Yes, I was there, but I am here now." "Yes, I see you are. Guess you are coming to the meeting, ain't you." "Don't know. I'm not well." I pointed my finger in his face and said : "You are not sick. You have misnamed it. You are running from God." I said, "I have been pray- ing for you and I still love you and you must not run any longer." He looked at me a moment and said: "And you still love me and pray for me, are you going to hang on to me as long as I live?" "Yes," said I, "just as long as you live I will hold on to you." "Well if that be the case I'll come." He came and for days was an anxious seeker for salvation, at times almost giving up. We held on, he prayed, his wife prayed and finally went down under the heavy strain and was confined to her bed. The last night of the meeting a friend brought him 14 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH to the altar and remained there for nearly an hour. At last I got down by him, put my arms around him and said, "Clint, I am going to stay here till you get saved or be here when the sun rises tomorrow morning/' He said, "Well, here goes for salvation or I'll die here," and sure enough he did die. For in one minute he was on his feet rejoicing, shouting and shaking hands with his family and friends. Next morning his wife, tho feeble, accompanied him to the meeting and every time I caught a glimpse of her beaming eyes and his shining face it sent a thrill through my soul and made me shout at the top of my voice. It is truly wonderful what God has done. A few months later I passed through that city and ran down to his place to speak a word with him. "Oh," said he, "before I was converted I never had time to go to church ; now I go twice on (Sunday and once or twice each week and have time to read from one to seven chapters in the Bible every night. "Oh," he said, "God has been so good to let me live to see these good days and just remember, Bro. Phillips, if I never see you again, bye and bye, we'll meet up yonder to be with Him forever." SAVED BY THE SONG: "THE OLD FIRE-SIDE/' In 1906 we were engaged in a union evangelistic cam- paign in the city of Port Arthur, Texas. One day a young man came to our room to get our suits to press them for us. I gave him a special invitation to attend the meetings and also invited him to sing in the choir. He said, "Oh I have been coming to the meetings and I DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 15 like to attend very much, would like to sing in the choir, but I can't now. When I was a boy at home I used to go to church every Sunday with my mother and sing in the choir all the time." Then I said, "Well old fellow, come on to the revival and enjoy the music and we will make it interesting for you if we can." He bade me good morning, took the suits to clean and press, and as he left the room said, "I hope you will pray for me that I may g£t right, and enjoy religion as I once did." I promised to pray for him and to help him all I could, and we shook hands and parted. The following night before singing I asked the Lord to help me, that I might sing the right song that night to suit his peculiar case; my mind was directed to this song, "The Old Fire Side." Before singing I said, "now young men, if you will listen while I sing this song, it will take you back to your old country home in your early childhood days, and show you your dear old mother and father, the large family all seated around the old time open fire-place and as the close of day draws nigh you see father take down the great family Bible, slowly turn its pages until he comes to the twenty-third Psalm, or the 55th chapter of Isaiah and then, with sweet hal- lowed voice softly and plainly read a beautiful lesson from this grand old book. "While I look the pictures change, And I see my mothers face, In her hand the Bible worn and stained with tears, But the light is shining still, and within the hallowed place, There is comfort for earth's grief and doubts and fears." 16 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH The song was ended, the sermon preached, and at the close of the service this young man came forward and surrendered his life to God, saying as he did so, "I have been an awful sinner, have wandered away from my home, spent all I have ever made in gambling and drink- ing and living a fast life. Lost a good law practice thru dissipation and am ashamed to let my people know where I am." "Tho," he said, "that song brought me back to my early training and tonight I will, by the grace of God turn my way homeward and heavenward," and he did. He united with the church, joined the choir, went back to his room that night and led his sick brother to Christ, who had not been able to attend the meeting. Six months later I was back in that city and he had been licensed to preach, had entered a Methodist school and was preparing for the ministry. He sent me word he was happy and was expecting to soon be out in the work of soul winning, trying to lead men in the paths of truth and rightousness. SAVED FROM SUICIDE. "Sam, are you going to church with me to-night?" "Go to church! no, of course I'll not go to church. What do I want to go to church for! to have those fellows blessing me out, and telling me how mean I am? I already know." "Well, if you don't go, I guess baby and I can go alone." This said, Mrs. G., and baby son plucked up their courage and plodded off to the meeting, more than a DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 17 mile away. Every step of the way was paved with prayer, for that anxious wife knew that something must be done to get her indifferent husband to the meeting, and also get him interested in his soul. While the song service was under full swing, and Mrs. G. had a chance to look back in the audience, she saw her bewildered hubby sitting on the back seat with head down gazing out at the window, looking mean, and feeling meaner. Then she began to realize that her prayer was answered. In the after service, the singer spotted this indifferent husband, sat down by him, and soon led him out on the subject of his eternal welfare, "Won't you go down to the altar with me for the prayer?" "Yes, but I won't stay." He did go, and went again, and again, and the third time, he got down on his knees and said, "I'll stay here until I'm saved, or know the reason why." In less than five minutes he was happily saved, and Oh ! what a happy woman his little wife was that night, and now they have the happiest home in Texas. Recently, in passing through his town, I stopped over and spent the night with them. — We talked till mid- night. He told me how wonderfully happy he was then. "Oh," said he, "do you know I can sleep like a baby. Before I was converted there were many nights that I never closed my eyes for sleep. I was so very wicked and sinful and miserable. My wife would often think I was sick. I would some times tell her that I was sick, when it was only my wicked past life continually coming before me. Do you know Brother Phillips, had you not come to me and almost forced me to that altar, and 18 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH prayed with me, I would have to-night been in hell." "Oh, no, Sam! you don't mean that." "I do mean that for I had delibrately made up my mind that I could not live that way much longer, and had planned to commit suicide." "Oh, thank God, that you ever came my way. To-night is the happiest time of my life, and now I feel that I could join you and help to save others, if I could." One of the men down at the mill where Sam works said the other day, to one of the men, that "old Sam was now the best man in the world, and if religion could do for him what it had done for Sam, he wanted it too." "Why do you think it has made such a change in him?" "Why, just the other day we had to clean out the elevator shaft, and Sam had to go down into the shaft to remove the dust and dirt from the wheat bin, while down there a trap door slipped, letting down on Sam's head a great load of chaff, dust and bran. Then the boys laughed and said, 'Well, old Sam will lose his religion now, and will cuss us all out.' But instead, when they opened the door, and looked in, Sam came scratching and pawing out, spitting dust and blowing chaff from his mouth, and singing, 'J esus knows all about our struggles.' Then the men turned and said to him, 'Well, old man, I believe you've got it, and I want the same kind, if I ever get any. Pray for me that I may." CLEBURNE, TEXAS, REVIVAL. Cleburne, Tex., July 1st, 1907. Rev. W. B. Andrews, pastor of the Main St. Methodist Church of this City is in midst of perhaps the greatest DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 19 Revival held here in years. Evangelist Rev. John B. Andrews of Siloam Springs, Ark., is doing- the preaching and conducting the Revival Campaign and has succeeded in arousing Cleburne thoroughly on the question of "Re- ligion ;" the Evangelist is attracting large multitudes to hear him. At last Sunday night's service there were more than three-thousand to hear him and many were un- able to get under the "Tabernacle." The services are being held in a large tabernacle erected for the purpose, having quickly outgrown the seating capacity of the Methodist Church where the revival started., More than 250 conversions have been reported to date and their names given for membership in the various churches of the city. The Evangelist is accompanied by Prof. Edward G. Phillips and his wife, also of Siloam Springs, Ark., who is director of the music ; a large choir of about 300 voices are furnishing the finest music ever heard in the city. At many of the services thousands come to the "Twilight Song Service" at eight o'clock, which has become more popular than any similar services ever held here. Prof. Phillips is a leader of song of rare ability, pos- sessing a faculty of leadership in developing the musical abilities of others to an extent seldom reached by men ; besides this he is a fine personal worker, a splendid singer and a fine Christian man. His wife is also a very talented musician and Christian worker, materially supplement- ing the work of both Evangelist Andrews and Prof. Phillips in the song services. The revival has been in progress for 3 weeks and will 20 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH go an for an indefinite length of time, yet the interest continues at a high pitch at every service. Arthur McVeigh. Cleburne Daily News. PRAYED TWENTY YEARS FOR ONE MAN. One day my father sent me to the railroad station to get a small bill of lumber to do some repairing about the barn. After the lumber was loaded onto the wagon, the yard master engaged me in conversation. We had been members of the same ball team, but after I was converted I quit the team. Our conversation naturally drifted out on religion. He and my older brother were fast friends, and were quite wicked. Finally I insisted that he had better change his life and become a Christian. He assured me that he had but little or no interest in the matter, as he had given it but little thought. We separated that day and didn't meet but one time for years, though I told him then that I would pray for him until he was converted. I suppose he forgot it and didn't think of it again for fifteen years. Then I met him and reminded him of the fact. He was then almost down and out, and very far from the Kingdom ; I related to him the incident of my brother's death and how I lead him to Christ, on his death bed. That didn't seem to make much impression upon him. I went to a North- ern state to hold a meeting a few years later. One day I was talking to a doctor about his soul. He switched the subject and wanted to talk of other things. He asked if I knew Henry L. of Nevada, Texas. I said, "Yes, DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 21 we belonged to the same ball team for years." He said "We were in a shooting scrape one night, out here at a dance and when the smoke cleared away, there was one man less in the crowd. From then until now I have never seen or heard of Henry L." On my return to Texas a few years later I was invited to the town to hold a meeting in which Henry lived. Soon after strik- ing the little Western town I met my old time former friend and ball team manager, Henry L. We had a pleasant visit and I told him I was out in the world hunting real "Diamonds," men who were down and out and not suckers and that I had come to that town especially to find him for whom I had prayed since we separated on the ball grounds twenty years before. He grasped my hand and gave me a hearty hand shake and said, "I hope that you will land me then." I went to the pastor and the evangelist and told them that Henry was going to be converted. They smiled and said, "I hope so," but showed from their looks that they doubted it. He came to the meeting and I went out and put my arms around him and told him I had come for him. He went to the altar but did not confess. He said if he did get religion they would say he did it to catch votes as he was a candidate for sheriff. Then he left town and stayed away until the last day before election, and came home sick. I went down to see him. He met me at the door and said, "Come in, I know you think I am a coward, but I ain't, I'm sick." He said upon my word I'll come to church Sunday, and give myself to God, election or no election. He was slightly defeated, at the election 22 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH next day, but that did not effect him. In fact he said he was perfectly satisfied. Bright and early Sunday morn- ing he came to Sunday school with his wife — a thing he had not done for years. As they came in I punched the evangelist and said I'll get my man today. When the sermon was ended the preacher stepped off the plat- form and was so enthused with the power of God, he simply forgot to make his proposition of the unsaved, but went to shaking hands with people. I stood and sung the cowboy's Roundup. When the last verse was sung, I said, "Men there will be a great roundup some day and some of you poor fellows are not ready for the day. But if you want to get ready, and be at the final roundup, come give me your hand." Henry was the first man to make the start ; others followed in quick succes- sion. To my last day on earth I shall never forget how he looked as he came down the aisle, with his arms ex- tended above his head and yelling as loud as he could, "I'll be at the roundup, Brother Phillips, I'll be there." That night with about 100 others he was received into the church, and was one of the best workers in the meet- ing. I stood with my arm around him while he took the vows of the church and I never saw a man who seemed to be so happy for the step he took. The day the meeting closed and I was leaving the town, he with his opponent who was elected as well as the sheriff and several other friends and enemies, all met on a lot behind an old store and sat down on the grass and had on old fashioned love feast, while they passed the cigars and smoked and laughed and cried and forgave each other. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 23 THE REVIVAL MEETINGS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THE HISTORY OF CLAREMORE. The Union Revival Meeting now drawing to a close, have been the most successful of any similar effort in the history of Claremore. Scores of men and women, of mat- ure years, have been led to "think on their ways" and decide for a higher and nobler life ; many of whom have professed conversion and taken a definite and decided stand for Christ. Members of the various churches have been greatly helped and strengthened. Little differences and misunderstandings have been righted and the churches put in good condition for effective work. Credit for the success of the meetings is due, first to the pastors of the churches who planned and prepared for it in the right spirit, aided by the faithful few among their members. Their laying aside all appearance of selfishness and denominational interests, won the con- fidence of the people and opened the way of the grand work that has followed. In securing evangelists they were fortunate. Rev. Lovic P. Law has proven himself a strong, practical preacher of righteousness. A consecrated man, who does not lean on his own strength or wisdom for results. A man who preaches the truth clearly and fearlessly, and does not hesitate to condemn sin, either in the church or out. But it is all done in the spirit of love and kind- ness, and drives conviction home to the hearer. Prof. Edward G. Phillips, the singer, is one of the 24 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH most efficient men in that line we have ever met. Being an excellent leader, he is able to put life and enthusiasm into his choir and get the best results. His solo work is good and proves, not only a pleasing but an effective part of the work. Prof. Phillips is not only able in song, but is one of the best personal workers it has been our privilege to meet. Many in Claremore will gatefully remember and acknowledge his interest and helpful in- fluence in their behalf. About 150 people have been to the altar, as seekers, during the meetings ; the majority of whom have pro- fessed conversion. Many others have been greatly helped and enabled to take a higher stand in life. It has been a great day in the history of Claremore to which many will gratefully look back in later years. Some of our people have neglected, others have refused, this great opportunity. The meetings will close in a few days, leaving the work unfinished to many of our people. This is unfortunate, for such favorable opportunities do not come often and many will not see another. But Clare- more will be better, truer and stronger for these three weeks of Union Revival Meetings. THREE FOR ONE. His real name was James Fernand Reymond, but for short they called him Captain Jim, owing to his posi- tion and age, as well as his superior strength and size. His occupation was that of a dredge canal boat Captain ; operating on one of the government canals on the South- DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 25 ern coast. His daily duties consisted in keeping "tab" on the boat hands and seeing that every man was con- stantly at his post. But from the color of his prominent frontis-piece at the upper end of his anatomy and the sound of the piercing oaths that rolled from his thickened tongue, one might easily imagine that he had bartered his soul to the devil in assisting the W. C. T. U. of America in banishing from its fair land the awful traffic of rum, by drinking an enormous amount of it each day, thinking that in a short while he could consume the entire output. One day as he was just entering one of the devil's dens — a saloon — to secure a quantity of liquor to take out to his boat for thirst quenching purposes, as his system seemed to require, he was met by a young man who had visited him the previous day out on his canal boat and had talked with him about his soul. For nearly an hour he stood before the front door of that hell-hole and begged Captain Jim not to go into the place, and also not to drink any more, but to give himself to God and lead a Christian life. The Captain said to him: "I have not been to church for twelve years. I went with my wife once after our baby came, and she wanted to have it baptised. I got mad, refused to do so and have never been back to church since and I don't know that I will." The young man replied : "Since you have acted the fool so long, would it not be a wise idea and sensible too, to come on and attend the meeting and be a Chris- tian?" "Oh, I guess not; it will cost me fifty cents every time I come in and fifty cents back — that's one dollar and I couldn't afford to spend a dollar a day to 25 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH attend your revival." But he was spending that much and more each day for liquor. "Well," said the worker, "if you will come to our meeting every night for the next five nights, which will be 'till Saturday night, I will give you a dollar for each night you come, provided you do not miss a night and with the understanding that you take the fifth seat the first night, the fourth seat the second night and so on 'till you reach the front pew." Captain Jim said, "all right I'll go you one; I'll get your dollar sure." Then Captain D., head manager for the Company, said : "I will add another dollar to your offer, young man." Then Captain Q., government gauger, said, "Good ! and I'll also add a dollar." By this time Captain Jim saw they were in earnest about the matter and were about to get him in a tight place, and he turned away, saying: "Let me go now; I must step in here and get my quart and go to the boat. The boys are waiting for me now." The worker said: "No, let me leave you first; I do not want to stand here and see you make a hog of yourself. If you are going in that saloon I will not stand here and see it — good bye." He soon disappeared in the pushing crowd along the street. The Captain stepped into the saloon; the good Spirit must have been closely atttending his footsteps, for he walked up to the bartender and said: "I won't take out anything today. Just set it back." He was soon in the work wagon with his men and on his way out to the canal. Captain Jim made good his promise and was there on the fifth seat the first night and the fourth seat the DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 27 second night. On the third day one of his boat hands drank some wood alcohol and was laid on the cooling board for a few weeks and the Captain had to take the workman's place on the boat, so he was unavoidably kept from attending the meeting on the third night. He was interested enough to send word to his newly made friends that he could not come that night, but would make good his promise and come the following night. So he did. Early in the evening he was seen pushing his way down toward the front, accompanied by his wife and little daughter, also by another Captain, his wife and son. All six of them lined up on the second seat. As they did so the young worker whispered to the Evangelist and said : "We'll land the old mud-cats and all the top minnows." They gave close attention to the sermon. When ended and invitation to seekers was given the Captain stepped out into the aisle followed by the entire crowd that had accompanied him to the meeting and all came to the altar and knelt down for prayer. While kneeling in silence each one was quietly and prayerfully instructed and led definitely to accept Christ. They arose and shook hands with friends, rejoicing and prais- ing the Lord. Though he was outwardly rough and indifferent at first he had now become very different. He quit his swearing and drinking and has been a regular attendant at church every since. He came into the big tent on Saturday night, followed by his family and the family of his friend, Captain Murphy. They all sat down together. As they did so, 28 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH the young man who had been instrumental in leading him and his family to Christ, stepped off the platform and quietly walked down the aisle and took Captain Jim by the hand and gave him a hearty grasp, and as he did so left a five dollar bill in his hand. They both smiled, but neither spoke. The young man walked back and took his seat. The ushers were asked to take the incidental offering. As they passed Captain Jim he quietly dropped into the plate a five and ten dollar bill, and said : "That's for the man who has worked so faith- fully to make me a better man." When the worker received the message and the mercenary remuneration, he said to his co-laborer: "The Lord has paid me three for one and in the deal a soul was won. A REMARKABLE CONVERSION. In our meeting at Decatur last July I was invited into a home to visit a few moments one morning, with some friends whom I had not seen for several years. The lady of the home said, "Bro. Phillips I wanted you to talk to my husband, yet I am afraid if you do, he will become offended and will not return to your meetings. So if you talk to him, be very careful that you do not make him mad." I said, "Oh! don't you worry; I'm only afraid I wont make him mad." My heart was al- ready tied on to the man and with a passion for his soul. I went after him with the satisfaction of seeing him wonderfully saved. He had been a missionary six years in China, but had given up his work and had not prayed a prayer for DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 29 nineteen years, I give here an excerpt from two letters received from him since his conversion: My Dear Phillips : — I write a line just to say that I am still rejoiced on account of the stand I have taken in regard to my spiritual life. The nineteen years spent away from the cross were unhappy ones. All the time I was conscious of an unfilled want, nothing was to be found to satisfy the hunger of the soul. I did not expect to find it, at the time I separated from church rela- tions; I saw plainly at the time that nothing satisfying was to be hoped for. But I now feel happy in embrac- ing the old hope and am trying to remain close to the cross. Wife and I joined the Baptist church here 'Sun- day, she being baptised at night. We have family wor- ship daily and grace at table. Life begins to promise more to me than it has for many years. Have not mapped out my course for the future. Am at present studying the Bible as much as I can find time to. It has new at- tractions for me. I shall always remember you and rejoice that you came to Decatur for the general good you did and the special blessing . I and mine received. You will always have a warm place in my heart for keep- ing after me and making me continue to consider the subject of the christian life. God bless you and use you long for the glory of his name. Remember me to An- drews. Wish I could be with you at Stephenville a few days, at least, but do not see my way clear to leaving my business. Yours fraternally, N. W. Halcomb. 30 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUCH My Dear Phillips : — Your good letter was duly received and much appreciated as to the write-up of my reclama- tion that you propose, I can only say that I do not like too much publicity, but if you think the write-up will serve any good purpose I shall not seriously object to it. I do not know that I have any suggestions to make, but will give you a few facts in regard to myself that you can use or not as you think best: My mother was a very religious woman and my religious impressions began early. At 12 years of age I was a religious boy; worked much in local protracted meetings. My attention was early called to the ministry and at the age of 17 I entered college, the William Jewel College at Liberty, Mo., with the purpose of fit- ting myself for the ministry. After graduating there I entered Crozes Theological Seminary at Upland, Pa., but my health giving way during the first term, I left school and spent two years in Colorado, recuperating and in business, returning at the end of that time to William Jewel College for one year, and completing the A. M. course there in 1881. During all my college course and at the seminary I had great perplexities in regard to the Christian doctrines, beginning with those of pre- destination and free will, and going on until I questioned the truth of miracles, the inspiration of the scriptures and the manifestation of the supernatural. I left school about ready to discard my religious beliefs. I arrived at a point where I thought I had discarded these beliefs, but on returning to college and renewing old associations I thought I could not abandon them and my old desire DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 31 to work for the Master returned. In my former college days one of my college mates and I had been instrumental in organizing a foreign missionary society in the college. He had now finished his college course and was a mis- sionary in India, the Rev. W. R. Manley. My atten- tion was turned to China. I consulted with prominent men in our denomination, particularly with the late Dr. Rothwell, there at the head of the college. I was advised to enter the active work of the ministry notwithstand- ing my perplexities, with the belief expressed that active work would relieve my doubts. Accordingly I applied for appointment as missionary to China under the Southern Baptist Board and received my appointment. Instead of decreasing, my perplexities increased until I felt I was not sufficiently in harmony with the church, or with the mission and surrendered my credentials as an ordain- ed minister. I then had charge of the United States con- sulate at Chefoo, China, one year. Taught in a government school in Japan two years, returned to this country and have most of the time been in the newspaper business at this place since. I have told you of my unrest; how un- satisfactory my life has been. You know of my recent laying hold of Jesus as my only hope and my all. I need not repeat this. I trust I shall never let go this hope, this trust, and shall be able to live in constant com- munion with Him. The branch must abide in the vine. Will close wishing you much success at Stephenville and Dallas. Yours in Christ, 32; DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH P. S. You may be surprised to know that I have sold my newspaper and expect to go into the ministry. After the renewal of my Christian experience I felt a return of the old desire to preach and am closing up my business as fast as I can that I may begin it. A SOCIETY LADY DREAMED OF THE RAILROAD SONG 12 MONTHS BEFORE SHE HEARD IT. In the summer of '99 we were holding a big tent meet- ing in S., a beautiful little village situated in the mount- ains of North Arkansas. The interest of the meeting wasjiot very great. In fact the evangelist said that the meeting would close in a few days unless the church became more active. The following night I arose to sing just before the sermon. This night I sang the rail- road song. Before singing the song I related some of the peculiar incidents to which my attention had been called in connection with the song and stated that we might look for the same thing to follow it here as it had at other places. The sermon which followed, by J. B. Andrews, was one of much power, and great con- viction was on the people. And not a few found Christ precious to their souls, and started on the Christian march to heaven. After the service was over a well dressed, elegant lady came up to me and asked me to go home with her and her husband and she would tell me something of the dream she had more than a year previous. I walked home with them and we were seated on the front porch; it was a warm summer evening. rn^-1 « Barney Brush, who missed but one trip in 14 years (see page 40) DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 33 And these are her words as near as I can state them. She said : "Bro. Phillips, about a year ago I had a wonderful dream and it troubled me very much for a long time and now I understand it. I dreamed that there was a great tent meeting being conducted here by two evangelists. A thing that had never been in that town, and in my dream I could see the angels from heaven ascending and decending, carrying the glad news to heaven over the lost sinners that were returning home. Among the angels I saw my sainted mother and sister who had been dead a number of years, and as the work continued all the young people of our town were con- verted and best of all, my husband and I were happily saved, and were happy in our new found saviour, and tonight, said she, when you came forward and sang the Railway to heaven, I could scarcely refrain from shout- ing aloud ; I had to hold my lips to keep from crying aloud. I did not know there was such a song. I did not know that there was such a man as yourself. But when you came forward and sung the song, I knew every word of it as well as if I had been reading it from your book or had known the song all my life and, strange to say, I saw in the singer and song, that was before me that night, the dream that so impressed me twelve months before. And I then realized that God was calling me to a better life and there I made up my mind to serve Him and to go to work for Him." The glorious results ! The next morning her husband who was not a christian and seldom went to church, 34 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH closed his business-house and with all his clerks came to the meeting — something he was never known to do be- fore. When the altar-call was given, I shall never forget how this woman dressed in her silks and satins, came rushing down the aisle and knelt at the altar and gave herself to God. She arose and went direct to the back part of the tent, took her husband by the arm and led him to the altar. There they both kneeled down and prayed and in a moment were up on their feet praising God and shaking hands with their friends. They both went to work, and when the meeting closed every young man and lady, save one or two, were converted and joined the church,, and this worldly man and wife led most of them to Christ. She dreamed that all the friends were saved, and so they were, and she had been the in- strument in the hands of God who led many of them to the Savior. And as I think of that meeting today, I remember it as one of the most powerful meetings I ever saw, and shall always praise God for using that dream and worldly woman and a little song to save many precious souls. The following is a letter from the lady of whom this incident was related : Mr. Ed. G. Phillips, Kind Friend: — i\bout a year before you and Bro. Andrews held a tent-meeting in our town, I dreamed we had a big "tent-meeting," the biggest revival we ever had here; I thought everybody was happy, among them ourselves. I thought a tall young man stood up and sang, "Life's DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 35 Railway to Heaven," and back of him I could see the Angels ascending and descending from Heaven, and I thought of an aunt of mine, that had been dead for some time, came to me and put her arms around me and said, "God bless you, Annie." The next morning I told my husband about the dream, he remarked "that's one dream I am afraid will never come true; I don't think we will ever have a tent meeting in Salem, its too far from the railroad." So I forgot all about the dream until the night before we were converted. When you got up and sang the song it flashed back to my mind in a moment the words and everything just like I had seen them in the dream. I had never heard the song before, only in the dream. We were" so happy that night; in fancy I could al- most see the choir invisible. It's a strange coincidence in meeting you at Harrison, one of the first things you said, was, "it's the lady that had the dream." I had told you about it eight years ago. I didn't know you were in Harrison holding a meeting until my sister told me you were there. It was quite a pleasure to hear you and Bro. Andrews again. Very respectfully, Mrs. W. M. Castleberry. CONDUCTOR ED. PHILLIPS SAVED BY A SONG. While conducting a service of Gospel tent meetings in the town of Commerce, Texas, with L. A. Pruitt of Ten- nessee, this peculiar incident happened. The meeting 36' DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH was being held down near the railroad track close by the depot, in order to catch the multitude of boys, who would come to idle away their leisure hours around the station. The interest of the meeting was good. Many were- be- ing saved. Among them were some of the leading R. R. men. One night after the meeting had been running nearly two hours, and we were about ready to close, fifteen had made a profession. We were singing with great power, "Saviour wash me in the blood," and Mr. Pruitt was down on his knees at the altar, with a struggling sinner, try- ing to lead him into the light. At last I motioned to the organist and choir to hold. Everything was deathly still, Mr. Pruitt turned to the leader and said, "What are you waiting for?" "Will you please to sing." The leader replied, that he was going to sing a solo, and with that he began to sing that remarkable song, which has been blest to the salvation of more railroad men than any song of the twentieth century. The singer had not sung the second stanza, when all at once a shout arose from the big man, with broad shoulders who was kneeling at the front seat. And he arose and was shaking, hands with his many friends, who rushed around him, to bid him God's speed on his way to Heaven. The entire audience as much as possible came to welcome him in his newly found Savior. The singer stopped and asked who this man was, and why this commotion. The pastor said he was one of the toughest men in the city. Was a conductor and had also been DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 37 marshal of the city, and was a very popular man at one time. But drink had caused him to lose his position as City Marshal, and this was his only work