I
1
I
ECHOES
—OF THE—
GENERAL HOLINESS ASSEMBLY
HELD IN CHICAGO,
May 3-t3, mU
Edited by S. B. SHAW.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with on©
accord in one place."— Acts 2:1.
"And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may
be one, even as we are one." — John, 17:22.
CHICAGO, M.
S. B. SHAW, PUBUSH^
275 Madison Street.
Introduction.
The recent General Holiness Assembly was the result
of many prayers, and as can be seen by reading the Of-
ficial Call the chain of providences that led to this great
general conference of holiness workers can be traced back
to the first General Holiness Assembly held fifteen years
ago in Park Ave. M. E. church, Chicago, May 20-26,
1885.
For several years there has been a conviction on
the part of many of the leaders of the holiness move-
ment of the great nee'd of deeper union of heart and
ef¥ort. No one can doubt that thousands upon thou-
sands of souls will praise God to all eternity as
a result of what is known as the modern holiness
movement ; but none can doubt but that much more might
have been done and would have been done if the holiness
people had at all times been of one mind and of one
heart in the work of God and in utter abandonment
of self to His will and His glory. Yet, in spite of the
teaching that the sanctification of believers will bring
about the answer to our Saviour's prayer that His dis-
ciples might be one as He and the Father were one,
the last few years have witnessed a sad scattering of
the holiness people.
Because of this many hearts have been greatly bur-
dened and have been crying to God for union among all
of God's children, especially among all those that believe
in holiness of heart as possible through faith in the cleans-
ing blood of Christ and by the baptism of the Holy Ghost ;
yet divisions seemed to increase. The holiness work has
been suffering all over the land because of it. Seeing this,
4
ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
the burden of our heart became an unearthly cry that Ged
would in some way undertake. We felt that something
must be done ; yet waited for others who were older and
more prominent to take the lead.
Reference has already been made to the first General
Holiness Assembly of holiness workers held in Chicago
in 1885. At that time, as will be seen by reading the
Official Call for the recent Assembly, given in another
place, a committee was appointed for the calling of an-
other Assembly at such time and place as they might
deem necessary; yet the years had slipped away and the
prospect of such an Assembly, from the human stand-
point, seemed less and less. Our name was the last on
the list and we the youngest of the committee, but the
time came when we could no longer forbear.
On our way home from evangelistic work in Texas
in August, 1900, with our heart full of burning love for
our brethren of different movements, and breaking with
sorrow over the desolation of Zion, we promised God to
wait no longer. On the train we blocked out a Call in
btiimony with our convictions and soon after reaching
home revised it and sent it on to Brother George Hughes,
chairman of the committee, urging him to take hold of
the matter and see what could be done. His reply was
encouraging and immediately both of us began corre-
spondence with other members of the committee and lead-
ers of the holiness work. Some of the answers we received
were rather discouraging and showed but little faith, but
all acknowledged the great need. Members of the com-
mittee and many others readily promised their hearty sym-
pathy and co-operation, and in spite of difficulties that
appeared insurmountable, the work went on in answer
to prayer. From the first. Brother Hughes took it upon
his heart and labored with us constantly and faithfully.
5
As a result of consultation with Brother Hughes and other
members of the committee, some changes were made in
the Call and some things added and names agreed upon
to fill vacancies in the original committee ; and the con-
sent and co-operation of the brothers secured. Thus sev-
eral months passed before the Call was ready for publica-
tion and at times our faith was greatly tested; but from
that time preparations went forward rapidly and the work
took strong hold upon many hearts and in spite of great
opposition on the part of some from whom we expected
sympathy, difficulties were overcome, barriers gave way,
and interest and sympathy and co-operation increased.
Of our own part in this work, Brother Hughes says
in an editorial in the June number of The Guide to
Holiness : "Brother Shaw was really the father of this
enterprise, and at his earnest solicitation we consented
to unite with him in making the preparations. Brother
and Sister Shaw worked heroically in the matter, going
from church to church, and holdings meetings in the First
Church, daily, in the afternoon, for a month, in order to
interest pastors and people in the work contemplated by
the Assembly."
The Official Call was published in nearly all of the
holiness papers of this country and Canada and many of
them opened their columns freely for communications re-
garding the Assembly and published strong editorials in
its favor. Several numbers of the "Guide to Holiness*'
were devoted largely to the interest of the Assembly and
large extra editions sent out. Many church papers of
different denominations published the Call and encouraged
the work. The names of hundreds of leaders represent-
ing a score or more of different evangelical denomina-
tions were added to the Call, and thousands of God's
children took the work to heart and carried it to the
6
ECHOES OF THE GEXERlL
throne in earnest and prevailing prayer asking that the
HoHneiss Assembly might result in the greatest revival
of perfect love known in the modern holiness move-
ment. Succeeding pages will tell our readers some of
the glorious results already seen, but no words can tell
and time can not measure all the outcome.
We were authorized by the Assembly to publish its
proceedings in book form anJ an advisory committee was
appointed. So far as possible we have consulted not
only this committee but others of the leading workers
who were present at the Assembly. It has been thought
best to condense sermons to eight or ten pages. This
has been done by the speakers themselves so that as far
as possible the truth brought out might be clearly pre-
sented.
Depending upon the work of the stenographer who
was to keep an accurate report of all services, we took
no notes during the Assembly and when too late found
that the reports, given of altar services utterly failed to
do them justice. This we greatly regret.
In all this work, God is our witness that we have
labored with an eye single to His glory and we earnestly
pray that mistakes may be overruled and that our work,
by the mercy of God, may be greatly used in the uniting
of God's people and the salvation of many souls.
Your brother and servant in Christ Jesus our Lord,
S. B. Shaw.
ECHOES
OF THE
The Official Call.
To all the saints and faithful brethren scal.erca
abroad, greeting. ''Grace be unto you, and peace from
God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ."
Many will remember that in the spring of 1885, there
was held in the city of Chicago, a Holiness General
Assembly, May 20 - 26.
That assembly represented a score or more of the
evangelical denominations ; yet regarding holiness doc-
trine, experience and testimony, it was, practically, a unit.
Its sessions (as stated by the committee on deliverances,
in the published report) were characterized by Christian
fellowship, unity and gracious outpourings of the Holy
Spirit; so that at almost every service, persons were
converted or sanctified. ''At times," as they state, "the
Divine communications were overwhelming ; the altar and
surrounding seats were filled with seekers and the saving
work progressed with great power."
So great was the good accomplished, that it was the
conviction of those present that some provision should
be made to arrange for another similar gathering of the
holiness forces, and we, the undersigned, were appointed
members of a general committee of correspondence for
*Some vacancies in the original committee have been filled by
other names.
8
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
the holding of another holiness assembly at such time
and place as we deemed expedient. Fifteen years have
swept rapidly by since that glorious time and many of
those then present with us have gone to join the general
assembly of the first born, around the throne in the
heavenly city. Great responsibility rests upon us who
remain, and upon all who have ever proved that there
is power in the blood of Christ to cleanse from all sin,
and have ever known in their own hearts the baptism of
the Holy Ghost and fire. And while we praise God for
the revival and spread of scriptural holiness which has
been witnessed in the last few decades, we are firmly
convinced that the holiness people (so known) are not
measuring up to their glorious opportunity. As a com-
mittee, we believe that another general holiness rally, simi-
lar in object and methods to the one we have mentioned,
will greatly n dound to the glory of God in the stirring
up and uniting of God's people and in the salvation of
a multitude of souls.
Under these convictions the Committee has been led,
we trust by the Spirit of God, to arrange for a
GENERAL HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
to be held in the First Methodist Episcopal Church of
Chicago, 111., of which Rev. J. P. Brushingham, D. D.,
is pastor, corner of Clark and Washington Streets, May
3-13, 1901. To this Assembly we cordially invite mem-
bers of the Evangelical Church of Christ. And if there
be any Christians, who, for any just cause, may be tem-
porarily without a Church home, they will be welcome
to meet with us, and the more if we may aid them in
selecting a congenial Church home, where the means of
grace will contribute to their spiritual life and progress.
In the services of the Assembly, largeness of gospel
H0LINE8S ASSEMBLY.
9
liberty will be enjoyed, and there will be abundant oppor-
tunities for holy exercise in testifying freely of the great
salvation in its varied phases — to lead fellow Christians
to the fountain of cleansing, and penitent sinners to the
feet of Jesus, that they may know the joy of pardoned
sin.
The gates of entrance to the Assembly will be open
day and night, to admit the unsaved of all classes, in
expectancy that v6ry many will be happily converted and
introduced to the fellowship of the saints, during the
progress of the services.
The Assembly will be representative in character.
Persons will be enrolled as members who bring certifi-
cates from some branch of the evangelical Church, or
from organizations which maintain a fraternal spirit and
attitude toward the Church — such as Holiness Associa-
tions, ecclesiastical bodies. Conferences, Camp Meeting
Associations, definitely on the line of holiness. Missions
and Stated Meetings, and any other organization of like
character, said certificates being subject to approval of
the Committee on Enrollment or Credentials as the As-
sembly may appoint. Members will be entitled to par-
ticipate in the discussions and to vote on questions sub-
mitted to the Assembly for its action.
While leaving the Assembly in the main to plan for
its own work, we deem it proper to specify the follow-
ing general objects :
1. Such a Pentecostal waiting upon God in humble,
united, prevailing prayer, as will bring about truly Pente-
costal results in the outpouring of God's Spirit and the
saving of souls.
2. Such prayerful and harmonious consideration of
the needs and hindrances of the holiness movement, as
shall lead to more hearty co-operation, more thorough
10
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
and aggressive work, and more victorious results than in
the past.
3. To provide opportunity to again publish to the
world, the true mission and object of the holiness move-
ment (rightly recognized as such) and so, as far as possible,
remove prejudice that comes from misunderstanding or
has resulted from extreme, erroneous and fanatical posi-
tions assumed by some so-called holiness workers.
4. It is especially desired that this Assembly shall
present a basis for the bringing of the holiness organiza-
tions throughout the world, if practicable, into an Inter-
national Union, so that there shall be an augmented
strength, and a mightier advance made upon the kingdom
of darkness in the present century, than has yet been
known in the history of the modern holiness movement.
And in furtherance of this design, all side issues irrelevant
to the objects herein specifically stated, will be neces-
sarily excluded from the discussions of the Assembly.
5. Such an Assembly, representing all of the evan-
gelical Churches, will give a blessed opportunity of mani-
festing to the Church and to the world, the love they
have for each other and for the various movements and
denominations they represent; thus proving the word of
God, "By this shall all men know that ye are my dis-
ciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13 135. The
most devoted and prominent Christian workers have not
been able to see alike in all things, but, by the grace
of God, they may be able to feel alike and work in
perfect harmony regardless of their many differences.
There is a wide-spread conviction among God's people
that we are on the eve of a great revival of Scriptural
holiness. Thousands are on their knees every day pray-
ing for a deeper type of Christian experience and for
more heavenly union among God's people. If the Holy
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
11
Ghost is fully honored by all saints in the coming As-
sembly, we believe it will be greatly used of God in
bringing about the greatest revival of holiness witnessed
since the days of the apostles ; that the fire of God's love
will sweep away all barr»iers that have kept the holiness
people apart, and that the saints will be so occupied with
God that they will lose sight of human creeds and forms
and self importance and whatever else has hindered the
outpouring of God's Spirit.
We earnestly recommend the observance of a gen-
eral fast among the holiness people everywhere. Let
special and prevailing prayer be offered for the coming
assembly and the cause of holiness. Let prayer be offered
daily for God's blessing to rest upon this expected gather-
ing of his people.
We have secured a large church in the heart of the
city for the use of the Assembly, and an effort will be
made to obtain reduced rates over the railroads.
Through the kindness and co-operation of the holi-
' ness people of Chicago, we hope to provide free enter-
tainment for those coming from a distance. Further and
more definite information will be published in due time.
Your brethren in the bonds of perfect love,
GEORGE HUGHES, New York.
W. T. HOGUE, Illinois.
ISAIAH REID, Iowa.
JOHN A. WOOD, California.
A. M. HILLS, Texas.
J. McD. KERR, Canada.
CHAS. N. CRITTENTON, Washington, D. C.
AURA SMITH, Missouri.
S. B. SHAW, Illinois.
Donations in aid of the expenses, which will necessarily, be large,
will be thankfully received. Address, S. B. Shaw, Treasurer, Cen-
tral Union Block, corner Market and Madison Streets, Chicago, 111.
12
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
The following leading holiness workers gave their
names in endorsement of the call :
Rev. Chas. Garnett, Congregationalist, London, England.
Rev. Chas, W. L. ChrisHew, Wesleyan, England.
Rev. I. E. Page, Wesleyan, England.
Rev. E. T. Curnick, D. D., Lyon, Mass.
Rev. A. T. Jennings. Editor Wesleyan Methodist, Syracuse, N. Y.
Rev. A. W. Hall. Publisher Wesleyan Methodist, Syracuse, N. Y
W. P. Raidabaugh, Manager Friends' Pub. Ass'n., Chicago.
Rev. J. W. Lively, Presiding Elder M. E. Church, Marshall, Texas.
Rev. John G. Fee, President Berea College, Berea, Ky.
Rev. T. C. Reade, D. D., President Taylor University, Upland, Ind.
Bishop N. Castle, of U. B. Church, Elkhart, Indiana.
Rev. B. Carradine, Evangelist, St. Louis, Mo.
J. Walter Malone, Pres. Friends' Bible Training Home, Cleveland, O.
Rev. W. L Phillips, Gen. Sec. American Christian Association, Chi-
cago.
Rev. Edward F. Walker, Evangelist, Greencastle, Ind.
Rev. C. W. Ruth, Evangelist, Indianapolis, Ind.
Col. F. E. Peck, of Christian Crijsaders, Button, Mich.
Rev. W. B. Godbey, Evangelist, Perryville, Ky.
Rev. J. I^. Glascock, Evangelist, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Rev. Thos. H. Nelson, Leader in Charge of Pentecost Bands, In-
dianapolis, Ind.
Rev. C. B. Whitaker, P. E. of U. B. Church, Charlotte, Mich.
Rev. John Kirn, P. C., Primitive Holiness Mission, Owosso, Mich.
Rev. Lucius Hawkins. Evangelist, Birmingham, Alabama.
Rev. T. B. Arnold, Publisher, Chicago, 111.
Rev. F. M, Levy, D. D., Philadelphia, Penn.
Rev. John Parker, Ashbury Park, N. J.
Rev. A. E. Ballard, D. D., President Pitman Grove Camp Meeting
Association.
Rev. Bud. Robinson, Evangelist. Greenville, Texas.
Rev. S. Rice, Superintendent Pentecostal Union, Chicago.
Rev. G, A. McLaughlin, Editor Christian Witness, Chicago.
Rev, D. O. Ernsberger, P. E. Raichur, District, South India Confer-
ence, M. E. Church.
Brigadier General Fielding, of American Volunteers. Chicago.
J. S. Date, Sec. Des Plaines Camp Meeting Association, Chicago.
Bishop I, W. Joyce of M. E. Church, Minneapolis, Minn.
Rev. L. A. Townsend, Pastor Sedwick St. Cong. Church, Chicago.
Rev. D. F. Brooks, Pastor-Evangelist, Brandon, Vermont.
Mrs. Lizzie R. Smith, Evangelist, Philadelphia, Pa.
Rev. Seneca Howland, Evangelist, New York.
Mrs. Sarah A. Cooke, Evangelist, Chicago.
Deacon Geo. M. Morse, Putnam, Conn.
Rev. A. C. Morehouse, Leader of Tuesday meeting, New York.
Rev. J. B. Foote, Evangelist, Syracuse, New York.
Rev. W. G. Browning, Poughkeepsie, New York.
Rev. J. D. Kelsey, Chicago District Free Methodist Church, Chicago.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLt.
13
W. J. Hadley, Gen'l Supt. Pastoral and Evangelical Department of
Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends' Church.
Rev. Grover C. Clark, P. E. Dixon District Rock River Conference.
IvI. E. Church.
Rev. C. S. Hanley, Pres. World's Faith Missionary Association.
Shenandoah, Iowa.
Rev. T. H. Osborn, the "Drummer Evangelist," Union Springs.
New YorK:.
Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, of M. E. Church, Philadelphia, Penn.
Bishop Thomas Bowman, of M. E. Church, East Orange, N. J.
Rev. D. A. H. Tuttle, Pastor of M. E. Church, East Orange, N. J.
Rev. Alexander McLean, Treas. National Holiness Association.
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Bishop A. Walters, A. M. E. Zion Church, Jersey City, N. J.
Mrs. Julia A. Foote, Evangelist, Jersey City, N. J.
Rev. and Mrs. Jas. Harris, of Methodist Church, Guelph, Canada
Rev. E. E. Reynolds, Secretary of Vermont Holiness Association.
Rev. D. G. F. Oliver, P. E. of M. E. Church, New Philadelphia,
Ohio
Bishop D. H. Moore, of M. E. Church, Shanghai, China.
Rev. Dr. A. J. Nast.
Rev. T. C. Ligon, Editor of Way of Faith.
Bishop J. M. Walden, of M. E. Church.
Dr. Manley S. Hard, Secretary Church Extension Society of M.
E. Church.
Mrs. E. M. Whittemore, Founder of Door of Hope, New York.
Colonel Ray, Missionary to "The Tombs," New York.
Rev. Dr. H. B. Parks, Secretary of Missionary Society of A. M.
E. Church.
Mrs. Abbie C. Morrow, Evangelist and Editor of 5". S. Illustrator,
New York.
Bishop B. W. Goodsell, of M. E. Church, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Rev. Egerton R. Young, Indian Missionary, Toronto, Canada.
Mrs. J. F. Willing, W. C. T. U. Training Institute and Settlement,
New York.
Mrs. Amanda Smith, Evangelist, North Harvey, III.
Mrs. Mary Grant Cramer, Evangelist, East Orange, N. J.
Miss Isabella S. Leonard, Evangelist, Phoenix, Arizona.
Rev. J. P. Brushingham, Pastor First M. E. Church, Chicago.
Mrs. Kate Summer Burr, Editor of Invalid's Visitor, Williamson,
New York.
Rev. N. Vansant, of Newark Conference Holiness Association,
Madison, N. J.
Rev. D. F. Brooks, Pastor and Evangelist, Brandon, Vermont.
Rev. Seneca Hurland, Evangelist, New* York.
Rev. H. Grentzenberg, Editor of German Guide to Holiness, Cin-
cinnati, Ohio.
Col. and Mrs. Chas. Sowton, Officers in charge of Northwestern
Division Salvation Army, Chicago, 111.
Rev. and Mrs. James Printer, Evangelists, Sarahville, Ohio.
Rev. L. B. Whitcomb, Pastor of F. M. Church, Evanston, 111.
14
tJCHOES OP THE GENERAL
M. L. Ryan, Editor of Light, Salem, Oregon.
Rev. B. F. Roberts, Editor Earnest Christian, North Chili, N. Y.
Rev._ Geo. W. Ridout, Pres. Fletcher Grove Holiness Camp Meet-
ing Association, Delanco, N. J.
Dr. M. Palmer, New York, at whose home the "Tuesday Meet-
ing" is held.
Rev. Dr. C. J. Fowler, Pres. of National Holiness Association,
Haverhill, Mass.
Mrs. O. M. Fitzgerald, Newark, N. J., over forty years Leader of
Holiness meetings.
Rev. W. B. Osborn, Hackettstown, N. J., Founder of National Holi-
ness Movement, now New Jersey Conference Evangelist.
Mrs. Lucy D. Osborn, Pres. of Missionary Training Institute, Brook-,
lyn. N. Y.
Miss Hester Alway, Vice Principal of Missionary Training Insti-
tute. Brooklyn, N. Y.
Bishop W. F. Mallalieu, of the M. E. Church, Auburndale, Mass.
Rev. Dr. A. Carmen, Superintendent of Methodist Church, Canada.
Rev. Dr. John Potts, Secretary of Educational Society of Methodist
Church, Canada.
Bishop A. Grant, A. M. E. Church, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Rev. W. N. Ogborn, Chairman, Pitman Grove, N. J.
Rev. J. S. Heisler, Camden, N. J.
Rev. J. B. Westcott, Camden, N. J.
Rev. and Mrs. J. T. Johnson, Evangelists, Perkinsville, Vermont.
Richard Grant, East Orange, N. J.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Simonson, Newark, N. J.
Rev. Dr. D. M. Stearns, Editor of Kingdom Tidings, Philadel-
phia, Pa.
A. W. Dennett, Westville, Placer Co., California.
Mother Prindle, late Matron of Florence Crittenton Mission, New
York.
Rev. E. D. Whiteside, of Christian and Missionary Alliance, Pitts-
burg, Pa.
Rev. A. W. Orwig, Evangelist, Cleveland, O.
Jennie Smith, Railroad Evangelist, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Grace Weiser Davis, Evangelist, Jersey City.
Mrs. R. C. Oliver, Missionary, Columbia, S. C.
Miss Emily E. Oliver, Matron Missionary Training' Institute, New
York, and Marie J. Smith, Frances Stevens, Minerva L. Guth-
appel, Maud M. Ralph, Margaret L. Bover, Florence R. Weis*;,
Harry Lee, Elizabeth Schwab, Louis M. Daval, Ruth Finch,
Louise M. Stead, Henrietta Robins, Althea M. Todd and J.
W. Bill, students of the institution, who are in the experience
of perfect love.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
15
The Union Revival Services Preparatory to the
General Holiness Assembly.
Realizing the great importance of the coming General
Holiness Assembly, myself and wife with several others
had strong convictions that special meetings should be
held in order to prepare the hearts of the people in
Chicago for the great work before them. We rented the
lecture room of the first M. E. church where meetings
were held daily from 2 to 4 P. M., except Sundays, when
they were held from 3 to 5 in the audience room. These
lasted for one month.
The meetings opened up Friday, April 5th, with an
all day meeting. It was a day of great power and there
were a number of earnest seekers. The meetings con-
tinued from day to day with unabated interest and we
do not know of a single service without some seekers.. The
coming Assembly was kept before the people and the
importance of heart union among Christians of all denom-
inations was made prominent in all the meetings. Chris-
tian workers representing a dozen or more denominations
co-operated in the work. Salvation Army officers and
officers of the American Volunteers and all kinds of
Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists
and other denominations assisted. There was a great bur-
den on myself and wife and others to see Christians of
different denominations more closely united in heart and
in the work of God.
At times the Lord gave us great power in prayer and
preaching the word. Many days and nights were spent
on our faces weeping and crying to God for the holiness
movement and for the General Holiness Assembly. We
deeply felt and sought to impress upon others the follow-
iog truths:
16
tJCSOES OF THE GENERAL
If- \v( expect to return to primitive piety and powei%
we nv t come back to primitive consecration and self
denial. We must fear God and keep His commandments,
for th is is the whole duty of man. Not the main duty,
as many people think nor the most important duty, but
the wliole dvty. We should cry to God day and night
with an r.iv rj ;1 ly cry for the old time power and glory.
The la :k nf sympathy and co-operation among the
holine s j po| le has been a great hindrance to the holiness
moveii.cnt. v^o many of the holiness people allow their
differences on non-essentials to result in prejudice and
lack of Ci^ristian charity. We can never hope for union,
even among- holiness people, by all seeing alike. The most
devoted saints, by a careful study of the Scriptures, will
come to different conclusions as to the plan of church
government, or the mode of baptism, and other church
ordinances. The best, and most able writers have not
been able to see alike, as to what constitutes worldly
amusements, neither can they exactly agree as to what
are unscriptural ways of raising money, or what constitutes
worldly conformity in dress and living; and so with other
things connected with the work of the Lord, and individual
practice.
The best people will never see alike on all points ;
but God's people may be so cleansed from all sin, and
so filled with perfect love, that they will think no evil of
each other. They may be of one heart and of one mind,
touching the vitals of the Christian faith; and whether
they think or believe alike or not, they may be able, by
the grace of God to feel alike, and work in perfect har-
mony, regardless of their many differences.
We have labored in holiness conventions, where ten
or twelve denominations were represented, and they dis-
agreed on many points, and yet they were perfectly united
Bolides assembly.
11
in love. If we expect others to respect our judgment and
convictions of right, we must respect theirs.
If the hohness people would spend as much time
praying for each other, as they do in criticising each
other, they would soon come together.
Brother Hall from the Moody Institute had a great
burden of prayer and was greatly used of God in ex-
hortation and prevailing prayer for the meeting. Brother
A. L. Whitcomb of Evanston, preached two powerful ser-
mons that were greatly honored of God. During the
meetings we also had an able sermon from G. W. Han-
mer of the same place ; also from Evangelists John B.
Shaw, S. Rice, W. E. Shepard, G. D. Cleworth, Hattie
Livingston, Joseph Jamieson. We were also greatly
assisted by Rev. G. A. McLaughlin, John Kelsey, Sarah
A. Cooke and others. One of the most remarkable con-
versions during the preliminary meetings was an ex-
Catholic monk. After his conversion he told us of the
awful tortures that he had endured because he could not
conscientiously endorse all the corruption that he wit-
nessed in the various monasteries where he had been for
over twenty years. The preliminary meetings resulted in
getting the holiness people of Chicago greatly united
and interested in the Assembly.
In addition to the meetings held every day from two
to four at the First M. E. church, myself and wife held
revival services preparatory to the Assembly in Salvation
Army and Volunteer halls, Missions and various churches,
which meetings were greatly blessed of God and resulted
in the salvation of a goodly number of souls.
18
ECHOES OF THE (jENERAL
A Day of Fasting and Prayer for the General
Holiness Assembly.
The following notice was widely published and abundant evi-
dence given that the day was very generally observed.
In addition to the request in the Official Call for
daily prayer for God's blessing to rest upon the Assem-
bly, we are urged to fix upon a day for the observance
of a general fast among Holiness people everywhere, when
they shall unite in crying mightily to God for the coming
Assembly, to be held in Chicago May 3-13.
We therefore, in the fear of God, set apart Friday
April 26, to be thus observed, and request all who will
to join in the following petitions :
1 — Pray that God in His infinite mercy may grant
to all hearts the intercession of the Holy Ghost, that
they may prevail with Him in prayer in behalf of the
Assembly.
2 — Pray that God may open the way for all those
whom He would have come to Chicago.
3 — Pray that all those that come may come in the full-
ness of the Spirit, or with hearts hungering after righteous-
ness.
4 — Pray that the hearts of the holiness people may
be united for the work of God as never before, and that
all misunderstandings and all other barriers that have
hindered the work may be swept away by the mighty
power of God.
5 — Pray that the Assembly may be the beginning of
the greatest and most thorough revival known to the
modern holiness movement.
GEO. HUGHEvS, Chairman,
S. B. SHAW, Secretary.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
19
First All Day and All Night Meeting.
In harmony with the call for special fasting and
prayer we arranged for an all-day service, April 26, to be
followed by an all night of prayer. Our report is largely
taken from the Christian Witness. This service was in
union with the regular Friday all day meeting here in the
city under charge of the Pentecostal Union.
The morning service was held in the Wabash Ave.
M. E. church, and was led by Bro. S. Rice, Supt. of the
Pentecostal Union. The service consisted mainly of prayer
and testimony and a good talk by Bro. Hughes, editor
of "The Guide to Holiness," who had just arrived to
assist in the preliminary meetings of the Assembly. The
service was good and the Lord of hosts was in the
midst.
The afternoon service was held at the First M. E.
church, where the preliminary meetings were held each
day. Bro. Hughes was much blessed in speaking to the
people. Sister S. B. Shaw read the Scripture lesson. Ex-
hortations, testimonies and a blessed altar service fol-
lowed. This was a glorious service.
The evening service was at the Wabash Ave. M. E.
church again and lasted all night. From 7 till 10 it
was in charge of Bro. Rice. Following prayer and testi-
mony, Bro. W. E. Shepard of California preached a very
excellent sermon on consecration, which was followed by
a blessed altar service with a goodly number of seekers
for pardon and holiness, some of whom received the desire
of their hearts.
Following this service the Salvation Army came in
large force, representing the corps of the city, with a
number of the leading officers, and led a very interesting
service till about one o'clock, many of them remaining
till the close at five o'clock in the morning.
20
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
After the time allotted to the Army, Bro. S. B. Shaw
took charge of the meeting for the rest of the night.
A number of ten minute talks from some evangelists,
pastors and Salvation Army officers present, with frequent
altar calls for prayer, which were much owned of God,
took up a goodly portion of the time.
At about four o'clock in the morning it seemed that
the windows of heaven were opened and the glory that
shone of old beamed from the faces of the saints, and
their testimonies had a heavenly ring.
Among the wonderful uplifts of the night was the
sermon of Evangelist Joseph Jamieson. He occupied the
last part of the night. As the light of morning began
to break in at the windows, the glory of God poured into
the saints' hearts.
Sister Lydia E. Brown, evangeHst, describes the meet-
ings and sermon as follows :
"The wonderful power of God was felt all night. At
times the church seemed to be aglow with divine glory
and filled with the presence of the risen Christ. Chris-
tians were filled with the Holy Ghost, unsaved souls were
brought into the light of sins forgiven, and before morn
ing it seemed as if the time had come for the Second
Coming of our Lord and Savior, so manifest was His
presence among us. Then came that wonderful closing
between the hours of four and five, w^ien God seemed to
open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing which
will never be forgotten in this world nor in the world
to come. A brother spoke, and as he addressed the
audience it seemed to me as if surely the Holy One of
Israel was not only in the midst of us but had full control
of preacher and people."
During the night a goodly number of souls were en-
tirely sanctified, including six Salvation Army officers,
four of whom were captains.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
Officers and Committees of the Assembly.
TEMPORARY OFFICERS.
Chairman.
Rev. George Hughes of New York.
Secretary.
Rev. G. A. McLaughlin of Illinois.
PERMANENT OFFICERS.
President.
Rev. C. J. Fowler of Massachusetts.
Vice Presidents.
Rev. E. F. Walker, Ind.
Rev. A. M. Hills, fex.
Rev. James Harris, Canada.
Rev. M. L. Haney, 111.
Deacon Geo. M. Morse, Conn.
Secretary.
Rev. A. L. Whitcomb, 111.
Assistant Secretary.
Rev. W. E. Shepard, Cal.
Treasurer.
Rev. G. A. McLaughlin, 111.
Railroad Secretary.
Rev. T. B. Arnold, 111.
Assembly Reporter.
Rev. Isaiah Reid, Iowa.
COMMITTEES.
Committee on Permanent Methods.
Rev. Alexander McLean, Chairman, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Rev. T. K. Doty, Cleveland, Ohio.
Rev. Aura Smith, Seymour, Ind.
Rev. T. H. Agnew, Virginia, 111.
Rev. G. A. McLaughlin, Evanston, 111.
Rev. J. R. Allen, Waterloo, Iowa.
Rev. J. B. Foote, Syracuse, N. Y.
Committee on Deliverances.
Rev. W. T. Hogue, Chairman, Chicago, 111.
Rev. L. B. Kent, Jacksonville, 111.
Rev. E. F. Walker, Greencastle, Ind.
Rev. Hiram Ackers, Big Prairie, Ohio.
Rev. A. M. Hills, Greenville, Texas.
Rev. M. L. Haney, Normal, 111.
Rev. W. E. Shepard, Los Angeles, Cal.
22 ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
Committee on Music.
Rev. G. A. McLaughlin.
Rev. J. M. and M. J. Harris.
Rev. J. B. Shaw.
Rev. C. B. Jernigan.
Committee on Mail.
Mrs. Hattie Livingston.
Committee on Books.
Rev. S. B.'Shaw, Chairman.
Rev. J. P. Brushingham.
Rev. S. Rice.
Committee on Pulpit Supply.
Rev. A. D. Traveller.
Rev. S. Rice.
Rev. H. Hunt.
Rev. S. B. Shaw.
Committee on Credentials.
Rev. J. B. Foote.
Rev. James Harris.
Rev. A. C. Morehouse.
Rev. A. M. Hills.
Rev. G. M. Morse.
Committee on Press.
Rev. A. M. Hills.
Rev. W. T. Hogue.
Rev. C. J. Fowler.
Committee to Report Nominations.
Rev. E. F. Walker.
Rev. L. B. Kent.
Rev. James Harris.
Rev. J. B. Foote.
Rev. Wm. G. Hanmer.
Committee on Street Meetings.
Sarah A. Cooke.
Beatrice Beaseley.
Committee on Finance.
Rev. S. B. Shaw.
Rev. John Kelsey.
Rev. E. C. De Jernett.
Committee on Entertainment.
Rev. Herbert Hunt.
Mrs. Etta E. Shaw.
Rev. F. C. Hall.
Mrs. C. W. Brown.
Committee on Preparation.
Rev. C. J. Fowler, Mass.
Rev. A. M. Hills, Tex.
Rev. H. C. Morrison, Ky.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
Rev. A. L. Whitcomb, 111.
Rev. M. L. Haney, 111.
Rev. J. M. Pike, Ga. "
Rev. John McD. Kerr, Canada.
Rev. P. F. Bresee, Cal.
Deacon Geo. M. Morse, Conn.
Rev. Isaiah Reid, Iowa.
Rev. E. F. Walker, Ind.
Committee to Draft Constitution for Holiness Bands
and Associations.
Rev. Alexander McLean, New York.
Rev. L. B. Kent, Illinois. '
Rev. C. W. Ruth, Indiana.
Assembly Roll.
Ackers, Rev. Hiram, Big Prairie, Ohio.
Agnew, Rev. T. H., Virginia, 111.
Allen, Rev. Jacob R., Waterloo, Iowa.
Ailing, Rev. J. H., Evanston, 111.
Anderson, Erick, Nordness, Iowa.
Anderson, Rev. Alfred, 1345 Noble Ave., Chicago, 111.
Applegate, Mrs. J. F., 406 W. Illinois St., Indianapolis, Ind.
Arnold, Rev. T. B., 104 Franklin St., Chicago, 111.
Atkinson, Mrs. J. F. • Dearborn St., Chicago, 111.
Armstrong, Rev. J. B., Norwood, Ga.
Baker, Rev. L. H., Delaware, Ohio.
Barnes, Wilson, 173 Park Ave., Chicago, 111.
Barrett, C. L., Indianapolis, Ind.
Beaseley, Mrs. Beatrice, Chicago, 111.
Beebe, J. W., 811 University Place, Evanston, 111.
Behner, Rev. Geo., St. Charles, 111.
Benkert, Rev. Wm., 1912 Main St., Davenport, Iowa.
Birdsall, Miss Fannie, Indianapolis, Ind.
Boyce, Mrs. C. B., Office of Christian Witness, Chicago, 111.
Boyer, Rev. J. W., Coloma, Mich.
Bradley. Rev. C. L., Cohoctah, Mich.
Brengle, Brigadier S. L., New York City.
Brookmiller, Rev. F. H., Red Oak, Iowa.
Brooks, Jonas, Des Moines, lovra.
Brooks, Rev. John P., Fort Scott, Kansas.
Brown, Rev. B. J., 3343 State St., Chicago, 111.
Brown, Delia, 523 Lord St., Indianapolis, Ind.
Brushingham. Rev. J. P.. 108 Washington St. Chicago, 111.
Bryant, Mrs. Geo.. Riverdale, Mich.
Buck, Rev. Geo. R.. Bloomington, 111.
Buck, Mrs. R. C, Bloomington, 111.
Buck, Miss Mary L., Bloomington, 111.
Burleson. A. E., 526 66 Place, Chicago, III.
Blanchard, Henry C, Boscobel, Wis.
Burpee, Laura, Woodstock, N. B,
24
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
Cadwell, Rev. J. R., 1093 West Grace St., Chicago, 111.
Cain, C. N., Cerrogordo, 111.
Casper, Rev. C. C, Salem, Wis. ^
Clark, Mrs. M. B., Sioux City, Iowa.
Cleworth, Rev. C. D., Wabash Ave. and 14th St., Chicago, 111.
Cook, Rev. D. W., Lebanon, S. Dakota.
Cook, Mrs. Sarah A., 22 Aberdeen St., Chicago, 111.
Crabbs. Mrs. V. E. Shenandoah, Iowa.
Collinge, Rev. J. A., East Troy, N. Y.
Crampton, Mrs. Mary, Evanston, 111.
Coleman, Rev. J. J., Bryant, Ind.
Colby, Mrs. J. S., Storey, Wis.
Day, Mrs. M. E., 1232 W. Addison St., Chicago, 111.
De Foe, Rev. M., Hartford, Mich.
De Foe, Mrs. M., Hartford, Mich.
De Jernett, Rev. E. C, Greenville, Texas.
Dempster, Rev. Joseph, Washington, D. C.
Donovan, j. L., Chicago, 111.
Doty, Rev. T. K., 36 Lowell St., Cleveland, Ohio.
Dudman, Mrs. Charlotte, 1475 W. Congress St., Chicago, 111.
Duryea, Rev. C M., 355 Harrison St., Holland, Mich.
Dustman, Rev. J. M., Urbana, Ind.
Eclenger, Mary E., Demotte, Ind.
Edwards, Rev. Wm., Paxton, 111.
Entorf, Rev. S. T., Naperville, 111.
Evans, Rev. W. T., Concord, 111.
Felmlee, Mrs. C. L., 265 Park Ave., Chicago, 111.
Ferris, A. L., Paxton, 111.
Flower, Rev. J. H., Greenville, 111.
Floyd, H. R., Saugatuck, Mich.
Foote, Rev. J. B., Syracuse, N. Y.
Fowler, Rev. C. J., Haverhill, Mass.
Funk, Rev. H. W., Danville, 111.
Gilbert, Mrs. A. T., Chicago, 111.
Goff, W. Roy, Evanston, 111.
Goodman, E., 276 E. North Ave., Chicago, 111.
Grentzenberg, Rev. H., Kinsey Place, Cincinnati, O.
Hall, Rev. F. C, Fryburg, Maine.
Haney, Rev. M. L., Normal, 111.
Hanmer, Rev. W. G., 2010 Darrow St., Evanston, 111.
Harris, Rev. J. M., Evanston, 111.
Harris,* Mrs, M. J., Evanston, 111.
Harris, James, Guelph, Ontario.
Hayes, Rev. D. A., Evanston, 111.
Hewitt, Rev. S. M., Tallula, 111.
Hewitt, Mrs. S. M., Tallula, 111.
Hills, Rev. A. M., Greenville, Texas.
Hogue, Rev. W. T., 14 N. May St., Chicago, 111.
Hughes, Rev. George., Orange, N. Y.
Hunt, Rev. Herbert, 1678 Flournoy St., Chicago, 111.
Hurlock, Mrs. A. J. Cleburne, Texas,
HOLIN£:SS ASSEMBLY.
Hodgkins, Mrs. A. J.
Jacobs, A,, 5817 Emerald Ave., Chicago, 111.
Jacobs, Mrs. F. A., 5817 Emerald Ave., Chicago, 111.
Jernigan, Rev. C. B., Greenville, Texas.
Jones, Rev. H. L., Wild Cherry, Ark.
Kean, Mrs. S. A., 1815 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 111.
Keithly, Mrs. F. M., 4618 St. Louis St., St. Louis, Mo.
Kelsey, Rev. J. D., 14 Nebraska Ave., Chicago, 111.
Kelsey, Rev. W. M., Evanston, 111.
Kelsey, Mrs. W. M. Evanston, 111.
Kent, Rev. L. B., Jacksonville, 111.
Kerr, Rev. J. McD., Toronto, Ontario.
Kirn, Rev. John, Owosso, Mich.
Kirn, Mrs. Etta, Owosso, Mich.
Klaus, John W., Earlville, Iowa.
Kletzing, Rev. H. F., Naperville, 111.
Lamb, H. C, Dennison, Iowa.
Lafgren, Rev. A. J., 151 Oak St., Chicago, 111.
Laird, Samuel, Mt. Vernon, 111.
Lafontaine, Rev. C. V., Ada St., Chicago, 111.
Landon, C. K., 972 Adams St., Chicago, 111.
Lee, John Wesley, Plymouth, Ind.
Leek, Rev. J. D., Englewood, Chicago, 111.
Livingston, Mrs. Hattie, 500 Chestnut St.. Des Moines, la.
Loring, Rev. W. T., Knox, Ind.
Love, Mrs. Belle, 152 S. Wood St., Chicago, 111.
Lyman, Rev. C. W., 435 Carroll Ave., Chicago, 111.
Lyman, Mrs. C* W., 435 Carroll Ave., Chicago, 111.
Lyon, Daniel D., Woodbine, Iowa.
Marsh, Rev. J. D., 981 N. California Ave., Chicago, 111.
Matlack, Rev. J. A., 68 De Kalb St., Chicago, 111.
Mayhew E., Talona, 111.
McClung, Rev. T. M., Spring Green, Wis.
McBride, Rev. H. C, 150 Fifth Ave., New York Citv.
McCoy, J. F., Danville, 111.
McFarland, Rev. Wm., Maples Mill, 111.
McGeary, Rev. J. S., Greenville, 111.
McKinnon, Mrs. M. J., Dallas, Texas.
