4 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/twentyyearsofrevOOhowa Cwenty ^ms of Ifievival Effort IRev. (5. B. IHowarD wttb Supplementary dbapters fiDintsterial Bretbren CompUe& Ificvs* 2i. IP* Hicnard and £. ibiddins "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtleSj come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." — Psa. 126: 6. A. W. Hall, Publisher, Syracuse, N. Y. 1899. COPYRIGHT BY REV. G. B. HOWARD, 1898. Dedication. To My Wifk: For more than forty years the loved and loving companion of my life; my faithful helper and co- worker in the healthy, active and happy years of my public ministry; my constant, patient and affectionate nurse in the years of my trial and suffering; and my always sympathizing and true-hearted wife, this book is dedicated by her loving husband, Rev. G. B. Howard. Contents. Frontispiece Introduction 7 CHAPTER I. Birth. Ancestry. Conversion. Call to the Ministry. 12 CHAPTER II. Early Struggles and Triumphs 17 CHAPTER III. First Revival. Removal to Kansas 24 CHAPTER IV. Scenes on the Solomon and Sappa Rivers in North Western Kansas 28 CHAPTER V. Orleans Seminary 33 CHAPTER VI. Scenes in the South East.* 38 CHAPTER VIL Work Among the Wesleyans 43 CHAPTER VIII. Work Among the Wesleyans. — Continued 50 CHAPTER IX. Unclassified Revivals 54 CHAPTER X. Confession and Restitution 59 CHAPTER XI. Remarkable Conversions 67 CHAPTER XII. Remarkable Conversions. — Continued 74 CHAPTER XIII. Mr. Howard's Experience. 83 CHAPTER XIV. Notable Cases of Consecration and Sanctification 88 CHAPTER XV. Wonderful Instances of Healing 97 CHAPTER XVI. Marvelous Answers to Prayer 108* CHAPTER XVII. Touching Incidents 117 CHAPTER XVIII. Other Incidents 125 CHAPTER XIX. Pointed Illustrations 181 CHAPTER XX. Pointed Illustrations. — Continued -. . 138 CHAPTER XXI. Pointed Illustrations. — Concluded 146 CHAPTER XXII. Churches Dedicated 152 CHAPTER XXIII. Freaks of Fanaticism. 161 CHAPTER XXIV. As Viewed by Co-Laborers 167 CHAPTER XXV. As Viewed by Co-Laborers. — Continued 176 CHAPTER XXVI. Mr. Howard's Sermons 182 CHAPTER XXVII. As a Presiding Officer 197 CHAPTER XXVIII. Newspaper Accounts 204 CHAPTER XXIX. The Wilson, Kansas, Revival 210 Introduction. Some one has said that ''Biography is history teach- ing by example.'' While the following pages can hardly be classed as a book of biography, yet there is much contained in them that serves to illustrate the truth of the above statement. The history of a good man and his eflorts to make other people good is in- teresting and edifying to every man or woman who is likewise engaged. More especially is this true if such person is working to better mankind and its con- dition by the specific advocacy and advancement of that which pertains to the kingdom of our blessed Lord. The following are a few reasons why the com- pilers of this volume think it should be published and read by those into whose hands it may fall. I. The publication of such a book may have a tendency to check the circulation of books vicious in their nature, and which perniciously poison the, minds and hearts of all who peruse them. Every man and woman noted to a more or less extent for deeds of violence and crime, have their sinful practices herald- 8 TWENTY YEARS OF ed far and wide by means of the printed page, in pa- per, song, and story, until their deeds have become familiar to almost every household in the land. It is not with the faintest ray of hope that the achievements herein recorded will become a hundredth part as famil- iar to the pubHc as some whose deeds have been un- righteous, but we do sincerely believe that the acts of such a man as the subject of this book cannot but prove a means of blessing to those interested ; and al- so be a forcible checkmate to those not concerned, enabling them to become so. Hungry lambs will eat poison, but if well fed with nourishing food, they will let the poison alone. 2. Mr. Howard is growing old. While there is yet a prospect of many years of usefulness before him, he feels, and so do many of his friends, that his life v/ork is nearly accomplished. Twenty years of con- tinuous revival effort could not be aught but taxing on the most robust physical frame. At any rate he -vmust soon pass the way of all the earth. He has raised a family of four sons and two daughters to manhood and womanhood. In his self-denying la- bors for the Master he has amassed but little of this world's goods. He has no earthly legacy of impor- tance to leave his children. He can only leave them, as he has in this book, a bequest of precious memory.. REVIVAL EFFORT. 9 from the fact that their father's hfe was spent in hon- est endeavor to help a poor lost world find its way back to the Lord. Indeed it was at the earnest solici- tation,, and ardent entreaty of some of these children, who have grown up to honor their father's God, that Mr. Howard finally consented to have the record compiled. It is the wish not only of the compilers, but of Mr. Howard as well, that the book may not only prove a precious legacy to his own children, but to the children of many interested parents; and es- pecially to -those who are living an idle, aimless life, and who have no God, and no hope. 3. Another important reason for the compilation of this volume is the sad fact, well known to all spirit- ually discerning people, that the Protestant church of to-day is fast hastening to her doom, and final wreck in the mazy whirlpool of formalism. Who knows what may happen even in another decade, if the church hastens her destruction as rapidly in the next few years, as she has in those of the past. Not many years hence it may be said that such a man as Mr. Howard never lived, and his achievements handed down to the rising generation by tradition will be called in question, but if not, will be considered, at least, as deeds greatly exaggerated. But in this vol- ume by the "art preservative,'' his works will be se- 10 TWENTY YEARS OF cured to future generations in verity, genuineness, and authenticity. Hence they will prove to all posterity that there was a time when God v/as on earth, when he used his servants in the salvation of lost men, and when the Lord's people enjoyed his gracious and constant presence. The book then was written not only for the present day, but for the far off, uncertain future. In compiling this volume we have sought to be ac- curate. For the history of circumstances occurring many years ago we have been compelled to depend largely upon the memory of Mr. Howard and his saintly wife. They are each at an age when memory is treacherous. For this our readers must make due allowance. Events of more recent date, and with which some of our readers are more or less famihar, we have tried to verify when possible. When we had no means of verification we understated rather than overstated. Nothing has been placed in this book, but what we believe to be strictly correct. Should inaccuracies occur it has been because we have had no means of confirmation, or because we have been misinformed by authorities supposed to be reliable. We do not claim originality for some of the illustrations used by Mr. Howard. They may have been used by others. If so, it only demonstrates that REVIVAL EFFORT. 11 said illustrations are of sufficient importance to bear repetition. In illustration Mr. Howard is an adept. He has few, if any, equals. The compilers have tried to record a simple recital of events as they have occurred in the life of this strangely successful man. We have not written with a view to Hterary excellence, but have simply used our best endeavors, under busy and somewhat hasty cir- cumstances, to faithfully compile, narrate, and pre- sent to the public in this form "Rev. G. B. How^ard's Twenty Years of Revival Effort." Yours in Jesus'sTove, The Compilers. 12 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER I. BIRTH. ANCESTRY. CONVERSION. CALL TO THE MINISTRY. G. B. Howard was born near Bloomington, Mon- roe Co., Indiana, January 15, 1837. He lived there until ten years of age, when, with his parents, he moved to Jefferson Co., Iowa, settling near Fairfield. He was reared by pious parents, his mother dying when he was at the age of twelve. The responsibiHty of the religious training of four boys and one girl was now left to the husband and father, who lived to a good old age, and who, the last twenty years of his life, was a class leader in the Free Methodist church. The influence of the holy life of the mother, and the wise counsel of the father of young Mr. Howard were not lost, for at the age of twenty he was soundly con- verted to God at a Methodist camp-meeting near Fairfield. His conversion was of the old-fashioned kind, radical and thorough. While shouting and prais- ing God many of the saints said that the Lord had his hand upon him, and that there must be a work for him in the future. Indeed some said that he began to REVIVAL EFFORT. preach that night, as, in his new found joy which knew no bounds, he mounted a stump on the camp ground and poured forth his gratitude, his testimony, and his exhortation. On the morning of his conver- sion a rather amusing circumstance occurred, which, while at the time it seemed to upset cherished plans and good resolutions, proved to be one of the direct influences that led him to Christ. His father's house was a home for preachers. In that early day Meth- odist preachers walked with God. Many of the earlier impressions stamped upon young Mr. How- ard's life were received from these men of God hos- pitably entertained by his pious old father. In his father's yard was a building in which the preacher in charge of that circuit lived. This preacher had a new horse and buggy, and a cow. Young Mr. Howard was granted the use of the horse and buggy on con- dition he would milk the cow while the preacher was in attendance at the camp-meeting. Young Mr. Hovx^ard was quite willing to do this as it afforded him an excellent opportunity to drive the young lady, with whom he was keeping company and to whom he was engaged, to and from the meeting. He had upon his engagement to this young lady promised to seek the Lord, as she had repeatedly informed him that she could not bear the thought of marrying a man that 14 TWENTY YEARS OF was unsaved. This promise he made, not with a hope of winning the young lady's affection, for this he beheved he already had, but because he had felt and known for some time that it was his duty to seek the salvation of his soul. On the first evening that he was to drive with his intended to the camp ground he passed through a small timber growth. While winding his way among the trees he came under the top of one which had fallen. In this there was a large hornets' nest. While passing this tree top some mischievous boys threw a club into the hor- nets' nest. Inmiediately they came buzzing forth to revenge themselves upon their disturbers. Instead they settled upon the innocent horse and occupants of the buggy. The horse in its endeavor to escape the stings of the hornets broke both thills. Another young man in endeavoring to pass with a horse got into a similar dilemma. His horse in making frantic efforts to escape its tormentors backed into the buggy driven by young Mr. Howard and mashed in a wheel. This was more than Mr. Howard could en- dure, hence he began to curse and swear, and manifest an ugly temper in general. He was loud in his blas- phemous oaths. Many heard and saw all that trans- pired. The preacher had witnessed it, the pulpit stand being not very far distant. He came to the scene of REVIVAL EFFORT. 15 conflict. Young Mr. Howard saw him coming and supposed there would be reproof and ill feelings for what he had done. But the preacher gently laid his. hand upon Mr. Howard's shoulder and said, "That's all right, we can soon fix it." He manifested such a kind spirit that it broke Mr. Howard all up. Here he was in the presence of his lady love who had been shocked and grieved at his profanity, the preacher's buggy broken, and some of the bystanders endeavor- ing to add to his discomfort by their jeers and remarks about the hornets. Added to this was all of his good resolutions broken. He had really intended to seek the Lord, and was honestly endeavoring to become better. When he saw the kind, gentle spirit of the preacher, and he observed the young lady weep- ing, he resolved to seek salvation at any haz- ard. This he did with results as elsewhere stat- ed. That same fall he married this young lady, Miss Martha M. Evans. A most opportune help- meet has she proven to him in all his life as a minister of the gospel. Shortly after his conversion he lost the grace of God from his soul, but continued to profess religion, until,* observing the power of a life* hid with Christ in God in others, he renewed his cove- nant with God in the year 1870. Again the old call to preach came up for consideration and settlement.. 16 TWENTY YEARS OF After about eight years of bitter struggling he gave up all his earthly prospects, ambitious desires, and beau- tiful home for the humble, but exalted calling of the gospel* ministry. REVIVAL EFFORT. 17 CHAPTER II. EARLY STRUGGLES AND TRIUMPHS. Mr. Howard's wife had struggled with God and prayed earnestly for fifteen long years that her hus- band might become fully saved and enter the minis- try. Her devoted life, fervent prayers, and untiring efforts prevailed with God, finally led him to Christ, and later on to gospel work. His home consisted of i8o acres of fertile land just two miles from South English, Iowa. There was in addition to the land a comfortable house, a bearing orchard, a beautiful maple grove of his own planting, and many other modern improvements which made the place of more than ordinary interest and attractiveness. There were also about two carloads of fat cattle, nearly one hundred head of fine hogs, and two or three thousand bushels of corn. With all these hard earned posses- sions it seemed well nigh impossible to part. Mr. Howard had planned and worked and built with no other end in view than to live and die in this place. It 18 TWENTY TEABS OP seemed .cruel indeed to take from him these things around which his heart's affection so fondly clung. From a human standpoint but very few would have been willing to make such a sacrifice. Certainly not Mr. Howard, who was devoted to his home and its interests. His love for it had driven from his heart the grace of God and had induced him again and again to put away from him the old conviction that he ought to preach the gospel. His wife had suffi- cient spiritual discernment to know that he was not obeying the Lord. Obedience was more to her that? earthly prosperity or even the simplest comforts of life. While her husband had met with a reasonable degree of prosperity and was in a fair way to become, if not wealthy, at least, an independent man, every additional worldly gain was like the keenness of a knife penetrating her very soul, for she knew it was obtained through disobedience to God, and, perhaps, at the expense of lost souls, for whom she was will- ing to give her life. She often confronted her hus- band with this matter and urged upon him the neces- sity of performing his duty, but he had tried so long- to dismiss the subject from his mind that he now at- tempted to persuade his consecrated wife that it was not the Lord's will for him to preach. Besides he had accumulated so much around him that he could not REVIVAL EFFORT. 19 now dispose of it. Finally, as a last excuse, he said he could not sell the place. She allowed her husband to put her off with these threadbare excuses, but she would not be put off from unburdening her heart at a throne of grace. One day Mr. Howard came in from the field and heard his wife in the barn praying. Among other things he heard her say, ''Now Lord, if he won't go any other way take every thing he's got.'* This alarmed him. He had faith in his wife and be- lieved that God heard her prayers. An answer to this one was what he feared and dreaded. Finally she came to him and said, "Husband, the Lord has shown me that you are asking too much for this place, and that, if you would take a reasonable price for it, you could find a buyer.'' The secret was out at last, it having been revealed by the Holy Spirit to one of the handmaidens of the Lord. Mr. How^ard saw she was determined to have victory by way of the throne, and that it was useless to withstand any longer her plead- ings and the Spirit's convictions, so he gave his con- sent to sell the place at a reasonable figure. On the third morning eifter Mr. Howard's surrender a stran- ger came to his home. Immediately upon witnessing; the gentleman the Spirit seemed to say, "That's your man — the man the Lord sent to buy your place." "Is this Mr. Howard?" inquired the stranger. Being an- 20 TWENTY YEARS OF swered in the affirmative, he continued, "I understand you wish to sell this place/' ''Well, I have said I would sell it," replied Mr. Howard almost overcome with feelings which he could not restrain. After as- certaining the price of the farm the stranger requested that he might have until the next day in which to de- cide, as he desired to look at a piece of timber near the town, which belonged to the farm. He came back next day and informed Mr. Howard that he had de- cided to take the place. ''How soon can you give possession?" he then asked. Mr. Howard was having an awful struggle. He seemed to care for nothing, for he thought he was a ruined man. He was in al- most utter despair, so he answered, ''You may have possession to-day, if you wish it." "Oh, I'm in no great hurry," responded the stranger, and he took his departure. Mr. Howard was so completely overcome by this sudden turn in his afifairs that he would not make any efifort to dispose of his efifects. The people having learned of his selling his place, they imme- diately came and bought his cattle, hogs and corn. He now made a sale and disposed of the remaining property in his possession. All was now gone. He rather blamed his wife with all this trouble and mis- fortune, hence he turned to her for counsel and ad- vice in this time of need. "Now wife," said he» REVIVAL EFFORT. 21 "everything is gone, what shall we do?" ,''The Lord will open the way/' she replied with meekness, and in a tone that indicated she beheved every word she said. On the evening of the same day in which he made sale of his personal property a letter was brought him from the post office, postmarked Rose Hill, Iowa. On opening it there was found an invitation from the Free Methodist class of the above place to serve them with preaching. The letter intimated that they had learned of the disposal of his place, and of his intention to enter the ministry. Rose Hill was sixty miles away and how they ever learned of his purpose he never knew. They not only gave him an invitation, but al- so agreed to come after his goods, and to furnish him a house in which to live. Mrs. Howard was over- joyed, being confident that this was an opening from the Lord ; hence they immediately mailed a letter to the class accepting their invitation. In due time a team was sent for their goods, which consisted of a few bed clothes, and other articles of minor impor- tance. He also had a team of driving ponies and a buggy. The goods were soon loaded and started on their way. Mr. Howard and his wife were to soon follow in their buggy. It was evening when they started. The sun was setting behind the western horizon shedding its mellow rays of departing glory 22 TWENTY YEARS OF on a beautiful, but, to Mr. Howard, sad scene. After going a short distance tliey drove up a little raise from which they could obtain a good view of the old home- stead from which Mr. Howard was so sorrowfully parting, but from which his wife was glad to separate, because it was for Jesus's sake. Mr. Howard, like Lot's wife, looked back, and the whole landscape in one grand panorama was spread before him. He could behold at a single glance the product of his arduous toil. Here was the old farm, just yonder the farm house, beyond it the orchard. Near the orchard lay the maple grove under the trees of which in regular rows the bee stands were placed. Look where he would his eyes fell upon some familiar, much loved scene to which he had been trying with poor success to say farewell diu'ing the past few weeks. All this time his heart had been filled with grief and anguish. Then the devil, as if making one last effort to tempt him back to this familiar spot, brought before his im- agination the corral of fat cattle, the swine, his horses, and all the domestic animals he had used on the farm. He stopped the ponies, and, turning to his wife, said, ■^'Now, wife, be honest; can you deep down in your heart say good bye to all these things?' "Yes," she replied, ''I can." ''Well, I can't, and I won't go an- other step until the Lord takes that farm out of my REVIVAL EFFORT. 23 heart/' He handed his wife the reins, got out of the buggy, and took to the hazel brush by the road side. He fell upon his knees and pleaded with God to give him the victory over his bitter temptation. God heard and answered his prayer. He arose from his knees, waved his hat in a hearty farew^ell to the old home, and went on his way rejoicing. 24 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER III. FIRST REVIVAL. REMOVAL TO KANSAS. His first revival was held at Keenersburg, lowa^ just before he left the farm. It was a place locally known as ''hell's half acre." The community was given over to Sabbath breaking, gambling, horse rac- ing, profanity, and kindred evils. It was a hard place for a beginner, and one which Mr. Howard, doubtless, would have given up had it not been for the prayers and entreaties of his devoted wife. Her tears and groans held him at his post of duty. Although these initial efforts were feeble, yet they were greatly blessed of God, for the slain of the Lord were many. Men and women could be heard crying for mercy all through the timber, in their corn fields, and at their homes. One day while preaching his wife fell prostrate on the ground and lay powerless in this position about two hours. All at once a large, portly man began to REVIVAL EFFORT. 25 weep and cry for mercy. Under these conditions it was not long till he began to shout and exclaim, 'Tve got it; Fve got it!'' Immediately Mr. Howard's wife was on her feet. The two were soon clasping each other's hands praising and glorifying God. This gave the meeting a new impetus. The power of the Lord ran through the congregation like fire in stubble fully dry. Another man seeing the people falling and shout- ing, arose, and with clenched fist, declared he would leave the meeting. Under this feeling he stalked away in high dudgeon. It was not more than a mile that he had gone until conviction seized him. In- stantly he retraced his steps, calling upon God for mercy. He was most gloriously saved on his return trip, and soon entered the meeting praising the Lord. About seventy-five were converted in this meet- ing. A Free Methodist church of forty members was organized. This revival closed with a quarterly meet- ing held by C. E. Harroun, Sr. The brother had driven sixty miles in order to reach this service at the appointed time. While there one of his horses died. Mr. Howard had no difficulty in urging his people to purchase him another one at once. The class was all aglow with gospel grace, hence a very liberal spirit was the blessed result. This first revival and quarter- 56 TWENTY YEAKS OF ly meeting was by Divine grace, a glorious success. It encouraged Mr. Howard to continue his efforts with renewed fervor and zeal. When Air. Howard and his wife arrived at Rose Hill they found every thing in readiness for their coming. They at once moved into the house fur- nished for them by the circuit, and began their la- bors. The first meeting he held among this people was in the Free Methodist church at Rose Hill. This was a very good meeting in which the Spirit of God was graciously poured out upon the people. Besides this meeting he held three others, organiz- ing churches at each place. Afterwards these were formed into a circuit. The next year this circuit was divided. A part of it was assigned to Mr. Howard, and the remainder to another brother. This winter was spent in revival work which was greatly blessed -of God in the salvation of lost souls. Some time before this Mr. Howard's two oldest sons had moved to western Kansas with the tide of •emigration which swept that country about this time. It was new territory and also a fruitful field for evangelistic work, hence he now prepared to follow his sons to Kansas. He chartered a car, loaded his household effects and started for the far west. The ■car containing his goods was the first one that ever REVIVAL EFFOUT 27 came into Logan with freight. No depot having been erected he was compelled to unload the car upon an embankment near the track. He took a homestead near the town of Norton. No sooner had he become settled in his new home than he again resumed his evangelistic labors, preaching all over North Western Kansas. In the autum.n of 1880 he attended the Free Meth- odist conference held at Salem, Jewell Co., and was given revival and evangelistic work by that body. This was the beginning of the revival spirit which swept over that section of the country and which made many desert places blossom as the rose. 28 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER IV. ; SCENES ON THE SOLOMON AND SAPPA RIVERS IN NORTH WESTERN KANSAS. When Mr. Howard attended the conference at Salem he was a comparative stranger. The conference was new as was also the country. The people needed just such a man as the conference understood Mr. Howard to be. His services were at once in great demand, yet he refused to accept any position of trust and responsibility at the hands of the confer- ence, because he was a stranger and untried. He preferred, and so stated it to the stationing commit- tee, to select some unworked portion of the country in which to prove himself worthy of responsible ap- pointments. Norton county being his home he chose it as his field of labor and immediately entered upon the work. Upon his return from conference he held his first REVIVAL EFFORT. 29 revival on the Solomon river in a neighborhood known as the Archer settlement. Many were happily con- verted in this meeting. Among the number was a Roman Catholic. The place was speedily trans- formed from a hot bed of iniquity to a Bethel where righteousness reigned supreme. A large Free Meth- odist church was organized here with Father Archer as leader and Cyrus Archer as steward. The former has long since gone to his glorious reward, while the latter still lives to gather in precious sheaves for the Master's garner. From here he went to a community in the Dopps neighborhood on the Sappa river. At this meeting another gracious outpouring of the Spirit occurred. There were many notable cases of God's power to save, sanctify, and heal. The next summer Mr. How- ard held a meeting near the same place. He now had a large tabernacle which was furnished him by the ■conference. God manifested himself in sin-killing and in great slaying power here. During an afternoon service thirteen were counted lying prostrate on the ground under the' Spirit's power. Many would turn pale as death in their seats and cry aloud for mercy. A class of thirty members was organized with David Dopps as leader. From the scene of this victory he went to a place 30 TWENTY YEAES OF three miles east of Logan where a relentless warfare against sin was waged. It was on the Solomon river. This was reported to be a very wicked community. Several men had been murdered there, hence Mr. Howard was advised not to attempt any services among that people. He felt, however, that God was leading that way. ^ Therefore he knew that none dare molest nor make afraid. With these assurances in his soul, a glorious victory was anticipated. He found the place about as represented. The first night there was a good congregation, with unusual in- terest. The meeting continued for some time with in- creasing power. Vast numbers came weeping their way to the cross and were radically saved. It resulted in the organization of a strong class. The fire did not stop here but spread into Logan where another class was organized and a beautiful stone church erected. His next meeting was held among the colored peo- ple at Xicodemus, Graham Co. This was a colony of T,6oo people. They had been out of bondage but a short time, and were very poor in this world's goods^ Xeither horses, cattle, implements, nor any of the other facilities for gaining a livelihood were possessed by them. Notwithstanding these disadvantages they received the gospel gladly. Though unfortunate many were made happy in a Savior's love. No public REVIVAL EFFORT. 81 school was near in which this people could educate- their children. After this revival a mission day-school- was estabhshed, and a good Christian teacher put in charge. Much interest was manifest in this new de- parture of Christian work. Some of the children,, ragged and barefooted, walked five miles in order to- ^tend the school. A good class was organized here. Pleasant Ridge now became the scene of conflict. It was ten miles north of Norton. This was a sweep- ing revival. Many were powerfully converted, some of whom are to-day preaching the gospel. Among this number was Rev. O. P. Smith at whose house Mr. Howard often stopped. A Sabbath school and church was organized. One day, shortly after this meeting,, a number of these brethren came to the home of Mr. Howard bringing with them a bountiful supply of provisions, and many other tokens of their apprecia- tion of his services. While at prayer the Holy Spirit was most blessedly poured out upon them, and many lay prostrate for some time under the power of God.. This people was consecrated even to the last dollar. Although poor they never permitted God's cause tO' suffer. When all seemed dark and no ray of light ap- peared, the Lord undertook for them that they might have a way of escape. Hence, financially they were: able to do much for the cause of Christ. ^2 TWENTY YEARS OF At Alma, Nebraska, where his next battle was opened, the fight was of such a nature as to stir the entire town. Sinners were not only made to tremble, but cold, lukewarm churches saw their undone con- dition. Some of their members were brought to God, while others began to oppose the meetings. Their ef- forts to retard the work of the Lord was fruitless.' All they accomplished w^as their own destruction, while those who were alive spiritually united with the new church which was organized. After this successful siege at Alma, he removed his tabernacle eight miles south east to the Walnut river, where a camp-meeting was to be held. * This surpassed in real Holy Ghost power any meeting Mr. Howard had yet conducted. Over one hundred were soundly converted to God. There were also many marvelous displays of the Divine One. These were of such a character that they will never be forgotten in time or eternity by those who witnessed them. His next meeting was at Orleans, Nebraska, where he organized another church. All these revivals were within a radius of sixty miles of Norton. Thirteen churches had been organized, and over four hundred received into the Free Method- ist church in the five years he had labored in this sec- tion of the country. REYIYAL EFFORT. 