now-railroad- ing. Well he was wonderfully saved. He quit the saloon gang, joined the church, and as long as I kept in touch with him, he was a faithful Christian. He told me a short while after his conversion, just after he had re- ceived his monthly salary from the R. R. that that was the first time he had enough money to pay his grocery bills, house rent and other necessary expenses that go to run a house. That he paid all these, and had money enough left to buy the wife and two bright sweet little girls new dresses, and send them to church and Sunday school. Several months after his conversion, I met one of his brakies at Greenville Texas, and asked how old Phil- lip was holding on. "Oh, he said, "he is the truest man I ever saw. There has not been but one pint of whiskey on his train, since he was converted; and that was car- ried by a sick man, and kept a secret from the conductor." He said "I passed *his train the other day, and Phillip was up in the caboose reading his Bible, as my train passed by. I heard him singing, "I will meet you in the City of the New Jerusalem." As my train rolled down the grade and over the river, I repeated to myself in answer, "Yes, I'll meet you in the City of the New Jerusalem." —"Good-bye." 38' DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH A GREAT REVIVAL. A meeting of unprecedented magnitude in these parts was recently held in Greenville, Tex., conducted by Rev. J. B. Andrews, of Siloam Springs, Ark., with the co- operation of the pastors of the city. Rev. Ed. Phillips, of Siloam Springs, directed the singing. Rev. C. Pug- sley, pastor of Kavanaugh Church, Greenville, had en- gaged the evangelist some months in advance, and had his Church well prepared for his coming. He could have said in their behalf to the evangelist, as did Cornelius upon the arrival of Peter from Joppa : "We are all here present before God to hear all things that are com- manded thee of God." The Church was eager for the message and ready to co-operate with the leader in the promotion of the revival. The meeting had taken on such proportions at the end of two weeks that the auditorium of Kavanaugh Church was entirely inadequate to the demands of the occasion, and hundreds were being turned away from the services. A tabernacle with a seating capacity of twenty-five hundred was erected near the center of the city, and all the pastors of the city were invited to co-operate in the meeting. The revival assumed still greater proportions, and all the available space in the tabernacle was taken and hundreds stood around on the outside. The peni- tents were all invited to kneel at the altar; and possibly one hundred might have been seen kneeling at once at the altar on certain occasions, and sixty or seventy were converted at a single service. The work seemed to be DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 39 genuine, with no claptrap methods. The preaching was plain, earnest, practical, and straight forward, dealing largely in incidents pathetic and persuasive rather than expository. The penitents, in the main, were deeply concerned, and the conversions correspondingly clear and satisfactory. The singing was of the most inspiring character, there being a choir of more than 300 hundred well trained voices, with a variety of musical instruments. Professor Phillips was master of the situation, besides being a most efficient altar worker and doing much private work on the streets and in the homes. Nearly three hundred persons have been added to the three Methodist Churches of the city, and about half that num- bur to other Churches. Adult persons were the prin- cipal subjects of conversion. Not a few children attended the services and were greatly interested and materially benefited, as reported by the teachers of the public schools, who suspended school an hour a day for sev- eral morning services and encouraged the pupils to attend services that did not conflict with school duties. From the best account taken, not less than seven or eight hundred persons were converted or reclaimed, and possibly twice as many were in some way materially benefited by the meeting. The results abide, as shown not only in the number of accessions to the Churches, but in increased attend- ance upon public worship, prayer meetings, Sunday schools, and Epworth Leagues. Two and three hundred people may be seen at prayer meetings, and the Sunday schools fill the churches. It was, in its proportions, 40 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH perhaps the greatest revival I ever witnessed. The evangelist and singer did their work well. The meet- ing was wisely and skillfully conducted on orthodox lines, and with pastors and people in hearty sympathy and co-operation. The result was a great meeting, and great good accomplished. CONVERSION OF ENGINEER BARNEY BRUSH. In the fall of 1900 we were invited to a county seat town in Southwest Mo., to hold a union tent meeting. The town was noted for its absolute indifference, both in religious and political affairs. One of the pastors had told us before arriving that it would be impossible to stir up any interest among the people. I told him God would stir them up, if we would do our duty. And that I expected to see some of the indifferent of the town walking through the streets shouting and praising the Lord, and this we saw before the meeting closed. One night while I was leading the choir, and people were coming to the altar and getting saved, I was suddenly impressed to leave the choir and step down the aisle, and into the audience. Following the leading of the Spirit I did so. I did not go but a few steps, then stop- ped; as if by command I turned to my left and saw a broad shouldered rail-road man standing there. He had just refused the entreaties of the pastor to go for- ward and accept Christ. This I did not know ; I laid my hand upon his shoulder and said: "old fellow, you must go forward with me and give yourself to Christ; you have promised Him you would a thousand times and DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 41 have as many times gone back upon your promise." He looked at me a moment, never said a word, but deliber- ately stepped out and down to the altar we went. We bowed at the altar for a moment. I explained the plan of salvation to him, step by step. After telling him deliberately what he must do, confess his sins, turn away from sin, believe in Christ and trust him right then, I had not more than finished the quotation, when he arose and said, "I have confessed; I do believe, and he does save me now." We shook hands. His wife came, and such a shouting time as we had that night, makes me thank God till this day that I ever spoke to him. I give you his experience here just as he gave it to me the next day, and as he has given it to two other evangelists since. Four years after that night I passed his train in South- ern Mo., one day, and he said as my train moved by his engine, (he was still on the same engine), "Hello Bro. Phillips, I still have my hand on the throttle and my eye on the rail." I said "amen, just hold on old boy and she will land you the grand Central Station by and by. He said : "When I was a boy I felt impressed to be a Christian and thought I would, but would wait until I became a man and then settle the matters as to my soul's salvation. Not long after that I took very sick one day and grew worse all the while; finally they decided I could not recover and told me so. I promised God that if he would let me get well I would be a Christian and, to the surprise of every one, I began to improve at once. When fully well, I was reminded by the Holy Spirit of the promise I had made. But, as is often done by 42 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH many, soon forgot my vow, and went on in the same old way. Reached manhood and had grown in sin as the years went by, was once more called to my vows by an awful spell of pneumonia. Prayed again and again ; the Lord in his mercy healed me. I fully believed I would cease from my evil ways and come to God, tho, as before, I went into sins of all kinds, and lost all impressions to do good. For years I led a reckless life and spent all my hard earned money for balls and shows, women and wine, went from bad to worse, until God laid his hand upon me again for the third time. This time I was soon unconscious and lay for days between time and eternity on the brittle thread of life, not knowing how soon I should be called away. After I had been ill for three weeks a missionary called to see me one afternoon on her way to a prayer meeting. I was so weak I could not talk to anyone; I could only listen to her kind and comforting words and passages she read from the Bible. As she left the room I was so impressed to ask her to have the people at the prayer meeting pray for me that I might recover and be a Christian, I could not call her as she was leaving. But as she started out at the door she looked back to see if I was comfortably arranged on my bed. I motioned her to come back. I could only raise one hand the least bit ; she returned to my bedside and asked me in a gentle whisper what I wanted. I told her to ask God's people to pray for me, that I might regain my health, and if God would let me get well I would be a Christian. She left my room assuring me that they would try, and pray for me. I was restored, DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 43 was soon able to be out on my engine and on full duty. I was then running on the Frisco from Monett, Mo., to Ft. Smith, Ark. At the completion of the Crescent hotel at Eureka Springs, Ark., there was a grand opening ball given in honor of the Frisco people. I, among many other em- ployees, went down to attend the swell affair. At the close I was more than one hundred dollars short. Two or three days spent in reveling and dissipation I was not able to return to my post of duty for several days and when I did I was met with the reply that my place was filled, and I would not be needed any longer. I returned to my room down hearted and sad, only to weep over my sins and a misspent life so far. I was not long in finding a position with a telephone company, setting poles and stringing the wires. As I labored, I thought on my wayward life, but did not have the man- hood to surrender. One bright morning the men were hurrying to be off to their work. I was shoveling coal into the bin for the day. The day was bright and sunny. But all at once there seemed to be a cloud of inky darkness surround me, and I was completely wrapped in this dark- ness. There came to me an awful impression that I should not go out to work that day. That some dread calamity was coming to me; I was foreman of the gang; the contractor came to me and said: T want you to rush the men today and complete the line to the cross road." But I said to him, T am not feeling exactly well this morning and shall have to ask you to excuse me from duty today and send another man in my stead.' He 44, DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH insisted that I should go, as there was no one who could fill my place. I finally said, Well, I go," but my seeming presentiment grew upon me until I felt sure I could not go and told him so the second and third time. He finally said I was a coward and was not acting the man. Then I said I will go, and do my duty, if I die in the act.' I was soon on the road out. After a short drive we reached the place where we were to begin to string the wires; the poles were all ready for the wires. I put on my climbers, gathered my tools, swung them on my belt and started up a pole; when I reached the top I drew my hammer from my belt, struck the crossbeam one lick, my hold slipped, and I fell to the hard beaten road twenty-three feet below. I was unconscious for several hours, my right hip was crushed and I was other- wise badly hurt. The doctor said I might recover with careful attention. For days and weeks I lay flat on my back not able to turn in my bed. When I had regained my health and was able to be on foot again one of my limbs was almost two inches shorter than the other and I have remained a cripple to this day. God touched my hip joint, and sent me out to limp through life. And never again to enter a ball room. Seems that God had to break my hip to break me from dancing/ But now Bro. Phillips I am praising Him for saving my soul, and letting me see this happy day. I have seen this man two or three times each year since his conversion and have found him still praising God for the night I walked down the aisle and said, "Come on, old fellow, and let's make your promise good." Some DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 45 day I expect to shake hands with him on the other side of the river. HE SAID HE WOULD QUIT WHEN HE BECAME RICH. The Railroad song was sung one night during the great tent meeting at Pine BlufT held by Jno. B. An- drews and myself. After the meeting some friends went to the restaurant and were talking of the song and some of the incidents which were told. A man who was along with the crowd was then a conductor on a line that ran into Little Rock. His sister and the friends urged him to give himself to the Lord and quit the railroad business and come back home and stay with the family. He laughingly said he would quit some day when he be- came rich. Poor fellow, he did quit, and that too before he got rich or religious either. His train was just leav- ing the station when he reached for the steps but fell short and his body was thrown beneath the moving train and crushed into a mass of blood and bones. They sent up to the city where Evangelist Andrews was holding a meeting to have him come and conduct the funeral serv- ices. The best that he could do was to give a warning to those who refused to turn from sin and point the be- reaved loved ones to Jesus who is our help in time of trouble. SO GLAD HE WAS READY TO GO. When John E. Brown and I were holding our first tent meeting at Monett, Mo., I went out to speak to a 46 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH man about his soul. He seemed a little careless and refused to go forward for prayer. I insisted that he settle the question then and give himself to God. He was a mail clerk on the Frisco R. R. He told me he would think over the matter and that he appreciated what I had said to him but he soon left the town and made his run on the mail express to Paris, Texas. On his return home he came back to the meeting again and sat quite near the front. When the call for seekers was made he delib- erately came forward and confessed Christ and gave his name for church membership. The few days he was permitted to live he was an active worker. About four days after his conversion he went home and had a chat with his little wife and the babies, then bade them good- bye and started for his next run. When he approached the depot he stepped on the track and was walking rapidly down the road; the wind was blowing furiously and the rattle of the many trains prevented him from hearing a backing train coming down on him and be- fore he could step off the track the train struck him, mangling his body beyond recognition. He was picked up and tenderly carried home to his wife and children where he was loved and cared for by his many friends. When his little wife took the last farewell look at his pale, cold face she looked up and smiled as she said, "Oh brother Rader, I am so glad he was ready, to go. How glad I am that he gave his heart to God in the tent meeting." DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 47 "A PHOTO MOTHER LEFT ME LONG AGO." Long before Oklahoma was opened for settlers, the red man roamed over the trackless plains, and fertile valleys. The white man seldom had occasion to visit or travel over this unsettled country, save now and then a party of Eastern sports or over-worked business men would go for a buffalo hunt, deer or antelope chase, and not infrequently a round with a grizzly. Settlements were few and far between, and travelers were seldom seen, only those who would take a short cut across the Oklahoma country to Texas, as railroads were entirely unknown in Oklahoma and Texas too, save in the ex- treme Eastern portion of the state. One cold November day a party of Kansas emigrants started for Western Texas. When they reached Central Oklahoma the cold and storm were so severe they were unable to proceed on their journey. So they struck camp on one of those cheerless blank looking streams, with here and there a few scattering sage bushes, and occa- sionally a lone cottonwood tree, miles away from the nearest settlement, and in a strange land, with but little to eat and less with which to give comfort to his suffer- ing companion, who had suddenly become ill and death seemed inevitable. All the long weary hours of the night, the husband watched by her bedside, as she lay on a rudely con- structed bed made of wild grass and reeds such as he could gather by the wayside. The hours hung heavily over his aching head, as he sat beside the patient sufferer; DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH he breathed a prayer to the Great Father to protect and help the dying mother and preserve and keep the pre- cious little stranger that had so recently arrived in that uncomfortable place, with such uncongenial surroundings, met by the hissing sounds of the midnight winds and soon to be cast upon the unfriendly charities of a cold and heartless world. For as the first rays of the morning sun had dawned upon the Eastern horizon the patient suffering mother took one long farewell look at her infant babe, tenderly placed a little locket around its neck, folded her weary hands across her fainting bosom and quietly passed to the land of perpetual sunshine, where storm and hardships never come. With his own care worn, yet loving hands; he digged a grave, wrapped a shroud of blankets, and the best com- fort from the old home, about the frail and faded form and laid the idol of his heart beneath the shifting sands of the red hills of Western Oklahoma ; made a little mound of earth, to mark the last resting place of his com- panion, stuck a sand slab at the head of the grave and turned his face toward the South Land, where his heart longed so much to be. The motherless infant was snugly wrapped and ten- derly placed in the warmest corner of the prairie schooner and as the heart-broken father was preparing to start on his journey, he was met by a friendly band of roving Indians. They saw the newly made grave and by their sad faces and broken English they soon convinced the traveler that they were his friends and would help him in his troubles. Then he led them to the wagon and Mr. Phillips and his friend Thos. Stevens, studying "Diamond Digging." DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 49 carefully unfolded the blankets and pointed to the little one that was left motherless and alone, with only this bereaved and broken hearted frontiersman to be both mother and father to their ill fated infant. They caressed and petted it in their half-civilized hearts, which was clearly seen by their tear-stained brown faces, as they turned away, yet seemed almost charmed and held fast to the place by some unseen power. Finally a motherly old woman fell down upon her knees and threw her arms around the bundle, which contained the precious infant, and placing her hands upon the father's feet, begged him to give to her care and training the child, and she would see that it had the best the land possessed. She was one of the better class and more civilized of her tribe, therefore, after promising that she would take good care of the child and educate it in the national schools, the father took one glance at the sleeping child, imprinted a parting kiss upon its pink cheek and turned his only daughter over to the strange old Indian. He hitched his team to the prairie schooner and was soon out of sight, in the dim blue haze of the Oklahoma sand hills. After many weary days of travel he finally reached his destination, settled down to active ranch life in the Western country. He often thought of his past experience on the Oklahoma plains and wondered about the future of his child, but never heard one word of her, from the sad moment when he turned her over to those wandering Cherokees. Years rolled by; he left his ranch and went into the 50 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH general merchandise business. In the meantime Ok- lahoma was opened for white settlers, the people rushed in from all points of the globe to secure homes and land. Schools were opened for all whites and blacks, for awhile together. This old Indian woman was given charge of one of the national boarding schools, then kept up by the government. Into this school she placed her "little white face" as the child was called. There she was kept until she reached womanhood, and had completed her education. Then she was sent East to finish her music and to take a more thorough course in English. She had promised her Indian mother that she would return to her tribe and help educate the people who had done so much for her. It was nearing commencement, the program for the closing exercise was being arranged, the little white face Indian was selected to sing a song on the closing night of commencement, one of her own composition for she had gained some notice as a singer and composer. A western merchant had gone East to lay in his stock of winter goods, consisting of robes, overcoats and blankets, for his frontier customers. After going through the wholesale district and com- pleting his purchase one of the clerks tapped him on the shoulders and said, "By the way, you are from the new country in the west I believe; better go down to St. Mary's with me tonight and attend commencement. There is a little native from your country, who will sing tonight, and they say, she is the musical star of Old St. Mary this season and the rage of the city. You DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 51 will be interested in her perhaps, as she is from your wild west. She is a white orphan who was reared among the Indians, and sent here three years ago to finish her music." "Did you say she was an orphan?" His mind was turned to his early days in the west, and the parting of his wife and babe, on that cold November morning many years ago. When the hour came for the entertainment, Mr. Coleman, our rancher merchant, was comfortably seated in a nearby box-party as guest of the wholesale merchant, Mr. Litson. The attendance at this, the closing night of com- mencement, was unusually large, the enthusiasm ran high, everybody seemed happy and cheerful. The music was inspiring and grand. When the announcement was made, "Solo" A' Locket Mother Left Me Long Ago," Miss Chelsea Coleman Sequahyah, every eye was flashed upon her as she gracefully stepped before the admiring multitude; she stood before the vast audience, fair of face and^ robust form, indicative of her out door life. When she glanced over the audience there was a sweet smile beaming from her face. As she sang the first few notes every eye and ear was strained to catch a more vivid picture of her graceful form, and hear more plainly the sweet notes as they rang through the magnificent hall. When she sang the last strain of the beautiful song, "Just a Photo From a Locket Mother Left me Long Ago" there was scarcely a tearless eye in the great concourse of people, as they sat silently and sadly thinking of the days gone by. 52 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH At the close of the evening's entertainment Mr. Cole- man had made his way down to the front, and pushed through the surging crowd and up to where Chelsea stood, gracefully receiving the congratulations of her ad- mirers. Her own father stood before her tall and straight, square shouldered and elegant in stature, neatly groomed in a dark business suit. His face covered with a closely clipped iron grey beard and tears trickling down his cheeks, knowing that his only daughter was as unconsci- ous of the fact that her father stood before her as she was of the increasing anxiety that possessed his throb- bing heart. He stepped up to her and held out his hand and said, "Chelsea Coleman, my darling daughter, do you not see in this face the likeness of your father's photograph??" She gazed a moment at the friendly stranger's face and smiled, as a tear stole down her ruddy cheek; she stepped back and drew from beneath her moccasin belt a small locket and quickly opened it saying as she did so, "I have this photo in my locket, and the story it may tell. It was given me by my aged mother and I love it oh, so very much." To his glad surprise as he looked upon the faces in the little silver locket he beheld his own likeness, with that of his young bride, which was taken many years before, when they had promised to join heart and hand and march through life together. Beneath the photo in small letters was this inscription, "From Henry C. to Chelsea M." He held out his arms and said, "That is your own mother's photograph, and your father stands DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 53 before you now." She was as conscious of this, as he, for she fell into his great loving arms, and covered his bearded, tear stained face with kisses, dropped her grace- ful head upon his manly shoulder and there wept out the eventful tragedy of her graduation day, forgetful of the honors she had won by her song — "Just a Photo Mother Left Me Long Ago." CALLED THROUGH HIS DREAM AND SAVED BY THE SINGING OF THE SONG, "LOOKING THIS WAY." No doubt there are many people in and out of the church who do not believe in dreams and many will say it's an hallucination, excitement or something of the kind. Be that as it may, we have the Bible on our side, and can't be wrong. For in Acts 2:17 we have this: "You young men shall see visions and you old men shall dream dreams." So I give this incident just as it happened in a Northern city in November, 1900. There was a great union meeting being conducted by Evangelist Brown of Iowa and myself. The revival was held in the Methodist church and was attracting wide spread interest, so much so that an opera troup came to the place, but had to leave because they could not get a crowd. One cold morning the pastor was walking to the post-office to hear the following peculiar story. The man first said. "Do you believe in dreams?" The pastor replied that he was not quite sure that he did/ but said, 'sometimes the Lord has to warn us in our dreams to save us." The gentleman said, 54 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH "well I did not believe in God, the Bible, religion nor anything else that you Methodists believe, until last night, but I do now. My wife is an infidel and so am I, the best I know how to be and have been all my life. Tho I have changed now. We lost our child, a sweet little baby girl about a year ago. It almost broke our hearts when she went away and we never expected to see her again. Last night she came to me in my dreams and laid her hand upon my head and as she did so, smiled as none but an angel could, pointing upward and out- ward, she beckoned me to follow. It seemed to me that this was heaven enough, to be with my child. She started away beckoning to me to come with her, and away we sailed through the heavenly afmosphere on and on. Finally we came to a great dark stream, which was frightful and dreadful. I could hear the awful noise and see the terrible waves as they went rolling down, bearing upon their bosom the wrecked forms of many human souls. This was the river of death. The angelic form of my precious child glided out over the dark stream with ease and rapidity and called me to follow on. But when I reached its turbulent waters I could go no further. The form of my child crossed over and out of my sight. But in awful agony I realized I could not follow. She smiled again and calling "papa, won't you come," then vanished forever out of my sight. And Oh, say Mr. Robinson wont you tell me what to do." "Yes, come to the revival, and give your heart to God, and get ready to meet your darling child." There the conversation ended. The pastor came home and told DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 55 me the preceding story as nearly this way as I can tell it. I said alright I will sing a song for him tonight. He had not been inside of a church for years. He came that night and I sang for him a solo, "Looking This Way." As I sang next to the last stanza I changed the wording of the song from "anxiously looking, mother, for you" to 'anxiously looking father for you ;" as I said the words I noticed that the man was hit. He turned as pale as death, and dropped his head upon the pew in front of him and remained sitting that way through most of the sermon. When the call was made he was the first man who came forward. He kneeled at the altar. I dropped on my knees beside him and gave him God's word and his promise to the penitent sinner. In a very few moments he arose and took me by the hand and with a heavenly smile upon his face said, "Its all right, He has saved me and I know it, I know it," and began shaking hands with his friends and telling them how happy he was. The next morning I met him on the street. He stop- ped me and gave me this whole story himself. And asked me why I sang that song the night before. I said "I sang the song for your benefit. It's my business to save men, and the Lord impressed me to sing that song for you." He grasped my hand and said, "well, God bless you in singing it, and I in hearing it." And now he says, "Wont you pray for my wife ; she is not a Christian and has never been, and so far I have not been able to get her out to your meeting. To make the story brief, she did come and was happily converted that 56 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH night and she, with her husband, joined the church and went to work for the Lord. BROTHER GROUTCHER/ This would lead you to imagine that there was some- thing peculiar about the character of whom I now tell you. Only a short while ago we were conducting a revival in Western Texas, the meeting was held under a large tabernacle. The people came from the hills, prairies, valleys, mountains and everywhere else, I judged, from their looks and styles of their dress, especially of their brother, that we call Groutcher, tho this was not his name at all, but one he had acquired by his unpleasant and fractious disposition. If you met him on the street and spoke to him, he was as apt to curse you as he was to speak. He had a large family, consisting of one poor little shriveled, dried up and wrinkled faced wife, and about seven children. All at once he became very much in- terested in the meeting; the young people of the Ep- worth League rustled around and gathered up all the old cast-off clothes in their part of the city, and carried them down to the family, and presented the collection of last year's fit and misfit wearing apparel. A hat for the squinty little wife that looked as if it had served its time when Texas was under dominion of Mexico, a dress that was once worn by a cultured lady of some two hundred pounds. When put upon this ratty look- DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 57 ing little woman, there was room for the entire family in this one garment. The generosity of the big hearted Leaguers went far beyond that and secured about as inappropriate and well fitting garments for each member of the family. The father was, he supposed dressed up to date, with a thin pair of bright blue trousers, that lacked two inches mak- ing connection with his low quartered shoes, his hose were down, his shanks were shining, a straw hat of questionable age, a muslin shirt and no coat made up his queer looking costume. The children well, in the language of Luke 12 :27, "Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like unto one of these." That they had never been to church before, was evident from their conduct. When the baby cried as long as the mother could stand it, she would gather up bag and baggage and move out, followed by six or seven children from one to fourteen years of age. In a few moments the procession would come filing in and take the front seat, which they had vacated. They always started before sundown, in order to secure the front seats. They were aware that the people called them Grout- cher and were very sensitive about it. One night the singer's wife full of enthusiasm and a desire to be friendly with those whom others seemed to neglect, rushed up to them as they were lined up on the front row, warmly and srnilingly shook hands with the entire crowd, be- ginning at the father and going down the line to the youngest child and to the astonishment of herself and 58 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH her husband, she made the awful mistake of calling the head of house, Brother Groutcher; she noticed that he took her kindness rather coolly and could not understand the reason until her husband and Judge Thompson, with whom they were entertained, explained that their name was Stephens and that Groutcher was nick name. The old man came to the altar one night and was wonderfully converted ; a few nights later the wife was converted and all of the children that were large enough. All united with the church and are today faithful mem- bers. When the end came to the meeting and good-byes were being said, the old man went up to the singer and put his arm around him and cried and hugged him good and told him he would sure meet him in heaven some day. A letter from Mrs. Judge Thompson six months later told us that the Groutchers had never missed a service since the revival closed, attend Sunday School, preaching, Leagues, Wednesday night prayer meeting and once or twice the entire family lined up at the stewards meeting, having heard the pastor make the announcement, they supposed they should go, and go they did, and stayed thru the entire proceedings. "MAMA, PAPA DON'T CURSE ANY MORE." There lived a R. R. man in Des Moines, Iowa, who was known by all his associates as the most wicked and profane swearer of any fellow on the line. He seemed to take a perfect delight in letting the world know that he had no regard for himself, his family, his God or the DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 59 mother who gave him birth. His swearing was not all. He would deliberately walk out of his own door, leav- ing his wife and babies eying after him, board the street car with a strange woman and go down into the city and stay for two or three days at a time, afterward return- ing home drunk. Some of his railroad friends passed by one Sunday afternoon going down to a men's meet- ing at the Methodist Church. One of the boys said, "come on Billie, lets go down to the meeting and take our part of the medicine; it will do us good." "No I won't; go to the devil with your men's meeting, I won't go any place where I can't take my wife with me." "You won't eh? you didn't have your wife with you last night down at Joe's place, but I noticed you had some other man's wife." By this time the crowd turned the corner and was soon out of sight, also what they said to Billie was as soon out of their minds. But it sent a dart to the heart of that unfaithful father and husband that was forgotten by him. He stepped into the front room, picked up his hat and said to his wife, "I'll be back after a while ; I am going to walk down to the shops and see if my train goes out tonight." He didn't go to the shop; he only made that a pretense to mislead his wife, who had agreed with the evangelist to pray for him, that he might be saved in that service. He went down the back street and started across the corner lot toward the round house. Just as he was nearing the crossing his attention was called to some very en- thusiastic singing. He stopped, listened, then turned his footsteps toward the old church. 