McLaughlin, Rev. Geo. A., 1109 Ayers Ct., Evanston, 111.
McLaughlin, Mrs. Geo. A., 1109 Ayers Ct., Evanston, 111.
McLean, Rev. Alexander, 5 Seeley St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mitchell, Mrs. S. J., 2322 N. 43d Ave., Chicago, 111.
Millican, Rev. Wm„ Ross, Washington.
Morse, Deacon Geo. M., Putnam, Conn.
Moorehouse, Rev. A. C, 150 Fifth Ave., New York City.
Morris, B. S., Derby, Iowa.
Morris, Mrs. B. S., Derby, Iowa.
Murdick, Rev. P. H., Clinton, Mass.
Musselman, M. H. J., Wheeler, 111.
Nelson, Rev. J. O., 214 N. May St., Chicago, 111.
Nelson Rev. Thomas H., Indianapolis, Ind.
2G
ECHOES OF THE GEXERAL
Nelson, Mrs. Flora B., Indianapolis, Ind.
Nickel, Rev. F., 7930 Chauncey Ave., Chicago, 111.
'Nickel, Mrs. F.. 7930 Chauncey Ave., Chicago, 111.
Olmstead, Rev. W. B.. 14 N. May St.. Chicago, 111.
Palmer. Mrs. M. E.. Lincoln, Neb.
Parry, Rev. A. W.. St. Charles, 111.
Parker, F. J., Blue Island. 111.
Peck, Col. F. E.. Button, Mich.
Peck, Mrs. Agnes. Button. Mich.
Peck, Mrs. Kate, Button, Mich.
Pledger, Rev. C. P.. Bes Plaines, 111.
Reid, Rev. Isaiah, Bes Moines. Iowa.
Rice, Rev. S., 6323 Ellis Ave., Chicago. 111.
Ridout. Rev. G. W., Manahawkin, N. J.
Roberts, Rev. E. J., Milwaukee. Wis.
Roberts, Rev. B. H., North Chili, New York.
Rothermel M. F.. Adaline. 111.
Rose, Rev. W. B., 932 N. Kedzie Ave.. Chicago. 111.
Rose, Mrs. W. B., 932 N. Kedzie Ave Chicago, 111.
Roedcr, Rev M.. Moberly, Mo.
Ross, Mrs. Fannie, Lincoln, Neb.
R'lth, Rev. C. W.. 33 Hamilton Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.
Ruth, Mrs. C. W.. 33 Hamilton Ave.. Indianapolis. Ind.
Schirmer. Wm., Brooklyn. N. Y.
Schuetz, Rev. H., Springfield, 111.
Schuh, Rev. C. G., 157 Fremont St., Chicago, 111.
- S'.huh, Mrs. C. G.. 157 Fremont St., Chicago. Ill
Scott, Rev. C. J., Nappanee, Ind.
Sergeant, Rev. A., Wilmington, Bel.
Shaw, Rev. S. B., 1306 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, 111.
Shaw, Mrs. S. B., 1306 W. Montrose Ave.. Chicago, 111.
Shav, Rev J. B., 116 Seelev Ave.. Chicago. 111.
Shearer, C. B., Blue Island. 111.
Shearer, Mrs. C. B.. Blue Island. 111.
Shepard, Rev. W, E., Los Angeles. Cal.
Shepard, Mrs. W. E., Los Angeles. Cal.
Showerman, Capt. R. E.. Tolona. 111.
Showerman, Mrs. Capt., Tolona, 111.
Smead, Nina L., 3438 Wabash Ave.. Chicago, III.
Smith, Mrs. Amanda, Harvey. 111.
Smith, Mrs. Lizzie, Woodstock, N B.
Smith, Rev. Aura, Seymour, Ind. - I
Smith, Mrs. Aura, Seymour, Ind. !
Smith, Jennie, Washington, B. C.
Sniff. A. B., Berby, O.
Snow, Rev. O. L.. Peiro, Iowa.
Speicher. B. L.. Urbana, 111.
Spruiil, Rev. W. F., Evansville, Ind.
Stambaugh, Mrs. Emma, Colchester, 111.
Stevenson, W. F., Lovington, 111.
Swahlen, S. J., Evansville, Ind.
B0LllfES8 A&S^MBLT.
27
Talbot, Thomas B., Louisville, Ky.
Taylor, Rev. B. S., Stuart, Iowa.
Terrell, Loranat., Albia, Iowa.
Traveller, Rev. A. D., 57 Washington St. Chicago, 111.
Vasey, F. T., Menominee, Wis.
Vetchistain, Mary, 72 74th St., Pittsburg, Pa.
Vincent, Rev. B. J., Knox, Ind.
Vischer, Irving V., Cohon, N. Y.
Walker, Rev. E. F., Greencastle, Ind.
Warren, T. F., Eola (Du Page Co.), 111.
Watson, Mrs. M. R., 1208 Lexington Ave., Chicago, 111.
Wendel, Rev. O., Peiro, Iowa.
West, Mrs. C. A., 11 Seeley Ave., Chicago, 111.
Wheaton, Mrs. E. R,, Tabor, Iowa.
Whitcomb, Rev. A. L., 1814 Ridge Ave., Evanston, 111,
Whitcomb, Mrs. A. L., 1814 Ridge Ave., Evanston, 111.
White Mrs. Kent, 2348 Champa St., Denver, Colo.
White, Rev. Levi, 11 11 Lexington Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.
Whitaker, Rev. C. B., Charlotte. Mich.
Whitaker, Mrs. C. B., Charlotte, Mich.
Wilson, Rev. Isaiah, Constantine, Mich.
Wilson, Rev. John, Stormburg, Iowa.
Willing, Rev. H. S., Indianapolis, Ind.
Willing, Mrs. H. S., Indianapolis, Ind.
Wisler, R. L., New Carlisle, Ind.
Winget, Rev. B., 14 N. May St., Chicago, 111.
Winget, Mrs. B., 14 N. May St., Chicago, 111.
Woertendyke, Rev. J. H., Freeport, 111.
Wortheim, Mrs. R. L., Denver, Colorado.
Young, Geo. W., Epworth, la. *
Young, Mrs. F. R., Epworth, Iowa.
(Total 229.)
Holiness Assembly General Address.
I. SALUTATION.
This address was unanimously adopted by the Assembly.
The members of the Holiness General Assembly in
session in Chicago, 111., May 3-13, 1901, unto all
in every place who "have obtained like precious faith
with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior
Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you
through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
Beloved, we who, in the providence of God are con-
vened in the second general or international assembly
ever held in this country in the interest of promoting
28
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
the spread of experimental holiness have neither forgotten
nor failed in our devotions and deliberations to bear in
mind and carry upon our hearts the large and varied
constituency of holy men and women scattered through-
out the land unable to be with us, and whom we have
the honor to represent. On behalf of all such "we bow
our knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of
whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
that he would grant them, according to the riches of his
glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the
inner man ; that Christ may dwell in their hearts by
faith ; that they, being rooted and grounded in love, may
be able with all saints to comprehend what is the breadth
and length and depth and height, and to know the love
of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that they may be filled
with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able
to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think,
according to the power that now worketh in us, unto him
be glory in the church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all
ages. Amen."
2.*D0CTRINAL STATEMENT.
It is fitting that we should, in our assembled capacity,
not only send greetings to the saints who are scattered
abroad, but present in a simple form a statement of those
doctrines of divine grace particularly related to the ex-
perience and life of holiness on which we are agreed.
Concerning what are commonly regarded as the
fundamental doctrines of revealed religion, we wish to de-
clare ourselves in full and hearty accord with the views
which are held in common by all evangelical churches.
Touching those doctrines which we consider more immedi-
ately and vitally related to experimental and practical
holiness, the following is a brief summary of what we
regard as scriptural and essential:
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
29
1. Repentance, which is the sinner's first step toward
God, consists in such a sorrow for sin, arising from a
divinely wrought conviction of its exceeding sinfulness,
as leads to its hearty confession, entire abandonment, and
a turning to God with purpose of heart, through Jesus
Christ, for salvation ; all of which will ever be mani-
fested in bringing forth fruits meet for repentant state,
particularly in the direction of restitution and repara-
tion for wrong done to one's fellow men, wherever prac-
ticable.
2. Conversion, in its comprehensive scriptural sense,
includes (a) justification, which is that relation of ac-
ceptance before God into which the repentant sinner, on
the sole condition of faith in Jesus Christ, is introduced
by the Holy Spirit, including the pardon of sin — a re-
mission so full and free that all past transgressions are,
by this act of divine mercy, blotted out, and the individ-
ual, notwithsitanding all his former sinfulness and guilt, is
accounted as righteous before God. (b) That regenerat-
ing work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart of the be-
liever whereby he is morally and spiritually so quickened
and renewed in the spirit of his mind that he is said in
Scripture language to have "passed out of death into
life," to have been "born again," "born of the Spirit,'*
"born from above." (c) Adoption into the family of God,
and consequent joint heirship with Jesus Christ; the fact
of pardon and adoption being witnessed directly to his
consciousness by "the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry,
Abba, Father."
3. Entire Sanctification, more commonly designated
as "sanctification," "holiness," "Christian perfection," or
"perfect love," represents that second definite stage in
Christian experience wherein, by the baptism with the Holy
Spirit, administered by Jesus Christ, and received instanta-
30
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
eously by faith, the justified believer is delivered from in-
bred sin, and consequently is saved from all unholy tempers,
cleansed from all moral defilement, made perfect in love
and introduced into full and abiding fellowship with God.
The sole condition of its attainment is that of appro-
priating faith in the blood of Jesus Christ as efficacious for
present, complete and abiding purification from sin ; but
this faith is preceded by a special, definite, comprehen-
sive and detailed dedication of the individual to God in
all the added light accompanying his conviction for the
advanced and deeper work of grace.
In our apprehension and reception of them, regenera-
tion and sanctification are DISTINCT, though related,
works of grace. Both are included in the one covenant
of grace into which God has mercifully been pleased to
enter with all his children. They are so closely related,
as stages in the working out of our personal salvation,
that it should never be considered necessary for any
particular length of time to elapse between the two ex-
periences. On the contrary, young converts should be
encouraged at once to seek the sai^^ctifying baptism of
the Spirit as the blood-bought heritage of all believers.
To reaffirm the utterances of the Holiness Assembly of
1886 on this point, ''We record it as our conviction, that
only those who are walking in the clear light of justifica-
tion are prepared to seek entire sanctification. If, through
unfaithfulness, any have lost the witness of their per-
sonal acceptance with God, their first work is to seek the
restoration of their forfeited inheritance ; and when this
is regained they may intelligently and successfully ad-
vance to the second stage."
4. We deem it fitting that we should declare our
unqualified and hearty belief in the personal return of
the I^ord Jesus Christ for the final redemption of his
H0LINES8 ASSEMBLY,
31
saints as one of the strongest Scriptural incentives to
holy living and to zealous and aggressive evangelism, and
also as the very **pole-star of hope" to the church of
God in all ages.
5. We wish to declare it as our belief that the sick
may be healed through the prayer of faith, and that if
God's people generally would measure up to the New
Testament requirement in the matter of holy living, in
eluding particularly the matter of consecrating their bodies
to the Lord, marvelous instances of divine healing would
be far more numerous than they now are, God would
be better glorified and the general testimony of the churcli
would be much more effective upon the outside world.
6. While devoutly believing in sanctification as set
forth in the foregoing statement, and that its obtain-
ment and realization are essential to fulness of Chris-
tian character and life, we rejoice that great interest
is being awakened in recent inquiries and movements
contemplating the deepening and spiritualization of Chris.-
tian life and experience among God's people by the fuller
recognition and reception of the Holy Spirit ; though we
greatly regret the failure on the part of many to dis-
cover that, only as we become sanctified by the Holv
Spirit, can he make us spiritual and practically holy : as
also the disposition on the part of some earnest and
worthy teachers, in connection with these movements, to
discredit the doctrine and deny the fact of present deliver-
ance from sin through faith in Christ our Sanctifying
Savior. We also deem it important to say that much
that is set before us, especially in the Epistles, as for
us in Christ Jesus, and to be given us through the per-
sonal ministry of the Holy Spirit, will be unknown in
experience so long as we fail of being saved from sin,
or sanctified; while all of the highest and best things
32
ECHOES OF THE QENERAL
of spiritual experience may be realized by those who
are fully saved.
3. WITNESSING.
*'Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord." It is the
bounden duty of all who are made partakers of the sav-
ing grace of God in any degree to witness modestly and
unassumingly to the same. The testimony of the church
is second only, if second at all, to the preaching of the
word, as a means of promoting the work of God. Testi-
mony to entire sanctification should be clear, and definite,
but never boastful or irreverent. It is important that we
keep to the use of scriptural terms in such witnessing as
much as possible. Our testimony should always exalt
Christ and abase self; and, though courageously borne,
should be borne in such a spirit of humility, reverence,
and tender charity for others as to carry to all who hear,the
conviction that we magnify not self but Christ, and 'that our
spirit accords with our utterances. Withholding testimony
to sanctifying grace, when once that experience has been
wrought in the soul, is almost sure to be followed by spir-
itual darkness and relapse.
4. HOLY LIVING.
True holiness is eminently practical. Wherever experi-
enced it will hallow every action and relation of the life.
"As he who hath called you is holy, so be ye also yourself
holy in all manner of living." If we are truly holy, it will
be manifest by separation from the world ; by heeding the
injunction which says, "be not conformed to this world
by abstaining from all appearance of evil ; by a life of daily
self-denial and cross-bearing in the name of the Lord Je-
sus ; by keeping aloof from all worldly alliances, and par-
ticularly in abstaining from connection with oath-bound
secret orders ; by eschewing all unseemly and injurioas
habits, such as the use of intoxicants, tobacco and opium;
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
33
by modesty and simplicity in dress, conforming to the apos-
tolic injunction, twice repeated in the New Testament,
which prohibits the adornment of the body with "gold and
pearls and costly array;" and, finally, by heeding the scrip-
ture injunction, ''Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or
whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
The lives of all who profess to have been sanctified
wholly should be especially modeled after the Sermon
on the Mount, the twelfth chapter of Romans and the thir-
teenth chapter of First Corinthians. Moreover, every
wholly sanctified life should constantly eminently manifest
*'the fruit of the Spirit," which is ''love, joy, peace, long-
suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temper-
ance, against which there is no law." Above everything
else sanctified men and women should "put on love, which
is the bond of perfectness."
5. CHURCH FELLOWSHIP.
In respect to the matter of church fellowship we ob-
serve that the church is the institution of Christ, having
many members in one body, himself being the living Head.
He has redeemed it with his blood, and engraven it upon
the palms of his hands. Membership therein is a precious
privilege, and always to be highly esteemed. Wherever
practical, every saved man and woman should be connected
with some church. Holiness is not a disintegrating, but
a conserving force ; it is not intended to tear down, but
to build up. Hence, professors of holiness are not ex-
cusable in voluntarily surrendering their church privi-
leges for trivial causes. But, if oppressive hands be laid
upon them in any case by church authority, solely for pro-
fessing holiness, or for being identified with the work of
holiness, depriving them of the privileges of Christian com-
munion or public testimony and servijpe, they should then,
in whatever way seems best, so adjust themselves to cir-
34
EVUUEki OF THE GENEIx'lL
in the service of Christ. Should humble fidelity to the
cause of holiness make them the objects of persecution on
the part of church authorities and cause their expulsion
from church fellowship, or, should conditions in the church
become such as to necessitate voluntary severance of the
relation in order to the maintenance of a good conscience,
they should be regarded with charity, treated with tender-
ness and consideration, and not disfellowshiped by the holi-
ness brethren or branded with epithets of an unpleasant
and reproachful character. Our advice to such would be
in all cases to seek affiliation as early as possible with some
organized body of Christian people who believe in and are
committed to the holiness work. We declare it to be our
purpose in the future, as in the past, to maintain the "unity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace,'' hoping through this
wide-spread revival of Bible holiness ultimately to lay a
molding hand upon the great body of Christian people and
bring the church at large to the realization of the New
Testament ideal of ''a glorious church, not having spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and
without blemish."
6. CO-OPERATION.
Inasmuch as holiness or Christian perfection is a unit
ing and cementing principle, designed to bring all believers
into the unity of the faith, holiness people the world over
should be one in faith and heart, and also in endeavoring to
spread scriptural holiness over the land. Of all people in
the world they, more than any others, should study the
things that make for peace, and things whereby they may
be mutually edified and made strong and fruitful for the
Master's service. Though their work may be within the
various churches, associations and organizations, yet
neither ecclesiastical nor geographical limits should ever
cumstances as to se'cure for themselves the continued en-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
35
joymcnt of the ordinances of our holy rehgion and freedom
be barriers in the way of their hearty and constant co-
operation in the work of God.
While there are subordinate points of doctrine and
particular forms and usages in respect to which holiness
people, as the representatives of dif¥erent churches, asso-
ciations and organizations, may differ, we would earnestly
counsel that these should in no instance be allowed to be-
come matters of contention, or barriers to fehowship and
co-operative efforts to promote the holiness work. In
matters of lesser importance about which we may differ,
and particularly in matters on which the churches of Christ
in general have declared no dogma and equally good men
hold divergent views, let us not contend with each other,
but agree to think and let think, to ''love as brethren," and
to concentrate all our forces in one united, grand and un-
ceasing endeavor to storm and overthrow the strongholds
of sin, and the devil, and to promulgate the gospel of free
and full salvation rapidly through all the earth for a testi-
ntony, that so the way may be prepared for the actual and
full realization of the end we pray for in the petition, "Thy
kingdom come ; thy will be done, in earth as it is in
heaven."
7. QUESTIONABLE EXPEDIENTS.
We sincerely deprecate the modern questionable ex-
pedients extensively resorted to in the churches of to-day
for the purpose of raising money, and as entertainments
with which to draw and hold the masses, particularly the
young. We regard the holding of fairs, festivals, dramatic
and other worldly entertainments for either of the forego-
ing purposes as inexcusable profanations of God's cause
and a reproach to our holy Christianity. Holy people
should not only refrain from connection with all such ques-
tionable expedients for carrying on the work of God, but
36
ECHOES OF THE GEXERAL
should unitedly and strongly bear their testimony against
the same. While taking this stand, however, consistency
would require that of all men those professing holiness
and enlisted in the work of its promotion should be illus-
trious examples of Xew Testament consecration and lib-
erality in respect to supporting the work of God. and par-
ticularly in contributing to the work of definitely promot-
ing the experience and practice of Bible holiness. While
abounding in faith, in love, in zeal, and in patience, let us
.diligentlv see to it that we ''abound in this grace also/'
There are necessary pecuniary expenses connected
with the work of spreading holiness, and this matter we
recommend to the earnest and prayerful consideration of
the holiness people, praying that God may put it into their
hearts to devise liberal things.
With regard to the support of the ministry, the scrip-
tures declare that the "workman is worthy of his hire;"
and, while we would deprecate in the evangelist, as in the
pastor and layman, a spirit of covetousness as utterly in-
consistent with true holiness, we earnestly recommend that
God's people provide for those who sen-e them in the gos-
pel that financial support which their needs may demand.
8. HOLINESS LITERATURE.
Concerning the subject of holiness literature, we can
do no better than to reaffirm substantially the utterances
of the holiness assembly of fifteen years ago, as follows :
"The times imperatively demand a wide circulation of
holiness literature in the form of books, tracts and period-
icals : but our periodicals should not be imprudently multi-
plied. Friends of holiness having their Lord's money in
their keeping should contribute liberally for the circula-
tion of books and periodicals, so that none of these inter-
ests shall languish. And to this end, those who are now
conducting the periodicals should adhere closely to the
BOLIS'ESS ASSEMBLY,
37
thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, excluding unchar-
itable controversy and unbrotherly per.^onal references ;
seeking to build up their readers in the knowledge of
the truth as it is in Jesus. And we further advise the
exclusion of all advertisements which do not accord with
holiness."
9. COAIMITTTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE.
In our judgment it is desirable that a committee of
nine be appointed, to be composed of representatives of
the holiness work in various sections of the United States
and Canada, which shall be known as the General Com-
mittee of Correspondence, to confer with reference to the
holding of another Holiness General Assembly, and to
call and arrange for such a gathering in the year 1902,
at such place as they shall deem expedient.
WILSON T. HOGUE,
A. M. HILLS,
E. F. WALKER,
HIRAM ACKERS,
M. L. HANEY,
L. B. KENT,
W. E. SHEPARD.
Report of Committee on Permanent
Methods.
Whereas, we have a great number of holiness peo-
ple scattered throughout this and various holiness or-
ganizations, and, knowing that in unity there is strength,
your committee deem it would please God to have one
general association for the promotion of holiness, embrac-
ing all our people and organizations for more aggressive
work and better conserving the work already accom-
plished; therefore,
Resolved, First: That, since the divine approval
38
]':('/! ohs OF 77//; <n:\r:n.Uj
lias so manifestly rested on this Assembly, we recom-
mend its continuance with its present officers, and
that we look forward to another Assembly in the year
1902, at which a permanent General Association for the
promotion of holiness may be perfected, which may include
this Assembly and all holiness organizations.
Resolved, Second : That this Assembly now create
a committee of seven members, one of which shall be the
President of this Assembly, to be called The Commit-
tee on Preparation, which shall confer with other or-
ganizations for the promotion of holiness, in the interest
of the above general affiliations, and which shall make
the necessary preparations for the meeting of the Assem-
bly in 1902.
Resolved, Third : That all holiness people and all
holiness bodies be invited and urged to attend individ-
ually, or by delegation, the Assembly provided for in the
above resolution.
A. McLean, Chairman.
T. H. Agnew, Secretary.
The committee provided for in the above report was
afterward enlarged and the following brethren elected as
the Committee on Preparation to arrange for the next
' Assembly.
Rev. C. J. Fowler, Mass.
Rev. A. M. Hills, Texas.
Rev. H. C. Morrison, Ky.
Rev- A. L. Whitcomb, 111.
Rev. M. L. Haney, 111.
Rev. J. M. Pike, Ga.
Rev. John McD. Kerr, Can,
Rev. P. F. Bresee, Cal.
Deacon Geo. M. Morse, Conn.
Rev. Isaiah Reid, Iowa.
Rev. E. F. Walker, Ind.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
39
DAILY PROCERDINQS
Friday, May 3.
MORNING SESSION.
This was devoted largely to an informal service.
The time was occupied in prayer, testimony and
song. Bro. Geo. Hughes presided. A goodly number of
delegates were already present, and the number rapidly in-
creased.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Bro. Geo. Hughes, chairman of the committee who
issued the Official Call, called the meeting to order. After
devotional exercises, Bro. Hughes was chosen Temporary
Chairman, and Bro. G. A. McLaughlin, Secretary Pro
Tern.
Bro. Hughes : I think it would be in order to hear a
word from some of our brethren. Let us hear from our
Texas brother — Bro. Hills.
Bro. Hills: "I feel greatly honored. I love to tell my
experience. I was born in Michigan of parents that were
Christians. W^s converted at eleven years of age and
went to leading meetings at sixteen. I became a stu-
dent of Oberlin College at nineteen and graduated at twen-
ty-three. I felt conviction for holiness, and sought Bro.
Finney that I might be enabled to teach it, but this dear
man seemed unfortunately unable to impart this peculiar
knowledge to others. He would pray with nie, but it didn't
seem to help me. After Oberlin, I attended Yale Theo-
logical Seminary, and, although somewhat shaken, I never
lost the great impulse I had to be a soul winner. God gave
me revival after revival until I had led twenty-five hundred
souls to Jesus Christ. My heart was hungering for some-
thing else that I wanted, and didn't know how to get. I
thought it was something to grow into. By and by, after
40
ECHOES OF THE GENERIL
two pastorates, lasting sixteen years, God gave me the
blessed experience but, because I preached it, I was driven
out of the charge. I was crushed and heart-broken. God
shook me out of the pastorate. A Doctor of Divinity said :
'You have had two short pastorates. God wants you in
the evangelistic work.' I said : 'If God can keep my
family from starvation in these panicky days of '93, I will
try it.' Right where the blessed Finney preached, and
where I had sung in the choir, I had two hundred con-
versions. The most blessed thing about it was the fact
that I was trying to preach holiness, and a little, despised,
holiness man came and prayed for me. I was preach-
ing fifteen times a week, meanwhile reading everything
in the way of holiness literature, for sixteen long months.
I began to see how people got it, and I said if God ever
gave me that blessing I would write a book and make it
plain. That was the inspiration of my book, 'Holiness
and Power,' which a good Methodist Bishop was kind
enough to recommend to his conference in Texas. I
thought it was a very gracious thing for a Methodist to
do with a Congregational book. God has perpiitted me
to write four books, given me four thousand souls, helped'
me to teach three years in a theological seminary, and
in another college one year."
Bro. Hughes : "Let us hear from the East, where the
sun rises, — from Deacon Morse of New York."
Bro. GeO; M. Morse: "Praise the Lord! I am glad
to be here. I want to say the blood cleanses me from all
sin. I have come out from everything the devil has of
every character. I am clean along those lines. I started in
a Baptist Church, forty-two years ago. I am at peace
with all men. I have nothing against anybody. I don't
have to go across the street to get away from my enemies.
I want to say that I have to keep trusting in the name of
GEORGE QUINAN,
Redlands, Calif.
J. O. NELSON,
Chicago, 111.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
41
Jesus. I ought to have done better in view of what Jesus
has done for me. He that is least shall be the greatest,
and it yet remains to be seen what God will do in Chicago
and New York with the people. It may be that the devil
will tempt some of you big preachers to put yourselves
on exhibition. Let us keep low at the feet of Jesus, and
keep full of the Holy Ghost. I am here to spend and
be spent. I expect to see souls saved in Chicago. This
morning, when I arose I had to begin preaching Christ
to the waiters and bell boys."
Bro. Hughes: We will now hear from the North,
from Bro. Harris of Canada, one of the old time workers.
Bro. James Harris : "For 50 years I have been a stan-
dard-bearer for Christ. Looking through Leslie's biog-
raphy, I see that he was baptized by Wesley. Leslie took
me in his arms and baptized me, and I have always been
a disciple of the Wesleyan kind of holiness. There I
stand to-day by the blessing of God, and I am ready to
do anything to further the cause of God."
Bro. J. B. Foote of Syracuse, N. Y.: "I think we
ought to constitute ourselves a committee of the whole
to go into the homes, the shops and offices, or wherever
we go, and do something for the furtherance of God's
work. The beginning of one of the greatest national camp
meetings was at the dinner table. It has been said in the
past and is being said yet that holiness people don't care
for sinners. We want to convince them that we do care for
sinners. A man was asked if he was saved. He said 'no.'
That was the first convert for the National Camp Meeting.
One spoke to another, and from that time the work went
on until five hundred were converted."
Committees were then appointed on Music, Mail,
Books, Pulpit Supply, Credentials, Press, Organization,
and Street Meetings.
42
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
On motion, the committee on organization was re-
quested to be prepared to report at lo '.30 Saturday morn-
ing.
On motion the Assembly adjourned to meet in busi-
ness session at 10 A, M., Saturday, May 4; it being under-
stood that this motion had no bearing on the evening
devotional session at 7 :30 P. M.
EVENING SESSION.
Rev. George Hughes presided. — He announced the
arrival of Bro. P. H. Murdick of Drew Theological Semi-
nary, who had come as a representative of a little holiness
band of students in that institution.
Bro. Plughes : I have been fully persuaded, from the
time of the initiation of this movement, that, if we were
to have victory, it would be along the prayer line. That
is my solemn conviction ; hence, we have men and women
of God interested in prayer, all over this country, for
this Assembly. Thank God ! We have succeeded in this
matter of enlisting prayer, far beyond our expectations.
The members of the committee have been praying, every
day at noon, for each other. It occurred to me that I
would ask fifty of the men and women that I knew were
people who would pray up into heaven, to join with the
committee at noon, so there has been an outside commit-
tee surrounding the committee. I think these prayers
have been heard.
Then it came to us to put forth a request in the
April Number of the Guide to Holiness, asking for the
names of one thousand who would pray for this Assem-
bly, and asking all who would to send their replies to my
residence in New Jersey, stating that they would join in
the prayer service. From the time that was put out, the
mail began to bring answers to the request. Several times
a day the postman came with the letters, I have them in
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
43
box in my trunk. Someone said : ''Why don't you ask for
10,000?" 1 thought my faith ought to have gone so high.
The letters keep coming and I am receiving them at my
lodging place.
Then we have asked for requests for prayer to come
up before this Assembly for unsaved friends, or any object
for which the writer desires prayer. That box is a great
deal fuller.
Now, we have been looking around to find some-
body to take these requests for prayer and put them on
an International Prayer Roll, to be added to day by day,
as the prayer requests come in, and we expect them in still
greater numbers.
It was Inskip who taught me to use the prayer roll
many years ago, and I am making good use of it. I have
1,500 prayer requests, that came in on other occasions, that
I wouldn't part with for anything. I want you people to
join in this thing. Those 4;hat hear me to-night, if you have
an unsaved friend that you want saved, write the name
on a slip of paper and hand it in. We will hold these
requests up before the Lord, as we used to do in National
Camp meetings. I will ask you all to stand up and offer
silent prayer that God will bless everyone mentioned in
those boxes.
(The congregation arose and engaged in a brief silent
prayer.)
Bro. Alexander McLean : ''I am deeply impressed with
the occasion which has brought us together, and I trust
the Holy Spirit will so come upon us that we will be led of
God, if possible, more than we ever were before. ("Amen")
This is an extraordinary moment for us and the people
of God, generally. I cannot help but go back in my recol-
lection, as I am here now for the first service of this conven-
tion to the time a few years ago, when I attended the early
44
ECHOES OF TEE GEXERAL
sessions of a Methodist Conference in the room across
the hall. If I speak of the Methodist denomination, it is
not because I am not in sympathy with others. God bless
you all ! (''Amen !'") One of the bishops cried frequently;
*\\'e have them, those who weep.' Bishop Janes was
always present at that 8 :oo o'clock meeting. I remember
how he used to urge the brethren to come into the prayer
meeting in the morning. The thing that we need here
most is prayer. Bishop Clarke was there. One morning
I saw him as he was lifting up his heart in prayer. His eyes
were wet with tears. I said: 'Bless God I There is a
bishop who can weep as he prays.' A few years ago, I was
in London, and I couldn't refrain when standing by the
grave of John Wesley, from uncovering my head, under
the solemn blue skies and taking a solemn vow to labor
to the end that we may have a race of holy people, and,
God being miy helper, I will be true to that trust. In
beautiful Greenwood Cemetery, between the graves of John
Inskip and his wife. I renewed this solemn vow, before
coming here, to be true to holiness, and I would be glad
to renew it to-night. ("''Amen I") The occasion is solemn and
impressive. It is a momentous hour for all of us, and for
men and women of God all over the land. — a very momen-
tous hour. And. for one, I feel like getting down on my
face before Almighty God and asking divine help."
Brother Hughes : 'Xet us go down on our knees
before God. Let us dismiss all formality that might other-
wise come into the services and usurp the place of the
blessed Holy Ghost. Is it not the blessed Holy Spirit urg-
ing you to come and get down before God? Let us have
a melting time. Beloved, God does not want you left out.
Let us have a moment of silent prayer."
Silent Prayer was followed by prayer led by Bro. A.
McLean: "O, Lord, Thy Spirit is here. Thou art in our
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
hearts. Thou art leading us. We will put aside all possible
formality. Help us to get down in the dust before Thee..
O, Lord, look upon us, we pray Thee, and if there be any
disposition to prefer one to another, or to have our own
way, help us infinitely to prefer Thy blessed way. O, God,
search my heart. Come in infinite mercy into our midst.
We want to be knit together in love — united with bonds oi
holy love. We want, blessed Spirit to ask God
to take this matter in hand and lead on and out for
His glory and for His honor. Lord, help us to
have the spirit of John the Baptist, when he said,
*I must decrease but He must increase.' O, that wc
may have the grace to go down, down, out of sight of seli"
and have Jesus exalted. Our hearts cry out 'All hail the
power of Jesus' name. Lord, we are in the dust ; we desire
to get very low, — clear out of sight, but we must have
Thee present. We must have Thy guidance ; we must have
a baptism of real, genuine Holy Ghost fire and power. O,
Lord, banish everything contrary to Thy will. Whatever
there be that hinders, help us to get rid of it in this
place made memorable in years gone by. We are here
before Thee in the depths of our humility and meekness of
spirit, and we know that Thou dost answer prayer. Now
Lord, let a re-anointing of Thy Spirit come upon us. Lord,
if we did nothing but praise Thee, it is counted a very
excellent thing. But we would have a growing tide of
spirit life and power to date from this very service. Thou
art hearing us and answering us, but answer in thine own
way, we beseech Thee, and we will give Thee the praise
and glory forever."
Bro. Hughes : "Now, friends, I am going to turn this
meeting over entirely to Deacon Morse. I told him to
tell his experience, — ^what the Lord has done for him; to
take whatever course he sees fit, only that he should lead
46
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
us into a battle for souls. The :i> o: my heart is for
souls. We hope a good many people will be sanctified to-
night."
EXPOSITION AND EXHORTATION BY DEACON
GEORGE M. MORSE.
I thank my dear brother Hughes for the honor he
has given me. It's a wonder he shouldn't have selected
some sermonizer or preacher. The time we have left this
evening is limited.
Are we ready for the battle ? Are we where God wants
us? Are we full of love and fire? Are we in it, heart
and soul? I am certain that holiness people can backslide,
and get in a state of lethargy, waiting for Sunday to come,
as though all the work was to be done on Sunday. We
have, thank God, men and women in the cause with tears
running down their cheeks. O God, give us a burning
love for souls. O, Lord help us, for Jesus' sake to get
on ground where we will say it shall be done. I tell you
a great deal depends upon our keeping low before God,
and preaching Jesus beside all waters. ('Xord help us.")
I don't mean that we shall fire too many random shots
The Lord is with those that fear Him. We must keep our
eyes single to God's glory, and see to it that there is no
stumbling in us. We should be up and at it, subject at all
times to His beck and bid, and something will happen.
Press on for souls and somebody will get converted to God,
or believers led into entire sanctification.
We are living in a marvelous age. Oh, what a
great work for God, to my observation and reading, has
been done up and down this continent and in England in
the last twenty-five years. Now, if we all look to God and
keep in the spirit of prayer, we shall see results in this
meeting.
I will read, and perhaps make a few comments on the
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
47
prayer of Jesus, as found in the 17th Chapter of St. John's
Gospel.
I want to call special attention to the 17th verse :
"Sanctify them through Thy truth : Thy word is truth,"
and the 19th verse : "And for their sakes I sanctify myself,
that they also might be sanctified through the truth."
This prayer as breathed by our dear Savior and given
us in this chapter, is in harmony with the Apostle Paul's
prayer — (i Thess. v: 23), "And the very God of peace sanc-
tify you wholly : and I pray God your whole spirit, soul and
body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ." It is also in harmony with John xv: 2,
"Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (which means
sanctifieth) it, that it may bring forth more fruit." I met
a gentleman (who may be within the hearing of my voice
now,) on the sidewalk last evening who said he received
all that anybody ever receives, at conversion. I didn't
argue with him. I don't believe in too much argument.
But I didn't happen to get sanctification in that way. I was
three days and three nights — seventy-two hours under
the power c^f Holy Ghost conviction, and God converted
me through and through. I had no living sacrifice to offer
to God. I was dead in trespasses and sin, and no good
thing was in me, and I cried to God for mercy. I could
neither eat nor sleep. I was driven to the wall. I cried unto
God to have mercy upon me a poor sinner. God heard my
cry and regenerated me with the power of the Holy
Ghost, and made me alive from the dead. I then ran
about everywhere, so to speak, thirty, forty or sixty miles
from home, telling everybody what a dear Savior I had
found. I never came to the point of offering a living sacri-
fice to God for thirteen years. Phoebe Palmer and the
Guide to Holiness had a great deal to do with my sanctifi-
cation. Somehow a copy of this magazine came into my
48
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
hands, and it gave me instruction in the way of Hohness.
Then I heard Sister Phoebe Palmer deliver a prayer at a
camp meeting at Martha's Vineyard away back in '59 or
'60, and I never got rid of the impression that prayer made
until God sanctified me wholly. I was brought up, strange
to say, under this character of instruction : that we were
sanctified at death, and that we were sanctified by reading
the Bible through and through, are sanctified by the truth.
Another teaching was, that we were sanctified at conver-
sion and regeneration. The above was the character of
teaching I sat under for thirteen years in my own denom-
ination, and to a great extent the above teaching is very
prevalent to-day among us as a denomination.
J saw a notice of a three days' convention for the
promotion of Holiness, at New Bedford, Mass., Nov. 14,
15, and 16, 1870. I attended the meetings. They were
under the leadership of W. T. Harlow, a godly Metho-
dist minister. Under his clear teaching of the way of faith
in offering a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
I saw my privilege, made the offering, believed, and entered
in, and God sanctified the offering and illuminated my en-
tire being, filled me with the Holy Ghost and love, and
gave me a revelation of the plan of Salvation such as I
never had before, and from Love's constraining power
I have been a worker for Jesus in this line ever since. All
glory and praise to His holy name. We are living vvit-
nesses to the fact that God did, subsequent to our con-
version, sanctify us wholly to Himself. These witnesses
raised their hands and asserted this fact to-night. "I am
sanctified now — wholly sanctified" means the extracting of
all carnal appetites from the soul. After the Lord came
into my soul, I had no want or appetite for the things
that were a hindrance to my Christian experience. He
lives in us, instead of we trying to live — we have God's
HOLINESS ASSPJMBLY.
life come into us. Jesus lives in me to-night as I stand on
this platform, , and, wherever I may be, I don't want
anything the devil has. God makes me a free man. I
have Him with me everywhere. I never complain when it
rains or blows ! This blessed salvation brings us into har-
mony with God in everything. Our time and talents are
the Lord's, loaned us for a season, and we should dis-
pose of them according to His plan. No good
thing does He withhold from a man that walks uprightly
and stands by the truth, honoring God everywhere. Halle-
lujah, blessed be His name ! I wouldn't exchange my hold
on Christ and Christ's hold on me with any man, nor for a
whole planet like this.
We have had a good time to-day, and Jesus has sent
His angels to minister to my spiritual necessities, and he
gives me the approving consciousness of His Love.
You say: ''I don't believe in sanctification, or holi-
ness?" Then you don't believe in the power of God. We
have read : "All power is given unto me (Christ) in heaven
and earth," and, ''Where sin abounded, grace did much
more abound." Cannot He that made the skies and all
there is in them take sin out of our hearts and purge us
from moral depravity? I am here to declare that He can
do it (Amen), and I know of my own personal experience
that He does it.
Does holiness go with business? ("It does"). I have
had God in my business for years. I do not deal in any
stocks or stuff that I can't ask God's blessing on.
Sometimes the bright light gets dim from the fact
that we do not wait on God or because of the trial of our
faith. At all 'times we have got to take up our cross and
confess Christ. They were saved "by the blood of the
Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." —
50
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
I presume I have obeyed God and let $150,000 go in
one direction and another for His glory, and the advance-
ment of His kingdom. It is more blessed to give than to
receive. It is a delight to give of one's possessions toward
the advancement of the kingdom of heaven.
O, Jesus, help us to get the people under conviction
for entire sanctification. Help the people to read their
Bibles. ("Amen.")
Glorious victory crowned the altar service which followed. It
was a time of deep humility and of weeping and crying to God for
the guidance and blessing of the Holy Spirit and the salvation of
souls.
Saturday, May 4.
MORNING SESSION.
9 :oo A. M. Prayer and Testimony service led by Bro.
E. F. Walker.
10:00 A. M. Bro. George Hughes presiding.
Singing by the congregation, ''Blest be the Tie that
Binds."
Scripture Lesson, read by Bro. M. L. Haney, I Cor.
xiii.
Prayer, led by Bro. PI. C. McBride : ''Blessed be the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which accord-
ing to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a
lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and
that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us, who are
kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation,
ready to be revealed in the last time ; wherein we greatly
rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, we are in heavi-
ness through manifold temptations ; that the trial of our
faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise
and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ;
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
5]
whom, having not seen, we love; in Whom, though now
we see Htm not, yet beheving, we rejoice with joy unspeak-
able and full of glory ; receiving the end of our faith, even
the salvation of our souls. Glory ! Glory ! Glory ! O
Lord ! Make our hearts bigger this morning ; enlarge our
capacity. We have so much for which to be thankful.
We hardly know where to begin, so we say with David :
Bless the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us, bless
His holy name. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget
not all His benefits : Who forgiveth all our iniquities ; Who
healeth all our diseases ; Who redeemetli our lives from
destruction; Who crowneth us with loving kindness and
tender mercies ; Who satisfieth our mouths with good
things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's. Thou
preparest a table before us in the presence of our enemies,
even in these days of higher criticism, skepticism, worldli-
ness, formaHty, and forgetfulness of God. Thou anointest
our heads with oil ; our cup runneth over. Glory to God !