33 CHAPTER V. ORLEANS SEMINARY. These were bright days to North-west Kansas. Mr. Howard had succeeded by the grace of God in turn- * ing the hearts of the people from worldly matters to things Divine. Exhortation after exhortation was given the people to keep this revival spirit among them. Had this advice been followed many disastrous things which afterwards occurred might have been avoided. It was during the Logan camp-meeting that a proposition to build a Christian school took definite shape. One of this kind was needed. The people wanted it, but most of them were poor; hence it was considered a hazardous undertaking. It had been in the mind of C. M. Damon, E. E. Miller, and Mr. Howard to build a large sod house, equip it with first- class furniture and use this in a better building when they were able to erect one. Sod was much used for building purposes in that country. These breth- 34 TWENTY YEAES OF ren thought by having the whole country turn out the sod house could be speedily erected. These plans were about to be adopted when they were interferred with by a good Sister Dixon, who insisted that they could and ought to do better. She proposed to abandon the sod house project and erect a brick edi- fice. To demonstrate her own faith in the proposed change she opened the subscription by signing $200 to the school fund Mr. Howard was raising on the camp-ground at this time. Before taking his seat he had secured in cash and good subscriptions the sum of $2,700. The citizens of Orleans, Neb., had agreed to give them a college site of twenty acres overlooking the town and several hundred dollars in money. With these evidences of God's approbation the building was commenced. Mr. Howard was chosen financial agent and general manager of the new enterprise. He at once made a contract with his brother, a bricklayer by trade, to superintend the masonry of the building. Work upon the edifice was immediately begun. Dur- ing the process of its erection family prayers night and morning were to be a part of the program. Mr. Howard's brother was a good man, and a steward in the M. E. church, but he shook his head dubiously when this announcement was made, as much as to say ''that won't do." The holding of prayers at REVIVAL EFFORT. 35 such a busy time appeared to him very unnecessary. There were at different times from five to twenty hands working on the building many of whom were pilgrims which had subscribed to the building fund, and were thus working out their subscription. With so large a family, worship was always a season of great blessing and much power. Mr. Howard's brother being unaccustomed to such demonstrations as often occurred at these morning devotions, became exasperated and said, ''Do you suppose you will ever get this building up with all this shouting and scream- ing for two hours every morning?'' "The work is the Lord's/' repHed Mr. Howard, ''and I must keep my hands off." These laborers were not only blessed at family worship, but many times aw^ay up on the build- ing the power of God would come upon them, and they would drop any tool that they might be using and give vent to their feelings by praising God aloud. ^ The hands and all who were employed upon the building were boarded in a large hotel which had beep unoccupied for some time, and which had been fur- nished them for this purpose. Sister Dixon was led to move into the building and assume entire charge of this department of the work. As she entered upon her duty she said, ''This is to be a Christian school, and run entirely for the Lord ; therefore we must de- 36 TWENTY YEAES OF pend entirely upon the Lord for our support/' This was strictly adherred to as the following will verify. One morning Sister Dixon said to Mr. Howard, "The flour is all gone." 'T will order some," said Mr. How- ard. ''No, you need not for the Lord has revealed to me that there will be plenty of flour here in time for dinner," responded the sister. And sure enough about eleven o'clock a wagon load of flour was driven up to the hotel and unloaded. The man who brought the flour said he had been convicted in the night to get up and fill his sacks with wheat, and take the grist to mill to be ground into flour for the hands working on the college. He lived twenty-eight miles from Or- leans; but he heard the voice of God, and obeyed at once. When Mr. Howard's brother saw this mani- festation of God's providence,^ he melted down and wept hke a child. Said he, 'Tf I had such faith as that Sister Dixon I would give anything. You may go ahead with your praying if the building never goes up." The building was begun, carried forward, and completed in a perfect blaze of God's fire. After it was completed there was found to be in the cellar of the hotel, over and above that which had been used, several barrels of syrup and sorgum, several wagon loads of potatoes and cabbage, and a considerable REVIVAL EFFORT. 37 amount of other produce. This was taken out and sold to the grocers of the city. When Mr. Howard made his final report as financial agent (which was accepted), he turned over the keys and $2,700 in cash and outstanding subscriptions. The citizens showed their appreciation of Mr. How- ard's efforts to establish a Christian school in their midst by presenting him with a handsome suit of clothes. A principal street leading from the city to the Seminary was named "Howard" street. The Burlington R. K. Co. gave him a deed to one among the best resident lots in the city. • The school was a benefit to the town, a blessing to the church, and an uplift to all, hence the desire of the people to do honor to the man who had been instrumental in bringing about these happy results. Rev. C. M. Damon, and Rev. E. E. Miller were also closely connected with the enterprise, and helped much in bringing it to a successful culmination. 38 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER VI. SCENES IN THE SOUTH EAST. Mr. Howard felt that he had been following the fiery, c^tidy pillar in all of his arduous toil of the past fivi§ years. Naturally a very strong reciprocal af- fection had arisen between him and the people among whom he had labored. Had he consulted his own feelings and been led by his own inclinations in the iHatter, he would, doubtless, have remained in the north-west and energetically prosecuted his labors there. But about the time Orleans Seminary had been turned over to the trustees, and placed in the hands of competent teachers, the fiery, cloudy pillar lifted from that country and led to fields entirely new. Providential openings indicated that the Lord would have him labor for a time in south-east Kansas. Wm. Cooper, a consecrated man of means and influence, voluntarily assumed the responsibility of maintaining the first meeting he held in that part of the State. It was through the instrumentality of this brother that EEVIYAL EFFORT. 39 Mr. Howard was induced to transfer his evangelistic labors to the south-east. His first service was a camp-meeting held at Stanton, Miami Co. God set his seal upon this revival by graciously visiting the ■camp in wonderful power. He thus manifested his approval in the change just made. In this new field of operations he preached the same old glorious gos- pel. It searched the hearts of men till wrongs were righted, restitution made, many sinners brightly con- verted, and saints caused to rejoice with joy unspeak- able and full of glory. After this meeting he conducted revival efforts at Greely, Ossawatomie and other places. In these services many were saved, and the church • strength- ened in might and in power. Mr. Howard now moved his family to Topeka, and conducted his first revival in the capital city. He pitched his tabernacle in that part of the city known as Park- dale. Thousands of people were in attendance. The community was shaken from center to circumfer- ence by power divine. Wherever God's peculiar pres- ence is felt there the devil is sure to be. This place was no exception, for he instigated his emissaries to complain to the authorities that the meeting was a public nuisance, and a disturbance to the peace of the neighborhood. • An officer attended the meeting the 40 TWENTY YEARS OF evening after the complaint had been made. He watched everything closely during the service, and then turned away saying to the complainant, "If you wish to tackle these people you may do so. I would not know what to do with them if I did arrest them. The more you try to stop them from shouting, the louder and the longer they will shout. If they are an annoyance to you the only thing I know for you to do is to move out of the city.'' From Parkdale he moved his tabernacle to the east end of Sixth street bridge. Here immense crowds again attended, and much good was accomplished. A large Free Methodist class was organized and a church building erected. After the close of this meeting he commenced a campaign south and east of Topeka. His first meet- ing was held in Osage City. The officials nicely lighted and furnished the old skating rink in which it was to be conducted. ♦ God visited the place in much f mercy. Conviction was pungent. People would come to the altar screaming as though they were sinking in- to hell. Despite this awful conviction one man was determined to flee from the meeting. He broke from the tears, entreaties, and groans of his wife, and started for his home. This was about dusk. Upon passing a cemetery he declared the bodies of those that slept began to come from their graves. The ef- REVIVAL EFFORT. 41 feet was so terrible that in much fear and great haste he made his way back to the rink, screaming, .''This is ' my last chance for glory; Oh! pray for me." He rushed to the altar and in a few minutes was gloriously saved. ^He is now upon the walls of Zion proclaim- ing Jesus crucified. Three others were called from this meeting into the gospel ministry. Two of them are the Scott brothers. They are still efficient laborers in the Master's vineyard. ^ The other has passed to* his eternal reward. A good class was also organized here. Other revival services were held at Carbondale, Argonia, Neosho Rapids, and Matfield Green. The one at Argonia might have special mention. Tt was • distinguished for the slaying power of the Lord. Some- of God's children lay for hours under a burden for lost men. The groaning and pleading of the saints could: be heard at all hours of the night. Even the unsaved would be aroused by the Holy Spirit and begin to cry for mercy. The following is illustrative: -One night after a good meeting when all had retired a lady awakened the whole camp by her screaming, ''It's now or never." All came rushing from their tents at this early hour in the morning — 2 A. M. — to see what was the matter. Upon reaching the scene all became apparent. The above lady, under aw^ful conviction, was struggHng for salvation. , She soon reached vie- 42 TWENTY YEABS OF tory and sprang to her feet shouting and praising God. This was the order of things for the remaining part of the night. Here is where Mr. Howard first met Rev. Ira Putney who is noted over Kansas as a power for the Lord. He did efficient work in the above meet- ing. This series was closed with another meeting at Topeka. At this time he dedicated the new Free Methodist church which had just been completed. REVIVAL EFFORT 43 CHAPTER VII. • WORK AMONG THE WESLEYANS. ^ Mr. Howard had spent the major part of his re- ligions Hfe in the Free Methodist church. For more than twenty years he had sought by every means pos- sible to promote the interests of this, the denomina- tion of his early choice. He had served the church a iew times as pastor, but more extensively as evangel- ist. He was District Elder for five consecutive years. In whatever capacity he labored God blessed his ef- forts. Scores of souls were saved or sanctified, hun- dreds received into membership in the church, many •churches organized, and a number of church buildings •erected and dedicated under his efficient ministry. In addition to his active ministerial labors he was al- so financial agent and president of the Board of Trus- tees of Neosho Rapids Seminary. Notwithstanding his past association with, and his attachment to, the Free Methodist church, he thought 44 TWENTY YEAES OF he now saw the opening of a door to wider fields of usefulness in another denomination. .-The conviction was so clearly from the Lord for him to change his church relations that he conferred not with flesh and blood, but, on the 20th day of 2^Iay, 1891, he united with the Wesleyan ^lethodist church in Topeka, Kan. He served this church as pastor until autumn of that year when he joined the Kansas Annual Conference at \'alley on his credentials from the Free ^Methodist church. At this session he was appointed [Missionary evangelist to do revival work among the churches during the winter, and to have charge of the confer- ence tabernacle the coming summer. He entered up- on his duties at once holding his first meeting at La- ban, [Mitchell county. At this place he remained two weeks. The church was greatly revived, the commu- nity wonderfully aroused, and some blessedly saved; Ten were received into church membership. From Laban he went to Chapman Creek, where he dedicated a new church building. , This proved to be the crowning meeting of any yet held. It ran day and night in a perfect blaze of God's glory. Xever had there been such an awakening in the history of the community. Business was largely suspended. Peo- ple attended the meetings for miles distant. The house was packed at the night services, and filled in REVIVAL EFFORT. 45 the day time. The meeting continued for four weeks, a very great blessing to the church and communitye One memorable morning at a day service Mr. How- ard undertook to preach from the seventeeth chapter of St. John. The Spirit of God had fallen upon the preacher and people so that it was impossible to preach and the speaker could do nothing but weep. The tears proved more ef¥ectual than words. * A rush - was made for the altar, following which was a scene that will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Words are inadequate to give a due description of such a glorious spectacle. A number were con- verted and fourteen entered the land of Beulah. ^At this meeting the weather seemed to have no ef-' feet upon the people. They would come through all kinds. Toward the close of this revival Mr. Howard became much wearied in body. One evening there came up a drenching rain. He was staying at a house near the church. During the rain he made this re-** mark to his host, "The Lord sent this rain on purpose to give me rest." Imagine his surprise .when a mes- senger soon entered, although the rain was falling in torrents, and announced that the church was filled with people waiting for the preacher. > He secured an um - brella and repaired to the church at once. He found the house full and the services already opened by 46 TWENTY YEARS OF weeping penitents in all parts of the building. The meeting lasted until morning. Eternity alone can re- veal the good accomplished that stormy night. Over one hundred were brightly converted or sanc- tified in this revival. Although many were made to re- joice in the Lord there was a circumstance which oc- curred soon after the close of this meeting that caused a cloud of gloom and sadness to settle like a pall up- on the neighborhood. A w^ell-known and highly-re- spected young man of that locality was under deep and pungent conviction during the whole of this re- vival effort. He had been personally sought, and en- treated by interested friends to yield, but he refused.. The last night of the meeting Mr. Howard went down the aisle and, throwing his arms around the young man's neck, said, TMy dear brother, the Lord wants ^ me to say to you that this will be your last chance for glory." "Lll risk it," he said. Mr. Howard with tearful eye and saddened tone tremblingly took his hand and said "Good-by." Shortly afterward this young man took a revolver and blew out his brains. He went into eternity to meet the entreaties of his friends, the tears shed in his behalf, the prayers offered for his salvation, and a just God who will not be mocked. . He ran the awful risk and lost all. He now located his batteries at WilHs. The co- REVIVAL EFFORT. 4r horts of Satan began a determined resistance from the- first, but Mr. Howard, with such a varied experience^ was not Ignorant of his devices. Through grace and wisdom given him from above he was enabled to tri- umph and do the will of God most gloriously. It was a good meeting resulting in a special blessing to the church. While here he was invited to preach a Thanksgiving sermon. In the course of his remarks he said, 'M go into your homes about here and I see everything is in the finest order. Not a crevice in your plastering, no smoked, dingy or rain-soaked walls, are anywhere beheld. The wood work is nice- ly painted, the windows decorated with large silk curtains, your floors carpeted, and everything in the best condition. Then I turn to your house of wor- ship. You say it belongs to God. I look at the plas- tering, it is cracked. In many places it has fallen ofif.. Where there is any, at is dingy, smoked and rain-soaked. I look at the windows ; they are bare and cheerless. No curtains. No decorations. The wood-work is not painted, and there is no carpet upon the floor. There is nothing to make God's house bright and attractive,^, while your own houses are models of neatness. I turn again and weep, for my Jesus is a pauper ; he can't fix. his own house." Mr. Howard was much affected, and the people 'being well-to-do, were, for once, anxious 48 TWENTY YEARS OF to have a Thanksgiving sermon close, that they might truly and sincerely make a thank offering to the Lord. -At the conclusion of the discourse one brother arose and said, 'This house must be fixed if I have to do it myself." One after another signified their intention to contribute of their means for the same purpose. Be- fore the service closed a sufficient amount was pledged to repair the temple of the Lord in a manner that would at least correspond with their homes. This was a good people and God greatly blessed them in their sacrifices and endeavors to do good. Wilson was the next scene of conflict. God's power and presence was displayed in an awe-inspiring man- ner. The Wesleyans had no place of worship in the town, so Mr. Howard was invited to occupy the M. E. church. Sinners trembled, the saints were burdened, and Zion brought forth sons and daughters. Some v/ere also healed of bodily infirmities. Over one hun- dred and twenty-five were either converted, reclaimed, or sanctified. The M. E. pastor and his wife en- tered the experience of full salvation. Their son was soundly converted and entered the gospel ministry at once. One day the pastor of the church said to Mr. Howard, VJf any one had told me that I was preaching;^ to seventy-five of my members who were unsaved I w^ould not have believed it. But such is the case. I REVIVAL EFFORT. 49 have kept an account and seventy-five of them have been saved in this meeting. It is alarming!" At North Branch, the place of his next meeting, about seventy-five were saved or sanctified. The meetings were of such interest that the Wesleyan church failed to accommodate those who attended, and the meeting was moved into the large Friends church of the village. All the Christian people were one in spirit and could not be distinguished one from the other as they worked harmoniously for the salva- tion of the lost. After this last named revival Mr. Howard held a meeting at Grover, dedicating a church building. From there he went to Ames where the building of another house of worship was inaugurated. He now m.ade a short campaign through Rice Co., holding services at Alden, at the conference camp-meeting near Alden, Sterling, Little River, and Lyons. At the last two places he organized churches. 50 TWENTY YEAES OF CHAPTER VIII. WOBK AMONG THE WESLEYANS. CONTINUED. Mr. Howard had once held a meeting in Texas with such beneficent resuUs that he had been invited again and again to return that he might finish the good be- gun work. A petition circulated and signed by the most prominent citizens of Ennis was sent to the Wes- leyan Methodist and published. It prayed for Mr. Howard and his workers to enter that needy field. The call was so urgent that Rev. J. H. Padgett attended the annual conference in person, to secure, if possible,. Mr. Howard's release from the Kansas Conference that he might conduct a campaign for God and souls in this sunny south land. The conference granted the request for his release. Accompanied by his wife, two daughters, and Rev. L. Wing, he entered immedi- ately his new field of battle. He pitched the large labernacle, furnished him by the Parent Missionary ^ Board, at Ennis. This had always been considered a REVIVAL EFFORT. 51 hard place to secure a congregation, but on the fourth night of the meeting the tabernacle was filled with people. A furniture dealer present arose and said, "If the people of Ennis will attend meeting they shall be furnished with seats." The next day this man brought one hundred and fifty chairs to the tabernacle. This was still inadequate, and three hundred more were added, all of wiiich failed to accommodate the vast crowds that attended the services. One night a Baptist minister who resided here, but who had been out of the city and was just returning, saw the immense throngs going to the services. Out of curiosity he followed them and found it led to the tabernacle. He thought it was a medicine show and handed a man standing near the door a dime. "Go right in," said the man, "this is no show, but free to all." When he entered the congregation was singing, "Jesus, lover of my soul." * He said afterwards that* the singing fell upon him like peals of thunder. Mr. Howard preached from the parable of the ten virgins. When he announced his text and made a few state- ments concerning it, this man drew a Greek testament from his pocket and began to consult its pages. When the sermon was finished he came to the platform, threw his arms around Mr. Howard's neck, and, with streaming eyes, ^confessed that he was without God's* 52 TWENTY YEARS OF salvation. He was so much exercised about his con- dition that he soon wept his way to the cross. He re- ceived the grace of hohness in this same meeting. Some real effectual work was accomplished by him among the Wesleyans. He was highly educated and master of seven different languages, H^et so humble and Christlike as to be able to tell the story of the cross in child-like simplicity. A small class, consist- ing mostly of preachers, was organized at this place. Among the number was Rev. H. S. Abbott and wife. At Purcell the work was opened in the M. E. Church, South. vSaid a pastor to Mr. Howard, ''Now, I hope you will be able to get people converted, for if there has been a soul saved here since Purcell be- came a city T haven't known of it." There was much prejudice on the part of the whites against the colored people. They were forbidden to attend the services. However, they were so eager to embrace these gospel privileges, and the prejudice against them so bitter, that arrangements v/ere made whereby an overflow meet- ing could be held for them in a tabernacle near the church. The fire broke out among them at once. They had such a tender simplicity about their wor- ship, such fervency in prayer, and such power to charm with song that the white people gave up their meet- ing and ran to the tent where God was pouring out his REVIVAL EFFORT. 53 Spirit upon the colored people. There was a general getting to God both of whites and blacks, so that the only apparent distinction between them was their dif- ference in color. A class of twenty members was or- ganized here. Oklahoma City became the next place of bom- bardment. It was found to be a very wicked city. Nearly every other door was a saloon, or gambling re- sort of some kind. The church seemed to be walking arm in arm with the world. Notwithstanding these disadvantages much good was done and a small class organized. 54 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER IX. UNCLASSIFIED EEYIVALS. So successfully had Mr. Howard's meetings been conducted that their fame spread far and wide. He not only had more calls than he could possibly fill within the bounds of his own conference, but invita- tions to hold meetings were extended to him from others. Responding to one of these he attended the state camp-meeting of the Dakota conference. A re- port of this meeting published in the Wesleyan Meth- odist says of his work and preaching, ''Perfect love as an experience was so brought before us as the ideal and only satisfactory way of living for God, and the way of holiness made to appear so beautiful and so glorious, that all seemed to earnestly desire to meas- ure up to the standard. At the invitations the altar was often crowded w^ith those seeking the blessing. . . . leaving convincing testimony that they received what REVIVAL EFFORT. 55 they were seeking for. Backsliders confessing their wanderings were reclaimed, and started anew for the kingdom. A number were converted, of which fact they gave unmistakable evidence in their counte- nances and expressions. One thing noticeable in Mr. Howard is his faculty of presenting the gospel, and lifting up Jesus in his loveliness, compassion, and saving power, and keeping himself hid back of the scene. The meetings increased in interest and spiritual power from first to last Our broth- er presented the strong, cutting truths of the gospel with such manifest love, and burning de- sire for souls, mingled with the supernatural, that all felt what he said was truth, and, we are told, that some who had been heretofore skeptical, acknowl- edged that they now believe that there is reality in this religion. Some giving heed to God's Word and to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit laid aside their gold rin^s." About one hundred were converted, re- claimed, or sanctified during this meeting. It re- sulted in great good and was a means of much en- couragement to the Dakota brethren. Mr. Howard was elected one of the ministerial dele- gates to the General Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection (or Church) of America in the fall of 1895. At this gathering he became acquainted 56 TWEXXr YEARS OF with some of the brethren from the East who were very tirgent in their soHcitations to have him visit their locaHty and do revival work among them. He finally yielded to their entreaties and went to Xew York state engaging in a first eltort at Xewcombe. The pastor of this chnreh, and the man who was largely instru- mental in persuading ]Mr. Howard to go to Xew York, received the blessing of full salvation in this service. A new chiu-ch building had been erected liere, which I\lr. Howard dedicated to God the last Sabbath of his stay in Xew York. From Xewcombe he went to Long Lake fifteen miles distant, and held another meeting. It was hard pulling for a time, but God gave the victory. Chiuxh members began to get right with God, confessions and restitutions were made, and sinners cried for mercy and were gloriously saved. About one hundred were either justified or sanctified wholly at these two revivals. ]\Ir. Howard while residing at Lawrence, Kansas, had, in company with his wife, been paying a visit to his sons living in Xorton cotmty. On their return they encountered at Red Cloud, Xebraska, the sever- est blizzard of the season ; and, in fact. ]\Ir. Howard afterwards declared that it was the worst he ever saw. In low places the snow was drifted as high as the telegraph poles, and the atmosphere was biting cold. REVIVAL EFFORT. 5^7 Travel was impossible. His, with two other passen- ger trains, was blockaded here for three days. On Sabbath morning a number of passengers, with ban- jos and fiddles, were seeking to entertain them- selves with music, and also by dancing in the aisle of one of the coaches. The Spirit of God came upon Mr. Howard and he said to his wife, "T must hold up my Jesus here." "By all means,'' said his wife," if the Lord wants you to do so." At this juncture a police- man entered and accosted him thus: "You are a minister, are you not? Would you like to preach to- this people to-day?" "Yes, I would," replied Mr. Howard. "When will you be ready?" queried the policeman. ''Any time inside of three minutes," he responded, and was on his feet in an instant. As he began to preach the people were soon all attention, and conviction deep and pungent fastened upon many hearts. The policeman fell upon his knees in the aisle and began to cry for mercy. The Lord saved him up- on the spot. He put his arms around Mr. Howard's neck, and, weeping, said, ''This is the kind of religion my mother had forty years ago. I thought it was all gone, and possessed by none any more ; but this is the same kind." The excitement inside had become so- intense that the people came up to the car and began to scratch the frost from the window^s that they might \ -58 TWENTY YEARS OF get a peep within. Presently the proprietor of the large railroad hotel came to a window and requested the people to bring that man into the hotel. It was ■done, and as Mr. Howard began to tell how God saved him, and what he had done for him, strong- hearted men and women began to weep. Among them was the hotel keeper. A genuine, old-fashioned revival broke out. The citizens of the place offered him the best and the largest church in town if he would only stay and hold a meeting. They did make an ap- pointment for him to preach that afternoon, but before the hour arrived the train pulled out. Being District Elder that year, and having his Quarterly Meeting ap- pointments made, he could not remain, but tele- graphed a good brother at Orleans to come down and take care of the revival which had broken out. He had been at the hotel for three days. When he talked of settling the landlord refused to accept a penny. REVIVAL EFFORT. 59 CHAPTER X. CONFESSION AND RESTITUTION. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but Avhoso confesseth his sins and forsaketh them shall Tiave mercy." "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." Confession was a leading feature of Mr. Howard's personal dealing with souls who came under his pri- vate or public instruction. In such a nature as his there is no com.promise. He insisted on people mak- ing things right with God and their fellow man. He kindly, patiently, and persistently besought penitents, and others inquiring the wav to confess to Almighty God, to individuals who had been wronged, and fre- quently people were held to the line of making public confession where public wrongs had been practiced. What may have appeared to some of Mr. Howard's brethren as a compromising attitude was only a heav- en-born wisdom, that enabled him to adjust time, peo- 60 TWENTY YEARS OF pie, and circumstances in such a way, and to such an extent that many more souls were reached and bene- fited than otherwise could have been possible. His whole life was a living example of Pauline economy to become all things to all men that he might win some. His conciliatory methods did not, sometimes, meet the approbation of his brethren, but wtre nearly always- successful. Such measures are not always compro- mises, but often will disarm prejudice and bring the seeker to a point of surrender quicker than a more radical method. One overwhelming proof of this is the number of people who are brought to confess pub- licly and privately under his ministry. Many of these cases may be considered by some as examples of over-estimated literalism ; also w^here insisted upon and practiced as productive of more harm than good,, but Zaccheus came over the road of repentance, con- fession and restitution. Hence Mr. Howard was never willing to allow any' one to deceive themselves into a belief that they could get through any cheaper than did Zaccheus of old. The following incidents- will clearly illustrate the above: Stealing a Pair of Boots. A man at a camp-meeting in Miami county, Kan- sas, confessed publicly that he had stolen a pair of boots from the front of a store where they had been REVIVAL EFFORT. 61 hanging for a sign. He promised the Lord that the first opportunity which presented itseh he would make it right. While making this confession he was most gloriously saved. Stealing a Ribbon. In this same meeting a sister who had been having a hard struggle at the altar arose and said to the con- gregation, ''Do you see this long ribbon hanging from my neck? One day I was in a millinery store, and, being well acquainted with the proprietress she asked me to take charge of the store while she went to dinner. While she was gone I stole this ribbon. Every time I attempt to pray it comes up before me. If God permits me to live till I see the woman I will not only make restitution, but ask her forgiveness for the wrong I have committed." God saw she was honest, and while yet making the confession he set her captive soul free. Stealing a Hog. Another interesting case in this meeting was of a man who had been seeking the Lord for some time, but without any apparent results. Finally he made a confession about as follows: "It's no use for me to seek God until I confess out. I sold a lot of hogs one day and delivered them. That night one of them broke out of the pen and came back to my place. I 62 TWENTY YEARS OF turned it into a pen with a lot of other hogs I was. fattening for the market. When I disposed of this- second bunch I. sold along with them the hog of which I had previously made sale. In short I stole the hog. This I must restore. I dare not allow such a thing to come between me and my God. I will make it right if it takes me to the penitentiary." He immedi- ately found a rich experience. Defrauding the County. Brother Wm. Cooper, who was largely instrumental in securing Mr. Howard's services for the Stanton meeting, and who personally bore all of its expenses,, besides assuming many other responsibilities, was a man of means and wide influence. But with many others, when weighed in the balances, he was found wanting. In a public confession he said, "I want to meet you in the good w^orld, hence I must make this statement. When I w^as giving in my property last year I kept back enough to amount to sixty dollars- in taxes. The first time I am in town this amount will be paid, and I will beg pardon of the authorities for my sinful neglect." This he did early the next morn- ing for which he was richly rewarded of the Lord. Robbing a Man of $500 in a Cattle Deal. Another case which came under Mr. Howard's min- istry was of a man who had robbed another of $500.00 REVIVAL EFFORT. 6a in a cattle deal. He promised God and the people that he would repay the amount with interest from the time the trade was effected. God took him at his word and gloriously saved him. He at once sought the person wronged, confessed to him the deed, repaid the money, and asked his forgiveness. The event proved to be a savour of life unto the unsaved man, in that it reached and tendered his heart. Said he, ''It the religion of Jesus can do this for a man.; I want it.'' Thus we see how two individuals wxre made new creatures in Christ through one person's determina- tion to be right with God and his fellow men. These cheering results will always happen when the Lord's will is carefully followed. Money Stolen. In the meeting at Oklahoma City a man made a public confession about as follows: "Eleven years ago- 1 stole some money. To-night while the brother was preaching I saw that it was confession or hell fire. If God will forgive me I will pay it back with interest from date of theft." True to his promise he went the next morning to the bank and drew a little less than one hundred dollars. Having written a full ex- planation of the matter he placed it, with the money, in an envelope. He concluded his letter with this humble request, "God has forgiven me, and I desire. 64 TWENTY YEARS OF you to do so." This was mailed, in the presence of Mr. Howard, to the aggrieved party. The man not only freely forgave the confessor, but asked an inter- est in his prayers as well. While making his confes- sion the man was unusually blessed. A Cow Killed. During the meeting at Long Lake, N. Y., a good brother confessed that he had killed his neighbor's cow. The animal had been breaking into his field, and thus caused him untold annoyance. Having ex- nausted his patience in the attempt to prevent the breachy character of the beast his carnal nature insti- gated the deed so bitterly regretted. No one knew who had committed this act, but God. Under the searching light of the gospel as preached by Mr. How- ard in this revival he saw that the only means of relief was by restitution. This he made. God rewarded him with a rich experience for his honesty. Defrauding the Government. At Beaver City, Nebraska, while the Spirit of God was being poured out upon the people, and awful con- viction taking hold of their hearts, there was one man who arose with his face as pale as death, and cold sweat standing on his brow. TrembHngly he made the following statement, ''I suppose I will be sent to the penitentiary for what I must now say, but the REVIVAL EFFORT. 65 salvation of my soul depends upon my making this confession. I came to this country at an early day and took the place where I now reside as a homestead. To do so I was required to swear I was of age. At that time I was not. I perjured myself to the govern- ment. As you see I have surroundecl myself with every improvement heart could wish. I now have no home. I throw it all back to the government." Hav- ing unburdened his soul, he was completely overcome Avith sorrow, and repentance. Just then the Lord came into his heart in great power, and he was soundly converted. In the confession and excitement which followed a suggestion was made that the claim might be contested. A large double-fisted man in the con- gregation was very much incensed at the simple sug- gestion of a contest. He said, 'Tf any man at- tempts to jump that claim he must do so at the peril of his life. I will stand by any man to the very last who will make the confession this man has that he might save his soul." The matter rested here until an arrangement had been entered into with the government whereby the man was permitted to retain his home. Being true to God and an enlightened conscience, he lost nothing but g-ained all — a clear conscience, an earthly home, and a title to a mansion beyond the skies. The begin- 66 TWENTY YEABS OF ning is crucifying, but the ending eternal triumph. Its practice bears rich fruitage, but any neglect, a fear- ful doom. Peace and rest are in its wake, with de- spair as a result of its absence. ''If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.'' Ezek. 33:15. REVIVAL EFFORT. 67 CHAPTER XI. REMARKABLE CONVERSIONS It is not to be wondered that a man who had beert instrumental in the hands of God of bringing thou- sands of poor lost sinners to the Lord should witness many cases remarkable in their nature. In this chap- ter we give an account of some of these conver- sions. Not because they were more remarkable than many others which happened under his ministry, but because they furnish a fair sample of many that might be cited, and at the same time illustrate Mr. Howard's method of leading men to Christ. Some are remarkable because of the circumstances surrounding them ; others be- cause of unique or amusing features connected there- with, and still others because of the depths of sin in- to which the individuals had fallen. They portray old time conviction w^hen the sinner could not perform his routine of daily duty the sense and weight of his lost condition bore down upon him so heavily ; they 68 TWENTY YEARS OF reveal a Godly ''sorrow that worketh repentance un- to salvation not to be repented of," and they also evi- dence a radical deliverance from sin according to the Bible standard, with the rich experiences obtained therefrom, Oh that they may encourage us to fol- low very closely our blessed Lord and thus retain among us that type of Apostolic piety, which, though so essential to present and future happiness in its pure sense, is being put to one side for worldliness, formal- ity and spiritual death. A Notorious Drunkard at Oklahoma City. In a sermon at Oklahoma City Mr. Howard made the remark that the Lord Jesus Christ could save any m_an this side of hell if the Spirit of God had not taken its flight. A man in the congregation immediately arose and started up the aisle toward the platform. Mr. Howard did not need to look twice to see that the man was a blear-eyed, drunken sot who could scarce- ly control his shattered nerves as he shambled up the aisle. On reaching the platform he requested per- mission to speak. Said he, ''If what this man said is true, there may be hope for me. I have tried the Keeley Cure and failed. If God don't save me I am gone." He knelt at the altar. The Lord Jesus soon appeared speaking peace to his soul, and setting him at liberty. He praised God both by voice and action ^ REVIVAL EFFORT. 69 for the great deliverance wrought. The news soon spread through the city that this man, noted for his drunkenness and revelry, had been converted. His companions in sin rushed to the tabernacle to behold the transformation which God had wrought. With a voice full of feeling and eyes moist with tears he told them that he had forsaken sin with all its associations for the humble way that led to glory. He exhorted them to repent and accompany him. At times there was an expression of sadness on his countenance piti- ful to behold. This always came when he thought of his broken-hearted wife. . 'Toor wife!'' he would ex-^ claim, ''she died with a broken heart. I would give worlds, had I them, if she were here to rejoice with me.'' The vast congregation was moved to tears again and again as they looked upon and listened to this standing monument of God's amazing grace. Mr. Howard asked all who wished him well to rise. En masse they came to their feet, for they could not but say that a notable miracle had been performed there that day. A Colored Brother in the Water. While holding a meeting among the colored people atNicodemus, Graham county, Kansas, many of them were powerfully wrought upon by the Holy Spirit. One brother to w^hom God had been talking went 70 TWENTY YEARS OF down to the Solomon river about dusk in the even- ing to get a pail of water. As he stooped to dip it up from the stream, he thought he saw Jesus walking to- ward him upon the water. He dropped his pail, plunged into the river, and started to meet his Lord. As he went he cried for mercy. When about midway of the stream God blessedly saved him. Leaping, :shouting and praising the Lord, he came back to the tabernacle a new creature in Christ Jesus. Looking ior his Savior he found him. Possibly not as expect- ed, but just as real. His Host's Son-in-law. During the great Chapman Creek meeting in Clay county, Kansas, Mr. Howard was making his home with a good brother who had an unsaved son-in-law living several miles from the place where the revival was being held. Mr. Howard became burdened for him and could not sleep. At midnight he arose, awakened the family, and told them of his burden of soul. Said he to his host, ''If you will go or send af- ter C and get him to come to the meeting he will be saved to-day." His efforts to secure some one to go were unavailing at first. At the breakfast hour a young man happened in who was going by the home of the person Mr. Howard wished to send for. He was asked to stop a few minutes and urge the man EEVIYAL EFFORT. 71 to come to the meeting that day. The messenger up- on arriving at the place found the son-in-law in the cow shed earnestly seeking the Lord. He did not need a second invitation to attend the services, but started for the church at once. When he reached the house of God Mr. Howard was inviting seekers to the altar. He rushed into the house and toward the altar without the least delay. God in much mercy converted his soul before he reached it. His wife was also con- verted during this meeting. The travailing of Zion results in healthy spiritual children. It is the pre- rogative of God to bestow it upon whom he will. Perfect obedience makes its bestowment possible. The necessity is live churches than many may be born into the kingdom. A Man In His Corn Field. Mr. Howard in the course of his evangelistic career' held a very successful meeting near Garnett, Kansas. A very intelligent and enterprising man lived there at this time. Though moral and otherwise upright he gave no heed to religious matters. In fact it was con- sidered out of the question for one to approach him on the subject. All efiforts to do so had proven futile. At one time he refused to allow a preacher to come upon his premises. This man in whom the reHgious people of the community were greatly interested, Mr. 72 TWENTY YEARS OF Howard resolved, by the help of the Lord, to win to the vSavior. He began calling upon God for wisdom and direction. One morning he saw this man enter his field for the purpose of gathering corn. The thought at once entered the mind of Mr. Howard to go to the corn field and offer his services for the day. He acted upon the impression. Every offer was re- pulsed, the man fearing a conversation upon religious matters. Finally upon being told that the exercise was necessary, and that it would be considered a great privilege, the man consented. They worked together the entire forenoon. Mr. Howard talked about the weather, the crops, and many other things, but not a word about religion. At dinner the man courteous- ly asked him to return thanks. After the noon meal the work was immediately resumed, and continued till nightfall. Mr. Howard did not stay for supper. On taking his leave he informed the man that they were holding meetings at the school house, and kind- ly invited him to attend. He came that evening as al- so the next. He said afterward that to receive the benefit of the preacher's labors all day and then not to go and hear him preach at night was too small and mean for anything. On the second evening pungent conviction seized him. The next morning he went to his corn field as usual, but felt his lost condition so REVIVAL EFFORT. 7a keenly that he hardly knew what he was doing. In fact he threw nearly all the corn over the wagon. In going forty rods only a bushel or so was caught. He had to go back and gather up nearly the whole of that round through. " As he reached the end of the row God gloriously saved him, and he shouted aloud the praise of his heart. He afterw^ards became a very useful man in the church and in society. How true when the Psalmist said, ''He that winneth souls is wise." Paul caught men by /'guile.'' It isn't the loose tongued individual who talks about every- thing and any thing to make himself agreeable, that draws the lost toward the cross, but he who can en~ twine him.self into the affection of his people by wis- dom, love and a burning experience. Such an indi- vidual has but one work, yet he becomes all things to all men, that by some means he may win some. The purpose of his life is to become adapted to every cir- cumstance, i. e., he puts himself beside the rich, the poor, the illiterate, the learned, those who are in sor- row as well as those who rejoice. He does not feel beneath the most elevated, nor above the lowest. Peo- ple will feel the warmth of soul of such an individual. They will rejoice in the fact that some one cares for them and is interested in their eternal welfare. Divine wisdom in God's saints has caught them. 74 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER XII. REMARKABLE CONVERSIONS — CONTINUED. A Woman and her Two Dancing Sons. A widow lady who Hved with her two grown sons in the vicinity of the revival in the Dopps neigh- l^orhood, Norton county, Kansas, had built a dance hall, and furnished her two sons with the very best of fiddles. Here there were periodical gatherings of the iun-loving, dancing populace. The place had become noted on account of the wild revel and sinful practices of these motley and wicked assemblages. It was noth- ing more than a perfect rendezvousfor the devil's forces. The influence which went out from this place as a poison to the v/hole community was awful to con- template. But as hardened in sin as was the old lady and her sons they were not so far gone that the Spirit of Almighty God could not reach them. Mr. Howard 7:)reached boldly, plainly and powerfully. As he, like REVIVAL EFFORT. lb Paul, reasoned of Righteousness, Temperance, and a Judgment to come, many trembled. The old lady at- tended the meeting. She afterwards expressed herself concerning it that "God got hold of me and shook me •over the very flames of hell." She walked the floor one -entire night in agony of soul. She prayed, wept and screamed for the mercy which did not come. The next morning one of those wintry blizzards, so com- mon to North West Kansas, was raging in awful fury. The old lady walked a mile through this to the place appointed for meeting. She carried with her the two fiddles she had furnished her sons. She held out the fiddles as she entered the meeting, exclaiming, ''This is the devil, this is the devil !" She then ran to Mr. Howard and requested him to put them in the fire. He replied, ''If the Lord told you to burn them, put them in the fire yourself." Going to a large fireplace where the flames were burning on the hearth, she threw them tmder the forestick, and then stood watching the de- vouring flames as they crackled, snapped and popped among the strings and the rosin. The literal fire was not long in consuming the fiddles, but the spiritual fire a thousand times quicker consumed the sin in her heart while the instruments were burning. Her two wicked sons were also converted during this meeting, and the dance hall turned into a house of worship. 76 TWENTY YEARS OF Mrs. Chapman. ■ Mrs. Chapman was the wife of an unsaved man. They Hvecl near Logan, Kansas. It was during the time Mr. Howard held his revival at that place. After the narrow escape and deliverance from the old well narrated in another chapter, Mrs. Chapman became alarmed about her soul's condition. She could not sleep after that awful night, but paced the floor, pray- ing to God to have mercy upon her. The conviction of her heart became so intense that she took to her bed and would not be comforted. She refused to arise. Her husband become uneas}^ and signified his intention to go for a doctor. Mr. Howard kindly re- monstrated, insisting that there was nothing the matter with his wife except conviction. Mr. Howard now said to Mrs. Chapman, "There is nothing the matter with you except sin-sickness. If you will yield your- self to God it will soon be over." She expressed a willingness to do anything that might be required of her. Mr. Howard knew that just across the road a woman lived — a Mrs. David — who was hated by Mrs. Chapman with all the intensity of her unregenerate nature. He then inquired of her if she would ask Mrs. David to forgive her for the mean things said and the animosity held against her. ^To this she reveng- fully replied, 'Til go to hell first." ''All right, you REVIVAL EFFORT. 77 may have your choice/' said Mr. Howard. '«The road' is clear and down grade all the w^ay. You may have peace and happiness or you may choose hell" and be lost forever." This was followed by a period of pain- ful suspense during which there was an awful struggle in the woman's heart. Presently she said, ''Get out of here, and let me get up from this bed.'' The room being vacated she soon came out with a completed toilet. Upon her countenance was an expressron that indicated an immediate settlement was determined upon. She at once proceeded to the home of Mrs. David, screaming at every step. Mrs. David was in the yard and saw her coming. Supposing it to be in a rage she started to run around the house that she might escape the vengeance of the supposed irate Mrs. Chapman. Being soon overtaken she was surprised and completely overcome at the difference in the na- ture of the visit from what was at first supposed. Look- ing up, Mrs. David said, ''Jane, is that you?" "Yes," replied Mrs. Chapman, "this is me. God has for- given me, and taken all my sins away. I now want you to forgive me for the way I have treated you." The difficulties between them w^ere soon adjusted, and Mrs. Chapman returned home. Meeting her husband near the barn she said to him, "You need not go for a doctor, for I am now all right both soul and 78 TWENTY. YEARS OF body." She afterwards said that God saved her some- where between her home and that of Mrs. David's.. She proved to be a useful Christian, and soon after this she was elected class leader of the Free Methodist class organized at that place. Mr. Howard's Little Daughter Alice. While Mr. Howard was holding meetings around Norton his little daughter, Alice, was powerfully con- victed by the H0I3/ Spirit. . She was then but five years old. Her mother had taught her to pray, and she could read the Bible some. Her conviction became more pungent as time passed. One day the mother said to her husband, "You ought to say something to Alice about being saved. A word from you would do much good just now. She could be converted so- easily." But he answered, ''Alice, who is only five years old, seek the Lord ! You know a child can't come to the Savior intelligently until they are ten or twelve years of age." He thus put the subject from his mind. One morning he and his wife went to the village near their home. Alice was weeping and com- pletely overcome the conviction of her heart was so deep. When well on their way Mrs. Howard said,. ''Husband, you must speak to Alice about her soul, and encourage her to seek the Lord." He gave her no better satisfaction than before. They remained in REVIVAL EFFORT. 79" town but a short time. Upon arriving home AHce raa out to the buggy with her Httle hands high above her head, and exclaimed, '.'Ma, ma! The Lord saved me to-day/' Her face, wreathed in smiles, was as bright as that of an angel. Her father sat speechless. It was evident to him that she had been converted. Mrs. Howard, getting from the buggy, took her Httle daughter in her arms and carried her to the door step. There with the little girl upon her knee she asked,. ''How did you feel to-day when the Lord saved you?" Looking her mother in the face she replied, '(I felt as big as this house." Mr. How^ard could stand it no longer. He broke for the barn. Here he asked God to forgive him for discouraging little children whea they desired to come to Jesus. This was a complete cure. He now saw its glorious possibility. During a tabernacle meeting soon after this Alice was baptized by Elder C. M. Damon. It was a very impressive service, tears coming to many eyes. She was a bright light for the Lord in her home, living her older sister under conviction. Alice was greatly instrumental in leading her sister to the Savior. In after years, as one of a Pentecostal band, she traveled with her father through Texas, Oklahoma, and the Indian Territory. At the age of tv\^enty, under the blessing of the Lord,, she became the wife of a Wesleyan Methodist preach- «0 TWENTY YEARS OF er, and is, to-day, an active, devoted woman in the vineyard of her Master. ''Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart irom it." Prov. 22:6. J. W. Edwards. Among the many remarkable conversions under Mr. Howard's labors was that of J. W. Edwards. He had been educated for a Campbellite preacher, but had never been converted. The Spirit of God had been •striving with him for some time, but at the revival held at Mindon, Nebraska, his conviction came to a cli- max. He was in desperation. One Sabbath forenoon while Mr. Howard ^^'as preaching in demonstration of the Spirit and po^ver, God so mightily touched Mr. Edwards that he fell prostrate as one shot. He was ^ luiable to get upon his feet. He would grit and champ his teeth till it could be heard anywhere in the taber- nacle. Foam flew from his mouth as if in an Epileptic fit. Fifty or more attempts were made to arise, but as ■often he fell to the ground. Upon his hands and knees he would run over the tabernacle. As if in anger the heavy seating was made to fly in every direc- tion by the strokes from his arm. Becoming desperate he knocked one of the center poles out at the bottom. Every body in fear left the tent, and were peering in from the outside that they might see what would be REVIVAL EFFORT. 81 the outcome. Mr. J. T. Merry, a cousin of Mr. Ed- wards, who had come with him to the meeting, now went into the tabernacle with a thought of quieting him if possible. Mr. Edwards grabbed him about the body. Without help he could not have extricated him- self. Mr. Edwards lay under the power of the Spirit for an hour or more. By this time the whole town had become aroused. It was noised abroad that there was a wild man at the tabernacle. A large crowd had gathered to w^itness the scene. All at once the Lord in glorious converting powder touched him, and he sprang to his feet clothed in his right mind. He gave vent to his pent up feelings by shouting the praises of God. The sheriff was standing near. Mr. Ed- wards put his arms about his neck and told him how blessedly Jesus had saved him. In great earnestness he exhorted the people to come to the Lord. His ' Avords fell Hke burning fire upon every heart. All were melted to tears under the gracious message. His truly was a Pauline conversion. He entered the min- istry at once ; and is yet an acceptable and efificient preacher of the gospel. A Man Chased by the Devil. An amusing case occurred while Mr. Howard was holding a meeting upon the Walnut river in North West Kansas. Great conviction was upon the people. 82 TWENTY YEAES OF The}^ were screaming their way to God. One person concluded he would run away from the Lord. He started for his home, which was about a mile down the river, as hard as he could go. Upon arriving there he jumped in bed with his boots and clothes on, pulled the cover over himself, and lay there ten or fifteen minutes. After this he threw them off and started back for the camp-ground. He rushed to the altar and was blessedly saved. He afterwards said that he heard the devil rattling his chains after him every step of the way, and also that he got in bed with him and crawled under the cover. His wife stood near by very much frightened. A Young Man Hung in Grape Vines. At the same Walnut river revival a young man started to run from the altar. He jumped through the tabernacle curtain tearing a great hole in it. He leaped over the bank of the river, and fell into the midst of a mat of tree tops, vines, etc. He was caught in this thicket and could not get loose. In this predicament he was powerfully saved, and there praised his blessed Lord. He afterwards entered the ministry, so we are told. Rev. J. T. Merry, who is now preaching the gospel, and a bright light in Kansas for God, was also gloriously delivered from sin in this meeting. REVIVAL EFFORT. 83 CHAPTER XIII. MR. Howard's experience. 'T beseech yon therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present yonr bodies a Hving sacrifice, holy, acceptable nnto God, which is your reasonable service ; and be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." Rom. 12:1, 2. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification." I. Thess. 4:3. In the spring of 1880 I came to Kansas from Iowa, and entered into evangelistic w^ork immediately. In these meetings held, as well as many others, I believe I have seen hundreds of souls converted and sanctified to God. I was so powerfully blessed at times that I came to the conchrsion I enjoyed the grace of holi- ness, and so professed it. The sad mistake I here 84 TWENTY YEARS OF made was the taking the blessings of God as the real ^ work of hoHness, wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit. The light came into my soul in the month of Feb- ruary, 1890. In reading the autobiography of that blessed man of God, Charles G. Finney, I was brought to see that I had never known what it was to be entire- ly sanctified. 'Awful conviction seized my heart for the' first time that I might obtain this great blessing. My entire being seemed to quiver, and, for a while, my soul seemed to be in a perfect tempest, with a desire to know what to do. I thought, "I have professed it all these years ; and now to confess that I never pos- sessed it! surely the cause of God will suffer. Oh, if I could only die, and be blotted out, so that the cause of God would not be injured, I would be willing to do it." Then I would think of my soul, "What will be- come of it? I dare not permit it to be lost, if all the churches in the world go down.'' I saw plainly that it Avas holiness or hell. I said within myself, ''What shall I do? **The cross is now in sight. * Oh, to be crucified with Jesus I now began to see and feel what it meant to die on the cross with the Lord. So many are nailed to the tree, but remove themselves before they are dead. I said, VLord, I will take the cup, and go through the REVIVAL EFFORT. 