60 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH He had only gone a few steps when the singing ceased. "There now, I'll be too late for the song service, so I'll just go on my way to the shop." While he was standing there pondering in his throbbing heart which way to go, the tones of some sweet voiced gospel singer greeted his sin-polluted ears. He had not heard any- thing like that for years. He listened again, then he heard the clear tones of the singer's voice as he sang out on that familiar^old song, "Can a boy forget his mother's prayer, when he has wandered God knows where." He stood stone still for a moment, then repeated the words of the song. "Can a boy forget his mother's prayer." "No, no," he said to himself, as he hurried on to the church. Imagine, if you can, the surprise of his friends who had asked him to accompany them to church ; however, they were delighted to see him stumble into the church at the late hour, even if the sermon was nearing the end. The evangelist was discussing the last point in his sermon, which was swearing; he spoke firmly and pointed against the awful sin of profanity. Our late arrival was quite sure his friends had informed the preacher of his habits, so he decided he would take them to task when he got out. Every word the speaker said fell like a hammer upon his hardened heart. Then he began to realize what a sinner he was. The sermon finished, the call was extend for seekers, many came and the rejoicing and shouting was a visible result of the manifested power upon the people ; many a besotted, swearing husband returned to his little rented cottage DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 61 that afternoon to take his precious wife in his arms and tell her that God had sent her husband home saved from swearing, and a sober man. Tho our friend Billie did not go home for an hour, he was under such conviction he refused to leave the house; the singer who sang the song that touched his heart, staid with him and assisted him to work out his salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Finally, about sundown the new light sprang into his darkened soul and he could then sing in realty "There is sunlight in my soul today." He arrived at the home just as his wife had called to supper. The young man accompanied him home and spent sometime with him talking, singing and praying. A few hours after he had taken his departure the eldest little girl of the home slipped up to her mother and said, "Mama, papa hasn't cursed us any more since that good man came home with him from church; don't you wish he would come and stay with papa all the time, then maybe he'd be good, too, and never would curse any more." The mother moved to tears looked down into the innocent face of her child and said, "my child, Jesus has come home with papa, and he'll be good now and go to heaven with mama, and you children." Months after this incident happened, a letter was sent to the singer which ran some thing like this: "I shall never cease thanking God for the song you sang and the talk you gave me at the church that Sunday afternoon. I joined the church last Sunday and am now trying to lead a different life from what I was leading when you first saw me." 62 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH "I trust some day to meet him in heaven, saved thru Jesus' blood, forever more." THE OLD MILK MAN; "A DIAMOND FRQM THE ROUGH." Well I'll declare ! who is that poor fellow going down the street? "Oh, that's old Joe, the milk man. There is no one that likes him, he is so tough." "Well I guess God likes him. But maybe no one has told the old man so." That day one of the workers gave him a little card, an invitation to the meeting; printed upon the card were these words bold type: "Admit One at the opera house tonight." The old man was one of those peculiar characters that never went to a show only when he had a compli- mentary ticket. Not reading the card to see what the show was to be, he stuck it down in his overalls, tapped up his pony and hurried on to deal out his thin blue milk at ten cents a pint. He said it was so cold there that the cow wouldn't drink, so he watered the milk. He made his daily rounds, returning home a little earlier than usual. As he drove up to the gate he yelled out at his poor old ill-treated and heart-crushed wife saying, "Ma I wish you'd hurry up supper, I thought I would go down town a little while this evening;" With- out any reply she rushed into the kitchen and prepared their meal in a very few moments. To the astonish- ment of her husband, friends and neighbors the old lady was singing with all her soul as she cleared away the DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 63 supper dishes, "Count Your Blessings, name them one by one." She had something to sing for, that the folks across the alley didn't know. She had planned that day to have the worker come to her home and talk to poor old Joe. And she had been talking to God about him, too, and now that he was go- ing to the meetings was too good. She just couldn't help but sing. Much to the surprise of the ushers, Joe appeared at the door real early; before the house was scarcely half filled. So they gave him a seat down near the front where he could see the whole show 'real plain,' as he expressed it. But poor fellow, he didn't know then what a warm show the first act would be. He was in the midst of a red hot revival campaign, but thought he had gone to a "rail goot show." In bleared eyed excitement he stood amazed when the young man stepped out on the platform and said, "We'll sing hymn number 64, but before we sing, we will bow our heads for a word of prayer." "Ef that don't beat all that I ever seed, a openin' a show with prayin' and singin' a tune." The prayer and song service ended in a flame of religious fire and enthusiasm. Then the noble little preacher mounted the platform and scattered gospel shot, slugs and shell in every direction. Occasionally a gospel slug would hit the old man in the heart, then you could see him wipe away the briney tears with the back of his hairy hand, straighten up and brace himself for another. 64 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH The sermon ended in a glorious shout of victory. People were flocking to the altar to confess Christ, many of them by personal invitation from friends who were surging thru the audience. A worker ran against old Joe, tapped him on the arm and said, " God bless you, are you saved?" He whirled around and would not look at the worker. Then the worker said, "Turn around, I "want to see you." "Go away, I don't want to see you, nor won't." With that introduction the worker took him by the arm and pulled him around, saying, " Well, I just want to see your face and see what kind of an animal you are; you ought to be ashamed of yourself to treat a man as you are treating me." Then Joe turned and looked him squarely in the face, saying, "Now look here, pardner, I din't come down here to be talked to and pulled at. I come down here to hear that there feller make his spiel. They say he's a daisy. Say now pard, I would come to your meetin's but ef I do there's a lot of women that will be iumpin' on my back and trying to drag me to that thar anxious bench." "Well, old fellow, I'll tell you what I'll do." "What's that?" "If you come to this meeting as long as we are here, the first woman I see on your back, I will get a club and pound her off, and I'll not let any woman hurt you either, if you'll come." "Nor you wont talk to me neither." "Not if you don't want me to." "All right, I'll come." Three nights after this the worker was dealing with another man. Joe walked up and said, "hello pardner, L. J. Anderson, Before his Conversion L. J. Anderson, After his Conversion (see page 194) DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 65 how are you coming on?" With a cool reply the worker held out his hand and gave Joe a hearty grip, saying, "I'll shake with you, but I have not time to talk to you." This was a hard lick, for Joe was getting very anxi- ous for some one to show him some attention. The following night he was suddenly taken with a very serious illness, which lasted three days. He and his wife thought his time had come to depart this life. He was up, however, in a few days and somewhat soft- ened. The wife asked the worker to call on Sunday after- noon and try to get him to attend the men's meeting. He went and was kindly received by them both. But when the time came to go to service Joe said, "No I aint a goin'! how do I know that you fellows are all right; the last two evangelists we had 'here were rascals one of them went off and owed everybody in town; the other one stole another man's wife and run off with her. So you may be the same kind of fellers." He said so much the worker picked up his hat and said, "Well, I'm sure then you don't want to go and hear such rascals; all right, goodbye, I have no respect for you. Your wife asked me to come to your home, and now, for you to treat me as you have, I won't waste any time on you," and bowed as he started out. "I see you have an Odd-Fellow pin on the lapel of your coat ; you certainly are the right man to wear it." "What do you know of Odd-Fellowship?" "Enough to know that you are a poor specimen." "Well, you seem to know so much, I'll get my hat and walk part the way with you and tell you of my lodge." 66 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH He was soon landed in the meeting again. This time the preacher took off the hide by sections, salted the skinned places, then rubbed it in. The old man took it all in a good humor and when the call* was made for men to confess Christ, he was one of the first to make a public confession, and became a very enthusiastic worker in the meeting. When he returned to his little home there was great rejoicing in the hearts of his neighbors and a perfect campmeeting in his own home. Remarks like these could be heard along the streets and in his part of the city: "Well, I hope he'll stick." "I hope he'll give good measure to his milk customers now." "Well, I hope he'll give the water to the cows now, instead of to the people — in the milk." It was a remarkable conversion and the old man Joe lived a very useful and consistent life the remainder of his few days, which was only a short time, for early one morning he went out to milk his cows and did not return at his accustomed time. His wife went out to see why he tarried longer than usual. Her eyes soon fell upon his lifeless form, as he lay stretched out upon the grassy lawn cold in death. The poor fellow died just three weeks after he was saved. I'm sure he held out true to his profession that short time, and I shall expect to shake hands with him on the other side of the river of death. He was a "Diamond In The Rough" saved by the grace of God. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 67 A QUEER PREACHER— CONVERSION OF HIS SON. The weather was delightful, the sun was warm and all nature seemed to smile at the thought of having a real revival in a sin-cursed western frontier city. The announcements had been made that Evangelists Law and Phillips would hold a union gospel revival meeting at H. City, beginning November 25, 1906. So everybody lodked forward to the meeting as a great treat — some to enjoy the music, others to have somewhere to go and still a few expected to have a real feast for their soul. We arrived at the little city of H. on Saturday night, were met at the station by the pastor, a kind hearted congenial little fellow, whose looks indicated that he had seen much of the Western life, and had been faithful, as a pastor, to build up his charge. We were soon com- fortably domiciled in the best hotel in the town. Had a short talk with the pastor, then retired for the night. The first service was marked by some remarkable incidents. Sunday school was dismissed and as the crowd of children went pushing out, the early arrivals, forced their way to the front to secure good seats. By the time the evangelist and singer arrived the house was well filled. The pastor made a few introduc- tory remarks, presented the singer, after which a hymn was sung. Then he introduced the Evangelist; he made a short talk, had prayer, sang another song then an- nounced that Bro. Phillips would favor the congregation with a solo, which he attempted to do, but it turned out DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH to be a duet instead of a solo, for when I reached the chorus, there was a thin, hatchet faced old gentleman, who sat to the right, and just in front of me who very enthusiastically joined in with me and sang or hummed or squealed thru the entire chorus. Of course I was embarrassed, excited and provoked. I stopped, looked at the pastor, then at my squeaky voiced assistant. The pastor shook his head at the old gentleman, then bowed at me, as if to say, "now he'll be good, proceed." I proceeded without interruption until I reached the chorus and with renewed energy my thin high-keyed voice friend turned himself loose without tune or words. This was too much for me. I turned to him and said : ''Brother, perhaps you had better let me sing the remain- der of the song, as I have the book and you do not know the words." He looked confused, then muttered some- thing and then refused to sing any more, much to my delight. Tho he was mad and seemed restless he re- mained till the service closed. As he passed out at the side door I was near and heard him say, "Well, I am fifty years old and have been preaching most of my life and I never heard such a mess of stories and foolishness as that called preaching before." I felt a little dis- couraged at the remark and told Mr. Law, but he laughed and said the poor old man didn't mean any harm. Next afternoon we strolled down the lane and out into the country for a walk. As we were quietly walking down the road we heard some one hollowing and scream- ing coming up behind us. We turned to look and dis- covered it was our singing friend. He began to sing at DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 69 the top of his thin high voice as he drew near us. We could not say anything, for we were amused and only glanced at him and smiled. This seemed to infuriate him, then he began singing as loud as he could, "Alas, and did my Savior bleed," then stopped, and yelled out: "But the Evangelist didn't." I said, "Law he means that for you." Then the old man whipped his team up and crossed the road just in front of us and as he did so, yelled out, "I have been preaching the gospel for forty years, but you are the d — d-st outfit I ever saw." We remained there three weeks and had a good meeting, but never saw our singer any more. One of the splendid features of the meeting was that it reached many of the Normal students and among the number was a grand-daughter of this old gentleman. As soon as her father heard that she was attending the meeting and had been converted, he phoned her to come home several miles in the country. She was so delighted with the meeting that, with the assistance of one of the teachers, they succeeded in getting the father's permis- sion for her to remain in school, provided she did not lose any time from her books. The meeting closed. We went our way to other fields of labor. While there, however, we promised a friend, who came fifteen miles every night to attend the services, that if we ever had an opportunity we would return and hold a meeting for them out at the little school house fif- teen miles from the railroad. A few months later, a date in Oklahoma was changed or canceled, so we had a chance to make our promise good. We went to Kansas City and wired them that we were coming, advising them to 70 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH announce it as best they could thru the community, and to send conveyance to the station to meet us, stating upon what train we would arrive. We boarded the train at 10:30 p. m., and at daylight next morning rolled into the little station in Western Kansas, the same place where we had held the previous meeting. We were met by friends and escorted to the hotel and, as this was Sunday morning, we were informed that the announcement had been made for us to conduct services for them at the church where we held the previ- ous meeting. What a delightful time we had. (Saw many of the new converts and heard them sing and testify as they did the night the revival closed. In the afternoon we were driven out to our country appointment on the Smoky River Valley at Smoky Hill school house. We were greeted at our first services by a mixed multitude of farmers and ranchmen, their wives and children. They were kind hearted and appreciative and sang with great enthusiasm. The second night of the meeting I was standing at the door shaking hands with the people as they came in. In stepped a big square shouldered fellow, with dark eyes and hair and rather a hard look on his face. I took him by the hand and said, "Well, God bless you old fellow, are you a chris- tian." "No," he said very short, "I'd like to know how a fellow could be a christian and deal in real estate in Kansas." I replied very emphatically to him that if he was dealing in real estate for Uncle Sam and didn't do it on the square, they had a place for him down at DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 71 Leavenworth and would request him to cease dealing in real estate and move down to Leavenworth and reside there, if they should find out about his crooked deals. This was our introduction, which grew into warm friend- ship. For nearly a week I talked, begged, quarrelled, cursed, blessed, loved and prayed for him and finally said, "Well, I've done all I can for you, if you will go to hell you will just have to go, I can't help you, or at least, you won't let me help you, so good-bye, I won't trouble you any more." I left him that Saturday night with my mind made up not to speak to him another time, unless he made the first move. To my great surprise, bright and early Sunday morning he came driving up to the house where I was stopping. He came to the door, was invited in ; "No," said he, "I want to see that sing- ing fellow." I stepped out and greeted him pleasantly and gave him a warm handshake, for I was glad in my heart he came, for I knew what it would mean to him. He looked at me smilingly and said, "my wife wants you to come up and spend the day with us." "Your wife wants me to spend the day with you?" "Oh well, my daughter, who was converted over at your meetings at H. came out home this morning and she wants you to come, too." "Your wife and your daughter want me tcTcome. Well I guess I cant go, we have arranged to go four miles south of here for dinner and it would be too bad to disappoint those people." By this time he began to get anxious and I was as anxious as he; then he stepped up close to me and said, "I came after you and I want you to go and I'll be disap- pointed, too, if you don't go." 72 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH "That settles it," said I," if you want me to go I'll go. But I would have died before I would have gone without your personal invitation. Yes, I'll go and I'll promise you now that I'll make this the warmest day for you you ever saw in December." I did go and spent at least six hours preaching to him that day; never had a sweeter and better day in my life than I had in that little house trying to lead that dear man to Christ. We left the home just before sundown to drive seven miles to the school house where we held service. The service was fine, the house was jammed, people came 15 miles to be at that one service. As the last call was being made I went to my friend, put my arm on his broad shoulder and looked him in the face and said, "My dear sir, I have had a splendid time with you, have learned to love you and tonight when this meeting closes we will part and it may be forever." "But I don't want it to be that way. I want to meet you again and in a better world than this, where there won't be any sand storms and drouths and failures in crops ; I want you to go to the altar and surrender and meet me in heaven." This was too much for him. God had used the plain rough plan to reach his big heart. He broke down and wept, gave me his hand and said, I'll meet you there;" he went forward for prayer and was wonderfully saved and rejoiced with his friends as we sang "Sweet bye and bye." He joined the church at the nearest town and when I returned there for a meeting a few months later he just turned his farm over to his wife and boys and came DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 73 and stayed three days and nights with me and roomed with me, he was so anxious to learn how to be a useful christian. I did all I could to encourage him and to help him on to a successful life. FELT LIKE TWO FOR A QUARTER. "Good morning sir." "Good morning." "What might be your name." "It might have been Joe Peter Highgrass, but it wasn't, it's just plain Ed Phillips." "Well you don't live here in these parts do you.?" "Did you ever see me here before?" "No." "You say your name is Phillips?" "Yes." "Oh! you are the fellow that is holding the meeting at the Methodist church." "Yes." "I have been wanting to come around and hear you fellows, but I have been so busy I just couldn't get there." "Now, there isn't any use in you lying that way, you didn't try; you could have come if you wanted to." "Really now, doctor, I will come some time, sure. My father was an elder in the church for forty years; I was brought up in the old Scotch Presbyterian church and when I was a boy I could quote many of the Psalms and whole chapters in the New Testament. I can quote many passages yet and in the old Gaelic, which was my native tongue," 74 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH Here he turned loose on the Lord's prayer, but if it had been the prayer of the King of Hayti, it would have sounded just as plain to me. By this time he had convinced me that he had been brought up very strict in the old church of Scotland and had learned many things in childhood that stayed with him through all his life of sin, for now he was a man of perhaps forty-eight years of age, with a large family of beautiful children and a good Christian wife, tho he was hardened in the sins incident to the life of a railroad man. He was in many ways a fine character and one of the most attractive looking men I ever saw, possessing many noble qualities, showing that he had been well reared. I had promised the pastor of the church that I would try to get him saved and into the church with his family. He came to the meeting one night to hear the Railroad song; the sermon and the song both struck him in a vital spot. Every time I met him on the street we would have a long hard but pleasant tussle. Each time I would get a little better hold upon him. He finally reached the point where he was almost ready to yield himself to the Lord, so he promised to come the following night and surrender. The nearer the time came for the service, the less inclined he was to go. So he told his wife he was just simply sick and couldn't go, and didn't. Of course I was disappointed. Met him next day, and he put up a frail excuse ; then I told him when a man promised to do a thing and openly refused to do it the folk in Arkansas called that a "lie." DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 75 Then he said if I would let him off he would come the next time sure and he would "get right." But he failed to show up. Just about church time he was called out on the line to repair a bridge that had been burned. I had previously told him that he had better be careful how he ran from the Lord ; the first thing he knew he would wind up in a wreck. Sure enough he did. On his trip out that night, he ran into another train and had a complete breakdown and spent the entire night on the road trying to patch up his crippled engine. While he was down under the engine trying to turn a nut, he suddenly stopped and looked up at the fireman, saying, "It's no matter for me. I might have gone to church. I'll bet five dollars that fellow is praying for me right now and if I ever get this old engine on the track and back home, I am going to church and get my old shipwrecked soul repaired, and on God's road that leads to a better place than railroading in Missouri." He got back all right the next day and went to church that night. When the call was made he reluctantly went forward and in an awkward and embarrassed way took a seat on the front pew, and sat there, and felt mean and looked very much confused. With persistent effort, praying, singing, talking and reading God's word to him, he finally made a surrender, tho didn't seem clear that night. However, the next night he was there early and up near the front, accompanied by one of his railroad men, who was a much worse man than he had ever been. He came to me and said, "Phillips, you did so well on me, try 76 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH your hand on Bob. He is tough as the devil." He forgot he had been converted and let slip that expres- sion and others, too, later in the service, that seemed rough, tho he was unconscious of any harm. I was pleading with Bob, but making slow speed, so our new convert came to nry relief. He said, "Now, look here, Bob, you just go right on up there with this here fellow and you do what he tells you to do, if it's to stand on your head. He got me up there last night and I looked like a fool and felt about like two for a quarter, but, sir, after I went, By gollies I felt all right." As ridiculous as that sounds, it really happened. No one heard it but myself and Bob and he was too much concerned to notice a little remark like that, for he was accustomed to them. Bob went and was converted and united with the church, as did his friend, and the last time I heard of them they were both good religious railroad men. His first effort at personal work was crude, but the Lord blessed it and his friend was saved. So, most any of us can do some work of that kind, even tho we are inex- perienced. "JOE, I'VE GOT THE OLD TIME RELIGION." Rev. L. P. Law and myself were holding a tent meet- ing out in Western Texas just a few months ago. One night I was doing personal work and was seining around thru the audience, for a fish, and I struck one. I was talking to a druggist who was a church member, but not saved ; he said, "Oh, go on, and talk to that lawyer over there, he needs it more than I." So I took him at DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 11 his word, walked down to the gentleman and tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Well, I'm sure you would like to be a christian." "No," said he, "I have no desire whatever to be a christian. I am as good as your church members." I said, "All right, going to hell and glad of it and you want every body to know it." "Oh, no I don't know that I want to go to hell especially." Then he proceeded to tell me how very, very good -he was. I waited till he got thru and then I looked him squarely in the eyes and said, "You are lying, and you know it. There is not a word of truth in what you say and you might make some men believe you, but you have struck one that you can't deceive." "I don't like to be talked to in any such way," said he. "Neither do I like to have a man lie to me as you are doing," said I. Then I knew he was wounded, so I left him. He staid away from the meeting a few nights. When he came back he came nearer the front, a good sign. I had about the usual round with him that I had before. Next night he came and took the nearest seat he could get to the stand, but just outside the tent. I went out where he was and laid my hand upon his shoulder and said to him. "All the boys in school have been converted in this meeting except your brother and they tell me it's your influence that keeps him away." "No, I am quite sure you are mistaken for he doesn't listen to me, nor has any regard for what I say." I said, "Amen! neither have I and I hope he never will." That was too much for him. He got deliberately up and went home and went to bed, but not to sleep. He was so convicted he could not sleep 78 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH so he prayed, and he prayed and he prayed, nearly all night. About three o'clock in the morning he got the victory and shouted the remainder of the night. He was cut on the streets next morning before eight o'clock making up with people with whom he had been at outs. He went to a man that he had been carrying a gun for and expected to have to shoot "down" any time. He walked into his place of business and said, "Joe, I got the 'old-time religion' last night and it makes me 'love every body,' and that includes you. I have nothing against you this morning and I want you to go with me to the tent and get religion too." At ten o'clock he came to the meeting. His friend didn't come till night service. When the call for seekers was given I heard some noise on the outside of the tent. 1 stepped out to see what it was. To my astonishment I found my new convert out there with his old-time enemy but new-made friend, down on his knees in the middle of the road, praying for him and trying to lead him to Christ. I got them up and led them into the tent and to the altar. Then we called on the new convert to pray for his friend. If I shall live a hundred years I shall not forget one part of his prayer — about like this : "Oh Lord forgive us of our sins, for they are great. In our sight they are as high as a mountain ; but in Thy sight, Oh Lord, they aint any bigger than a tater." His prayer was answered and his friend was saved. Tho he was a finely educated man, he seemed perfectly at ease and did not hesitate to use like expressions when he prayed. He made a fine worker in the meeting and DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 79 has since been promoted from County Attorney to County Judge and is almost a preacher. "A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS MAKES IT RIGHT, ALL RIGHT." Do you know that you were talking to one of the shrewdest men in Missouri this morning, and he's an infidel too, I think. "Who are you talking about." "Mr. G — , the gentleman I saw you button-holeing over at the court house to day." "You don't mean to tell me that he is one of your smartest men. That hatchet-faced, hooked-nosed, stringy-haired fellow with eyes like two auger holes in a barn door." "Yes sir, that man can tell you every law that has been passed in the United States Senate for the last twenty years. He reads the congressional records with more interest than you read your Bible." "Well, if long hair and it unkept, rags and dirt and a sour disposition means intelligence, that fellow certainly has a right to claim a large portion." Yet with all those outward man- ifestations of a useless, thriftless misspent life, he had something about him that drew you to him and you were a little disappointed when he left you. For he would not at first allow you to more than pass the time of day with him until he would be off on short notice. "I wish you would stick to him Bro. Phillips and see if you can't catch him for the Lord. For he certainly is a big "Diamond." Do you know, sir, that that fellow 80 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH has seven brothers who are preachers, and if he were to get a good case of religion I believe he would preach too." The next time I met the man I walked up to him and put my arm around him and said, "Old fellow, I am praying for you, and I want you to give your heart to God and quit your foolishness." "Oh, pshaw! I haint got no time to be fooling with you, let me go. It takes all my time to keep these politicians straight." The next time I met him he was becoming more tame. He talked awhile and promised to come to the men's meeting and did. He went away under such con- viction that he refused to return to the meeting that night. The Evangelist had struck him in the heart and wounded him seriously. When I met him again he be- gan making excuses before I scarcely got to him. He said, "I'll tell you, parson, I am such a cusser, if I were to get religion tonight I'd cuss before breakfast tomor- row morning." "Well, then don't eat any breakfast. Just fast all day." The old man didn't say anything but turned away. That night when the altar call was made he came with many others and yielded himself to Christ. I took him by the hand and said, "Now if you'll trust in Jesus He will keep you." "Oh yes, but I have such an awful temper I will 'cuss' before I get my truster to work." "Oh now, you can have a little talk with Jesus and J. N. McConnell, The Chicken Man (see page 75) James A. Filer. In the Story -Tell Mother I'll be There" (see page 149) DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 81 that will make it right, all right. If you will take this advice, you will never swear again." "Well what is it. I'll take anything you'll give me." "It is this. Just before you swear or when you get real mad just stop and sing that little song, 'A Little Talk With Jesus Makes it Right, all Right/ If you will, you'll never swear as long as you live." "Well but I can't sing." "If you can't sing, then talk, if you can't talk when you are mad, then whistle." Then we parted and did not meet again till the fol- lowing afternoon. I had forgotten about the little bit of advice I had given my new made friend. I started down to the office to post some letters. I saw my friend coming down the street with his head thrown back his face shining like a new moon, and whistling like a steam calliope. "Glad to see you this afternoon. Hope you feel as happy as you look." "Happy! I should say I was. Got it? of course I have, and know it to." "How do you know it?" "From an experience I had when I started to town this morning." "Do you want me to tell you how I know I have got religion." "Yes." "You know it was mighty cold this morning. I had to bring an extra horse to town, so I tied him to the harness of the lead horse that I was driving to the wagon, then I had a pig hobbled and thrown in the back end of the wagon bed. When I tapped up my team and started, 82 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH this frightened the horse that was leading; he jumped and started to run, then the pig in the wagon began squealing and bucking. I tried to stop the team with one hand and reach back and hold the young hog with the other. Just then the old yard dog saw the commo- tion and he ran out and started to follow me to town. This was too much, my Irish temper got started. T jumped up and yelled out at the dog as loud as I could, Go back! Go back! you low down yallow — Go back you — The dog dropped, his head and tail and looked some- what disappointed as he turned and went skulking back to the barn." "Before the first word had escaped my lips I thought of the little song you told me to sing. And I almost fell on my knees to the old dog as I said, "Oh Touse! its all right now, you can go, then I began to sing "A little talk with Jesus makes it right, all right." "I'll tell you, Br. Phillips, it did make it all right for I havent even thought of cussing since that time." He joined the church and went to active work in the meeting. The last night of the revival, one of his preacher brothers came in from the country to see what kind of fellows it could be that could get his old wicked brother to attend at meetings, much less get him saved. He was so favorably impressed with the man that had reached his brother, that at the close of the service he reached up and threw his big strong arms around me and held me tight till he planted a great big country kiss on my face, saying as he did so, "I can love any man that much, who has done for my brother what none of his six preacher brothers could do." DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 83 "CAP HAS GOT SOMETHING THAT MAKES HIS FACE SHINE." Sunday night the house was so crowded that many people were turned away. Some of the later arrivals not accustomed to going to church were ushered forward and seated in the front pew, much to the dislike of the preacher, who turned to me and said, "Phil I can't preach with all that crowd of old mud-cat sinners staring me in the face." "Bless your heart, that gang needs the gospel worse than any crowd that has been to these meetings. Give them hell, fire and brimstone and let them have a few sulphurous odors from their future abode; it will be a treat to them." The evangelist smiled and said, "Well you hold while I skin, and we'll start a tan yard here tomorrow." Sunday night is always a hard time to hold your crowd. But he held them close for over an hour. At the close of the sermon Mr. Law said: "Phil, there's a 'mud-cat' flouncing around on the front pew, go after him." It is needless to say I went after him. He was a very large rough looking man, only had one eye, but he could look thru you with one. If he had had two, don't know that I could have faced him. I took him by the hand as he sat straight up, while all near him were kneeling at the altar. I said, "Old fellow get down on your knees and give your heart to 84 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH God." "Oh no !" said he, "I didn't come up here." "Well how on earth did you get here then?" "They just brought me." "You don't mean to tell me that little spindling usher brought you?" "Oh no, he didn't exactly bring me, he just lead me to this seat." "Well, God bless your heart, sir, now let me lead you to Christ?" Then I dropped on my knees beside him saying, "Come on, get down here and let's tell the Lord how 'no-account' you have been." "Well, the Lord knows I am the meanest man in Kansas." "Yes, but he'll forgive you." Down on his knees he dropped and he looked like a young elephant as he got down. As I urged him to accept Christ, he would say, "Oh I didn't come up here to get religion. They just brought me." "Well suppose they did, wouldn't this be a good time to get religion?" "Yes, bless God, it will and I'll just do it now." He jumped up and went to shaking hands with his friends. I really didn't know whether the fellow was saved or was just feigning so. However, he gave his name as a convert and said he would bring some of his men to the meeting the next night. He was foreman of a gang of bridge and dam build- ers on the Republican river in North Kansas. They called him "Cap", as he was the leader; most of his men, like himself, were very profane. So they decided to watch the "Cap" next day after he professed religion and if he didn't swear any they would believe in relig- DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 85 ion and wanted it. If it could keep a fellow that was so tough as he it would keep them, too. The next afternoon I took a walk down on the river, where they were putting in a large mill dam. One of the men who was a christian, slipped up to me and took me by the hand and said, "Say, Mr. Phillips, this gang of men are as serious today as if we were" at a funeral. I haven't heard an oath today. And just a while ago, I overheard two of the men talking abouf "Cap". One of the men said, "Did you ever see such a change in a man. He speaks so kindly to his men now, and he hasn't sworn an oath today, but instead has been singing or whistling all the morning. Hush there he comes now. But say, Bill, did you ever see such a change in a fel- low; the "Cap" has sure enough got something that makes his face shine like the noon-day sun." By this time the Captain walked up to where I was standing talking to one of his men. He grasped my hand and said, "Oh, Brother Phillips, I do want you to get all my men to attend your meetings. And if they can just get religion like I got it, we will have better times in our homes than some of us have been having." As he talked the tears trickled down his rough brown bearded face. That night he lined up eight or nine of his men at the altar, and most of them were converted and went into the church and went to work. One year later we returned to that city and the Cap- tain had gone thru the great Kansas river overflow — lost everything in the world that he had and almost lost DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH his own life; did break down in health from the awful experience and exposure he underwent in the flood. When we visited him in his little cottage and found him almost an invalid, he looked up smilingly thru his tears and said, "Well, praise the Lord, I am going where there won't be any floods, sickness nor death, and I am so glad I am ready and have nothing to fear. Thank God for the night when you pulled me down on my knees and pounded religion in my old hard heart. I'll meet you over there some day and we'll talk it all over again." We closed the door and passed out. Mr. Law said, "Phillips, the salvation of that man is worth all the hardships that we have had to endure in this life, if we were not to ever lead another man to Christ." A LETTER FROM A CONVERTED DRINKING MAN. Muskogee, Okla., April 17, 1911. Mr. E. G. Phillips, Dear Sir and Brother: — Yours of the 16th inst. re- ceived. I was oh! so glad to hear from you. I was fearing that you were so busy that you had forgotten me in the shuffle but your letter was like "getting money from home;" such a help and so much encouragement; but let me say here that for a little more than two weeks God has kept me from being tempted. Of course I can realize that the devil is ever present, but what I mean is this, that it has been so easy for me to turn him down. I can feel the good and great influence that the good-fellows have thrown around me. You know them DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 87 all, Mr. Ed Alley, Mr. Havice, Dr. Boswell, Mr. Holmes and a few others. I believe God has put it in their hearts to do this for me for there is nothing for them to gain more than help a poor sinner up when I was away- down, for I was next to the bottom round of the ladder to the deep hole that has no bottom. Yes kind sir, I may fall but if I keep my head as I know how, only I may forget, but I keep praying to God all the time to help me and know as long as I do this that Satan don't stand any chance whatever. I am so thankful for there is no one living that wants to be a christian more than I do and am going to make every effort to keep up and at it. I always thought it would be hard to live a chris- tian life, but in my short experience I have found it the easiest thing I ever tried, and if this keeps up I certainly can put up a good fight. What surprises me most is how* and why I tumbled in so easy, but Mr. Alley caught me just ready to hand it all up. It's rather a long story but I'm going to tell it to you anyway. You have been told my weak point — well I had been on a rather protracted spree of about two weeks; some people, friends (?), would say "you will have to cut out this" and give lots of good advice as to what I should do, but you, I hope, don't know what I do about those things. Well as I stated, when a man is saturated for two weeks all the time, when he feels the effects dying out he is inclined to see things ; advice don't do much good, its some one to act. A friend saw me on the street and literally forced me to his house and to bed. I told him I could not get along but would 88 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH have to have a doctor. He said we would have all the doctors in this city if I needed them ; well I let him have his way. He waited on me like a nurse for three days and got me over the hard places, it was Monday noon when I came in; Thursday I was up street for the first time. 