We know, O God, that there is no room for the devil when
our cup runneth over. There is therefore now no con-
demnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh but after the Spirit. For the law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the
law of sin and death ; for what the law could not do in
that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned
sin in the flesh, that the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the
Spirit. To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually
minded is life and peace. For as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Hallelujah ! Glory
be to the Father and glory be to the Son and glory be to
the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and
shall be for all eternity. Glory be to God most high.
52
EVHOE^S OF THE (JESERAL
*'We thank Thee for this convention ; we thank Thee
for the communion of the saints, and if our fellowship
below in Jesus is so sweet, what heights of rapture shall
we know when around Thy throne we meet.
''Bless those who have come here seeking Thy perfect
love ; bless those who have come expecting to reach more
liberty in Thee ; bless those of us who have come expecting
to be led out into the light. Make this the greatest occasion
that this wicked city has ever seen. Give us the victory, O
God. Let somebody step out into the light even during
the opening of our preliminary service. Bless our dear
Brother Hughes. We thank Th.ee that Thou hast pre-
served him so long, and that he has been the instrument
of blessing to so many. We pray not only for him, but
that Thou wilt bless all who gather here, that they may
go home as flaming fire-brands, setting fire to everything
they come in contact with. Lord help us ! We are going
to pass by this way but once. Help us until we have
preached our last sermon, sung our last song or given
expression to our last sigh, and to Thee we will ascribe
the honor and praise forever. Amen."
Singing, by Sisters Flora B. Nelson and Fannie
Birdsall, ''Some Blessed Day."
OPENING REMARKS, BY BRO. GEORGE HUGHES.
"I think, if you will indulge me, I will spend a brief
time in making a statement in regard to the origin and
purposes of this Holiness General Asi?embly. It is fitting
for me to do so at this time, so that it may be as clearly
as possible understood what we aim to do in this imre-
generate city."
Fifteen years ago, we had a Holiness General Assem-
bly at Park Avenue M. E. Church, of which church the
Rev. Davies was pastor, — one of the noblest men of God,
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
53
who has since passed to his reward. He went on his way
rejoicing to the eternal throne of God. We had a blessed
time at that meeting-. The work of the Lord went on
gloriously. Believers were sanctified and sinners were con-
verted. It was a very gracious and powerful time, but it
was a much smaller gathering than we have together at
this time. At the close of that Assembly a committee of
nine was chosen to prepare for another such gathering
when, in their judgment and the indications of providence
the time had come for another Assembly. We had no
idea that fifteen years would roll away before another
Holiness General Assembly would come, but such has been
the fact. The Lord put it on the hearts of this committee
that the time had come for another gathering of His peo-
ple.
Our minds go back to those exciting times when our
country was in a very critical state. I do not know how
others regard it, but it seems to me that now we are pass-
ing under a very serious state of things, amidst these epi-
demics for the past two years striking our cities, towns and
villages, and I have been amazed that so little has been
said about it, even in our religious papers, as well as the
secular press. It seems to me, that during the past winter,
God has been thundering upon our country* and upon the
heads of the people, and yet they have gone on making
money, not caring, and these things have iiia le no impres-
sion on the popular mind, and not even upon the church
as I expected to see. Then again, since the opening of the
new century, there has sprung up in every denomination, a
great cry for the giving of hearts and souls to the Lord
Jesus Christ, and a deep interest in the coming of His
kingdom. The cry has come up from these hearts : "Lord
revive thy work !" It has been clearly seen by those of
discerning mind that we must have a revival of pentecostai
54
E( flOJ:s or THE (lEXERlL
power, and with all our churches baptized with the Holy
Ghost, we ought to take the world for Christ. That is the
Pentecostal order. In reading the Acts of the Apostles
we learn that they were not permitted to move until they
were filled with the Holy Ghost, and, when the day of Pen-
tecost came they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
the artillery of Mount Sinai was opened upon the multi-
tude. Kings witnessed it too. And I do not believe the day
of Pentecost has ever passed. I think it is continuing to
this day. If we are assembled along Pentecostal lines,
we have a right to expect a revelation of the Holy Ghost,
a fit opening of the 20th Century, — a w^orld-rocking revival
of religion. We should have such a revival that it will
shake the very foundations of earth; an awakening that
will lead this whole country and the world to understand
that the God of Glory has risen up out of His holy habita-
tion.
At the time the call was issued for this Assembly, an
invitation was issued to Christian people of all denomina-
tions to come together and wait upon God. We need to do
a great deal of waiting upon God. We need to get down
before Him as we did yesterday afternoon, in the depths of
our souls, — deeper, deeper, deeper yet ! I tell you, if we can
get this whole Assembly down on their knees and cry out
for the manifestation of the Spirit, it will surely come, and
the glory of the Lord will be revealed among us. ("Amen").
Henry Belden, one of the noblest men along holiness
lines once said. That when the woman of Samaria asked
Jesus for a drink of living water. He not only gave it her
but He let her take the well with her. We ought to have
that well within us distributing water all over the land.
(Amen). For my part, I am disposed to go down just as
far as the Holy Ghost will lead me. I want the Holy
Gliost to lead me, and give me understanding. I believe it
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
55
is possible, brethren, to have the very windows of Heaven
opened, and that there may come down on this company
of Christian people a marvelous enduement of the Holy
Ghost, making everyone a charged battery, — a mighty
agency of God to the pulling down of the stronghold of
the devil. Do you say "Amen" to that? (Cries of "Amen,"
and "Hallelujah," from all over the house.) We have
the first installment here already, but it will be better as we
go along, and the coming days of this Assembly will be
marvelous days that will pass into Christian history.
I believe it is possible for these holiness forces here
to be brought nearer together, knit with love and Christ-
like bonds, and riveted by the Holy Ghost so that we may
go out in unity to do His work. We want the evil forces
in this world to be afraid of us. We want this Assembly
to give notice to the legions of the devil that we are going
forth under the banner of Emmanuel, from the north and
the south, from the east and the west to do battle for
God. (Amen.)
We need so to be filled with the spirit of love that we
will neither think evil nor speak evil ; that we will be ready
to endure all things for Christ and to sufifer whatever
comes upon us in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let
the test of our fellowship one with another be not whether
we are Baptists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, or
members of some other denomination, but rather. Have we
the love of Christ in our hearts? and to all such I want
to give my hand and bid you God-speed. I want every
heart and soul in this Assembly to have the 13th Chapter
of I Corinthians burned into them, that you may be so
filled with love that it will go leaping out to the humblest
man, woman and child of Chicago. ("Amen"). O, my
God, by the power of the Holy Ghost, put in the heart of
George Hughes and everyone of us love, with humility
^along-side of it.
66
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
Another thing is meekness. O, may there no harsli
words come ont of our mouths. Fill us with gentleness,
meekness, long-suffering, brotherly kindness and love to-
ward all. ("Amen").
I tell you, it is high time that the people of God got
the shaking power, just as in the day of Pentecost. They
prayed and the place was shaken. Let this be a great com-
pany of heart-to-heart Christian people, knowing no de-
nomination, no sect, no theology and no creed but Jesus
Christ, that we may march in solid columns and take the
world for Him. (Amen ! Hallelujah !) Look at this big
prayer roll stretched from gallery to gallery. This whole
country is praying for this Assembly, and requests for
prayer are coming in every mail, saying, "Put me down
for prayer," and asking for prayer for a mother, father,
sister or brother.
On the way over here, not far from Chicago, we
stopped at a place, and I asked the conductor what was
going on there. He said, "We are going to put on a
larger engine." I said, "That means more force and
greater speed." Now the time has come for the people
of God to put on a larger engine. Now, brethren, we have
come this morning to the most solemn and important duty.
We appointed a committee yesterday to report upon cre-
dentials and other things, and I say to you. Don't let us
get in a hurry. We want to approach this work in solemn
prayer to God that he will direct us and lead us, enabling us
to do business as if in the immediate presence of God, that
we may be led in the light of the truth. Will Bro. Haney
lead us in prayer?
Prayer, by Bro. M. L. Haney.
On motion. Committee on Credentials were given an
extension of time in which to report.
The Committee on Permanent Organization made
the following nominations : For President, C. J. Fowler of
S. A. KEAN,
Eyanston, 111.
H. GRENTZENBURG,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
MRS. S. A. KEAN,
Evanston, 111.
G. W. RIDOUT,
Manahawkin, N. J.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
57
Mass. For Vice-Presidents, E. F. Walker, Ind., A. M.
Hills, Tex., James Harris, Ontario, M. L. Haney, III,
and Geo. M. Morse, Conn. For Secretary, J. D.
Marsh, 111., Assistant Secretary, W. E. Shepard, Cal.
For Treasurer, G. A. McLaughlin, 111. For Railroad Sec-
retary, T. B. Arnold, 111. For Assembly Reporter, Isaiah
Reid, Iowa.
The report of the committee was accepted and all
officers nominated by the committee were elected.
Upon taking the chair, Brother Fowler spoke as fol-
lows: "I want to say that I very greatly appreciate two
things: First, the privilege of being here. I signed the
call originally, because I thought it was a consistent thing
to do, although at the time I signed the call I did not
expect to be here. However, the circumstances changed,
so, by the good will of God, I am permitted to be with
you. I greatly appreciate that, and I greatly appreciate
your full and standing vote to make me president of this
body.
"There are several things I would like to say. I want
to say that I am blessed already. (''Amen"). When I first
struck the atmosphere this morning I scented something
that was not of this world. I was fully alive to the sense
that God was here. I expect to have my thought quick-
ened and be better informed for being here. I expect to
have my heart more and more refreshed.
"Now I hesitated in taking this position. Tlie hesita-
tion is with me still, and yet that hesitation is consistent
with victory. My soul claims the victory. >.h faith is
exceedingly optimistic, and it takes hold on v'ctcrv in all
the phases of this assembly. I have some hesitati(vi because
I am not an expert parliamentarian. I recognize that the
position is at times a delicate and difficult one. b'.it I can
get along with these people. Then I have a genuine hesi-
58
ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
tation because of the responsibility attached, and again my
faith comes to my rescue.
"This gathering is two-fold in its bearing. It is evan-
gelistic. It ought to be that; it must be that. May God
give us the power to do something that will be felt forever.
But it is more than evangelistic in the ordinary acceptance
of the term. It is deliberative. I do not think any of us
begin to properly appreciate the weighty responsibilities
that will crowd into these days. There will be things said
and done here that will tend either to wreck or help the
holiness movement in this country.
"Not a little is expected of this Assembly, and there
must be a formulating and framing of matters here that
will put things where they ought to be. Let us be much in
prayer. Let us hand something down to future gener-
ations that will be worthy an occasion like this. As Bro.
Hughes says. If you like that, say 'amen.' " (Cries of
("Amen.")
On motion, the regular services of the Assembly were
arranged as follows : 8 :oo A. M., People's Meeting (or
prayer service) ; 9 130 A. M., opening of Assembly, proper :
2:00 P. M. and 7:30 P. M., of each week day, it being
understood that the Committee on Program had the power
to settle the time and character of pubHc services.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Call to order by Chairman, C. J. Fowler.
Singing by congregation : "There is Power in the
Blood," and "Make Me a Blessing Today."
Prayer by Bro. John Norberry of Conn. :
"We read in Thy Word, blessed Lord, that if our
heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward
Thee, and whatsoever we ask we receive of Thee, because
we keep Thy commandments and do those things which
are pleasing in Thy sight. O, Lord ! We read that this is
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
59
the confidence we have in Thee, that, if we ask any-
thing according to Thy will, Thou hearest us, and, if we
know that Thou hearest us, whatsoever we ask, we know
we have the petitions that we desire of Thee.
Lord ! as one man, we pray. We look to Thee, at
this afternoon service, and pray that God will have His
way in this convention. We pray Thee, that Thou wilt be
in this meeting. May the power of the Holy Ghost be
in Thy servant, who shall deliver the message this after-
noon. May the Holy Ghost, the real, genuine Holy Ghost
conviction come upon the people, and many here come
up for pardon and purity this afternoon. May we have
a great victory, and to Thee we will . give all the glory.
We ask it all in Jesus' name. Amen.
Song by Bro. and Sister Harris : 'Xet Him Have His
Way with Thee."
Brother M. L. Haney preached a very excellent sermon, the
report of which was sent him for correction but he was unable to
do this at the time and requested, us to omit it. We still hoped
to receive it in time for publication but have not and are obliged
to omit it.
EVENIXG SESSION.
By some strange oversight we have no report of this service
except of Bro. Hogue's sermon which we give.
SERMON BY REV. W. T. HOGUE.
After trying to get the mind of the Lord as to what
He would have me sa\- tonight, I am led to invite yonr
attention to words recorded in Acts, second chapter, and
the first four verses.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they
were all with one accord in one place.
''And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as
of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they were sitting.
60
ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like
as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave
them utterance."
That was the birth-day of the Christian church. It
was the birth-day of Christianity itself. The Christian
church, Christianity itself, I may say, was born of the
Holy Spirit. Just as the individual to be a Christian
must be born of the Spirit, so must any Assembly to
constitute it any part of the church of Jesus Christ be
born of the Spirit. It takes the Holy Spirit to con-
stitute it a living organism in the beginning — to preserve
it as a living organism to the end. Nothing short of
such a baptism and empowerment as came to the one
hundred and twenty disciples at Pentecost can put and
keep that church in a normal condition, and make it the
proper representative of Jesus Christ and constitute it the
body of Christ in the spiritual sense.
It becomes very important therefore to know some-
thing about the Holy Spirit and' His operations ; to know
something about the dispensation of the Spirit and what
it represents. The Spirit of God is the very soul of
the church, as it is of every individual spiritual life. I
am sorry the church of this period has found it neces-
sary to look back to the primitive Pentecost as though
the like were never to be expected again on earth. As
I understand it, that was but an instance or illustra-
tion of what ought to prevail with God's people always
and everywhere. I do not know of any place in the
New Testament where God has expressed Himself as
satisfied with the Christian church, only as that body has
been filled with the Holy Ghost; and I have given con-
siderable attention to the studying of God's measures of
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
61
grace as set forth in the New Testament. Whether it
be the Holy Spirit, divine love, the knowledge of His will,
or the fruits of righteousness, God's measure is a full
measure.
I am glad to be assured that what the disciples got
in the upper room, the wonderful manifestation and ful-
ness of divine light, love, grace, power and victory that
came to them on that memorable day — is for God's peo-
ple through all time. It is not because God is straitened
or limited that some fail to get it now. It is because
they fail to rrieet the conditions. If we measure ud fully
to the conditions, we may have Pentecost repeated. I
care not for the visible signs, nor for the sound as nf
a rushing mighty wind, nor that the Holy Spirit shall
come down on us like a tornado ; though you might
suppose I would, being a Free Methodist! (Laughter.)
I am here to respond to the blessed Holy Spirit in all
His movements, whatsoever those movements shall be.
The iiir.' r r-Tit thin^^ on that occasion was not the
sound from heaven, not the fiery manifestations, but the
thing spoken of in the last verse of my text — "They
were all filled with the Holy Ghost." That is what we
ought all to recognize ; and the moral and spiritual results
ordained by God will invariably follow if we get and re-
tain this blessed fulness provided for us in Christ.
I want to call your attention to several things con-
nected with the Pentecostal baptism with the Holy Ghost.
I remark in the first place that the original 'Pente-
costal baptism with tlie vSpirit was a second work of grace.
I mean by this that the disciples who received it had al-
ready experienced the preliminary operations of
the Spirit in regeneration : that they were al-
ready men of God. Some tell us that the hundred and
twenty disciples did not receive their conversion until the
62
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
baptism with the Holy Spirit on that day. Let me call
your attention to what Jesus said about them long be-
fore the day of Pentecost.
Turn to John, fifteenth chapter. Here I read (verse
nineteen) "If ye were of the world, the world would
love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but
I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world
hateth you." I cannot conceive of Jesus Christ talking
that way to unconverted men. They were so distinct from
the world, that the world hated them. That is the testi-
mony Jesus Christ bore concerning these disciples long
before the day of Pentecost. Speaking to them again in
the same connection, He said: "Ye have not chosen me.
but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go
and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain."
He had called, chosen and ordained them, that they should
go forth and preach the Gospel and bring forth fruit, and
their fruit should remain. Plave you any such idea as
that He chose unregenerate men to preach His gospel?
It cannot be.
You will also remember that as Jesus met Peter and
the other apostles in the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He
said: "Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?
Peter answered : Thou art the Christ, the Son of the liv-
ing God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed
art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not re-
vealed it unto thee, ftut my Father which is in heaven."
There had been a revelation of Christ to one of these
disciples, at least, just such as constitutes a real and radical
conversion. St. Paul tells us, that "No man can say
that Jesus Christ is Lord but by the Holy Ghost." No
man can say it in a true and spiritual and experimental
sense, unless it has been divinely revealed unto him in
his own salvation.
E0LINE8S ASSEMBLY,
63
Some tell us this baptism was simply a gift of miracle-
working power. I would have you notice that these
disciples had the power of miracle-working before the
day of Pentecost. In sending out His apostles on their
mission to the lost sheep of the house ot Israel He
said : "As ye go preach, saying, The Kingdom of heaven
is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the
dead, cast out devils : freely ye have received, freely give."
Thus they were empowered to heal the sick, cast out
devils and perform various miracles in His name before
the day of Pentecost. The seventy also received a like
commission to work miracles when they were sent out
upon their ministry of preaching and teaching. They ex-
ercised that power, wrought a few miracles, and, over-
joyed with their success, they came back like little chil-
dren exulting over a new-found toy, and said: "Uord,
even the devils are subject to us through thy name."
And Jesus said to them, 'T beheld Satan as lightning
fall from heaven, Behold I give unto you power to tread
on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the
enemy : and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwith-
standing, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject
unto you, but rather rejoice because your names are writ-
ten in heaven."
Note again that before He left them, our Lord told
those followers of His, who had been in His own school,
under His own instruction for three years or more, and
who had walked in personal fellowship with Him, to
tarry in Jerusalem for something further. As the
tim.e of His ascension drew near, "Thev asked of Him sa\ ~
ing, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the King-
dom to Israel? And He said unto them. It is not for
you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father
liath put in His own power; but ye shall receive power
64
ECHOES OF THE GE^SERAL
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye
shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of
the earth." He told them to wait for it, and they did.
The text tells us the result : "And when the day of
Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord
in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from
heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all
the house where they were sitting. And there appeared
unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon
each of them." These were the outward phenomena;
but better than the sound from heaven and the fiery
manifestations, "they were all filled with the Holy Ghost."
There is a second installment of the Holy Spirit for
all believers. His preliminary office work is accomplished
in our conversion and justification. In the Pentecostal
baptism, He comes in abiding fulness to dwell in us as
our abiding Comforter, Illuminator, Sanctifier, Guide, and
Stand-by. The original word translated "Comforter"
means a "Stand-by." Blessed be God! You can stand
anything if you have that "Stand-by" enthroned within
you always. ("Amen !")
I call you to notice in the second place, that this
Pentecostal baptism was the fulfillment of a supreme prom-
ise. What do I mean by that? I mean to say, that
of all the glorious promises of former dispensations, that
which referred to the bestowment and dispensation of the
Holy Spirit was of supreme excellence — the climax and
glory of the whole. It is called emphatically "The prom-
ise of the Father" just as though it were the only prom-
ise He had given. This is because it contains the sum of
all the rest.
Go back to the prophetic age and see this verified.
The prophets sang in wondrous raptures concerning the
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
65
commg of Christ to redeem this world, and with the
deepest pathos they described His hnmiHation and suf-
ferings. But in more enrapturing and inspiring strains
they sang of the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Of the Spirit filled messengers of the New Dispensa-
tion, Isaiah sang : "The wilderness and the solitary place
shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice,
and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice even with joy and singing : the glory of
Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel
and Sharon; they shall see the glory of the Lord, and
the excellency of our God." Isaiah further speaks of
it as floods poured out on the dry ground, and rivers
upon the thirsty land — not as a single river but rivers of
water upon dry ground. The Psalmist tells us that when
God's people ''go through dry places they shall make
it a well, and the rain also shall fill the pools." Ezekiel,
in his vision, foresaw the glorious dispensation of the
Holy Spirit. He likened it to a river beginning with the
issuing of waters out from under the sanctuary. Mere
droppings which flowed together, and, without any visible
tributary from without, increased in depth and volume until
it became a mighty and impassable river. He says the
angel led him forth to measure the river, and when he
had measured a thousand cubits the waters were to the
ankles : another thousand cubits and the waters were to
the knees ; another thousand and they were to the loins ;
and still another thousand and it was a river that they
could not pass over; ''for the waters were risen, waters
to swim in, a river that could not be passed over." It
was also said that everything should live whithersoever
this river should come, and by it even the waters of the
Dead Sea were healed.
Now, note this peculiarity about that river. It was
66
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
characterized by a perpetually accumulating flow. In
this it symbolized the law of the bestowment of the Spirit.
Instead of looking backward to 'Pentecost for the greatest
manifestation of the Holy Spirit we ought to be ashamed
to be obliged to take a backward look of that kind. We
ought to have Pentecost repeated and augmented to-day.
"But," you say, '\ve don't hear any sound from heaven.
We haven't felt the place shaken. We don't have the visi-
ble manifestations 'like as of fire.' " Very well. But
these were not essential. They were mere accompani-
ments. That fire was only a symbol of the divine fire,
the Shekinah flame, the divine light and power of the
Holy Ghost enthroned within, and spiritually en-
abling us, wherever we come in contact with the dead
to bring them to life. ("Amen !") This gift of the abid-
ing Comforter, not the accompanying phenomena was
the thing promised in the Old Testament in connection
with the Gospel Pentecost.
The supreme promise in the ministry of John the
Baptist related to the gift of the Holy Ghost. He
preached the two-fold work of grace. First, he preached
Christ as the Atoner of sin, by Whom we come to God.
He cried "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away
the sin of the world." Having acquainted them with Him
as the atoning Lamb, He began to tell them about "a
mightier than I, whose shoes I am not v worthy to bear,"
and added, "Ke shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost
and with fire." His supreme mission was to point to
Jesus Christ as the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit To
preach Christ fully we must present Him in both of these
oflices — as the great Atoner Lor the sins of the world
and the Baptizer of believers with the Holy Spirit. To
preach Him as the Atoner only is to preach but half the
Gospel,
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
67
Coming now to the ministry of Jesus, we find that
He also preached the two-fold work of grace. First,
He taught His disciples as they were able to bear it
concerning the mystery of the death He was to accom-
plish on the cross. He said to them, "Except ye eat
my flesh and drink my blood, ye have no life in you."
Later, however. He proclaimed to them the gospel and
mission of the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost. Speak -
ing to them of His departure as recorded in John i6. He
said : — "Because I have said these things unto you, sor-
row hath filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the
truth : it is expedient for you that I go away ; for if I
go not away the Comforter will not come unto you ;
but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." That was
the promise of something better than to be favored with
His visible presence and to listen to the gracious words
that proceeded from His lips. It is better to
have an indwelling, though invisible Comforter than to
have with us the visible Jesus. He must depart, but He
was to send another Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor,
which meant the gift of the Spirit in a general sense
to all believers for all time and not to a few only. The
culminating and supreme thing in the ministry of Jesus
Christ was to be this bestowment of the Comforter. The
one thing He strove above everything else to impress
upon His followers was that this was their heritage, to
the end that all might receive the baptism of the Holy
Ghost and fire. ("Amen!")
I call your attention next to the fact that the baptism
of the Holy Ghost was received in answer to prayer.
In Acts I : 9 we read, "And when He had spoken
these things, while they beheld. He was taken up ; and
a cloud received Him out of sight." They stood and
gazed until two men in white apparel appeared and said :
68
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
"Why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus,
which is taken from you into heaven, shall so come in
Hke manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." Then
they went back to the upper room, where ''all continued
with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the
women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His breth-
ren." They prayed. They all prayed. They all con-
tinued to pray. Ten days were spent chiefly in this exer-
cise. "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come
they were all with one accord in one place" and suddenly
came the sound from heaven, and the fiery emanations,
"and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." This
wonderful baptism and enduement with power came upon
the infant church in answer to prayer.
And yet there are many people who go up and down
the land assuming to be so wise, and who say it
is an insult to God Himself to pray for a baptism with
the Spirit. They tell us that when the Holy Spirit came
at Pentecost He came to stay, hence, we err in praying
for His coming again. That may be true as to His
coming to the church at large but not as to personal
experience. Jesus taught that we should ask the Father
for . the gift of the Holy Spirit. He it was Who told
His followers the Father was more willing to give the
Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than earthly parents
are to give good gifts unto their children.
I have read about Hicks, the village blacksmith, who
went into a Quaker meeting. After a prolonged period of
stillness which was very painful to Sammy, he got up to
testify. A Quaker brother said, "Sammy, sit thee down
until the Spirit moves thee." The silence began again
to be oppressive to Sammy, and he arose once more
only to be told to wait until the Spirit moved him. Sam-
my waited a few minutes longer, and, rising, said:
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
69
"Friends, the Spirit doesn't move, let us pray for the
Spirit." That is a sensible way to get the Spirit.
We must cry unto God for the fulness of the Spirit.
David cried unto the Lord for heart cleansing and the
Lord gave it to him. He said: "Create in me a clean
heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." God
heard his cry. A great many who are trying to seek the
Holy Ghost might as well get a Chinese praying ma-
chine and set it in motion. They are not sufficiently in
earnest. They do not cry to God for Him. We need
to seek Him earnestly, as on the day of Pentecost, where
they were all in one place with one accord, most earnestly
praying to God, and not praying at each other. They
prayed "with one accord." The instrument was in per-
fect tune. There was no jar, no discord, no disturbing
vibrations, but all was in perfect harmony. That is what
we need here. lit is good and blessed for brethren to
dwell together in unity. I never knew a marked degree
of the Holy Ghost to come down where there was dis-
cord manifested among the brethren. I knew a place once
where^the members of a small church took particular
pains to come in at separate doors, and seat themselves
as remotely from each other as possible. I had occasion
to preach to them, but I didn't preach to the empty seats.
I preached first to those on one side of the hou^e, and then
to those on the other. I said : "You all profess holiness,
but when you get it you will love one another enough to
come in at the same door, sit together in tl»e same sanc-
tuary and worship God in brotherly love. You will
shake hands together, and, once in awhile you will call
at one another's homes. Then people will say, "See
how these brethren love one another." In that prayer
meeting of the early church, they all prayed, and they all
got the blessing. The women prayed and the men prayed ;
70
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
the preachers and the lay members. They were all after
the blessing and when the Spirit came He came upon
them all. ("Amen!"' "Glory!"') ,
I remember in 1861 when God sanctified my mother
and converted me on the Alleghany camp ground in
Western New York. During those days very few pro-
fessed it unless they got it, it cost so much. I remem-
ber how they prayed too. Bless you! They would pray
all night. They prayed through and the Pentecostal power
and fire came. Just so there is no better way to seek
the Pentecostal baptism now than that of earnestly and
persistently crying unto God for it.
Again, I remark that the primitive baptism with the
Spirit was given at a peculiarly appropriate season — "when
the day of Pentecost was fully come." Why was it given at
that particular time? We may not know all the reasons.
This we know however; Pentecost was the anniversary
of the giving of that law which originally was written in
tables of stone by the finger of God. The law under the
Old Testament was outward and objective — a set of rigor-
ous, external exactions. The distinguishing characteristic
of the New Covenant is the promise that under its pro-
visions the law is to be written on the mind and heart. It
is the work of the Holy Spirit to do this. Baptism with
the Holy Spirit baptizes the very essence of the law into
the mind and heart. It is not the abolition of the law,
but a new promulgation of it. It does not release from
obligation t(9 keep the law, but makes us all the more sen-
sible of that obligation. At the same time it puts within
us the constant disposition and ability to keep the divine
requirements. Blessed be God !
There is a sense in which a sanctified believer is not
under the law. He doesn't obey through fear any longer
in a servile spirit or from feeling "I must." Of course
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
71
he has to recognize the law. The law is not taken away.
The law is put in the heart however, and so becomes
his thought, desire, will and activity. It is this that makes
it a kind of second nature, for to do the things required
by the law, and so to delight in it as to say, *'0, how
love I Thy law! It is my meditation all the day." Some
people seem to be fond of living in the seventh chapter
of Romans, where they are ever in a vain struggle to
keep the law. Paul, in this chapter says : "O, wretched
man that I am ! Who shall deliver me from the body of
this death !" I don't see how any one can want to live
where there is nothing but wretchedness, where they have
always to say, "The good that I would, I do not : but
the evil which I would not, that I do." This ''when
I would do good, evil is present with me" is too often
excuse for living in some known sin. Thank God there
is a more excellent way. Paul, in the eighth chapter of
Romans, tells of another law which counterworks this law
in the members which enslaves us. He says : ''There
is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus; who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit."
Holding this book in my hand, I let it go. According
to the the law of gravity, it goes down. But I have the
ability to bring in the operation of another law and there-
by to overcome the operation of that downward law and
send the book heavenward. If my ability were infinite, I
could send it upward forever. God is able by His Spirit
to reverse the downward law of our depraved natures as to
bring our wills, afifection? and affinities to perfect harmony
with Himself, and to keep them there forever. Moreover
He will do this, when we meet the conditions. This is
what is meant by putting the law in - the heart. "Ye
shall therefore be perfect, even as your Father which is in
72
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
heaven is perfect." Then the law of God in all its re-
quirements will become very sweet. You will not get
offended if the minister preaches ever so closely, if what
he preaches is from the Word of God. You can take the
strongest things in this Book and say of them, "How sweet
also are Thy words unto my taste ! Yea, sweeter than
honey and the honey comb." Thus, by the sanctifying
baptism of the Spirit the law is written on fleshly tablets oi
the heart, not by pen and ink, but by the Spirit of
the living God. As the New Testament Pentecost sig-
nifies this new writing and promulgation of the law how
fitting that its inauguration took place at Pentecost, the
anniversary of the original publication of the law.
t call you to notice further that the outpouring of
the Spirit was attended by peculiar and significant phenom -
ena — a voice like a rushing mighty wind and cloven
tongues like as of fire. These ohenomena were symbols
of the Holy Spirit's operations. As the divine breath
swept down upon that upper room assembly there was
a sound as of a rushing mighty wind. Wind is a symbol
of the Spirit. It is independent in its operations, "Thou
canst not tell whence it oometh or whither it goeth, so is
every one that is born of the Spirit." You must let Him
come in His own way. He will submit to no dictation,
to no formula of yours or mine.
An Ogden pastor prayed "O Lord we beseech Thee
to send us the Holy Spirit, send Him upon us very gra-
ciously. Send Him upor us very quietly, send Him upon us
very beautifully." Do vou suddosc He came? By no
means. He was insulted to His face. I like the old Meth-
odist way of putting it better, as when we sing "Come as
Thou wilt, but Holy Spirit come." ("Amen.")
Wind is also a reviving, inspiring and purifying
agent, and in all these respects is a symbol of the Holy
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
73
Spirit. Then came the fiery manitestaticn. Fire has ever
been the symbol of divine presence. It is a symbol of ardor.
It is illuminating, inspiring, refining, purifying and pene-
trating. Dr. Parker says, that what is received by each is
to be communicated to the whole world. It is always for
utility that the Holy Spirit is given.
If God gives the Spirit to you it is that you may be His
agent to convey it to others.
I call you to observe finally that this Pentecostal
baptism with the Spirit was a universal bestowment. ''They
were all filled with the Holy Spirit." How glorious it
must have been! I have often thought I would like to
live to see one church of whose membership it could
be truly said, ''They were all filled with the Spirit." Breth-
ren this sanctifying baptism is for us all, ministers, lay-
men, old and young, learned and unlearned, rich and
poor, it is for all. Moreover all ought to have it. Have
you ever been to a church where eveiv member was filled
with the Holy Spirit ? Some would be afraid of such a peo-
ple. Most people are afraid to get where there is much
spiritual light and life and power. It is the carnal in them
that thus shrinks at the phesence of the Holy Spirit. We
need whole churches that are sanctified and spirit-filled
to overcome the opposition of the world.
What marvelous results follow when - God's people
are filled with the Holy Spirit ! AVhat a chansfe it effects
in their own hearts and lives ! How much God wrought
through those who were filled with the Spirit at Pente-
cost! Spectators mocking said, "These men are full of
new wine !" but Peter said, "These are not drunken as
ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day."
Then he began telling, in a simple way, their experi-
ence: how God had raised Jesus from the dead who
had shed forth upon them the Holy Spirit as foretold
74
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
by the prophet Joel. He charged upon them the murder
of Christ and fervently exhorted them to repentance
toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Three
thousand were cut to the heart, and cried ''Men and
brethren what shall we do?" Peter exhorted them to
repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. They did
so, and there were added to the disciples that day about
three thousand souls. Following this there ci^ .-r..-
nent revival and the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved.
My friends, if you are without this baptism, seek it
now. You can afford to forego eating and sleeping to
obtain this blessing, and give yourself in prayer until God
baptizes you with the Holy Spirit. To seek it success-
fully, however, you will need have to hunger and thirst
after righteousness. You will have to be in accord with
spiritual people and love your neighbors. If you are in-
dulging any hard feelings against anyone, you cannot get
the Holy Ghost. "He cannot endorse any thing of that
kind. Don't say, "^My neighbor is to blame." If you would
be right with God, get right with your brother; meet
the conditions, and see how God will baptize you. Pray
for the blessing. Pray until the heavens part and distil
their blessings upon your head. There is such a thing as
praying through and touching the arm that moves the
world. God grant us to see Pentecost repeated at this
Holiness Assembly. Amen !
Bro. B. S. Taylor followed with an earnest exhortation of about
twenty minutes, after which a large altar service was held, a num-
ber seeking a deeper, larger experience.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
76
Sunday, flay 5.
MORNING SESSION.
LOVE FEAST IN CHARGE OF BRO. J. B. FOOTE.
Bro. Foote : I wish to read and pass a few com-
ments upon the Scripture as found in i John i. (Reading
chapter entire).
" 'That ye also may have fellowship with us.' What a
blessed experience, to have fellowship with God.
("Amen!") What is heaven? A great German student
collates all the verses of the Bible, where the word
"heaven" is used in a religious sense, and brings out this
definition : "Fellowship with God, unobstructed by sin."
When I got that, I said a big "Amen." ("Glory!") It
went all through me like lightning. I came to know
this heaven on earth. Perfect union, — fellowship with
God, God in me.
" 'And these things we write unto you that your joy
may be full.' Our joy cannot be hindered, if we have this
fellowship with Him. I have the 23rd Psalm in my ex-
perience. The Lord is my shepherd, and I lack nothing.
This psalm is present tense until the last verse, and that
is glorious. I am restored ; I am in the banquet house
in the presence of mine enemies. I have victory. Twenty-
three years ago, I was converted and sanctified in a holi-
ness meeting, — converted at 9:00 o'clock and sanctified
next day at 3 :oo o'clock. Twenty years ago, I read Bro.
Doty's "Lessons in Holiness," whch meant a great deal to
me, but it meant a great deal more to be taught by
experience. I believe there are a great many things that
go along with holiness, but holiness is first. I am here
to learn the best methods for getting sinners converted
and believers sanctified."
Bro. G. W. Chapman : "This experience brings a
thrill and a halo of glory on my soul that no tongue can
76
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
tell. I believe in a holiness that gives a man a clean heart.
I was a great sinner, but God took all jealousy and bitter-
ness out of my heart. Many are praying, 'Lord, give us
more power.' When I got free, I got the power. God
always fills a place that is clean. (''Amen !") It is a great
thing to be clean from the top of the head to the soles
of the feet. You don't have to keep priming your old
pump. You have the power. All the powers of evil in
hell and on earth cannot keep the power of God out oi
your soul, if you are clean." ("Amen !")
Sister Kent White : *'My well of living water is still
flowing. C'Amen !") The Lord sanctified my soul after
three days of fasting and prayer. The Lord didn't let
me rest until I got it. ("Amen !") The Rocky Mountain
preachers are all on fire since they got the baptism of the
Holy Ghost. I want to preach it out. I realize that
holiness is power. Some folks get down and cry for
power. After the> get purity, they get power. ("Amen !")
When I got a clean heart, it came in streams. It was a
deluge. I am free in any place. Glory to God ! I don't
know why I am here. I got my ticket, and my folks sent
me. I have sanctification and the Holy Ghost in my heart.
Bless God !" ("Amen !")
A delegate : "The blood cleanses me. Jesus accom-
plished this work in my soul to make me His temple.
I have learned the secret of abiding. He is waiting
anxiously to find an abiding place in our souls."
A Sister from Denver, Colo. : "For twenty years, I
was in a blackslidden state. I cried : 'God save me, or I
perish,' and I handed up the key of my heart to Jesus,
and He came in. ("Amen !") When I thought of coming
to this meeting, I said, X), God, if you want me to go
out there I500 miles, take me,' and I am here. I came
B0LINE8S ASSEMBir.
here to pray, and I believe that we have to pray without
ceasing. My faith takes hold for never-dying souls.
A Brother : ''I don't want to take any time from any
child of God. I do know something about the Holy
Ghost, and something about the Holy Ghost giving a
man patience and help. If we have the love of God in
our hearts, the people with whom we come in contact
will know it, and it will have its influence to lead them
to Him."
A Delegate : 'Tardoned, sanctified, and kept by trust-
ing in the Saviour."
Deacon Morse : 'In Him we live, and move, and have
our being.' If any heart will clean the temple. He will
move in. He will make us His temple, and live in us,
giving us rivers of living water in our souls." ("Amen !")
A Brother : "I found when I got the baubles of this
world out of my heart. I got the blessing. If we want
full salvation, we must get pure. We must get rid of all
thought of worldliness."
Sister Jacobs : "I thank God, when I was ready to
receive Him, He came into my heart. I tell you He
did something for me. If you say you are justified or
sanctified, and there has been no change in you, you
haven't got it. ("Amen!") I gave the Lord everything
else He wanted, and finally I said : 'Lord take me.' I
tell you, friends, if you don't know what the second bless-
ing is, get it today." ("Amen.")
A Chicago Brother : "I said I wanted the pure cream
and essence of salvation. I had been taught, that if I
had a little of this world's goods, I could go through
purgatory. I thank God that I was able to break the
shackles and chains that held me to popery. I had to
be crucified with my Lord. I praise God, 'There is none
other name under heaven, given among men whereby we
78
EGH0E8 OF THE GENERAL
must be saved/ except through the Lord Jesus Christ.
("Amen !") 'If the Son, therefore shall make you free, ye
shall be free indeed.' "
A Texas Brother : "There used to be a drawing back
in my heart. I praise God that this perfect love will
cast that out, and make us love the colored man as
well as the white man. ("Amen !") My father used \o
be a slave-holder, and I knew what it was to be asso-
ciated with the slaves. After I got this experience, I
used to hold meetings and get these colored folks to
come, and many of them were sanctified. Bless His name
forever !"
Bro. John Kirn : "I am saved of God. When I got
converted, I want to say that I was a new creature in
Christ Jesus. I swung out into a new realm. Some time
after my conversion, I sought for cleansing of heart —
for this purity the Bible speaks about. When the bless-
ing came, I knew it. I was naturally timid, but God
took the timidity all out and I long to face the world
and tell what Christ will do for sinners. It was the
14th day of January, about 15 years ago, that I got
this blessing, and, by the help of God, I will press on,
through thick and thin to the end." ("Amen !")
A Brother: "I have much to be sorry for that I
didn't stkrt sooner. I have a lot to be thankful for that
I did start at all. I put it off until I was forty-seven
years old. The devil used to be in— looking out, but now
I have him out — looking in. ("Amen !") I am on a t-^ rough
train that doesn't get side-tracked; the frogs are all point-
ing the right way. I am on a train that is moving rapidly,
and I am praying that the bridges may be burned behind
me. ("Amen !") I am serving God with all my heart."
Bro. F. H. Brookmiller of Iowa : "I praise God for
victory in my soul. At the age of nineteen, while walking
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
79
in the clear light of a justified experience, I first learned
of holiness, and I said, 'Lord, I want it.' I was a happy
boy, but I wanted to get closer to God. Every night, I
knew I was nearer it. One day, in the town of Jeffer-
son, the experience came upon me quicker than I can
tell. What occurred, T can never tell. I felt it go through
me hke a shock from head to foot. All I know is, that
God sanctified me then and there; and I bless Him for the
faith through which I have claimed the victory in His
name. I want all that He has for me. I have never
had any wish to be great or wise, in any but my Saviors
eyes." ("Amen !")
Bro. A. M. Hills: "I am glad to be here. The Lord
saved me when I was eleven years of age. I went through
the schools, colleges and seminaries, and didn't know that
it was my privilege to be sanctified. When I first went
into the ministry, I was without this blessing, and I
couldn't get anybody any further in experience than 1
was myself. The providence of God took me out of
the ministry into evangelistic work, and I found myself
back at the college where I had graduated twenty years
before. There I met a humble farmer, who had stood
for twenty-five years with the finger of scorn pointed at
him. Sentiment had been against him, his name derided
and ugly things said about him, all those years ; but he
stood for God and holiness. He loaned me some books,
and those books brought me into the experience. I am in
the experience today. Bless His holy name !" (''Amen !")