85 garden with thee." My convictions now were in- tense. This was during a revival service. I was an- nounced to preach at night. I. thought, ''How could I preach, when I ought to be prayed for?" But I felt I dared not refuse. The church was crowded. I took my text. It was Matt. 25:46: ''And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal." I felt sure the sermon was all for myself. I could hardly wait till I had concluded. I then made a full statement of my condition to the congregation, telling them my convictions, what I wanted, and that I was going to the altar. I also told them that as many as were under conviction for par- don or purity to come and go with me. I cannot tell all that occurred after this, but suffice it to say that fif- teen more came rushing to. the altar. A powerful meeting followed, lasting till after midnight. I did not obtain the desire of my soul that night, but the next morning, in my ovs^n home. Sabbath, February 3, at about 10 o'clock, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire came on me, until I was completely melted into 1 nothing." I seemed to be bathing in a river of life. My soul was in a sea of love, lost in wonder, love, and praise. I was wedded to Christ as never before. Eter- nity is my dwelling place. Why the Lord is keeping me here so long, is now very plain. He designed that 86 TWENTY YEARS OF I should tarry, till I should be endued with power from on high. I desire now to say, that I often considered my preaching better than my experience. Often, while I was endeavoring to bring others into this won- derful grace, I found my own soul reaching out for the very same thing. Having now obtained this rich baptism, and, finding it has so eclipsed my former ex- perience, I wonder, at times, if I ever possessed any- thing before. But surely I did. What surprises me most is to think I have been deceived all these years. Many others, I fear, are in the. same condition — get blessed and call it holiness. I hope no one will stumble over my mistake, and profess holiness of heart and life before they enjoy it. I am just now prepared to glorify God, and to "rescue* 'the perishing'' as never before. All through my soul T am now feeling, that we, as a church, are on the very verge of a sweeping reformation. During this time Vv^e are to accomplish that for which God has called us out, namely, to raise up a holy people. This, and this only, is our mission. I am expecting old apostolic religion to soon revive among us, even as we have never seen it before. I hope this experience will cause some poor, de- ceived soul to stop and think, and examine himself that he may discover whether he is in possession of \ REVIVAL EFFORT. 87 the pure gold, or not. It will never do to guess at it as I did. Just now, as I wTite, my soul is in a perfect blaze of salvation. I clearly understand the Bible where it says, that God's ministers shall be a flame of fire. I have it. Glory, glory, glory. TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER XIV. NOTABLE CASES OF CONSECRATION AND SANCTIFICATION. A Notable Resurrection. Mr. Howard condticted a very successful meeting at Carbondale, Kansas, a mining town. An attempt was made by the people to boycott it. On the fourth night of the revival, a very intelligent woman fell un- der the power of God. Mr. Howard was emphasizing the necessity of dying out to self, and being made aHve in Christ. The people having never seen such a demonstration as this, were at a loss to understand it. A few became alarmed and left the tabernacle, taking particular pains to spread the news as they went, that there was a woman dead over at the tent. A report like this spread rapidly, and before very long the tabernacle was filled with an excited crowd of the cu- riously inclined, who pushed and jostled against each REVIVAL EFFORT. 89" Other, in their eagerness to get a glimpse of the "dead woman." A physician entered, who, having felt of her pulse, announced that she would be dead in twenty minutes. ■» "Glory to God!" shouted Mr. Howard, ''I f did not know we were so near a resurrection. There can be no resurrection without a death. If you will all be patient, you will presently witness one that is most glorious.'' This seemed to enrage the people all the more, and especially the physician, who ordered the woman to be taken out of the tent. Several came forward as if to obey his commands, when a man, who- was kneeling at the woman's side, said, "This is my wife; please let her alone." The physician turned angrily away, exclaiming, "Let her die, then!" The excitement was now at fever heat. Whisperings were heard in the congregation, which indicated that Mr. Howard might be mobbed. About 2 o'clock in the^ morning this "dead woman" came to "life.". She bounded to her feet, leaping and praising God all over the tabernacle. Then she ran down the main street of the town, still shouting "Glory" to God. People came from their homes to see what new excitement had broken loose at this unseemly hour of the night. God was glorified in it all, as there was no further attempt to boycott the meeting. The advertisements of God are successful. -90 TWENTY YEARS OF Dying to This World. During the revival at Willis, Mr. Howard was en- tertained at the home of a good brother. The lady of the house became deeply concerned, ,at an early stage of the meeting, about her soul's welfare, and the ob- tainment of a glorious experience. One night the Lord helped Mr. Howard to draw the gospel lines very closely. The sister gave two or three screams and then fell. There was a long struggle with the powers of darkness. It finally resulted in great victory to her soul. Her husband was sornewhat abashed at such knuckle was coming oft" with it." That ring was so loose it would nearly drop off ; it even did not make a. ; mark around the finger. The pulling was in her heart. After this she became a very successful worker in the vineyard of the Lord. It pays to say good-by to the world for the smiles of the Savior. "The dearest idol I have known, Whate'er that idol be. Help me to tear it from its throne, And worship only thee." Every true believer comes to a place where the ''pride of life" must be sep^arated from them. When a per- son passing along a street, sees potatoes, flour, and sugar sitting in front of a store, he knows those arti- cles are for sale inside. Farther down he witnesses boots and shoes hanging by a door. This is proof evi- dent that they can be obtained within. Just so wheny you see various ornaments upon the person of an indi- vidual, you may know there is pride in the heart. A poke upon a horse in a pasture does not make the animal •96 TWENTY YEARS OF breachy, but it evidences to the passer by that he is breachy. , Let none have any other sign than the mark of the Lord Jesus Christ upon them, then we will nev- ^er be observed in a false light. REVIVAL EFFORT. 97 CHAPTER XV. WONDERFUL INSTANCES OF HEALING. Mr. Ho\Yard has always been, and is now, a firm be- liever in Divine Healing. He believes Jesus Christ is both able and willing to heal both the body and soul whenever it would be for his glory. He believes the proper use of medicine is very bene- ficial. .^Tf any one has a faith for healing which heals ' him, let him discard medicine ; but if his faith only claims healing, and fails to produce an actual cure, it would be well to get more faith, or else get a reputable doctor.'' He does not believe the Word of God teaches ''that sickness is provided for in the atonement upon the same basis as sin. 'No person can be sinful and not con- ^ demned ; if sickness stands in precisely the same re- lationship to the atonement as sin then no man can be sick without being under condemnation. Such a 98 TWENTY YEAES OF view is positively vicious and a perversion of the Bible." The following is the point: "Hold a meeting anywhere, hold up sin and sickness as being both equal in the atonement, and ask seekers forward to receive the eradication of sin and the eradication of disease, ten will come forward for the latter, and one for the former ; and in the subsequent testimony the same ra- tio will appear among the witnesses. Men and women will marvel, and look, and talk when bodily healing is the topic, and be dumb as oysters w^hen holiness is the topic.'' Mr. Howard. At the time of his healing, Mr. Howard was holding a revival upon the Walnut river. Having been in evan- gelistic work for four consecutive vears, his health was considerably impaired. It was apparent to all that he was failing with consum.ption. At a Sabbath morning service he undertook to preach, but his voice being very weak, he failed in the attempt. He arose and stated that this would be his last revival upon earth, and requested the people to come together again at five o'clock in the evening, that he might bid them a last, fond farewell. A sister Dixon, who was in the con- gregation, arose, ran to the woods, fell on her face be- fore the Lord, and began to plead with him to spare REVIVAL EFFORT. 99 the life of Mr. Howard. For three longjiours she con- tinued her pleading, when she returned to the encamp- ment with shouts of praise, crying out, ''He will be healed before twxlve o'clock to-night.'' Mr. Howard, was sitting on a log near the tabernacle, when she ran up to him and said, "The Lord has revealed to me that you will be healed before midnight." Five o'clock had now come, and the people were coming together to- hear Mr. Howard's parting words. He arose to speak^ but shortness of breath compelled him to desist. He finally requested all v;ho would meet him in the glory land, to kneel with him around the altar. About one hundred came. The scenes which followed are beyond description. The meeting continued all the night long. / Its solenm quietness was broken at frequent in- tervals with the shouts of redeemed souls, as they came into the clear, beautiful light of God. Every little ^vhile, without urging, some unsaved person would come to the altar, and wnth strong crying, would plead for mercy. There was no interruption in this wave of saving grace, and flood of down-coming glory, till nearly sunrise the next morning. At about ten o'clock while Mr. Howard was standing by one of the tabernacle center poles he counted six- teen persons lying under the power of God. All at once an impression came to him to say, ''It is done."' 100 TWENTY YfiARS OF He did so in a very weak tone of voice. The force of it seemed to go no higher than his head. A second time he was impressed to say, 'Tt is done." This time the force of it seemed to go about as high as the tabernacle. Then quick as a flash the third impression came. It was with such tremendous force and power, that he threw both his hands over his head, and clap- ping them together, he cried in a clear tone of voice, 'TT IS DONE." This time as he looked up, the whole top of the tabernacle seemed to go out. The healing power ran through his entire physical being. He de- scribed it afterwards as coming upon him like a gentle shower of rain, permeating his entire being, even to the tips of his fingers, and the ends of his toes. He shouted, "1 am healed, I am healed !" and ran through the encampment glorifying God for what had been ac- comphshed. The work was done according to James 5 : IS, in answer to the prayer of faith ; it was complete, instantaneous, and satisfactory. From that day till this Mr. Howard has never been obhged to discontinue his labors on account of diseased throat and lungs. Eternity alone will reveal all that was accomplished lin this service. He was so wonderfully healed that he never afterward needed medicine for his throat or lungs, but at times he requires remedies for other ail- ments. At such occasions tie conscientiously, and EEVIVAL EFFORT. 101 prayerfully applies them, for he does "not believe that the use of remedies is a sin, not even to those who have at some time been healed in answer to prayer. If God makes known His will to heal a sick person with- out remedies, we would not on any account use reme- dies, but until God puts into our hands what is better, v\^e are bound to use the blessed gifts of healing which He has so mercifully provided in the material world/' Mother Dunning. An incident of great note which occurred while Mr- Howard was laboring at Orleans, Nebraska, was the healing of Mother Dunning, as she was called. She had been a preacher for twenty-five years in New York Citv, but had moved with her son-in-law, Rev. C. M. Damon, to Orleans. She was afflicted with the dropsy, and at the time of which we write, was sufTer- ing intensely. In fact it was such that word was sent to Mr. Howard that Mother Dunning was very low and could not live until midnight, and that he had bet- ter have the saints come in and bid her good-by before her departure. When the pilgrims entered that even- ing many, looking upon her, said, ''She is dead now.'' Others said, ''No there is some life yet." When the room had become fairly well filled, Mr. Howard said, "Let us pray.'' Falling upon their knees, they began to unburden their sorrowful hearts into the ears of Al- 102 TWENTY YEARS OF mighty God. During the prayer service Rev. J. H. Ogg, a man of strong faith, fell prostrate upon the floor. He attempted to arise, but fell back again. At last in one powerful effort, he succeeded in getting upon his feet. He proceeded to the bedside of ^lother Dunning, and in a voice of authority, commanded her in the name of the Lord Tesus, to arise and walk. She only moved her eyes a little. He repeated the same command again, btu ^^'ith more authority and force than before. This time there was a perceptible motion of the feet and limbs under the cover, as if there wotild be an attempt to obey. Brother Ogg now fair- ly screamed his third command for her to arise and walk. At this ]vIother Dunning sprang from the bed and ran all around the room shouting and praising God, She looked at them all and exclaimed, 'T am the same as one brought from the dead." She lived a number of years after this to preach the gospel, and finally went home to glory. T. H. Bradlev. In the Dopps neighborhood, upon the Sappa river, jMr. Howard held a very successful revival. A great outpouring of the Spirit occurred here. There were many notable cases of God's power to save, sanc- tify, and heal. J. H. Bradley, who had been addicted to the use of morphine for over twenty years, was, in REVIVAL EFFOET. 103 this meeting, delivered from his appetite's awful thrall- dom. Physicians had said he used enough every day to kill six common men. One night while Mr. How- ard Vv^as preaching, he was powerfully convicted to give np his awful habit, or lose his soul. That night he was .accompanied to his home by Mr. Howard, and upon retiring made a strong request to sleep with him. ''James, what do you mean," said his wife, she sup- posing that he was again attacked by his oft returning dehrium. He replied, ''Mother, I am all right, but I want to sleep with Mr. Howard to-night." After re- tiring Mr. Bradley unburdened his heart, saying, ''While you were preaching to-night,>I saw hell-fire in-" all its awfulness. It was clearly revealed to me that I must give up my morphine. I have used it for more than twenty years, or ever since the late war. You know history tells us that only one person has ever succeeded in freeing himself from it after eight years' use. Now, what I wanted to ask you, is this: "^'If I give it up, and die in the struggle, will I be lost?" "No," said Mr. Howard, "if you are real sure that God wants you to give it up, and you are doing it for Jesus's sake, the Lord will see you through." ^'Then," said Mr. Bradley, "I want you to promise me that when the struggle comes and I begin to weaken, that you will stand by my bed and keep the doctors 104 TWENTY YEARS OF away. The moment I show signs of faiHng, they will dose me with morphine." He promised he would. Then Mr. Bradley threw his morphine away, and the battle began. He grew weaker and weaker, and on the second day after he threw it away, he went to bed. His friends became much alarmed, and consulted with Mr. Howard about sending for a doctor. He refused to give his consent, saying, ''God has undertaken the case and will not fail him at this time of need; be-- sides I pledged my word and honor that I would keep the doctors away." The doctor came, however,, and manifested his indignation by upbraiding Mr. Howard. ''This man will die," said he, ''and the com- munity will blame you, and mob you if he does." On the fourth day when all hope of his recovery seemed to fade away, the power of God came upon him, and * he sprang from the bed, ran all through the house, and down through the corrall, shouting and praising God from his inmost soul, for what had been wrought. This man had frequently attempted to kill himself and family when suffering from his awful morphine delir- ium. He lived about ten years after this, during which time he was a successful minister of the gospel. As a result of his healing — God never heals only for some definite purpose — his wife and two daughters were gloriously saved. REVIVAL EFFORT. 105 A Colored Minister. The revival at Purcell, Oklahoma, will ever be re- membered by many precious souls. One of the morning services at the tabernacle was a powerful meeting. Rev. L. Wing, in the Wesleyan Methodist, gives a vivid description of it, as follows : ''Two souls were converted, one a colored preacher, who was reclaimed, then sanctified and healed in body. I can hardly touch with pen the scenes of that hour. This dear man had been laid aside from preaching for nearly four years with preacher's sore throat. He was emaciated, weak, and bent in body. At the above mentioned meeting, he with others came to the altar, submitted himself to God, and was re- stored to his favor. Soon after, he consecrated him- self fully to be the Lord's, and claimed sanctification by faith. He afterwards testified, 'I have received something I never had before.' Almost simulta- ^ neously w^ith this, his faith took hold of God for physical healing, as the evangelist in his sermon had clearly set forth all these truths. The great Physician touched him, and he was instantly healed ; and whereas he could with difificulty talk when he came to the altar, he could, after this, speak with a strong, clear, res- onant voice, and testified to the good work wrought. In his present great joy he leaped to the platform and 106 TWENTY YEARS OF took the evangelist Howard in his arms, raised him from his feet, and moved hke a heavy cyclone and took the writer in his arms, and with us both, he moved to the third preacher, colored, standing by. We were all three now in his arms at his sweet mercy, lielpless, such was the wonderful strength God put, with healing, into this hitherto weak, yet physically large, stout built man. This is only a faint descrip- tion of some of the glories of our wonder-working God as there manifest." Once when Mr. Howard had been riding in the cold all day, he stopped for dinner at the home of a good sister in Orleans, Nebraska. While the dinner was in preparation one of Mr. Howard's t^eth began to ache. The longer it continued, the more severe became the pain. The good sister finally said, ''Brother Howard, let us get down and ask God to stop that toothache." ''I can't," he replied. The sister was surprised at his answer, and was slow to yield her point. The pain •continued, and at times was excruciating. The sister now abandoned the dinner getting, and insisted on having a season of prayer for the tooth. Mr. Howard still persisted that he could not ask God to stop the pain. The sister said, ''Now, Brother Howard, that isn't the way you preach. Tell me why you can't." They were living on the square in plain view of all the REVIVAL EFFORT. 107 stores and business houses. He took her to the win- dow and pointing across the street, said, "Do you see that dentist sign yonder?" ''Yes," repHed the sister, "but what of that?" "Well, I can't ask God to stop that old hollow tooth from aching as long as I am so near that dentist's office. It is an old tooth that has both- ered me for years. I have wished it was out, but to tell you the truth I am too big a coward to face those forceps. If I was away from this dentist out upon ^some desert, I could conscientiously ask the Lord to relieve the pain with some degree of assurance. As it is I can't. The tooth ought to be out, and my better good sense says it ought, but I am just too big a coward to have it done. Now, if you will get down with me, and ask God to give me backbone, grit and ■zeal to face those forceps, I will pray with you. I am too close to that dentist's ofifice to ask God to stop the pain." This will vividly illustrate Mr. Howard's views upon Divine Healing as herein set forth. 108 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER XVL MARVELOUS ANSWERS TO PRAYER. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." Jno. 15:7. During the Conference Camp-meeting held near Raymond, Kansas, many wonderful cases of demon- stration occurred. There was a lady in attendance who- became much incensed at them. One night when ^ some were being prostrated under the Spirit's power,, this sister, being urged to pray, began, and in her own words said, "If this screaming and falling is of thee,, let me know it by knocking me over." Instantly she w^as slain by the Lord, and was as dead, apparently,, as if she were in the cofifin. After lying for some time, she sprang to her feet blessedly saved. She lived about ten miles from the meeting. Every few minutes of the journey home, she would give vent to her feel- ings in shouts of praise. * This forever cured her aver- sion to noise, shoutings, and falling. REVIVAL EFFORT. 109 Chintz-bugs Destroyed. One Alarch morning Mr. Howard, in company with Rev. C. M. Damon, was walking over the farm of Fa- ther Dopps, in Norton county, Kansas. The chintz- bugs were very severe. They destroyed everything before them. Their numbers were so great that the ground seemed ahve with them. Rev. Damon re- marked to Mr. Howard, ''Is not this too bad. Brother Dopps is poor, and needs this crop so much. The next morning Brother Damon, in family worship, asked the Lord, in some way, to spare the crop. He became so intensely earnest, and so got a hold on God by faith, that he fairly screamed in his prayer. That^ night God sent a severe blizzard with sleet. The ice completely covered the ground, and lay for about forty-eight hours. It was stinging cold. After the storm had passed away a live chintz-bug could not be found anywhere. The people of that country firmly believe till this day the Lord wrought this in answer to prayer. A bountiful crop was harvested that year from this field. It Rained Fish. In a colored settlement at Nicodemus there was want and suffering. The dry weather followed by the grasshoppers had destroyed every means of sup- port. This people were ignorant. They didn't have 110 TWENTY YEARS OF the necessary appliances, with which to make them- selves a livelihood. In this their time of need they called upon God. In much earnestness did they make their wants known. % The Lord wdio hears before we speak^** and answers while we are yet calling miraculously pro- vided for their needs. A stream was running near in which this people had oft before fished, but never caught anything. They now searched its waters and found fish in an abundance. Their size and quality were more than could be expected. Those colored people in their simpHcity declare they were rained into that stream by power divine. 'For this they never ceased: to love and praise their Savior. A Young Lady Died. A revival being held by Mr. Howard in Iowa, was. greatly hindered by the actions of two young women. They persisted in having a dance every night as near as possible to the meeting. The pilgrims united their prayers and faith in asking God to either save the girls, or, if they had sinned away their day of grace,, to remove them out of the way, that the work of the Lord be not longer flagrantly opposed. In less than a week one of these girls was a corpse. The other came near dying, but recovered, and was sweetly saved. * "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands ot * the living God." REVIVAL EFFORT. Ill A Man Prayed Under Conviction. One night, during the above revival, Mr. Howard, in the course of a sermon, made the following remark: ''There is one thing God can do in spite of men. In answer to the prayer of saints, he will send conviction upon people, whether they desire it or not." An in- dividual in the congregation arose and said, "Here is a good case, try me." At this Mr. Howard jumped to his feet and exclaimed, "'The Bible declares, 'That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.' Now, if I can get another person to unite their faith with mine, this man wall be saved, or the Lord will take him out of the way." A good brother jumped to his feet, came forward, took Mr. Howard by the hand, and said, 'T am your man." Thenextday they both went to a cornfield, and engaged in pr;^.yer for this man. They pleaded with God till he came upon them in power. The praises of God were shouted by them as they declared, "The Lord has un- dertaken the brother's case." The next night, the subject of their prayer was in attendance upon the meeting/ That the Spirit of God was working upon his heart was evident to all. The next night he came as pale as death. At the close of the service he arose with tears in his eyes, and said, "You have prayed * 112 TWENTY YEARS OF this awful feeling over me, now pray it off." His con- victions became so intense it was necessary to con- stantly watch him, that he might be kept from com- mitting suicide. For three days he could neither eat nor sleep. Finally deliverance came. One morning at breakfast time, while sitting with the family at the table, the Spirit of God came upon him, and, in spring- ing from his chair, he upset the table. He went all around the house praising his Jesus ; then down through the corrall, rejoicing at every step. ' Ever af- terward a constant Christian life was lived by him. Not long since he died and went to glory. God's Care For His Children. In an early day, while Mr. Howard was living in formalism,^ God sent a man to pray with him." The good brother had blistered his feet in making the journey. Having arrived he inquired if this was the home of ]\Ir. Howard. Being answered in the af- firmative, he said, VThe Lord sent me to see you^' Mr. Howard was surprised, for he had not been ac- customed to hear it on this wise. This good brother had started for his home in IlHnois, but had no money with which to pay his passage. He had been asking the Lord all that day that some way might be opened up for him to reach his family. When evening came the good brother read a chap- REVIVAL EFFORT. 113 ter in the Bible, and offered prayer. While he was praying Mr. Howard thought the heavens, and the ^ earth were coming together. ' His words burned like / fire upon every heart. They all retired, but sleep re- fused to come to the eyes of Mr. Howard. He tossed to and fro the whole night. God was talking to him. The command was to give the good brother / five dollars. It was the only money he had, and was laid away in case of an emergency. Being very poor in this world's goods at that time, he could neither see its advisability nor propriety. And besides he was exceedingly stingy. P>equently, when his wife, who always gave a tenth of her income, would give twenty-five or fifty cents to some benevolent col- lection, he would grieve and worry about it all the next day. The covetous spirit was in his heart, hence he considered the money no better than thrown away. The Holy Spirit continued to give him no rest. A voice from the Divine One said, ''You must give the good brother that five dollars." • Thus the fierce men- tal agony continued. Because. of his restlessness, sev- eral times during the night, his wife asked him, ''Hus- band, what is the matter." He would always avoid an r^nswer, fearing that if his wife knew^ the nature of the trouble she would have him give the money to the good brother. ^ Before morning that money seemed 114 TWENTY YEAES OF to fairly burn in his pocket. He arose early, not knowing what else to do, for the trouble of heart and mind was so great no rest could be obtained. Repair- ing to the barn, he was busily engaged with his chores . when his wife came to do the milking. All this while his conviction had been deepening upon him, till now it was intense. Thinking he could not make it any w^orse he said to his wife, ''Either the Lord or the devil wants me to give the good brother the five dol- lars v/e have.'' "I thought there was something the matter with you during the night,'' said she. '-'You , had better go quick and give it to him." "But, wife," he remonstrated, "that is every cent of money we have." /Let him have it," she replied, ''and it will give the Lord a good chance to give it back." The good brother was standing at the w^ood pile near by. Mr. Howard went to him and said, "Here is five dollars the Lord told me to give you." "Are you sure it is of the Lord?" asked the man, "O, I am very sure," replied Mr. How^ard, "for it has burned in ^ my pocket all the night." Having been asking the Lord to provide him a w^ay home, he was now overjoyed. In the gratitude of his heart he fell upon his knees on the wood pile, and poured out his soul to God. During his prayer, while tears w^ere streaming down his face, he said, "Lord, thou knowest this man is REVIVAL EFFORT. 