'Saturday I reported at the office first time in three weeks. I was so weak and woe-begone that I did not care much for anything, but oh I wanted to get away from the Devil so bad ; in my heart I was begging for mercy. I wanted help (and as I told you, I came near going to some minister) but knew no one; did not even know a man or woman that I thought would care a straw about me; so I was fighting away in the office and begging God to help me. Never a poor fellow lived that was putting up the scrap that I was, and alone. Blue, oh you don't know how one can suffer! Well I kept this up Saturday, Sunday and until Monday afternoon when Mr. Alley came in the office. I guess he must have seen what was the matter and what I needed — a man whom I had the utmost confidence in, and one I considered a friend — well you know the rest, he would not leave the oflftce until I half gave a promise to go to church that night. He had not been gone long when time began to go slow and it seemed a long afternoon and when even- ing came I was as anxious to get down to that church as a small boy to a circus and there were only a few people in the house when I got there, and then I have wondered how you had me spotted out in such a little time — I am so thankful to God, — oh ! such sweet peace, — I just want to yell sometimes; but I don't forget how weak we are DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 89 but keep asking Jesus to help me hold on to the big water wagon. Well, as before stated, I did not know whether I had a real friend in the city or not but now I know I have many of them. About a half dozen of the big fel- lows have promrsed to come to me any time I want them. All I have to do is just call them on the telephone and I know they will come whenever I send in a distress signal. Say, isn't that worth a whole lot? You see I am preparing for any attack the old boy many want to put up, for I can't tell which side he is coming up on. I know there was one glad heart away back in W. Virginia, for she wrote the finest letter. Yes I am going to join the church soon, but I gave Rev. Scales my name and my word that I would join, and that is the same to me as if I were already a member. I only wish it were possible for me to spend a little time with you and hope this may be possible sometimes in the near future. I thank you dear Brother for remem- bering to offer prayers for me each day; that is very encouraging, and please keep on; tell God each day of a friend you have who wants to live a christian life and I am promising to make every effort in my power. Am glad to hear you are feeling better but be careful and don't expose yourself — you know there is such dan- ger of colds from an overheated building, and then out- door exposure. Hope Mrs. Phillips will soon be able to join you again. I do thank you from the bottom of my heart for the interest you have taken in me. Please pray that I may make good, and write me as often as you can. Goodnight. L. C. S. Muskogee, Okla. 90 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH "A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH." I was traveling in Oklahoma a few years ago, and missed my train, upon which I expected to reach home. I was compelled to remain all day in a small town, rilled with all classes and color of people. We spent the day as best we could, around a cheap hotel. After supper we went into the front room, or parlor I suppose it was, and I sat down to the piano and struck the chords, and we sang, "Diamonds in the Rough." I was too tired to sing much, so we drifted out on the porch, and walked about for awhile; then I went back into the office. To my surprise, there sat a big rough looking fellow, though kind hearted, reading the Bible. He had two pistols buckled around him. He was a U. S. Marshall. I said, "Well hello, this is a peculiar place to be reading the Bible. Didn't suppose there was a Bible in sight. Guess you are a Christian aren't you?' 1 "No, I am a "Diamond in the Rough," and I need a little polish." "Well, bless your heart" I said, "You can be saved now if you will." "Well, I certainly do. My wife died just a few days ago, and left me with a family of small children to raise, and I feel like I can't do it right if I am left alone." This touched my heart. I took from my pocket some tickets I had arranged for dealing with railroad people. "Ticket from earth to Glory, no stop-over." It was filled with passages of scripture, telling about the road, and why I should go on this road, the best and surest and only way. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 91 ■>■ He was much interested in the road, which was really the road to Heaven. He asked me to give him the ticket, and he wanted to go over that road. I did give him the ticket, with the understanding that he would follow its teachings, confess his sins, and some day meet me in Heaven. He took me by the hand and with tears in his eyes. He said, " I will surely meet you there." I left him happy that night. And with a promise that I would come to his town and hold a meeting, but so far have never been able to get there. WRECKED BY THE WINE CUP. LOST AFTER ALL. Evangelist L. P. Law and I were distributing posters, announcing our Men's Meeting for Sunday afternoon. We came to a saloon. I said, "Old man you have me bested, I cannot go in there." "Alright," said he, "you wait here at the door and I'll go in and invite these fellows to come to our service." He went in and handed each man a card saying, "Come out men and hear the gospel; get saved. Quit this bus- iness of wrecking men, and be a real "shore nuff Chris- tian." As he bowed himself out, they looked at each other, and smiled saying, "He has got his nerve." "Yes, we always carry that with us," he said. We endeavored to get them saved, and to close their place of business, and here is a product of his mill. We give the clipping, just as it was reported in the town paper, without a change. 92 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH KILLED BY AN ALTON TRAIN. Body Found Near Tabo Crossing About 2 o'clock Yesterday Covered With Snow — Had Been Here. Ben Payne, son of Charles Payne, a well known farmer three miles north of Mayview, this country, was killed Tuesday night by Chicago & Alton train near Tabo crossing, 2 miles west of this city. The body was found by a searching party at 2 o'clock yesterday morning, covered with snow. He was a brother of Price and George Payne of this city, Will payne of Kansas City and Wood Payne of Lexington. Mr. Payne had been in Higginsville during the day, and, it is stated, had been drinking moderately. About 6 o'clock he ordered his sleigh and started home. An hour later the team came back to town, hitched to the sleigh and was taken in charge by a liveryman. Gome young men were sent to see if they could find Mr. Payne. They found where the team had turned in the snow to come back to town. Supposing that Mr. Payne would soon return, they came back. Wednesday a messenger was sent to the home of Mr. Payne and the family said he had not yet returned. At night when the messenger returned a searching party was sent out to see if the body could be found, as this time it was believed he was killed. Inquiry at farm houses brought no tidings of the missing man. The party was composed of Ed Hughes, Herbert Martin, Arthur McClain, John Ewing, Sam and Grover Jackman, Ed Short, Charles Payne and Jesse Jones. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 93 At Tabo crossing they decided to patrole the right of way of the railroad, and forming in fours they began a search. About 200 yards west of the crossing they found the body. The dead man was lying on his back. The body was entirely covered with the heavy snow, which had fallen during the night, except the right hand which was in an erect position. The men came back to town and asked Dr. Mann, the coroner, over the phone what to do with the body. He instructed them to bring it to town. A return trip was made with a bus and the body taken to Hader's undertaking rooms. It is supposed that the team got away from Payne and that he started to walk to Mayview on the railway, resulting in the accident as stated. It is reported that Mr. Payne was soon to have been mjarried. He was an industrious man and an honored citizen. He was 32 years of age. The remains will be laid to rest at 2 o'clock this afternoon in the city cemetery. The sad accident has cast a gloom over the community and the bereaved relatives have the sympathy of every- body. QUIT SUNDAY HARVESTING. The last two nights of the campaign the evangelist was sick and could not preach. The closing night the pastor was to take an offering for the workers, but the pastor lost his hold on his crowd and let fly some very scathing remarks; the audience didn't respond to the 94 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH financial aid of the workers as the pastor thought they ought, so he proceeded to tell them what he thought of a crowd who would lay down like that. However, the offering was . better than the workers had anticipated. After making a few remarks, the pastor turned to the singer and said, "You had better take charge of the meet- ing and call penitents, for I feel like I needed to go to the mourners bench myself." Then the pastor sat down, saying, "Phillips, you can preach, sing or dismiss this crowd, just as you like." It was the last night of a great meeting and I felt like it was not right to send them away empty headed, as well as with empty pockets. So I tried in a scatter- ing way to tell them how to succeed in christian life. Spoke especially on observing the Sabbath day and at- tending church. There happened to be a man in the audience who had been harvesting his rice crop on Sunday. He was hit. He came to the altar, he made a profession. After- ward came to see me, and told me how he had been for years running his rice binders on Sunday. When we parted he promised that he would never cut another grain of rice on the Sabbath day. But Oh! how soon some of us forget our promise to God and man. The season was unusually wet, the crops were late in maturing. When he did get started to cutting his grain, he felt that he must rush to complete the job. When Sunday came he never stopped. He ran his machine all day against the protest of his good wife. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 95 "I tell you, John, you had better not run that reaper on Sunday, you will lose all your work and grain, too." From the first Sunday that old binder started till the day it quit, or went out of business, there was a continual down or tear-up. But finally after much weariness of flesh and loss of sleep the crop was in the shock. The old man got good after this, said to his wife, "Ma, IVe had a mighty hard time saving this crop ; now I remem- ber what I promised that singer; I am ashamed of my- self." Very soon thrashing time came. The thrasher wound up the last field for old man Jones on Saturday. On Sunday morning he drove into Bro. Jno's. rice field with his big steam thrashing machine. The entire family, excepting the wife, was out to see the highland steamer, as she plowed though the muddy fields and across canals, or small water ways. They started into a small canal; down they went, the further they went the deeper they got. Finally the steam monster with all its cargo of harvesting paraphernalia stopped in the middle of the ditch, couldn't move a wheel. John walked up to the owner of the outfit and tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Just let her stand, pardner, there'll never be an- other wheel turned on my farm on Sunday as long as I live." The machine staid there several days before it was landed on solid soil so it could work. The old man thrashed and sold his crop, but came out several hundred dollars behind in the Sunday harvest- ing business. As he sat on the depot platform and swing- 91 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH ing his feet back and forth he kicked his heels against the cotton bales. He looked me in the face and said, "Bro. Phillips, as I sat there and looked at that old thrasher bogged down in the mire that Sunday morning, I said in my heart, God has brought this all on me to teach me a lesson. I am all mired down in sin this morning worse than that old thrashing machine." When I saw him six months later he said, "Bro. Phillips I am doing well now and God has blest me, but I don't work any more on Sun- days, and all my teams rest too on the Lord's day." SABBATH BREAKING. Several years ago we held a meeting in a Northern Iowa town. While there met a Dr. Robertson, who was a church member, but not a working member. We be- came fast friends and have remained so down to the present time, frequently corresponding with him. We planned to meet at Chicago and have a visit a few years ago. But each time failed. 1S0 we planned to meet at the World's Fair at St. Louis. But when the time came to start he was called to Memphis, Ten- nessee, on business and I was in western Texas holding meetings and it seemed that our efforts to meet would result in a failure again. I determined, however, that our plans should mate- rialize this time. So I wrote him to that effect, and by changing my route it was a very easy matter to run by A Quartette of Diamond Diggers. Reading from left to right Mrs. and Rev. Law. Mrs. and Mr. Phillips. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 97 Memphis and spend a day or so there, and then on to the Fair together. I took the train at Ft. Worth, Texas one morning and the next day at 6 :30 I rolled into Memphis, was met by my long loved friend and escorted to the home of his sister, Mrs. J. James. We had a delightful time there taking in the various things of interest. Among the most interesting things to the Dr. were the large and beautiful trees, he having been reared on the treeless prairies of Illinois and Iowa. One beautiful warm Sunday afternoon we strolled out on the river front, took a seat on some old rubbish and watched the people as they came and went on their excursion boats, forgetful of God and the Sabbath day. Late in the afternoon we turned our footsteps homeward, tired of seeing the desecration of God's holy day. We were walking down one of the main streets and passed a place where they were excavating for an immense modern building. To my astonishment and disapproval I saw a great number of men at work on this building, or place for the building. I knew, too, the president of the business that was to occupy the building was one of the most noted Sunday School workers in the South. As we reached the spot I said "Doctor that's entirely wrong, these men wont make any time by this, but in- stead will lose time and money." The Doctor said "Oh! I guess not ; these men came all the way from New York, and they are under contract to get that building com- pleted by a certain time." "Be that as it may, it's awful to see men doing this on Sunday and it will all have 98 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH to be done over." "Oh ! I guess you are an old fogy, raised in the country and don't know any better," he said in a joking way. By this time we were just in front of the five story building that was on the edge of the excavation and the building was propped and braced to keep it from tumbling over into the great hole. I told the Doctor those braces wouldn't do any good, for I thought the Lord would smash the entire outfit be- fore it was completed. Just then we stepped upon the curbing in front of this old rickity propped building. A strange peculiar feeling of indescribable awe came over me and with a great anxiety to flee from the place, I said, "Oh! let's get away from here quick. I fear that God will smash this thing before we can get away" and I ran just as fast and as far as I could in a very few moments. The doctor didn't say any thing but kept up with me as we marked of! a hasty retreat. We went to our stopping place, had supper, then attended church that night, returned home and retired early. About seven o'clock in the morning we were sud- denly alarmed by ringing of bells, the blowing of whist- les, firing of guns and yelling of men and boys as they ran from every direction, all going toward the river front, on the street we had been on the previous day. Doctor jumped up and grabbed his hat saying, "Come on Phillips, let's go to the fire ; I guess its a big one from the excitement that seems to be among the people." Down the steps we went at a few jumps and drifted DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 99 with the crowd. "Where is the fire?" "What is it?" "Down on Ninth and Third Sts., a hotel I think. Oh! I just know its the planter's." "No, it's a business house." "Well, hurry let's get there quick and see it" were some of the expressions we could hear as we hur- ried down the avenue. "Oh! is it." "Yes." "What." "The Union Trust building. Oh ! my, isn't that awful." "Wonder if there was anybody in the building?" Don't know." By this time we had turned the corner and were on the street that led us right to the place about which I had spoken just ten hours before. Then somebody said, "its not a fire at all; the old bank building has collapsed." Imagine if you can the awful look upon that doctor's face as we ran up to the place and saw tumbled, twisted, piled, packed and standing almost bottom upward in that excavation, that entire five story building that only a few hours before, stood propped up on the edge of that immense hole like an avalanche of snow on a mount- ain side. We both stood speechless for several moments watching with breathless anxiety the firemen and police as they dug and dragged away the debris, trying to res- cue from beneath this heap of wreck and ruin the bodies of twelve or fifteen unfortunate men, who happened to be inside the building before the crash came. Several minutes we stood and looked on, wondering if it were possible for a man to be rescued alive from the pile of broken timbers, twisted piping, shattered glass, crushed bricks and broken furniture. Finally the doctor turned to me and in rather a sub- 100 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH dued voice said, "Oh ! Brother Phillips had you forgot- ten your prophecy about this yesterday afternoon/' "Forgotten it? most assuredly not." There was never seen in Memphis a more exciting thing than was witnessed there that morning as they would pull from beneath the wreckage a man; many times the crowd could not tell whether he was dead or alive, but as soon as the victim reached any height a shout of victory went up that was heard for blocks away. Never will I forget that day's experience and the fortelling of that sad catastrophe. RECLAMATION OF A PREACHER. In our union tent meeting in (Southern Missouri sev- eral years ago we had a peculiar experience in dealing with a man who had once been a minister. During the meeting there was an excursion down to Eureka Springs to attend a celebration and hear W. J. Bryan in his famous oration "The Prince of Peace." There were many who went from the little city in which the meeting was being conducted. Among the number was one of the workers in the meeting. His attention was called several times to an over bearing, boisterous fellow, who seemed to take a special delight in wagging at the porter and "news butch," and making it as unpleasant for them as possible. He finally turned his attention to a young man, or boy rather, who had recently been converted in the meeting. Having been a preacher he showed that he was fairly well versed in „ DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 101 the scriptures. Therefore he made it very embarrassing to the young fellow by propounding knotty questions to him. Then asked him to prove that there was a hell? When the train reached Seligman, Mo., where the party changed cars for Eureka Springs, this brave back- slidden preacher turned his gun on the young man who was assisting in the meeting. Then another gun was turned loose. The worker stood him as long as he could, then braced himself up, looked him straight in the face and said: "I have been watching you and listening to you ever since we left the station. I heard the profound question you put to that boy to prove to you there was a hell. Now, I want to say this to you, the Bible says, 'And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea.' Mark 9 :41. Furthermore I had rather be that boy and have his chances for heaven, than to be like you, on your way to hell and trying to carry everybody with you that you can." That was the last of him that day. When the crowd returned from that excursion, the meet- ing was still in progress, and was sweeping the town. The backslidden preacher came out that night to see what was doing, seemed rather reckless thru the service, and at the close he went to the singer and said, "I have been feeling mighty bad all day, and am sorry the way I did yesterday ;I want you preachers to come to my house tomorrow night for supper, I want you to pray for me and help me out of my difficulties." They went, had supper with him, then talked awhile, 102 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH read the Bible, had prayer with him, and left. He promised he would come that night to the altar and try to settle the matter of his soul's salvation. Sure enough he came, and after some instructions and prayers he came out clear on the Lord's side, and made a fine worker in the meeting. His little wife who had been almost grieved to death on account of his dissipated life, was now all sunshine and happiness, and never ceased to thank the Lord for what He did for their little family. A few months after this one of the evangelists met him in St. Louis. They passed a few words, then he ex- cused himself and went away. The evangelist felt sure the poor fellow had fallen again and that his presence was uncomfortable to him ; this he supposed accounted, for his quick leave. However, before he left the evan- gelist, he said to him, "There will be a service over there at the railroad Y. M. C. A. in a few moments; wont you come over?" The evangelist promised him that he would but expected that would be the end of it and he would not see him again. He walked over to the Y. M. C. A. after a bit and his friend was the first one to greet him, much to his surprise and with some shame for having so little confidence in one of his own converts. "I have just made arrangements with the secretary for you to sing for us tonight," said he and the boys want you to sing the "Railroad song." He sang for them. Had a fine service, at the close of which the secretary called up the new convert to lead in prayer. He prayed and such a* prayer was seldom ever heard DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 103 to fall from the lips of man. When last heard from, he was preaching the gospel a»nd leading others to Christ. "I AM NOT GOING TO THAT ALTAR." When a young man of about twenty-one or two years of age, and struggling along in school, trying to get an education, there came an old Phrenologist to our town. He was giving demonstration of his powers and telling the young men of the pent-up possibilities that lay dor- mant beneath the old jeans coat that covered his pointed shoulders. I, with some of my school-boy friends, went down to have, as we termed it, our fortunes and misfor- tune told. Really, I hesitated before I would go, but when I ventured to go, there were some things I was afraid the old man would guess at, or accidently tell that I didn't want the world nor my best friends to know, most of which, however, the old gentleman told, refus- ing however to tell it to my school friends, but told it to myself and one other man who happened to be in the hotel at that time. This man watched me from that day till the day of his conversion. The one thing that the fortune teller told that was not desired nor appreciated by this writer, was the fact that some day he would be a great preacher, and would lead hundreds and thousands to Christ, the very thing I had been fighting all my life, and never wanted to do. I almost made up my mind that I would die before I would do it. 104 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH Ten years rolled by. I went away to college, then, after leaving school drifted into evangelistic work after many hard struggles and blue days. From the start the work was always successful and we held many great meetings in our own state before drifting north. In the mean time I was married to a very fine christian woman, who has been greatly blest in the work with me. We were invited back to our old home town in Ne- vada, Texas, to assist the pastor in a revival meeting. The three young men who were to do the preaching had been converted in a meeting conducted by E. G. Kilgore of Miss., and myself eight years previous to this. The work progressed splendidly. Most of the con- verts were hardened old men and were reached by per- sonal work. One day my friend, Dr. Pardue, said to our old sinner friend, who had been watching me since the day I had my fortune told in the hotel, "Say, Mr. Harris come go up to the tent with me tonight, we are having a fine meeting. I know you will want to see Ed, and hear him sing." "Yes I'd like to hear him sing, but I don't want to see him. If I were to go up there he would be on me like a duck on a June bug and I couldn't stand that." He insisted, and our friend came to the meeting I saw him as he sat against a tent pole at the back side of the tent. When a good chance presented itself for me to leave the choir I did so, went down to my friend and took him by the hand saying, "Come on, Mr. Harris, you have been serving the devil long enough. Let's quit to- DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 105 night." With that he put his big hands upon my should- ers and gave me a shove that landed me ten feet away on the other side of the tent. This did not deter me one second in my determination. I simply arose and made for him again, smiling, talking and almost crying, "Oh you can knock me down, but I'll get up and try it again." By this time he saw that I was determined. He still resisted, however, declaring he would never go. Finally his wife and two married daughters came, the wife said, "Come on, pa, and let's go up with Mr. Ed, it wont do you any harm." Then the daughters began to weep. One of them reminded him of how he had a short time before promised his other married daughter upon her death bed that he would quit his sinful life and meet her in heaven. When he was reminded of his solemn promise to his dying child, that was too much for him. He broke down and began to weep too; I said, "Come on Mr. Harris and let's go now, I'll go with you." "No," said he, "I am no invalid I can go alone." But he didn't. He lead the way followed by his wife and the two young married daughters, myself bringing up the rear. When I got them all lined up and strung up the aisle, I yelled an "Amen" to keep him going, that would have done credit to a Comanche Indian. He dropped down upon his knees at the first opportunity, surrounded by his wife and children and I got on top of him to hold him down while the pastor prayed for him. He left meeting that night a changed man. I asked the president of the bank there later how my friend was. He said, "Phillips, that man has never been heard to utter an cath since that night." 106 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH (Since then he has built and dedicated to his people a beautiful little church, as a monument of his gener- osity to Christianity. "JEMINY DO." THE CONFESSIONS OF A BLACKSMITH. In a Southwest Missouri town late in the fall, Jno. E. Brown and I were holding a union tent meeting. The pastors of the churches were all working together for the salvation of souls. Brown had been scorching parents who would let their children dance. There was a father in the town who would give dances at his home, play the fiddle himself and make his daughters dance. So this little, Brown, evangelist, said a few little things about like this : "A daddy like that was not fit to raise pups, much less children." The infuriated old gentleman sent the preacher word that he would whip him at sight. He came to the meeting the next night, took his stand, or lean, against one of the tent poles near the altar. Some of the people really were uneasy about the little preacher; thought he was surely in for trouble that night. Brown got up, and in his usual fearless firey way began preaching and said things unlawful for me to write, for decent people to read. Our man against the tent-pole began sliding down toward the ground, back against the pole. He slid until he struck mother earth, and could go no further. Then he tumbled over, began weeping and praying. One of the pastors went to him and assisted him to the altar and asked me to talk to the convicted man. I dropped down in front of him, altar DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 107 between us, and took him by the hand and said : "Glad to see you here, old fellow and you are in an awful fix. You are almost in hell. The devil has almost got his hands on you now and you have got to pray and pray hard and long and fast and lots of it." With that very mild instruction, he began and I can not soon forget how he prayed, and what he said. It ran something like this: "Oh, Lord have mercy on me, for I am the meanest man in old Missouri. Lord have mercy on me! Lord have mercy on me ! Oh, Lord have mercy on me, Jeminy do, quick." As he said that he straightened up on his knees and smote upon his breast and gave me such a pitiful look saying, "Oh preacher, what must I do." "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." "I do, I do." He jumped to his feet and the first man he got hold of was Brown, and he almost hugged him to death before we could get him loose. The very man he come to lick, when he got religion, he loved more than any other. When Christ comes in, hate goes out. BROKE HIS FATHER OF "CUSSING." A few summers ago we were holding a union tent meeting in a little city out on the Ft. Worth and Denver R. R. between Ft. Worth and Amorillo, Texas. One morning as I'was walking down the street a gentleman whom I had met and become rather familiar with, called to me and said, "Come by, I want to tell you something." The evangelist had preached the night before on swear- ing. This father said, "I want to tell you how my little boy broke me from 'cussinV 108 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH "It was this way; my little boy was out in the lot playing around around among the calves and pigs. Some- thing went wrong and he fired in to swearing and he fairly made the air blue. 