Brother A. C. Morehouse: "Sixty-four years ago,
this month, I was converted. Fifteen years after I was
converted, God sanctified me. I found I was where the
Israelites were, and that I would perish unless I got into
my Promised Land. God so filled me with His blessed,
80
tJCHOES OF TH£} GENE HAL
perfect love that I could hardly eat or work for months,
and He has been leading me all the way."
Bro. T. K. Doty of Cleveland, O. : "I was converted
about forty-five years ago. I became a business man
in Cleveland, Ohio. It was there I was introduced to a
Mrs. Farmer, who said to me : 'Do you enjoy the blessed
experience of holiness?' She added looking me straight
in the eye, 'You may have as beautiful an experience as
St. Paul.' I began to think about it. For about three
weeks I was praying and under deep conviction, when
I heard a brother get up and testify. I saw it was for
everybody; that it was the Father's will that we should
be sanctified. I gave up everything. I died out to self.
I didn't have any great emotion, but I knew I had the
experience. I went to' a camp meeting, and found that
they had the same thing. I didn't know but what they
had something better ! God cleansed my heart, and I
felt so clean. I have been testifying to it for twenty-
four years. Let us pray mightily that God may make this
Assembly a great blessing, and that He may put His seal
on this meeting."
Bro. T. H. Nelson of Indianapolis, Ind. : "I want to
thank God that He saved me. I want to thank God for
a religion that cost everything. For years, I worshiped
God with a string of beads in my pocket. Sixteen years
ago, I took these out of my pocket, to find peace in
Jesus. After that though I was not up and down
in my experience, and was constantly victorious, I found
an involuntary shrinking, an involuntary rebellion, until
I became sanctified. I think we ought to be more definite.
There are some who think they are sanctified, but are
only justified. There is that involuntary rebellion still
there. When God sanctified me, He took out that dis-
position to walk limpingly. Thank God it had to go,
81
and now L have deliveranct through the blood of Jesus."
("Amen!")
SERVICE AT 10:45 A. M.
Singing by congregation, "Come Thou Almighty
King."
Prayer, by Bro. A. M. Hills : "O, Lord, our blessed
God, Author of our being, we come into Thy presence
this morning with loving and grateful hearts, to bow
before Thee in thine holy temple. O, Lord, let all the
earth keep silence before Thee, and worship Thee in the
beauty of holiness and in the fear of the Lord. We
bless Thy name for the privilege of Thy sanctuary. We
thank Thee for this pleasant Sabbath morning and, as the
sun rose so beautifully over the earth this morning, so
may the Son of Righteousness arise in every heart. We
thank Thee for a living God. We thank Thee for the
assembly of the First Born. We thank Thee for the
privilege of worshiping Thee. We pray Thee Father,
to take out of our hearts everything that offends Thee.
As we come and bow before Thee, this morning, and
offer up our supplications and songs of gratitude and
praise before the Lord, we call upon our souls and all
that is within us to bless Thy holy name and forget not all
Thy benefits. We praise Thee for Thy Gift of gifts —
the blessed Son of God, who died for us. We praise Thee
for that other Gift to be our Guide, our Leader, Com-
forter and Sanctifier, — the indwelling Holy Ghost. O
Triune God, we call upon our souls this morning not to
be unmindful of Thy benefits and blessings innumerable.
The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth ! O, come into our
souls and reign this morning, God Supreme, and sway
Thy sceptre over every faculty of our being. O, Lord,
set our heart's affection on Thee, that we may love Thee
with all our heart and sou-l and mind and strength, and
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
that we may love those for whom Thou didst die, as
ourselves. Sway Thy sceptre over all our being, that
our will may ever more be submissive to Thy will. Rule
over our natures, that every desire and appetite shall be
in sweet conformity to the perfect will of God.
''We pray Thee to remember the pastor of this church.
Rejoice his soul, and water it with the dews of heaven, and
may he have all that God wants to give him, and all that
was purchased for him with the precious blood of Jesus. We
pray Thee for a blessing upon his family and upon his
church. Bless all who are accustomed to worship here
from Sabbath to Sabbath. O, Je-sus ! Every congregation
represents so much of weakness and longing unsatisfied,
hope deferred, and heart sickness. Thou knowest how
to minister to these people. Remember, O Lord, all sin-
sickness ; this sickness that Thou didst come to save the
world from. Minister to these sin-sick hearts that may be
here this morning. Point them to Thyself and the five
wounds that bought their salvation.
God, hear us for this prayer roll, stretched across
this church. It represents so much of agony, heart-ache
and longing. O, Jesus, come in mercy and bless all
these souls. Some of them are poor wives, who have
wrestled long, and their hearts have grown sick with wait-
ing for the salvation of their husbands. Fathers and
mothers want their children brought to Thee. O Christ,
Thou knowest the feelings of the parental heart, for Thou
didst make it. Thou knowest what it is for fathers and
mothers to wait and weep before Thee in supplication for
their dear ones. Have mercy upon them. Then there
are the brothers and sisters praying for loved ones. Even
children, doing the unnatural thing, are praying for par-
ents, when their parents ought to be praying for them.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
83
We beseech Thee to hear these prayers that are now
being hfted up for these precious ones all over the land.
'•Thousands are praying for us. O God, come down on
this convention. We want the holiness forces united. We
want them melted down, melted together and fused until
every heart beats in sympathy and unison, laboring together
for the cause of holiness. Jesus, Thou Almighty God, we
pray Thee to give us a Pentecostal blessing in this Assembly.
Let not a week pass, until God comes in mighty power, and
multitudes are saved and sanctified. Almighty God, come
down and help us and this great city. Let Thy kingdom
come. Let Thy will be done in our hearts. Sanctify all
of our hearts until this world shall be redeemed to our
Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign forever, and
Thou shalt have the glory, world without end. Amen."
Scripture Lesson, Isaiah 55, read by Bro. A. M. Hills.
SERMON BY BRO. J. P. BRUSHINGHAM.
Text: "Sir, we would see Jesus." John xii:2i.
"Tarry ye in the City of Jerusalem." Luke xxiv 149.
Some of the Greeks that were proselytes, came up
to Jerusalem to the Feast of the Passover. And they
came with the exclamation on their lips : "Sir, we would
see Jesus !"
After Philip and the others had been converted, Jesus
the Divine Master, who conversed with him on this occa-
sion said : "This is not all there is for you. 'Tarry ye in
the City of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power
from on high.' "
There^is no word appropriate to express the present
climacteric state of things. We are not here simply for
dress parade.
Christ's Personal Power. — I call your attention
to the power and influence of a personal Christ
on our salvation. I want to say to you in the first
84 ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
place that Jesus and His personal power on the lives of
men can never die out. It is impossible. Pharaoh tried
to put Closes to death, but failed. Herod tried to put
him (who came from that obscure village of the Roman
Empire) to death when a babe, but could not do it.
If there is anything ifi your voice or heart of testi-
mony to the consistency of holy living, the world wants it.
"And I, if I be lifted up," said Jesus, **will draw all
men unto me." We need no argument; we need no
demonstration; we need no proof in a logical formal way
— all we need to do is to hold Him up faithfully, both by
word of mouth and exemplary life, presenting Him to the
world, and He will win His own way.
Enthroning Christ. — If I understand the meaning of
this assembly, it is to enthrone the living Christ in the
hearts of the people. You cannot have a photograph of
Christ. It doesn't appear that photography had reached
its present stage in that day. Nor have we a phonograph
of Air. Edison's to reproduce His precious words as they
fell from His lips. But you and I may reproduce His
Spirit and present Him to the world as a Saviour and Re-
deemer. We are here waiting for a baptism of His Holy
Spirit.
Holiness the Climax of Christianity. — What is the
climax of all Christianity? Holiness and Sanctification.
That includes the Holy One. That includes the Sanctifier.
Of course there is no preaching greater than the preacher.
There is no doctrine greater than the teacher. There is
no salvation greater than the Saviour. I believe in the
possibility of full salvation. I know something of it by
experience, I believe in the Saviour. I believe in a
Holy God, because I believe a Holy God will not have
unholy people as His chosen ones. We want nothing less
B0LINE8S ASSEMBLY.
85
than an indwelling Christ and a baptism of the Spirit
resting upon us.
To see Jesus. — In what sense would men want to see
Jesus, — from what view-point? He is interesting from
many points of view. I have no patience v/ith the modern
sneer at theology. Jesus Christ is God manifest in the
flesh, and any phase of the science of God is interesting
and profitable.
It is profitable for us to come and see Jesus histor-
ically. We see Jesus blessing little children; feeding the
multitude; standing by the pool restoring the impotent
man, when there was nob@dy to help him; hearing the
cry of blind Bartimaeus ; turning to the poor invalid of 12
years, who touched the tassel of his robe, and saying:
''Be of good cheer. Thy faith hath made thee whole ;"
healing the sick and raising the dead. What a field for
the study of an historic Christ ! Strauss and Renan
planted their guns of attack along the lines of an historic
Christ. You might as well expect to see the sun and stars
fall from heaven, as to see Christ taken out of history.
People might come to see Christ from various aspects
and points of view, but let me hasten to say that the view
point which is most precious is that of experience — that
of a personal, present Saviour, cleansing us from all sin.
Some would like to see Jesus on the throne of Judgment,
judicially, when great and smaH, high and low shall ascend
with a shout and at the voice of the trumpet all shall
be raised from the dead. Others would prefer to see
Jesus in glory. What we want to see, is Jesus as a pres-
ent, personal Saviour from all sin, and then:
"We'll have heaven below,
Our Redeemer to know."
Brother John McNeill was in Chicago preaching on
the transfiguration of Jesus. I remember his saying ''I
86
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
am glad, brethren, that I. am not preaching on the At-
lantic coast. 'And when they lifted up their eyes, they
saw no man save Jesus only.' If I were on the Atlantic
coast and lifted up my eyes, I would want to go home and
see mother." We can all stay a little longer in sin-
cursed Chicago, or New York, or Boston in the service of
the Master.
Personality of the Saviour. — Why do we come to-
gether? Why do we come to church? You say:
can read my Bible at home." You say: "I want time
to read the Sunday morning paper." God pity that kind
of diet ! It is the personality back of the words of the
preacher, that causes us to prefer the spoken word. God
pity the preacher that doesn't put anything back of the
printed page of his sermon ! When Dr. Storrs was
preaching a memorial sermon in honor of the great Brook-
lyn divine he said: "Read Beecher's sermons? You
might as well go back to the 4th of July with its exploded
sky-rockets and broken wheels, after it was all over." He
said you would miss the life and power and spirit. I am
thankful that God sent His Son, that we might know a
personal Saviour. Frank Bristol, when passing through
Chicago, said that his church in Washington was always
full on account of the people coming to see the president.
He said you might think it foolish, but you would be sur-
prised at the number who come up and say : "I wish you
would take me up. I want to sit in President McKinley's
pew." They want to have the honor of saying that they
have sat in his seat. W. T. Stead of London was writing
.a letter, and started to say "Be a Christian." He got to
the last word, and had gotten down "Be a Christ "
when he was called away. When he came back and found
what he had written, he said "I'll not finish that. I'll let
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
87
that stand." There is a sense in which we are to be a
Christ and represent Him.
Christ cannot fall. — The religion that is centered
around Jesus Christ cannot fall any more than the sun
can fall from heaven. We are not to come with small
questions, but in all seriousness, asking "What must I
do to be saved," — to be fully saved ? We are not to come
sarcastically or ironically asking, for those who do, do
not want an answer. And we must not come like the
rich man, who went away sorry because the Master said
to him : "One thing thou lackest : go thy way, sell what-
soever thou hast, and give it to the poor." We must come
prepared to give away everything, — to lay everything upon
the altar, in honest and whole-souled sacrifice.
Death then Life. — "Sir, we would see Jesus." So
Philip took them to Jesus. Jesus told them : "Except a
corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth
alone : but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." He
said, if you have come to have a good time and simply
to see me on my throne of glory, you are mistaken. We
put a kernel of corn into the earth, out of sight, covered
all over, in contact with the lowly earth. They run wag-
ons over it, the children play above it. It begins to de-
cay, — to die. Presently there is a little opening in it the
size of a pin point. Somebody raps at the door and
says : "Let me in and I will help you." And the grain
of corn says: "O, I am of no account. I am dead. I
am of no use.'' "Just let me in," and Mother Nature
goes in and begins her work. The kernel of corn sends
its little roots down into the soil and shoots a tiny blade
up. "First the blade; chen the ear, after that the full
corn in the ear." So Christ knocks at the door of your
heart that he may enter in and do a work which you cannot
possibly do for yourself. First dead to self, alive to God
8S
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
and eternal glory ! ("Amen.") A man can afford to be
trampled on and covered up out of sight, if the mighty
Christ comes in and becomes his "Mother Nature."
Christ wants us to be faithful even unto death. Col. Tur-
ner said when he went out to battle he told a drummer
boy he must go out, saying to him, "Boy, you will take
care of my pocket-book and watch and those boots. I
think a great deal of those boots." When he came back
he saw that a stray shot had left a dent in the boy's head
and he was dying. He looked up and said, "Colonel, I
have kept the boots." God wants us to keep our trust
even unto death. There are worse things than dying. It
is a thousand times worse to live to sin than to die to self.
("Amen.")
To Be Like Him. — Paul said : "Let this mind be in
you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form
of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but
made Himself of no reputation." He emptied Himself of
Himself and humbled Himself. Reputation is what we
seem to be. Character is what we are. Reputation is
what men think of us. Character is what God and the
angels know of us. Reputation is the frescoed adorn-
ment. Don't worry about your reputation if your char-
acter stands unimpeached. "Wherefore God also hath
highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above
every name ; that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father." We are to be
like Him in humility. "Let this mind be in you which was
also in Christ Jesus." That is a very simple statement:
Just to be Hke Jesus. Yes, it is, but it is the profoundest
thing in the world to be like Jesus. ("Amen.") You
say "I am only human. I cannot aspire to anything like
that." But he was human. Take the words of Pilate
ISAIAH REID, WILSON T. HOGUE,
Des Moines, Iowa. Chicago, 111.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
89
"I find no fault in this man." There is hope for us if "our
Hfe is hid with Christ in God." ("Amen.") O, the glori-
ous opportunity of sinless manhood and sinless woman-
hood through the power of Jesus Christ! Let Jesus
Christ, the mighty healer come in and cleanse, and, after
He has emptied you of all sin, let Him fill the vacuum.
Jesus Christ didn't always stay at Jerusalem. Jesus
Christ ascended and left this world. But, before He as-
cended there came two historic scenes of His life. First,
He died and was buried. Second, He arose again from
the dead. First, let us be dead to self, and rise again unto
life in God. (''Amen.")
Spiritual Dynamics. — We are living in an electric age.
The age of triumph and progress in the material world.
When F. B. Meyer was here, he told how somebody
asked a famous electrician if there wasn't more electricity
in the world than ever before. He said : "No. We
simply know how to utilize the electricity now." Mr.
Edison proposes to build an equipment to send dispatches
without the intervention of wires through from dynamo
to dynamo. Give us a Christian dynamo charged with the
full power of the Holy Ghost ! Jesus Christ can do more
for us in the spiritual world than all the skill and science
for the material world. "But ye shall receive power after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Christian
Dynamics does not mean Christian apologetics ! ("Amen !")
We have no answer to make to our enemies but Jesus
Christ and the Holy Ghost which He promised to give us.
A Critical Time. — It is said this is a critical time for the
Holiness movement. If it is, it is a critical time for Chris-
tianity, too. We have seen three great temples erected in
this city, within a very short space of time, dedicated to the
most absurd and erratical doctrines. It is a critical time,
but thank God, we are not discouraged. (Cries of "No.").
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
We catch the glorius optimism of our Lord, when He
said to His disciples after He was risen: ''All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore
and teach all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Ghost; teaching them to ob-
serve whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
Back to Christ. — What we want in religion is to go
back to Spurgeon, back to Wesley. Back ! Back ! Back
to Jesus Christ ! ("Amen !" "Glory !"). There was a
wavering in the army. They were falling back before
the enemy. Gen. McPherson had fallen dead in battle.
Who would take his place? There was a wavering and
falling back under the terrific fire of the enemy. It was
a critical hour for the "Boys in Blue." They didn't know
what to do, but the "Black Eagle of Illinois," Logan,
stepped forward, caught up the starry flag;^, unfurled it
above his head and cried : "Rally ! Rally ! Rally ! to the
colors." As the men in blue rallied around the flag they
were saved from dismay and led to victory. Is there a
wavering in the ranks of the Holy Ghost hosts anywhere ?
Is there a falling back in the face of the enemy? In the
name of this great assembly we unfurl this morn-
ing the Banner of Jesus, blood red, the flag of the re-
deemed, and we cry from the depths of our hearts. Rally !
Rally ! Rally ! to the cause, of Jesus Christ. "More love
to Thee O Christ ! More love to Thee." Will you join
me in that song as if you meant it ?
Singing. — (Congregation joining heartily.)
"More love to Thee, O Christ,
More love to Thee,
Hear Thou the prayer I make,
On bended knee.
This is my earnest plea,
More love. O Christ, , to Thee,
More love to Thee.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
91
"Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek,
Give what is best :
This all my prayer shall be
More love, O Christ, to Thee>
More love to Thee.
"1'hen shall my latest breath
Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry
My heart shall raise.
This still its prayer shall be,
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee."
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Singing by congregation: ''The Half has Never yet
Been Told," "Sunlight," and ''There is Joy in My Soul."
Prayer, by Rev. G. W. Ridout of New Jersey: "We
praise Thee Lord, ior this Sabbath day in Chicago. We
praise Thee for the privilege of being associated with this
assembly on this blessed Sabbath day. We praise Thee
for the Holy Bible and the doctrine of holiness. We
praise Thee for those who preach this precious Gospel of
salvation. We praise Thee that this doctrine has not
died out, but that it is alive and shall live.
"We pray Thee that this Assembly may be blessed from
heaven; that it may be instrumental in unifying and har-
monizing the holiness people ; that greater impetus may
be given to the holiness movement everywhere. We praise
Thee that this is not a matter of creed, nor of doctrine, nor
of dogma, but a matter of experience. We bless Thee for
salvation, justification and sanctifiction ; for a real, clean-
cut conversion, and a conviction for holiness and inward
purity, and that Thou hast delivered so many from inbred
sin. We bless Thee that so many can sing to-day that
they are over in Beulah Land.
"We pray for Thy blessing on this afternoon service.
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BCBOES OF THE QENhRAJj
We want this service to be blessed of God. We want,
this afternoon, that such a baptism of celestial fire may fall
in our midst that all present may get an enduement of
Thine holy unction. Assembled here, we trust with one
accord, we calmly wait before Thee. Come, Holy Ghost,
and fill this place, and Thou shalt have the praise and the
glory, now and forever more. Amen."
Song by Bro. and Sister Harris : "The Old Fountain."
SERMON BY BRO. C. J. FOWLER.
Text: I Cor. iii. I hope that we will remember that
the objective end of this afternoon service is not the ser-
mon, but that it is soul salvation that is all-important. The
sermon I expect will be related tp that, but your prayers
and attention will be very essential.
The passage I have selected as a text is Paul's first let-
ter to the Corinthians, Third Chapter.* (Reading of Chap-
ter.)
Christian experience is life — soul life. "And you hath
He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." And
this life is spiritual, — effected, sealed and controlled by the
Holy Spirit of God ; born of the Spirit. "As many as are
led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
This spirituality, this life, is fruitful. "The fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, good-
ness, faith, meekness, temperance." Our initial experience
then is divine, and, for a time is profoundly satisfactory, but
only for a time. This leads me to say that, usually, Chris-
tian experience is contradictory. One is not only conscious
of the presence of the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy,p©ace,
etc., but he becomes conscious of the presence of the op-
posite of these in his heart. While he knows love is
there, he is conscious of the presence of envy; while he
knows joy is there, yet there is a tormenting fear; while
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
93
peace is there, there is an inner conflict; while there is
long-suffering, yet there is impatience; while there is
gentleness, there is something of self-will; while there
is goodness, there is a mixture of pride; while
there is meakness, there is anger; while there is faith,
there is a condition of unbelief ; and while there is tem-
perance there is something of inordinate desire. While
the fruits of the Spirit are there, there is something of the
opposites. I have said that, usually. Christian experience
is contradictory. I do not mean to say that there is any
exception. John Wesley said that often in conversion the
''old man" got such a blow between the eyes that he didn't
rally for awhile, but it is only a question of time and a
very limited time before the regenerated heart will awaken
to the consciousness of these untoward things. This is so
real as to suggest doubt that he ever came into the light.
So real is this as to suggest inquiry on his part as to the
why of it and the how of it. He says : "Why, if I am con-
verted, do I feel this thing? Why do I have these unto-
ward things in me ?" Right here is laid the foundation that
may wreck that soul ; or here is laid the foundation of truth
on which that soul can build a structure that will stand
forever. Let that soul go to a religious teacher and raise
this question: "Is a man that feels pride, unbelief, self-
will and anger unconverted? Or does it mean the ab-
sence of spiritual life?" The answer may effect the con-
dition of that soul forever. To say to that person "You
are not converted. Converted people never feel anger,
pride, unbelief or self-will." To teH him that, is liable
to discourage him forever. But say to that person : Yes,
you may have been converted. The presence of those
things is not evidence that you have not been. You want
to thank God for the things He has done for you. You
must remember that this is not a normal condition. God
94
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
has something better yet for you. He not only can con-
vert you He proposes to cleanse this away.
I have just read that which has to do with this con-
tradiction of experience. These people addressed by the
apostle are "brethren," — evidently not unconverted sinners,
but brethren in Christ. You will note he calls them ''babes
in Christ." It is true they were babes in Christ. The
babe is in the human family, coming through the door-way
of natural birth, just as much as the mother that holds it.
These babes were in Christ, and were brethren in Christ.
They are spoken of as God's husbandry. They are God's
tilled land; God's productive soil. And they were God's
building. Building carries the idea of ownership and oc-
cupancy. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you." And He says
they are holy. Every Christian is holy. Not that every
Christian is unniixedly holy. Before you and I were con-
verted, we were unholy. The power of unholiness pos-
sessec. and guided us. When we were born again, the prin-
ciple of holiness was put in us and guided us. In that
sense, every Christian is holy. I say, to be a Christian at
all is to have a principle of genuine divine holiness within
you. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature : old things are passed away; behold, all things are
become new." Now the will of God is enthroned in that
soul, and that soul says "yes" to the divine will ; but when
we are first converted, we don't always say "yes," without
a protest.
The apostle in the text is giving a large place to con-
version, regeneration or justification. He says : "Breth-
ren," "Babes in Christ;" God's productive land, holy and
belonging to Christ, showing clearly a condition as being
children of God, and yet he said he could not speak unto
them as spiritual, but as carnal. And that distinguished
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
95
minister and reformer of New York has scriptural basis
for his phrasing when he says "Carnal Christians." When
one says there is no such thing as a carnal Christian, he
breaks with Paul. Paul says they are "Babes in Christ,"
but are carnal.
I want to ask your attention to the popular and usual
method of dealing with carnality. There are two great
systems of theology, with which we are pretty familiar. I
refer to Calvinism on the one hand and Arminianism on
the other. Both of these great syste«is teach that which
I am trying to emphasize. I would like to read you some-
thing that may interest you from the Calvinistic Cate-
chism :
"Question. From whom does God defend his peo-
ple?
"Answer: From all their enemies.
"Question: Who are their enemies?
"Answer : Sin, Satan, the world and death ; the worst
of which is indwelling sin.
"Question : How does Christ defend believers from
sin?
"Answer: By keeping alive the spark of grace in an
ocean of corruption.
"Question : What is meant by dying to sin ?
"Answer : Ceasing more and more from the love and
practice of it.
"Question : "Do not the remains of sin in our old man
oppose this death?
"Answer : Yes. Most vigorously.
"Question: How do they oppose it?
"Answer: By secret lusting and violent fighting
against grace in our hearts.
"Question : Does indwelling sin ever prevail against
^race ?
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
"Answer: Yes. Very often * *
There is a clear statement, strong enough to show
that what I am undertaking to convey is scriptural from
the standpoint of Calvinistic doctrine.
I next quote you from the Arminian doctrine :
"Original sin is the corruption of the nature of every
man, whereby man is, in his own nature inclined to evil
and that continually. And this infection of nature does
remain in them that are regenerate, and, although there is
no condemnation to* them that believe, yet this lust has, in
itself, the nature of sin."
The position taken in these statements is not peculiar
to the Methodist, Baptist or any other denominational
credal statement.
Now, when you come to the Arminian statement and
ask when sanctification is to be complete, the answer is :
It may be before death. How? There ought to be uni-
formity of answers here. All who claim to be adherents
to Arminian theories ought to agree, but they do not.
You know there is a double answer. Some say you get
deliverance by growth in grace, — a long drawn out process.
(Cries of "No.") Others say you get it by faith, a sudden
and instantaneous process. Let me give you a statement
that is clear and interesting. A writer, very prominent
in Methodist circles is writing concerning what Methodists
believe. He says :
"Some believe and even assert that it is a matter of
personal experience, that following regeneration by a spe-
cial and separate act of the Holy Ghost in answer to
prayer and faith that claims it, the soul may immediately
and consciously be raised to a state in which all evil ten-
dencies will be eradicated. Others believe that, by con-
tmuous growth it may ultimately come into this state
while yet in the body."
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
97
For a few moments I want to consider this last
thought ; growth in grace as a method of getting sanctifica-
tion, — as a process of eliminating this old man, carnality,
and becoming every whit whole. vSome say, "but you do
not believe in growth in grace." We do believe in it, and
we think as nobody else believes in it. Why we allow,
brethren, that a baby that has pronounced consumptive
tendencies will grow, but a baby that has no unhealthy
tendencies at all will grow much better. We believe an
apple with a worm hole in it can grow, but an apple
without the worm hole will grow better. We are not
denying growth in grace, but we are insisting on it and
insisting upon the right conditions unto growth in grace.
What do people mean by growth in grace as a way of
getting rid of the old man? May I put it in this way:
What is the philosophy of it? There is a philosophy of
salvation. The Bible is full of the philosophy of sal-
vation.
I confess that I do not know what this "grow in
grace" means. I have no way of knowing. Nobody
has ever told me. I have never read it in any book, or
heard it in any sermon or testimony. I do not know
what these dear men and women mean by growth in
grace as a method of getting sanctified and getting rid
of the old man. I can only imagine. If I accepted this
idea, I would have a theory. I am not an advofcate, or
believer in it. I want to suggest that growth in grace
as a means of getting rid of the old man and being
sanctified wholly is unreasonable for me to believe and
inequitable for God to require. Here is a man con-
verted whentwenty years of age. He dies when he is eighty.
Sixty years to grow out carnality. Another is converted
at twenty and dies at forty years of age, and the distance is
twenty years. Another is converted at the age of twenty and
98
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
dies at the age of twenty-one, and the distance is twelve
months. Still another is converted at twenty years of age
and dies within a week. His opportunity to get sanctified
by growth or any other method is limited to one week. To
tell me that God would allow it, to say nothing of requiring
one man to wait twenty years for what another gets in a
week is unreasonable. Things are exactly equal here. For
God to allow one man to struggle up across the years
with this thing, to the end, and let another man get it
in six days or one day would be unequal. It is also a
misnomer. People who say we get sanctified by growth
in grace do not mean what they say. Here is a man
present this afternoon, eighty years of age, — an old man,
tottering and feeble it may be. One of you holiness
workers has talked with him. That dear man says he
was converted away back sixty years ago. He says :
"I don't understand what you are saying about getting
sanctified. I had not been a Christian long before I
noticed them, these wrong things in my heart and I am
just as conscious of the presence of them in my heart
now." Now it is four o'clock, I will say, when you have
this conversation with that venerable Christian brother.
In going down yonder steps he slips and falls and breaks
his neck. Five minutes after you were talking to him he
was in; eternity. His opportunity to get rid of those
things which existed in his heart was just five minutes.
His opportunity to outgrow that condition was five min-
utes. The sixty years absolutely counted for nothing in
getting rid of the old man. We do not say that he does
not get rid of his carnal nature in the five minutes, but
we do insist that he does not get rid of it by growth in
grace. (''Amen.") Every state of grace is clearly ex-
perimental. Every phase of spirituality has two sides,
which for the sake of trying to make it plain, I shall des-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
99
ignate as positive and negative. I can remember when
I was awakened. I was not an infidel, nor an agnostic.
I could have preached not a Httle truth before I was con-
verted. There was a day when God spoke to me in my
inner consciousness. It was the testimony of the Holy
Ghost to my soul that I was a sinner and doomed to
hell. There was the negative side and there was the
positive. There was the consciousness of being a sin-
ner and the divine testimony to my soul that I was a
sinner.
If we get sanctified we know it. I am not saying
now whether we get it by growth, or death, by purga-
tory, or how! I just as naturally found myself in with
the world as does water run down hill, but the moment
God spoke peace to my heart, God's people were my
people. ("Amen.") When I was sanctified, I just as
naturally took to the holiness people.
You never heard of a case in your life where a man
got the divine attestation of this thing we are speaking
of, who said "I got it by growth." Here is a man that
rises and says he was converted 20 years ago, out back
of his good old father's barn, about 4 o'clock in the
afternoon. He hadn't been converted a great while be-
fore he found in his heart something that led him to
do things he knew he ought not to do. He went to his
class-leader and minister, and they told him that was
the way we all felt, and that he mustn't conclude that he
was not converted. They said to him : "You must read
your Bible, be careful to attend Sunday School, and en-
joy all the means of grace." He says: "I did. I read
my Bible; I attended all the means of grace the best I
could, and I found I was growing in grace, but these
things that so distressed me were still there. I still kept
100
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
on. I was ver}' active in church and Sunday School. I
was instrumental in doing much good, and by and by it
all became clear and I was sanctified wholly, all through
the growth of grace." You never heard that kind of
testimony in your life. (''Never.") If this idea of growth .
in grace is correct, you ought to hear it every day.
Here is a man that gets up and says : "I was converted
20 years ago, back of my good old father's red barn,
about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I had not been con-
verted a great while before I ound these things in my
soul. I went to people about it and they said 'we are glad
you came. We have watched you with interest. We
thought you were converted. We are glad you came to
us with this. We want to tell you there is another work
just as definite as this.' ('That begins to sound natural !')
If 3'ou will go and ask God to sanctify you wholly, He
will do it." I didn't know any better. I went right a1
it and said : "Come now and do this work in me, and
God did it, just as definitely as I was converted out back
of the barn, and I have had it all these years. Halleluljah !"
You have heard that experience everywhere. ("Yes
"Amen !") The next time somebody says the way to get
it is through growth in grace, very courteously ask him
if he got it in that way.
I want to bring two witnesses ; two men, not from
the common walks of life. I want to bring one of the
greatest men Methodism has ever had, Wilbur Fisk. This
man of God was twice elected bishop, once in the United
States and once in Canada, but he declined the office,
feeling, as he said, that he could do more good devoting
himself to the education of the young. This marvelous
man went down to Cape Cod in August, 1819, to attend a
small tent camp meeting, among a few poke-b'onnet old
HOLINESS ASS£JMBL7,
101
women ; got down in the straw and asked God to sanctify
him. He said he was instantaneously deHvered from in-
bred sin and all doubts, and in after life he bore witness
to what he got in the straw in that old Plymouth Camp
Meeting on the shores of Cape Cod.
Take the next witness, Stephen Olin, whom the his-
torian says stands forth with commanding prominence in
the annals of the Methodist Church. That man, with
broken health, went across the seas and visited the coast
of Africa in the hopes of improving his condition. While
standing one afternoon in the white sands by the Nile,
looking up in the skies, with nobody about but the donkey
boys and a few Arabs to look on, he received the wit-
ness and broke forth in shouts over the marvelous and
magnificent Hfe he got in the fullness of the gospel of
Christ.
I was brought out from darkness into light as clear
as.day. I can say that I was never tempted from that
minute to this to doubt that 1 was converted, that night
in the old Methodist Church in the White Hills of New
England. I got conversion in that little old church. I
need not tell you ; I could not tell you those heavenly sen-
sations that accompanied it, and God has used me as an
instrument to bring thousands of precious souls to Christ.
On the occasion of my sanctification, I went into a service
and they were praying for somebody. I didn't know who.
I knew it fitted me. I was pastor of a large church at
the time. I went forward and Deacon Morse came and
knelt by my side and began to pray. He said : ''O, God,
we are unworthy to pray for this preacher. He has been
a successful preacher." I hate to say this, but this if-
what he said: *'He has been a successful preacher, a use-
ful preacher. He is pastor of a commanding church. W^e
102
ECHOES OF THE GEyERAL
are unworthy, etc." I knew that man wasn't working
along God's Hne. That prayer enhanced my suffering.
He seemed to be conscious of this. He stopped to take
a breath and said : **God take the devil out of this fel-
low." Here I was, pastor of a large church, and here I
was down on the floor, but I said : "If the devil is in
me, I want that prayer answered ; if he is not he must
not come in now," and I stuck to it and God brought me
in and I am in now.
My soul is on the stretch for victory here. Give us such
a victory as shall be felt all over the world, that the angels
in heaven may rejoice, and you and I have cause to shout
hallelujahs for thousands of years without taking breath !
O, that somebody might get deliverance !
When the invitation was given, about twenty-five seekers came
forward and half the congregation crowded around the altar.
EVENING SESSION.
At the opening of this session, report came from the
street meeting in charge of Sister Cooke, that, with ten
requests for prayer and five seekers kneeling on the pave-
ments, the meeting had been broken up by a saloon-keeper,
who had turned in a call for the police patrol.
Singing by congregation: ''There's Power in the
Blood."
Bro. Fowler : "God has put my soul on top for some-
thing. I have been praying and fasting for 24 hours, an«l
He has told me that He was going to bring great things
to pass. God is going to answer our prayers. It would
be in order, I think, at this time, to listen to a few testi-
monies."
Sister S. B. Shaw : — "I am first on my feet, because I
haven't yet testified in this Assembly. I do know in my
inmost soul that the blood of Jesus does cleanse from all
sin, and that the blessed Spirit takes possession and does
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
103
come into a poor human heart, ("Amen!") God does at
times give promises of victory to His own. I, too, am
confident that God is going to work mightily among us.''
A Sister : — "I praise the Lord that He took the man-
fearing feeling out of my soul. I found a sister, to-day,
who was longing for this second blessing. I brought her
down here, and, bless the Lord, she got it this afternoon."
("Amen! Glory!")
A Delegate : — "While we were singing 'There's Power
in the Blood,' it seemed to me that I was in heaven's bor-
der land. This is heaven's border land to me. There's
victory here."
Bro. Fowler : — "Get your cup right side up !"
("Amen !")
A Sister : — "I do praise God, because He is such
a wonderful God, and Jesus Christ such a wonderful Sav-
ior. I praise Him to-night for salvation. I praise His
name that He can cleanse me from all sin. I am wholly
His, and He is wholly mine."
Bro. J. B. Shaw: — "You may think it strange when
I tell you that I have been looking for this meeting for
two years. The moment I read the announcement for this
Assembly, I said : 'That is it.' I have been trying to
preach salvation for many years. I preach it because I
enjoy the experience in my soul. When I can't preach
that way, I will quit." ("Amen !")
•A Brother: — "I got a wonderful victory down on the
street. I can say that I am justified, and sanctified. I
am glad that Jesus is able to satisfy. I am satisfied with
the quality, but I want more of it." ("Amen!")
Prayer by Bro. J. R. Allen of Waterloo, Iowa.
Song by Brother and Sister Harris : "The Riches of
Love."
104
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
SERMON BY BRO. J. S. DEMPSTER.
Subject: The Two Baptisms.
Text : "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He
that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not
worthy to bear, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with
fire." Matt. 3:11.
The anointed eye can see at a moment's glance that
there are two baptisms spoken of in my text. The first
is the baptism of John, which is the baptism with water
unto repentance ; the second is the baptism of Jesus, which
is the baptism with the Holy Ghost and with fire. You
can also discern that the baptism of John, which is the
baptism with water unto repentance, is received before
the baptism of Jesus, which is the baptism with the Holy
Ghost and with fire; or in other words, the baptism of
Jesus is not received at the same time that we receive the
baptism of John, but is received subsequent to the first
baptism. Here we can see that the baptism of John repre-
sents "the first blessing" and that the baptism of Jesus
is "the second blessing;" so that Mr. Wesley was correct
when he said that we are justified before we are sanctified.
We notice in the first place, that in order to receive the
first baptism, it is necessary to comply with the Scriptural
conditions of repentance, which may be summed up in
Holy Ghost conviction, godly sorrow, which implies an
utter detestation of all willful transgressions against a
known law, complete, open-hearted confession to God,
reparation to Him and to our fellow man as far as lieth
in our power; an utter abandonment of all occasions to sin
as far as our vocation in life will permit, and faith in the
Lord Jesus as our personal, present Savior.
You will also nonce in the word of God several sym-
bols or types of The Hoty Spirit, such as water, oil, wind
and fire. This is why we baptize with water; because it is
R. L. SELLE,
Denton, Texas.
J. McD. KERR,
Toronto, Ont.
THOS. H. NELSON,
Indianapolis, Ind.
E. GOOD^^IAN.
Chicago, 111.
MRS. T. H. XELSOX,
Indianapolis, Ind.
H. ACKERS.
Big Prairie, Ohio.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
105
the outward symbol of the inward work of regeneration,
in the moral nature of those who have received John's
baptism. Water of itself makes no change in the moral
nature of any individual ; whether we are sprinkled, poured
upon or immersed. I am at a loss to know why so many
lay such stress on water baptism, who utterly ignore the
work of the Holy Spirit in the repentance and regenera-
tion of the soul. It seems strange to any spiritually
anointed teacher, why some should lay such stress on
water, as if oxygen and hydrogen could work any change
upon the spiritual nature of man. What we need to preach
to sinners is not that they "come and join our church
and be baptized," but come down in the sackcloth of
humiliation to the cross of Jesus, and with contrite and
broken hearts, cry out to God in the language of the
publican's prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner," and
on their faces -before God, with hearts lifted unto Him,
the friend of sinners, pray until the voice of heaven would »
speak into their hearts, "son, daughter, thy sins are for-
given thee ; arise and go in peace ;" until they would be
able to say, down in the depths of their very hearts "being
justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1. And know that He the
blessed Spirit, has given them the witness that they are
His children, His adopted sons and daughters. "For as
many as received Him, to them gave He power to become
the sons of God."
Secondly, you will notice that oil is also a symbol or
type of the Holy Spirit; for the psalmist speaks of the
oil of the joy of gladness, and we notice that kinp^s and
priests in the Old Testament dispensation were anointed
with oil on entering into their offices.
Thirdly, that wind is another type of the Holy Spirit ;
i06
ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
for in the upper room we read, in the second chapter of
Acts, that when the day of Pentecost was fully come they
were altogether in one place, and that suddenly ; mind you
not by development or culture or growth or gradual proc-
ess, but suddenly, ''there came from heaven a sound;" (I
like those sounds from heaven, there is something sub-
lime, heavenly, divine about them,) "as of the rushing of
a mighty wind and it filled all the house where they
were sitting." There was a heavenly cyclone there. O
Lord send some such-like mighty cyclones through all the
churches.
Fourthly. Fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It
were a foolish thing to say that the Holy Ghost is fire or
wind or oil or water. These are but the symbols or types
of the Holy Spirit. It would be a foolish thing to say that
the baptism of repentance was one blessing, and that the
baptism of water was the second blessing; ^or every care-
ful Bible student knows that the baptism of water is but
the outward symbol of the inward baptism of repentance.
So we see that it is a foolish thing for some to teach that
the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the sanctification of the
soul is a second blessing, and that the baptism of fire is a
third blessing. It would be just as sensible to teach that
when we receive the baptism of water, that we receive
the subsequent blessing to repentance.
How foolish it would be to say, "I baptize you in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of water" or to
dismiss a congregation by saying, ''may the blessing of
God the Father and of God the Son, and of fire, remain
with you" !
The Holy Ghost is a divine person. He is not merely
an attribute or an operation or influence. He is very
God. Certainly the attributes of God are ascribed to Him,
UOLINEiiS ASSEMBLY,
107
as eternity, Heb. 9: 14, omnipresence, Psalm 139: 7, om-
niscience, I Cor. 2: 10, II, power, Rom. 15: 13-19; The
Holy Spirit is God. I say it reverently, if He is not God,
the church is deceived ; the Bible deceives us, and if the
Holy Spirit is not God, we have no way to be undeceived.