115 poor, and not able to give this money. Here is his children ragged, his wife barefooted, and they hardly have enough to eat." In great earnestness he contin- ued, /'O, Lord, in some way repay the donor of this money. Grant that thy mercy may be extended to. him." Mr. Howard now went to the barn in great haste. I He could not stand the power of God in such f pleading. It melted his heart into tears. The night before all arrangements had been made to take the good brother to the train in the morning. They were made before there had been any mention of money. /- He simply stepped forward, and trusted the Lord for his leadings. No hint had been let slip by the good brother that he was without means. God alone was guiding by his all-wise hand. After breakfast Mr. Howard told his two little boys to fetch the horses from the pasture. The dog went along. In a brush patch below the orchard he found a wolf. One of the boys ran back to the house and told his father. He took his gun, went down to the pasture, found the wolf, and shot it. He then re- moved the scalp and preserved it. The team was now harnessed and they made ready to start for the de- pot. In going they passed the Court House. Mr. Howard jumped out, went in, and threw down his wolf scalp. At this time there was a premium upon 116 TWENTY YEARS OF every wolf killed, hence the County Clerk passed him out a five dollar bill. ^ Immediately the Hght of God's * protecting care burst in upon his soul. He saw for the first tim.e how the *Lord could open up the win-' dows of heaven and most graciously supply his child's every need. The good brother was safely started on his journey, and Mr. Howard returned to his home. Being completely overcome he wept the whole of the way. His feelings were so wrought upon that he stopped on the road, went into a fence corner, and poured out his soul unto the Lord. For weeks after this, it never recurred to him without his sensibilities being wrought upon. ^Tears would come to his eyes, and his soul be, submerged with gratitude. The Lord had used a most unexpected means to re- pay Mr. Howard. It forever cured him of a covetous, stingy spirit. He was made to realize that "It is more blessed to give than to receive." REVIVAL EFFORT. 117 CHAPTER XVII. TOUHCING INCIDENTS. "Where is My Wandering Boy?" During a very successful revival that Mr. Howard held in a flourishing Kansas town, two young men, fell, one night, in the aisle of the church, and lay there under the power of God, for some time. He went and pleaded with them to yield to the Lord, come to the al- tar, and be saved. The one submitted to Christ and was converted, but, alas, what became of the other? He would have his way. He said ''No." to God once too often. A short time after this there was some kind of a gathering at this same school house. A dis- turbance of some kind occurred in which this young man was impHcated. He drew a knife, and thrust it through the heart of his comrade, killing him instant- ly. He fled from the law and was gone for three years, wdien his whereabouts were discovered in Arizona. He was arrested, tried,convicted,and sentenced to the peni- 118 TWENTY YEARS OF tentiary for life. All this resulted because he said, "Not to-night." Verily the way of the transgressor is hard. A few years after this Mr. Howard visited that penitentiary, and asked permission of the Warden to see this boy. It was granted, and he proceeded to find him. When the eyes of the young man fell upon Mr. Howard, he ran and threw his arms about his neck, and cried as if his heart would break. ''Oh," said he, ''if I only had taken your advice that night you urged me to seek God, I would not be here." Poor boy ! Like many others, he saw his mistake when it was too late. The boy's mother was saved in the meeting in which he rejected offered mercy. She died a few years afterward and went home to glory. Her dying query was, "Where is my wandering boy?" "Papa, Fm Not Afraid of You To-night." A poor man who had drunk up all his living, and was a total wreck mentally and physically, was in at- tendance upon a revival held by Mr. Howard. He was powerfully convicted to give his heart to God. When an altar call was made he came forward, and, meeting Mr. Howard, said to him, "Do you think there is enough left of me to be saved? I have sunken so low that I did not know whether Jesus would under- take my case." "You are the very one Jesus REVIVAL EFFOET. 119 came to seek," replied ]\Ir. Howard. "He didn't come to save good folks, but bad ones." At this the man fell upon his knees and began to plead for mercy. In a short time he was brightly saved. \\'hen the meeting closed he invited ]\Ir. Howard to go home with him. It was accepted before he had time to think Avhat the consequences might be. The good people came and remonstrated with him, saying, "That man can't keep you. He hasn't anything in his house, not even a chair to sit on." "Well," said 'Mr. Howard, 'T have promised him to go. I can put up with it one night." As they proceeded toward this miserable home the man continued to shout and praise God. As they entered the yard, the loose boards in the path rattled at every step. At this a shuffling was heard from within. They opened the door and entered. In one corner of the room stood a poor, heart-broken, terror-stricken wife, with clenched hands and pale face. The husband ran to his wife and said, "The Lord has saved me. Don't be afraid of me now." She fell upon her knees and cried, "Oh, God, can this be true?'' "Where is the Bible^" said the husband. 'M have never prayed in ni}' liome, and now I intend to." At this three little ragged children came out from under the bed. They had heard their papa as he w^as coming up the walk, and, supposing him to be in 120 TWENTY YEARS OF a drunken rage as usual, they took refuge under the bed. One of the little girls hopped upon her father's knee, and exclaimed with such sublime tenderness and pathos as would have melted a heart of stone, "Papa,. I'm not afraid of you to-night." The Lord had taken * the lion spirit out of the man, and put the lamb-like spirit in its place, so that a Httle child could lead him. His wife was still exclaiming, "Can this be so ; is it true?" The husband went to her, and throwing his arms around her, said, "Can you ever forgive me for the way I have treated you?" "I freely forgive it all," she repHed. Kneeling there upon the bare floor of that destitute home, Christ spoke peace to her troubled soul. Such rejoicing that home had never seen be- fore. The desolate cottage where want and sorrow had reigned supreme was now transformed into a heaven on earth. This man became a useful mem- ber of society, regained his former industrious habits, and became well-to-do. * His home became a pleasant • stopping place for God's ministers. The Triumphs of a Saint. At an early day Mr. Howard was traveling in North West Kansas. Not much could be seen, but sod houses and bufifalo grass. One day, about noon, he stopped near one of these buildings to lariat his ponies,. REVIVAL EFFORT. 121 that they might feed. Having provided for them he proceeded to the house hoping to obtain something to eat, as he was very hungry. Having made his re- quest known, the woman, a widow, who resided here with her Httle daughter, asked, "Are you not a min- ister?" "I am," repHed he. Her eyes fiUed with tears as she communicated to him that there was noth- ing in the house to eat except a httle bran. This was too much for Mr. How^ard. He became very much af- fected, as he requested her to bake a cake of the bran, and s.aid, "We wiU partake of it together." This she proceeded to do. When the simple repast was ready, they congregated around the frugal board. Having returned thanks Mr. Howard looked at the bran cake, at the widow, and then at the little girl. He could not eat, the Spirit of God so pervaded the very atmos- phere of the room. Shoving back from the table, he dropped upon his knees, and with streaming eyes». poured out his soul unto the Lord. Oh, how the pre- cious Savior did come to that humble dwelling. It was in wondrous power and glory. His ineffable pres- ence seemed to make supernatural everything pres- ent. Materiality partook of that which was immate- rial, heavenly, and even divine. They then surround- ed the table again, and satisfied their hunger with the simple meal. To Mr. Howard no meal ever tasted 122 TWENTY YEAES OF better, no food ever seemed more nourishing, and no repast ever looked more delicious. And certainly heaven never seemed so near as it did that day in the Htlle sod house on the western prairies with the lonely widow and her little daughter. If that saint of God could rejoice and be exceeding happy under those con- ditions how much we ought to praise the Lord, who have every thing heart could wish. "Vm Dying Without a Ray of Hope." Three of Mr. Howard's brothers enlisted in the war of the Rebellion. One of them had been very sick in the hospital for some time. He finally received his discharge but was too feeble to come home. Mr. Howard went after him. Having reached the hospi- tal, he walked down the long aisle looking on either side at the sick, dead, and dying. Many scenes were so vividly impressed upon his mind that, to-day, he re- calls them with freshness. " One in particular will never fade from his memory. Over to one side of the aisle he saw a poor boy breathing his last. As he stood looking at him, a woman crowded by, and soon had the dying boy in her embrace. His mind being clear, he said in a low tone of voice, ''Mother, I'm dying now, and without a ray of hope. Oh ! how I wish I had taken your advice ; how glad I would be. REVIVAL EFFORT 123 but I am lost! lost! lost!" He expired in his mother's arms with shrieks and groans upon his lips such as Mr. Howard never cared to hear again. Mr. Howard's Son, Arba. During a revival in North West Kansas, Mr. How- ard became deeply burdened for his son Arba, who was then attending school about twenty miles away. The burden became so heavy that he could neither eat nor sleep. One cold morning wdien the snow was about a foot in depth, he left the house where he was staying, and went to the river bottom near by, where he fell prostrate in the snow. Here he called upon God to ■save that boy. He received a witness as clear as the hght that the desire of his soul would be granted. The next day the son left school and went home. He said to his mother, ''Ever since yesterday it has seemed to me that I am going to die." She told him to go where his father was conducting a revival. Look- ing out through the window the next day, Mr. How- ard saw his son coming. Having arrived at the house he threw his arms about his father's neck, and with tears in his eyes, exclaimed, 'Tt seems to me I am go- ing to die. What shall I do?" His father said, ^'Arba, the Lord is calling you. Give yourself to him as quickly as possible. Oh, don't delay !" That night 124 TWENTY YEARS OF he was the first to come when the altar call was given. Among many others he was blessedly saved. After this he lived an humble Christian Hfe. He preached the gospel one year, died in the triumphs of faith, and went home to be with Jesus. REVIVAL EFFORT 125 CHAPTER XVIII. OTHER INCIDENTS. Saved in the Mud. While Mr. Howard was holding his revival upon the Sappa river, a heavy rain fell. It swelled the river out of her banks. The tabernacle being only a few rods from the river, the water backed up into it. It stood there several feet deep, till the table, straw, seating and appurtenances thereof were all afloat. The curtains being well staked down, nothing floated away. The next day after the rain the water fell suf- ficient to run from the tabernacle. When the time ar- rived for the evening service the ground was still very sloppy, with little pools of water here and there. De- spite all this long before sun down the tabernacle was filled with people anxiously waiting for services to be- gin. Some had swum the river in order to attend the meeting. Mr. Howard hardly knew whether it was advisable to hold the people in such an uncomfortable place or dismiss them, with a pressing invitation to re- turn the next evening. He entered the tabernacle 126 TWENTY YEARS OF and began to speak. The power of God so fell upon the people and speaker, that they were swayed by his gracious words as before a mighty tempest. He said to them, "If any person is sufficiently desirous of sal- vation to come forward and stand by me, we will pray for you, and as best we can, point you to the Savior.'^ About twenty came. Regardless of the mud and wa- ter, they flung themselves on the ground and began to cry for mercy. A good brother Van Hoosen threw his overcoat on the ground for the women to kneel upon. Sin burdened souls agonized for deliverance, and was made to rejoice in a new found grace, some of whom are yet standing upon the walls of Zion pro- claiming the acceptable year of the Lord, who were saved that night. When men and women are as much in earnest as were these they do not easily back- slide. Somehow they are so ''thoroughly" saved that the beggarly elements of the world have no more at- tractions. Falling into a Well. The first night of the meeting upon the Solomon river Mr. Howard was invited to an unsaved home for entertainment. Also the second night. In going home they had to cross the river. There were several persons in the wagon. A heavy fog had intensified REVIVAL EFFORT. 127 the darkness of that night till the horses could scarcely be seen. Their host took special delight in attempt- ing to scare them, but they succeeded in crossing the stream without any mishap. Having come up on the other bank he continued his attempts to affright by ex- claiming, "There is an old well in this bottom. We all would feel funny if we should fall into it." No sooner had he made this remark than both horses went tumb- ling into the well. There was an awful scrambling and floundering for a few moments, when all became silent. The darkness was so intense nothing could be seen. The man broke for the house, about a quarter of a mile away for a light. Mr. Howard called after him to fetch a spade. Having returned with them they discovered that the wagon tongue was broken ; also that the horses were standing on their hind feet in the well. It was unwalled, and just large enough to admit the team. The animals were very nearly suspended by their collars and harness. Had the well been any deeper, the team would have certainly hanged itself, and also dragged the whole load into the well with them. The occupants of the wagon would have been trampled to death under the feet of the horses. By spading in the side of the well, the falling earth being trampled by the team, they were soon rescued. It was a narrow escape, and a strong reminder to Mr. 128 TWENTY YEARS OF Chapman and his wife that they should continue no longer in their present unsaved condition. She after- wards declared that hell could not seem more real to her than it did that night. The Lord used this as a means for awakening those sin-blinded persons. A Come-Outer Rescued. At the Greely revival many were saved. Among the number was Rev. G. W. Saunders, a "professional come-outer." When the clear Hght of God was re- vealed to him, he saw that much of his profession was empty, and that he lacked the melting power of the Holy Spirit. He said, 'T can never preach again un- til I have the fire.'' He fell to the floor screaming to God for help. God gave him the desire of his heart, and he sprang to his feet shouting, and praising the Lord. He followed this wath a stirring exhortation. While he was speaking, a church-going man fell under the influence of his exhortation, and was brought into the Master's fold. After obtaining this experience. Brother Saunders became a shining light for the Lord. After his glorious deliverance, he wrote a little pamph- let entitled, ''An Exposition of Come-Outism." On page 30 he says, ''I had been called to preach, and began preaching in June, 1884 1 soon lost the sweet- ness out of my soul, and would, at times, say some REVIVAL EFFORT. 129 hard things about the churches. I became confirmed in the no-sect doctrine I failed to teh the people of the power of Christ to save, but urged them to get out of the churches I felt led to come to Kansas, and did so in the winter of 1884-5, soon came across the Free Methodist people. My brother-in-law told me they had more fire than the holiness people of Missouri. I did not like to hear that from my no- sect brother, but did not say anything. I preached against Free Methodism because it was an organized hody, not knowing any thing about their experience except hearsay. I soon met with one. Brother G. B. Howard, of that denomination. I heard him preach several times, and saw that he was a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, having zeal, boldness, gentle- ness, and love. I really found myself in secret seek- ing, not his experience, but one that I was convinced God had for me. I saw I was bitter when op- posed. I had not that melting influence that I once had. I sought God and obtained the fire. Praise his name ! I soon united with the Free Methodist Connection." ''Every Ray of Hope Is Gone." In the Argonia revival a young man was brought tinder great conviction. He could neither eat nor .sleep. Notwithstanding all this he refused to let God 130 TWENTY YEAES OF save him. He arose in one of the meetings a few days after this, and said, ''My chance for heaven has passed. My heart is as hard as a stone. Every ray of hope is gone.'' What an awful feehng with which to be. ush- ered into eternity, and there have to meet God at the judgment. The Good Book says, ''My Spirit shall not always strive with man." REVIVAL EFFORT. 131 CHAPTER XIX. POINTED ILLUSTRATIONS. A seared conscience is like a careless sleeper. To illustrate. An alarm clock may be set for two o'clock in the morning, and placed near the sleeper's head. When it goes ofif the first time it will almost scare the man out of bed. He may lay still and sleep on. Re- peat the act the next night, and the individual will not be scared half so much. This time he turns over and goes to sleep easily. Follow the same routine the third night, and the person isn't frightened at all. After this that clock may rattle its morning signal, but the man will sleep on heedless of its noise. The unsaved can grieve the Holy Spirit by repelling its tender woo- ings until they can sit under the most scorching truths of the gospel, and go sound to sleep. They have heard God's alarm clock till it has lost its power. Many people are continually wondering why their prayers are not answered — why a hearing is not grant- 132 TWENTY YEAKS OF ed them at the bar of God. If a man wished to trans- mit a message from Topeka, to his wife in Kansas City, he would take it to the telegraph operator in the first named city and request him to send it. The man sits down and begins to work the transmitter. Pres- ently he looks up and says ''The wires are down. No telegram can pass through." That man may work that instrument till he is gray headed, and no dispatch can be delivered. The broken wires must be connected first. The difficulty with so many professed Chris- tians is here evidenced. They continue to call upon God — fumble at the keys — but receive nothing. The fact in the case is that the spiritual wire between them- selves and God has been down for years. They will never be of service as soul winners, except the connec- tion be made. They will then get a hearing in heaven, and God will be heard on earth. V A passenger train was waiting at a depot hotel for dinner. Mr. Howard and a number of others were standing on the outside in readiness for the train to start. The time to leave having arrived,the conductor spoke to the engineer, saying, ''Are you ready? Have you a sufficient head of steam?" 'T have enough with v^hich to start. There are sixty pounds," replied the engineer. The signal to start was given, but two or three efforts were made before the train would move. REVIVAL EFFORT. 133 When Mr. Howard looked at that long train of twelve coaches, and all loaded, he thought, ''I am going sixty miles dow^n the road ; and only sixty pounds of steam to run on. How can it be?" Having started it glid- ed along nicely. ^ Before five miles had been passed the engine was throwing ofif steam at a great rate. It had more than it could control. It generated steam faster on the run than while standing still. This is directly appHcable to God's children. If sufficient grace is ob- tained with which to begin, an immediate start should be made. Duties will be joyfully accomplished when once begun. Grace will be so multiplied unto us that our cup will frequently overflow, and that, too, with- out tipping it any. Otherwise a dead engine will be standing on the track — in the road. Some Christians are Hke an old flint-lock gun. It takes them too long to ''strike fire." Mr. Howard went hunting one day with one of these peculiar, old- fashioned fire-arms. It was not long before he spied a flock of ducks swimming upon a pond. He sneaked up behind a clump of willows, and at a favorable op- portunity, shot at his game. To his great surprise he failed to bring down a single bird. He loaded and fired again, but with no better results. He continued his firing till all his ammunition was gone, but not a single bird did he bag. This was hard to be under- 134 TWENTY YEARS OF stood, as he was a good marksman. Finally, the se- cret was revealed. Whenever he would shoot, the / gun would go che — whang. The preparatory sound of the gun previous to the ball leaving the barrel would announce to the ducks that danger was near, hence they would dive just before the shot struck the water. . The gun was too long in going off. When it did the game had disappeared. This is too often the case with our sermons and prayers, they are so lengthy and dry that it takes them too long to go off, and when they do our man is gone or dead asleep. In his early life Mr. Howard bought a very nice rose bush. He planted it in the best of soil, and with the greatest care, cultivated and nourished it, till it grew to be a beautiful bush, but it never bore any roses. One spring the cattle broke down the fence just opposite the rose bed. Every animal, seemingly, took pains to walk through that bush. To all appear- ances it was completely cut to pieces. Mr. Howard straightened it up as best he could. To the surprise of all, that summer and ever after, it bore the very best and most attractive of roses. God may permit Satan to trample us under his feet as it were, and bruise us in general, but if we hold still in the hottest fire, the Lord w411 bring us forth bright and polished, bearing precious fruit meet for the Master's kingdom. REVIVAL EFFORT. 135 -The sweetest fragrance from a rose is only obtained when it is crushed. When a saint of God is trampled upon and mangled by the devil, then the religion of Jesus Christ is brought forth in all its fulness, and made to reflect his power to preserve blameless. God designs his people to be well balanced on every ^ reform — every gospel principle. A good balance wheel is needed to keep one in the middle of the road.-** Mr. Howard, in his younger days, went upon a rail- road with a Romeo saw to saw wood. A balance wheel was upon one end of the shaft, and a saw upon the other end. The machine was propelled by horse power. A metal key kept the balance wheel on. It would saw as fast as two men could feed it. Now and then the key would lose out, letting his balance wheel fall ofif. Then the saw was apt to turn bottom side up, and run wild. Every one near, because of this acci- dent was compelled to flee for their Hves, till the thing could be stopped. They were safe so long as the bal- ance wheel stayed on. Any particular reform or gos- pel truth may be so persistently proclaimed in every meeting, that the people will become heartily disgusted. Such a practice evidences to every spiritual mind that their gospel balance wheel has fallen ofif. I am very fond of liver, but do not want it for every meal. Once w^hen Mr. Howard was traveling along a cer- 136 TWENTY YEARS OF tain road, he saw a small group of little boys. They were intently gazing into the heavens. Becoming in- terested he looked up to see what attracted them, but saw nothing. He then asked, ''What are you doing, boys?" "We are flying a kite,'' they replied. "I can't see it," said Mr. Howard, as he again scanned the sky. ^ One little fellow interestedly exclaimed, 'Tf you had hold of this string, you could feel it." How much this is like the gravitation of the Christian heart in its pas- sage through life. There are many things we can neither see nor understand, but somehow, there is a powerful drawing ''at the other end of the string." The nearer we get to our eternal home, the harder is the 0 pull. The gravitation of a saint's heart is heavenward. A ship, all loaded down with precious, human freight, is witnessed far out at sea. To what point is she aiming? The light house, of course. Suppose the beacon light is out, but off to the right among the crags and rocks, is another — a false light. Behold that vessel as she swiftly moves forward in the greatness of her strength ! She is heedless of the danger ahead, thoughtless of the harm so near. That ship's company will surely go down to a watery tomb, when she enters those fiercely 'lashed breakers. Why? Because the light in the Hght house had gone out, and she was led to her fearful doom by a false beacon. God says in His REVIVAL EFFORT. Word, "Ye are the light of the world/' The Lord means by this that His saints, are this light. Suppose we backslide and our lamps go out. What will be- come of that poor, lost sinner? Will not his doom be read upon the rocks of time? Behold the false christs on every hand, the deadness and formahty so preva- lent, the worldly conformity that runs rife in our land to-day ! Do not these things in burning words of fire- bespeak his awful fate? May the good Lord ever help us to keep our lamps well trimmed that we may send forth cheering rays to a perishing world. 188 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER XX. POINTED ILLUSTRATIONS. — CONTINUED. "He that winneth souls is wise/V Mr. Howard called at a home to see a young lady who was very sick. Unfortunately she could not take medicine. The very sight of it would nauseate her. .What to do her father did not know. A very wise doctor lived in the town. He declared he could get her to take medicine. Every other physician had failed in the attempt. He began his task by telling her what a good medicine he had. Said he, ''Even the ba- bies, having tasted it, ever after cry for it." In his hand he held a glass containing some kind of a prepa- ration. He kept sipping at this from a spoon as he conversed with her. During the time she intently ^ watched him. "Now," said he, ''just put your tongue to this and see how good it is." By this time, having concluded it might not be so bad, she tasted of it. ""Why it's not so bad as I thought," said she. 'T told REVIVAL EB^FORT. 189 you so/' replied the doctor. Pretty soon he gave her a teaspoonful. Having done so, he said, "I will be back this afternoon, and give you another dose." As he came out of the house, he seemed to be filled with laughter. Mr. Howard, who was standing in the yard interrogated him, ''What are you laughing about?" Being slow in answering, Mr. Howard insisted upon an explanation. Finally he said, ''If you wall say noth- ing about it, I will tell you. I have been an hour in the attempt to get the sick lady here to take a dose of medicine. Finally I was successful in persuading her to take that which she thought was medicine, but was nothing more than sweetened rain water. I am going back this afternoon. It won't be sweetened rain watei that I shall give her then." -A minister may be invited to preach to a congregation. Sweetened rain water would be all they could stand, but the poor man gives them a dose of blue mass the first sermon. His suc- cess at this place is forever ended. A skillful physician knows what to give, when to give, and how to give. This is applicable to a minister of the gospel. A medi- cine might be given that would cure the cholera, mak- ing the person sound and well, but an overdose would kill him stone dead. Many preachers and church members wonder why it is, after a person has become thoroughly saved and 140 TWENTY YEARS OF filled with the Spirit, that he can no longer fall in line with the cold formal worship of the present age. Tie an old blind horse to a straw pile, and never give him any other kind of feed ; and he will eat with per- fect satisfaction, but should he get to a stack of good hay, forever after that it's good-bye to the straw pile. Hay is much better. When God's children enter the land of Canaan, and begin to eat the fruits, the old corn, and the wine of that land ; and get where the birds sing night and day, it is good-bye to the old straw of formalism, worldly conformity, church sprees and such like. They possess that which gives more satisfaction. Should every professor of God-likeness obtain their Pentecost a glorious union would be effected between all Christian peoples. God has but one family, it matters not to what denomination they may belong. Some of the children have crossed over the river, the remainder are on this side. The former having pre- ceded us home is the only difference. It is God's im- mortal saints on earth, and glorified saints in heaven. We must be one in Jesus Christ before we can enter the pearly gates. Oneness of heart, spirit, work, and enjoyment will preserve heaven in its present peace- ful condition. In his travels Mr. Howard saw a herd of cattle drink- ing at a watering place. The water was not being REVIVAL EFFORT. 141 pumped by any person. Becoming greatly interested he tied his team, and proceeded to examine how those cattle could obtain water. It was ascertained that a large platform had been so constructed that when the cattle would walk onto it, their weight would cause the water to run into the drinking trough. They did their own pumping. The person who wishes God's artesian well of salvation to always flow, should step with both feet upon the eternal promises of God, and stand there. The weight of glory they possess, with their abiding in the Lord does the pumping. It isn't necessary to work up a feeling when attending any re- ligious service. It is there as a spontaneity. Such are "instant in season, out of season always rejoicing, and in everything giving thanks, are peculiar to them. Suppose a person had fallen into a deep well, and by some means, was unhurt in the fall, but unable to get out himself. A number of good people arranged a means of escape for him, by dropping down a rope. They shouted, ''All you have to do is to take hold of the rope, and we will draw you out." But in this pre- dicament he folded his arms, and yelled back, ''You let me alone ; just mind your own business, and I will take care of myself." Every person in town would say, "If he don't take hold of the rope he ought to die in the w^ell." The Lord Jesus has thrown to a lost world the 142 TWENTY YEAKS OF rope of Salvation, saying, ''Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." They must grasp the rope or forever perish. Were the heavens black with devils, it would not - hinder the work of salvation. -The dead formahsm * that has found its way into the hearts of God's pro- fessed followers, is the thing that is damning so many. The present Christian world has hardly anything more than a stuck on experience. Find a beautiful cotton- wood tree, and stick it full of the finest apples to be found. It is still a cottonwood tree. The fruit being stuck on did not change it. There is so much stuck on religion. Most every body holds their membership wdth some church, but where is the real fruit of God's, salvation. A holy life is much more than stuck on fruit. The good Book says, ''Who maketh his ministers a flame of fire." Put five hundred people in a building. Fill every aisle and vacant spot with straw and dry shavings ; then put five bushels of real fire into the middle of the room. If the occupants can stand the smoke, they need not run, but if it begins to burn in a flame, then everybody had better get out of that building as quickly as possible. God's children may have some fire, but that way they will not amount to very much. No one is likely to get under conviction EEVIVAL EFFORT. 