'Such terrifn^c oaths seemed almost impossible to come from such youthful lips. His mother happened to be near and heard him ; she pro- ceeded to gather some very excellent peach tree sprouts and called the young Texan to her and delivered to him a very telling lecture on swearing, told him the awful sin it was to take God's name in vain and that nobody only bad and low down people would do the like. She said, "Take off your coat, I'll have to chastise you for this." He straightened himself up and looked her in the face and said, "Well, I guess your dear sweet Mr. Harl does it." She stopped, her hand fell paralyzed at her side. She could not strike him one blow. He had learned it from his daddy and was just "following in his footsteps." The father told me this incident after he had made a profession of religion. Between sobs and tears he said, "Oh, Bro. Phillips, I quit, of course I quit, but it was too late; the boy had formed the habit, and now I am responsible for it." Moral : we had better look well to our influence, for whatsoever we sow, we shall also reap. HIS EVENING PRAYER.' I landed in Muskogee, I. T. It was then one hot summer day about six p. m. The town was full to over- flowing with all kinds of people; it was when the town was on a great boom, just before the state was admitted DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 109 into the Union. It seemed to be a mixture of all classes from the common Indian and negro, to the Eastern Capitalist and the high toned, educated Cherokee Indian. My general opinion of the territory, at best, was not very good. My wife's father was killed while on duty as a United States marshal, by a couple of desperadoes. A young lady who boarded with us, was attacked by a common loafer on the streets of Vinita just previous to this time; also an Indian girl school-teacher boarded with us at Siloam Springs, who had many stories of des- perate and daring deeds done by the people of her com- munity around Muskogee and Tahlequah. Knowing all these things, and seeing the loose wild and wicked ways of the town that afternoon, almost drove sleep from my restless eyes, for one night at least till twelve o'clock. The hotels were full. I could not get a room, yet I was tired and worn from a long hard line of work in Texas. I went to a rooming house and restaurant com- bined. I asked the proprietor if I could get a room or at least a bed. Yes, I guess so, I have one room left with two beds in it. "All right," said I, "I'll take one of the beds, and hope you won't have to put any body else in the room, as I'm tired and nervous." "Oh you need not fear I'll put one there, will have a dozen more calls for rooms than I can supply." I went into the restaurant and ate a small supper. As I came out I heard the proprietor say, "Yes, I have just one more bed, in a double room and the other bed has been taken." I stepped up and said, "What is that, are you going to put another man in the room with me?" "Guess I'll have 110 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH to," he said talking to the other fellow, saying, "he's a pretty good fellow I think." Well he might have been, and was, but I didn't think so then. I sized him up from head to foot, but did not like his looks at all. Really the more I thought about him the more suspicious he apppeared to me. I stepped out on the front porch and said to myself, "How will I pass this long hot evening until bed time." I heard the Salvation Army out on the avenue; I could not see any thing but my suspicious looking room mate. Finally, after trying different kinds of proceedure, to while away time, I decided to go to bed, and risk being robbed, killed, or dying from fright. At about nine- thirty I turned in, and over, around and about in every conceivable position, trying to sleep. But it had all flown like a South Texas snow storm beneath a warm sunshine. I decided at last about eleven thirty that my room mate was not coming. So sure now I'll sleep. But I didn't. About twelve o'clock he came stamping up the long carpetless steps, and down a blank bare hall. He reached the door, turned the bolt and came plodding in. I aroused from my unpleasant pretending slumber somewhat surprised to know that he hadn't been in bed hours before, (knowing very well tho, that he hadn't.) Before retiring now, mind you, I took special care to put my pocket book under my trousers, well folded, turned the sheet over them and placed my pillow over this. Thinking in my imaginative mind that if he got my money he would have to get me first. But few words passed between us. I was not hunting new ac- DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 111 quaintances just then. But how I watched him. He locked the door, then my heart went pat, pat. He even pulled down the blinds very low. Then my heart went, pitty pat. Then he looked at me, then at the gas lights, my heart went pitty patty, pitty patty. He stepped back to be sure the door was secure, and then he started back toward my bed I thought, my heart would jump out at my mouth and run down .stairs and I wished that it would if I could have followed it. When he returned he pulled the window down lower. Now said I, "My time has come, he intends to kill me now," And I was actually at the point of screaming, and jumping out of my bed. Just about the time he had worked me up to 'the highest possible pitch, never saying a word all this time, he coolly and quietly stepped up to his bedside and dropped down upon his knees to say his little even- ing prayers. You talk about shouting. I thought I'd explode. I Could scarcely wait till he finished. As soon as he arose I said, "Well God bless you!" Do you know you like to have frightened me to death. I am glad you did that, I can go to sleep now myself." Then he came over to my bed and laid down with me and told how his father had been a missionary to the Indians in that country in an early day, and how his mother taught him when a boy never to retire without saying his little prayer. This, he said, he had never failed to do once since he had reached manhood. It turned out that I knew many of his friends in my home state, and we spent much of the night in a most enjoyable conversation. 112 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH The experience through which I passed from one extreme feeling of fright, to one of perfect delight can never be imagined nor told. It can only be realized by actual experience; the first part of which I hope you shall never have. It was imaginary of course, but I am only the wiser by having had it. CONVERSION OF J. E. SMITH AND THE BURNING OF HIS POOL HALL OUTFIT. In our recent meeting in Wellington, Texas, I had the pleasure of landing one of the biggest "Mud Cats" of the season. About the second week of the meeting, a man came forward one night and knelt for prayer. He looked so troubled and restless I followed him back to his seat after prayer was over and asked him if I could help him in any way. He said "I certainly need help and if you can do anything for me I will appreciate it." I assured him if he would come to the altar and con- fess, that the Lord would most certainly save him. For several days he would not come to the altar as there was a man who was a member of the church with whom he had had a difficulty and he felt sure he could not forgive him. I finally succeeded in getting them together and they shook hands, and forgave each other. Mr. Smith then went to work in the meeting and made a faithful worker and led seven to Christ. He finally got under great conviction about what disposition to make of his pool-hall. I said to him "Turn the keys over to me and let me stick a match to the thing and burn it." He looked at me and said, "Do you mean it." DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 113 "Of course I mean it." He smiled and said, "Well, I'll see." At the men's meeting Sunday afternoon, we started a subscription to buy the outfit and burn it. We raised $450 ; the first cost of the hall was $1,200. He sacrificed it and let us take it at $750. Monday morning at the farewell service under the big tabernacle, while the tide was rising higher and higher, the superintendent of the High school slipped up to me and said, "Phillips, we must not let this meeting close till we burn that pool- hall." So he started the collection with ten dollars ; then I took the list and saw we needed about $300 more. In ten minutes I raised the full amount and announced that at 11 :30 we would touch off the fire. It took only about twenty minutes to load it on some farm wagons standing on the square and haul them to a convenient place, where about fifteen hundred people had gathered, and then we pronounced a blessing upon the work and the man who was saved from the hell- hole, touched a match to the pile of fixtures consisting of five pool tables and their attachments, then while it went up in flames we sang "There's a Great Day Com- ing," and the leader said, "Yes, and the fire will be much hotter than this, too." CHAPMAN-ALEXANDER MEETINGS. Since the first report of our work here in this great city the interest has grown to such an extent that one can scarcely think that so much good could be accom- plished, and such a wide spread interest be manifested so soon. The climax was reached last Saturday night when 114 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH eight thousand people assembled in the magnificent music hall for a "Gospel song" concert, the like of which was never seen before and is seldom seen in a life time. The doors were to have been opened at 7 :00 o'clock. By 6:30 the streets were filled by an enthusiastic crowd, thinking to gain entrance. By seven the streets were were packed for two blocks up either side of the immense building, and they were not boisterous, but stood quietly and reverently singing, "Nearer My God to Thee," and "It is Well With My /Soul." When the doors were opened at 7 :00 o'clock the grand rush was made for good seats. By 7 :30 almost every available seat in the great Audi- torium was occupied. There were four galleries above the first floor; these filled with elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen and beautifully lighted with hundreds of electric lights made the scene absolutely indescribable. The choir was back on an elevated platform on the stage, seating more than 1000. Mr. Chas. Alexander stood in front on a pedestal raised five feet high for the special occasion. Imagine, if you can, what a storm of praise went up as the 8000 people sang, "Nearer My God to Thee." The ladies were seated to the right and left ; the gen- tlemen sat in the center. The picture blending of black and white dress, made the effect delightful to look upon. All the ladies were dressed in white. One Southern gentleman said, "It looked like a Georgia plantation of cotton, with the heads of the little pickaninnies sticking up above the stalks. Many new songs were sung, but the old songs seemed to prevail. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 115 Mr. Law and myself were privileged t® fee seated on the front of the stage among the leading evangelists of the age, as also the best gospel singers of the world, such as Chas. Alexander, Jno. P. Hillis, Paul G. Gilbert, Mr. Harkness of Australia, Mr. Collison of London, Mr. Page of Chicago and, just think, Mr. Ed G. Phillips, from dear old Arkansas. And actually one lady asked where that place was located. I told her it was on the map of the United States. SUNDAY MIDNIGHT THEATER SERVICE. Editor Revival : — My friends in the West will be surprised, I am sure, to know that I attended a theater last Sunday night from eleven to twelve o'clock. I am not ashamed to tell you that I did. But listen! of all the sights that a man need not want to see, can be seen here at about 12 o'clock any night. After our services closed at the Churches we took a gospel skirmishing tour through the red-light district and China-town to the Bijou theater. Along the way we passed men and women standing on the corners drinking, swearing and smoking and rather sly about it, as the Cops were lined up along the way. We reached the theater at 11 :15. Mr. and Mrs. Asher, the Saloon Evangelists, were just closing their service. Mrs. Asher was singing and pleading to the young men to quit sin, write a letter to mother, and tell her that her wayward boy was coming home. As we entered by a side door to reach the stage we passed into a small room and in this room we found a sight never to be 116 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH forgotten, and one not usually expected behind the cur- tains. A dozen or more men and women on their knees, praying- and weeping, with some Christian man or woman by the side of each one, trying to point him to the Savior. As they would stand for prayer in the main Auditorium, a worker would grab them by the arm and lead them to the inquiry room behind the curtains and try to save them from sin. We remained until ex- actly 12 o'clock with Mr. Buswell, of the North Woods lumber camps. He preached to something like 1,300 men who had seen sin in all its hideous hellishness and had gone thru it all; about one hundred of these men stood for prayer while Mr. Weaver and myself sang, "Tell Mother I'll be There." At the close many were led into a definite acceptance of Christ. I hope they were saved. I am more than convinced now, as long ago, that there is something for every church member to do besides sit and sing, "Rescue the Perishing." Bless your life, the thing to do, is "Do It Now." There are hundreds being saved daily and the end is not yet, Praise the Lord. A CHANGE WROUGHT BY GALVESTON FLOOD. In a low dive in the rear of a saloon in Galveston, seated around a dirty gambling table, we see six tough- looking men. Each has his hand upon the table in front of him covering his money, while with the other he conceals the hand upon which his money is staked. One man, the youngest and perhaps the most daring, full to the brim, calls the game. A dispute arises, guns are DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 117 drawn, and in the twinkling of an eye the click of a pistol is heard. The lights are blown out, the table upturned and the shooting quickly begins. The police ran to the front door, and thru to the back room, where the shoot- ing had occurred. Before they reached the room, how- ever, a "pal" of short acquaintance stumbled and felt around in the darkened dive and found the young cour- ageous sport. This "pal" dragged him to a workshop, which was nearby, pushed open the door, pulled him in and laid him on the work-bench to sober up. He then closed the door and went his way. About ten o'clock the next day he went around to see what had happened to his unfortunate fast friend. He opened the old shop door and peeped in. There on the shavings lay the once flattering prospects of a devoted mother, all besotted and debauched in sin and disgrace — a sight that was enough to make angels weep and devils blush. His friend picked him up, brushed the shavings off, took him to the hotel and put him to bed, telling him to let him hear from him when he recovered. It was only a few weeks till that awful Galveston cyclone came, which swept the city from its sandy foun- dation, when thousands were hurled into the great beyond without a moment's warning. Each of these poor un- fortunate gamblers supposed that the other was lost, tho they both providentially withstood the storm. But for years each did not know of the escape of the other, not until the writer of this story happened to learn the history of the two men, who are to day living and doing a wonderful work for God and humanity. 118 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH "I thought you were coming to the meeting last night." "Yes, I did promise you I'd come, but I went down town and got into a game and forgot all about it." "Now, look here, old fellow, don't you lie to me. You didn't forget it, for I am still praying for you." "Yes, I told my wife last night I guessed that fool singer is praying for me, for I can't sleep." "Well, you are coming tonight aren't you?" "Say, didn't you tell me you were from Texas?" "Yes." "Ever at Galveston?" "Yes." "Well it is a great old hole. I've seen some tough times there. Say, did you know that fellow Hemphill who used to go around and sing in meetings?" "Yes." "Do you sing that song that he used to sing? Some- thing about 'Now I Lay Me Down to /Sleep.'?" "Yes, I sing it." "Well if you'll sing it tonight I'll be there. My mother was a mighty good woman and she taught me that little prayer." "Alright, I'll sing it if you'll come." The devil got in his work and he didn't come in time for the singing. He had a quarrel with his wife and told her to go the d'md old meeting if she wanted to, he wouldn't have anything to do with it. He grabbed his hat and lit out to town as usual. When he got there every house was closed and the merchants all gone to the meeting. He hung around on the street and pouted, DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 119 felt mean, and finally got ashamed of himself and went sneaking up to the church, slipped in, took his stand be- hind the door, so he would not be seen by the worker who was after him. When the altar call was made, the worker went down and took the man by the hand and said to him : "I sang the song for you; how did you like it?" 'Well, to tell you the truth, I did not hear it. I just got in. Please go off and let me be, for I am the mean- est man in Iowa. I had a fuss with my wife and went down town; didn't aim to come to church, but had to or freeze and as that is my name I didn't want to be a frozen Freeze. I'm mad, let me alone." "Let you alone ! I'll do nothing of the kind. If you will go to the altar and confess your sins and get right with your wife and God, then I'll let you alone." He went to the altar, surrendered to God and was wonderfully saved. There was rejoicing in that home in Sumner, Iowa, that night. About the same time Mr. Fife was holding a meeting in an opera house down in Texas, run by that dashing young sport who was supposed by his Iowa friend to have been lost in the Galveston flood. Mr. Fife was pleading with men one night to for- sake sin and come to Christ. Some kind hand tapped the manager of the opera house on the shoulder and said : "Old man, won't you make the decision for Christ tonight?" As quick as lightning he said, "I'll do it." Down to the front he went, was saved, turned the 120 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH opera house into a Y. M. C. A. building and in a few days was on his way to Chicago to enter the Moody school to prepare for his life work, that of saving souls. I was also there and became associated with him in the work of leading men to Christ, preaching and sing- ing the glorious Gospel that brings peace to the human heart. Recently Evangelist Brown was conducting meetings in Washington, D. C, and it was his delightful pleasure to meet our friend Mr. Freeze, who was saved several years ago in our revival at Sumner, Iowa, He was one of the best workers in the meeting in Washington, D. C, and was very appreciative of the work and work- ers who had led him into the way. "What have you done with the 'Diamond Digger?' " "Oh, he is out in the west still singing and digging diamonds. He is laboring with Evangelist Doolin." "Who?" "Evangelist Doolin." "What, Bill Doolin?" "Yes." "No. You dont mean it." "Yes." "Well if that don't set your cork to bobbin'. The last time I saw him he didn't look much like a preacher to me." Then he related the story here told of how they used to go sporting together down in Galveston and how they promised the Lord that if He would let them escape from the cyclone they would live differently after that. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 121 They made good their promise and are today earnest Christian gentlemen, striving to warn the unsaved of the dangers of a sinful life. This incident has come under my own personal ex- perience and is, therefore, perhaps, of more interest to me than it may be to the casual reader. SUNDAY AT JOHN WANAMAKER'S CHURCH. Prof. B. F. Butts, of New York City, asked me to go down to the Brotherhood meeting at nine o'clock. We boarded the car and landed there just in time to be in a red-hot testimony meeting. If I had not known I was in Philadelphia I would have felt like I was at an old time Methodist love feast, away down South. The meeting was one in which everybody took part. Mr. Wanamaker led the service, and he made every one feel at home. There were perhaps 300 men there and one woman, who came 52 squares to attend this service. She had been converted in Mr. Wanamaker's Sunday 'School when a girl some 30 years before. She was afterward married to a man who took to drink. For twenty years he lead a most reckless life, was everything that a man could be that was bad. He was just getting over a drunken spree when his wife prevailed on him to go to a revival service. He drank something like a quart of liquor during the day and at 6 o'clock drank a quart of vinegar as a bracer then went to the meeting. He was wonder- fully and miraculously saved, and is now a sober success- ful man. At exactly eleven we went from the basement to 122 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH the main auditorium to attend the preaching. There was nothing of the ordinary formal "mull around a mill" way of doing things. The service was great, grand and good ; they sang the old-time songs. There were four choirs beside the large congregation — the regular choir of 150, the boys choir of 200, the girls with 250 and the grown men with perhaps 150, each choir in separate sections. Well, it was heaven to me. The old lady, of whom I just spoke, that attended the men's meeting, was ushered up to the main auditorium, and seated in the front pew, with as much dignity and pleasure as if she had been a queen. Her costume was enough to make our home people laugh. She was large and fat, very short, and a short dress, and a short tailed old fashioned quaker bonnet, made the dear sister a sight to behold but no one seemed to notice that. This church has been doing this kind of work among the common people for fifty years. A good lesson might be learned here by some of our would-be stylish churches. Mr. Wanamaker leaves home at nine in the morning and stays at that church till ten at night. Yet, he is seventy years of age. They take dinner together, and eat in the basement, and keep some kind of a meeting going every hour in the day from nine till ten at night. Truly it is a wonderful work. "YOU TALKED MY RIGHT ARM OFF." In a meeting at Claremore, Okla., I walked back in the tent one night and spoke to a man about his soul. He seemed quite anxious to talk and I dropped down by DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 123 his side when they were called to prayer. The prayer was over and the singing began. He was getting tired of me and insisted that I go up front and lead the music. I said, "No, I'll just sing back here to you." They had another prayer. When this prayer was ended he was so sure I would leave him that he held out his hand and thanked me for my interest in him and said, "I am so glad I met you. Come back again." Quite sure that that would end the conversation I said, "Yes, bless your heart, I'm glad, so glad I met you, but I am not gone yet." I stayed with him till I got through. I kept this up for about two weeks, and finally one night he sur- rendered, and was one of the brightest converts in the meeting. The first thing Mr. Taylor said in the testi- mony meeting was this : "Phillips talked my right arm off and I decided to give up before he begun on my left." After the meeting he wrote a long article to the local paper admonishing his unsaved associates to quit sin and go with him to heaven, which many did. I get a letter from him occasionally, and the first thing he says is, "I'm so glad I met you." CONVERSION OF "JUMBO." SAW MILL MAN WHO TURNED PREACHER. In march of 1902 we were invited to Monona, Iowa, to hold a revival in the M. E. church by the pastor, Rev. Leamon. The meeting started under many difficulties and it was more than a week before the church members took much interest in it, tho we continued to pour in the hot gospel in sermon and song. Finally the break 124 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH came, and many were turned from sin and sorrow to sunshine, shouting and singing and were thoroughly saved. A great deal of the work was accomplished by per- sonally dealing with people outside of the meeting. I give you here one of three very interesting cases; will give the other later. One night as I was passing down the aisle I saw a very large man. He was under deep conviction and was weeping bitterly. I stepped over to him and kindly laid my hand upon his shoulder, and asked him if he would like to be a christian. He said, no, he had no idea of being a christian, and didn't want to be bothered. Next day I dropped into a marble or monument work shop to speak with some men about their souls. This large man, to whom I had spoken the previous evening, was in there ; when I stepped in, the owner of the estab- lishment said, "Brother Phillips, the man has just been laying you boys out, and says you are nothing but a set of dudes and came here just to get money." I turned to him and looked him squarely in the face and said, "Yes, you old rascal you, we did come after money, and we will get it, and will get you with the money." As I said this I put my arms around himi, as far as they would go, and gave him a good hug, and said, "Old fellow, I love you and am praying for you and expect to see you saved and working in this meeting before it comes to a close." For fifteen days and nights the prayers and plans to reach that man were many. I would talk and pray with him in the meeting one night, then he DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 125 would stay away the next night and go down town and play dominoes and checkers. I would make it convenient to see him next day and have a short talk with him, and have him promise to come to the meeting that evening. He never broke the promise but one time. It got so- warm he went out on the river and started his saw mill and I followed him out there, about one mile from town, and had another heart talk with him. I stood there on that river bank and talked to that poor fellow till I was chilled through and through when the weather was at zero. Never once thought of my exposure, so anxious was I to reach my "diamond." He came that night and continued to come. I used all the scripture I could com- mand, prayed for him, loved him, cried with him, but all of no avail so far. Finally Sunday night before the meet- ing should close on Monday night, I went to him for the last time, as I told him. This was the exact conversation as near as I can remember it. I said, "JurnDo, I have loved you and associated with you, prayed for you, hug- ged you, and given you God's own precious word, and done everything in my power and knowledge that I can to reach you, and you have laughed at my earnestness, criticised my zeal and made light of God's word, and now I make my final appeal to you. I never expect to speak to you again in this world, nor the world to come. There is only one religious road in this world, one end leads to heaven, the other to hell. You have no more appreciated what I have said and done for you than a great big old hog, neither have you appreciated what Christ has done for you. I shall never see you nor trouble 126 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH you again, so goodbye, old fellow." This was too much for him. He broke down and cried like a child, and held out his hand like an innocent babe and said between sobs, "goodbye." His sweet Christian daughter threw her arms around his neck and said, "Papa, don't be so stubborn, do go forward and give yourself to Christ." I left him and went up to the platform and began singing, "Almost Persuaded." Before I was through the first stanza he was on his knees in the altar. Before I finished the second, he was up on his feet praising the Lord and shaking hands with his loved ones and friends. He gave his name, with eight others of his family, for church membership, and from that on had a happy Christian family. About a year from then I received a very sweet Christian letter from him, saying that we should hurry and come back to his northern state to hold more meet- ings. That when we came we would not have to spend our time in trying to get him saved, but that he was ready to help us. He has already been preaching and trying to lead men to Christ. Letters from him and word from his friends since tell me that he has had many trials and troubles, but that he is firm for God and his profession. These persistent labors have enabled me to receive many kind letters from mothers and wives, and the as- surance that I have their prayers and "God bless yous" as long as life lasts, and the hope of meeting beyqnd the river, gives me fresh courage to push ahead. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 127 A NEW MAN. I wish to thank my many friends for their prayers and help in bringing me into the church, and in so doing I praise God for the great blessing He has given me, and am going to live a better, brighter and more useful life, and hope that my being converted will cause hundreds of others to take a step nearer to the Lord and be more useful in the future. Friends who are still holding back, I sincerely ask and advise you to not delay in accepting the Lord as your personal Savior, and receive the power and the Light of the world, so that you may be more useful men and women in this old world. The way to show your Christianity is by your good works, and as a servant of the Lord you must be useful and try to help bring the immortal souls to the altar, that they might be saved. Throw out your light so that their pathway may be bright and they may find their way to that Heavenly home where the title is clear, and joy, peace and happiness shall forever be. God bless the Christians and the preachers, who plan- ned and were so fortunate to get Brother Lovic P. Law and wife and his able singer, Professor Phillips, to come to Claremore, for by their coming, the good Claremore has received could not be paid for in money. A price could not be fixed to balance with the good we received. God bless the unsaved; guide and direct us; keep us closer together and in thy care, and when we have served you on this earth receive us all in heaven, is my prayer. W. T. Taylor. 128 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH THERE'LL BE NO CHRISTIANS IN HELL; THERE MAY BE A SODA FOUNTAIN BUT IT WON'T BE COOL. Another hard case in this same meeting mentioned above was on my heart. He came to the meeting one time and I spoke to him about being a Christian. He got mad and would not come back. Every time I met him on the street I would treat him kindly and say something about religion and ask him to the meeting. He had not been to the meeting for ten days. I met him one day and said, "I am still praying for you and looking for you to come out on the Lord's side." Then he fired at me and said, "Go off and let me alone. Every- where I go I find Christian workers." "You may find them here, but you are going to (a place where there will be no Christians, and then you would like to meet one." He took the dry grins and tried to laugh, but was so convicted he couldn't. He turned and followed me, took me by the arm and said, "Let's go in here at the soda fountain and get a cool drink." "Alright," said I, "and you had better drink a great deal for you'll need to get cooled off when you get down to hell, for there will be no soda fountains nor cold drinks down there." He said, "Don't be too hard on me." We had a cold drink and I parted with him, saying, "Are you coming to the meeting tonight?" I met the pastor on my way home and said, "Old Bill is going to get religion tonight;" and he did. When the call was made he was among the first to come forward. He was a great Dick Carg-yle (see page 190) Billy Downs (see page 139) DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 129 big chubby Indian. I shall never forget how he dropped on his knees and put his elbows on the seat, buried his face in his hands and wept and prayed to God to have mercy on him. He was soundly converted and united with the church and went to work for the Lord, as all real converted people will do. A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM. In a beautiful little town in north Missouri L. P. Law and wife and myself and wife went to conduct a meeting for the pastor of the Methodist church. I really think I was never in a town where there was so much infidelty, and where it seemed popular to be an infidel. One of the leaders of the infidel club died a few months before we went there. Just before he died he told his friends to bury him face downward, so that when Jesus Christ came after him He could not kiss his face. Poor fellow. I don't think he needed to have worried. Christ could not reach him there. The church for which we held the meeting was com- posed of some of the best and most religious people I ever met and, strange to say, one of the best women in the church, the organist, was the daughter of an infidel. Also she had a married brother who was an infidel. We were entertained at the home of that good woman. From the very first day of the meeting she was much concerned about the conversion of her brother, who was a leading banker and a prominent citizen and a liberal contributor to the church, which made it all the harder 130 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH to reach him. The church, as a whole, were praying for him. The husband of the infidel's sister said to me one night after we returned home : "I would give fifty dollars if Jack would get converted and join the church." Well, I had a idea that the Lord was going to help me to reach the fellow, for I had talked to him, so to encourage the old man I said, "Well, I believe I'll take the job for half that." " Alright sir, if you will get Jack converted and into the church I'll give you twenty-five dollars after- ward." I wished that I had not made the contract for I feared the old man would think I was working for the money and not his soul. The meeting was nearing the end. Our friend had shown some interest and was under deep conviction. But just when everybody thought he would be saved he flew the track and quit the meeting. His wife fasted and prayed for forty hours, I believe. When he failed to show up at church that night it seemed it would kill his wife. She didn't want to leave the church. Said she would stay and pray all night to get him saved. The fact of the matter was, the man was under such deep conviction he was hardly responsible. He went to the bank and tried to work on his books, but his figures got mixed, his pen wouldn't work, his mind was somewhere else. Finally he dropped his work and went home real early, and was in bed and apparently asleep. It was only a pretense, for little did he sleep that night according to his own statement. Next morning I stepped into the bank and shook DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 131 hands with him, saying, "We were disappointed at you not getting to church last night." "Yes," said he, "I was too. I had an awful night, didn't sleep much. I wish you'd pray for me." "Pray for you, why I've been praying for you for ten days." "Thank you," said he, 'Til be at church tonight." "And settle the matter, too, won't you ?" Don't know about that." During the song-service that night he came in and took a seat away back near the door. He usually came up near the front. The sermon by Mr. Law was one of power that sent conviction to the hearts of many unsaved people. The invitation was given to all who wanted to for- sake sin and accept Christ to come down and take the front seats. Many came, but our friend refused to move a step. The pastor, the evangelist and others went to him and begged him to make the surrender, still he resisted. The evangelist came back and said to the singer, "That man is under awful conviction and wants to come, but seems afraid." I felt impressed to try him once more. Every eye in the house was anxiously watching, and many prayers were ascending to the throne in his behalf. The suspense was awful, the anxiety greater and the general surroundings were indescribable. I laid one hand upon his manly shoulder and put the other arm around him, got behind him and said, "Now, if you don't go I'll pick you up and take you." The man was cold and white as he will be when laid out and robed for burial. When I said, I'll take you," he smiled and 132 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH said, "You would have a big load." "Well," said I, "if that is the only way to get you saved 1 am perfectly willing to undertake to carry you to the altar." Just at this juncture his sweet little girl of not more than six years of age came slipping up behind him and got hold of his left hand and taking him by the first and fourth fingers with her left and right hand, looked up into his saddened face and said, "Papa, won't you come and go to heaven with me and mama?" The man broke down and dropped his head over on my shoulder and said, "I know I ought to go, but — " Then said J, "You have refused the preachers, the workers, your wife and your friends. Now, if you refuse that precious littl i child of yours, you are a mighty poor daddy." I said, "1 don't want you to go for me, I will leave you now and let that child lead you to Christ." I started and the child gave a pull on his finger and said, "Come on, papa, let us go too." He said, "Darling I'll go." When they started it seemed like folks would go wild. Shouting, jumping, clapping of hands and praise to God was never heard in that house equal to that before. As he dropped on his knees with the child by his side and under his arm, with wife and daughter around him, there was not much praying done, it was mostly crying, laugh- ing and singing. In the testimony meeting the next night he stood up and thanked God for the light, joy and peace in his soul, and for the joy-bells ringing in his heart. He joined the church and is still this day a faithful steward trying to do his duty. _ DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 133 And when the offering was taken for the workers, the old man lined up with his twenty-five dollars. 