But blessed be God ! He is truly God, while yet the third
and distinct person in the Godhead. It is His office work
to witness to the forgiveness of the pardoned sinner ; and
He is the executive agent in the sanctification of every
believer who has abandoned all to God, purging, purify-
ing, filling, setting him on fire with His own blessed pres-
ence, revealing unto us Jesus in a fuller and grander and
deeper sense in the sanctification of our souls.
So that we see in our text not three baptisms, but
two ; not three blessings, but two blessings ; the baptism of
John, which is the baptism of water unto repentance, and
the baptism of Jesus, which is the baptism with the Holy
Ghost and fire.
Some may ask me, "Is it right to be immersed?" to
which I answer that after close and critical study upon the
subject, I fail to find any command within the lids of the
Bible as regards the mode of baptism ; and the Methodist
Church has very wisely given free liberty to all her chil-
dren to be baptized in whatever mode they so des'ire.
As it is necessary to comply with the scriptural con-
ditions in order to receive the first baptism, so also is it
necessary to comply with the scriptural conditions in order
to receive the second baptism. As the willfully impenitent
can never know Jesus as their personal Savior, so also the
believer unabandoned to God as a living sacrifice, can
never know Jesus as their sanctifier or baptizer with the
Holy Ghost.
You will notice the word He in the text; not it feut
108
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
He, a personal pronoun. He is the baptizer. He is the
One that will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with
fire, if you will ''yield yourselves unto God as those that
are alive from the dead." Rom. 6: 13. If you will pre-
sent your body a living sacrifice, (mind you, not a dead
sacrifice,) but present your body as a living sacrifice, holy
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Mind you, it is not unreasonable, but your reasonable
service. And be not conformed to this world so that ye
may be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
you may prove for yourseW what is that good and accepta-
ble and perfect will of God concerning you.
Many fail to receive Christ as their baptizer with the
Holy Ghost, and with fire because they will not make this
complete and unreserved abandonment to the will of their
heavenly Father. But if ever you do receive it, it will be
only on the conditions which are laid down by the Apos-
tle Paul in the 12th chapter of Romans, ist and 2nd verses.
All conformity to this world must be abandoned. You
must get to the end of your entire consecration, and in
earnest, believing prayer beseech Him, the mighty im-
powering baptizer, to sanctify your heart, to fill you with
His personal presence, and to make you a living flame of
fire.
I have said before that the Holy Ghost is not a mere
attribute, influence or operation ; but that He is a distinct
person; that He is a divine personality; that He is not
water or oil or wind or fire ; but as Malachi 3 : 2 states,
''He is like a refiner's fire." And this is what He seems
like unto to every believing child of God who has entered
into the gracious experience of the second baptism : first,
He comes in, taking away the stony heart, and giving
you a heart of flesh. You find your heart all breaking up
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
109
before God in great tenderness, and as the gold ni the
refiner's crucible is melted up by the fiery baptism it
receives in the furnace, so also you find your heart all
melted up in the fiery baptism which He the baptizer bap-
tizes you with. Glory to God! But He not only comes
in to melt you all up, but He comes in to purify your
heart and to bring your moral nature into perfect harmony
with His own blessed self; destroying all the ifs and
buts and maybes and guess-sos and hope-sos and think-
sos, giving you the divine assurance in these words "for
by one offering He hath perfected forever chem that are
sanctified, whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness."
Heb. lo: 14, 15.
But He not only comes in to purify you ; for having
sold out all, so that in the language of the Apostle Paul
you can say "I am crucified with Christ, never-the-less I
live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life which
I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of
God who loved me and gave himself for me;" He comes
in to make you valuable. As the fire purifies the gold and
makes it precious, so you become one of the precious valu-
able ones in the sight of God, who cannot be bought, who
will not compromise with evil in any shape or form, but
in the spirit of your loving Lord will become a living
witness or martyr both by life and testimony to declare
boldly what He the mighty Baptizer has done for you.
Fourthly. He comes in as the mighty attractor of
human souls ; not to attract people merely to you^ but to
himself. Here is a lesson.
Some think that learning, culture, sentimental affec-
tation, put-on-smiles, so-called politeness, oratorical elo-
quence, large organized choirs, a great display of ecclesi-
astical pomp, the writing up of elaborate reports in world-
110
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
ly newspapers, the uniting of a lot of ecclesiastical force,
the systematic arrangement of plans, expensive advertis-
ing, the great show of five or six hundred people signing
cards as make-believe conversions will attract souls to
Jesus ; but alas ! alas ! What a fruitless failure this has
all been ! O precious ministers of God ! Workers in the
Lord's vineyard ! O that we would learn the lesson that
He, and He only, is the mighty attraction! If all these
things would attract, then we would have the glory; but
He is a jealous God, and whatever we do must be done
only to glorify Him. He puts an attraction, a shine upon
us such as Stephen had, who in the face of death out of
love for the Lord Jesus wins the most hardened to Cal-
vary's Christ. But then He not only melts and purifies,
makes valuable and attracts, but He puts a move in us
(somehow I like the name, the holiness movement) like
a mighty host of heaven's artillery, we are moving on on
our whit'^ hor.^es of swiftness and with our message of
purity declarint;- to the whole world, or at least to that
part committed to our care, that Jesus died, not only
to save the sinner from hell, but to sanctify His believing"
children ; not only to give them a birthright of victory
over the world, the flesh and the devil, but to make them
more than conquerors through Him who has loved us
and washed us from our sins in His own blood ; who has
made us kings and priests unto God, and His Father, to
Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
• flonday, flay 6.
MORNING SESSION.
Devotional exercises commenced at 8 a. m., conducted
by Bro. G. R. Buck.
The Assembly convened in business session at 9 130
a. m., Bro. C. J. Fowler, presiding.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
Ill
Bro. Geo. Hughes reported that he was in receipt of a
letter addressed to the Assembly from the Oxford Club
of Drew Theological Seminary, at Madison, N. J., and that
Bro. P. H. Murdick, of that institution, was present to rep-
resent said Oxford Club at this Assembly. On motion,
the Secretary was ordered to read the letter to the Assem-
bly, and Bros. Geo. Hughes and A. McLean, were made a
committee to respond to same. By consent of the Assem-
bly, Bro. Murdick was introduced, and he addressed the
Assembly, to which the President, C. J. Fowler, briefly re-
sponded.
On motion, it was decided to appoint two committees
of seven members each, — one to be a Committee on Deliv-
erances, to formulate an expression of the sense of this
l^octy on questions of Doctrine ; the other, to be a Commit-
tee on Permanent Methods, to prepare a report on the
best methods for advancing the kingdom of God, and, es-
pecially that part which relates to the spread of Scriptural
Holiness over these lands.
Bro. T. K. Doty moved, and the motion prevailed,
that a committee of five be appointed by the chair to nomi-
nate the members of the Committees on Methods and De-
liverances.
On motion the business session adjourned.
Song by Sisters Nelson and Birdsall : ''Christ Loved
Me."
Prayer by Bro. C. J. Fowler : ''Our Heavenly Fa-
ther, may Thy servant have the anointing of the Spirit
as he presents the message this morning, and may all of
us who hear the Word of God have the anointing we need
for the great responsibility of hearing Thy truth. Have
we not read: 'Take heed therefore how ye hear'? Bless,
we pray Thee, him who shall speak and all who hear. Bless
112
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
all that is done here in the days to come, and may this As-
sembly, in all things, redound to Thy glory. We ask it in
the name of Jesus. Amen."
SERMON BY PRES. A. M. HILLS.
Text : "Like as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy
in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for
I am holy." i Peter 1:15-16.
We have been distracted, somewhat, by our business
session, and the Lord has seen fit not to let me use any
text, or any sermon that I have ever preached in my life,
and I bring you the message from God as He shall give it
to me. I want you to help me, during the few moments
you shall listen to me, by your sympathies and prayers.
The first word of the text is suggestive : *Xike.''
God has made us imitative beings for "a divine purpose.
The little boy not two years old will imitate papa's voice
and papa's gestures. The pupil in school will imitate his
chosen professor, and will seem to do it unconsciously.
The preacher will grow into imitating his ideal preacher.
They tell us the woods of the South are full of "would-be
Sam Jones." God never made but one, but people will
imitate him. The officer will imitate the superior officer
that he admires. And God appeals to this divinely planned
impulse, and holds up as our ideal "Like as He which hath
called you is holy, so be ye holy." All men are moved
by ideals. The student of warm heart and generous im-
pulses in college, through literature, gets an ideal which
transforms and shapes his whole life and holds him steady
to a line of activity. The artist has an ideal and that ideal
makes him a painter and brings out the best that is in him.
The sculptor has an ideal; and that somehow gets into
every stroke of the mallet and every touch of the chisel and
shapes the future statue. God is holding before His imi-
tative child the ideal of excellence, and that ideal is lifted
ffOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
113
up in the infinities of the very heavens, and is none other
than the infinite God Himself.
My text leads me first to describe this holiness which
God holds up to us ; second, to show why we should have
it; third, how to get it.
I. You will pardon me if I say something under this
first head, that many of you have heard so often that it has
become stale to you. In every assembly there are some
new souls that have not heard of some of these things.
Although I was a graduate of two of the most famous uni-
versities, I didn't know the A, B, C's of holiness. After I
had preached twenty-one years, I was still ignorant of it.
It may be there is some one here that does not know more
about it than I did six years ago. If so, let me tell what
this means and what we are talking about. We have to
state negatively and positively.
1. People are all the time going about and saying we
teach that we get above temptation. Bless vour souls !
Adam was tempted in Paradise in the Garden of Eden.
The angels no doubt were tempted in heaven. Jesus
Christ was tempted, and God said we were to count it
all joy when we fell into diverse temptations. There
is not a spot this side of Glory where there are no tempta-
tions.
2. Again people say we teach that we get where we-
cannot sin. No intelligent holiness teacher has ever
said such a thing, I have read eighty or ninety holiness
books. I have read everything I could get my eyes on.
I agree with Bro. Reid, when he says **We mav sin but we
do not have to sin." I do not suppose there is a brothei
present in this body who will not say that.
3. Sanctification does not give us Adamic perfection.
Dr. Fowler may be as holy this morning as Adam was be-
114
ECHOI-S OF THE GESERAL
fore he fell : Init Adam had a body so perfect as it came
from God that even after he had fallen it would live a
thousand years. Our beloved moderator may not have as
sound judgment, or as retentive a memory as Adam had ;
but he may have as clean a heart. How we have been
slandered ! But we bear it the best we can.
4. I want to say in the interest of God's blessed truth
that we do not teach that we get so holy that we do not
depend on the atoning work of Christ. I have never met
any Christians so consciously and constantly dependent on
the atoning work of Jesus as these holiness people. Glory
to God ! If they will tolerate me, I will them. Frances
Ridley Havergal said : ''Every moment, Lord, I need the
merit of thy blood."
But positively, what is this blessing? Well, to cut the
matter short, I will say that it brings deliverance from in-
bred sin. In regeneration, you had something put into
you that yo-u never had before, a trend of the will towards
God and righteousness ; but there was something left in
you that you had always had, and that was the old carnal
mind, the law of sin and death, the old man, — just like
the old fellow himself, and you ought to know what it
means. I was up in ^lichigan doing revival work, stop-
ping in a minister's family. He seemed to be a very godly
man and his wife a Christian woman, and yet there was
their boy — the little fellow had some big sores and lump?-
on his head. I asked her about it, and she said, "O, he
has a temper, and gets mad and bunts the door-knob with
his head." That is inbred sin. That is the stuff that re
generation does not take out. I have known a bald-
headed doctor of divinity and theological professor with
world-wide fame as a scholar and author lose his temper
in the class room. Didn' a Chicago doctor of divinity
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
115
of national reputation a few years ago go before a national
body and make an exhibition, giving himself away, caus-
ing his brethren to grow heartily ashamed of his display
of temper? Regeneration didn't take it out of them. It
has got to go out before we get to heaven. ("Sure.") It
is that which puts the "peacock" strut in men, and makes
women proud of their apparel and proud of their beauty.
It is that which makes the heart flash with temper, bring-
ing the flush to the cheek, and causes us to spit out words
as sharp as -a dagger. That is what it is ; that old man
that crops up in the heart ; and if we will let Him, God will
look down in love and cause that to be taken out of us.
("Amen.")
A few years ago we had a war with Spain, and when
one of our gunboats was on the way to the scene of action
a Catholic Spaniard, who had been for years working on
one of the gunboats, was seen in a place where he had no
business to be, in a coal bunk. And that man was putting
a stick of dynamite in the coal to blow up that vessel. That
is the old man in the ship of your soul. Get him out if
you don't want him to put a stick of dynamite in your soul,
ready to go of¥ at any moment. Beloved ! Sanctification
will take the Spaniard out of the Lord's ship and put him
over in the ranks of the enemy. We will have foes to
fight, but they will be on the outside. The citadel and all
within will be loyal to God. That is what all Christians
want. God wants that traitor in the ship taken out for-
ever. That is done by sanctification through the power of
the Holy Ghost. ("Amen.") Then we will not be obliged
to sing :
"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love ;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it ;
Seal it for thy courts above."
U6
ECHOES OF THE QENERAJj
May the day come when God's children shall be free
from proneness to wander, or to turn their back on the
blessed Lord !
11. Let us now consider some manifest reasons why
we ought to be holy, and why God wishes us to be holy.
1. God is holy. Our sun shines with unutterable bril-
liancy in the sky, so brilliant we cannot look at it except
with prepared glasses ; but as glorious as our sun is, there
are great spots on it many thousand miles across. But
our holy God is an undimmed sun, shining in the sky of
the universe, and there never has yet been and never will
be, one spot on His ineffable holiness. He is a holy God
and the angels and cherubim and seraphim look up in His
face crying "Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God of Hosts."
That is the admiration of heaven. That is our God and
Father. He wants His children to be like Him. You
never saw a father or mother in your life that wasn't
pleased to have their little child show the benevolent traits
of its parents. If father is active or energetic, he likes to
see that trait in his little son. If mother is sweet and af-
fectionate, she likes to be told that little ^lary has mam-
ma's sweetness. Mamma is pleased to have little Susan
show mamma's musical gift. If father is a literary man
or an orator, he likes to see indications of these cropping
out in his child. Our Father is holy, and He wants His
child to be like Him. There are just two great families in
this moral universe of ours, and they both have the great
unfailing family resemblance. One is the family of sin;
and they have all got it stamped on their being. The other
is the family of holiness, and they have the image of God
stamped on their being. God is holy. "Be ye holy."
2. God commands us to be holy. O, how men that
are trained to obey commands w411 execute them! The
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
117
sailor will obey his captain and climb the masts and handle
the sheets when the waves are rolling mountain high, and
the great ship is being tossed, and those masts swin^ many
feet back and forth and it would seem that they would
throw him in the deep. But he climbs because he is told
to do so. It is a matter of historical fact, and so said by
military critics, that Gen. Grant was reckless and unspar-
ing of the lives of his men. One time he lost 20,000 sol-
diers in an awful battle, trying in vain to take an objective
point and ordering assault after assault, our men being
driven back and mowed down to death, and there was an
awful and useless loss of life. One time during that bat-
tle, I remember (I was then a clerk at Niagara Falls), Col.
Peter A. Porter was colonel of a regiment that went from
that point of Western New York. Gen. Grant gave a com-
mand to Col. Porter, and Porter looked him in the face
and said : "You have ordered me to a needless death."
He turned straight around, led the charge and was cut
down ! Blessed be God ! our King, the Captain of our Sal-
vation, never issues a needless command, nor orders to a
needless death. He only asks us to die to self and the sin
that damns us that we may live to God and righteousness
forevermore. He never gave a command that wasn't
sweeter than honey and the honeycomb, and in the doing
of it there is great reward.
3. We ought to become holy because sin and every
proclivity to sin is so dangerous. I am amazed as I think of
the awful power of Satan, how he has covered this world
with sin and shame and woe ; how nation after nation has
gone down into the awful mire, because of sin. The mas-
ter stroke of Satan was made when he found that he could
plant a germ of evil at the fountain stream of human life
to be communicated through all ages. That was the germ
118
EVHOEii OF THE UENERAL
of carnality. Sin is awful. Sin has cursed individuals,
wrecked families and made our great cities ungovernable.
Sin has wrapped the world in a garment of sickness and
s'hame. Sin has visited heaven and cast angels down from
their high estate. Sin has filled the bosom of God with
sorrow, and will roll a great gulf-stream of woe through
the universe of God forever. If this proclivity is in me
ready to be touched off, I pray "take the dynamite out of
my soul !" (''Amen.") God can take that all out of you
and you will have the blessed "I-know-so" salvation. If
Jesus cannot do this, then the devil who injected this moral
poison into the veins of our race is mightier than our
Christ. He could inflict an evil which Jesus cannot cure.
The very thought is almost an insult to our adorable God.
This leads me to say :
4. We ought to be holy because holiness brings such
blessedness. There is a world of joyless Christian living.
There are multitudes of believers who go bowed down like
bull-rushes, and hang their harps on the willows. If their
souls sing at all it is in some minor key, like Windham.
The poor hungry heart wails out the sad refrain —
" 'Tis a thing I long to know,
Oft it causes anxious thoughf.
Do I love the Lord or no?
Am I his or am I not?"
Again, in some unsatisfied hour, it sobs its deep, pa-
thetic want in the words, —
"Look how w€ grovel here below,
Fond of these earthly toys.
Our souls, how heavily they go,
To reach eternal joys."
What a sorry commendation this is of the religion of
Jesus ! — No exuberance of hope ! no joy of assurance !
H0L1NES8 ASSEiMBLT.
119
Fulness of life in Christ will bring ''beauty for ashes, the
oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the
spirit of heaviness. The birds of gladness will sing in the
heart, and the flowers of peace will bloom, and the halle-
lujahs of praise to our sanctifying and satisfying God will
roll through the arches of the soul and rise as perpetual
incense to our King. Glory !
5. Christ came for this purpose and died for this end.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and the
greatest work of the devil was getting that carnality plant-
ed in the bosom of every child of Adam's race. I see
Christ leaving his home in heaven, leaving the adoration of
seraphim and cherubim, and taking his lonely way down
to suffer for this wicked" world, which had no place for
Him. I see him scourged and led out to be crucified. I
hear the cruel mob cry ''Crucify Him !" I see Him dying
on Calvary's tree while God hides His face from Him, and
my Saviour cries out "My God ! Why hast Thou forsaken
me?" And He is bearing all this, what for? That He
might cure us of sin, and make us sanctified and holy.
When I meditate upon all this in solemn thought, my .
heart cries out : "O Jesus, if thou wert so anxious to
have my heart cleansed and purified, it shall be cleansed.
Thy soul shall be satisfied. I yield, I yield by dying love
compelled. I can hold out no more. I'll say what you
want me to say, dear Lord, I'll be what you want me
to be."
We ought to want this blessing because God has set
his heart upon it. The plan to restore man to holiness
was planned by the Father. And he gave his Son that we
might have it. For this Jesus poured out his cleansing blood.
For this the sanctifying Spirit was given that we might
be holy. For this the plan of redemption was instituted
120
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
to restore man to holiness. It is the will, the desire, the
longing, the command, of the triune God, that every moral
being in the universe should be holy. All the work of the
atonement for man, and all the promptings of the Holy
Spirit move to this end. ''Holiness ! holiness needed, holi-
ness required, holiness offered, holiness attainable, holi-
ness a present duty, a present privilege, a present enjoy-
ment, is the progress and completeness of its wondrous
theme." This is the glorious truth that is seen in Bible
history, and biography, and poetry, and prophecy, and pre-
cept, and promise, and prayer. ''Be ye holy for I am
holy."
HI. I agreed to say something about how to get it,
which I will try to do in five minutes.
I. In the first place, you must bring your will and
lay it all at Jesus' feet. It is true what Bro. Nelson said
the other day. No man can get justified that doesn't bow
to the will of God. But we must live up to the light of
the moment. And after you are a child of God, you get
new light. Sometimes that old carnality draws you back
and you shrink from it. You must lay your will on the
altar afresh to know the will of God. You must hear God
say "This is the will of God, even your sanctification," and
you must say "amen" to the will of God. Beloved, do
you pray our Lord's Prayer? Possibly 200,000 preachers
prayed the Lord's Prayer yesterday in this country, and
asked God to baptize them with the Holy Ghost ; and yet
the same men would turn around and fight holiness to
the bitter end. You cannot get it in that spirit. He
gives His Holy Spirit to those that obey Him. It seems
to me I would either stop praying the Lord's Prayer, "Thy
will be done," or I would seek sancification with all my
heart.
DEACON GEO. M. MORSE,
Putnam, Conn.
W. T. LORING.
Knox, Ind.
V\iOV. D. A. HOYES. J. R. ALLEN,
Evanston, 111. Waterloo, Iowa.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
121
2. After you have brought everything to the altar,
you have got to consecrate afresh for this blessing. You
brought a dead offering. Now you bring a live sacrifice.
You must lay your will down, giving your heart, your af-
fections, reputation, time, and everything you have or
may have for time and eternity, — laying all on the altar
in sacrifice to God.
3. When you have done that, the last thing is t© take
God at His word and step on His promises. Say *'Now
I am on your hands for a clean heart. I believe you will
do your part as I do mine." The last step is the step of
faith. God always meets the truly consecrated and be-
lieving soul, and adds His blessing. As sure as God is
God, the Holy Ghost will be given in cleansing power.
At the close of the sermon an altar service was held in which
a goodly number of the congregation engaged and seekers for sanc-
tification came forward.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Bro. C. J. Fowler presiding.
Before the hour for preaching a few moments were
given to testimony:
A Brother: — **He has forgiven my sins and taken
the Vant-to' sin out of my heart."
A Sister: — "The blood cleanses my heart from all
sin."
A Delegate : — "This experience of holiness is a reality
in my heart. I received it five years ago. It has never
left me a second." ("Amen!")
A Brother: — "Praise God for victory over the flesh,
the devil and the world."
A Delegate: — "Salvation is the greatest thing in the
world. I found this experience eight years ago. I was
fifteen years in the wilderness. I know what it means to
get salvation."
122
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
A Brother: — "1 stepped out on the promises, and the
blood cleansed me."
Singing, by congregation: "Trust and Obey," "The
Open Fountain," and "Jesus has Lifted the Load."
Song, by Brother and Sister Harris: "Make me a
Blessing To-day."
Prayer, by Rev. James Harris : "We are so glad, O
Father, that we do not have to send to heaven to bring
Thee down, but that Thou art present with us here. We
find our sweetest hours on earth are when we talk to Thee.
We like to say in our hearts : 'No price we bring, but sim-
ply to the cross we cling.' We rejoice that the Spirit
maketh intercession with groanings that cannot be ut-
tered. We want that groaning Spirit to-day. Many are
happier at this time than ever before. As much as Thou
hast cleansed these hearts, we have felt the cleansing blood
coursing through our hearts again to-day. ("Amen!")
O, how our hearts have gone up to Thee, to be more like
Thee, to become like Thee. Grant to make us a little
more like Thyself.
"How often the devil comes and tells us we can't
preach, we can't testify or can't pray ! We depend on
Thee, and say, we can do all things. We like to have Thee
in the right place, to be our 'All in all.' O, what is there
we cannot do, if God is with us ?
"We want Thee to crown this meeting with all the
blessing Thou hast designed it to have. Be with him who
shall address us this afternoon, and may we all go away
from this meeting bolder to stand up for the cross of
Jesus. We ask it all for Christ's sake. Amen."
Brother Fowler announced that Bros. T. K. Doty,
L. B. Kent, E. F. Walker, W. T. Hogue, and Geo. M.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
123
Morse were appointed a committee to nominate commit-
tees on Deliverances and Permanent Methods.
Bro. S. B. Shaw announced a special arrangement
whereby cheap meals could be had at the restaurant in
the Church Block, and that he had placed at the dis-
posal of the restaurant a sufficient quantity of his Cocoa
Cereal, that it might be served free of cost to the dele-
gates of the Assembly. The amount up to five hundred
pounds were donated for this purpose.
SERMON BY BRO. E. F. WALKER.
Text: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification.'*
The preacher of this morning preached holiness. I
wish this afternoon to present sanctification. You will
notice that in reading the text I omit a little word which is
often rather emphazied — the word "even." "This is the
will of God, even your sanctification," is the way it is
usually quoted, and the word is in the English text, but in
italics — the sign that it is not in the original — in the Bible
proper — but supplied by the translator.
So Paul says to the Corinthians, "And this also we
wish, your perfection," and the translator also put in
there the word "even." We suppose the reason he put
in this word is that he rated sanctification, or perfection,
as extraordinary. Well, in modern times it certainly has
not been the common experience of professing Chris-
tians. But as the Bible presents it, it ou^ht to be the
common experience of God's people. Christ gave His
ministers for the perfecting of the saints ; and the life into
which sanctification brings His people is the normal life
of the Christian.
This experience should not be regarded as the stee-
ple to a church — not necessary, but proper to top-oflf.
It is the temple itself, or rather the inner sanctuarv of the
124
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
temple, while justification is but the vestibule. Dr.
Chas. Hodge says : "Justification is in order to
sanctification and his son, A. A. Hodge : "We
are justified that we may be sanctified." Sanctification is
necessary to fully Christianize man. There were no Chris-
tians, in the proper sense of the word, till Pentecost,
and there can be no true Christians without the Pente-
costal experience. Sanctification is essential to make
us "perfect and complete in all the will of God "For
this is the will of God, your sanctification."
Habitually we pray, "Thy will be done." But what is
God's will? Paul says to the Ephesians : "Understand-
ing what the will of the Lord is." This sets us searching
the Scriptures which reveal God's will. The margin re-
fers us to our text. And this again to the next chapter,
"For this is the will of God in Chrisit Jesus concerning
you;" and a little farther down, "Faithful is he which
calleth you, who also will do it." Do what? Sanctify
you wholly. So Paul beseeches the Romans to conse-
crate, that they might "prove (by experience) what is
that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God." Thus
we find sanctification frequently presented as the will
of God.
But what is sanctificatiori? Strictly speaking, it is
not the same as holiness. There is a distinction in the
significance of the two words. Holiness is a moral
quality, or state ; sanctification is the experience by which
we get that quality — by which we are brought into that
state. Holiness is the life we live after we have been
sanctified. The great German exegete, Delitzsch, says,
"Sanctification is not holiness ; but is the putting on of it
— the becoming holy." The discriminating Dr. Godet
explains thus : "In the cure of the soul, pardon is the
E0LINES8 ASSEMBLY.
125
crisis of convalescence, sanctification is the re-storation
to health, holiness is true life."
Now, I want to give you definitions of sanctification
from three illustrious Johns.
First, John Fletcher : "It is the depth of evangelical
repentance, the full assurance of faith, and the pure
love of God and man shed abroad in a faithful believer's
heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him, to cleanse him
and to keep him clean from all the filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, to enable him to fulfill the law of Christ ac-
cording to the talents he is intrusted with and the cir-
cumstances in which he is placed in this world."
John Owen : "To be cleansed from the defilement
of sin, whatever that be ; to have a heart inclined, dis-
posed, enabled, to fear the Lord always, and to walk
in all His ways and statues accordingly, with an internal,
habitual conformity of the whole soul unto the law of
God, is to be sanctified, or to be holy."
John Wesley: "Sanctification, in the proper sense,
is an instantaneous deliverance from all sin, and includes
an instantaneous power, then given, always to cleave to
God." How discriminating ! Wesley recognized that the
word is used in secondary and accommodated senses ;
but here he gives the proper meaning. Why does he
say, "an instantaneous deliverance"? Because he knows
that the instantaneous tense in the Greek is nearly al-
ways used with the verb to sanctify. Why does he say
"from all sin"? Because the Greek aorist tense in the
imperative mode — which Jesus used in His prayer for the
sanctification of His disciples and Paul for the Thessa-
lonians — always means instantly and completely. But
sanctification is not only the elimination of all sin. Prop-
erly it includes a power given to cleave to God. And this
126
ECHOES OF THE GEXERAL
power is not an after-experience. It belongs to sancti-
fication — is then given.
My definition is this : "Sanctification is a work of
grace wrought in a behever by the baptism with the
Holy Ghost and fire, given by Jesus Christ, purifying
him from all sin, and perfecting him in love."
Our second question is : For whom is this sancti-
fication? ''This is the will of God, the sanctification of
you" — as it is in the original. What kind of people w^ere
the ones thus addressed? We find Paul's estimate of
them from reading the epistle.
About the close of the letter he says : ''Greet all
the brethren with a holy kiss." Surely an unconverted
preson could not do that. The kiss of Judas was unholy.
These Thessalonians must have had the quality of holi-
ness in some degree, to be able to give a holy kiss.
In the next verse Paul says : '*I charge you by the
Lord that this Epistle be read unto all the holy breth-
ren." So those to whom the epistle was sent, and to
whom our text applied, were in some sense already
"holy."
Let me make a distinction here. Regeneration is a
holy experience — an experience of holiness. - W'hen we
are regenerated, we get holiness : when we are sancti-
fied, we are made hoW. ("Amen.'") Regeneration is the
impartation of holy life. In the regenerate the principle
of holiness is implanted, and they are holy, but not all
holy. ("Amen !" "That is it !") Sanctification is the
gracious work of God by which all that is contrary- to
the new life given in regeneration is eliminated from the
person, and he is actually and experimentally made holv.
Because these Thessalonians w'ere regenerated persons.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
127
partakers of His holiness, born of the Spirit, they were
of the holy brotherhood.
But look farther. Turn to the first part of the Epis-
tle. Here we see it was addressed to ''the church ;" and
not simply a church organization but the church organ-
ism — "in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ"
— vitally connected with God through Christ.
In the second verse Paul expresses his thanks for
them.
In the next he declares that he unceasingly remem-
bered their faith and love and hope. Here are the three
Christian graces ; and these were in lively exercise —
"work of faith, labor of love, patience of hope."
Next he says that he knew their election of God. He
entertained no doubt that they had been effectually
called, and were numbered among the elect.
Next he tells them why he had this assurance con-
cerning them. "For our gospel came not unto you in
word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost,
and in much assurance." Very different this from many
of the "conversions" (?) in these days, concerning which
there is much doubt all around. The Thessalonians had
been "powerfully converted."
Then they became followers, not only of the apostle,
but of the Lord ; and notwithstanding that they suffered
much because of their adherence to Christ and His cause
they knew the joy of the Holy Ghost — an essential part
of the Kingdom.
They became ensamples to other believers in all that
region round. Samples are always the best. So these
Thessalonians were leading Christians. They were "the
sample case" of that Gospel traveler, and were well-repu-
ted for their good Christian work; so that it was known
128
ECSOES OF TEE GENERAL
all around how they had "turned (literally, converted) to
God from idols, to serve the living and true God."
And they were possessed of the blessed hope —
the pole-star of the church in all ages — waiting for the
return of Jesus from heaven.
Now, this is a good, long bill of particulars touching
the Christian character of those for whom God willed
sanctification. Much more might be said on this line,
were it necessary. But certainly no more is needed to
show that they were thoroughly converted to Jesus
Christ.
But would some one suggest the possibility of their
having backslidden? This point is well-guarded. In the
third chapter the apostle confesses that he had enter-
tained some fears "lest by some means the tempter have
tempted you, and our labor be in vain." So, when he
could no longer forbear, he sent Timothy to find out how
it fared with them. But when this man of God returned
with good tidings of their faith and love and good remem-
brance, the apostle was greatly comforted over them by
their faith.
vStill, they were the objects of the solicitude of Paul.
He told them that he was praying night and day exceed-
ingly in their behalf. Why? Because he wanted to go
to them and perfect that which was lacking in their faith.
Not to indoctrinate them more fully; but to bring them
a fuller knowledge of the great salvation through faith —
"to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in
holiness before God." Here it is : Holiness ; — heart holi-
ness ;— unblameable heart holiness; — establishment in
unblameable heart holiness. Here is the will of God,
and for this kind of persons.
Between the lids of the Bible nowhere will you find
H0LI2{E8S ASSEMBLY.
129
that sanctification is promised to, prayed for, or urged
upon any who are not the true children of God. It is an
experience for those only who are already abiding and
persevering in Christ — the elect of God. It is not God's
will that anybody else should have it. God loved the
world and gave His only begotten Son that the world
should be saved. But Christ loved the Church and gave
Himself for it that He might sanctify it.
Our next question is : What is the will of God ?
(i) It is God's law. The briefest and most satis-
factory definition of the divine law is, the will of God.
Certainly that law which itself is holy, just and good, can
demand nothing less than holiness in the subjects of the
Kingdom of God. So it is the divine requirement that
all His children who have not received the distinctive ex-
perience that makes holy, be sanctified.
Beloved ! If we have due respect to the law of God,
we surely must assent and consent to the doctrine and
experience presented in the text of this afternoon. This
is the demand of God, your sanctification. I appeal to
you, as children of God — as obedient children — be ye
yourselves also holy. Why? Because so it is written,
''Ye shall be holy, for I am holy." What is written is
for our guidance — the rule of our life. Even the devil
himself acknowledged this in his temptation of Jesus.
He appealed, "It is written;" and Jesus replied, "It is
written again." This is the end of controversy with heav-
en and hell. And certainly there should be no question
as to Christian duty, when it is plainly written. "Remem-
ber the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Why? Many
arguments in favor of the sanctification of the Sabbath
might be presented; but this is sufficient: so it is writ-
ten. The Holy Scriptures are the sufficient rule of faith
130
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
and duty. Show me anything God requires in His word,
and that is enongh. That is a law for me. I am His
subject and His child. If I am to be loyal and obedient,
I must be sanctified, because my God and Father requires
it. It is not a question concerning my desire or the
desire of my fellows. It is: what does God demand?
We preachers have no preference in the matter of
urging sanctification upon the church. We must preach
the preaching He bids us preach. We must shun not
to declare all His counsel. I declare that as a man ^of
God and a minister of His \\^ord I would not be loyal
and faithful to my charge, did I fail to present this de-
mand of His law — this requirement of His will — your
sanctification. (''Amen.")
And as His child I must be obedient. He reveals to
me His will concerning me. I want to obey. Adam fell
by refusing to accept the will of God as the rule of his
conduct, and I fear there are many persons to-day who
have known God's justifying grac^, who are fallen from
favor and fellowship with God, because the duty to be
sanctified — made plain by His word and Spirit — has been
neglected. If we are going to continue to stand before
Him in peace, we must say, "Not as I will, but as Thou
wile," and submit to His will, our sanctification.
Again: God's will for his children is His desire. He
is not merely the Governor and Judge of all men. Let us
not entertain the thought of Him as the supreme Sover-
eign who imposes the law, and is exacting and insist-
ent that we shall be holy. He is our Father, and He
desires for us the best He has. He wants to see His
every son that was dead and lost, but who is now alive and
found, clothed with the best robe from Heaven's ward-
robe. As He Himself is clothed with light as with a
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
131
garment, so He would have us to walk in the light as
He is in the light. He wants us to be like Him in moral
character in every particular. As He is light and in Him
is no darkness at all, He would have His children to be
made clean every whit, that with unsullied holiness they
may show forth His praise, in His marvelous light.
And this just suits me. I want you to know, beloved,
that I am on this line not merely from a feeling of obh
gation. If I didn't have to be holy, I would want to be.
C'Amen !" ''Glory !") If the Lord should say to me, My
Son, you don't have to be sanctified. I do not require
it of you. You may go on trying to serve me in your
own poor, weak way, and at last I will save you ;" I would
reply, ''No ; I thank you." It is a privilege that the
angels of glory certainly must prize, and it is a privilege
that every redeemed child of God on earth ought to covet
and enjoy, to be made holy.
I want to say to you, friends, that I am in the en-
joyment of this blessed experience. The catechism says
that the effectually called do in this life partake of the
several benefits w^hich accompany and flow from sanctifi-
cation. Well, I am one of them, praise the Lord! I am
one of the beneficiaries. It is the fulness of the blessing
of Christ. It is the table prepared for us in the presence
of our enemies. ("Amen!") It is His desire that we
all avail ourselves of this unspeakable blessing. He loves
us. He yearns over us. He longs to bless us now. He
wants to bring us to a place where we can enjoy religion.
("Amen !")
And again : God's will is His purpose to sanctify His
children. What He demands and desires He decides for
us, "Faithful is he which calleth you, who also will do
it." Do what? That for which the apostle prays — sane-
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
tify you wholly, and preserve you blameless unto the com-
ing of Jesus. He has taken oath that He will deliver us
out of the hand of our enemies, that we might serve Him
without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him
all the days of our life.
How variously could this divine purpose be proved,
illustrated and emphasized.
. He wills that I shall holy be:
What can withstand His will?
Nothing — if we but pray with real meaning, "Thy
will be done.'* (''Ameji !")
And once again : God's will is His provision for our
sanctification. That which is in the divine requirement,
desire and purpose He provides. The children oi God are
His heirs. The Holy Ghost speaks of an inheritance
among them that are sanctified. Certainly the New Tes-
tament in Christ's blood is for our full redemption and
fullness of blessing. He devoted Himself that we might
be sanctified. He suffered without the gate that He
might sanctify us. He loved the church and gave Him-
self for it, that He might sanctify it. According to the
riches of His grace and glory, abundant provision has
been made. Nothing that He demands of us, nothing
that He desires for us, nothing that He decides for us,
but is found in His holy will, written in the blood of the
everlasting covenant. Will you accept this statement?
(Cries of "Yes !") Praise His name forever !
Yes; you assent to all this doctrine this far. But
some may say, "It cannot be just now." But it can be,
just now. This is what the text proposes : This is the
will of God. Whenever the Greek word "is" is used it
is always for emphasis. It is here, and sanctification is
emphasized as a present experience. It is for you as
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
much God's will — His law, His desire, His purpose.
His provision — NOW, as it ever will or can be.
God's will. It is not simply the will of "the holi-
ness people;" it is not simply the consummation which
this preacher seeks — though we say to you as Paul did
to the Corinthians, ''And this we wish, your perfection."
But man aside! It is the will of God!
It may not be the will of your sect. If not, I am
sorry for it, and for you. But it is the will of God!
It may not be the will of your preacher. If not, I
am sorry for him and for you. But it is the will of God !
It may not be the will of your earthly friends. If
not, I am sorry for them and for you. But this is the
will of God, the sanctification of you.
Is it your will? If so, just come now to the God
of your salvation, and make an assignment of all to Him.
Abandon yourself to the will of God, and as you so do,
His holy will be wrought in you this very hour. Amen!
A number came forward at the altar call and proved the "good
"good and acceptable and ^erfect will of God."
EVENING SESSION.
Bro. C. J. Fowler, presiding.
Singing by congregation : "Leaning on the Everlast-
ing Arms," "Joy in the Soul," "The Half has Never yet
Been Told."
Prayer by Col. E. Mayhew, (Christian Crusaders :)
"Our Heavenly Father, as we come to Thee tonight,
our hearts are overflowing with praise for Thy loving-
kindness and tender mercy which Thou hast shown
unto the children of men. We are glad that the showers
are coming, and we pray that Thy blessingfs may be
poured down to such an extent that we shall all sing:
'Praise God from whom all blessings flow.' We thank
134
E0H0E8 OF THE GENERAL
Thee for a practical religion. While we love to hear peo-
ple sing and clap their hands and shout loud hosannas,
after all, the greatest thing is sanctification.
"We recognize that this has been a glorious day
with us. God has been in our midst, and the Holy Ghost
has been baptizing many hearts. We pray that it may
not stop here, but reach out until multitudes may be
brought to know Thee and many believers may be sanc-
tified by the Holy Spirit.
"Bless him who shall speak. Give him power from
on high. Bless, we pray Thee, those who hear. We
pray Thee that many who are not clear in their experi-
ence, who are seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost and
fire, may surrender all to Thee to-night, and thus be
gloriously endued with this baptism from on high. We
ask it in the name of Je^us. Amen."
Song by Bro. and Sister Harris : ''When I have
Reached that Blest Home over Yonder."
SERMON BY BRO. G. W. RIDOUT.
Text : "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall
be called The Way of Holiness ; the unclean shall not pass over it ;
but it shall be for those : the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not
err therein." Isaiah 35 :8.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking in relation to the
blessedness and glories of the coming kingdom of Christ.
Holiness is one of the characteristic features of this
kingdom and its fundamental principle. Isaiah was proph-
esying about something you and I have the privilege
of seeing and enjoying. Thank God we see that which
prophets and kings desired to see and know, but never
did. The Kingdom of Christ is on the earth to-day and
Holiness is its chief glory and its mightiest factor.