143- because of their life. However when the Holy Spirit fans their experience into a flame of fire, a commotion will be witnessed thereabout. Fruitful work for the Lord will be a result. God's children are a live people. When the Church is all ablaze with the Holy Spirit, none need fear that any corrupt thing will remain within her pale. Take sorghum juice green looking and murky, and filled with pomace, etc., and put it on the fire. Let it be at the boiling point, and every impure thing will come to the top. It can then be very easily skimmed, till it becomes pure. Keep the Church at the boiling point — ''fervent in spirit," — and every adverse element can easily be kept out. Then can she easily fill her mission in the world for Christ. Some people shout too soon — before the proper time. Two engineers declared that their respective en- gines were the better. They desired to make a test of each one, and thus discover which was the better. The trial was made. One backed in, and hooked to a train of eighty cars. It would not move. Attempt after attempt was made, but to no avail. The engine was pulled out and the other backed in. The word to start was given. "No," said the engineer, "1 am not ready yet." He began to shovel in the wood and coal. The steam began to rise upon the gauge, till the engine 144 TWENTY TEAKS OF trembled under the great pressure. * Then he opened the throttle, and the load was pulled out easily. Let no one shout till they are so full of the Holy Spirit and fire that they feel it is shout or burst. Such shouting will be enjoyed, and a heavy load pulled by it. During the time that Mr. Howard was conducting his revial at Logan, Kansas, he lived in a vacated hotel. One morning a man drove up with a load of good beef. Mr. Howard having come to the door, the man said, ''Do you want to buy a quarter of a beef?" ''Why, no," said Mr. Howard. "We couldn't use so much as ' that." The man, looking up at the sign asked, "You keep hotel here, don't you?" "No sir," repHed Mr. Howard. "Then you ought to take down your sign. Youfool people,"said theman. You letachurch mem- T^er who is loaded down with the world, be told that they are proud, and they will reply, "I am not proud. "^ They should take down their sign then, for they fool people. Some people seem to think when a person is hap- py, that it is a sure sign they are saved. One might be very happy, and not know anything about divine grace. Mr. Howard was traveling down the Mississippi river, and stopped over at a certain city, being desirous of changing boats. It was necessary that he should wait there for several hours. Down upon the wharf a num- REVIVAL EFFORT. 145 ber of persons were fishing. He thought he would try his hand, so he went up town, bought a hook and hne, and began fishing. In a few minutes a large fish got hold on the hook. He pulled on the Hne, and brought the fish to the surface of the water. It looked to be very large. Seeing it would get away from him, he ran the Hne around a post near by, and made it fast. He began to shout and hollow, and jump because of the prize just caught. He was very happy. But all at once the Hne broke, and away went fish, happiness, and all. The shouting stopped as soon as the fish had got- ten loose. Nearly every person can rejoice when the meal barrel is full, and other things looking propitious. But let adversity come, persecution arise, and tempta- tion assail, and it will be another thing to rejoice. It will try the hearts of men. *True happiness comes from a conscious fact that the name is written in heaven. 146 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER XXL POINTED ILLUSTKATIONS. — CONCLUDED. Mr. Howard once owned a dog of which he was very fond, but his neighbors said it would kill sheep. How- ever, he was slow to beHeve this. One morning a neighbor came running to the home of Mr. Howard,, . and exclaimed, "Come and see, your dog is killing sheep just now !" They started toward the place, but when the dog saw his master coming, he ran for the house. When Mr. Howard arrived the dog was lying on the porch. As he went up to him the dog rolled over on his back, and seemingly whined, ''Charity,, charity," but there was the wool in his teeth. When-|^ ever the Word of God is preached till it uncovers sin of every kind, dead preachers, and dead churches, then the people begin to cry, "Charity, charity." Look care- fully and the wool can be seen in their teeth. It gives, them away. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." A good old Presbyterian brother sent two REVIVAL EFFORT. 147 young men to college, with a view of their entering the ministry. After attending the school awhile, one of them became a confirmed infidel. This, of course, grieved the. old man. The student having returned home for a vacation, this good old brother came to the conclusion that he. would preach a sermon against in- fidelity. He invited the young skeptic to come and hear him. He signified his intention to be there. A pious old colored lady lived in the neighborhood. She was a real saint. Whenever any minister would strike the Rock upon which she stood, away she would go shouting the praises of God. The Presbyterian broth- er went to see her, and spoke of his intention to preach a sermon against infidelity, purposing to convince this young man of the error of his way. He also requested her to keep still till he finished his discourse, that its line of argument might not lose its effect. "Well," said the old colored lady, "If I can wid out squenching de Spirit, I will endeabor to do so." ''Do the best you can," replied he. The day and hour arrived. A large congregation had assembled. The Presbyterian broth-^ er began to preach, the Lord wonderfully helping him. Sure enough, when about half through, the fire began to burn upon her heart. ' The Rock upon which she - stood had been struck, and away she went up and down the aisle shaking hands with everybody. She 148 TWENTY YEAES OF gave vent to her feelings by praising the Lord aloud. Soon after this meeting the young skeptic gave his heart to God, and was converted. The good brother upon hearing of his salvation, sent for him. ''Now," said the brother, "what part of my discourse convinced you of your infidelity?" The young man being slow to answer, the Presbyterian brother insisted upon an •explanation. ''If I must tell you," said the young man, "I will. It was not a word that you said. Do you remember the old colored lady who became so demon- strative? When she took hold of my hand, I felt a -shock of divinity go all through me. Right there I was convinced that the religion of Jesus Christ was a reality." Frequently our most arduous efforts avail nothing. 'Except God, by his Holy Spirit apply the message, our words fall fruitless to the ground. A warm handshake just from the battery of heaven will strike terror much more quickly to a sinner's heart than any human endeavor. Let God be all in all, though man is nothing. While traveling along the road Mr. Howard met a man who was stuck fast in a mud hole. The wagon being heavily loaded, and the mules small, the man couldn't get out of his predicament. The attempt was made several times, but in vain. About this time a large German man came along. Seeing the condition of REVIVAL EFFORT. 149 things, he said, "Yeze git on one mule, and Ize git on the odder, and dey v^ill dake it oute." The word being given to go, the load came out with all ease. The weight of the men held the mules down so they could pull. 'As God's children we are too light. We can't pull much of a load in the work of the Lord. We need to be weighted down with church w^ork and other re- sponsibilities of a religious character. Let none grum- ble when the Savior burdens us down, but rather re- joice, knowing that our labors will be of much more service to our blessed Master. A few years since Mr. Howard went upon an excur- sion to California. One day the train was winding around a mountain peculiar to that locality. At that particular place considerable plowing and scraping had been done. Rocks and gravel were in abundance. They shone like gold. Every one in the car declared it was gold. All were wishing the train would stop that they might obtain some of this shining material. Sure enough, all at once, it did stop. In less time than it takes to tell it nearly every person had left the coach- es in quest of gold, as they supposed. All having re- turned again, they began to examine their find. It was pronounced pure gold. In the rear of the car sat 2n old gray-haired Californian, laughing at them. Mr. Howard saw something was peculiar, as he quietly ob- 150 TWENTY YEARS OF served proceedings. The man said, ''You are all fooled; that is not gold." The passengers still de- clared it was gold. Continued he, ''Come with me to the smoker and I will demonstrate to the satisfaction of all that this is not gold." ''Now," he proceeded, "pick out the best appearing piece, and give it to me." He took the piece and placed it in some acid which he had. The metal turned black. That told the tale. No more arguments were heard endeavoring to prove the metal found to be gold. Frequently we hear people profes- ing the grace of holiness. They say many good things, and look like they might have obtained the experience. When the Lord permits them to pass through some se- vere trial, suffer some deep affliction, or fall into divers temptations they turn back. The test could not be en- dured. There vras a falling out by the way. Who will be able to stand acquitted at the last day? "Not all that glitters is gold." The ability to rightly use illustrations, and make them the most pointed and effective, is possessed by none too many. When properly employed by a care- ful application, they often sink deep into the soul, the truths they are wont to elucidate. Natural talent, with skillfulness are conducive to their success. The art may be somewhat acquired, but must always be divine- ly blessed. Mr. Howard seemed to be an adept in KEYIVAL EFFOET. 151 their application. He knew just when, and how to draw upon his large store of "pointed illustrations." When he did they came with convincing power, and sin-killing force. The above are a few of the many from which he selects. They are original with him so far as is known. By studying them carefully, the laity as well as the ministry, will find in them precious truths designed to give great spiritual help. Sorrowing hearts will be comforted, sin-sick souls will discover a cure, and believers be greatly cheered. 152 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER XXII. CHURCHES DEDICATED. The dedicatory services of Mr. Howard are on a plane with all his other ministerial labors. His success is no less apparent, and his victories no less glorious. Every attempt brought forth fruit, financial and spirit- ual. Many a heavy church debt was raised, and num- bers of precious souls ''born again" at these occasions. None were ever in a line of formality, none without blessed results, and none at which God did not come down and fill the temple with his glory, and overshad- ow it with the shechinah of his presence. Prairie Center Free Methodist Church. Some years ago Mr. Howard was called to dedicate the Free Methodist church at Prairie Center, Kansas. Upon his arrival he learned that there was a mort- gage of seven hundred dollars held against the church edifice. The night before the services a heavy rain fell. The possibility of raising the mortgage seemed REVIVAL EFFORT. 153- dark and discouraging indeed. Rev. J. Travis, of Il- linois, long since deceased, was invited to preach the discourse of the morning. Though muddy and dis- agreeable the people came out in fair numbers. Love feast began at ten o'clock A. M. God manifested him- self gloriously. The Holy Spirit continued to be poured out till seven or eight were on their feet at once shouting the praises of God for joy. At this juncture Mr. Howard jumped to his feet, and said, ''Now, shout right on. Praise God, I enjoy it. But you have allowed a seven hundred dollar mortgage to be placed against God's house. It is a shame. There are men in this house who would not permit such a thing to be held, no not against their hogs. But it has been put upon the temple of the Lord. Now, don't stop your shouting. If you do, we will consider it has. been a sham — just put on. Let the Lord put the shout in us until it comes out through our pocket-book. When people pay in proportion to their shouts, it is generally considered real." At this, awful conviction came upon the entire congregation. They felt that debt must be lifted. In less than twenty minutes the- amount was lying on the stand either in cash or pledges. Then God came down in his own precious pres- ence and filled the temple. Great rejoicing was had on the part of every body present. That day the Scrip- 154 TWENTY YEA.RS OF ture was fulfilled where it says, ''Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven,and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Mai. 3:10. Grover Wesleyan Methodist Church. A short revival and dedicatory service was held at Grover, Kansas, under the auspices of Mr. Howard. Near this place is the home of that good man, Rev. L. S. Cooper, who had been greatly instrumental in lay- ing a firm foundation for the Holiness movement, as well as for the Wesleyan church, in said state. The Lord has greatly blessed his labors. This was a very peculiar meeting. The building had teen erected years before. Mr. Howard saw at once that it had lacked care. It was weather beaten, the window lights broken, and holes pecked in it by birds. No painting had ever been done upon it. Said he, as its surroundings were scanned by him, ''This is a hard looking church to give to the Lord." Afterwards he said to the stewards, "You must get some one else to dedicate this building. I have not sufficient grace to offer such a place of worship to God. It looks like Je- :sus Christ is a pauper, and that all his friends have for- REYIYAL EFFORT. 155 saken him and fled. If we had nothing better than a corn crib in which to worship, I could gracefully tell the Lord here is the crib, it is the best we have. But we can do better. Some of you have your thousands horded up around you. I can't insult God by offering him this poorly-repaired building." "Now," continued he, ''send to town and procure paints, brushes, and glass, and we will take ofif our coats and repair this church till it is made to be a very respectable place indeed. Then we can expect the Lord to come and take pos- session." The program was carefully followed. Meet- ings were held every night during the week. Gracious outpourings of the Spirit were enjoyed. By the next Sabbath the building presented a new appearance al- together. A severe snow storm came the night before the dedicatorv services. It w^as still storming when the day arrived. This somewhat discouraged the saints. At the hour of eleven only six persons were in the house. One of the dear old saints began to weep at this saying, ''God is against us." "No," replied Mr. Howard, "everything will be all right pretty soon." The clouds began to clear away and the sun to shine. By twelve o'clock the house was well filled. Mr. How- ard took his text from Luke i :6: "And they were both Hghteous before God, walking in all the command- ments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." While 156 TWENTY YEARS OF he was speaking the Spirit's presence came richly, even as of old. Eighty dollars was necessary to free the church from debt. During the discourse the people gladly received the truth and great conviction came upon them. A call was made for the needed amount, but in a few minutes the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars was freely given. The church building, in the midst of tears and rejoicing, was pre- sented to the Lord. Thus ended a glorious victory. Topeka Free Methodist Church. At the time of his second revival in Topeka, Mr. Howard dedicated the new Free Methodist church of that place. At the first meeting many were saved and sanctified. The fire continued to burn, but with in- creasing fervor. It was difficult to preach because of the rejoicing of the saints. The house continued to be so crowded that it was next to impossible to conduct an altar service. Many entered into the rest of faith. On the last Sabbath the church was given to the Lord. It will ever be a memorable spot in the hearts of many. Having crowded his way to the pulpit through the im- mense concourse of people, he announced his hymn, ''Guide me, O, thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land." While they were singing a mighty shock of divinity REVIVAL EFFORT. 157 touched every soul. One wave of glory after another continued to roll in mighty billows till all in the house were in a commotion. The congregation becoming quiet, Mr. Howard began the discourse of the morn- ing. An old man past sixty had crowded his way in, and was leaning against the door. During the sermon the Spirit of the Lord fell upon him, and he was pow- erfully saved. He shouted the praises of God, saying, 'T am saved, I am saved !" Within about three weeks of this time the old man died and went sweeping through the pearly gates. Kansas Conference Tabernacle. During a revival held at Little River, Kansas, the new conference tabernacle was dedicated to God by Mr. Howard. At this revival the old fashioned slay- ing power was manifest. Men and women fell as dead. The whole town was stirred to its very center. It continued under this pressure for ten days. The tab- •ernacle was dedicated on the last Sunday of the meet- ing. It was a time of great victory. As Mr. How- ard was giving it to the Lord as a Wesleyan Methodist tabernacle, a wave of divine glory passed over the con- gregation. It was as sweet as heaven. Some shouted, others laughed, while still others cried. A number were prostrated because of the heavenly presence, it 158 TWENTY YEARS OF was so sublime. The oldest people of the place de- clared that they had never seen it on this wise before. So in the midst of tears and hand shaking the blessed God received the gift and came to his own. Minersville Wesleyan Methodist Church. This was a new building, which had just been com- pleted, at Minersville, Cloud county, Kansas. It was erected by a newly organized class. They were most ly miners, and quite poor, but amidst struggles and de- privations they now had a neat, plain house of worship. Their pastor was greatly instrumental in its success- ful consumation. He labored much upon it with his own hands. As usual a heavy snow storm occurred the night be- fore the service was to be held. On Sabbath morning it was very cold, with a deep covering of snow upon the face of the earth. Notwithstanding the discourage- ments a goodly number were present. Mr. Howard, who had been engaged for the occasion, preached in demonstration of the Spirit and power. Many eyes were filled with tears, and many hearts with joy. A call for seventy-five dollars was made that the church might be free from debt. In less than ten minutes, over one hundred dollars were given. An unsaved man, being unusually wrought upon by the Spirit, REVIVAL EFFORT. 159- walked up to the stand, and with tears in his eyes, laid down twenty dollars. In the midst of victorious shouts a beautiful temple w^as given to the Lord. Morgan Chapel. A revival was held by Mr.' Howard, in this new chapel, and in connection with it dedicated the building: to the Lord. Some few months beiore this, while at breakfast, Grandma Morgan, as she was called, said to Mr. Howard, "I have one hundred dollars I wish to give towards the building of a church. I desire to place it where the devil cannot get it after I am gone. My great anxiety is to see the building completed be- fore the Lord calls me hence." From that morning the church was begun. The Morgan family, consist- ing of several boys and girls, paid heavily to this build- ing fund. During this revival a number were either saved, reclaimed, or sanctified. On the Sabbath the church house was presented to God in prayer by that holy man. Elder A. R. Brooks, lately deceased. Since that time this Wesleyan organization has been the means of many precious souls being brought into the kingdom. Grandma Morgan had her desire granted Jn that she lived several years after this. About two years ago she passed away having outlived her eighteith birthday. Angels came to receive her unto a blessed reward. 160 TWENTY TEAKS OF Suffice this number of dedicatory services to illus- trate his method, manner, and success. As the reader can see, none were stale and dry, but interesting be- cause of the Spirit's powerful presence. Many new born souls are the result of these meetings. God is pleased with, believers rejoice in, and an honest sinner desires just such services. REVIVAL EFFORT. 161 CHAPTER XXIII. FREAKS OF FANATICISM. V Fanaticism and wild-fire are nearly always present where the real work of God is in progress. The devil doesn't care whether we are formalists or fanatics, just V so we are not successful soul winners. Either one of these extremes destroys all usefulness on the part of any soul. It is difficult to reach a formalist, but much harder to rescue a fanatic. Their impressions become revelations from God ; their imaginations the voice of the Holy Spirit. These are considered of higher au- thority than good, sound, friendly advice, hence it is spurned, and the solicitous friend looked upon as an opposer of real salvation, and a hindrance to the cause - of God. The labor of such a person is a failure, and the peril of their soul alarming. God himself can hardly do anything for them, though he is the only source of their help. Mr. Howard, from the nature of 162 TWENTY YEARS OF his meetings, has met with much of this thing. Ap- pended we give a few^ circumstances occurring under his labors, that the reader may be warned not to in- trench, and given lessons how to handle it. KiUing a Colt. A good brother living in Jewell county was power- fully convicted to obtain the grace of holiness. Some things were in his way. In his desperation to be right with God the devil took advantage of him and almost unbalanced his mind. He had given his boys a very fine colt, of which they were very fond. They would pet and caress it at every opportunity. He became seized with a fanciful notion that the animal was idol- ized by the family. This he believed to be displeasing in the eyes of God. One night at a very late hour he called his boys and said, "Boys, the Lord has show^ed me that you are making an idol of that colt. Now you must go with me and kill it.'' He made them take an ax and knock it in the head. They obeyed and sac- rificed the colt to his heated imagination. In the morn- ing a messenger was dispatched post haste for Mr. Howard, who was stopping at a village not far dis- tant. The messenger announced, ''Brother C has become crazy. Will you not come to his home imme- diately?" They soon arrived at his place. At a REVIVAL EFFORT. 163 glance Mr. Howard saw what was the matter. It was with difficulty that he induced the unfortunate man to even look at him. He was compelled to handle him roughly, and slap him hard in the face before his dazed condition of mind would vanish. Mr. Howard by his rough usage of the man turned the bent of his mind. Thus he was rescued from a fearful condition. Since, he has not permitted the devil to entrap him, but is a useful man for the Lord. Catching an Angel. As usual at such meetings fanaticism broke (3ut at the Greely camp meeting. One hot afternoon in a ring meeting, while many were getting saved, and ex- citement was running high, a brother screamed to the top of his voice, saying, "Look, look! I see an angel in yon tree." In great haste he attempted to climb the tree, that he might catch the angel. The task to pre- vent him was difiScult. He continued to say, "Why, don't you see it? There it is sitting upon a limb." At times he was so determined to climb the tree that it required several persons to hold him. He. continued this till he became completely wet with perspiration. Mr. Howard was in one of the tents asleep, trying to obtain some rest from his arduous labors. Some one seeing the condition in which this man was, came 164 TWENTY YEARS OP and aroused Mr. Howard, requesting him to come quickly, and break the spell if possible. He hurried to the place, and soon learned the nature of the case with which he had to deal. He grabbed the man by the head, and gave his neck a terrible wrench. This soon aroused him, and he returned to his right mind. This was a good man but the devil had switched him off the right track in the above manner. It is a grand thing to keep well balanced. The Lord has designed that his children be symmetrical and perfectly de- veloped. May we" all take heed to ourselves. In this same meeting another man, while seeking the Lord at the altar, hastily arose, and, as if the devil was after him, ran about two hundred yards, and jumped into the midst of a thick hedge fence. While in this predicament the Lord had mercy upon him, and saved him. Formalism never produces fanati- cism. Christian Science Unmasked. A serious case occurred at a meeting in Douglas county. A man, calling himself a Christian Science minister, came to this meeting, and inquired of Mr. Howard if he did not wish some one to assist him in the meeting. His sharp, penetrating eye soon ran through the man's trickery, hence he said to him, REVIVAL EFFORT. 165 "No ! I think you need help more than any one I know of/' The man then crossed the river, and went to a house wliere a sick woman lay dangerously ill. He said to her, ''Believe you are well, and you will be well." He instilled this doctrine till she attempted, with some help, to arise. No sooner had her feet touched the floor than she fainted, and in a few min- utes died. Had he not made good his escape, the en- raged populace would have mobbed him. Fanaticism gone to Seed. The Franklin county revival produced its quota of deluded souls. One brother, having been saved from the awful tobacco habit, declared that he had just re- ceived a revelation from God, informing him that he would be privileged to chew tobacco again ; and that he was now doing it to the glory of God. Every one could see that he was following an impression from the devil. He also said that he stretched a wire around his yard, and made a law forbidding the devil to enter within. He farther said that that wire had been there for years, but that the devil had never pretended to cross over it but once. Then he procured a number of baskets and put his Satanic majesty at work, carrying manure. Said he, "I made him carry a basketful to each hill of corn on my farm. I never saw such corn 166 TWENTY YEARS OF grow as I had that year. When he comes around me, that is the way I use him. If some of you would do the same, you wouldn't have so many devils up- on your premises, or around your houses." He told this in great earnestness. Every one could see that this was fanaticism gone to seed, yet some supposed he was a Christian. He was a good neighbor, strict- ly honest, and made a good living, but he would fol- low impressions^ and declare them to be of the Holy Spirit. He wasn't a well-balanced Christian. These illustrate a few tangents upon which some people are misled. There are many others equally dangerous. How carefully we ought to live, and ever be "easy to be entreated." REVIVAL EFFORT. 167 CHAPTER XXIV AS VIEWED BY CO -LABORERS. Mr. Howard had traveled extensively in his gospel labors, and made many warm friends. Upon learning of his intention to publish a book entitled ''Twenty Years of Revival Effort/' many wished to add their mite to its already interesting pages. A few of^ these we give, portraying a general outline of the work, and revealing the esteem with which he is held. May 9, 1898. Dear Brother Howard: — I learn that you are about to publish reminiscences of your revival work. The intimacy and unbroken cordiality of our relations during several years of stirring labors, seem to indicate the propriety of my furnishing a word of testimony of continued good will and interest in the Lord's work. Some of the most eventful and pleasant years of my life of busy 168 TWENTY YEARS OF and widely varied experiences, were thus spent in western Kansas, and Nebraska. I recall them with great pleasure. The spirit of revival was in the air. Hope, courage, and good cheer animated all hearts, and beamed upon the countenance and expressed it- self in the grasp of the hand. The enthusiasm which caused the line of teams with covered wagons — "prai- rie schooners'" — to start on their way to camp-meet- ings, preaching a long sermon across prairie divides ; which caused the pilgrims to eagerly go thirty, forty, fifty miles to ordinary quarterly meetings ; which brought urgent calls for revival meetings from many points ; which inspired limitless sacrifices to forward the work of God ; these, and other like features are pleasant memories. Without detracting from the honor due to the faithful labor of others, it is safe to say this atmosphere of revival in western Kansas, and Nebraska from 1880 to 1885, was in large measure due to your zeal, sacrifice, and success. I do not forget the years of your uncompensated toil, when you turned over all receipts, practically, to the' aid and in- spiration of your brethren. The unqualified respect with which, as District Elder, I was ever treated by you, while you were sometimes called District Elder, or Chairman, by way of sarcastic reflection on myself, are agreeable as well as amusing reflections. I REVIVAL EFFORT. 