60 the worker was made glad twice. GREAT REVIVAL ENDED SUNDAY NIGHT. About 625 Souls Were Saved During the Three Week's Meeting. NO MORE BOOZE RECEIVED. Frederick Cleaned up Religiously and There is Now no Discord and Best of Feeling Prevails. Sunday evening Rev. Mcintosh, together with Ed Phillips and wife, closed what will go down in history as the most remarkable revival ever held in southwest Oklahoma, and possibly in the entire state of Oklahoma in which they were instrumental in leading over 600 souls to Christ, including a large number who have hitherto been considered practically past redemption. The meeting began three weeks ago in the new $15, 000 church building and had hardly been in progress twenty-four hours when it was found that it was destined to be a genuine revival.- The trio of evangelists have a fac- ulty of getting others to work and almost from the start the consecrated band of Christian workers, got right into the game. The number has been constantly in- creasing until at every meeting they could be seen, doing effective personal work in all parts of the building. Some of the new converts became the most persistent workers and it was an inspiration to see with what zeal they turned from their former paths of sin, into the glorious work of laboring for the Master. Men, who had de- 134 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH scended to the very depths of sin, entered as heartly into the work of leading their former associates forward, as did the life-long Christians who had grown old in the service. The Enterprise has been giving an account of the meetings from day to day and nothing has ever been published in the local press that began to be as popular as have these accounts. Today we are getting out the third extra edition during the past week, and phone calls have been coming in all day to save from one to a couple of dozen for each of the individuals. By means of these papers, together with other press notices that will be given rearding this grand revival, there will hardly be a section of the United States that will be ig- norant of the great work that has been brought to a close at this place. Rev. Phillips is a former newspaper man himself, and for some time has been at work compiling material for a book t obe known as "Diamonds From The Rough." He has already written sixty-five different stories and the meeting at Fredrick will furnish him with several more. He has also taken a number of photos of Frederick's former "Diamonds" which will appear in this book. One of these, showing John Waggoner, Bill Downs, Jim Brown and some others which will be published in that book, is found on the first page of today's Enterprise. A week ago Sunday $500 was raised for the evan- gelists, while $300 more was raised yesterday. The evangelists have given the Enterprise consider- able credit for the manner in which it has given these DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 135 meetings publicity, saying it has eclipsed the efforts of any of the papers in the towns where they have hereto- fore held meetings. Several clippings from the Enter- prise will be used in the book, "Diamonds From The Rough," which Rev. Phillips expects to publish some time later in the year. Saturday afternoon's meeting in the Gem theater was largely attended by country people and several conver- sions made. One of the greatest meetings of the series Occured that night when in the neighborhood of fifty or more conversions were made. At the^ services of the different churches Sunday morning many converts united with the various churches in the city, and many who have been converted have not yet decided on the church of their choice. On Friday, 'Saturday and Sunday, a number of prayer meetings were held at different homes in and about Fred- crick, in which several of the new converts took part and several more conversions were thus made. Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock a mass meeting was held at the Baptist church, which began with a few voluntary testimonials. Miss Anna Boyd, money-order clerk at the postoffice, recived quite a round of applause when she said: / "Brother Mcintosh, I am glad since this meeting began I do not have to make out any more money orders to Wichita Falls." Heretofore she has made out a number of money-orders each day to the different liquor- houses of that city for small consignments of liquor sent to different individuals at this place, 136 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH Sunday night's services were but a repetition of the former night's meetings, one of the most beautiful parts of the service was the waving of white handkerchiefs by hundreds of people in all parts of the large church just before closing. There was such a large crowd present that Rev. Phillips had to shake hands with those present Chinese fashion, by simply waving his hands above his head toward them. A large crowd gathered at the depot this morning to see Rev. Mcintosh off on the Wichita Falls & North- western train when he left for his home at Ft. Worth, Texas, for a short rest before going to Muskogee. Some of the more familiar song were sung and talks made by some of the different pastors, followed by a prayer by Rev. Mcintosh just before the train pulled out. A pleas- ing sight was the large number of "diamonds" which helped to make up this joyful crowd. Rev. Phillips and wife remained until afternoon when they took the 3 :30 train for Muskogee. An even heartier demonstration was accorded them, as it being later in the day a larger crowd was present. Again songs were sung, speeches made and prayers offered. As the train was going out of sight around the turn north of town, two tiny white specks could be seen mov- ing back and forth on the rear of the platform, which was Rev. Phillips and his wife waving with their hand- kerchiefs a farewell to Frederick. THE REVIVAL IS UNIQUE. Evangelists Mcltosh and Phillips who have been in Fredrick for the past three weeks, have been instrumental DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 137 in the hands of God of bringing about one of the greatest revivals of grace and season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, in the history of our city. The revival began in the M. E. church but it soon spread like a prairie fire in the native grass, through all the churches and people of the town, extending the circle of its in- fluence and power into the surrounding country. Truly was this revival a revival of the Holy Spirit. Brother Mcintosh preached the old doctrines of grace in the simplicity of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. Brother Phillips sings the gospel with spirit and under- standing. He is a great song and chorus leader. God has anointed him for song and personal work, for he is especially adapted to both. He loves the souls of lost men with a passion which they are unable to resist. Mrs. Phillips, is a companion to him, not only in the holy state of matrimony, but also in that higher estate of marriage to Jesus Christ. The language of I Peter 3:3, 4 is my compliment to her: For her chaste conversa- tion, coupled with the reverence of God proves that her character is adorned with the hidden man of the heart, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God, of great price. She will be loved and remembered by the women of Frederick as long as they live. These evangelists are loyal workers of Jesus Christ, and are absolutely fair to the various churches in all their work. I heartly commend them to the love and confidence of the brotherhood everywhere. My soul is knit to theirs, as David's was to Jonathan's. I must say that our fellowship was indeed sweet, for it was 138 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH with the "Father and his son, Jesus Christ." Over 600 people took the road to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and to return to Zion with songs and everlasting joys upon their heads. The greatest joy of my heart in these meetings was to see the confession of the pool-hall and whiskey men, who, before the meeting, had cursed the preachers and threatened to whip them, but now, saved, and testifying to the power and love of God and His Christ to save. To hold fellowship with these men in the salvation of souls, is a joy and rapture that knows no bounds. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Sherman Moore. Baptist Pastor. FREDERICK'S REVIVAL. 'Tis down in Oklahoma That Salvation's waves roll strong, In the little town of Frederick Where with might, things move along. And with power, the mighty billows Into sin's dark cavern's roll, Bringing sinful men conviction, Washing white each sin-black soul. And by dozens, scores — yea, hundreds, Men are turned "'bout face" to God, Shown the pathway up to glory, Over which the Christ once trod. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 139 And the God-trained voice of Phillips Oft in sweet melodious song, Falls and rises on the billows Touching hearts and downing wrong. And with words of love and power Speaks the Rev. Mcintosh Bringing offers of salvation, Hearts to save and wrongs to quash. Ah, when ended is this meeting, And the preacher's voice is still, May salvation keep on flowing Other hearts with love to fill. And when ended is the singing, And the sweet-voiced singer gone, May each soul prolong the chorus, This good work to carry on. Now to preacher, singer, player, We must sadly say farewell, Hoping that we'll meet in glory And with God forever dwell. W. M. Creveling. BILLY DOWNS, THE GAMBLER AND POOL HALL PROPRIETOR. "Bill, I'll bet you five plunks you han't got the nerve to go with me up to the Methodist church tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 and hear that guy of a Gospel Pilot 140 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH dope out the plan of salvation, and way over the great divide and up the straight and narrow trail to these Oklahoma toughs," said a bystander to one of his friends, as a worker handed him a card, inviting him to a service for men only at the evangelistic meetings for the fol- lowing day. Bill stiffened his backbone, bowed his neck, pulled his chin down on his chest, shoved his hands deep into his pockets and said, "I'm your man, I'll go you one if I lose. Tho' I haven't been to church for years, I may not know how to act when we get there, but I go or bust." He went, too, and behaved pretty well. But I never learned whether the bet was paid or not. This was the wager between two of the famous converts recently made at Fredrick, Okla., in the Mcintosh-Phillips meet- ings. On Sunday afternoon, several minutes before the crowd had assembled, in came Bill and Jim, with all the air of a bluffer, and dare-devil. The usher took in the situation, and pushed them down near the front, seated them in the second pew, and looked at the Evangelist and winked and pointed them out as if to say, "there they are, go after them." Then the dear little pastor almost collapsed when he slipped around behind the organ and punched the singer and said, "There they are — two of the toughest toughs and biggest gamblers in town. That fat fellow, Bill Downs is a scrapper, too, Phillips, and you better be careful." "Ah," said I, "God bless that fellow, he's the kind I like I'll land him for the Lord be- fore this meeting closes." The service began by singing some of the old time songs. The leader said, "Now men, DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 141 I want you to join in and help me sing this good old song that we used to sing when we were boys back on the farm with mother and the children." Then they sang in a clear strong voice, "Sweet Bye and Bye." When the song ended, Bill and Jim had become calm and seemed anxious to hear more. The Evangelist said, "Now Brother Phillips will sing his 'Round Up 5 song, dedicated to the cowboys of Texas and Oklahoma." I arose and told a story of how I had sung this song last year over in Texas and had reached one of the hardest men in the State, and how when he was converted he burned his big pool hall, costing about twelve hundred " dollars, joined the church, and was now a fine Christian gentle- man. This story seemed to catch Bill, as he was then running a pool hall with nine tables in it. The sermon ended, the call was made, some few men were saved. Nothing could be done to move these two men. I was on the street one morning and some one said, "Phillips, there's Downs, go after him." So I stepped out on the street and began talking to him. Pretty soon, Brown and another man came up. Then we had a good warm friendly talk. I promised them I would pray for them and told them of men whom I thought were much worse than they who had been saved and were now preaching the Gospel. When we parted I said, "Men if you will come to the meeting and get saved I will be willing to take my grip in my hands and walk every step of the way back to Oklahoma City." One of the men laughed and said : "Oh, that would be too bad ; if I get converted I will be willing to pay your way, myself." So he was wonderfully con- 142 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH verted, and more than paid my fare back to the city. Billie came down Wednesday night to the meeting and went forward for prayer. I saw he was in dead earnest, though he would not stay for prayer. When the service was over I slipped down to him and asked if he would standi for me to hold a prayer meeting in his pool hall next day. He said, "Yes, I can stand it, come on." "Do you really want it? I may make it hot for you." "Yes, I want it. Come on." We announced it. The next day as I turned the corner and started down to his place, men could be seen coming from every direction. The service was great; at the close about forty men came down for prayer. Billie led the crowd, with tears in his eyes as he gave me his hand, he said: "Yes, I want to be a better man, pray for me." In the next service he was saved, and when he did settle it, there was some- thing doing in Frederick, that night. The pool hall was closed next day and will never be opened again by Billie Downs. Then he said to his son, "Perry I have decided to close the pool hall, what do you think about it?" He looked at him a moment and said, "That's what I have wanted you to do for three years, I am glad for it to be closed forever." And it was. Billie Downs then got into an auto and went into the country with one of the pastors that he had threatened to whip just a few weeks previous to the meeting, and helped to lead a number of people to Christ. The last day I spent in the town, I was in the streets most of the time, talking, preaching, and en- couraging the new converts. When I sat down to have a farewell chat with Billie, he laid his hand on mine and DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 143 looked me in the face and said, "I could have closed out my business last year for five thousand dollars. Don't know now that I can get five hundred, but thank the Lord I have got Salvation and I would not take ten times the price of the pool hall for what I have in my heart today." He turned and said to me as I wks saying my last good- bye, "Bro. Phillips, I had to take sixteen drinks to fill me up to face you on the first day I went to the meeting; now, for ten days I haven't touched a drop and I am a little nervous from the effect, but praise the Lord I know He can hold me fast." Then I took him by the hand and said, "Billie, old fellow, this is enough to pay me for all my life's work and if I never see you again I'll meet you over yonder." The whistle blew, the bell rang, the train moved slowly away from the Frisco station while the people sang "I will meet you there" and waved their white handkerchiefs to a couple of the happiest people that ever left an Oklahoma town. The last thing that we heard as the train rounded the curve and passed out of sight was, "We will never say good bye in heaven." RESCUED FROM RUIN BY A SONG. I landed in a Southern Arkansas town a few years ago to hold a meeting. I went to the parsonage to meet the pastor. He was not at home. When I made inquiry as to his whereabouts, imagine my surprise when the servant girl informed me that he was down town attend- ing the street parade of Lemon Bros', circus. After much searching and diligent inquiry I located the dear pastor. Then I told him I should like to meet the Board 144 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH of stewards to make definite arrangements about the meetings and our entertainment, as nothing to that ef- fect had been done. He assured me that I could not see them at that hour unless I would go with him to the circus, for, said he, they are all there, and if you want to get them all together at once you had better go now to the circus. I informed him that I gave up all sin when I was saved and would not think of going there. Sunday morning we were greeted with one of the most fashionably dressed, stiff and coldest congregations I ever faced. The sermon over, they went home and most of them stayed there until the next dress parade Sunday. On Saturday we were determined to have a crowd so we went down on the streets to hold a service to advertise our meeting. One of the members of the Epworth League had asked me to pray for a young man friend of hers who was tend- ing bar in a saloon. We went directly in front of the saloon in which our young man worked. There we held a short song service, had prayer and then I sang this wonderful song that has been used of God in saving many a young man from ruin. "Down in the Licensed Saloon." While we were singing the young fellow stood in the door and laughed, and made remarks about the young men and ladies in the crowd, and we went away very much discouraged. One of the Leaguers came to me that night and said, "Bro. Phillips I guess we had just as well quit; Harry stood in the door and laughed while you were singing this afternoon and I know we can't reach him." I replied, "Miss Fannie, that doesn't make any k. ' mtwm m 7T -4- ifl 1 . ^ £ *■ ^ k m *ll IIH' i * t J, 1 : /^J Ikk'^B *^iMt .yi'ui, - - ' DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 145 difference if he did laugh ; sometimes a man will laugh when he is within one door of hell." She went away somewhat encouraged, but with a sad heart. The meeting ran on for exactly one week; everybody was attending and the interest was intense. Many were turning to God. On Saturday night the opera house was packed to the door. Mr. Andrews made a strong appeal. When the invitation was made, Harry, our sa- loon friend, was the first man to the altar. He did not hunt a soft place to kneel or sit up on the front pew, like folks do now, but fell his full length on the altar. Some one took him by the arm and assisted him to a chair by which he knelt, and while some prayed and talked, others sang and prayed, he was miraculously saved. He joined the church that night. Next morning he sent the keys down to the owner of the saloon, also sent word that he wanted a settlement, but would not come to his home or meet him somewhere outside the saloon for a settlement. He quit like a flash. In a few days he secured a good position in one of the best houses in the city, and was getting a better salary than he got when tending bar. In another city I sang this same song and told this same incident. The next morning I was walking down the street and a man stopped me and began talking to me. He said, "I heard your song and what you said last night and I have almost made up my mind to do as that fellow did, quit and be a man." I said, "well, don't be almost, be altogether persuaded, and do it now." "I will study over it." "Does your mother know what you 146 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH are doing?" "No, nor I would not have her find it out for the world." "Well, you go home this day and write your mother a letter and tell her you have given your- self to Christ." That night he did. He, with many others — one of them a saloon man — gave themselves to God and became good workers in the meetings. Recently in our work in Philadelphia I had cause to sing this song one night in the church of Rev. W. A. Williams. He was the man who had arranged this beauti- ful song, and his heart was made glad to know that this song had been blessed in such a way, also his people rejoiced to learn the good accomplished by his work in song. I found him to be a man of lovely character, consecrated to his work and especially consecrated to work against the saloon. Most of his songs are on the prohibition line. In his church we had a wonderful meeting. Something like 250 people professed to have been reclaimed or converted. We feel glad that we were permitted to be in the work with such sweet-spirited and lovely characters as Rev. W. A. Williams and his con- secrated wife. GAVE "TEDDY BEARS" TO GET HER FATHER SAVED. The second night of our simultaneous revival in Philadelphia a little girl came to me and said, "Bro. Phillips, don't you want my Teddy bears?" I looked at her a moment in astonishment and said to her, "Why no, child, Bro. Phillips doesn't need any Teddy's." "Well, I am going to bring you a pair tomorrow night DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 147 anyway." Sure enough, the following night as I entered the church door the bright-faced little girl ran up to me and pitched a little box in my hands and said, "There they are." I said to her, "You had better keep them, I am too big to play with Teddy bears." "Well you can take them home to your wife then." "Why do you want to give them to me?" "Well, just 'cause when my papa comes to church again I want you to go around and talk to him and get him converted. Mamma said papa liked you and maybe if you would talk to him you would get him." With that understanding I took the little box containing the two small Teddy bears about the size of a mouse, with the promise that I would do all that I could to get her papa converted. That night he came real early to the meeting and took his accustomed place in the back part of the house and close to the wall, as if he were trying to hide, for he very well knew that I was after him, as I had had a talk with him several times before. When the altar call was given I stepped down to where he was seated and asked him if he would give himself to Christ. He seemed very much stirred up and was under deep conviction, but steadly refused to take a stand for Christ that night, but finally said he would settle the matter the following night. I took him by the hand and said, "Upon your word and honor as a man, I shall expect you to do this and I will pray for you, but mind you, it's your risk and not mine ; in putting this off I cannot excuse you myself." I bade him good night and we parted, I fully expecting to see him the next night give himself to God and the church. 148 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH I watched patiently and prayerfully for my man, but to my disappointment he did not show up. The little girl was almost heart-broken that night as she left the church. She came to me and said, "Bro. Phillips, my papa didn't come to night, won't you pray God to send him tomorrow night?" "Yes, I will pray for him; I think he will come yet and be saved." "Bro. Phillips, what do you think is the matter with my papa?" "Well, my dear child, I think your papa has no back bone." "O, yes he has cause I have seen it." That night when she returned home she ran up to her father and threw her arms around his neck and began to cry. The father raised her head from his shoulder and said, "Darling what is the mat- ter? Why do you cry so?" "Papa, I just can't help it, Brother Phillips said you didn't have any backbone, and I told him I just knows you has, 'cause I saw it one time." The father divined her meaning, while she herself did not quite understand. He tried to laugh, but the laugh was almost a cry. He came on Friday night and listened attentively to the sermon. When the call was extended he saw me leave the platform and supposing I was after him he made a break for the door, and down the steps and up the street at a one-thirty gait. I stood in the church k door and watched him 'till he crossed the street car track and disappeared in the crowd across the street. It is needless to say that he did not sleep much that night or the next night, for when the invitation was given on Sunday night to stand for prayers, he was the first on DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 149 his feet. I slipped down the aisle and up behind him, and slipped my arm around him and said, "Now run, if you can; I've got you and you can't run." He went forward and accepted Christ and joined the church with his family, and I brought the Teddy bears home with me and put them on the piano, so that whenever I see them I am reminded of the child's faith and sacrifice in giving up her playthings in order, as she thought, to get her father converted. TELL MOTHER I'LL BE THERE. In our recent campaign in Philadelphia, lead by Dr. Chapman and Mr. Alexander, there were many striking incidents and wonderful conversions, one of which fol- lows : A large, fine looking man of, perhaps, thirty five or forty years of age, came to the meeting and took his seat in the same pew every night for a week or more. The second night that he came, I felt impressed to join my- sel to him and speak with him about his soul. He was a very kind and gentle-spirited man, yet the most in- different man I ever met. I spent almost an hour with him the first night, tho he informed me he did not have the least idea of becoming a Christian. He had tried it once and failed and was now "down and out." I assured him that God would save him, even if he was a back- slidden Baptist; at this he laughed, which is a good sign of life. As the work progressed, he became more interested and I urged him every night to confess Christ. Finally he told me that if I would pray for him he would settle the matter the next night or so. Tho, instead, he 150 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH got under such conviction he quit the meeting, left the city, and went to visit the old home one hundred and the miles distant, up in the mountain. When he arrived there he was met at the door by his kind old mother, who gave him a hearty welcome and a mother's kiss. He soon began to wander about the old home place, viewing the scenes of his childhood days. He was out at the old well in the back yard when he heard a voice singing in a low, sweet tone, and as he listened, he caught these words: "My heart over- flows, for I love him, he knows; Oh where is my boy tonight?" He involuntarily took up another song in the same key, and began singing in a clear voice so that the dear old mother could hear it: "Tell mother I'll be there, in answer to her prayer. Yes, tell my dear old mother I'll be there." Soon all were seated around the big open fire-place and the conversation turned to the great meeting down in Philadelphia. Then the mother turned and looked at her wayward son and said: "My boy, why did you not got to the meetings and give God your heart? I have been praying for you and expecting to hear that you were saved. We are glad to see you here at home again, but were not expecting you; just thought you would enjoy the meetings down there and would not come home for a long time." By this time the heart of her son was so touched he could not look up, but dropped his head on the back of his chair and said: "Mother don't say another word. If you will pray for me, I'll go back to Philadelphia on the DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 151 first train and will give myself to God at the first service I attend." He rushed down to the depot the next morning just in time to catch the first train into the city, and reached there for the morning service. The sermon was over and no call was given. The same thing occurred at the afternoon service. He thought it was the longest day of his life. At the evening service he was among the first to go forward and confess Christ as his Savior. He went to work among his friends and led many of them to Christ. The day the meeting closed he had me go down and spend the evening at his home and take supper with his family. This I enjoyed very much; never had a more delightful time' and when we separated he put his big, strong arms around my shoulders and looked me in the face and said: "Bro. Phillips^ I hope to meet you again, but if we never meet here on earth, I will see you when you get to heaven." As I donned my top-coat and was leaving the house, he placed in my hand a beauti- jful ink-stand, carved with his own hand, from a large piece of hard coal and polished like a piece of black granite, saying as he handed it to me, "Take this along with you and whenever you look at it just remember the man who left home and went a hundred miles to get away from God, Instead, I found mother praying for me, and returned and got saved. Now, I am happy on the way to heaven." Since then he has joined the church, gone to work am- ong his men, and is leading a useful, Christian life. A letter 152 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH from him before me now, says: "I can now sing, 'Tell mother and Brother Phillips I'll be there.' " DIDN'T KNOW HIM AFTER HE GOT RELIGION. The first service in a meeting is usually the most difficult one. Getting acquainted is no small task in revival work. In this particular meeting the pastor was rather slow on arrangements, slow on introducing us to his people and slow on every part of the field. When the first serv- ice was held, the people assembled and the house was crowded, every pair of eyes we could see were in use, and those that could not see were being shown or told by the nearest person that sat next to them. The time arrived to begin the service and the pastor said, "Get up singer, and start a song." Well, that was a complete let down to a stranger and in a strange church. The singer arose in his dignity and disgust almost and in a very serious and solemn tone of voice said, "I am from Arkansas, now laugh." And I suspect he felt like say- ing the rest when they didn't laugh. He saw very plainly that they did not understand the joke, therefore he did not lose any time in announcing a hymn and began sing- ing very vigorously. At the close of the meeting he repeated the joke and explained it, then they laughed, but he was not certain whether they were laughing at him or his joke. After the meeting had been running a few days, the pastor went to one of the workers and told him he had an unsaved man he wanted him to work with. One night DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 153 after the service closed he asked the singer to go to the rear of the house and mieet his friend. He did so, sat down to talk with the fellow, asked him if he would go to the altar with him. "No," said he, "I won't go to- night." "Well, will you pray for yourself when you go to retire tonight?" "What, me pray? I never prayed in my life." "Arn't you a married man?" "Yes." "And have children?" "Yes." "Well, if I were you I'd be ashamed of myself, and I'd never let another sun rise over my head without praying and thanking God for His mercies to me. I'll tell you what I'll do, if you will kneel down and pray for yourself when you go home before you retire, I will pray for you too, and I believe God will save you before you return to the meeting." "Al- right, I'll do it, good night." "Good night, sir, and may God bless and save you before you return." He went home and did as he promised, but had a hard struggle. Before retiring he said, Come on, wife, let's pray." "Oh," she said, "you go on and do your praying and I'll do mine in here with the children." So down on his knees he went. The wife said her little prayer and went to bed, but not to sleep. He prayed, and then prayed some more, then rested awhile and prayed more. The clock struck three and he was still praying, but before it had reached the hour of four he was happily saved, also his wife. They didn't sleep any at all that night, but put in the entire night praying and shouting after he got the victory. He was the dirtiest man I almost ever saw. Hadn't shaved since early spring. This was nearly Christmas. When he returned to the meeting that night, he had put 154 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH on a fresh laundered shirt, had shaved off that mass of entangled hair from his face that looked more like moss than beard, trimmed his hair and I really think took a bath — even if it were winter time; put on a new suit of clothes and came up to the front and took the second pew from the altar, got a song book, and joined in the singing as enthusiastically as if he were a preacher. The pastor came up to the singer and said, "Did you know your man prayed nearly all night last night, and got religion, then shouted the remainder of the night!" "No, no, you don't mean that?" "Yes I do, he is con- verted, and is here now somewhere." "Well, where is he; I want to see him?" "Oh, yes, there he sits on the second pew, no that isn't John Harswell." "Yes it is." "No, that is not old John, that's a bran new John from head to foot, inside and out." If there ever was a man made over that man was. He was completely revolu- tionized, reconstructed or rather regenerated, which means made over. From that day till his death, he was a faithful worker in his church, always stood by his pastor in a material way and as long as he had two cows to milk, the pastor always got one of them. Guess most preachers in the world would like to see more of his kind brought into the cow pen or sheep fold. "SELF INVITED GUESTS." It was along the last part of November and the home of a Methodist Itinerant preacher, or rather his stopping place. It was hardly fit to be called a 'home,' tho' it was where mother and the babies stayed, while father DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 155 traveled over the country preaching the gospel to the Indians and a few scattering families of whites who chanced to be squatters in the territory, even before Oklahoma was known. The wind was blowing a terrific gale, the night was dark and gloomy, the rain had not ceased to patter upon the leaky roof since early morn, when with but a small amount of food and clothing, and scarcely enough wood to make one good fire, a poor mother was left to fight life's battle alone, for ten days, and with a sick child to attend daring the father's absence. Father kissed his patient wife 'goodbye,' went to the bed and lifted the little sufferer as tenderly as he could, in his big, rough bony hands, folded it to his bosom, imprinted a warm kiss upon his forehead and laid it back upon its pillow, turned to his wife and said, "Mother, if he goes before I return you will have the consolation of knowing that we have another jewel in heaven." Before the heart-broken wife and mother could control herself enough to speak, the father had mounted his Choctaw pony, and was slowly and sadly moving across the long low range of sand mountains, on his way to annual conference, which met at Tishomingo, a distance of over three hundred miles away. He knew very well the hardships that his companion had to brave during his ten days stay at the conference, with no one to assist her in caring for the sick child during these ten long lonesome days, save occasionally an old Indian woman who would come over evenings and assist in doing the chores about the place. Sometimes, she would slip up to the bed and look longingly and piti- 156 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH fully at the child, then turn to the mother with a sad face, shaking her head and saying, "Child sick, much sick. No getta well, me stay, me stay, me stay to you house this night." "No, no, Aunt Tubby, no, no, you can go back home tonight, I think I can make it thru the night, and your Indian man may need you at home. God has prom- ised and I know he will keep us." "Yes'um, my white lady, He say he never leave nor forsake me." The rain by this time was failing thick and fast, the darkness had become so intense the poor old woman could not see her way home and was of necessity forced to remain; however, to her satisfaction. She seemed perfectly willing to devote her life to the wellfare and happiness of that mother and babe, for it was this family that brought the gospel of glad tidings to her people and had led them from savage darkness into Christian light. Her own squaw man, too, had been converted and was then a Christian, therefore, she was willing to return the kindness by sacrifice. Hour by hour the child seemed to grow worse. They racked their nervous heads to recall some remedy or secure some medicine that would bring relief to the precious babe. Finally the old Indian said, "Me go home get some tuck-a-hoo roots make-ee hot drink. Child get well." In less time than it takes to tell the tale she was out and gone, thru the rain and dreary darkness. Her shanty was nearly a mile away. How she made the trip and return at that hour, will only be known by herself, and the holy angel that must have guided her. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 157 The moments hung like midnight's dull dreams upon the mother's aching head. She noticed the heavy breath- ing of the child, then she would try to hold her own breath as she listened for the returning footsteps of her Indian nurse and doctor. Just then she heard a noise at the front corner of the low rail fence that surrounded the little cabin. Then she breathed silently and softly again, as she imagined her Indian woman doctor had returned. She waited for her, but she failed to appear. Then she heard some peculiar jabbering, the stamping of horses feet, her heart almost ceased to beat ; in another moment heavy footsteps were heard upon the little porch, the rattle and clinking of roller spurs, could easily be heard, as they dragged them sluggishly across the rough boards of the floor. She crouched beneath the old rat- tling window, and tried to make herself believe she was dreaming. But to her frightened astonishment there came a gentle tap upon the door. Breathlessly she waited for a moment, and then another gentle tap; she knew that if it were Indian murderers she had no chance to escape. Also if she showed cool courage and kindness they would more than likely award her for her bravery. The third rap came, she quietly placed the covering about the rugged couch upon which the child lay, then stepped to the door and opened it, to face as hard a looking band of Indians as ever rode over an Oklahoma frontier. They were led by one who seemed more gentle and kind than she had anticipated. Without a word the entire band walked in though as noislessly as if they had been upon the dewy plains. They surrounded the bed upon 158 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH which the child lay, the leader walked up to the child and took hold of its hand. Every Indian stood with hat off and bowed head for a moment. The leader dropped the hand of the infant, walked to the opposite side of the little room, unbuckled from his waist a large belt which contained two heavy pistols. He carefully laid them on the bed, then laid his hat upon his "guns ;" each member of the band in turn, followed his example. He then stepped back to the bed, took the child by the hand, looked at the mother and smiled, "Christian." "Me Christian, you Christian?" She smiled and bowed as- senting that she was. "Pray," "Me pray for child, he be well." Down on their knees every Indian dropped and such a prayer was never heard as fell from the lips of that half-civilized Choctaw Indian preacher-man. The prayer ended, still bowing on their knees, they sang in almost pure English, for they had learned a few songs: "Other refuge have I none; Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, oh, leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me." As quietly and as quickly as the December snow falls beneath the singing boughs of the cedar trees this band of uninvited guests picked up their hats, belted on their guns, and one by one stole from the room. As the leader left last he pointed upward and said, "Jesus man lik-ee little children. Be well morrow day. He no leave you. He no leave you. Bye, 'm bye, night, DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 159 night. Me see you morrow day, morrow day. I come see him all time your preacher man gone, me preacher man too, heap much good." The door closed, never was a heart more thankful. What she supposed to be intruders, or worse, perhaps robbers, turned out to be the most comforting callers a frontier preacher home had ever received. Past midnight the Indian doctor woman made her appearance, loaded down with herbs, dried venison, and tuck-a hoo roots. The babe was sleeping soundly and did not take one dose of the faithful doctor's medicine. When daylight appeared next morning, the old woman went wandering along her way home, she passed by a company of campers on the creek just in front of her cabin. The sequel of this story would have never been known had she not stopped to share their hot campfire coffee with them. In their broken conversation, the campers told her they had been to hear a pale face Jesus man preach last summer, and that the leader had been converted and was now on his way down to Tishomingo to see the Jesus man who led him to be a Jesus man too — a preacher. So he could tell his men about the Jesus-house up in the heaven. Since this incident occurred the child has grown to manhood, the old Indian woman has gone to heaven. The leader that prayed the prayer for the sick child, was licensed to preach and has lead many of his people to the white man's Jesus, and the father of the sick child is still a faithful preacher in the Indian mission con- ference and is today still leading many young and old 160 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH Indians, as well as white people, to the white man's Jesus. INFIDEL CONVERTED. In a certain town in western Missouri an infidel decided that the church people were doing too much, and were getting the upper hand of them, so they sent away and engaged the most noted infidel lecturer that could be found. They advertised it largely and puffed him loudly and endeavored to create great interest among the town people. They secured the opera house, had it well lighted, seated and heated, and everything was done possible to make it a success, or at least to secure a large crowd. All the time this thoughtless wicked man 'was doing this, his precious old mother was pleading with him not to do it, but to call it off and denounce his infidelity; but he stubbornly refused to do so. Fi- nally, she told him if he would not listen to her and heed her entreaties, she would not mention it to him again, but would talk to God about it. Time drew near for the lecturer to arrive. Everything was in perfect condi- tion, and a few of his sort were boasting of their expected victory. The day came and finally the last moment, just when the train rolled in, upon which they expected their hero, they received a telegram that it would be impossible for him to come and to call the lecture off. Nothing could be done but call it off or stand still and see it fall off, for but few were disappointed anyway. The dear old mother was not disappointed. She had been asking God to prevent that man's coming to the town, though she prayed for God to open the eyes of DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 161 her blinded son, that he might see the realities of a real religion. He was very much disappointed at his defeat, and was very cross and rough and unhappy for several days. He then became very miserable for some reason and was very restless; when he would go to town he would wish he was at home, when at home he wanted to go back in town. One afternoon he was down in the city and for some reason he did not go home for supper, but loafed around till after supper time. Then carelessly started strolling down the road toward home. On his way he heard somebody talking, over at one of the churches. He had been restless and discontented all day; was under deep conviction but didn't want to tell it. He decided he would drop into the church and see what they were do- ing; he had not been inside of a church for years and then only to criticise, but somehow, he felt differently that night. He opened the door and stepped in and sat down. He listened a moment, then he recognized the voice, when he heard, "Oh, God, if you don't save my wayward boy he. will break my heart, for Jesus sake and for his helpless old mother's sake save him, wherever he is tonight." When the prayer was ended, to the astonishment of all, he had surrendered to God. He deliberately got up and walked down to the front and shoqk hands with the pastor, and told him he was saved, scarcely before anybody knew he was in the house. When his mother saw him she could not hold herself, but rushed to him and clasped him in her arms and said, "Oh, my boy, I knew God would save you some day, but 162 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH it is too good to be true that God has let me live to see it." He was the most active man in the great revival held there a few years afterward, and has been since that night. THE STORY OF GEO. COOK'S CONVERSION. I was entertained in a home in a certain city in Texas: and in this home there was a son-in-law who was unsaved. The wife of this man, and his mother became very much interested for his soul's salvation. They asked me to pray for him and when he came in on Sundays to talk to him, but to be very careful how I approached him for he was easily offended and if he became offended he would not attend the meetings at all. When he arrived home on Saturday I met him on the front porch, and said, "Hello old fellow. I'm glad to see you back. I hope you had a successful week." "Thank you, thank you, yes I did. I have had a good trade this week, and have been quite busy. But not so busy that I didn't have time to read my Bible. Don't you know when I left my old home in Kentucky years ago my mother put a little Bible in my trunk, and said, "my boy, when you are far away from home and mother, and among strangers, just remember that your mother is praying for you. And if you will follow the teachings of that blessed little book, you will always go the right way." Well, when I got through my work yesterday I sat down and read a chapter or two in the Bible my DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 163 mother gave to me. And I have been thinking all day of the many precious lessons I received at my old Christian mother's knee, and I promised her." As he said this his eyes filled with tears, and he left me standing on the porch, while he stole away up stairs to his room. I did not see him any more to talk with him, only met him at the table, during the breakfast and luncheon hours, until Sunday afternoon at which time he came into my room. He sat down on the bed and gave me his experience and ask me what I thought he should do. He said, "I went down to the Club rooms this afternoon to see some of my friends for a few moments. When I got there one of the boys came to me and said, "Come now, Cook, let's have something; we have a new case of beer that has just been opened. Lets sample it." I said, "No boys, you will please excuse me ; I am on the waterwagon, and am not going to drink anything to day. I have promised Mr. Phillips that I would attend the gospel meeting with him down at the big tent this afternoon." "Oh! Come take some beer, just a little for old time's sake. You don't surely expect to leave the Club and go to a common tent-meeting this afternoon do you." "Yes I do, so farewell gentlemen." In a few moments he came into my room and told me the above story. By this time I was ready to go to the tent to the service 4 for men only, so according to this promise, he got his coat and hat and marched along down the- street with me to the tent. The meeting was one of the largest and best for permanent results ever held in the city. There 164 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH were at least fifteen hundred men in attendance. Mr. Andrews preached as but few men can. The power of God was upon the people and the results and effects were visible. When the oppotunity for seekers was given, the unsaved began coming forward. As one came that seemed to encourage others, I turned to my friend, Cook, who was standing near me in the large choir, and I said to him, "Now is your time to settle the matter and give yourself to the Lord. "No, I can't go now; I will though sometime. I know my mother is praying for me today." "Well," then said I, "why not let her prayers be answered today?" About this time one of his old friends came down to the altar and accepted Christ, and was rejoiced in his new found love, and shaking hands with friends. I took Mr. Cook by the arm and said, "Come on, old fellow, now is your time. Let's go down and shake hands with your friend," who was also at one time a prominent salesman in Texas. Cook started and met his friend; they talked it over, and then he made his way to the Evangelist, and publicly accepted Christ. There was great rejoicing in the old gospel tent that da\, for about twenty-five or thirty prominent business men accepted Christ, and scores of young people. As soon as the service was over we went back to his father-in-law's home, where I was being entertained. He was so anxious to break the good news, he reached the house before I did. When I entered the front hall the good mother-in-law met me at the front door, and with tears of gladness beaming in her eyes, she said, DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 165 "Oh Brother Phillips, this is the happiest day I have seen for many days." Cook had gone on up stairs and there he found his devoted wife, where they rejoiced together and talked their plans over of joining the church. In a few hours he tapped on my room door and said, "If you are not too tired I would like to come in and talk with you a while." "Come right in," I said, for I am never too tired to talk about religion. He drew from his pocket a letter and as he did so he said, "There will be a shout in the camp when that reaches dear old mother in my Kentucky home. I wish I could be stand- ing behind the door when she breaks the letter, and be- gins to read it to my father whom I have not seen for seven years. I have written to her about my conversion and I can see my mother rejoicing as she reads: Sherman, Texas, May 20, 1905. My dear mother: — It is with pleasure and great joy that I hasten to write to you this afternoon and tell you the glad good news, for which you have prayed and looked for these many years. I attended a gospel tent-meeting this afternoon and was wonderfully saved. My precious wife and I have been rejoicing all the evening, and I could not go to bed without first writing and telling you how happy I am since I gave myself to Jesus. I long to be with you and see you face to face, and tell you all about it. Good-bye. Your Loving Son, George." The letter was sealed and mailed to his mother m Kentucky, and I am sure there was great rejoicing in 166 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH the home when the letter reached its destination. He joined the church and lived a consistent life as long as I knew him. Later — Nov. 10, 1907. Am just back home today from a second meeting at Sherman where my friend Cook still lives, and is an active worker in the Methodist Church. When our first service was concluded, he was the first man to rush up to the front and shake hands with me, and said, "God bless you; I have been sticking to my post." He had to leave during the meeting, to attend his father's funeral, but said, as he bade me good-by, 'Til know where to find him." APOLOGIZED TO HIS MULE. "I don't see any use in all this foolishness any how. What do you want all the neighbors coming here in the middle of the week a praying for? You must think the judgment day is a comin' and you aint ready." "Well George, you know since they started the re- vival, we are having cottage prayer meetings all over town. Last night when Mr. Law asked if somebody in Easttown wanted a prayermeeting I said, "Yes we would like to have one at our house." Alright, at 3 :30 tomorrow, prayermeeting at Mrs. Burke's. As one of the neighbors passed next day he said "Hello ! Geo. glad you are home today. I will be over directly for the meeting." "Well now if that aint enough DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 167 to melt your mutton, coming over to prayer meeting ! I will leave then — that is just what I'll do — aint going to have 'em prayin' around me." When he saw the people approaching the house he grabbed his hat and made a dash across tke hay-meadow for the home of his son-in-law. To his surprise when he got there the family had gone around the other way to his home to attend the meeting. He sat around on the wood pile and loafed around the barn, and looked at the calves until he got tired. He thought they never would get through that prayermeet- ing. About four o'clock he decided that he would go home. They surely will be through, by the time I get there, for this has been a mighty long day. He stole quietly back across the field to the house, slipped in the back way to a back room, thinking they would soon quit and go home. They were singing in a low sweet tone, "Oh Prodical Child Come Home." He sat there a while, quietly thinking in his own mind that it was time for him to return home to God, and be a Christian. The song ended. Once more they dropped on their knees to pray. This time his little christian wife led the prayer. She began by saying, a Oh God, my heart is breaking, won't you save my wayward wicked husband. You know where he is at this moment, Lord, touch his heart and lead him to Thyself." This was too much for the cowardly husband. He was hearing every word of that earnest prayer from the adjoining room. He dropped on his knees by the children's bed, and if ever 168 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH a poor sinner begged for pardon he did. When the prayer ended in the front room, the meeting hastily ad- journed to the little back room, and there the battle was fought and won. When George arose with one arm around his wife, and the other around the two hundred- and-eighty-pound wife of his neighbor, and shouting at the top of his husky voice, he was made conscious of the fact that he was hugging his neighbor's wife, he said, "Well I am so happy I want to hug everybody." So he did, and wound up his hugging match by running out to the lot, and hugging his old mule that the day before he had cursed and beaten all over the lot. He actually got down on his knees, and begged the mule's pardon. He had also cursed the preachers, and said they could never come to his house. But Oh, how religion changes a fellow. The next day he had all the preachers come to dinner with him, and I don't think I ever spent a more pleasant day than that. One year later, we returned to that town and found him to be an elder in the church, a teacher in Sunday School, and the best all-around worker in the church. SAVED BY THE SONG, "CAN A BOY FORGET HIS MOTHER'S PRAYER." Mr. Andrews reproved me one day for singing so many songs about my mother, saying that it seemed that I put more stress upon my mother than I did on Christ. Well, I went away feeling perhaps that he was right. Yet, I had long since learned from experience that if you DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 169 can not touch a man's heart by the songs, prayers and training of a christian mother, he is almost gone. When he is thus touched, then I give him the Bible, and tell him Christ will save, and he is usually converted. I sang this song: "Can a Boy Forget his Mother's Prayer," at. the men's meeting, in the big tent one afternoon. At the close of the sermon many were saved ; among them, was a man who lingered sometime at the altar, and went away without accepting Christ. He returned that night, and was at the altar again. As I talked to him he said, "I did not want to come to this meeting, and tried to stay away. But my sister and wife persuaded me to come. I had not heard a sermon since my mother died, and had not been to church for years. But when you sang that song this afternoon it touched my heart, and brought to my mind the teachings of my sainted mother. And now I want you to help me," which I did, and we knelt and prayed, and the man was won- derfully converted, gave his name for church member- ship, and went to work in the meeting and helped to lead others to Christ. God will answer your prayer of faith. So don't get discouraged. Trust in Him and keep on praying. "Can a boy forget his mother's prayer When he has wandered God knows where Its down the paths of sin and shame, Yet mother's prayers are heard the same." 170 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH TELL BILLIE TO MEET ME IN HEAVEN. "Are you a Christian?" "No sir." s "Do you want to be?" "I don't know that I do." "Well, you surely hope to become a Christian some day." "I don't hardly think I will." "Well, what on earth did you come to the meeting for?" "Just to hear the singing; I like to hear good music, but I don't care for the preaching, nor I don't want every- body to come around talking to me when I do come; if they do I will just stay at home." "No you won't either. You come on to the meeting and I won't let anybody talk to you. But I'll promise you this: I will talk to you every time you come here, if the Lord impresses me to, if I have to run you all over the tent." For one entire week he came to the meeting and occupied the same seat, but seemed to grow less in- terested. Finally I made him this promise, that if he would come every night till the close of the meeting and would do what I asked him to do, and the Lord did not save him, if he had to go to hell I would go in his place. "No," said he, "I could not ask you to do that." "You did not ask me, I made the offer, will you take me up?" DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 171 "Yes I will," I bade him good bye with a God blessing. "You will be saved." "Good night, I hope so." The next night I dealt with him for one hour, but he steadily refused to accede to any proposition, but said he would pray that night when he got home, and would settle it about his soul the next night. I went to my room delighted with the fact that I would win a "Rough Diamond" the next night, for the Lord. To my surprise he came early that night and got near the front — a good sign. I located him and recog- nized him with a smile and bow, to let him know I was anxious for his salvation. I had planned to sing a certain solo. But one or two members of the choir insisted on me singing that little song, "Meet Mother in the Skies." I said "No, that is old, people will not appreciate it." They begged for it until I consented to sing it for them. I am quite sure now it was providential for when I sang that chorus "If you love your mother, boys, meet her in the skies," it went home to his heart. The sermon was finished, the invitation hymn was announced, and I looked for my man and he was gone. As we stood to sing he left the tent. I was so disap- pointed I could not sing. I went down to where he had been seated and asked his friends where he was. "He would not stay; he was afraid of you." "Where is he?" "Out there behind the tabernacle." "Go out there and tell him to come back, I want to see him." He went and delivered the message, but the old sinner refused, said he was not feeling well, and was going home. I made up my mind if he went home 172 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH unsaved I would go with him. So I set out to find him. When I got out into the darkness, behind the tabernacle, I saw a lady near the corner, in the rear of the tabernacle, talking to a man, whom I took to be my much sought "diamond." He soon informed me that he was not the man in question, and didn't wish to be disturbed. Un- hesitatingly I took my departure, very rapidly. I went back to the door, took up my song book and proceeded to sing; tho' I was not satisfied with my success in locat- ing my friend, I made up my mind to take another trip around the end of the tabernacle which was near the side walk. Here I found my man, standing there in the dark, with his hat pulled low down over his eyes, with lantern in one hand, pulling his mustache nervously with the other hand, and leaning against the wall with his head down, as if in a deep study. I slipped up and laid my hand on his shoulder and said, "Now I have got you and you must not run. What are you doing here?" "Why I just started home." "No you didn't. You told me last night you were. going forward and get rigfrt with God, I believed you would, so you must not disappoint me." After much persuasion we succeeded in getting him forward. We knelt for prayer and while praying he took my hand in his and laid the other on my shoulder •and said, "I never would have come here to-night if you had not sung that song. When you said "If you love your mother, meet her in the skies," that was too many for me. My brother was called to Colorado a few months ago to "witness the death of my precious old mother. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 173 Just before she died, she looked up at him and said, "Son, won't you meet me in heaven?" He assured her that he would, then she said, "Tell Billie to meet me in heaven, too, I will expect him." She closed her eyes and went away. So tonight I have given myself to God and will meet her on the other side of the river, and I shall attribute my conversion to that little song." A SUNDAY IN NEW MEXICO. From "The World Wide Revival." Albuquerque, N. M., June 7, 1909. For three weeks I was detained at Amarilla with a complete knockout from my voice, at which time I had to undergo two severe op- erations — one in the throat, the other, nasal. The work was very successful and in one week I was ofLto Albu- querque, N. M., for a two week's revival campaign, in the most needy field I have ever seen. The work is entirely kept up by the Mission board of our church. The city has a population of about 25,000, composed of Indians, Mexicans, Jews, negroes, Japanese, Chinese, and White folks, the latter predominating. But they are influenced by the prevailing customs of the people, therefore, the morals are limited and the immorals are numerous. I attended the three hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Catholic church in that city, by San Phillipa, a Franciscan monk. The pow wow continued from 5 o'clock a. m. to 10 p. m. These are some of the sights I witnessed, and that on an American Sabbath : With Mr. Venerable, the dis- 174 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH trict court clerk, and Mr. Warlick, a leading merchant of the city, I took the electric car at 2 :30 and ran down to the old Cathedral where the festivities were in prog- ress. The main part of the crowd were located in a small park, with the Mexican national band dispensing a so- called sacred concert, with all the red lemonade, pop corn, and everything else, from a fourteenth century pistol to a lot of cheap green glassware, on sale. This did not appeal to me, so we then visited the Mission church. Here we saw the devoted (?) Catholics coming and going in a continuous stream, bowing before the crucifix, then back to their frolics. Some to the base-ball park, others to the race-track, which was in full blast, and the younger generation to the dance-hall, where the maidens were gaudily attired in cheap pink, red, blue, green, buff and every other color found or not found in the rainbow. The young men were about like the average Mexican, and all bunched on the opposite side of the hall. A fellow would watch a bunch of maidens until he saw one that appealed to his fancy, then he deliberately walked over, took her by one arm, laid the other arm around her tubby waist, and walked out on the ball-room floor and began the game of tramping, sliding, squeezing and whirling around, and they called that "dancing just like the Arkansas hill billies." But I didn't see any dance to it. It was "just goin' a huggin\ or huggin' a goin.' " I only spent a very few moments in seeing all this, and returned to my afternoon meeting, feeling like I never wanted to witness another scene like that. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 175 Our meeting was a great success for Christ and the church. We were hindered much by the pastor not taking hold with us. One of the pastors would preach to his gang, then slip out of the pulpit and accompany them to the Crystal theatre. Another was known to leave his wife and babies at home, and escort his lady- soloist to a circus. So they could not stand for strong evangelistic preaching. However, two or three pastors came and seemed to enjoy the meetings. We had a choir of perhaps one hundred of the best singers ever heard in New Mexico in a revival, and entirely new to them. The Southern Methodist church has undertaken the biggest job in the history of the territory, that of build- ing a $50,000 Institutional Church there, wl^ich, if built will be of untold value to the many travelers, health seekers and new comers. The climate is said to be fine. For me it was not at all good. I am now resting, prepara- tory for our great meeting at the First Church, Amorilla, Texas, Yours For Souls, Edward Gideon Phillips. JUST A COMMON CHICKEN PEDDLER. It was the second meeting of John E. Brown in a Southwest Missouri town but was the first introduction of the writer to that noted little place. In the first meeting held there by Mr. Brown some- thing like 150 people made a profession in the meeting mostly Sunday /School children, however. The meeting was a great success so far as reaching the young people 176 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH was concerned, but didn't reach many of the older people. The first meeting was cut short on account of the Christmas holidays. Mr. Brown promised he would return some time and conclude the great work begun. This was fully accomplished in the second meeting and to the satisfaction of every church-going person in the little city. Among many leading men who were sup- posed to be beyond reach by the gospel was one fellow by the name of J. N. McConnell, who was a poultry man. Would have been called a 'chicken-peddler' in Texas. His place of business was headquarters for all the toughs in the town. He bought and sold hides of different kinds. I have often thought if I could have bought the hides of the unsuspecting country youths who had been skinned in that den I could have hung them upon the doors that lead into the dive it would been an object lesson to the wandering "Willie's" who chanced to walk therein. A rather good looking, middle-aged man entered the church one night and took a seat in the first pew. He sat just as near the door as he could get. The song service was in full force and everybody seemed to be enjoying it except this man who wore a rather refined though saddened look upon his intelligent face. He was at first taken to be a lawyer of note who had by drink blighted his once bright and dreamy anticipations of reaching a high and honored station in life. When the anxious inquirer was informed that the object of his thoughts and prayers was a common "chicken peddler," he was not embarrassed in the least, but right then and %'\ : - : '■■:.. : ' ■ f ,^H|B t ■ ,; ' v «i * * fcg^ * '■..■■> ; B VJ 1 p.--/-- DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 177 there decided there was something in the man beyond what any one had suspected and he would take the task, by the help of God, of showing this man a brighter and nobler way of which at that time he knew nor cared but little. The sermon ended, and the invitation was extended to seekers. While the song service was running at full speed the leader unpretentiously stepped out into the aisle and down into the great congregation. He walked along the aisle shaking hands with friends on each side. He finally reached the pew near the door. The ob- ject of his prayers was sitting there, almost wholly un- conscious of his surroundings, but he had his eyes upon the leader of the song services. Since the call was given he extended his hand, and greeted the stranger with a warm handshake, saying as he did so, "God bless you my friend, I hope you are a Christian." "No I am not, nor don't want to be, my hand is turned to every man in this town, and the back of every man's hand is turned on me. I don't love anybody, nor no one loves me." "Well" said the worker, "God loves you and Jesus loved you enough to die for you, and I love you enough to come down here and take you by the hand and tell you so." He looked up and smiled with a look of inquiry in his eyes that meant volumes to the worker who said, "Are you not a Christian?" "No, but my daughter was con- verted in Mr. Brown's meeting last year and she wanted to come and see him tonight and I just came along with her, you see." "I'll tell you what I'll do," said the 178 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH worker, "If you will come to these meetings every night and not miss a service, I would love you and will pray for you and will go home with you some time and be your friend as long as you live." He looked the worker in the eyes and held out his hand and said "Thank you, I'll do it," With that introduction the fight for life— or for the salvation of that man's soul began, which ended in triumph and victory, after two weeks of the hardest struggle that one man ever made for another. It would take too long to tell the many difficulties which confronted him, the laborious task and the faith it took to save him that night. He told the pastor next day of his unexpected success and was met with a cool reply that there's no use working after that fellow. He will black-slide before you get home. He went his way, however, with his mind to do his duty. The song service was started early the next night and with hawk-eyed vision he watched for his friend. Pretty soon he came in, and came up near the front, then the worker said, "He is all right, I'll land him sure." But just then he was seated between two of his pals, who were known to be the toughest men in the town; and one was actually a murderer." Ah, now that settles it," said the worker," he'll never move from between those two fellows, for they will laugh at him, and he can't stand that jar." The next day he promised to let his anxious helper know what he decided to do. They agreed to meet at the Citizens Bank and talk the matter over. Exactly at 8 o'clock the next morning they met. "Well, God bless you, old fellow what have you decided DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 179 to do?" "I have decided not to stop seeking; I am going forward tonight and settle the matter." The worker then said "well, a bicycle can't stand up without running, neither can a Christian." The worker left with rejoicing in his heart. Songs were over, sermon preached, altar- call as usual and a few were coming forward. The leader of the song was watching the man, and hoping all the while he would come without his assistance. He waited and watched and prayed. Nothing seemed to move him. The worker said "Well, Lord if You will help me, I will go." He went to his friend and took him by the hand and said, "Mack, old fellow, come on — I know you won't deceive me." With that he straight- ened out on the seat with his feet in front of him, and his arms stretched full length, and perfectly straight on the back of the bench upon which he was seated, and said, "Brother, I just can't do it." The brother said, "You just can do it and you just must go. Give me your other hand." Then the worker braced his foot against the seat, and with a mighty pull said, "Get up, come on for you are going," and deliberately raised him to his feet. "Now let's go" said the worker. "Now wait till I get my overcoat off; it's the hottest place I ever saw." "Alright take your coat off, but this isn't near as hot as the place to which I am trying to keep you from going." He threw off his coat, for he was really warm, though the night was intensely cold and everything was covered with snow. To the astonishment of all, and the delight of his wife and daughter he was landed at the altar. Down on his knees he dropped and was there only a few 180 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH moments when he arose and threw his arms around his wife, and told her how wonderfully the Lord had saved his soul. Some people didn't think "he'd stick," but he did. In a year or two from that time he had been ap- pointed steward in the church, was a teacher of a class in Sunday School was also secretary of the local Y. M. C. A. Four years after this, the writer passed near the home of his friend and phoned him to run down and spend the evening at Monette, in one of Bro. Brown's meetings. To the delight of all, the "chicken-peddler" came. Words cannot picture the change that had taken place in this man's life. He had not touched a drop of liquor since the night he was converted ; hadn't smoked a cigar; and had lately quit chewing tobacco. He was a fine specimen of Christian manhood. While we were seated in the rear of the big tent in which Bros. Brown and Curry were holding their meet- ing, having a real old time social visit, the choir, under the direction of Prof. Curry, was making a welkin ring, when suddenly Mack turned and said "Why Brother Phillips I enjoy this better than I used to a negro min- strel. CONVERSION OF AN OLD-TIME FRIEND. When I returned from college and found myself con- fronted with