HoHness is one of the most conspicuous features of
the Church of God. It may with safety be said that every
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
136
branch of the church evangehcal, believes in and teaches
Holiness in a theological and theoretical sense. I am a
Methodist. I was born a Methodist. My father was an old
fashioned Methodist. I was brought up in it and am a
member of one of the M. E. Conferences. It is hardly
necessary for me to say that Holiness is one of the great
tenets and the cardinal doctrine of Methodism. John Wes-
ley said : "This doctrine is the grand depositum which God
has lodged with the people called Methodists ; and for the
sake of propagating this, chiefly, He appears to have
raised us up." Holiness should not only have a conspicu-
ous place in our church doctrine and creed, it should like-
wise have a prominent place in the life. The subscribing
to a creed or doctrine, or the assenting to a formula is
one thing and living it is another. I have often thought
of this when as a Methodist preacher I have seen young
men stand before the Bishop to be received into full con-
nection. The question is asked them "Are you going on
to perfection?" and they have all answered in the affir-
mative. "Do you expect to be made perfect in love in
this life?" likewise answered in the affirmative. "Are
you earnestly striving after it?" again replied to affirma-
tively. I have never heard these questions answered in
the negative yet, but it is a matter to be deeply deplored
that too many of these same young men privately and
pubHcly fight and oppose and antagonize this very thing
they professed faith in and confessed they were seeking.
This state of affairs however, does not discourage me or
make me feel like quitting Methodism. I love the church
and Methodist ministers none the less. I want to con-
fess to you that I am having a delightful time in the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Being a pastor I am glad
to say that the same kind of preaching that I give at'
136
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
camp meetings and holiness gatherings I give from my
home pulpit and thank God not a year of my pastorate
goes by without many souls finding God — backsliders
seeking restoration, sinners seeking pardoning love and
believers finding holiness of heart.
Holiness, being in the creed and doctrines of the
church ought to have as aforesaid a prominent place in
the life and I am thoroughly convinced that it should
characterize the preacher. There are too many in the
pulpits to-day who are afraid if they preach holiness that
they are going to offend the weak ones, they will upset
the young converts and lose the friendship of some of
their **dear people." I am glad that God has taught me
in my brief ministry that the most successful and the hap-
piest way to run a pastorate is along Holiness lines. I have
seen brother pastors always in hot water, having a quarrel,
contention or strife always on hand and have thanked God
that the man who conducts his chuch on holiness lines
has not a tithe of the worry or strife or trouble others
have. I believe the happiest preacher, the happiest man,
the happiest believer is he who is on the blessed way of
Holiness.
The text has the word "highway" in it. Let me em-
phasize that word for a moment in order to suggest to
you that Holiness is no low experience but eminently
high. It is an experience never intended for people who are
living away down in a low plane of religious life. When
God would have me seek holiness of heart He first br(^ught
me into the highest state of regeneration. Holiness is
not for a man who is backslidden in heart. It is not for a
person who has lost touch with God. It is not for people
who have no communion or fellowship with the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost. I have often been afraid
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
137
that at Camp meetings and other gatherings we have set
the thing too low, that we have brought it down to meet
the backslidden in heart. Alas ! How many people in
our churches continue to live in the very lowest plane ot
religious life. How manv like Lot of old when he separ-
ated from Abram pitched his tent towards Sodom. Many
are doing this to-day pitching their tents towards Sodom,
getting out of fellowship with God, losing their grip on
spiritual things. I have been deeply impressed with a
passage of Scripture found in Numbers 20: 17. It is
in connection with Israel on their journey towards Ca-
naan. They come to the borders of the country of the
Amorities and Moses sends a deputation to the king bear-
ing a request that the Israelites be permitted to pass
through his land unmolested. Moses makes this agree-
ment with the king if he will grant the desired permission,
"We will not turn into the fields or into the vineyards,
we will not drink of the waters of the wells : we will go
by the kings highway." What a delightful resolution for
the Christian who whilst passing through this world on his
way to glory determines by the grace of God not to par-
take of worldly fruit or drink at worldly cisterns ! This
world is no friend to grace. Hapoy the man who goes
through it by means of the king's high way !
Another word in the text which we desire to bring
into prominence here is the word "unclean." "The un-
clean shall not pass over it." This would teach us that
Purity is an important constituent of Holiness. Purity
must come before power. It is at this point I think that
many make serious mistakes. This was the great mis-
take Simon the Sorcerer made when .he saw those young
converts of Samaria getting the baptism of the Holy
Ghost and fire; he coveted the same gift but not from
138
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
a becoming motive. Simon wanted the power that he
himself might become some great one. He offered to buy
it with money but what a rebuke he suffered at the hands
of Spirit filled Peter. "Thou hast neither part nor lot in
this matter : for thy heart is not right in the sight of
God." One of the first things necessary to get this
blessing is a right state of heart. There are many who
come to the altar in our holiness meetings with the idea
that if they get this power it will make something out
of them. So it will truly, but they must first get knocked
out. The work of purification must precede the power.
We must put the emphasis on here. Purity, cleanness
and then Holiness is the result. On this point hear the
word of God: Ezekiel 36: 25. ''Then will I sprinkle clean
water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthi-
ness and from all your idols will I cleanse you." 2 Corinth-
ians 7: I. "Having therefore these promises dearly be-
loved let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God," John 13 :
8, "Peter saith unto him Thou shalt never wash my
feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not thou hast
no part with me," i John i : 7. "If we walk in the light
as He is in the light we have fellowship one with another
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all
sin."
Thank God there is perfect cleansing in the blood ;
There is perfect purity, and no one is permitted on this
blessed old way of holiness who has not come to it by way
of the cleansing fountain. A brother in Massachusetts
was seeking sanctification. He came to a holiness meet-
ing in Boston and there at the altar was directed to trust
the cleansing blood. Without any change of feeling he
took hold by faith and confessed that "the blood cleans-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
139
eth." His home was several miles out of Boston and 'ii
order to exercise his faith the more, he decided to walk
home and as he proceeded homeward he w^ould say to
himself, "The blood cleanseth — the blood cleanseth." It
was a lonely walk that night. He stepped up to a police-
man and exclaimed, *'the blood cleanseth." The police-
man thought him crazy and locked him up. Word was
sent to his residence that he was at the lock up, crazy.
When his friends arrived to take care of him, his first
ejaculation was, "The blood cleanseth." He got through.
The blood had cleansed and sanctified him wholly.
Now, the next thing brought out in the text is the
plainness of the way of Holiness. How easy it is of ac-
cess — "The wayfaring men, though fools shall not err
therein." Oh that we could get the people to believe that
the way of holiness is not so hard to find when sought from
the right motives. I am sorry that so many preachers
and teachers befog and becloud the people at this point.
They confuse and mystify the whole subject of holiness to
the people — inaking it appear as a something to be looked
upon and thought of only as an ideal and not as a reality
and an actually obtainable experience and blessing. The
idea that holiness is so far removed from the realm of the
obtainable has kept many out of the blessing for a long
while. Alfred Cookman when seeking it said : "Frequently 1
felt to yield myself to God and pray for the grace of entire
sanctification, but then this experience would lift itself in
my view as a mountain of glory, and' I would say it is not
for me, I could not possibly scale that shining summit ;
and if I could my besetments and trials are such I could
not successfully maintain so lofty a position." James
Brainerd Taylor wrote "My mind loves to dwell upon
ths delightful theme, Holiness, It is a blessed doctrine.
140
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
0 why did I not come to possess it before? Why? be-
cause hke many other professors of reUgion I looked for
a death purgatory — not beHeving that the blood of Christ,
and not purgatory — cleanseth from all sin. This is in the
present tense. It is efficacious now and the -Lord has proven
to me a full, a complete Savior." Rev. Mark Guy Pearse
in his Thoughts on Holiness gives expression to the truth
1 am now trying to convey, in a very beautiful parable.
Hear it : "Once I went forth to look for Repentance. I
sought her one day and night in the City of Mansoul.
I asked many if they knew where she dwelt, and they said
they had never seen her. I met one grave and scholarly, who
told me what she was like and bade me seek her earnestly ;
but he did not tell me where she was to be found. Then
all sad at heart and wearied with my search, I went forth
without the city walls and climbed a lonely hill and up
a steep and rugged way, until I came in sight of the cross
and of Him who hung thereon. And lo, as I looked upon
Him, there came one and touched me. Then instantly my
heart was melted, and all the great deeps of my soul were
broken up. 'Ah, Repentance i have been looking every-
where for you,' I said. 'Thou wilt always find me here,'
said Repentance, 'here in sight of my crucified Lord. 1
tarry at His feet.' "
Again I went forth to look for Forgiveness. I knocked
at many a door in the city of Mansoul and asked for her.
"And some said they thought she did live there sometimes :
and some said she used to, once ; and some said she came
there occasionally when the weather was fine to spend a
Sabbath. So I came forth wearied and sad ; and as I
reached the city gate I met again the grave scholar, and
he gave me much account of her birth and parentage, and
he showed me her portrait and told me of her gracious
BOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
141
works and he bade me seek her earnestly but he
did not tell me where 1 could find it. So I
went along my way and I found myself ag'ain upon
the high hill, climbing again the steep and rugged path.
And I lifted my eyes and saw once more the Cross and
Him who hung thereon and lo, at the first sight of my
dear Lord, Forgiveness met me and filled my soul with
holy peace and a rest like heaven itself. ''O I have had
a weary search for you," I said. ''I am always here," said
Foregiveness, ''here at my Master's feet." Long after-
wards I wondered within myself where Holiness dwelt,
but I feared to go in search of her. I knew she would
never be at home in the low lands and busy streets of
Mansoul. All whom I asked about her answered doubt-
fully. One said she had died long ago. One said that
she lived away at the end of the Valley of the Shadow
of Death, on the brink of the river, and that I
must hope to meet her just before I crossed over. ''Nay"
said another "she lives farther still; search as thou wilt,
thou shalt never find her till thou art safely across the
river and landed on the shores of the Celestial City." Then
I remembered how well I had fared aforetime on the Holy
Hill and went forth again. So up the lonely way I went
and reached the top of it and looked once more upon my
blessed Savior. And lo ! there was Holiness sitting at
the Master's feet. I feared to say that I had been looking
for her, but, as I gaze^i upon the Crucified, Holiness rose
up and came to me all graciously and said, "I have been
waiting for thee ever since thy first coming." "Waiting
where?" I asked. "At His feet" said Holiness. "I am
always there." Repentance at the Cross! Forgiveness
at the Cross ! Holiness at the Cross !
Our Text also indicates that Holiness is a safe way.
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
'*No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go
up thereon." This however is not intended to convey the
meaning that those who walk the way of holiness are free
from temptation, trials or enemies. Whilst in the body
we shall suf¥er temptation and pass through trials and trib-
ulation. None of God's children upon the earth are ex-
empt from these. We beheve however that there is a dif-
ference in the way the devil manifests himself to the Chris-
tian. In the early stages of Christian experience Satan
presents himself as a lion. "Your adversary the devil as a
roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour."
I believe in the more advanced Christian life the devil
comes as a serpent to beguile and to deceive. The devil
seeing he cannot prevail against the believer as a lion,
comes in the form of a serpent. Thus he came to our first
parents in their time of holy innocence. Many, alas, of
God's dear children who have successfully fought the dev-
il as a lion have been deceived by him and led astray into
side tracks and fanaticism and some times into cursed sin-
fulness when he made his vis-its to them in the serpent
form. We need take care at this point. The holiness peo-
ple meet with some perils here. The first holiness couple
fell, through allowing the old serpent a chance at their
intellects.
The way of Holiness is the ''Happy Way." "The
redeemed shall walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord
shall return and come to Zion witl» songs and everlasting
joy upon their heads ; they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall fiee away."
EXHORTATION BY COL. F. E. PECK.
I am glad that we have a Saviour that is able to
save from the very uttermost to the very uttermost. He
is not only able to save us from great sin. He is not only
B0LINE88 ASSEMBLY.
143
able to save us from the gutter, He is not
only able to be with us in great trials and great afflic-
tions, but He is able to save us from the very torments
and troubles of daily life that have hindered us. (''Amen !")
I heard one brother, a minister at a certain place,
testify in a meeting like this : (I wasn't going to sav
that it was a minister, but I guess it is all right.) The
minister rose up and said by way of confession : ''When
my house burned and everything was lost, we praised God
and rejoiced. When our little one was.^taken away, we
could rejoice and say, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath
taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!' " But he
said Sunday morning", when he was getting ready for meet-
ing and couldn't find his collar and sleeve buttons he had
been in the habit of scolding his wife, and he sad, "1 want
to confess it." The cleansing power of Jesus' blood will
take this out. It will also take out all the fret and worry
and save to the very uttermost. I have found these things
so. It will remove all the enemies from within. It is bet-
ter to have a hundred foes on the outside where they can
be seen and reached than one on the inside the lines in dis-
guise. Get the enemy removed from your heart. ("Amen !")
I am glad He is able to deliver us from our enemies. Have
you any of these enemies to Christian Hfe ?
Paul says for us to lay aside the sin that so easily be-
sets us. It may not be great things, but the "little foxes
that spoil the vines." In Colossians it says : "But now ye
also put off all these ; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy,
filthy communications out of your mouth." Such things as
these are fruits of the flesh. He says : "Know ye not that
the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor efifemiate, nor abusers of themselves with
BCBOES OF TEE GENERAL
mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor re-
vilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God."
Have we let malice or unkind feelings enter our
hearts? People call that thing ''temper" which rises up
when things don't go right. How many there are in the
church, who are Christians, who have this kind of feeling
when somebody don't do as they think they ought ! This
blessing we are talking about makes us humble. It makes
us free. ("Amen !") I praise God that He is able to take
these unclean things out of the heart.
Some six months ago, I was called to speak at a place.
I went ,and the Lord gave me a message to deliver, and
when I got through I asked: "Do "you believe Jesus is
coming?" It was a country place, and we had a nice
large congregation. I said: "How many in this congre-
gation can say: 'Come Lord Jesus. Come quickly?' Or
would you want about 15 minutes for prayer, or to ask
somebody's forgiveness ?"
You cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven with anger,
or malice, or any of these things in your heart. You can-
not get in. I asked that congregation how many were
prepared, and only four were ready. I want to ask how
many of you are ready. How many of you can say : "I am
ready any time he calls me ?" Stand up. Be careful ! You
who talk about your neighbors, don't stand up.
Quite a large number came to the altar for pardon and purity
and some found glorious victory.
Tuesday, flay 7.
MORNING SESSION.
8:00 A. M., Prayer and Praise Service, in charge of
Bro. T. H. Agnew.
9:40 A. M., Business session, Bro. C. J. Fowler pre-
siding.
S0LINE8S ASSEMBLY,
145
Minutes of Monday's session read and approved.
The report of the Committee on Credentials being
_ called for, the chairman of that committee gave the names
of delegates, acted upon up to that time, which had the
approval of the Assembly.
On motion, G. A. McLaughlin and S. B. Shaw were
made a committee to wait upon the Chief of Police, and
obtain a permit to conduct street meetings.
The President announced the loss, by Bro. Thomas
Nelson, of a satchel containing about $3.00 in cash and
clergyman's railroad permits which would cost $15.00 to
replace. By common consent, an offering was taken to
make good the loss. On motion, the Railroad Secretary
was authorized to report this loss to the proper railroad
authorities, and, if possible, secure a renewal of the permits
without the usual fees ($5.00 for each permit lost.)
The committee to nominate members of the commit-
tees on Deliverances and Permanent Methods, reported
the following nominations :
For Committee on Permanent Methods : Alex. McLean
of Brooklyn, N. Y., Chairman, T. K. Doty, Cleveland, O.,
A. L. Whitcomb, Evanston, 111., T. H. Agnew, Virginia,
111., G. A. McLaughlin Evanston, 111., J. R. Allen, Water-
loo, la., J. B. Foote, Syracuse, N. Y.
For Committee on Deliverances : W. T. Hogue, Chi-
cago, Chairman, L. B. Kent, Jacksonville, 111., E. F. Walk-
er, Greencastle, Ind., Hiram Ackers, Big Prairie, O., A.
M. Hills, Greenville, Tex., M. L. Haney, Normal, 111., W.
E. Shepard, Los Angeles, Cal.
On motion the report of the nominating committee
was accepted.
By vote of the Assembly the nominations of the
committee for members of the Committee on Per-
146
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
maneiit Methods and Committee on Deliverances, respec-
tively, were confirmed.
Bro. G. A. McLaughlin moved, and the motion pre-
vailed, that Wednesday be set apart as a day of fasting
and prayer, excluding all matters of business pertaining to
the Assembly.
By a vote of the Assembly, it v^as decided to listen
to representations of the state of the work on the part of
the delegates, and that each delegate be limited to five
minutes, the president to call for reports from the vari-
ous sections at his discretion. The following named breth-
ren and sisters were called upon, and addressed the As-
sembly :
Bro. B. S. Taylor, of Iowa: "I bless God for a full
and free salvation. The Lord called me out into evan-
gelistic work soon after I was called to preach. I was
converted when seventeen years of age. There came to
me like an audible voice, the words : "Preach the Gos-
pel." While yet a boy, I used to attend holiness meetings
and get down and pray and cry, but I didn't understand
what it consisted of. I attended college at Middletown,
Conn., and in 1875 went to Nebraska, where I took charge
of my first circuit. I attended holiness meetings there,
got the blessing, and God has been with me ever since.
I felt that the Lord had given me a special call to go to
North Dakota. I said, 'Lord, I will not go until the call
is made very definite.' It was a time of tremendous heart-
searching on my part. Some of the brethren said: 'We
feel that you ought to go out as an evangelist.' So, I
went and took up my work in North Dakota, and I have
been in the evangelistic work now for thirteen years. God
has wonderfully blessed me. In the fields where I was
the most persecuted, I got the greatest victories. I am
ROLI^^ESS ASSEMBLY.
147
still connected with the old Methodist Church. I have never
been a 'Come-outer.' I love the Church of God next to
Jesus, and I want to praise God for the privilege of being
a Methodist preacher, as my father was. I could have a
charge, but I am still holding on in evangelistic work."
Bro. E. C. De Jernett of Texas : "I am glad indeed
to represent this big state. I came from the Holiness As-
sociation in Texas to represent them in this Assembly.
I want to say that we praise God for what He has wrought
for the holiness cause. We have some fifty holiness camp
meetings in dif¥erent parts of Texas, and God has mar-
velously blessed us and many are getting sanctified. While
there seems to be some falling away in certain sections, we
do not believe the work in Texas is going to pieces. We
didn't get organized until last year. We merely had pray-
ing bands, but in order to get them more closely allied
together, we organized the Holiness Association- of Texas.
W^e found another need : We found that many people
came into this holiness experience, wdiom the Lord called
to be workers. They felt unprepared for that, and the
Lord laid it on our hearts to arrange for a school, where
they could get the proper instruction to fit them for carry-
ing the Gospel and spreading holiness among the people.
We felt that we could not get this in the existing religious
schools of the state, and, in one of the foremost schools
of this character, w^here the students wanted to hold holi-
ness meetings, they were told that they could not hold
them from room to room among themselves, and they were
brought up before the authorities. God gave us, two
years ago the Texas Holiness University, and there
have been 212 students enrolled during that time.
What we need particularly now is financial aid in behalf of
this institution."
148
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
Sister Hattie Livingston, of Iowa: — "God has made
this one of the most wonderful winters of my life. Most of
my work has been in Kansas the past season. There are
many people in Kansas that want to get this salvation.
("Amen !") I have seen many converted and sanctified,
and there is one young man now studying for the min-
istry, as a result of our labors in Kansas this year. I
praise God that He is working in the midst of the
people. There are many holiness people in Kansas.
We have had forty or fifty calls from churches
of different denominations that we have not been
able to fill. Holiness is what the people want. ("Amen !")
They are saying, that, in the large city churches, God
will not bless the people. God saved two hundred and
fifty sinners inside of five weeks in one church in Council
Blufifs. They came in from the different denominations,
and got converted and sanctified. I am glad I have a part
in this battle. God is leading me, and I praise Him for
my own experience. I can say that 'I live yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me.' I haven't any home in this world,
but I am willing to be homeless for His sake. I am will-
ing to go alone for Jesus." ("Amen!")
Deacon George M.Morse of Connecticut : — "I am here,
Brethren, because I love you. God has identified me with
you. I have been a Baptist for forty-three years.' My
mother was a Baptist and brought me up in that church.
I walked three miles, four months before I was 'born'
(again) to talk with an old lady on the subject of the sal-
vation of her own soul; when I got converted, I walked
back again. ("Amen!") I sat up with my mother even-
ings for many years preaching holiness, before I experi-
enced holiness in my heart. She went down to a camp
meeting and got sanctified two or three months before
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
149
her son got the experience. It was through Wm. T. Har-
row (now in glory) at New Bedford, that I was led into
the faith more perfectly and God sanctified me wholly. I
know it! (Traise the Lord!') I started a mission aft
God sanctified me, and set up in business. I bought a
■second-hand' Episcopalian Church and paid so much for
it that they built another and had a little to spare! A
great many souls have been sanctified through this mis-
sion.
I love the holiness brethren, and the holiness ele-
ment better than anything on this round earth to-day!"
("Amen !")
Bro. H. C. McBride of New York: became a
minister when I was seventeen years of age, starting in
at a school house on the corner of my father's farm, and
had one hundred and fifty souls converted in nine weeks.
Praise God ! A number of them entered the ministry,
and a good many have gone to heaven. Soon after that,
I entered the Philadelphia Conference, and Alfred Cook-
man took me under his wing. In Spring Garden St.
Church I was gloriously sanctified, and I am going
through on that line. ("Amen !") I have no family but
my wife, and she being in sympathy with my work, sings
with me, as Sister Harris does with her husband. For
twelve years I have been doing evangelistic work from
Canada to Chicago, and God has wonderfully blessed me
in this work. I am glad to be here. I have enjoyed this
convention very much. Pray for me that the Lord will
keep me humble, and make me more useful in His cause."
Bro. H. L. Jones, of Arkansas : "I trust you don't
think that no good thing can come out of Arkansas !
(Laughter.) I tell you there are some good things in Ar-
kansas. There are other holiness camp meetings in the
150
EVHOEIS OF THE (JESERAL
state, but I will speak particularly concerning the Fulton
County Holiness Association. It is not a year old yet.
We tried to get the Methodist Camp Grounds, but couldn't
come to an arrangement, so this Association was organ-
ized. We drew up a constitution, and I referred the mat-
ter to Bro. McLaughlin, and he indorsed it. There are
eighty members in our Association. We own 31-2 acres
of land, and have a plain shed 38x50 feet. We have only
had one camp meeting, but we had between forty and fifty
sanctified. ("Amen !") We want to be connected with
the National Holiness Association, or in some way con-
nected with you, that you may be a blessing to us. God
is with us in Arkansas." (''Amen !")
Bro. W. E. Shepard of California: "I had a call last
winter while I was in California, to come to a town in
the East. California folks don't like to come East in the
winter time. I wrote them that I did not expect to come
East then. I was walking along the street in Los An-
geles, about two months afterwards and the Lord spoke
to me and said : 'You better send a telegram and tell
them that you will come.' This was the 21st of Janu-
ary. I prayed about it half an hour or so, and it deepened
on me. I telegraphed them that I could come, and got
their reply to come quick. When I got there the pastor
said : 'This is a case of Cornelius and Peter.' It seemed
that two of the pastors had an arrangement as to evan-
gelists, and this one had been disappointed, and right in
the midst of it, he got my telegram. I believe the Lord
sometimes gives me an appointment. I spent a great
deal of the winter in Los Angeles, with our home church
of about 1,000 members. Never a week passes by but
what we have sinners converted and believers sanctified."
Rev. A. L. Whitcomb of Illinois ; — "I was convertecl
151
when I was fifteen years of age ; sanctified wholly when
I was twenty-three. During the seventeen years T have
been a pastor, I have had more or less to do with the sub-
ject of holiness : — I might perhaps say 'more.' I was
at "the head of a Theological Seminary at Evansville three
years, and, now, in addition to my duties as pastor, I have
seven camp meetings on my hands for this summer, all
on holiness fines." (''Bless God!" "That's enough for
one pastor!")
Bro. John Norberry of Connecticut : "I was four-
teen years of age, when tlie Lord and vSaviour came into
my life. He regenerated me, transformed the wh^'^ 'rnor
of my being, and gave me a 'title clear to mansions in
the skies.' ("Amen!") I have got the blessing of per-
fect love. I am in the experience. ("Amen !") My wife
is over there, and she will tell you that I have it in the
home. I thank God, I am in love with holiness people."
("Amen !")
Sister C. B. Boyce of Chicago: — "I rejoice, in my
heart, for the Kansas work Sister Livingston has been
telling about. I have been putting in about three years,
most of the time in the great state of Kansas, and there
is room enough there for others. There is a great, hun-
gry call for full salvation. I have seen multitudes of souls
come into the experience. One ])astor said, just as T
got into town, 'Let me tell you sometliing: Don't sav
anything about holiness for awhile. Wait until you get
the hearts of the people, before you talk about holiness.'
I said: 'Why didn't you send for somebody else? I
will pack my grip and go.' He said: 'That will not do.
Just be careful how you speak of holiness.' I tell you
I talked sactification and holiness as T never did be-
fore in my fife. The result was we had eighty saneti-
152
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
fied and one hundred and fifteen conversions. I l()ve Uie
holy people, the Holy Son, the Holy Ghost and the Holy
Father. I am in for all there is in salvation." ("Amen!")
Bro. James Harris of Canada : — "I thank God that
I was wholly sanctified nearly fi.ft}^ years ago in a little
village in Canada. I had no idea I would meet with anv
opposition, but sometimes during that time, I have had
to stand almost alone along these lines.
"You have given me a big territory about which to
speak, everything above your Northern boundary, except
Alaska. I want to tell you that holiness is there. We
are spreading holiness throughout that country, and God
is blessing us."
Bro. Thomas Nelson of Indiana: — "I love the holi-
ness brethren. God drew me to the holiness people when
my folks were very anxious to make me a Roman Cath-
olic years ago. I haven't any people except holiness
people, and I have been giving my life to that cause for
a long while. I am not here to congratulate people on
the success of their work. I believe we are here more
for humiliation than for congratulation. ("Amen!") If
I would give vent to my feelings at this moment, I would
break down and sob like a baby. God wants us to get
on our faces and pray. I don't believe we ought to come
like the great bankers and aristocracy, and boast of what
our fathers and grandfathers used to do. I beheve God
has as much power to-day as He has ever shown through
His people in the past. I praise God that He sanctified
me wholly, and I am glad for what He is doing along the
line of holiness among the people. I am here to take
on a deeper type of holiness, if possible." ("Amen !")
Sister Kent White of Colorado : — "I assure you that
it affords me much pleasure to look into the faces of
BOLINJESS ASSEMBLY.
153
the people of this convention. It is wonderfully com-
forting to sit down by somebody's else fire-side, and
I am glad to be with you. It is a glorious thing to
know that you are saved and sanctified. The Lord led
me into the experience eight years ago. It is the big-
gest thing in this world. I couldn't contain it all. ("Amen.
Glory") I extend the invitation for you all to come to
Colorado. We have been called to estabhsh a mission
at Butte, Montana, which has been the means of saving
two or three hundred souls. In Wyoming, we have an-
other mission. You would be surprised at the number
of letters that come in from those parts of the coun-
try, from young people who want to go into the work.
I praise God victory is coming our way."
Song by congregation: "Make me a Blessing To-
day."
Bro. A. C. Morehouse: — "I move that Bro. Alex.
McLean be appointed to despatch greetings to the Tues-
day Afternoon Holiness Meeting in New York, accom-
panied with our prayers for the conversion of sinners
and the entire sanctification of believers. These meet-
ings began Feb. 9th, 1866, and have continued without
a break every Tuesday afternoon. We ought to encourage
Sister Van Cott'and Bro. Rowland." ("Amen!")
The motion prevailed and greetings were sent.
Bro. Aura Smith of Indiana: — "I assure you that I
am glad to be here, but I had a hard time getting here.
I was converted thirty years ago. I was sanctified twenty-
three years ago. God immediately called me out into
this holiness work, and I have been in the work ever
since God sanctified me. I have had the privilege of
seeing Mormons get down on their knees and get this
blessed religion. ("Amen!") I saw one of the most
164
ECHOES OF THE UEXERAL
beautiful sights within tlie last two weeks I ever wit-
nessed. A ]\Iornion woman came to the meetings. She
had a baby in her arms, and she would come to the
altar with it, and it would cry. She would get up and
take it away, then she would be right back again.
She got gloriously converted. ("Amen !") I just
had to tear myself away from the work. Utah is open-
ing up to holiness. ("Glory!") Since I left there, I
had a letter from another minister. He says : "We want
holiness all over Utah.'' Praise God for the spreading
of holiness all over the land. I want to see a great,
sweeping revival move over the whole country. (''Amen !")
It has not often been my privilege to be in large meet-
ings of holiness people. I am glad when I have the op-
portunity."
Bro. J. T. Hatfield of Indiana : — "I was sanctified
twenty-one years ago. Since that time, I have been going
to and fro over the earth, preaching holiness and praising-
God. ("Amen!") I have been in every county of our
state from the Michigan line to the Ohio River. The
Lord has been giving me the victory. When God gives
us the Holy Ghost in our souls, He will give us the right
of way. ("Amen !") All we need is to get the Holy
Ghost and keep sweet. I am dead to- everything else
except God. I don't care for men, or money or any-
thing else. ("Amen !'"j I tell you I have gone right
up in the pulpit and taken the meeting out of the minis-
ter's hands, and got him to seek sanctification. Five of our
presiding elders tried to keep me out of the work down
there, but one told me if I would stay, he would give
me work three hundred and sixty five days in the year.
Bless God ! During that year we had 3,500 conversions
SOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
155
in his district, while all the five others combined only liad
2,000. I am looking for great things." ("Amen !")
Bro. Wm. R. Benkert of Iowa:— "I belong to Jesus
Christ. I am one of the new born. The world may
call us crazy, but it is not on new wine, brethren. T
am acquainted Avith this Jesus, and I came about it hon-
estly. When I was but a child, I was crippled. Three
doctors, after treating me for thirteen years, said I would
always be a cripple. My Christian mother read to me out
of the Word of God, how Jesus healed, and how he was
still the same healer. I went out on the farm, and, al-
though I have not been there for forty years, I believe I
could find the exact spot. I knelt down and made a
vow to God and said : 'If you will heal me, I will be
Thine forever.' I got up from my knees and was in-
stantly healed. ("Bless God !") So you see the God of
Daniel still lives."
(Bro. Fowler: "Everybody that is wiUing to praise
God for that healing say, Amen." — Cries of "Amen !")
"I was only thirteen years old when I was healed.
I once was a Methodist; I once was a United Brethren;
I once was a Repubhcan ; I once was a Prohibitionist, but
now I have become a Christian." ("Amen !")
On motion, it was decided to invite Bro. Seth C. Rees
to hold his noonday meetings in the audience room (oc-
cupied by the Assembly), during the week days of the
Assembly. The invitation was extended by Brother Fow-
ler but declined.
Bro. A. L. Whitcomb tendered his resignation as
member of the Committee on Permanent Methods, on
account of his duties as secretary, and Bro. Aura Smith
was chosen to succeed him on said committee.
It was announced that Wednesday forenoon would
lo6 ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
be devoted to prayer and supplication, and that Bro. A.
L. Whitcomb would preach at 2 130 P. M. and Bro. B.
S. Taylor at 7 130.
The meeting was brought to a close by the congre-
c^ation singing the Doxology.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
2 :oo p. m. Bro. C. J. Fowler, presiding. Sister S.
B. vShaw: ''I want to say a few words about that Prayer
Roll. (This stretched twice across the church from gal-
lery to gallery.) Could you all have had the privilege I
have had of reading those letters I am sure your hearts
would cry out to God for an answer to those many peti-
tions. Many are from those who are either themselves
afflicted in body or who have friends whom they long
to see healed. Many represent the cry of a mother's
heart for the salvation of her children. Some ask you
to pray for a wandering boy far away from God. Some
tell the story of the yearning of a heart-broken wife
who has long prayed for the salvation of her husband
and whose heart has almost grown faint because of an-
swer long delayed. Some of those letters are from hearts
longing for pardon — others ask you to pray that they
may be made whiter than snow and filled with the Holy
Ghost. Pastors and Sunday-school teachers and other
workers ask you to pray that God may baptize them
with the Holy Ghost and help them to win souls.
The Spirit will help us to bear these petitions to the
throne. (''Amen !") God knows them all : ("Amen") and
as we pray, let us remember that every letter repre-
f.-nts some heart that is crying out to God and let us
unite with them, and God will hear and answer prayer.
("Amen" "Amen.")
HOLIi^ESS ASSEMBLY.
167
Earnest united prayer followed in which all requests
represented by the Prayer Roll were remembered.
Singing by the congregation : ''He Brought me Out,"
''There's Power in the Blood," and "Walking with Jesus
My Lord."
Bro. S. B. Shaw called attention to the holiness litera-
ture, for sale at the book table, and to the fact that
all proceeds from the sale of his. works, during the As-
sembly, would be donated to the expenses of the As-
sembly.
Prayer by Sister Jennie Smith : "Our Father, Thou
knowest just why each of us has come to this conven-
tion. Thou knowest our needs. We bless Thee, Lord,
that we have come here for a general house-cleaning.
("God Grant it !") We ask, for Jesus' sake, that the work
may be so definite, and Thy will so fully accomplished,
that every one of us shall receive a fresh anointing from
heaven, that we may be better fruit bearing branches.
("Amen!") Help us to get where our influence will be
felt by everyone with whom we come in contact both
inside and outside of the churches. Help us to get to a
place where, by word of mouth and every act of life,
our influence that goes out, whether conscious or un-
conscious, may touch the hearts of those about us. Our
Father, we want just such a baptism of the Holy Ghost
sanctifying power to come upon us that we will honor
and glorify Thee in every avenue of life, and then we shall
not be a stumbling block for the criticising world. O,
let salvation come to souls and sanctificatiion to believers,
through this Assembly !
Our Father, bless each one of the leaders, and eacli
member of the committees, and let such as shall be saved,
be saved through and through, sanctified and made meet
158
ECHOES OF THE GEXERAL
for the Master's use. Be with him who shall address us
this afternoon, and may we all be so faithful to our trust.
that, when the final call comes, we may have thousands
of trophies laid at the ^lastar's feet. We ask it all for
Jesus' sake. Amen.
Song by Sister Aura Smith: *'The Old Fountaia."-
SERMON BY BRO. AURA SMITH.
Text : Ezekiel 36 :2y2g. "Then will I sprinkle clean water
upon you. and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, and from all
yonr idols, will I cleanse you."
That is the kind of sprinkling I believe in ! ("Good !"
"Glory.") It would be a big thing if we even stopped
there, but He tells us in the next verses the process by
which this is brought about : "A new heart also will I
give you, and a new spirit will I put within you." That
would be glorious, wouldn't it, if you just stopped there.
I will never forget the day when that took place with
me. when I found that a new heart had come into me,
when I found a new spirit possessed me. But I soon
found out there was something else in me and then my
trouble began. I shouted in a quiet way, because I was a
quiet person at that time. I praised the Lord all that
day. But I soon found I had something in me contrary
to this new heart and trouble began and kept up for
about seven years. Then I found the experience of this
text: **And I will take away the stony heart out of your
flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will
put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in mv
statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your
fathers ; and ye shall be my people and I will be your
God. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses ;
and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay
no famine upon you." '"And I will multiply the fruit of
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
159
the tree and the increase of the field, that ye shall re-
receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.
Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your
doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in
your own sight for your iniquities and for your abomina-
tions/'
The first thing I call your attention to in the text
is that water and fire are used as symbols of the work
of the Holy Ghost. Or, let me put it in another simple
way: Water and fire are used as symbols of the work
of salvation.
Turn now to the 3rd chapter of Matthew, 11, 12
verses. "I indeed baptize you with water unto re-
pentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than
I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear : He shall baptize
you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire : Whose fan is in
His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and
gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up
the chaff with unquenchable fire." (I hope that you who
are in the experience are all praying — (''We are.") that
somebody that hasn't this experience of holiness will get
it and I am going to preach to that particular person.)
("Amen!") What does He mean by "you" here? In my
early days, I heard this used as a proof text for hell
fire. John says the very people whom he had baptized
with water unto repentance, Jesus was to baptize .with
the Holy Ghost and fire. Some preacher in Indiana put
a question on the board and asked if anybody could prove
that there was any other baptism than the baptism of
water. A drayman walked right to the front and w4-ote
under the question Matthew 3: 11, 12, and the preacher
read the verses I have quoted. It only took a -sanctified
drayman to answer that question. Here He promises the
160
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire to those whom he has
baptized with water unto repentance.
Notice again: ''Whose fan is in His hand, and He
will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into
the garner, but He will burn up the chaff with un-
quenchable fire." Who is the floor of Jesus Christ? Not
sinners. Recently a man said to me "I believe in the
great universal fatherhood of God." "But," I said, "If
you mean that every man and woman are children of
God, you are mistaken. We are not children of God nor
the 'floors' of Christ until we are regenerated and born
into the family of God." God promises to baptize those
that have received the baptism of water unto repentance,
with the Holy Ghost and fire, and this fire is to burn up
the chaff of our evil natures.
Turn to the 3rd Chapter of Malachi. Keep in mind
that water and fire are used as symbols of salvation.
"Who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a
refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap : And He shall sit
as a refiner and purifier of silver : and He shall purify the
sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that
they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteous-
ness."
Next take Isaiah 4: 3: "And it shall come to pass
that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in
Jerusalem, shall be called holy." Please note the qualifi-
cation: "Even every one that is written among the liv-
ing in Jerusalem." It does not stop yet. "When the
Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters
of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem
from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by
the spirit of burning."
■ Now, he says these are to be called holy when this
EOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
161
washing takes place that is to wash away the filth of the
daughters of Zion.
I had been converted seven years, but never during
that time applied the term "holy" to myself, but the
moment I went to the fountain, from the moment I re-
ceived the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, people
have introduced me as a holiness man, and my denomina-
tion have spoken of me as such. I happened to be
in a strange town. I went to the depot to take the
train. There was a lady and her husband waiting there,
and as I came by she said to her husband: "There
is one of them now ! There is one of those holiness
fellows." I said, "I am. You are correct. I would like
to tell you a little of my experience. I told them how
God had sanctified me. She turned to her husband and
said, "I want that washing," and he said he did too. I
didn't get this until I got the second experience.
You will notice all of these verses indicate cleanness and
purity of the very highest type. The first verse of my
text expresses simply the result promised. There are pas-
sages that simply give the results of salvation, without
especially noting the process. For instance : Matt, i :2i :
"Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His
people from their sins." There is nothing said in that
about the process, but the simple fact that Jesus was
to save us from our sins. Then Romans 6: 22: "But
now being accounted (?) free from sin." — ("No, sir. That
isn't accounted.") But some people quote it that way.
"But now being made free from sin, and become ser-
vants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the
end eyerlasting life." It doesn't say "you will be," but
now being actually made free from sin, you have your
fruit unto holiness. Some people talk about having ever-
162
ECHOED OF THE GENERAL
lasting Hie now, and, when they die, they are going to he
made free from sin, then they are going to have their
fruit unto hoHness. The freedom from sin, the fruit imto
hoHness is an experience we get here, and the crowning
thing of everlasting life, we get hereafter. This is the
divine order. Jeremiah 33 : 8 : "And I will cleanse them
from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned
against me; and I will pardon all their iniqui-
ties whereby they have sinned, and whereby they
have transgressed against me." I read that for
this purpose: to show that He promises to cleanse
away the very thing that causes us to commit iniquity.
God promises to save every man up to the place where
he can live a holy life. In order to do that, he promises
to take out the very root of the matter that causes us
to commit sin. To illustrate: In a meeting at Aspen,
Colo., I stepped up to a man at the altar and asked him.
if he was there for pardon or purity. He looked up
and said : "I am here because my wife told me to come."
"Don't you want to be a Christian?" "I can't be a
Christian." "What do you mean by that ?" "Brother, lots
of nights I lay awake all night and promise I will never
touch another drop of liquor, but the next morning I am
in the saloon before breakfast and drunk before nine
o'clock. I can't be a Christian. I can't let rum alone, and
there is no use of my trying." "Brother, Jesus
Christ can deliver you from rum so that you will
not want it any more than the man who is speak-
ing to you to-night." "Then I can be a Christian." The
thing he needed was deliverance. I went to his home,
and he said : "I will never touch another drop of iiquor,
so help me God! if I die for the want of ii." T drew up
a pledge and he put his signature to it, and we got down
H0LINE8J3 ASSEMBLY.
163
and prayed until he was gloriously converted. A few-
days after that, I met him on the street. I said, ''how
is it?" He answered, "I am the happiest man you ever
saw. I can walk right by the saloon, and smell the
liquor without a particle of longing for it. I don't want
it. I am a free man." *1 want you to stay free." "Have
you any doubt?" "Yes." "Why?" "On account of that
thing you have in your mouth. I have doubts of every
fellow that indulges in tobacco. (Cries of "That's so!")