169^ thought it a merit to discern and give freedom to one who could do the needed work better than myself,, without standing on the red tape of official superior- ity. One element of your success was the reliability with which you could be depended on to keep an ap- pointment, be on hand promptly, have provision made in season for a grove, camp, quarterly, or protracted meeting, and be ready to welcome all comers with an inspiring hand-shake, and expectant greeting. God honored such appropriate incidentals with his out- poured Spirit. The secret was faith inspiring sacrifice and effort ; and the faith brought God's gracious pres- ence in power. The pilgrims felt they had a courage- ous and successful leader. That gave them uncon- querable courage and zeal. It pays to make invest- ments where the returns are apparent. So men feel, and thus they will zealously work. You wet^Jthe first one to whom I communicated the orig- inal plan and purpose, God inspired, as I fully believed, which at length, under another form, developed into the building and incorporation of the Orleans school. That plan, in the light of after experiences was, doubtless, wiser than the one followed. Had we car- ried out the purpose, unfortunately obstructed by the acts of others, of building in more moderate and hum- ble style as contemplated, we might have been spared 170 TWENTY YEARS OF some bitter, and disastrous experiences. However, the glorious struggle at Orleans developed the hero- ism of the self-denying saints, and made a record with few parallels. I have ever accredited you with the strictest honor in financial dealing, as well as success- ful management of the work of original building. The account of our mutual sacrifices and labors, with those of our faithful co-workers, prominent among whom should be named District Elder E. E. Miller, is with the Lord, I trust, such as we can safely meet in the final day. I have not space to recall a multitude of interesting particulars of those joyful and triumphant, though arduous years of our associated labors. The inspir- ing songs, the powerful seasons of prayer at revival altars ; the spirit of prophecy resting upon the saints, which brought forth burning, spear-pointed testimo- nies ; the honest confessions and hearty renunciations which prepared the way of the Spirit ; the shouts of vic- tory with a friendly, loving spirit, which quelled the hearts of opposers, and attracted whole communities, are incidents which you have, doubtless, narrated in detail. It would be agreeable to name many of our companions in toil and triumph, to recall the scenes on the Sappa, and the Solomon, at Norton and Al- mena, at Orleans and Alma, and in various other RKYIVAL EFFORT. 171 places. The above must suffice. God is ever tlie same: ''Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day and iorever." A wise use of means will secure glorious ends. Finney claims the laws of the Spiritual king- dom, available for success in revival work are more re- liable than the laws of agriculture. Let us apply them while the day lasts. As ever in Jesus, C. M. Damon. Revivals, heaven ordained and heaven born, are the kind we desire, and must have. Men with good nat- ural, and acquired ability ; with tact, and talent ; pos- sessed with good judgment, and great generalship ; and men filled with the Holy Spirit, who preach in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power, are the cry- ing need of the pulpit now, as in days of yore. Thank God, there are such men yet living. I have labored some in protracted efforts, and assisted differ- ent persons in revival work ; have seen a goodly num- ber converted, and many wholly sanctified, and have closely observed men who were successful soul win- ners in the Master's vineyard. It has been my happy lot to be quite often associated with Rev. G. B. Howard, the subject of this work, for a period of seven years. I have been at his home in 172 TWENTY YEAKS OF Topeka, Kansas, a number of times, and find him there as elsewhere, happy, genial, sociable, honest, and whole-souled. Honesty is the basis principle, without which the whole superstructure falls. ]\Ir. Howard's general- ship is extraordinary, the unction with which he preaches is overwhelming. He declares the whole counsel of God to both saint and sinner. I have sat under his preaching when it seemed as though heaven and earth would come together. The great crowd of people who attended his services sat breathlessly at- tentive to catch every word. When the climax in the discourse had been reached, and awful conviction was settling upon the people, a mighty rush for the altar would be made. Then the heart-rending cry of the sinner for mercy, the pleading of beHevers for full salvation, and the shouts of victory from those just delivered, blended into one grand and sublime har- mony. It was music begotten in heaven. B. F. Hester. I take pleasure in saying that when I came west to Alma, Nebraska, in 1883, the name of Brother G. B. Howard, the Evangelist, was a household word in all Free ^Methodist homes, as well as in many others. It was stated soon after, that he would pitch his large REVIVAL EFFORT. 173 tabernacle near my residence, in a few days. This report rapidly spread among saint and sinner, until they came from far and near as soon as the tent was pitched. This was my first camp-meeting during the whole of my life up to that time. Such pungent con- viction took hold on my heart, that I was afterwards led to yield myself to the Lord. Many were saved in this meeting. Others became so interested that they followed up many such meetings that year to find out the success of the evangeHst. We noticed that his ability to handle large congregations as he willed, made him a natural general. His equal in this line was not to be found in all this country. We have known him fifteen years, and have had no occasion to change our mind. We have seen him sway great congregations. Some in attendance on the meetings attempted to destroy the services ; they nearly al- ways went away his friends ; frequently they would be saved of God. Under his work many young ministers were raised up in Kansas and Nebraska, who have become successful preachers of the gospel. They are scattered over many western states. One point of success was in his knowing how to put every one to work. If some formal professors would come on the camp-ground he would soon have them trying to pray or testify. In this manner he dis- 174 TWENTY YEARS OF covered to them their dead condition, and put them tO' crying for help. They would come through with such power, that they immediately entered into gospel service, and blessed times w^ould follow. Until this day in the communities where he and his workers pitched their tent, we are asked, ''Where is the Rev. Howard, the Evangelist, who a few years ago kindled such watchfires in this county?" Never be- fore or since was there such an interest manifested in this country among all classes of people. It was an easy thing for people to come from far and near to attend these revivals. His tactics were, ''AH things to all men, that he might win some." The writer was so stirred in the first of this series of meetings, because his wife went to the altar, that he took off his coat to settle the matter with Brother Howard, thinking he was to blame for it all. But his generalship equipped him for all emergencies, and he so managed such cases that good always came out of them. The Wal- nut Creek meeting was one of power. God's Spirit was blessedly manifest. Some were healed, others lay over night under divine powxr, and many were bless- edly saved. At times some would be leaping, jump- ing, shouting and running for joy. Fanaticism put in its hydra-head with the genuine, but it was managed with such skill, that the subject was both cured, and REVIVAL EFFORT. 175 saved and the work of God went on unmolested. The faculty Mr. Howard possessed of detecting a false spir- it in a meeting always made other ministers feel safe to leave all management to his control. Those who were jealous of his success, and opposed his manner of work were always glad to secure his assistance on any special occasion. Though it is some eight years since Brother How- ard left this country, much fruit remains to testify of the great victories there achieved. He has outgener- aled all his opposers. While getting along in years, he can look back and behold many bright spots where w^ar has been turned into triumph. Many that were saved under his labors have now gone home. When the great final reunion takes place, and all appear be- fore the bar of God, scores of precious souls saved in these meetings, will bedeck with stars of rejoicing, the bright diadem given unto Mr. Howard by the Lord. . Yours in Christ Jesus, J. W. Edwards. iV6 TWENTY YEAES OF CHAPTER XXV. AS VIEWED BY CO-LABORERS. — CONTINUED. The first time I met Mr. Howard was twelve years ago. He was then engaged in the ever memorable meeting that shook all Parkdale, and in fact, stirred the whole city of Topeka. I was greatly impressed with his earnestness, zeal, and generalship. At this time he was a member of the Free Methodist Church. In the spring of 1891 he united with the Wesleyan Methodist church at Topeka, Kansas. Under the spirit of God he wonderfully revived the latent forces hidden there. The fall of that same year he united with the Kansas Annual Conference of said church, during its session at Valley. After the lapse of some five years, we find the conference, under his leadership, gaining ground in numbers, interest, power, and spirituality. REVIVAL EFFORT. 177 He is wonderfully possessed with that grace or power which enables him to present eternal truths with such force that men and women, and even chil- dren, are irresistibly constrained to yield themselves into the hand of God. At the Ames conference four years ago it was with difficulty that he was persuaded to preach on Sabbath morning. He took the stand, however, but did not preach more than twenty minutes, till the awful power and presence of God was overwhelmingly poured out upon speaker and people. Because of cries, groans, and shouts he could proceed no farther, but made an altar call. People came rushing in great numbers and soon were blessedly saved. Oh, what a glad shout went up that day, as Wesleyans, Methodists, Campbel- lites, backsliders, and sinners, ahke plunged into the cleansing flood, and were made whole. There was one scene occurred in this meeting which I never shall forget. A strong man, the ex-sherif? of Cloud county, apparently had neither the strength to sit down, nor the courage to go forward. Under the convicting power of God he stood there weeping, the remainder of the congregation having either sat down or gone to the altar. Mr. Howard soon found his way to the brother, and with streaming eyes, irresist- ible entreaty, and by using a little physical force, he 178 TWENTY YEARS OF succeeded in getting the man to the altar. He was sweetly saved, having been almost forced into the kingdom. In the spring of '94 I was conducting a meeting at Alden, Kansas. It had J3een in progress four weeks. Mr. Howard came to my assistance for a few nights. The' meeting having been a success from the begin- ning all wondered how it could be bettered. The first night every one was curious, and all were comparing the relative virtues of the two preachers. This had a tendency to lower the spiritual tide under which the services had been running. But if ever a man was helped of God he was the next night. It was un- earthly. People screamed, and fell from their seats ; mothers g^ave their lives for their children ; fathers wept upon the necks of their sons ; a Roman Catholic woman declared she would give her life's blood for her husband, and fell as one dead ; seekers fled to the altar, jumping over seats, and the heads of those in the audience ; one man, a railroad hand, fell head- long over the people, appearing to the onlookers as a person diving through water. About twenty were saved that evening. In the summer of '95 I conducted a tabernacle meeting in Sterling, Kansas. During the eighth week Mr. Howard came to pour deadly shot into the ene- REVIVAL EFFORT. 119 my's ranks. Some victories had been achieved under the fire of the devil and his emissaries, but as we would advance Satan enlarged his fortifications, and called for new volunteers. Finally, the entire city, in soHd phalanx, arrayed itself against us. The ministers and church members of all denominations united, and erected a large platform, also seating capacity for fifteen hundred persons, near our tabernacle. A choir of three hundred singers was organized. This made us somewhat nervous, but we looked unto the Lord. On the last Sabbath of the meeting the wind was in their favor, thus the sound from their choir and their other services would drown the effect of our meeting. But God willed it otherwise. About meeting time the wind turned. That night Mr. Howard seemed to en- ter the heavenly land, he preached with such power. One by one the people began to leave the other service. Before the close of the discourse their entire congrega- tion was surging around our tent, endeavoring to get a glimpse of the speaker. The formality of an altar call was not followed, for the people rushed to the penitent form without being urged. The meeting continued till after midnight. Eternity alone will re- veal the glorious results of that night's service. The writer clearly remembers another time when Mr. Howard came to aid him. It was at a quarterly 180 TWENTY YEARS OF meeting upon the Raymond circuit. Mr. Howard was vividly describing the dangerous condition of the unsaved as they heedlessly go rushing down grade, with steam on, throttle open, brakes off, towards the bridgeless, bottomless chasm of an endless hell. He illustrated the scene by the following circumstance: "A i loaded passenger train was thundering down a heavy decline unconscious that just below^ a bridge was washed out. The red light was seen, the signal 'down breaks' was given, the engine reversed, a prayer was breathed, but to no avail. It was too late ! The momentum was so great that the train plunged to a certain death amid the frantic screams, and the dying groans of her human freight." The suspense of the congregation during this recital was awful. At the moment he spoke of the fearful plunge of that train a young man in the congregation screamed as though he was dropping into hell. I might speak of many other familiar scenes and pleasant associations, but will let these suffice to show the conflicts, and the victories we together enjoyed. V. C. Taliaferro. The experience of entire sanctification has been en- joyed by me for nearly five years. I was at the Ray- mond camp-meeting when this blessed grace was ob- tained. Under the plain, pointed preaching of Mr. REVIVAL EFFORT. 181 Howard, God made me most uncomfortable. As / ' the Word shined upon my soul, I saw as never before, the depth of depravity and pride, into which my heart had sunken ; how much I loved dress, fashion, and the giddy applause of the world; what the death I must die meant; and what a separation I must make from my present conformity to the world, and popular desires. Pungent conviction came upon my heart, till I was in awful agony for over forty-eight hours. One afternoon when I was in a state of desperation, Mr. Howard called upon me to pray. From the depths of my soul, I cried out in great agony. God immediate- ly came to my deliverance, and I sprang to my feet shouting ''Victory." In this blessed wave of glory I went around the tabernacle shaking hands with every- body. I shall ever praise the Lord for being per- mitted to attend one of Mr. Howard's camp-meetings, where the light of full salvation was revealed to me. H. Jennie Taliaferro. [The subject of this letter has been a minister of the gospel ever since this memorable day. She has been a pastor at several different times. A few years ago she was ordained an Elder in the Church of God by the Kansas Annual Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection (or Church) of America. — Compilers.] 182 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER XXVL MR. Howard's sermons Believing that a book of this kind would not be com- plete unless it contained a few sermons as delivered by Mr. Howard, we herewith append some. He had a style pecuHar to himself, which we have endeavored to closely follow. His discourses contained all essential qualities adapted to his work. Their power lay in his originaHty, clearness of speaking and pointedness of illustration. His success in enlightening the mind, convincing the judgment, and influencing the will of his hearers was phenomenal. It can be seen in his spiritual discernment. When the cHmax of his dis- course was reached, and the Spirit was swaying, as in a tempest, the hearts of men, he immediately stopped, i that the effect of his burning words be not lost. A blessed quality to be possessed, an ability to be cov- eted, a success to be emulated, is his skill in quit- ting when through. REVIVAL EFFORT. 183 An Earthquake Revival. In all ages God has had his witnesses to these earth- quake revivals. Every reader of the Bible and history know something of these powerful refreshings as they occurred in the time of the Apostles ; their immediate followers ; of John Huss, Luther, Wycliffe, Wesley, Roberts, and others. They were all endued with the spiritual dynamite of the Word. Charles G. Finney was miraculously filled with this gracious gift. Charged with this experience he walked into a cotton mill, and stood amid the roar of three hundred looms. His countenance was radiant with celestrial fire. Every operator became speechless and spellbound under the melting look of this man of God. They became so confused that they could not proceed with their work. A solemn awe settled o'er each one. They felt like the angel of death had come to judge the world. As they were looking him in the face pungent conviction settled upon them. The ungodly proprietor did not escape the lasso of the Holy Spirit. He ordered the mill to be stopped, and all work to be suspended. He said to all the laborers, 'Tt is no time to run a cotton mill, but we must look after the salvation of our souls. I, myself, am an awful sinner, and need to be saved. Hence we turn the mill over to this man of God." This occurred before Mr. Finney had spoken a word. 184 TWENTY YEARS OF Strong men and proud women fell on the floor all around and began crying for mercy. This power is essential to the success of every meeting. -Only as it is possessed by speaker and professor will anything be accomplished in the work of the Lord. Benjamin Abbott, one of Bishop Asbury's circuit riders during the Revolutionary war, was a remark- able example of this wonderful outpouring. As he passed on his pastoral rounds it was a common thing to see nearly the whole of his congregations fall pros- trate while he was preaching. Their physical power would be completely overcome until they were either saved or sanctified. It was this possessed spiritual dynamite that accomplished these glorious results, and that slayed hundreds and thousands as by a single stroke of God's mighty hand. During the camp-meetings held in Bourbon county^ Kentucky, the power of God was so wonderfully mani- fest that thousands of people came for hundreds of miles to witness these miraculous services. James B. Finley says he traveled from Ohio on horse-back in order to satisfy his curiosity respecting the report cir- culated about these revivals. He was an obdurate sinner, and defied this slaying, jerking power about which so much had been said. With Satan to help him, he determined to resist every conviction of the REVIVAL EFFORT. Spirit. He wished to prove to the world that one sin- ner, at least, was more than a match for this strange and unaccountable manifestation. But he fell a vic- tim to its power, and was ''thoroughly" converted. He became a champion preacher of Methodism. Among the extraordinary scenes he describes was the follow- ing: ''A multitude of twenty-five thousand people had congregated. About twenty preachers dispersed among this vast concourse, and upon boxes, stumps,, wagons, and rocks, preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, till the people were crying and fall- ing in every direction. On one occasion he saw at one time five hundred people fall to the ground as sudden- ly as if a battery of one thousand guns had swept their ranks with immense broadsides. After about fifteen minutes of wailings, pleadings, jerkings, and agoniz- ing, they arose like a mighty swell of the sea and made the air resound and reverberate with deafening shouts of triumph." Many times have I witnessed this same wonderful, supernatural, inexplicable power in my own meetings. In a meeting at Soul Chapel, Pulaski county, Ken- tucky, this power was manifested. Many fell, hav- ing lost the strength to either stand or walk. This oc- curred not only at the altar, but throughout the house. The aisles were blocked with the slain of the Lord. 186 TWENTY YEA.es OF I can say with G. D. Watson, that in these latter days, "We need an earthquake revival — a revival in < which no one will ever raise for prayers, but where they fall and pray for themselves ; where they weep and mourn and make the doctors think they are in- sane ; a revival that will make preachers forget their manuscripts and burst out and weep in the pulpit. I declare in the presence of God, and his host that I am ready for just such a moral scene. :• Nothing is so / alarming as the utter absence of alarm in the churches ; nothing is so dreadfully terrific to my mind as that sinners have no terror. Oh, that God would so bap- tize with fire, a thousand people, as to render them in- comprehensible amazements of power! Oh, for a few men so dead to all things but God, and so filled with him as to make them more than a match for the rest of mankind ! Oh, thou triune God of Sinai, Cal- vary, and Pentecost, art thou not now nursing under the horizon, the Hghtning, and thunder, and rain of an amazing hohness revival? Lord, let it come. Let it * strike our nation. Though it may thrust our fairs and festivals in the gutter, blow the French music out of our choirs, and the feathers out of our bonnets; though it should confound all the wise ones and be understood by no one but thy divine self, let it come. Thou art the master of thine own tempest. Oh, send REVIVAL EFFORT. 187 us a storm of the Holy Ghost before thou sendest the storm of the judgment. When such a revival strikes :a church, or community it will make people awfully mad, or awfully happy/' Lord, send us an earthquake revival before it is too late, before men go to their reward in a lost and ruined condition. "These that have turned the world up- side down are come hither also." Acts 17:6. Sermon on Holiness. Text, I. John 3:8: ''He that committeth sin is of the ■devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil." The devil is, or generally supposed to be, a fallen angel. He was in heaven once, and enjoyed it with all that heaven meant. But becoming proud and am- bitious, he wanted to rule heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels, and overcame them, and cast them out of heaven down to earth. When the devil was cast out all the glory world rejoiced ; but all earth mourned, and has been in mourning ever since, because of the devil and his w^orks. Now Jesus tells us that for this purpose He came to ''destroy the works of the devil." Whatever the devil did, our Lord came to undo. What did the 188 TWENTY YEARS OE devil do? I see our foreparents in the garden of Eden. They are walking in the midst of, talking about, and enjoying the beauties and glories of that Eden home, in their spotless innocence and purity. So far as guilt is concerned, they are as innocent as God. Their Creator, in whose image and likeness they were created, came down from heaven. He walked with them, and they communed together. One day the Lord came down to visit the happy pair, but he failed to find them. He looked around at their accustomed haunt, but still failed to ascertain their whereabouts. He called, ^'Adam, where art thou?'' He looked again and beheld them sitting under a fig tree, sewing fig leaves together, that they might hide their nakedness. Said God, ''Who told you that you were naked?'' Something had happened ; things were not the same. 'Just as soon as they received the dev- * irs lie in their heart, they knew they were naked. That moment, too, they lost the image of God from their heart. With this sad catastrophe the whole human family went down in a crash. This is what the devil did. ' Now, whatever is sinful connected with the fall^ ^ Jesus came to destroy it. He came not only to de- stroy the works of the devil, but to bring the human family back to a state of innocence and purity — restore us to what we lost in the fall. REVIVAL EFFORT. 189 I see this bad temper we have came with the fall. We all came into the world with it. Even the babies have it. How many times have you seen them throw themselves on the floor, slobber at the mouth, tear their hair, fight everybody and everything around them, and want to rule things in general. The nature or disposition in that child can never enter heaven. It can not be forgivem The reason it cannot enter heaven is because it is unholy. # Should it be per- mitted to enter that land of purity, war would again be declared there inside of five minutes. . The reason this bad temper cannot be forgiven, is because the child is not responsible for it. It was born in the child. Now since God will not permit it to enter heaven, he has made provision for its destruc- tion. The provision is that it be cleansed out by the precious blood of Jesus. This nature is not only in the little babies, but is in the big babies also, if it has not been cleansed out. It is the tap root of all sin. All evil grows from it. It is inherited, and will cause us to lose our souls, except it be destroyed. Jesus came to take it out. 'God or-" dained that we should be holy, and walk before him blameless in love. Titus tells us that ''denying un- godliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Paul 190 TWENTY YEARS OF tells us in the fifth chapter of Ephesians that the church is to be holy, without spot, wrinkle or any such thing. Jesus says, "AH power is given unto me both in heaven, and in earth." All the power vested in the Father is delegated to the Son to carry out this great plan, the destruction of the works of the devil in us^ ' and to finally bring us home to glory. We are told in L John that ''If we confess our sins,, he (Jesus) is just and faithful to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Here is mentioned both forgiveness, and cleansing. What cannot be forgiven can be cleansed. Again we are taught in the Bible that we are to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God. .The cross means death.- We are to be crucified with Christ. The man or woman who goes through this experience will know some- thing of the suflferings of Jesus in the garden. When carnality dies there will be a struggle. Some people go upon the cross, but come down again before they are dead. Others go through the form of crucifixion and play dead. Once while going to school in my boyhood days with my sister, we saw an opossum just ahead of us. We gave chase and scared the animal up a small bush. We tried to shake him off. With a dull thud he finally fell to the ground, turning over on his back. He looked like he was dead. I said EEVIVAL EFFORT. 191 to my sister, "He is dead. He must have killed him- self in falling." But for fear that he might not be dead, I took a large club and beat that 'possum until I thought there wasn't a bone in its body. We re- sumed our journey, but had not gone more than ten rods, until we chanced to look around, and there was our 'possum slyly running away. He wasn't dead at all. He played dead. A great many people are just lil<:e that 'possum. They say they are cru- cified, and dead to the world. But in reality they are only playing dead. Under trial or temptation there goes your '"possum." We must stay on the cross until we are dead. Don't come down too soon. When the old Jew put his sacrifice upon the altar, and the fire of God came down and con- sumed it, it was burned head, hoofs, horns, and all. There was no more horning, no more kicking, no more balking. So will it be with the soul who has really died the death to self, and been made alive in Christ. There are some who try to receive the experience,, or desire to have the works of the devil destroyed in other ways than in God's appointed manner. The Word says, ''Present your bodies a living sacrifice." So many ofifer God a dead sacrifice. Such he will not accept. I once preached a sermon on holiness to a. 192 TWENTY YEARS OF large congregation. After this they had class meet- ing. A good brother, a spiritual man, was unusually tlessed during the meeting, going over the house shaking hands with everybody. At the close of the :service he threw his arms around me, and said, ''Come, go home with me. I want to convince you that I got it all when I was converted." I replied, 'Til go home with you, but I won't argue the matter." He lived just at the outskirts of town. While he was at meet- ing getting blessed, his hogs at home were rooting up the potatoes. When he drove up to the house, all over the patch the potatoes could be seen brightly shining in the sun. The man grew red in the face,** handed the lines to me, and said with some emphasis, w. "Hold these Hues." The patch contained about an acre of ground all paled in. He jumped out of the wagon, and into the patch, and ran the hogs round and round. Hog like, they refused to go out of the patch at the place they entered. He grew redder and redder in the face. Finally he called to his wife in a com- manding, angry tone of voice to hand him the pitch fork leaning against the house. She saw he was unus- ually stirred, and refused to give it to him. He then called the dogs, exclaiming with chnched teeth, 'Til Tcill everyone of them." Presently the pigs went out, and he stood there in the potato patch flushed with REVIVAL EFFORT. 193 anger and carnality. As he approached the wagon, where I was still holding the team, I said to him, ''Do you now see anything of the carnal nature?" As quick as a flash he saw it. -Being an honest man he,/ fell upon his knees in the garden, and there cried to God to destroy^the works of the devil in him. God powerfully delivered him. Carvosso said, ''When I received this experience it was like a thousand suns at noonday. It is without bottom or shore.'' This is the experience of every man or woman who has had the works of the devil de- stroyed, and who has known what it really means to be ■dead indeed to sin, and to live a Hfe hid with Christ in . God. They live where the birds sing night and day, where the sun goes not down, and where fragrant flow- ers are forever blossoming. They are lost in wonder, love and praise. It is one glorious eternal day. Text, Prov. 