many church duties and privileges, work- ing in Sunday School Leagues and young men's prayer- meeting, I took hold and did the best I could at what- ever my pastor asked me to do. Having had some experience while at college of DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 181 working 1 , and especially of singing*, when our meeting started I was forced to the front by my pastor; a dear, good man, and a blessing he was to me. I was soon called to assist other pastors, and finally hooked up with an evangelist and leader of song. We held many suc- cessful meetings in North Texas. The most successful of any meeting, however, was held at my own home church, Nevada. Time moved on; I drifted into larger and more dif- ficult fields. While I had many good and faithful friends, one of my old associates took a very great dislike to me, so he said, and did not hesitate to let it be known, es- pecially among my most intimate associates. On my return home for rest, these unkind things I would always hear. I fully decided I would not listen to them. But would pray for the man and try to get him saved. I finally left Texas and went north to assist Evangelist Brown in his work in Iowa and Missouri. I was happy all the while in seeing many strong men saved in our meetings" God seemed to give me a real living burning love for the souls of hardened men, and my chief delight was to land a real 'tough/ and stay by him till he was dragged in by the gospel net and strung on the Lord's line — the church. In 1902 I returned to my old home in Texas to assist the pastor in a revival. He had local help to do the preaching, and turned the singing and personal work over to me. There were forty or fifty professions in the early part of the meeting, and many of these were the most prominent men in the community, but old in sin, 182 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH who had been won to the christian life by the most persistent efforts on the part of the writer. When the meeting was at the highest tide, and every group of men on the streets were discussing the great meeting and rejoicing at the last conversion, (of some old, hardened case,) I walked down the street one after- noon and passed a crowd of men that were telling of the victory of the previous service, and hoped we would catch old man John C. next time. I stopped for a mo- ment, and joined in with the crowd. To my great surprise, my old time friend had been listening to the reporter, and had become interested. When he recog- nized me, I shall never forget how he looked up into my face and said: "Ed; why, is that you have talked to every man in this town except me. You don't seem to care whether I am saved or not." He looked so sad when he said it, that I knew he was in dead earnest. I was struck to the heart, and felt that at last my time .had come. "Well," I said, "old fellow, do you want to know why I have never spoken to you about your soul." "Yes," replied he," I have been to your meetings, but you don't seem to notice me." "This is why I did not speak to you. I knew what you had said about me, and supposed that you did not have any confidence in me, and if that were the case, you did not want me to talk to you. So, intentionally, I let you severely alone." Then I said : "God bless you, old fellow, I will promise you this: "If you'll come to the meeting tonight, I'll speak to you, and will pray with you and for you and will stay all night with you in the altar, if it takes that to get you DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 183 saved." He promised to be there. I knew he would, for he was then under deep conviction. The night service was drawing to a close; there had been quite a number of conversions yet I had not been able to locate my friend. I looked the tent over. He was not in sight. While the choir was singing, I slipped out behind the tent, on the grassy lawn, and walked clear around from the east to the south side. There I found my man, streched out on a long seat, with his head on the back of the seat and his feet stretched out in front of him. I took hold of him, and said: "God bless you, I have looked these grounds over for you; get up, come on, let's go down to the altar, where we can help you." "No, no, I can't go, I can't walk," and to my utter astonishment the poor fellow was under such convictions that he was almost as stiff as the bench upon which he was sitting. I put my arms under his, and gave him a lift, saying : "Come on now, lets go." "Oh no, I can't walk." But I gave him a shove, and got his legs to working, and he started. We got to the tent. He said : "I can't go in." I said : "Yes you can ; take off your hat." This he did not do. I took it off for him and gave him another push. This put him into the tent, and in the light, where everybody could see him. A lady friend said to his wife : "Oh ! there goes Brother Ed with your husband to the altar." This was too much for the wife. She fell down upon her knees and said: "Oh, let's pray quick." But she did not stay on her knees long. Her husband had scarcely reached the altar when a friend walked up and 184 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH shook hands with him, and that touched him off. He gave one good cowboy yell, which turned the meeting into one general uproar of singing, shouting, dancing and laughing, that will never be forgotten in that city. Did he stick? "Well yes; he was teaching a class in Sunday school the last time I heard from him, and was also a steward in the church. When I visit his home town now, I am a welcomed guest at his com- fortable, congenial home." REMEMBER. We stood by the head-stone of our precious sainted lad. As the moon rose o'er the treeless plains, our hearts beat quick and sad; With tearful eyes, hearts sore with grief, we humbly knelt in prayer. We promised God and angels, too, we would meet him over there. We waited at the head-stone. All nature seemed at rest. In fervent prayer we raised our voice to Him who knows what's best We pledged ourselves to God anew, — for Him to live or die; And then He came our hearts to cheer — we sweetly felt Him nigh. The seasons come and go ; the years roll swiftly on : DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 185 T'was winter then; 'tis summer now, and autumn soon is gone. Sleep on, dear child, in Jesus — Peaceful be thy rest: 'Twill not be long till we shall go to be with our Earnest. ( SAVED. Where'er the demon drags his slimy trail There sin and shame in large excess prevail, And spread their night o'er life in sullen gloom Like fixed despair; the soul's eternal doom. Such seemed the fate of one whose bitter life Was sorely mixed with drink's debasing strife, And billiard hall with fascinating game Increased his guilt in deeds of sinful shame. But God's Evangel found this man of sin, And from the brink of death he brought him in, And at the mercy seat with earnest prayer He sought the Lord, and found redemption there. Death's costly fixtures piled in shining heaps ; The torch is touched ; the flame then upward leaps ; But, gladly mixed with sin's consuming flame Were praises, deep, to his Redeemer's name. Thus, free from sin's delusive, ruthless hand, He starts in life to keep the Lord's command, And lay his heart's best treasures up on high Where peace and joy in full fruition lie. 186 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH But many evils lurk within his track To stop his forward course and turn him back, The wiley monster lays his gins and snares And takes him slyly, napping unawares. Temptation comes and he forgets to pray, The gathering doubt of mist obscures the way, And so his faltering feet went stumbling on Till trembling hope and joy were almost gone. God is good; yet, his judgments may alarm, And good unseen may come from seeming harm ; And so there came the sudden fatal day When one so loved, so near, just went away. The father's heart was crushed with sorest grief, No human words or tears could bring relief; Had slighted mercy turned a fatal dart To warn again this once rebellious heart? The preacher went — this same Evangel true — To try his faith and courage to renew, And lift the heart, now bowed beneath the rod, And bring him back once more to home and God. And when he came his spirit o'er him yearned ; The man looked up ; into his heart were burned The gracious words the preacher sweetly spoke, And Satan's gloomy spell once more he broke. Out in the graveyard's silent, sacred home, Their feet in earnest, holy quest did roam DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 187 And by that new-made grave, — dear little mound, A holy place of solitu.de they found. The sun had gone to rest ; 'twas night's deep hour. The stars were out to light this sacred bower, And there as angels watched and lingered near, Rose prayers so deep that none but God could hear. The good Evangel bathed the mercy seat, The man for drops of mercy did entreat, And from the shining courts of matchless love, There came the light of heaven's peaceful dove. And o'er that little mound of holiest earth New life and new resolves were given birth, Determined in his new-found joy and love To onward press and meet those gone above. May heaven's strength to this dear man be given 'Till from his heart his foes shall all be driven; Then round the throne with those he loves so well In glorious mansions may he ever dwell ! J. N. Maddox, Siloam Springs, Ark. BEGINNING AND ENDING OF A POKER GAME. By request of Rev. Phillips, Aug., 1910. The following series of pictures were made by an artist in West Texas for display work. On his arrival in the new town just about the time they were com- pleted and ready to go on exhibition, a shooting bee 188 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH occurred in the same city, that, from the description which appeared in the city paper, everybody supposed these pictures were a real representation of the fight as it actually happened. Three young men were seated around a dirty card- table in an up-stair room, over a saloon. Money was staked, cards were in hand, a dispute arose. The lie was given — usually a dare in the West for a fight. So the fight began. When the smoke and dust cleared away and the officers arrived, one man was dead, the others had fled. The third one, with a hole shot through his body, had descended the stairs, and with smoking pistol in hand stood on the side walk and said to the sheriff as he arrived, "You had better see to Bill, up- stairs. I think he is fixed." When they reached the head of the steps they heard him say, as he struggled for breath, "Get me out of here quick. Don't let my mother know I was shot in here." Then he dropped back and never spoke another word. He was dead, and cards did it. But it was only "a little social game." Three years after this occurred, I was in the town holding meetings. One of the survivors came to my meeting and with the man who had shot his brother in discharge of his official duty, came to the altar one night to seek Christ. For days and nights they continued to come forward. Finally they arose from their knees one night and looked each other in the face, and said, "It's all off, I'll surrender," and as they reached across the altar to shake hands, I pushed them together and they fell into each others arms and wept bitterly and aloud. DIA MONDS FROM THE ROUGH 189 Five years after this I was in Oklahoma, in a meet- ing 1 , and related this incident. At the close of the service the Sunday School superintendent came to me and said, "The man you told about is my cousin. His partner, Dick Cargyle who was running the gambling-hell when those men were killed, lives in this town. He is the toughest man in Oklahoma. I want you to meet him and see if you can't do for him what you did for my cousin. He went down to Texas last year to see him, and he was so changed and so different in his ways this fellow could not stand it — so he cut his visit short." Next day I met the man mentioned and asked him to come to Church. He cursed and said, "Why, man, I haven't been to Church but once in six years. I haven't had on a white shirt for six or seven years." Then I said, "Well, old fellow, there is something better in life for you. Come on to Church, and I will pray for you and show you." He came, was converted and is now a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He said to me, after his conversion, "Yes, I went down to see my old Pal, but> Gee, he was too good for me. When we sat down to the table he dropped his head and returned thanks, and I dropped my head and felt like a hound dog. I only staid one day. "But, Oh I," said he, "I wondered if the good God' could do for poor wicked sinlul me what he had done for Dol." 190 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH HOW IT OCCURRED— DICK CARGYLE WON FOR CHRIST. "There he goes now, — that's him with a brown woolen shirt on — that fellow that limps." "Who — what are you talking about, what do you mean?" "Oh! that 'tough* I was telling you about the other day; that's he, he is the toughest man in Oklahoma and gives more trouble than any man in Tillman county." As Rev. S. said that he plucked me by the arm and turned me toward the fellow, as he went hurriedly limping along the street. "Oh !" said I, "he has a good heart in him I know, and I guess he had a good mother, and I am going to pray for him and ask God to save him." With this Dick passed out of sight, and I didn't see him any more till I met him in the church a few nights later. Three nights after this one of the ushers called and said, "There's Dick Cargyle the gambler, — I want you to go after him. He's the toughest bat in Oklahoma. He's the fellow that used to run the gambling dive in Texas and was a partner of Dol R. when the fellow was killed in his place some years ago." Then the usher said, "I told him you were the man who led Dol to Christ, and he said, 'Well, I want to meet the man who led my pal to be the good man that he is ; wonder if he would help me too?" And with that in view, he came to the meeting never once thinking that hundreds of people were pray- ing for him. When the sermon ended and the invita- tion was given for seekers, I slipped down to the pew where Dick sat, and put my arm around his broad, manly shoulders and looked him in the face and said, DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 191 "Dick old fellow, I have been praying for you, I knew your old pal down Texas when he was tough as you or anybody else, and I also knew him when God saved him and made a clean man of him, now what I want you to do is to go down to the altar, and give your heart to Christ and let him do for you what he did for old Dol." "No, No. I can't do it, nor I won't do it, and if you don't let me alone, I'll leave the house this minute." 'Ah, ha! I thought you were a man, and had nerve and backbone; if you can't stand me and will leave because I talk to you, why of course, I'll let you alone. I don't want to run you away," so I said, "Goodbye Dick, God bless you old fellow, they said you had nerve, but you haven't. I hope to see you converted right soon." "Well, you wont see it, — I am too mean, — I can't go down there among those nice people, but I want you to pray for me." I left him, thinking he would leave the house in a few moments, but his friends con- tinued to impress upon him the importance of accepting Christ. I started down the aisle, and when I reached the altar, Dick came almost running down the aisle, gave me his hand and said, "I want you to pray for me, but I won't stay here, I'm too mean." In a very few moments he came back and said, "I want to kneel here and let you pray for me." Down on his knees he dropped and we all prayed, and poor Dick tried to pray too, but he had been so long in sin that he had even forgotten the little prayer that he learned at his mother's knee. He left the altar assuring me that he was the worst man in Oklahoma and there was no chance for him to 192 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH be saved. I assured him that Christ came to save the worst as well as the best, and that He would save him too. Next day he went rushing by me as if in too big a hurry to stop. I grabbed him and said, "Hold on old fellow, don't rush through life, you are not in such a hurry. Stop! I want to tell you something." With this he backed up against the plate glass front, began wiping perspiration from his face and said, "Ge-Whiz, Great God!" then I stopped him; he went on, "Why preacher, I am the meanest man that ever lived." I said, "Amen!" He looked strangely at me and said, "Billie Downs is an angel by the side of me. People think him a hard case, they don't know me. I'm at the bottom." "Yes," said I, "a real old, Mown and out/ but the Lord can lift you up." "Last night was the first time I have been in a church for six years— today is the first time I have had on a white shirt for nearly five years," point- ing to his bosom as he said this, indicating and calling my attention to the fact that he had gotten into a white shirt sure enough. Then I laughed heartily and cried some too, for Dick was crying between his strong denun- ciations of his past and mis-spent life, and his present determination to be a better man. "Thank the Lord," I said, "Dick I am glad to see you with a white shirt on. When a fellow begins to clean up on the outside, the Lord is usually working on the inside. You'll come out alright before long." The following night, when the song service was in full swing, Dick with one or two of his sort came in. The usher offered them a seat near the back door; all but Dick took the seats offered. He Alf Allen (see page 202.) DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 19S persistently pushed his way through the big crowd down near the front and took a seat near the singer with a determined look upon his face, that meant much to the the man who had planned and worked so hard for this man's soul. When the song service was at its highest and the enthusiasm was great, Mr. Phillips related '.an incident that happened in Philadelphia while he was with Dr. Chapman. He told how he had gotten interested in a man and prayed and worked for his salvation, but he quit the meeting and left the city, only to get more deeply under conviction and returned to the city and was won- derfully saved. Then Mr. Phillips sang as a solo the famous old song, "Where is my wandering boy to-night." Hearts were melted and eyes were filled with tears and as he sang this pathetic old song in a tender and touching voice, he said, "Now boys, don't go on breaking your old mother's heart while perhaps tonight she is back at the old home on her knees at this very hour praying for you. When he sang the last verse there were many tear dimmed eyes in the great crowd. Then Dr. Mcin- tosh stepped on the platform and said, "I am going to make a proposition to all the backsliders and unsaved people who will come out openly and confess Christ, I want you to come give me your hand and say so by doing this." He had hardly stated his proposition when Dick Cargyle one of the worldly men of the town, sprang to his feet and said, "I'm a back-slider, that means me, and I'll just go." So he did, and the way he went and 194 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH the way he looked, felt and worked after that, made the hardest men in the great audience tremble from head to foot, and many of them came forward to confess Christ. This service brought the numbers of converts up to 535, as near as can be kept accurately. The way Dick Cargyle went to work among his friends was enough to make Angels in Heaven rejoice and eternity alone will tell the great work that has been done by the faith- ful evangelist, pastor and people. A MOTHER'S FAITH AND PRAYER. For nearly two weeks Mrs. A — stood every morning in the testimony meeting and asked prayer for her way- ward son. So frequently did she repeat this, that the people became a little worried, and finally said, "I do wish Mrs. A — would quit jumping up at every meeting, and crying about that wayward wicked boy." One morning I met this mother and she said, "Oh, brother Phillips I want you to pray that God will send my son home and then convert him." "Alright mother, I will, where is your son now, and what is he doing, is he a railroad man? ■ "No, No, he is not a railroad man, I only wish he were. The last time I heard from him he was at Amarillo or El Paso. Oh, if he would only come home, and stay with us in our declining years, how happy I would be !" Then she buried her face in her hands and began weep- ing. "Yes, mother A — , I will pray for your boy. I guess he is almost grown by this time." Several years previous to this, when he was yet a lad, his father used DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 195 to travel, and work in our meeting and sometimes sell our books. Occasionally when near their home town, the boy would drop in to spend a few days with his father in the meetings. The years rolled by, the lad drifted West, grew to manhood and not a very conscientious man at that. One afternoon my wife was invited down to the house of the boy for a prayer meeting. Everything was cleared away in the large room after dinner, and the meeting was held in the family dining-room. Just be- fore we knelt for the first prayer, this mother stood with hands raised toward heaven, and said, "Everyone that will ask God to send my wayward son home and save him, will you kneel with me." Of course every one dropped upon their kgees in prayer. Some prayed, some cried, while others breathed a silent prayer to the heavenly Father, for the return and salvation of the precious mother's boy. The interest in the meeting was growing all the while. It was moved down town to a big tabernacle. Some of the toughest men in town were converted. Something went wrong — or right I should say, up at Amarillo. The boy got anxious about home, became alarmed, imagined something had happened, mother sick or » father was dying. "I must go home," said he. Mother was heart-sick, for his salvation. He packed his grip, got a quart of liquor, and hit the road for home. Before he reached Ft. Worth, he 196 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH had drunk the quart, got another at Ft. Worth, and drank it before he reached Greenville. When he arrived at home it was about mid-night. He tapped on the door, and his dear old mother res- ponded with a "Whose there." "Its me, mother." The door opened and the heart-sick boy was warmly wel- comed back to the old home. "Are you sick, mother?" "No." "Is father well?" "Yes." "Well, what in the world is the matter? I have been so restless, uneasy and anxious about you both for the last few days, I could not stay away. I thought sure there was something wrong." "Nothing is wrong with us, son. Go up to your room now and go to bed. You are tired and weary. Your bed has been ready for two or three days. You will find the covers turned just as you left them. Towels, comb and brush are all there for you just as you left them. Go to bed my son and rest and we will see you in the morning. God bless you, good-night." She did not see the boy until ten o'clock next day, when he came to the altar for prayer. When he awoke next morning, it all seemed like a dream. "Well, here I am at home again. 'Seems so strange, wonder how this came about. Oh! I am so dry, I must have a morning starter — eye — opener." Down to the joint he went. "Say, I am thirsty Joe ; got anything?" "No, nothin doin." We are all on the "water-wagon." "On the water-wagon, that beats h . I'll go over to Sam's, I'll get it there." "Hello," Sam. "Hello old man. When did you get back?" "Just got DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 197 in last night. Say, Sam I have cob-webs in my throat, I am so dry." He twitched one corner of his mouth and winked his eyes, saying, "Give me some poison-bug juice, brain* killer, or any old stuff that will start »a fellow/ "Cut it out, cut it out, get in the band wagon, I've joined the "White Ribboners ;" no more bug juice in mine. Come let's go to church, its time now. We are all on the water-wagon. Come and go and get in with us." "No, I'll not go to your old d-m meeting." This said, the door closed, and all went to church. Air. Anderson drifted down the street with the crowd not expecting to go to the meeting. But when he got near the tabernacle, the crowd was headed that way. So he followed the crowd and was soon seated in the rear of the great congregation, scarcely knowing how he had gotten there. The song-service was in full swing. He was a good singer, so he joined in (rather enjoyed it.) Requests for prayers came next. Up jumped his dear old Mother, with tears of joy streaming from her eyes "Praise the Lord," she said, "My boy came home last ni^ht, God has answered that much of my prayer. Now please pray that he may come to the meeting, and get converted to-day." The boy was there and heard the request. It sent conviction to his heart. He thought he would leave the meeting, but decided to stay until the sermon was over. Then Mr. Andrews arose, took his text and proceeded to preach, what he supposed would be the last sermon of the meeting. The altar-call was given, the organist 198 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH was the first one converted. Then I walked back into the great crowd ; just as I got near the back door, a large fine looking young fellow grabbed his hat, and started for the door. I took him by the arm and said, ''Hold on, dont go — the meeting is not over yet." "Oh, but I've got to go." "No, you havent you have got to stay." "Too hot for me here, let me out." "I fear you are going to a place hotter than this, you had better stay and get used to it." All this time I had not recognized him. He looked me in the face, and I said, "Isn't this Lucius Anderson." "Yes, Mr. Ed." "Well, listen to me Lucius, you have run from God, you have run from the preacher, but if you run from your old mother, you havent a par- ticle of man-hood left in you. You must not go." Then Steve Green stepped up and said, "Cut it out Anderson I had it to do." Then he looked up and said, "Pray for me." On his knees he went. He prayed, Green prayed, his father prayed, then that dear old mother turned her gatling gun of prayer loose, and be- fore she had finished, the boy was up on his feet, shak- ing hands and praising the Lord. Those dear old people almost raised the roof off the tabernacle. Mr. Anderson went into the choir right then and went to singing, "Tell mother I'll be there." I turned and pointed to him and said, "I pray God will call him into the work of a singing Evangelist." So it was only a few weeks until he joined us in a meeting, and was splendid help. In a few months he went to Chicago to Moody Institute, to take a course in vocal music, and is now a good Gospel Singer. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 199 The two foregoing photographs are of him, before and after his conversion, showing what the grace of God can do for a man. May he live long to sing the gospel and lead many souls to Christ! I count him one of my most interesting nuggets among all the Diamonds of this book. Neither of these pictures was made for this special work. In looking through his mother's collection of photos, I found them, and asked that I might take them along in my work, to show to the young people. CROWDS AT ST. LUKE'S CHURCH. With two weeks' campaigning in "The King's Bus- iness" completed, down-town workers of the Thirty- fourth Evangelistic District started last night on the third week of what promises to be the most successful religious crusade ever attempted in that part of the city. In the midst of a thickly populated section, St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church, at Broad and Jackson streets, the place of meeting of this district, has been the magnet, toward which thousands of persons have been attracted. And better yet is the fact that within such a comparatively short time nearly 300 conversions have been recorded by the evangelists and workers in charge. Catering to the manifest desires of the people, Evan- gelist Lovic P. Law and Soloist E. G. Phillips have made music and congregational singing tihe feature of the 200 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH meetings. The success of their endeavors they attribute in a greater part to song. The singing of a union choir of fifty, selected from the nine churches in the district, has been supplemented by an orchestra of twenty young men, comprising the Messiah Reformed Church orchestra. They are under the leadership of the Rev. Edwin J. La Rose, pastor of that church. With a desire to share some part in the work of evangelism, these young musicians have joined nightly in the services and greatly aided the evangelists and pastors. On no night has there been an attendance of less that 1000 persons. Last Sunday night the big church was taxed to its capacity. By actual count of the ushers, more than 2,200 persons attended the Sabbath evening service. Centrally located, and offering every advantage for the holding of just such an assembly, St. Luke's Church was wisely chosen as the meeting place of the district. An imposing structure from the exterior, and with an interior of handsome design, St. Luke's Church has been in use since 1896, when it was dedicated by Bishop Cyrus D. Foss. The main auditorium has a seating capacity of 1500 persons. To the north side is a wing in which the Sun- day school department is located. This wing is readily joined to the main auditorium by the raising of a parti- tion, and the seating capacity is thus almost doubled. DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 201 Granted an annuity of $20,000 by the late Mrs. Mary Burton, the congregation of St. Luke's recently built the Burton Memorial Chapel. Under the direction of the pastor the Rev. George Gaul, the same congregation has recently erected on a plot adjoining the church building, a fine new parsonage. Assisting the evangelist in the campaign are: The Rev. G. W. Drew, pastor of the Third Baptist Church ; the Rev. J. J. Hunt, of the Bethany Methodist Church ; the Rev. Edwin J. Reinke, of the Evans Memorial Pres- byterian Church ; the Rev. E. S. Carson, of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church; the Rev. William Martin, of the Passyunk Baptist Church; the Rev. Edwin J. La Rose, of Messiah Reformed Church, and the Rev. George Gaul, of St. Luke's. This district is more than doing its share in bearing the expense of the present campaign. The collections have been unusually large as a result of the big attend- ances. This department of work is under the personal supervision of the Rev. George Gaul, the convener of the district. With a wide experience in dealing with men of all classes, Evangelist Lovic P. Law is peculiarly adapted to the work of this district. He was formerly a United States deputy marshal in Oklahoma and before his con- version was the lessor and manager of a theater in Texas. Soloist E. G. Phillips was at one time a cowboy in Texas. The personal workers have entered into the work of the campaign with a spirit of aggressiveness and willing service. — Philadelphia, Pa., North-American. 202 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH PRIZE FIGHTER NOW EVANGELIST. Alf Allen, drunkard, gambler and saloon keeper, was saved by a song, — he is now saving others. Went into Torrey meeting intoxicated and awoke to find salvation. Five years ago a battered, brokendown, dilapidated drunkard wandered down a narrow street in Ottawa, Can., and stopped before a long, low skating rink, look- ing about him as if in a trance. From within he could hear hundreds of voices rais- ed in song, and compelled by some strange force, the wanderer passed through the narrow door. Once with- in, he was urged by gentle hands down the aisle facing a high platform. The singing ceased and the drunkard dozed off. Suddenly words uttered by the evangelist — for it was a Torrey-Alexander evangelical meeting — caused the sleepy man to look up. What was that he heard? A coward? Was that small man on the platform calling him, a former champion prize fighter — he who had never been frightened in his life, a coward? "A man who drinks and entices others to drink is a coward," said the evangelist. "A man who gambles and entices others to gamble is a coward." TAUGHT TO BE PRIZE FIGHTER. Allen's life was one of the hardest. He was born in 1869. Four years later his parents removed to Mont' DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 203 real, where he lived until he became acquainted with some prize fighters, who taught him the profession. Then he went West and took up fighting for a living, coming out victorious in almost every battle. The Canadian papers were full of his victories for several years, until one night he fought 3 1-2 hours in the ring, only to emerge from the grueling match with two broken hands. He gave up the ring and purchased a roadhouse and saloon. "From that time on," he said, "I became a sport proper and began drinking. I went from bad to worse. One night I became mixed up in a saloon row and was knocked unconscious. My parents were notified that I was dead. When I got out of the hospital I began to drink again. One month, during which I had remained sober most of the time, a theatrical manager promised a large sum of money to the man who could stay ten rounds with a fighter he had with him. Some of my friends persuaded me to try. I did and came out of it with two broken ribs, a newly broken hand, and all in. I started to drink again and was sent to prison for six months for being drunk. Later I was reformed." Allen entered the Moody institute in Chicago on July 14, 1906, and remained there three years. Since he finished he has traveled through the old territory in which he fought and has done much good. He will hold an extra revival meeting at the Prospect mission Monday evening and says it will do anyone good to come. CALLED COWARD AND REFORMED. Being called a coward was evidently too much for 204 DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH the hearer, and he raised both hands. Friends assisted him to the floor before the evangelist, and he was a reformed man. "Yes," said Rev. Alf Allen, evangelist. "I was a re- formed man, and now I am doing what I can to aid other men who are in the condition I was at that time." Alf Allen is a short, heavyset man, square-shoulder- ed and with a regular fighting face. He has come to Cleveland to assist in the work at the Prospect avenue Light and Hope mission, and is doing some great work. He points to his record as the hero of more than 200 ring fights, a saloon keeper, drunkard, confidence-man and gambler, and then to his present work with pride and as an excellent illustration of what God can do for even a down-and-outer. "I want to give the devil a knockout blow," said this wonderful little man. "He lent me a few things for a time and then he took 'em back with interest. I used to thing he was a friend. He fooled me good and plenty." "I think that you can sign that statement Alf Allen," concluded the still scrappy preacher. A song entitled "The Glory Song," which was made famous during the great Torrey and Alexander revival meetings in the country in 1906, was the real cause of Alf Allen's conversion, he says. "I was first impressed by it when I was in prison a few weeks before I wandered into the meeting," he said. "Torrey and Alexander distributed copies of it through the jail, and later I could hear it sung in the chapel. It touched a soft place in my heart and made DIAMONDS FROM THE ROUGH 205 me think of my former friends and my parents. It was the same song which I heard when I stopped outside of the rink." Cleveland, Ohio Daily Paper. tio. 149. Gbe tramp'0 prater. (Solo or Quartet.) Warren Collins. 1. Near the camp-fire's flick'ring light In my blank -et bed I lie, 2. Sad - ly sings the whip-poor-will In the boughs of yon-der tree j 3. Mid the stars one face I see — One the Sav-iour called a- way- 4. Fainter grows the flick'ring light As each em - ber slow-ly dies; PW^ Oaz- ing thro' the shades of night At the twinkling stars on high; Laugh-ing-ly the mountain rill Swells the mid-night mel - o - dy. Mot)i-er, who in in - fan - cy, Taught my ba - by lips to pray. Plain-tive-ly tbe birds of night Fill the air with saddened cries ; O'er me sp:r - iw in the air Foe-men may be lurk-ing near Her sweet spir-it hov-ers near, O - ver me they seem to cry Si-lent vig • ils seem to keep, In the can-yon dark and deep; In this lone- ly mountain wake; 'You may nev-er more a- wake I" As I breathe my childhood** prayer : "Now I lay me down to Bleep.' Lo, I breathe on Je - bus' ear, "I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep." Take me to her. Saviour dear, "It I should die be -fore I wake." Lo, I lisp, "If I should die, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take." NOV 33 »" Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Oct. 2005 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724)779-2111 One copy del. to Oat. Div. tM .. 0£C I 191?