Brother, that cigar will feed the appetite for liquor, and,
as sure as you hold to that you will be back to the
saloon in a little while.*' "Do you want to kill me out-
right ? the appetite for liquor was a mere plaything to
this." There is so much said by some about getting
drunk on liquor, and nothing about tobacco. As I said
to a temperance lecturer, who wanted to use my pulpit,
"Do you get up and scalp the drunkard and hold him
up as a horrible example, and leave the tobacco devil
alone ? Do you come with a cigar or quid in your mouth
and lecture on temperance? If you do you can't speak
in my pulpit on temperance." ("Amen!") He said, "I
don't know what liquor tastes like. I don't know what
tobacco tastes like. I never touched tea or coflfee in
my life." ("Amen!") That brother who had discarded
drinking said : "I don't smoke but thirty cigars a day."
No wonder he was in bondage! I said: "Do just 'as
you did with the liquor. Throw it away." He did
so. We knelt down on the pavement, ("Glory to God.")
and God rid him from tobacco. ("Amen !") I saw his
wife some years after, and she said he never touched
tobacco or liquor after that day. Just as God delivers
a man from rum and tobacco, He can deliver us from
164
EGHOES OF THE GENERAL
that thing which keeps us from Hving a holy life, I do
not care what it is. ("Amen '/')
Beloved, we are a little Assembly of holiness people
here, and, we should spread the glad tidings of deliverance
wherever we go. There are men and women that will
never be saved in the world until somebody brings to them
the gospel of full salvation. (*'Amen !")
I was holding a meeting a few years ago when I
said to a judge: "J^'i<^^§'^> you a Christian?" *'No,
sir. I am not. I am a long ways from being a Chris-
tian. My judgment approves the logic of your preach-
ing, but I don't live it. I cannot live it, and I don't try."
"I know you can't, judge." ''Then why do you want me
to try?" don't want you to try." He looked at me,
astonished. ''Judge, why can't you live it?" "It is the
old Adam in me, that is the reason." "Suppose the
Lord takes that out?" "If He should I could live as you
preach." "I am going to ask you to come to God to
get rid of the old Adam." The next night he staid at
home with the children. He said, "I don't see why God
can't convert me here as well as in the meeting." When
his wife came home he asked: "Who was converted?"
She asked why he was so much interested. "The Lord
converted me while you were in the meeting." When the
next night came, he again said that he would stay home.
He said : "Smith says after you are converted, the next
step is to get sanctified and get rid of the old Adam. God
converted me here last night, why can't he sanctify me?"
He got down and plead with God, and his wife came
home and found him shouting. She said: "What has
happened?" "The Lord has sanctified me!" There are
multitudes of men and women like that. They don't want
to start until they can make a success of it. They have
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
165
their minds on holiness, and, if you can make them see
that they will begin a Christian life.
The next thing for consideration is the process by
which we come to this result. He says : "A new heart
also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within
you." God always begins the work of salvation by giv-
ing men a new heart. God never intends to improve the
old nature. Never ! Never ! ("Amen !") God gives you
something you never had before ("Amen !") — a new spirit,
regeneration not reformation. That- is the trouble with so
many. They try reformation. They do not get to the
bottom, and the result is, they get nothing. God be-
gins by regeneration — giving a new heart and a new spirit.
Puts something in your heart that was never there before.
And it is this that gives you control of yourself, causing
you to hate the things you formerly loved, and love the
things you formerly hated. I never went to a prayer meet-
ing until I was converted. I had nothing in me that
wanted me to go there. When God put a new spirit within
me, I went right to prayer meeting, because I loved the
prayer meeting. This thing settles the card and dance busi-
ness.
The very fact that some do not see any harm in these
questionable things shows that they haven't the genuine
grace in the heart, or they would turn away from them. Re-
generation settles this by giving us a new heart.
"I will take away your stony heart and give you a
heart of flesh." There must be a time then when there
are two hearts, or two sets of motives in man. Paul
speaks of the old man. You don't talk about a new and
an old bonnet until you get a new one. The Indian said
after conversion : "There is a good Indian and a bad In-
dian in me. The good Indian wants me to be good. The
166
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
bad Indian wants me to be bad." That Indian noticed
this dual nature. He never heard of holiness ! You do
not need a sermon on holiness to get you to see that.
("Amen !")
But we need not remain in that state. God says He
will take the stony heart out, that is, He^ will deliver us
from that "old man," "body of sin," from which ugli-
ness, man fearing, passion, covetousness, and these un-
holy things spring that you find in your life after you
became a Christian. He promises to take this awav. and
leave only the single nature. But He doesn't propose to
stop there. "And I will put my Spirit within you."
The crowning thought here is the enthronement of
the Holy Ghost in our heart — to be filled and possessed
of the Holy Ghost, and we ought never to stop short of
that culmination. Hold on long enough to receive the
baptism of the Holy Ghost. Hold on by your faith until
this comes upon you. Stick to it, if it does take a few
nights, or some midnight praying. Press through until
you touch rock-bottom, until the Holy Ghost comes in
with all His fulness, and leaves no chance for you to doubt
the fact that God sanctifies you. There was a time when I
was baptized with water. Not all the people in the world
could make me believe I wasn't baptized. I want to say
to you that, seven years after that, I was fully as con-
scious that I was baptized with the Holy Ghost.
("Amen.")
The next thought in the text is : "I will cause you to
walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and
do them." The question is, how can a man keep the
commandments? Get the commandment inspirer in His
fullness in your heart, and He will cause you to keep them.
A woman had been reading in her catechism that "no
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
167
merely mortal man can, by all the grace that is given
him, keep the commandments of God." She said : "O,
my! Can't God give us the power?" You will note it
says "no merely mortal man" can do it. When you get
converted you are not a "merely mortal man." Yon
have a divine nature. I am glad to say that this is some-
thing that makes it easy for one to be a Christian. God
can make it as easy to serve Him as any sinner finds it
to serve the devil.
"Ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fa-
thers." God is to put us in a place where there is sta-
bility. This will take the back-sliding tendency away. It
will get you so you will not have cold spells and back-
slide between meetings. You get lukewarm. You don't
abide. You don't stay. The text promises to place you
where you will stay; where you will abide and dwell in
the land of your fathers.
"I will call for the corn, and will increase it." God
has put growth in its place after cleansing. That is the
divine order. First cleansed, then grow. "And lay no
famine upon you." God has a salvation that never has
any droughts — that never gets parched up. ("Amen!")
It will keep you perennially green. That is what the
church needs. ("Amen!") We need an experience that
will make us all feel like we are just converted. When I
get into meetings, and the blessing comes on my soul, I
feel like I am right from the fountain myself ! ("Glory !")
I haven't backslidden either. When I get to feeling that
way, I talk just like a young convert. Often one just con-
verted can lead a sinner to the altar, when older ones
in the experience cannot do anything with him. He can
put you where there is no drought or famine. ("Amen.")
"I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase
168
ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of
famine among the heathen." This verse teaches satisfac-
tion.
I have never been so grieved as during this past
winter over one thing, that so many good men and wom-
en have allowed themselves to be united with other so-
cieties than the church of Jesus Christ. ("Amen!" "God
help them!") Sinners get to saying that the lodge is as
good as the church, and give out the idea that there is a
lack in the religion of to-day. I say that every man that
is a Christian, who is connected with secret orders, is
helping people outside of the church to beheve that there
IS a failure in the religion of Jesus Christ. ("Amen!")
Saying nothing about the good there is in them, we
ought to consider that, by connecting ourselves with them,
we are deceiving the world. ("Amen I") I don't need them.
I bless God, religion gives me all I need. ("Amen !" "Glory
to God !") It satisfies me. You ministers of God, who
are associated with the lodge, you go, and that man of
the world points to you and says the reason you attend
the lodge is that the church doesn't satisfy you. If we
do not do anything else, let us have the world see that
Jesus Christ is all that any man needs^ — all the society
he needs; all the victory he needs. ("Amen!" "Glory!")
I know one man that goes up and down this world, who
is satisfied, and don't need any man to pity him ! ("Amen !")
I ask you to see that in the text it is God who does the
work. He says : "I will sprinkle water upon you and ye
shall be clean. I will give you a new heart. I will take
away your stony heart." The same being that converted
you, regenerated you, is to sanctify you. It is not a
growth. It is not a development. It is the work of God.
A woman once said to me : "When I think about my
MRS. PHEBE EPPERSON,
Boone, Iowa.
FANNIE BIRDSALL,
Indianapolis, Ind.
AMANDA SMITH,
Harvey, 111.
MARY E. EDINGER,
Demotte, Ind.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
169
heart and carnality and sins, I believe it will take God
40 years to sanctify me." What is time to God ?
"In the twinkling of an eye,
God, my Lord, can sanctify."
("Glory!") One thousand years is as but a day with
God. You do not have to work yourself up by a growth
in grace. Bless your soul ! When in God's order you are
growing when you don't know it. ("Amen!")
He says, "I will multiply the fruit of the tree and
the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more
reproach of famine among the heathen." When you get
it, you do not have to get up and advertise that you are
satisfied. ("Glory!") You can tell a man that is sancti-
fied by the company he keeps ; by the shine in his face ; by
the language of his mouth. ("Amen!") God can sanctify
you. He can do it right now. ("Glory!")
At the ahar service at the conclusion of the sermon, fourteen
seekers presented themselves, and a large part of the congrega-
tion moved forward and engaged in this after service.
EVENING SESSION.
7:30 p. m., Bro. C. J. Fowler, presiding.
Singing by Congregation : "Calvary's Stream is Flow-
ing," "He Touched Me and Made me Whole," "Love
Found Me," "The Open Fountain," and "We Have an
Anchor."
Prayer by Sister Lilian Smith: "O, God, Thine ear
is open to us. Thou hast promised to hear us. We praise
Thee for the power of lesus' blood.
O, God, wilt Thou honor Thy Word? Give Sister
Livingston just such a message as Thou wouldst have
her deliver. Help us to understand it as God sends it to
us. We pray Thee that we may j^o out from this place
equipped for Thy work better than ever before.
170
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
We never could have saved ourselves ; all the js^lory
is Thine. We are so grateful that Thou ever hadst any-
thing to do with us. We want to praise Thee forever,
world without end. Amen."
Prayer by Sister Sarah A. Cooke : -
"O, Lord, Thou hast said in Thy Word, that whatso-
ever we ask in Thy name, believing we shall receive. O,
Lord, we ask Thy special blessing on these services to-
night. Touch the lips of her who shall speak to us. We
know that she has brought many souls unto the precious
Lamb of God. Thou didst speak to Lazarus, and he came
forth and lived. Thou hast said: *I am the resurrection
and the life. He that liveth and believeth on me shall
not die.' We thank Thee for eternal life. O, Praise the
Lord ! May the glad tidings of great joy reach many a
heart to-night, and, through this meeting, may Thy peo-
ple not only get a fresh unction, but let many be led
to God. We ask it all in the all-prevailing name of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen."
SERMON BY SISTER HATTIE LIVINGSTONE.
I wish to call your attention to the 20th chapter -yt
Revelation beginning with the nth verse: "And I saw a
great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose
face the earth and the heavens fled away : and there was
found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and
great, stand before God ; and the books were opened : and
another book was opened, which is the book of life : and
the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books, according to their works. And the
sea gave up the dead which were in it ; and death and hell
gave up the dead which were in them : and they were
judged every man according to their works. And death
and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
171
death. And whosoever was not found written in the book
of Hfe was cast into the lake of fire."
We shall meet again the record of onr lives that we
have lived so carelessly here. God hath said, for every
idle word we shall give account thereof at the day of Judg-
ment.
In the closing scenes of earth, the angel will set his
right foot upon the sea and his left foot on the earth, and
swear by Him that liveth forever and forever that time
shall be no more.
The Son of God will leave the Mediatorial Throne and
take His seat upon the Judgment throne, wdth His eyes
as a flame of fire, His voice as the sound of many waters,
His countenance as the sun shining in his strength. Every
receptacle of mortality will be thrown open and all will
gather at the throne. Adam and Eve and their descend-
ants all down the ages ; Sodom and Gomorrah will be
there. God hath said, they are now suffering the venge-
ance of eternal fire, but it will be more tolerable for
them at the day of Judgment than for us wdio live under
the Holy Ghost dispensation, under the light of the Gospel,
and reject Christ.
On they come of every kindred, tongue, tribe and
nation ; the good wath their glorified bodies and radiant
faces reflecting the very glory of the Triune God. The
wicked shall come forth with a damned body for a damned
soul ; their mouths distorted • with blasphemy, impure,
unholy, unclean, loathsome and vile. The fallen angels
will be there and we shall be there. The Judgment will
be set and the books will be opeiiedv There are many
books, but one is the book of life. In the many books
are written the record of our lives. We are also keeping
a corresponding record, day by day, upon the tablets of
our hearts. We are writing that which will never be
172
r:( Hoi:s of the gexeral
erased, in time or eternity. We are treading upon chords
which wiU vibrate at the Great White Throne. The record
written in the tablets of our memory wiU meet the angel's
record at that da}'.
A young lady who came nigh unto death's door by
drowning said : "At a certain descent phosphoric radiance
sprang to my eyeballs and a mighty theater expanded
in my brain and I saw- as part of co-existence, every
thought, \vord, act and deed of my life." So wall if be
at the throne.
There will be diversities of judgment commensurate
with knowdedge. Those under the ^losaic dispensation
will be judged by the Old Testament. Those living under
the Holy Ghost dispensation wdll be judged by both the
Old and the New^ Testament. The heathen, by the law of
nature. The measure, of light will be the measure of
guilt. There never was a day when people sinned against so
great light as they do to-day. I w'ould rather come up from
dark Africa, a sinner, and stand before the throne, having
never heard of Christ, than to come from our Christian
land, having heard and rejected the call of the Gospel.
The rich and poor, the great and small, shall stand upon
a common level. Then shall we know, even as also we
are known. The secrets of the heart will there be made
manifest; the secrets of lust, ambition, covetousness, sins
known only to your heart and God. Sins committed in the
dark ; that which has been hidden from the eyes of man
will there be brought to the light under the searching
eye of God, and before the universe. Sinner, wdiat will
be your answer and wdiat will be your plea at that day
when the record of your life is opened up before God? In
view of the family altar, the calls of the Spirit, the rejection
uf God, will you plead, "Lord I am innocent"? Because
you did not understand, will you plead ignorance with an
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
173
Open Bible — while the Spirit plead with your heart for
years? What will you answer, brother, and what will be
your plea? Will you plead hypocrisy in the church? t
will not be what other people did. but we will stand an 1
answer for ourselves. (''Amen") Sinner, what will yon
plead, when you see the saints on the right hand an 1
the glory that might have been yours ? Beloved what will
you answer who are building upon the foundation, wood,
hay and stubble, with no family altar, with your cold, for-
mal, empty prayers, when you might have been on fire
for God and won souls, had you let the Holy Ghost come
in and let Christ Jesus have His way with you?
My heart has been made to bleed as I go over tlie
land to find among God's professed people so many
who have no interest in the salvation of souls,
not even their own loved ones. Some who profess holi-
ness have no family altar, and no power in their prayers
or life. Perhaps there are those here to-night who can
look back to a time when their testimonies and prayers
and life were on fire. To-day they are powerless. Time
speeds away. These golden opportunities will face us
again at the Judgment. I have asked myself the question
many times, Will I be held responsible for the power I
might have had, if I had been more prayerful and more
fully abandoned to God ? And because of the lack of pow-
er will souls I might have reached, and hearts I might have
won, be lost? I can afford to do without the things of
the world ; I can afford to be misunderstood and misrepre-
sented; I can afford any heartache and suffering; but 1
can not afford to lose God's best and be without the
Holy Spirit. (''Amen.") My soul must meet the record
of these days and years before God. I must meet my
influence with my loved ones. How my heart has cried
to God that I might touch the deepest depths of the
174
l^CHOEti OF THE GESERAL
highest power! I want to get more of God that I may
win more souls for Jesus my Lord. I feel like catching
(.n to the fleeting moments as they pass. They will never
return. Many times I have stood before the people and
lliought, I shall never touch all these souls again but T
shall meet them at the Judgment. I have prayed, My
God, give me the right message and the power to present
it to help them to Thee. ("Amen") Beloved, some of
you used to plead with souls, but some way you have lost \
the power and joy of salvation. You are saying, "I walk ,
by faith." Yes : God has called us to walk by faith, but \
faith brings joy, and God's power will come into your •
lives and you will be anxious for the lost. Souls are s^oing
into "eternity all about us. What we do must be done
quickly. Touch us workers. The last angel will be judged
and the last sentence pronounced. ''Then shall the king
say unto them on the right hand, Come, ye blessed of
my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world. Then shall he say to them on
the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed into everlasting
fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." And who-
soever was not found written in the book of life was cast
into the lake of fire."
Here when we lose a case in court we may carry it
to the supreme, or United States court ; but when we
lose our case at the Judgment throne, there will be no
higher tribunal ; but the sentence received there will burn
and flash in the tablets of an endless eternity. ('*Oh Je-
sus !") Then comes the separation at the throne — the last
good-bye. Here in this world the mother looks upon
the cold remains of her darling child whom God has
taken from her bosom and transplanted into the para-
dise above, and, amid her tears and agony, she says, "I'll
meet my precious one again." We carry our dead and
B0LINE8S ASSEMBLY.
175
commit their bodies to mother earth. Although we may
be unsaved there springs ud a hope of a meeting beyond
Beloved, there is coming a time when we shall say good-
bye forever. Mother and child, husband and wife will
part never to meet again. The redeemed will go to in
herit mansions as numberless as the sands of the seashore ;
domains of never-ending power, love and glory.
The damned will turn from the God they have spurne 1,
the Saviour who shed His blood to redeem them. And
they will take the last look upon the faces of loved ones
who prayed for them. Ah, it will be good-bye to all hope
and gladness ; good-bye to all peace and happiness ; good
bye to the songs of joy. Only from henceforth to hear the
awful wails and shrieks of the damned. Good-bye to light.
No ray of light will ever pierce the dungeon darkness.
Hell is to be their doom ; banished and separated from
God forever; homesick, and no home; away from all
love and friendship ; never to hear another kind word ;
they are hopeless forever.
Sinner, the devil is promising you something else to-
night. He is holding before you the pleasures of the
world, wealth and position. He is promising you happi-
ness, but he will give you something else. He will give
you a Christless death bed, the companionship of damned
souls, with the unclean, unholy, impious, loathsome and
abandoned, and, with the demons of darkness your poor
soul will spend an endless eternity.
Mother, ?re your girls and boys going to wail there?
Do you wonder God says He wipes away the tears from
the eyes of His people? We would weep forever over the
loss of loved ones, and over lost opportunities. Don't
let us wait to weep over yonder — let us weep for the lost
here. (''Amen") Let us weep and pray for our loved
176
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
ones here. Pray that God may reach and save them here
at any cost or sacrifice.
Alt the close of the sermon, the invitation was extended and
a number of seekers came forward, the altar and front seats being
crowded with those engaged in prayer and supplication.
Wednesday, flay 8.
MORNING SESSION.
8:00 a. m. Prayer and Praise Service.
9:00 a. m., Bro. C. J. Fowler presiding.
Bro. Fowler: "None of us would have been here
in this Christian gathering, had it not been for united
prayer. Somebody prayed for you and for me. God
thrust conviction upon us, and we hurried to Jesus. What
has been done for us can be done for others. This is a
day of fasting and prayer. Not so much a day for song,
possibly, as a united crying to God. We must not for-
get to pray with thanksgiving. Just see this prayer roll !
Everywhere, they are praying for the success of these
meetings, and for these requests. God is looking upon
the names on that roll. I think, perhaps, not many of us
appreciate the value of the moments before us."
After a season of earnest prayers, in which the con-
gregation participated very generally, the intensity of
prayer being very marked, a letter of greeting was pre-
sented to the Assembly from Bro. C. B. Ward of India,
and Bro. S. B. Shaw stated the contents of a letter received
from an inmate of the Wisconsin State Prison, showing
that, while he was imprisoned behind the bars, he was no
longer a prisoner to sin. He asked the prayers of the
Assembly,
Bro. J. B. Foote, led in prayer in behalf of Bro.
Ward of India and the brother at the Wisconsin State
Prison.
Another long, continuous seasofx of prayer v/as en-
B0LINE8S ASSEMBLY.
gaged in. Perhaps some idea of this service can be conveyed
to the reader, from the description given by a party who
was present to record the meeting. IJe says : "Imagine a
vast assemblage of God's people under the spirit and
inspiration of prayer upon prayer, and long waiting upon
God. Have you ever witnessed a great frontier prairie
fire rise in intensity of blaze, then die down momentarily
to break forth with renewed power? It was just so that
the prayer waves rose on this occasion, until it seemed
that every soul in divine presence was petitioning, from its
very depths, the throne on high. Then would come a
lull, and, while there was an absence of the sound of
supplicating voices, one seemed to be overwhelmed with
a mighty, indescribable Presence. Following this brief
pause would come again the voice of prayer, gradually
increasing in volume and intensity, on every hand, until
it exceeded every previous bound and it seemed that each
individual soul was vying with every other to prevail the
more mightily with the Eternal Father. With brethren
and sisters prostrate before God, with fervid petitions, with
agonizing groans and tearful appeals to the Throne of
Grace, it was truly an awe-inspiring spectacle, and one
never to be forgotten by any who witnessed it."
The closing words of the session, by President C. J.
Fowler, are a fitting expression of the presence of the
Spirit on that occasion. Bro. Fowler said: "You may
not have felt the pressure that is on some hearts here ;
you may not have had upon your hearts the burden that
is on some hearts here now — it does not necessarily follow
that you are not right with God, because you haven't it.
You are not necessarily out of harmony with God. Do
not let the accuser take advantage of you there. But,
if you have not been in sympathy with what yau have wit-
nessed here, and have looked upon it as creature activity,
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
as human manifestation ; if yon have been nervous in the
presence of this thing, you want to look out.
What meaneth^ this ? That question will come up -n
the intermission. Let us be careful and walk with bated
breath. When the gathering comes together in the after-
noon, we may see the whole thing either enhanced or
lowered. During the intermission, at dinner, or fasting, or
whatever engaged in, let us hold steady before God, and
every heart that has the least suggestion that you are not
where God wants you, don't fail to get there the very
second God shows you the way.
We are going out from here this morning with a
widening, deepenmg and strengthening experience, or else
we go with a narrowed experience. We have seen our
poorest day, or our best day. If we are filled with the
Spirit and awake to the full meaning of this hour, this is the
poorest day we will ever have, and we are at the smallest
end of our experience. If there is a hesitation on our part,
we are seeing the best day we may ever expect. God
does not give us light to play with. He wants us to go
forward in His cause with the swing of victory, and with
the tread of a conqueror. (''Amen!")
Brother, if you have been betrayed into coming here
merely to look on, I say to you, look out. It is an awful
peril, let me repeat it, if a heart here has not been in
sympathy with this thing.
O, what a revelation God gives my soul ! How my
affections go out to God! (''Amen!" "Glory!" "Hallelu-
jah!")
AFTERNOON SESSION.
2 :oo p. m., Bro. C. J. Fowler presiding.
Singing by congregation: ''Power Divine," "J^sus
Has Lifted my Load," and "Love Everlasting."
Sister Amanda Smith, upon request, came to the plat-
form and described how she had been inspired to write
four additional verses to the song "He Rolled the Sea
Away/' which original adaptation she sang before the
Assembly.
Song by Sister Aura Smith : "I cannot Tell Why."
Bro. C. W. Ruth took charge of the collections, and
made a special plea to the A.ssembly.
Prayer, led by Sister Kent White : "O God, our Fath-
er, we praise Thee for the Pentecost Thou hast been giv-
ing us all day. We ask, while the saints are getting blessed
and unified, that the unsaved may be converted and be-
lievers sanctified in this meeting. May it be a "red-let-
ter" day in somebody's life. May many plunge into the
fountain and be made whiter than snow. May Thy serv-
ant's lips be touched with a live coal from of? Thine altar.
We pray that the Holy Ghost may abide in this place
in mighty power. We ask Thee, Holy Spirit, to have the
right of way here, and may all of our plans not in the
lyord be smashed up, and, as we leave this place, may we
be able to look back and feel, indeed, that we have been
in Thine upper room. We know Thou art present with
us, and we would ask Thee to show us the particular niche
we are to fill, and help us to fill it. We ask it in Jesus'
name. Amen."
SERMON BY BRO. A. L. WHITCOMB.
Text: "The arrows are beyond thee." (i Samuel 20-22.)
About 2,900 years ago, two armies faced each other
in the Valley of Elah in South-western Palestine. The
issues of the contest were to be settled in single combat
by the representatives of the contending armies. David,
.the shepherd lad from Bethlehem, met Goliath, the Giant
of Gath, smote him with a sling-stone and cut off his head
with his own sword. On the return of the armies to
Gibeon, the daughters of Israel came out to meet them
180
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
with tabrets and songs. They sang, *'Saul hath slain his
thousands and David his ten thousands." Immediately,
Saul was jealous and cried what more could they do than
to give him the kingdom. From that time forth, he looked
upon David with an evil eye and sought to slay him.
Thrice, he attempted to smite him to the wall with his
javelin, but as often, David fled out of his presence, finally
fleeing to Raamah, the home of Samuel. Saul pursued
him thither, and David returned to Gibeon and met Jona-
than in the open field, according to appointment. He in-
quired : **What have I done that your father seeks to slay
me ? If I am guilty of any. crime, slay me with your own
hand." Jonathan replied : "My father will do nothing
either great or small, but that he will shew it me." David
replied : "Your father knoweth that I have found favor in
thine eyes, so he has said to the }'Oung men, 'Tell it not to
Jonathan,' but truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul
liveth, there is but a step between me and death." Jona-
than then made an oath to David and said to him : "Go to
your father's house and return in three days. Mean-
while, I will prove my father, and, on the third day come
and hide in the field behind a rock that I will show thee,
and I will come out with my artillery and a lad. When
I shoot an arrow, if I say: 'Behold the arrows are this
side of thee,' come, for no evil is intended you ; but, if T
say : 'Behold the arrows are beyond thee,' depart, for the
Lord hath sent thee away." "Behold the arrows are be-
yond thee," to David meant flight. Arrows suggest flight,
circuit, life, character. Arrow heads were formerly made
of Beryl, often called "Arrow Stones." In the vision of
Daniel, the body of the person who came before the An-
cient of days, was like unto beryl; and we should remem-
ber that as the miaterial body veils the character liore, in
the celestial world the character pervades, inswathes and
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
181
covers the spiritual body, as in the body of Christ on
the Mount of Transfiguration. Again, one of the most
prominent stones in the breast-plate of the Jewish high
priest was beryl. That breast-plate typifies Christ's right-
eousness, and is spoken of by Paul as the "Breast-plate
of Righteousness." Man's righteousness is all from God.
In the beginning, God said : "Let us make man in our
image," that is, in righteousness and true holiness. Hence,
Paul, in Ephesians, says : Let us put off the old man (the
first Adam — the carnal), and let us put on the new man
(the second Adam,) which, after God, that is, like God, is
created in righteousness and true holiness. Accordingly,
the spiritual putting of the text is : Righteousness and
true holiness including all spiritual treasures, are beyond
thee,
L Righteousness and true holiness are beyond and
o .it of us naturally. God's method of salvation is revealed
in the gospel. For this reason, Paul was not ashamed
of the gospel of Christ. Men often substitute other meth-
ods. These substitutes are usually of two classes : Ritual-
ism and naturalism. The former rests in a form of godli-
ness ; the latter in something called nature. This natural-
ism divides into two branches. One denies the superna-
tural in toto ; the other admits the operation of the superr-
natural in the beginning of the saving process, after which
the chief part of the work is to be done by self effort, by
works of righteousness. According to this method a sin-
ner is expected to do what he can to build up a manly
character and then trust death, or something else to do the
rest, either just before, or, somehow, just after death. Of
all false doctrines this is the most dangerous, because it
wears sheep's clothing. It begins with the gospel, but
ends in a false Gospel. Those who adopt this scheme de-
scend quickly to the position of the naturalist who sees
182
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
no need of supernaturalism in the way to heaven, — it there
is a heaven, which he may doubt. This naturaHsm was
the creed of the church when Methodism began to pro-
claim to a dead church and an infidel world the forgotten
Gospel of a supernatural life, by the Holy Ghost over-
shadowing the soul, producing successively conviction of
sin, justification and entire sanctification, and imparting
the divine evidence and conviction of the same to the soul
of the believer. This is God's method of salvation, as un-
folded by Christ and His apostles. Christ exposed the
falseness of His time and ours in the pungent question :
''Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ?" and
by the declaration : "A corrupt tree bringeth forth evil
fruit." Cultivate it as you may, its fruit is evil. Make the
tree good, and thus its fruit will be good, was Christ's
plan. The Scripture declares "The whole head is sick and
the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto
the head there is no soundness in it." And David exclaims :
"Behold I was shapen in iniquity : and in sin did my
mother conceive me." "For, though thou wash thee with
nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked
before me, saith the Lord God." And Job says : "If I
wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never
so clean, yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine
own clothes shall abhor me."
If man were in harmony with God and His law, lu
would be at his best, for God's law is the simplest state-
ment of the condition of best existence. (Cries of Amen I)
But man is far from his best for even the "whole creation
groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."
Hence, man's fallen state is evidenced first, by the abnor-
mal condition of nature. Earthquakes, tempests, weeds,
thistles, scorpion fangs, wild beasts' venom, — all declare
the same tale that man has fallen. Secondly, it is evidenced
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
183
by the abnormal condition of our earthly body in sickness,
pain and death, — man's own body striving to throw off a
fallen lord. Thirdly, evidenced by the sinful condition Oi
the world. There are one thousand million heathen on
earth to-day, most of whom know nothing of the wisdom
and power of the gospel ; two hundred millions of Moham-
medans, enslaved b}^ their harems, slave traffic, and belief
in iron fate ; one hundred and fifty millions of Protestants,
and according to the estimate of the most liberal jud^'e^,
not more than one million of these know anythino- about
the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. ("God Help us !")
Fourth — evidenced by man's efforts to reconcile deity
to himself, as seen in the sacrifice of all nations. But
human religions cannot save man from the mire of sin.
Even Socrates, the best of the Greeks confessed himsell"
^guilty of the worst of vices. What the depths exclaim
concerning wisdom, man must admit concerning holiness :
"It is not in me," and, when honest, will cry out with St.
Paul : "O wretched man that I am ! Who shall deliver nu
from the body of this death? Yet such
"Men homage pay to men
Thoughtless beneath whose dreadful age they bow,
In mutual awe profound of clay to clay,
Of guilt to guilt; and turn their back on Thee,
Great Sire ! whom thrones celestial ceaseless sing
To prostrate angels, an amazing scene!"
II. All spiritual and god-like character is beyond us ;
that is, above us as the celestial is above the earthlv an 1
the supernatural is above the natural. Christ said to Nico ■
demus : "Ye must be born again" to enter the Kingdom of
Heaven. His lack was not in culture, not in education,
for he was thoroughly trained. It was not in disobediencv}
to church laws, for he was a ruler among his people. Btit
he was dead spiritually and must needs become a new
creature.
184
ECHOED OF THE GENERAL
Druinmond has said : "Tlic kingdoms of this world
are all hermetically sealed to each other on the lower
side." A rock cannot become a tree by its own power, but
the roots of the tree may take up the substance of th^.
rock, and, by their own process of assimilation change thi
mineral to vegetable. A tree cannot become an ox, by
its own power, but the ox mav feed upon the grass and
the leaves, and by its own process of digestion and as-
similation change green grass and oak leaves to red ox
flesh. So, natural man cannot become godlike by his own
power. He must be born from above. When the disciples
inquired, ''Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied, "With
man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possi-
ble." None who trust in anything earthly (failing to open
their hearts and thus commit their case into God's hands,)
can be saved, no matter what that earthly thing trusted
in may be, whether heal wealth, morality, good works,
benevolence self-sacrifice orpharisaical strictness. ("Amen.")
Yea, they may do many mighty works, cast out devils,
even give their bodies to be burned and their goods to
feed the poor, and yet be lost, but when we turn to Jesus
Christ by penitence and faith, the supernatural comes to
us, and we are lifted up into the heavenly kingdom. "Foi
as many as received Him, to them gave He power to be-
come the sons of God,' even to them that believe on His
name."
In every church there are two classes.. The first class
might be called Ishmaelites. Their origin is natural ; <heir
life is "of the earth, earthly," and their hopes partake of a
worldly cast. The second class might be called Isaacs.
They are children of promise, born not by natural genera-
tion, but by supernatural power. Their life is spiritual.
Their hopes are heavenly. Paste gems may look like true
gems, hence our only safety lies in the sealing of the
W. B. GODBEY,
Perryville, Ky.
JOHN M. PIKE,
Atlanta, Ga.
WM. A. F. ARMOUR,
Oakland, Calif.
MRS. WM. A. F. ARMOUR,
Oakland, Calif.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
185
Holy Ghost. It is easier for a camel to go through a
needle's .eye, than for a man to enter the Kingdom of
God by his own efforts. But what is impossible with
man is possible with God. No matter what you are, or
where, by faith and repentance make connection with God,
and God will stream his life through and through you.
("Amen!" "Glory!")
There is something, we admit, in cultivation, in de-
velopment; in bringing out the inherent qualities in a
thing, itself, but this is* not all. There must be the incom-
ing of a new life to bring about his regeneration. There
is a truth here in regard to experimental rehgion which
is lost sight of by many, and that is, that cultivation and
refinement can only develop the inherent qualities already
in the creature. ("Amen !") This is the real firing line be-
tween the world and true religion to-day. The doctrine of
evolution is largely being preached. Men do not say, "I re-
pudiate your religion; I am a skeptic, I am a deist, or a
naturalist," but they preach that all that is required to
bring man up to his highest condition is simply that
which comes from education and culture, or the develop-
ment of that which is already inherent in him. They say
educate, cultivate, develop, and thus you will bring man
up to his highest attainment. Well, educate, cultivate
and you will bring out all that is inherent in him. And
what have you ? A gentleman, a scholar, a polished man,
it may be. But you have the man with all the good nat-
ural qualities and all his evil ones besides. You have
added nothing; you have extracted nothing. You can
make a "whited sepulcher," but you cannot make a saint
by this process. ("Amen !") The savages in the heart of
Ethiopia do not know by any means how to be as wicked
as we Americans. "Why?" you ask. Because they have
not gone through the process of developing all that is in
I8d
ECHOES OF THE (SEXERAL
them. There are deeper crimes and far more damning
sins in enlightened America to-day than in Africa. Read
the records of your daily press, and compare them with
all the wickedness of the savages if they do eat a man
occasionally ! We dispose of him if we don't eat him.
If ever a man is brought from this lower and sinful
condition, .he must be born from above, for ''that which
is born of the flesh is flesh." Cultivate it as you please, it
is but flesh at last, and "that which is born of the Spirit
is spirit." "Marvel not that I say unto you, ye must be
born again." What is it to be born again? It is the
incoming of a new, divine life at the very beginning of
the change from a creature to a son of God.
Salvation by Jesus Christ is supernatural. We may
pride ourselves as we will on cultivation, education and
evolution, but, after all, we have an impassable gulf to
bridge between the natural and the supernatural. Evolve
as you please, and you are still on the under side of
that. gulf. But be born from above, and everlasting joy
will strike you, and you will come up from the dead level
of the natural, the earthly and sensual, to the high plane
of the supernatural, the spiritual and the God-like.
("Amen." "Glory !")
III. "The arrows are beyond thee," in that the rich-
est spiritual treasures are foimd by pressing toward the
mark of the highest Scriptural perfection, and all is lost
by resting in any attainment, no matter how high. Hence,
Paul exclaims : "Therefore leaving the principles of the
doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection ; not lay-
ing again the foundation of repentance from dead works
and of faith toward God."
With Israel at Kadesh-barnea, it was advance or de-
feat and death. With Israel in Canaan, it was possession
of the land or captivity in Babylon. With the human body.
B0LWE8S ASSEMBLY.
187
it is growth or death. Where growth ceases, death al-
ways begins. This is true spiritually. (''Amen.") Vege-
tables grow to. a climax and then decline. The earth moves
out to its farthest arc from the sun, then wheels back to
its perihelion. All natural strength rises, matures and de-
cHnes ; but spiritual strength will ever increase if normal.
("Amen.") "They go from strength to strength; every
one of them in Zion appeareth before God." "The path of
the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more
unto the perfect day." "But we all with open face be-
holding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed
into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord."
When a boy in Northern Michigan, I used often to
visit the blast furnaces. With interest, I watched the work-
men as they dumped common brown colored ore, with
charcoal and a little lime into the furnace. A little later,
I would go down into the blasting room. The workmen
would open up a small place at the lower part of the
furnace, and out flowed a red-hot liquid iron, filling all
the gutters. Thus, the crude brown stone ore, through fire
was brought up to a condition of wrought iron, in which
shape it is of great value to mankind, whereas, in its lower
state it is comparatively, if not altogether useless. I un-
derstand that this same wrought iron may be put into a
furnace where the fire is heated seven times hotter than
in the former case and the moulds will be filled, not with
wrought iron, but with steel. In its changed, or trans-
formed state, it is so wonderful in comparison with crude
ore that it seems entirely like another substance. You
can polish it until it will reflect your image. You may
turn it into elastic watch-springs or the finest cambric
needles. This double process of transformation clearly
illustrates the divine plan of salvation. Hence, the apostle
188
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
declares that we are saved by the washing of regenera-
tion and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, — a baptism of
water and a baptism of fire. The baptism of water is
not simply actual water (which is a figure), but it is the
washing of regeneration, or the washing by the water of
the word. But there is another baptism. John says :
"He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire."
Hence we often sing:
"Refining fire go through my heart,
Illuminate my soul,
Scatter thy life through every part,
And sanctify the whole."
We have now scaled tw^o mountain ranges — Res^en-
eration and Entire Sanctification. You ask is there no
more beyond ? He who stands at the base of the first
range may imagine that there is nothing beyond his own
vision, but let him reach its summit and peak beyond peak
looms up before him. From the summit of Regeneration
we behold the higher range called Entire Sanctification.
From that peak, we behold mountains piled on mountains !
It is said that Jesus took three of His disciples and
ascended into an exceeding high mountain and that He
was transfigured before them, and His face shone as the
sun, and His garments were white and gHstening,.whiter
than any fuller could make them. Is not this a type of
the ideal character for which the ardent Christian soul
aspires when he sings :
"Changed from glory unto glory,
Till in heaven we take our place;
Till we cast our crown before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love and praise."
IV. "The arrows are beyond thee." In that final con-
summation lies beyond. This world is not our home. We
seek a better country. "He builds too low who builds
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
m
beneath the stars," is not only poetical, but true. Hence,
PauFs exhortation : "Set your affections on things above,"
and Christ's command, "Lay up for yourselves treasures
in heaven." This is but our training school. We ought
to submit to the discipline, and endure as seeing the in-
visible that awaits us ; for God designs making kings and
priests of us to reign hereafter. We should submit to
being perfected even through suffering. ("Amen.") We
should labor, suffer and overcome, for these light afflic-
tions are but for a moment, and work out for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
A locomotive is not built to rust out in the work
shop, but to thunder o'er the plain carrying its wealth
of human life and blessings to thousands. So the human
soul, valued above worlds, was not built to grovel here
and cease to live at the close of this life, but to take on
wisdom, power and spiritual capacities utterly incompre-
hensible.
John Angell James has well said : "Our notions are
the opinions of children; our discourses are the lispings of
children. The prodigious attainments of Bacon, Locke and
Newton are but the productions of children, written for the
instruction of others less taught than themselves." Rich-
ard Baxter has said: "The more perfect the sight, the
more delightful the object. The more perfect the appetite,
the sweeter the food. The more musical the ear, the more
prefect the melody, and the more perfect the soul the
more joyous those joys, and the more glorious that glory."
"We have latent powers," says Dr. Price, "which it may be
the business of eternity to evolve."
There will come a time in the' distant future when the
least zealous disciple will overtake the zeal of the burn
ing Paul, and the poorest singer will sing sweeter than the
sweetest archangel that burns beneath the throne !
190
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
We find water in various conditions. First, as cold
water, which fairly represents the state of many in the
Christian church to-day. Then we have water at boiling
temperature, — a good illustration of the fervent love of
the regenerate child of God. Later, under greater heat,
water may be raised to steam, — dynamic force, — a fair
illustration of the sanctified soul under the baptism and
power of the Holy Ghost. I understand this same steam
can be raised to a condition called super-heated steam.
We have no boiler to-day that would endure the pressure
of super-heated steam. So, "It doth not yet appear what
we shall be, but we know that when He shall appear, wo
shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."
During the Fourteenth Century, Spanish coins had
the Pillar of Hercules upon one side and the motto "Ne
Plus Ultra" upon the other. The latter part of the cen-
tury a faithful sailor struck out the "Ne," leaving it "Plus
Ultra," (More Beyond), and boldly sailed westward into
the Atlantic. After a time, the sailors mutinied and threat-
ened to throw Columbus overboard and return to their
home, but Columbus prevailed upon them to continue for
a few days. On the morning of the third day, branches
with fruit floated by upon the waters. Land birds ap-
peared in the rigging, and the perfume of flowers scented
the air. They shouted, "Land ahead!" So, I exclaim.