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he •should go ; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This is not to be in the way it wants to go, but the way it should go. We see nowadays many fathers and mothers living with their children — boarding with them. Some not yet five years old, are running the liouse as they please. One day I was in one of these 194 TWENTY YEARS OF homes. ' A five year old chap was bossing everything^ and flinging articles in every direction. His mother said to me, "If you had such a boy, what would you do with him?" I replied, ''I would preach holiness ta him for about five minutes at the end of a rod.'' r One of the nicest things in this lower world is a well- regulated family government. Without that nine out of every ten of our children will either fill prisons or houses of shame. - Because of this lack many girls ' not yet fifteen years old are promenading the streets at all hours of the day, and sometimes until a late hour at night. One time I was conducting a meetmg in a neighbor- hood where the oldest daughter of a nice family sick- ened and died. She passed away unsaved as far as anyone knew. The mother became almost frantic with grief. The thought of her daughter meeting God unprepared distressed her to such an extent that she roamed the fields, wrung her hands, and cried out in utter despair, ''Oh, if I only knew Mary was saved, I could give her up." I was called to see if I could not do something to quiet her. Said I, 'Tf the devil could put you in the asylum, all hell would have a. jubilee over it. Mary is gone. She is in the hands ol" a just God. Your screaming and wringing of hands, will never change Mary's state, nor help her eternal REVIVAL EFFORT. 195 welfare. The devil has started you after the dead child, and you are unmindful of the living ones. Here is Jane, Susan, William, and Simon ; all are unsaved. Why don't you scream for them? Call upon God for the living, andltot for the one who is past help. How many sleepless nights have you spent crying for the children who are unsaved?" Fathers, mothers, per- haps you read at family worship this morning, ''The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.'' There sat the unsaved children. Does father or mother act like they were lost? - Surely if you parents see your children as you will at the last day, youi would be weeping, lamenting, and groaning until God would save them. The judgment day will reveal awful things. Parents, let me exhort you to do your screaming and wringing of hands now ! There are many homes in the land which might be happy, but for the dark shadow of wretchedness thrown over them by disobedient sons and daughters. *' Many a father has a withering blight cast upon him in old age, and his gray hairs brought down with sorrow to the grave ; and many a mother is bowed in broken-hearted anguish on the account of the rude, cruel, and undu- tiful conduct of those who might have made their last days, their brightest and best. What base ingratitude marks the sin of disobedience to parents. 196 TWENTY YEARS OF Children, in helpless days of infancy your father and mother watched over you ; in sickness they spent long and sleepless nights attending you; their tears fell in copious showers upon your couch, when dan- gerous symptoms of disease appeared; for you they planned, and toiled, and exercised self-denial. Much of this was bestowed before you were conscious of such love. . ' Dear children, remember, these parents will not al- w^ays be with you. A few more years and they will be laid away in the silent tomb. You should be kind to them while they are here. If not, as you view their grass-covered graves, your sleeping conscience may be awakened, and make your soul tremble under its blasting rebuke, as you remember the past ; but it will be too late. The most pitiful sight I ever saw was the bitter remorse of a wicked, disobedient son at the grave of his mother. "Oh," said he, "if I had her back for just one hour, that, on my knees, I might ask her forgiveness." We shall never pass this way but once. Heaven once lost is forever lost. For, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." REVIVAL EFFORT. 197 CHAPTER XXVII. AS A PRESIDING OFFICER. Mr. Howard's ability to officially lead was soon rec- ognized by those w^ith whom he associated in delibera- tive assemblies. He began his career too late in life, however, to make the necessary intellectual culture, or equip himself with such literary attainments, as would make him what the world, and perhaps, some of his brethren, consider an imposing, gifted, or polished executive officer. At the same time, men whose sense of propriety was sometimes shocked at some technical breach of parlimentary usage, marveled and we sometimes have fancied, envied, his phenomenal success to manage an assembly so that the greatest possible good w^ould result to all concerned. In fact Mr. Howard had never studied to perfect himself in the technical points of parliamentary law, nor did he 198 TWENTY YEARS OF seek to fill an executive office with that studied nicety so often considered the essential characteristic of a presiding officer. After having served the Free Methodist Church in the north-west for several years,in a capacity requiring the utmost skill and generalship, he was entrusted with the financial agency of Orleans Seminary. He was . also given the responsibiHty as one of the trustees, to personally oversee the building while in process of erection. The successful culmination of this enter- prise gained for him sufficient reputation as to commend him at once to the brethren in South-east Kansas, who had undertaken an enterprise of like character. Here he was made financial agent of Ne- osho Rapids Seminary, and elected chairman of the board of trustees. He was afterwards elected Dis- trict Elder of the Lawrence District. After this he was given the District Eldership of the Lawrence and Emporia districts ; still later he received over- sight of the Lawrence, Emporia, and Wichita districts. This position he filled for five consecutive years, with success and acceptability. When he transferred his membership to the Wes- leyan Methodist church, he transferred his holy zeal good will, and generalship as well. The Kansas Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church had re- REVIVAL EFFORT. 199 <:ently suffered from internal disruption, and had been in peril among ''false brethren." When Mr. How- ard came among them, they at once recognized in him the man whom God had sent to infuse new life and energy into the hearts of the brethren. The conference had been making noble efforts to regain her footing — recover ground which had been wrested from them. It was now only waiting for an opportunity to make some aggressive movement which would again put it in active warfare, instead of follow- ing the tread-mill process of keeping eight or ten circuits alive as it had been heretofore compelled to do. It had been on the defensive, instead of assum- ing the aggressive as it should have done. The com- ing of Mr. Howard put it on the offensive. His first appointment, to labor among the churches during the winter, and to manage the conference tabernacle throughout the summer, was one in which his general- ship was displayed to such an extent, that the confer- ence once more felt free to say that its life was its own. Shortly after Mr. Howard's trip through the conference, and his labor among the churches, he was elected president of the conference, the highest and most responsible position at the disposal of said body. This office Mr. Howard continues to hold, being now in his sixth successive term. Under his manage- 200 TWENTY YEARS OF ment many new circuits and charges have been added to the conference, and many of our most successful preachers have been brought into the ministry. The success which has attended his efforts as president of the conference has not been due alone to his manage- ment, but we firmly believe that much of it lies in his abihty to enthuse, and encourage the hearts of the workers with whom he was associated. While at times he may have been a little lax in his administra- tive ability, yet no one could truly accuse him of ever driving the Spirit of God from a deliberative assembly by rigidly adhering to the letter of the law. We re- member a very striking incident of how the Spirit of God was permitted to rule, when Mr. Howard occu- pied the presidential chair. It was during the busi- ness session of an annual conference. A lady arose, and interrupting the service, said, "Mr. President, would it be out of order for me to praise the Lord?'' ''No, certainly not," he responded. "Praising the Lord is always in order." God's power fell upon the sister, and her face looked like that of an angel as she poured forth her praise and gratitude to God. Suf- fice it to say that she was not the only one who was soon shouting. Those who were present that day will never forget that hour of rich refreshing in the busi- ness session of an annual conference. REVIVAL EFFORT. 201 When Mr. Howard united with the conference, it was at a low ebb, both spiritually and numerically. It is not so now. In lay membership it has much more than doubled ; in preachers it has thribbled ; in divine life and power it has excelled anything for years past. The following account of an annual conference ses- sion, held at North Branch, Jewell county, Kansas, September i-6, 1896, will vividly illustrate the above: 'Tt was called to order by that man of God, Rev. G. B. » Howard. From first to last, there was salvation all along the line. I never have in all my life met such an unselfish body of men, each preferring the other. And, O glory! as we met in the various sittings it seemed that the very powers of God, and the mellow light of heaven were upon, and among the brethren. When I first entered the tent on my arrival I felt as though I should take ofif my shoes, for I realized I was standing on holy ground. O, praise the Lord for a , salvation that brings the hearts and minds of men and - women in touch with each other, and with God. I ' never have in all my life found a company of people to- gether where there was such union of feeHng and spirit, and I have never felt so perfectly at home among a strange body of men. And be it said to the praise of our blessed Master, that from the first meet- ing of the conference the power of God was upon the 202 TWENTY YEARS OF people. As the business of the conference was being carried forward there were shouts of praise heard, and ♦ floods of light and love from the throne of God filled the place. I could but exclaim, 'Truly, the Lord is in this place.' Oh, how He did bless His people as they pHed themselves to the work of the assembly. I never witnessed such outbursts of the love and the power of God as fell upon that body in its business sessions. Wave after wave of salvation swept through the tent, so that the deliberations would have to stop while the people gave thanks to the Lord ; and in all the religious services the power of God was upon the preacher and people. Shouts of praise and songs of joy seemed to be the order of the day. * Strong men 'would weep like children, and leap Hke the hart. Men and women would fall as dead. Souls were saved and sanctified. Ornaments of the body were thrown ofif, and the people took the blood and fire line for God and heaven." The following resolutions as passed by the above conference, show the esteem with which Mr. Howard was regarded by his brethren: Whereas, Our beloved president. Elder G. B. Hovv- ard, having so patiently presided over our sessions ; be- ing indeed an example to the brethren; God having so gloriously approved of the work by special descent \ REVIVAL EFFORT. 203 / of the Holy Spirit upon every business meeting, and because we love him, therefore be it Resolved, That we in conference session do hereby ■express our hearts in thankfulness, and pray God's richest blessings upon him and his labors for the fu- ture. Resolved, That we hereby declare that we intend, by God's sustaining grace, to be more efficient workers in the vineyard with Brother Howard, for the spread- ing of gospel holiness this conference year than ever before. Resolved, That we love Brother Howard, and not desiring to wait to say all the good things about him in funeral services, we do now extend our most heartfelt appr.eciation to him, and invoke God's richest blessings upon him in all his labors while in this sin-cursed world, and a crown of many stars in heaven for the souls won to God. 4k 204 TWENTY YEAES OF CHAPTER XXVIII. NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS. Wherever Mr. Howard had labored in revival effort the secular and religious press spoke in highest terms of the good accomplished, and encouraged him to continue his labors in their midst. Many flattering newspaper accounts have appeared from time to time^ but very few of them have ever been preserved. It was never thought that they might be needed for an occasion of this kind. In this chapter, however, we give some gleaned reports which will show how the labors of Mr. Howard have been generally regarded by the people. He never conducted any revival any- where without leaving such beneficial results that both the press and people were anxious to have him return. Gospel Meeting. They had a wonderful meeting last night at the Wesleyan Methodist Tabernacle on First street. Six or eight were converted. Among this number was REVIVAL EFFORT. 205 Joe Young. [This was the man who was spoken of in the chapter on ''Remarkable Conversions/' It there gives an account of his being saved from the awfui drink habit, arid of the glorious experience he re- ceived. — Compilers.] Rev. G. B. Howard preached a powerful sermon on Repentance and Confession that seemed to get down under everything and everybody. They have large congregations and the best of order. Much good is being done in these meetings. Let every body go. RIeeting every night this week. — Ok- lahoma Daily Press Gazette. Rev. A. T. Jennings, Editor of the Wesleyan Meth- odist,asked of Mr. Howard this question: ''What means have you found the most effective in persuading men to leave the lodge and follow Christ?" He answered it as follows, to which is appended a verification by Rev. L. Wing. 'Tn vain the net is spread in sight of any bird." I don't first bore into a man or a system to put dyna- mite in. I first have to heat iron to successfully fash- ion it for use. Now you get the thought. I lay the dynamite of truth so close down beside the lodge sys- tem, and every other wrong as well, that when it ex- plodes — for explode it will — it tears it to atoms. Now to the point. I seek to awaken men's consciences by the searching truth of God thereby breaking, melting, 206 TWENTY YEARS OF subduing, and causing the heart to accept Christ to save, and that every habit, practice, association, and relationship that cannot fully take Christ with and in- to it, must be abandoned, given up, let alone, or for- feit salvation. I turn on the light of God's burning truth ; men see it. The Spirit, like dynamite, explodes the mists, and men gladly and readily give up the whole thing. While I copy the above or within reply to your question to Brother Howard, I wish to add my testi- mony, as I have studied Brother Howard's mode for the past year of getting hold of men, that the above, in brief, defines the ''means" by which he is made "effec- tive" in persuading people to give up this and every other form of idolatry. To illustrate: One night af- ter a powerful meeting. Brother Howard accepted the invitation to go home with a family. On the way he overheard the wife say to the husband, *' John, John, ♦ if I didn't think while Brother Howard was preaching, that' the feathers on my hat were all on fire." The first thing after getting home, with scissors in hand, the feathers came ofif from her hat. More instances Hke the above could be added, to which I have been an eye witness. — Wesleyan Methodist. Gospel Meeting. They had a powerful meeting last night at the mis- REVIVAL EFFORT. sion tabernacle on First street. Rev. G. B. Howard preached a scorching sermon ; at the call for seekers about one hundred went forward to the altar. We say let the good work go on. The tabernacle was full, and many standing on the outside. — Oklahoma Daily Press Gazette. Tabernacle Meeting, Little River, Kansas. Dear Brother Padgett: — I want to drop you a few lines this morning, to the glory of God, to send the tidings forth, and let the echo fly, if possible, to earth's remotest bounds, that God is here in mighty Pente- costal slaying power. Hallelujah ! After having con- tended with the powers of darkness, and the oppos- ing elements of earth and hell for two weeks, and it did not seem as if the climax had been reached, when it could be truly said and felt as well, ''This is your hour, and the power of darkness," that Jesus, ''O pre- cious name," the S'Lion of the tribe of Judah," took the helm, and is riding prosperously on under his olden time triumph and victory. O, what a time of sol- emn, awful, yet glorious power, was in the meeting of last night, after a day of fasting and prayer by the workers ! God honored his own word, while Brother Howard, the evangelist, touched by the anointing power of the Spirit, preached from Luke 19:10, de- 203 TWENTY YEAES OF daring that Jesus Christ came to ''Seek and to save that which was lost/' The Spirit was upon the con-' gregation. At the call for seekers the long altar was filled. Among them was the city marshall with his wife, two daughters, and a lady friend. The whole audience was awe-stricken as the slaying power fell on some, multitudes of whom had never seen anything after this fashion before. Three were slain, one, a young lady, lay under the power until nearly two o'clock in the morning. At intervals, the Spirit of God, sweet as heaven, midst songs of praise, fell upon the few that tarried. .This ''daughter of Zion" came through with the blessedness of heaven upon her. With oft repeat- ed gushings forth from a full heart in softened tones, all resonant as if from the immediate presence chamber of glory, she sang praises to Jesus , and exclaimed, "Glory to God." "Jesus is here." All glory to God for this good work. Tongue or pen, you know brother, cannot describe it. < Let heaven rejoice, and earth be glad. — Rev. L. Wing in Ambassador. The Ambassador, in the name of the Lord, and His many saints scattered abroad over our great state of Texas, extends to Brother Howard and his Pentecost workers a most cordial invitation to come to Texas this fallandopenupabombardmentofthestrongholds of the Satanic kingdom at Ennis first, then at other promi- REYIYAL EFFOET. 209 nent places during the winter. He preached here nearly two years ago, and stirred the place, but was called away before his work was done. The work then begun by him must be completed by him. Many grateful hearts here await his coming again with glo- rious expectations of a sweeping victory. Bethel Mission. Quite a rousing time was had at Bethel Mission in North Lawrence on Friday from 7:30 p. m. to 12 p. m., when Rev. G. B. Hov/ard,of Topeka, president of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference, preached to a full house. Mr, Howard's words were soul stirring, and ten were powerfully saved. Some shouted, and one fell prostrate before the Lord. North Lawrence is being awakened as it has not been for some time, i The mission people are hunting ^out the poor and needy, and providing for their wants as they can ; also carrying the gospel to them. Some twenty have been saved this year. They have meetings every night, Sunday morning and afternoon, also Sabbath school at 2:30 p. m. Mr. Howard organized a Wesleyan Methodist church of thirty-five members, while here. Mr. How^ard is an excellent man and a grand preacher, and we think North Lawrence will not forget his visit soon. — Law- rence Daily. 210 TWENTY YEARS OF CHAPTER XXIX. THE WILSON^, KANSAS, REVIVAL. The revival is of Divine origin. It is God's chosen method to replenish and build up the -Church Militant,, and to a certain extent, develop it in the Christian graces. It has been employed to that end ever since man left his first estate. That this should always be its purpose is the Gospel plan. Its absence portends an alarming spiritual dearth, and is a fruitful cause for mourning and lamentation. T?wo principle rea- sons cover its non-appearance. ? First, the unsaved ° willfully rebelling against the truth. This is becoming more apparent every year. Herculean efforts are now required in the attempt to persuade men to accept sal- vation, whereas, a few years ago, it was not nearly so hard, j Second, a lack of vital spirituaHty in the ' churches. The influence and accomplishment of God's professed followers are in direct proportion to REVIVAL EFFORT. 211 their possessed spiritual power. Now, since this is so, in all candor what ought to be our attitude toward our God, that this lethargy and hardness of heart in our churches might be overcome? Surely not of carelessness and indifference. These foreign elements, however, do not always pre- dominate. When they do not a glorious revival is the result. It was peculiarly the case at Wilson, Kansas, during the month of December, 1891. Mr. Howard conducted this meeting in the M. E. church. It was'- begun on Wednesday. Steadily the meeting increased in interest and powder. Deep and pungent conviction settled upon the people. By Sunday it had become too searching to withstand under the preaching of Evangelist Howard. In the afternoon meeting the break came. Nearly all seemed to be seized with a strong desire to see who could reach the altar first. It was a spiritual stampede to find the Lord. Strong ^ crying, scalding tears, deep agony, and a fierce strug- gle predominated for that hour. The devil saw his banishment was near, hence he contested every inch of ground. His surrender was not effected until his exit was compelled by a union of the human and the Divine. The tide of salvation did not cease from a continua- tion in the exhilarating experience of a glorious vie- 212 TVV^ENTY YEAES OF tory, but an aggressive impetuosity was imparted wlich impelled it forward at heavenly speed for nearly three weeks. During that period the work was neither superficial nor fanatical, but thorough and definite. Hence it was mighty through God to the pulHng down of the strongholds of sin. ^ A full and free salvation . was proclaimed under the demonstration of the Spirit ' and power. This resulted in people being freely justi- fied and fully sanctified. A popular and an easy road to heaven was not sought, but the old-fashioned Meth- odistic death route was urged till a radical resurrection into glory resulted. The cup of repentance, though seemingly bitter, was eagerly drank to its very dregs. Confession and restitution were not neglected, but many circumstances occurred, which were very bene- ficial. One might be mentioned. A few years previ- ous to this a young man perjured himself as a w^itness upon a case in court. It was at the desire of his em- ployer. By so doing said employer virtually stole a good cow from a person who had placed the animal in a herd upon this man's ranch. During the meeting the young man was reclaimed. It became evident to him under the Spirit's illumination that a correction and restitution must be made. The struggle was fierce, but short. He settled it on the side of right, and paid every penny. This is in strong contrast to many REVIVAL EFFORT. 213 who reason such things through to the exclusion of Divine guidance. Such a course of reasoning is al- ways pursued in favor of the condemned party. It might not be so detrimental, if it was not for the fact that they frequently continue a profession of reHgion, and possibly hold official relation to the church. Be- sides the above, difficulties in the class were corrected, crooked acts representing no more than a penny in value were rectified, and many confessions were made. These satisfactory results could not have been ac- complished had there been no. travail of soul in Zion.* Mothers agonized with God for their children, hus- bands plead for their wives, the church importuned the Lord for their neighbors and friends, till the country for miles was mightily aroused. One case, that of a young doctor, is pertinent. His sister with her hus- band were members of the church. They had wrestled for his salvation, but one morning at family prayers, they reached the point of desperation. The contest became so fierce, and the burden so heavy, that they lay for several hours as one dead in travail of soul that that brother might be "born into Zion." Results were forthcoming. » Such a load of conviction overshad- owed him, that he paced up and down the street in front of the church during times of service. It continued to 214 TWENTY YEARS OF weigh him down more and more till one evening he entered the church. At the close of the service he rushed to the altar by pressing his way through the large congregation. He even crawled over the seats in his haste to reach the desired goal. It need not be said that he soon obtained a clear and satisfactory experience. Such accomplishments are the privilege of the church, aye more, her duty. Until she meets it a spiritual dearth will be the result, and all the while growing worse as the neglect is continued. The numerical amount of the work was phenomenal, while its spiritual parallel superseded all else. One hundred and twenty-five were either saved or sancti- fied. The church was greatly helped in numbers, and interest, financially and spiritually. No difficulty was now encountered in securing congregations. It was room that was lacking. This evidences that the sue- \ cessful preaching of holiness is the drawing power of y the gospel. The extent of this meeting was not compassed by a small radius, but reached for miles around. The country was so stirred it was impossible to restrain the people from attendance. The meeting did not end with a merely nominal interest, but was noted for deep spiritual experiences obtained. People were saved from all kinds of sin such as impure lives, dishonest REYIYAL EFFORT. 215 practices, worldly conformity, etc. Restitution was made ; a holy zeal was begotten by the Spirit's obtain- ment, that caused the people to be extraordinarily active ; pride was killed, till gold, flowers and feathers ; and, in fact, all kinds of superfluous ornaments, whether of dress, or otherwise, were thrown to the moles and the bats. Men came out from worldly so- cieties and secret organizations. Signs of all kinds of worldly-conformity and formality were destroyed, while the blood-stained banner of King Immanuel was raised high. The meeting was voted a glorious success in that it was far-reaching and lasting. From it four young men were called into the gospel ministry. Soon af- ter a very spiritual Vv^esleyan Methodist class was or- ganized, and a neat church building erected. These results did not terminate with the close of the revival, but will continue and become more glorious, till its ac- complishments cease to effect and influence the lives of succeeding generations, which cannot be, until time is declared to be no more,^ and the last trump is sounded calling humanity forth to a glorified resur- rection, and to their final reward. In conclusion I wish to give a short account of my experience as then obtained. I was first converted at fifteen years of age. Through lack of interest 216 TWENTY YEARS OF manifest by the church, and being much in contact with the worldly and the sinful, my gospel armor was put aside, and I became a backslidden church member. This state was endured by me for five or six years, during which time I kept up a profession, and retained formal connection with the church. My post of duty was never vacant if it were possible for me to be there. Any church work devolving upon me was cheerfully performed. Activity was a delight, accomplishment a determination, and success the ambition of my heart, in whatever relation I sustained to the church. It continued thus, till the beginning "of the above de- scribed meeting. It seemed God was after me from the first. What it all meant seemed very indistinct in the dim vista of the future. By Sunday (as referred to above) it all became apparent, for my load of convic- ' tion had so increased, and the disturbings of my consci- ence so augmented, that it seemed impossible for me to endure it any longer. During the service that af- ternoon I thought I was falling into the dark abyss of hell. When the altar call was given, I was among the first in that grand charge. What agony my whole being was in ; what scalding tears I shed ; what unearthly groans and cries I uttered, cannot be ex- pressed in words. The sulphurous flames of the lower world seemed to encircle me, and burn my very life EEVIVAL EFFORT. 217 away. Pleading with God brought no reHef. Some- thing else had to be done first. Two or three days passed before I found what was necessary, or rather before I reached the point where the Lord could con- verse with me. The first thing he revealed was to throw away a gold ring I was wearing. Though blessed for this no permanent relief came. The next thing discovered was to make a confession to a party who felt aggrieved. Having done this my heart be- came very light. This was sufficient evidence to me that the point of surrender had been reached. That night I went to the church prepared to intelligently ^ seek the salvation of my soul. Before this it was dif- ficult to pray, or to reach any required degree of earn- estness ; and it seemed impossible to have faith in God. No impediments were now encountered. It was easy to pray, while the earnestness of my heart ' was so great that I broke forth into intense importunity ✓ for God to give me my heart's desire. Faith acted in- voluntarily upon the foundation laid, and in an instant loud hallelujahs broke forth from my soul. My sensi- bilities gave vent to the pent up feelings within by prais- ing and lauding the name of my precious Lord and Sa- vior. The Light of the world shined so intensely upon my soul, that all material lights were so eclipsed by this supernatural illumination, that I felt I was in the im- 218 TWENTY OF mediate presence of the vSim of Righteousness. Such a sweet, blessed, satisfactory sensation permeated my whole being, I felt I never could doubt the Lord. Since then my zeal has not weakened ; my ardor not cooled ; my determination not waned ; but the way has become much brighter ;duty much lighter,and his pres- ence much richer, for which all praise and all glory with due adoration I render unto our ever blessed Lord and King. Your brother in the bonds of holiness, A. P. Lienard. Easton, Kansas, October 24, 1898. \