There is land ahead ! for I have seen the branch of heal-
ing. I have heard the songsters in the arbor. I have
scented the aromatic atmosphere by the power of the Holy
Ghost. So we catch glimpses of eternal glory in Prophecy
and in Apocalypse. We have seen it flashed out as a
city with foundations, a kingdom, mansions, a better coun-
try, an inheritance, a temple. Its accidents have
flashed out — no pain, no sickness, curse, death nor tears,
for God shall wipe all tears away; but life; transparent
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
191
seas ; palaces of light ; thrones of fire ; streets of gold ;
walls of jasper ; gates of pearl ; gates of praise ; walls of
salvation ; cavalcades of victory; led by the King of Kings ;
songs of triumph; shoutings and hallelujahs like mighty
thunderings, and like the waves of the sea; angels and
archangels, seraphim and cherubim ; living creatures ; the
Lamb as slain; throne of God! Amen! Hallelujah!
Columbus supposed he had discovered an island in
front of Asia, nor did he dream that in front of him lay
two mighty continents. So the light of revelation is not
the morning sun reflection of a small spiritual kingdom ;
but the light from the front lands of a mighty continent, in
excellence and splendor infinite.
"Far from these scenes of night,
Unbounded glories rise,
And realms of joy and pure delight,
Unknown to mortal eyes.
Fair land ! could mortal eyes
But half thy charms explore,
How would our spirits long to rise.
And dwell on earth no more.
No clouds those regions know,
Realms ever bright and fair;
For sin, the source of mortal woe,
Can never enter there.
Oh may the prospect fire
Our hearts with ardent love,
Till wings of faith, and strong desire
Bear every thought above.
Prepared, by grace divine,
For thy bright courts on high,
Lord, bid our spirits rise and join
The chorus of the sky."
Thus, we often sing and delight to speak of heaven
and loved ones gone on before, of fathers, of mothers and
many other friends and kindred. But this vision is not
to us, except we obtain the character necessary to admis-
sion there. Then we can cry: "All hail, heaven!** "All
hail, father!" ''All hail, mother!" "All hail, loved ones
gone on before !" Oh ! brethren, we cannot afford to miss
the unclouded vision of God's face, but we should remem-
ber that God is not only love, by His loved embrace de-
stroying the body of sin, but a consuming fire, taking
vengeance on them that know Him not, and obey not the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
EVENING SESSION.
7:30 P. M., C. J. Fowler, presiding. Prayer, led by
several in succession. Singing, by congregation, "The
Comforter has Come."
Repeating of Scripture texts, in which about forty
took part in rapid succession. The quotations given were
remarkably appropriate and this exercise was very evi-
dently in the Spirit, and used of the Spirit ; as evidenced by
the hearty responses given and the spiritual uplift re-
sulting. Lack of space only hinders us from quoting in
full.
Singing, by congregation : "The Walls are falling
Down," and "The Sword of The Lord and Gideon."
Prayer, led by Bro. J. B. Eoote : "O God, our Father,
let Thy clear light shine upon us ; let the fire burn in
every heart in Thy presence, and we ask that the light of
the Holy Spirit be distinctly recognized by every soul to-
night. Give us spiritual perception. We pray Thee that
we may be well equipped for the battle before us, and
that we may not shrink from the enemy. We trust in
God to conquer the enemy, and expect him to be utterly
routed. May we not flinch before the foe. Give us under-
standing minds, so as not to be ignorant of his devices.
Give us clear heads and clean hearts. Bless and strengthen
Bro. Taylor in head and heart and hand, and may Thy
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
193
word, as presented, perform its work to the conversion
of sinners, and the sanctification of b^Hevers, and Thine
shall be all the glory, forever. Amen."
Scripture Reading, by Bro. B. S. Taylor, from Mat-
thew 5 : 43-48 ; Matthew 7 : 6 and Matthew 6 : 24-27.
Singing by Bro. and Sister Harris : "He Came for
Me."
SERMON BY BRO. B. S. TAYLOR.
Text : "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness
shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall
in no case enter into the Kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5 :20.
(Introduction.) This text is found in the Sermon
on the Mount. I like the Sermon on the Mount. I
believe in it. I believe it is real, genuine Christianity.
It is the platform of Christ. When political parties meet
in convention, they proclaim their principles by a platform,
and each doctrine is called a plank. And, as Jesus
launched His Gospel into the world. He laid down the
Sermon on the Mount as a platform of principles. There
are nineteen planks in this platform. It is a kind of barb-
wire fence, and I am going to pray the Lord that, as
we proceed, some of you may get caught on this barb-
wire fence. ("Amen !") This is not my sermon. It is the
Sermon on the Mount. It is Jesus' doctrine ; His teaching.
It was here before I came. It will be here after I am
gone. I didn't steal this sermon. I found it already here,
and I say : "Lord, rub it in !" (Laughter.) If any of
you don't want it rubbed in, now is the time to get out.
But don't run,— you may get hit in the back ! ("Amen !")
We are not here on dress-parade or show. God says
that His word is sharper than a two-edged sword. It
cuts you and me when we get hold of it. ("Amen!")
It is a mighty poor sermon that doesn't cut me up!
This is a grand sermon. Nobody has any business to go
194
ECHOEti OF THE GEyERAL
away and say they don't like this sermon. If you do, I am
sorry for you. (''Amen !")
The Pharisees taught morahty : Jesus preached hoH-
ness. MoraHty will keep you out of jail, it will take holi-
ness to keep you out of hell. The Sermon on the Mount
teaches Holiness. Let us see if we can stand on these
nineteen planks, or pass these barb-wures, without some
one getting caught before we get through. Nineteen
strands to this wire fence around the Kingdom of God !
See if we can get through every barb-wire, without getting
stuck somewhere. It takes a read good Christian to get
through. ("Amen !") It is the .doctrine of this conven-
tion. I suppose this Assembly is gfoing to enunciate its
principles. We have already got them. ("Amen !") We
cannot improve on this. We may "resolute," but this
fills the bill. This convention believes in the Sermon on
the Mount. ("Amen !") It is holiness of heart and life.
I am going to present the truth as the Holy Ghost
shows it to me, not as Bro. Taylor applies it. I am not
going to be personal in the pulpit. I don't believe in
preaching sermons to hit a person or a class, but I do
believe in preaching the whole truth, letting it hit where
it will. ("Amen !") God blesses His word. He has
blessed it for years. I am going to stand by it whether
men hear, or forbear.
"And they, whether they will hear, or whether they
will forbear (for they are a rebellious house) yet shall they
know there hath been a prophet among them." (Ezekiel
2:5.) This was concerning the House of Israel.
Men ought to know we have spoken. We ought not
to be in town a week without the devil, or a hvpocrite, or
a ^Pharisee, or a lost sinner knowing that we have struck
town. ("Amen !")
The subject of the text runs through the whole Ser-
HOLlNESi^ ASSEMBLY.
195
mon on the Mount. It is a series of parallels. It is the
Law, spiritualized. It does not destroy the Law, but by
grace fulfils it. It is the New Testament in a nutshell :
"Blessed are ye when men revile you." ''Leap for joy."
We that jump for joy are obeying Christ. You have
no right to criticise. He says "Jump," and I expect to
jump before I get through. I shall, if I feel like it.
("Glory to God!")
This is a holiness sermon, preached to the disciples,
those that were obeying Him, hanging to Him, listening to
His words. He said : "Ye are the light of the world.
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Setting us
up on a hill, they can't hide us with smoke or fog, or in
any other sense. Hear the text again!
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness
shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees,
ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." There
are multitudes of people who call themselves Christians,
but there are really very few Christians. There are just
a few sanctified Christians. Wesley says no man has a
right to be called a Christian, until cleansed from all
sin. The disciples were not Christians, until they had
Pentecost. "Christo" means to anoint. To be a Chris-
tian means to be anointed by the Spirit. No one can
measure up to the Sermon on the Mount, without being
anointed w^ith the Holy Ghost. This passage-way seems
too high, too sharp, too deep, too narrow, altogether to
be filled by sinner, by philosopher, by Pharisee, by a self-
righteous man, moral man or even any disciples of Jesus
Christ not yet baptized by the Holy Ghost. Now who
does measure up to this? Who are the holy people?
Who are the real Christians ? The Sermon on the Mount
is a holiness sermon.
Let us go down in prayer at any point where we
196
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
do not measure up to any plank in the Sermon on the
Mount. People say we are cranks. Well Brother we are
standing here for primitive Christianity. (''Amen !") We
are standing on these nineteen planks, and living it, which
is the best light God has given to man. I have had
men come and say no mortal man could live up to this
standard. I didn't say they could. But get baptized
with the Holy Ghost, and you can. Jesus announced
the divine principle of inward heart purity. I am not
ashamed of heart hohness. ("Amen!") This reference
to purity in the Sermon on the Mount is not "morality."
It is heart purity. No man can be pure in heart, ex-
cept through the cleansing of the blood and baptism
of the Holy Ghost. Morality admits you to good society
on earth; Holiness admits you to heaven. Jesus says:
"Love your enemies ; pray for them that persecute you
and hate you. So shall ye be perfect." No one is a Chris-
tian that does not love his enemies.
That is Christian perfection. That is what this con-
vention is teaching. Jesus draws a parallel to compare
his teaching with the Pharisees' doctrines. They taught
some good doctrine. They were not altogether wrong.
He said they professed, but didn't possess. He said they
were fair outwardly, and their inward part full of deceit-
fulness and sin, — full of all manner of evil, like a white-
washed sepulcher ! He denounces them as hypocrites and
vain deceivers to be calling God "Abba! Father!" and
do not the things I command you. Morality is no sub-
stitue for Holiness. Every holiness man is a moral man,
but no moral man is holy, until grace sanctifies him.
Jesus gathered His disciples together and taught them
the nine Blesseds saying : "Blessed are the poor in spirit,"
and so on. He carefully draws the line of distinction be-
tween outward morality and inward purity of heart. He
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
197
takes up the ten commandments : "Ye have heard that
it hath been said by them of old time thou shalt not
kill." But I say unto you whosoever is angry with his
brother is a murderer.
This platform of nineteen planks is exactly the same
as the United States or Illinois Statutes or the Com-
mon Law platform. That is only an outward standard.
Men cannot read your hearts, your emotions, and inten-
tions, or your ambitions. They can only read the out-
side and judge you. God looketh on the heart — the mo-
tives.
Let us look at Plank No. i. Jesus said: "Who-
soever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of
the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother,
Raca ! shall be in danger of the council : but whosoever
shall say, Thou fool ! shall be in danger of hell fire."
Angry terms expressing hate in the heart. "Agree with
thine adversary quickly while thou art in the way with
him," — be reconciled to your brother. All common law
recognizes that we should not take life. The Bible lays
it down: "That whosoever sheddeth man's blood, by, man
his blood shall be shed." Our common laws require the
fact of the killing, merely, the "Corpus Delecti." The
body of the victim is laying around somewhere; that has
to be recovered. But Jesus teaches that whosoever has
murder in his heart, and wishes he dared to carry out
that purpose, is guilty of murder, in motive, in the sight
of God. A man may lie in wait and the gun don't go
off, or the victim goes by another way. That man is
a murderer according to Christ, although he may never
be caught or hung. The record on high has him en-
tered as a murderer. In this plank Jesus teaches holi-
ness of heart.
This rankling, this anger in the heart, if allowed to
108
echoes; of the general
grow, causes murder, insanity ; and the lunatic asylum
finally, if not saved and sanctified out of a man. Noth-
ing took it out of me, except the blood of Jesus Christ.
You get up with an attack of "spells," and get into a
rebellion with your collar button, as many a minister does.
His wife said: '*It was a spell." He has some gun-
cotton in his heart that shoots off, when some little thing
comes up to jar him. At ii o'clock he is in the pulpit.
He doesn't feel just exactly right in his heart. He gets
down to pray: ''O, God ! Forgive us for all the mani-
fold sins which we have so grievously committed in
thought, word and deed. Have mercy upon us !" And
then that collar button looms up like a new moon.
(Laughter.) There are many preachers that a collar but-
ton will dov/n, that have spells of '^mholy anger !"
In Mark IX Jesus met a child, who was possessed of a
dumb devil, and often cast into the fire to destroy him. In
those days He purged the hearts of children who had
spells on the floor before they were six months old. He
called it a ''dumb devil," inbred anger. You can't grow
out of these spells. You send your children to Sunday
School, and they have spells. They get married and have
spells. They grow old and have spells, — they have spells
in the presence of their grandchildren ! Nothing but
the blood of Jesus will take them out. ("Amen!")
Plank No. 2. Again, he takes up the ninth com-
mandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery." The Phari-
sees taught, there is no adultery until the act is com-
mitted. But Jesus says "Whosoever looketh on a woman
to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already
in his heart."
The rake that plots to seduce ; the young scoundrel
that seeks to destroy the fair, sweet chastity of your daugh-
ter, may not succeed in his nefarious devilment, but the
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
199
lust in his heart condemns him already before Almighty
God. He needs a clean heart, or He will never see God.
I don't apologize for taking up this subject. There are
more whore-mongers and pimps than ever before, and this
country is rotten to the core with licentiousness. You
say : "Tut, tut ! Don't talk this way." Well, Brother,
we have it in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus talked
this way. Some people get very mealy mouthed about
matters of this kind, but if you pick up the newspapers
you will read about specifics for nameless diseases, and
you will find the same thing displayed on the bill-boards
on every hand. Let the pulpit be as bold for God as
these quack advertisers, for money. This plank also
teaches holiness of heart, and life. All other "Chris-
tianity" is a sham. "Whosoever shall put away his wife,
let him give her a writing of divorcement," said the
Pharisees. There is no end of that going on.
Now hear the King: Read Plank No. 3. "But I say
unto you. That whosoever shall put away his wife, save
for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adul-
tery : and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced com-
mitteth adultery." And yet, we have divorces for desertion
and drunkenness, divorces for total depravity and incom-
patibility of temper, and a dozen more. There would nev-
er be any divorce cases, if all differences were made the
subject of prayer at the family altar. All the friction and
troubles can be met and gloriously overcome around the
family altar. ("Amen !") Jesus in the home cures all that.
The most appalling failure in the church to-day is the
decline of the family altar.
After you get sanctification in your soul, you will
not buy three-fourths of the literature that is offered
for sale, and as you pass along the streets you will not
allow your eyes to rest upon the obscene posters on the
200
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
bill boards. ("That's so !") You will not buy obscene
or suggestive pictures or photographs, or sculpture, or
stereopticon views to distill lust in the minds and hearts
of those who gaze at them. When you are sanctified,
you will cut those "gilded Venuses" out of your frames
and dump them into the coal fire. Clean up your photo-
graph albums ! Cast out th'e Sunday papers. If you have
a holy heart, you will not have a thing around you that
suggests immorality or lewdness. I had five divorces in
one of my charges, and I said to these parties : Don't
you marry again, if you have faith and hope in Jesus and
His glorious salvation. He says, if you put away your
wife and marry another, you cannot enter the kingdom
of heaven, (save you do it for one cause only.) ("Amen !")
If you put your wife away for any other than a scriptural
cause, there is nothing this side of hell for you ! ("Amen !")
Fourth Plank. "Again, ye have heard that it hath
been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear
thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths."
"Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain." That is God's commandment. That is a blessed
commandment. And there is many a moral man that
never curses or swears. They say "We are as good
as you are. We are as well off as any sanctified Christian."
But that is not enough ! Jesus says "Let your communica-
tion be, Yea, yea; Nay, Nay: for whatsoever is more than
these Cometh of evil ;" literally : from the devil ! We
have by-words and expressions coming up in our hearts
until we are converted and sanctified. "Let your
communication be : Yea, yea ; Nay, nay." "But I
say unto you, Swear not at all : neither by heaven ;
for that is God's throne : Nor by earth ; for it is His foot-
stool." You say "As sure as I live." You ought not
to swear by your life for you cannot turn one hair white
J. A. DOOLEY,
Omaha, Neb.
MRS. J. A. DOOLEY,
Omaha, Neb.
W. T. EVANS, I. N. McHOSE,
Concord, 111. Chicago, 111.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
201
or black; you may be dead in an hour. Let us say
if the Lord will, we will do this or that.
Again, Plank 5. ''Ye have heard that it hath been,
said, An eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth." That
'is, if a man puts out your eye, you have a right to put
out his eye. That is not Christianity. It is the old Lex
Talionis of the Romans. "But I say unto you. That ye
resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy
right cheek, turn to him the other also." You say, "I
don't sec how I can stand this." But this is what we
are taught by the Christ to do, and this is perfect love,
this is the doctrine of this Assembly. This plank also
teaches holiness of heart and life !
About three years ago, I went to Texas, and preached
holiness, where they are turning out of the churches so
many holiness people now. A great big, two-fisted fellow
came up to me, grabbed me by the throat and knocked
me ! When I came to, I was on my knees praying
for him. ("Amen !") You can't make that to order, but
the Holy Ghost can do it. You don't know what you
have to resist, until you are tried, then Grace is suffi-
cient.
Can't a Christian go to law? ("No!") Why, if a
man is owing ycu, can't you collect it by law? No.
You have no business to bring suit on a claim. If you
can't afiford to lose it, don't trust it. If the credit system
were abolished it would be a blessing. Not that you
haven't a right to bring a bill to settle a matter in pro-
bate, chancery or something of that kind. If sinners try
to "do you" out of anything, let them have it. But do
not go around selling goods on monthly installments,
and then distress those who cannot pay. God forgives
only as we forgive. Somehow, the Old Testament is
rather played out these days. We say we don't need
202
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
it. We have got Christianity. Yes, brother, but hear
this : "Thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine
hand from thy poor brother; but thou shaU open thine
hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient
for his need, in that which he wanteth. Beware that
there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The
seventh year, the year of release, is at hand ; and thine
eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest
him nought ; and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it
be sin unto thee." The Old Testament says it is sin to
refuse, when your brother asks for aid. You are to do
this out of pure love, not grudgingly : ''because that for
this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy
works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto."
You have got to trust to Jesus that nobody shall de-
mand of you that which he ought not. If anyone is so
bad off that he ask, give it him, and turn him not away.
That is the Sermon on the Mount.
We don't have to sue men at law. Of course it is
necessary to do a little chancery business. The point is,
the man with a corrupt and carnal heart is glad to use
the courts for extortion ; to oppress his victim.
Hear him again "Love your enemies, bless them that
curse you, do good to them that hate you," etc. What
the Pharisees taught was : "Be good to them that are
good to you." But Jesus said, "Bless them that hate
you." You hear men say : "I like a good hater." Jesus
Christ doesn't. A man that has a "good hate" in him
is going to hell. ("That is so.")
Have you this baptism of the Holy Spirit? or do
you say mean things about others? Do these untoward
things well up in your heart? Do you go to bed at
night and dream bad things? Jesus Christ can keep
nights as well as days. ("Amen!")
HOLINESS AS8E3IBLT.
203
''If ye love them which love you, what reward have
ye? do not even the publicans the same?" Let us be
filled with love. Lord ! make this convention a mighty
baptism of love ! ("Amen !") Here are some more barbed
wires !
Here is 6th Plank. ''Take heed that ye do not your
alms before men." What a contrast !
What are they doing nowadays? Building churches,
putting in stained glass memorials for Brown, Jones and
Snicklefritz. I was holding a meeting out in Colorado.
An old sinner had put a good deal of money into the
building and had it named after him. He couldn't stand
holiness preaching, and the third day I was put out. They
pulled the knob ofif and stayed inside so that I couldn't
get in. I got up on a pile of brick, and had the whole
town there to hear me. ("Amen !") Well, when Sunday
came, we had a deliverance. The pastor came and said
to us that the church and brethren had misunderstood,
and that he would have the church opened up. We went
back, and fourteen fell at the altar for prayers. You never
have victory without a fight ! ("Amen !") The bigger the
fight, the greater the victory. ("Praise God !") Well, here we
are again in the .track of the Pharisees ! How do they get
up weddings these days? Old Brown marries of¥ his girl,
and invites the Smiths, and they bring in sofa pillows and
tidies and china and silverware. Then old Smith mar-
ries of¥ his girl and invites the Browns, and they say,
"Well, what did the Browns bring us? We've got to
get them something just as good." And so they make
out a list, and Smith goes off to town to get some-
thing for Brown's daughter, equal to what the Brown's
gave their daughter. It's qiud pro quo !
Some speak of a lodge being a charitable institu-
tion. There is no charity in it. If you belong to the
204
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
Odd Fellows or the Even fellows, or to the Free Masons
or the Hod Carriers, — that is not charity at all ! The
lodge is no better than any hose company or base-ball
club, as far as charity is concerned. Jesus says ''When thou
niakest a feast call not thy rich relations, lest they repay
thee !" Do you say : "I went and called on the old woman
that takes in washing, poor old Widow Brown, and I
brought her a basket with turkey and cranberry sauce?
1 did'nt advertise it. Nobody found it out." Well Brother
that pleased Jesus ! We say we will go to see Mary
this year ; next year we will invite her to our place, and
so on. Who is there here tonight made a feast Christ-
mas or New Years or Thanksgiving as Jesus directs ? "It's
me and my wife, my son John and his wife ; we four and
no more."
Seventh Plank. Jesus says, "let not your left hand
know what your right hand doeth." Where are the
churches that follow that? Are not the most of them
Pharisees ?
Hear the Text: "Except your righteousness shall
exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye
shall, in no case, enter the kingdom of heaven." Pray
in secret. Give alms in a modest way. Sound no trumpet,
rush into no newspaper, in order to have praise of men.
God help us, but this is searching.
This applies to the men who pray to be seen of
men ; this applies to the pastor that prays to show off.
("Amen !") People that do not pray in secret, never pray
in truth. iPeople that pray in secret, ' God hears them.
This plank teaches holiness of heart and" life.
Plank No. 8. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures
upon earth * * But lay up for yourselves treas-
ures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
205
and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Oh,
what a place for heart searching! ("Amen!") Is your
money devoted to the cause of God and the salvation
of souls? Is it given in such a way as to please Jesus?
Are you employing every dollar that comes in honestly
to the glory of God? John Wesley says: "Call me a
hypocrite if I die worth a hundred pounds."
No. 9. Again, He says, "when thou fastest, thou
shouldst not do as the hypocrites," for they used to daub
black streaks under their eyes, so they would look as it
they were all worn out by fasting. Don't go with long
melancholy faces, showing of¥, so people will say, "O, isn't
he pious ?"
And how is the mercenary, money lover to pass
through this barb wire? "No man can serve two mas-
ters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other;
or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other."
Plank No. 10. "Give not that which is holy unto the
dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they
trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend
you. Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall
find ; knock and it shall be opened unto you." You can
have this grace ! You can live up to the Sermon on the
Mount. Get yourself right down on bed-rock, where Jesus
can keep you. ("Amen!") Steal away to Jesus. Weep
and cry: "Lord, strengthen me in the points where I
fail I" May we be perfect, as our Father in heaven is
perfect, in love, in holiness and in a pure heart. I haven't
an enemy on earth. I don't mean that some one might
not be. an enemy to me, but I am not an enemy to
them. ("Amen!") I am at peace in my soul. I tell
you the blessing of holiness raises one up and delivers him
206
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
from the snares of the devil. I would rather die than
to fail to preach holiness anywhere and at any time.
O God ! Send us out from this place to have a
greater victory than ever before, is my prayer. You need
this blessing to help you keep sweet with your family;
you need it in your trials and tribulations. I want you
to have the baptism of the Spirit tonight.
At the close of the sermon, twelve seekers came forward at
the invitation, and about twenty-five of God's people gathered with
them around the altar.
Thursday, flay 9.
MORNING SESSION.
8 :oo A. M., Praise and Prayer Service.
9:30 A. M., Business session, Bro. C. J. Fowler pre-
siding.
Bro. H. F. Kletzing led with a brief prayer that
the blessing of God might rest upon the meeting.
Minutes of previous session, read, corrected and ap-
proved.
The Committee on Credentials reported further names
of delegates, which, on motion were added to the roll.
On motion, it was decided to devote the hour be-
tween eleven and twelve to reports from delegates on
the state of the work, if the business of the Assembly
would allow, and the hour between two and three P. M.
was set apart for editors and agents of holiness periodicals
to represent their publications.
A letter was read by the Secretary from Bro. Beth
C. Rees, in which he and the brethren laboring with
him declined the invitation of the Assembly to conduct
their noonday meetings in the Assembly Hall.
A fraternal letter from Pres. T. C. Reade of Taylor
University, Upland, Ind., was read by the Secretary, con-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
207
taining the greetings and prayers of Pres. Reade for
God's blessing upon the Assembly.
The Committee on Permanent Methods, through its
Secretary, Bro. T. H. Agnew, presented the report of
this committee, the entire report being adopted with slight
changes in the wording. The report as adopted is pub-
lished elsewhere.
Acting on motion of the Assembly, the President ap -
pointed five persons to nominate the members of the
Committee on Preparation and Permanent Work, as fol-
lows : Bro. G. W. Ridout, Sister S. B. Shaw, Bros. George
Hughes, C. W. Ruth and B. S. Taylor.
Bro. J. P. Brushingham moved and the motion pre-
vailed, that those who were out of relationship with their
respective churches through no fault of theirs, be upheld
in every way possible, and that their cases be referred
to the committee on Permanent Methods.
Owing to press of work, Bro. Geo. A. McLaughlin
tendered his resignation, as a member of the Commit-
tee on Permanent Methods, which was accepted, and Bro.
C. B. Whitaker was appointed in his stead.
The Assembly then listened to reports from different
sections as follows :
Bro. Isaiah Reid of Iowa : "I am glad to report an
increased interest in the holiness work in my state, accom-
panied with great confidence and expectations. Bless the
Lord.
Bro. C. W. Ruth of Indiana : ''Since the first of
November, it has been my privilege to labor in thir-
teen states, beginning with a meeting in Maine and ex-
tending to the Pacific Coast, so I have covered the field
rather widely. The ministers in general are conscious that
a deeper type of piety is the need of to-day. The people
^8
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
are hungering for holiness everywhere. I think we are
coming to be better understood as hoHness people. I
am delighted to have had a part in the work. The Lord
has been pleased to put His blessing on my labors, and
I am encouraged to push forward. I am glad the Lord
permitted me to unfurl the banner of holiness."
("Amen.")
Bro. C. B. Jernigan of Texas : "I am glad to be
here. I am here in direct answer to prayer. I have
been in this work only six years. When the Lord sancti-
fied me, the last question was : Will you preach holi-
ness? I said, *Yes.' I have seen thousands of people
converted and sanctified the past six years. God is hon-
oring the work. (''Amen !") I am praying that God
will melt the whole thing down, until all the holiness
forces will run together. I want a Pentecostal blessing
from the sky. We have fifteen or twenty bands of holi-
ness people, each band consisting of from fifty-five to
sixty members. Some of these have pastors and other
places have none.
"I am going back from this place a wiser man, and
I am going to get down deeper before God. It has been
a benediction to my soul. I feel that we are nearer in
oneness than ever before. I want that this Assembly
should be permanent, and that it shall take in all the other
holiness associations and bands throughout the country."
(Applause.)
Bro. Jonas Brooks of towa: — "I bless the Lord for
the secret of a happy life. I was 'born' twice in one town
in old New York state, and sanctified in the bargain.
("Amen !") Soon after the blessed Lord touched my heart
with holy fire, He set me going, and called me out into
Christian work, and, by the grace of God, I have been at
ffOLIWESS ASSEMBLY,
209
ft over thirty years. I have had a good time in the
service of the Lord. (''Amen !") They call me a scout,
peddling holiness literature. I have visited fifteen different
states, carrying my grip-sack on my back, walking thou-
sands of miles and scattering thousands of dollars' worth
of holiness literature. I have seen in this work many con-
versions , and many led into entire sanctification. I love
the Lord with all my heart, and, by the grace of God, I am
going through on this line." ("Amen !")
Bro. Daniel D. Lyon of Iowa: — "I want to say that
I love the Lord. I have been connected with the Meth-
odist Church for thirty-three years. The Lord is wonder-
fully helping us in Woodbine. We have an association
there of perhaps fifty members. The Lord is opening the
way, I beHeve, for the spread of Christian holiness all
through the country.
can say personally, that I am standing on the
Rock. ("Amen !") I want your prayers. I am only a
layman, but I have been privileged to see quite a stirring
lately among the people, on holiness lines. The Bible says
that holiness shall be put upon the bridles of the horses."
Bro. H. Grentzenberg of Ohio : — '*I want to let you
know that we have some German holiness people. In
1867, in the spring, during a series of meetings held by
Dr. and Mrs. Palmer, in Union Church, St. Louis, I
touched the blood that cleansed me from all sin.
C'Amen !") I felt, from that moment that the Lord wanted
me to spread that knowledge of full salvation. I was then
a member of an English church. A year afterwards, the
i^ord sent me out into the German M. E. Church, as
a preacher, and I preached full salvation, entire sanctifica-
tion, perfect love, and I cannot preach without bringing
holiness into my sermon. I suffered a great deal of perse-
210
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
cution at first. I was brought up before a committee of
investigation on the charge of unscriptural teaching, but
the Lord stood by me and I came out clear.
"I hope to go back from this Assembly like a flame
of fircr" ("Amen !")
Bro. S. T. Entorf of Naperville, 111: "I am very
glad to be here this morning. I love your fellowship. I
feel very much at home in this place. I trust God will
still more wonderfully pour His Spirit out upon us all.
("Amen !")
"I was converted in 1877, and soon after I felt called
of God to go into the ministry. I want to say that soon
after my conversion, I was led to think upon the person-
ality, ofhce, work and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I
felt that there Vv^as much more in store for me. I had
heard no holiness sermons. I am sorry to say I sought
seven years before finding what my heart was longing
for, as I might have had it at once, had I known the way.
"Let us keep humble. May the Lord bless and fill
you all." ("Amen !")
Bro. J. B. Foote of Syracuse, N. Y. : — ."I was con-
verted when thirteen years old. At twenty-two, I was
entirely sanctified at a camp meeting. I had set my heart
upon being a college professor, or some big man, not
simply a preacher, but when the Lord asked me if I would
be a missionary, I said 'y^s,' and I was wonderfully and
entirely sanctified.
"In 1867, Lithink it was, when I was Presiding Elder,
we got a new camp ground. We bought the property,
and they asked me to present the opening sermon. They
insisted that I should. At the close of the sermon, I
said : "I fling out the banner of entire sanctification for
every believer, and conversion for every sinner that comes
R OTJNESS A SSEMBLT^
211
Upon these grounds.' I invited all who would to enlist
under that banner. Many did. Three days afterwards,
one of the men said he wanted to apologize for not rais-
ing his hand on that invitation. He said he could then
raise both hands. (*'Amen !") He had experienced the
blessing the evening before. A hundred thousand, two
hundred thousand, — nobody knows how much that man
has given for benevolent purposes. I am leader of a
holiness meeting in Syracuse, which has a history of thirty
years. ("Bless the Lord !")
"Five years ago, my health became such that I could
not continue as pastor. I have been chaplain in a peni-
tentiary for three or four years. I preach strongly, holi-
ness of heart by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost to
those men and women, and I am convinced that that kind
of preaching is the best for them." ("Amen !")
Bro. T. M. McClung, of Spring Green, Wis. :— "I like
to look into the faces of holiness people. I got this bless-
ing the first year of my ministry, and I didn't have any
better sense than to try to spread it around ! ("Amen !")
I find it makes lots of trouble. ("Hallelujah !") I made
lots of mistakes, but I made it go through. This thing
has had its effect on me. I haven't preached a scorching
sermon for some time. I do love God, and I love his
people. I believe in honoring the Holy Ghost. ("Amen
I love to hear you talk of your experiences. I am with
you heart and soul for holiness." ("Amen !")
By vote of the Assembly, the hour from 7 :oo to
8:00 P. M., was set aside for the hearing of report of
Committee on Deliverances.
812
ECnOEtS OF THE GENERAL
AFTERNOON SESSION.
2:00 P. M., Bro. C. J. Fowler, presiding.
This being the appointed hour, reports on holiness
^ Hterature were called for.
Bro. Hiram Ackers depicted the prevailing power of
a mother's love as portrayed in his booklet entitled
''Saved by Grace Through Faith."
Bro. Thomas K. Doty represented "The Christian
Harvester," (8 pp., Cleveland, O.,) established in 1872.
Bro. Doty called attention to the fact that the '^Har-
vester" was the oldest holiness paper of consecutive issue,
mainly made up from original contributions. He men-
tioned, briefly, his works: "The Two-fold Gift of the
Holy Ghost," and "Lessons in Holiness."
Bro. Joseph S. Dempster, called attention briefly to
his paper, "The Interior Advance," (8 pp., Washington,
D. C.,) but recently established, and his two works en-
titled: "Bread from Heaven," and "From Romanism to
Pentecost."
Bro. A. M. Hills represented "The Texas Holiness
Advocate," (8 pp., Greenville, Texas,) edited by Bros. C.
M. Keith and C. O. McConnell, now in its fourth year.
Bro. Hills also called attention to the Texas Holiness
University at Greenville, Tex., to the head of which institu-
tion he was called, in part, through the reputation of his
books : "Life and Labors of Mary A. Woodbridge,"
"Holiness and Power," "Pentecostal Light," "Whosoever
Will, Gospel," etc. Bro. B. A. Cordell donated forty-two
acres of ground, and the work of founding and equipping
the University started less than two years ago. The first
day's enrollment was 27, but before the close of the col-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
213
lege year, the number was increased to io8, and there are
at present over 200 students.
Bro. Hills also represented Bro. M. L. Haney's book,
''Inheritance Restored," pronouncing it the best among
some ninety hoHness works he had read.
Bro. W. T. Hogue, Editor of 'The Free Methodist,"
represented that paper (16 pp., Chicago, 111.,) the official
organ of the denomination, which he stated was a clean
journal, adapted to the family, and for holiness through-
out.
Bro. George Hughes represented ''The Guide to Holi-
ness, (magazine form, 36 pp. and upwards, New York,) es-
tablished under the name of "Guide to Christian Perfec-
tion." Bro. Hughes said : "Some tell me that they have
read this paper for forty years. ("Amen !") They placed
me in as editor, and I have been in that work for twenty
years. We are trying to run this periodical on Pentecostal
lines."
Bro. J. McD. Kerr, Editor, represented "The Holiness
Berean," (8 pp. Toronto,) established twelve years ago to
meet the demand for something distinctive along holiness
lines, in Canada. Without enumerating, Bro. Kerr stated
that their press was given to the publication of books and
tracts wholly along the full salvation line.
Bro. Geo. A. McLaughlin represented "The Christian
Witness," (16 pp., Chicago and Boston,) one of the organs
of The National Holiness Association. It was founded in
1870, originally as the "Advocate of Bible Holiness," and
merged into this paper nineteen years ago, Bros. G. A. Mc
Laughlin and C. J. Fowler being present Editors, and
Bros. B. Carradine and Isaiah Reid, on its staff of writers.
Bro. Benson H. Roberts represented "The Earnest
214
ECHOES OF THE GEXhRAL
Christian," established in i860, and continuing until the
death of his father, when he assumed the editorship. Bro.
Roberts said : ''It stands for true, Scriptural holiness, and
God has made it a blessing to many thousands." ^
Prayer, led by Sister E. R. Wheaton, (Prison Evan-
gelist.) : God, our Father, we are glad we have One
that will stick closer than a brother. One that will not
turn us away, if we let everything in our lives be in har-
mony and subjection to His will.
Bless, we pray Thee, the delegates, the editors, the
ministers and the leaders. Bless all in attendance. Help
us, we pray Thee, to go forth full of the Holy Spirit's
power. Keep us from all false doctrine, and lead us in the
true religion of Jesus Christ.
Bless Brother and Sister Shaw, while they speak.
Remember the poor prisoners in the jails and penitentia-
ries all over the land, and, finally, may we all meet in that
other and better land, we ask it for Jesus' sake. Amen."
Singing by the congregation, ''Wondrously Re-
deemed."
SERMON BY SISTER S. B. SHAW.
Dearly Beloved ! If there be any reason in the provi-
dence of God why I should be here to-day,'you know as
well as I, that it is not the mere preaching of a sermon.
There are too many here that can do that better than I.
If there be any reason, it is that I might bring to you
something of the lesson that I believe, in my inmost soul,
God has been writing on my heart by the power of His
blessed Spirit, during the last three months.
I invite your attention this afternoon to part of the
thirty-seventh verse of the thirty-sixth Chapter of Eze-
kiel : "Thus saith the Lord God : I will yet for this be
enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them,"
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
215
The "this" referred to in the text was a deep, thor-
ough, wide-spread, searching revival — a glorious revival
in Israel, promised and described in the chapter from
which the text is taken. I invite your attention to a study
of this revival for God is an unchangeable God and if we
can learn what He did for His professed church and His
professed people under certain circumstances and con-
ditions in the olden time, then we may know what He is
willing and able and waiting to do for His professed
church to-day. I say His professed church for I ask you
to notice that Israel in this chapter and in this connection
meant not Israelites indeed in whom there was no guile,
but the professed people of God — tliose who had been
known and were called by. His name. Here I believe
as Holiness people we have sometimes made a mistake.
We have sometimes seemed to think that God cared
nothing for His professed church as such, but I believe
that this is a sad mistake and that the Scriptures abun-
dantly confirm me in this. All of God's dealings with
His Israel of old show that in spite of their rebellion and
hardness of heart they were precious in His sight. When
they were disobedient and rebellious He chastened them
and if they returned not, He suf¥ered them even to be
carried away captive into the land of their enemies — yet
because they were called by His name, He was jealous
over them and when their enemies rejoiced in their down-
fall He visited them in awful veng^eance because they re-
joiced over the calamity of Israel. Nor did He give Israel
up because of their sin — nor has He given them up for
Paul plainly tells us tliat the}' are to be grafted in again
and both the Old and the Xew Testaments promise that
Israel shall be restored. So I believe God cares for His
professed church to-day and as it was His will to grant a
sweeping revival in Israel in the olden-time, so it is His
216
ECHOES OF THE GEI^ERAL
will and He wants us to ask for and expect a sweeping
revival to-day not outside of the church but in the church
and that for this end in spite of difficulties we should labor
and pray and believe.
In situdying this revival promised by the prophet I
call your attention first to the
Prevailing Conditions. It was a time of desolation —
a time when the church seemed to have no cause to expect
favor at the hands of God. For disobedience Go J had
chastened her and because of her continued disobedience
and terrible idolatry she had been carried away captive
into Babylon. From the human standpoint, she had no
claim on the mercy of God — no right to expect His favor
or a gracious outpouring of His Spirit. Yet in spite of
her unworthiness God declared that He was for her and
would turn unto her and that He would take her from
among the heathen and bring her unto her own land.
I ask you then next to notice
God's Reason for Promising a Revival. What moved
God then to make this vow? What moved God
to declare He would send to them the heathen round
about, and bring them back, and that He would build the
waste places, and the land of Canaan should no longer
be desolate of souls? Not the worthiness of the church;
not the spirituality of the church, but the glory of His
own name. ("Amen!") God values us for His own name's
sake. This is plainly stated in the twenty-first and twen-
ty-second verses of this same chapter. ''But I had pity
for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had pro-
faned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore
say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God;
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
217
I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel but for
mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the
heathen, whither ye went." God promised, then, a re-
vival not because of the worthiness or the faithfulness
of the church, but for the glory of His own name. Notice
also in the third place that the
Source and Beginning of This Revival — was not in Is-
rael but in the mind and purpose and plan of God. God saw
not the worthiness of His people but the reproach brought
upon His own name by their unworthiness — even the pro-
faning of His own name among the heathen. In other
words He saw the terrible need and declared that He had
lifted up His hand in behalf of Israel and against her ene-
mies. Notice also
The Thoroughness of This Promised Revival. This
thoroughness was to be shown, first, in deep re-
pentance and humility. "Then shall ye remember your
own evil ways and your doings which were not good, and
shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities
and for your abominations. (Verse 31.) Moreover this re-
vival was to be a holiness revival. Its thoroughness was
shown in the second place by the thorough cleansing of
their hearts and their restoration to their own land, the land
of Canaan. "For I will take you from among the heathen,
and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into
your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon
you and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness and
from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also
will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you : and
I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I
will give you a heart of flesh." (Verses 24-26), Its thor-
oughness was also to be shown by its permanent results.
218
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
''And I will put my spirit within you, and cause yon to
walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my commandments,
and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to
your fathers ; and I will call for the corn, and will increa c
it, and lay no famine upon you. x\nd I will multiply the
fruit of the tree and the increase of the field, that ye shall
receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen."
(Verses 27-30.) And in the fifth place I ask you to no-
tice.
The Conditions Upon Which This Revival Was Prom-
ised — as shown in the text itself. "I will yet for this be
enquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them."
rrayer, then, was the only condition named on the human
side in the accomplishment of the will of God in the re-
vival of Israel.
Now, beloved, in harmony with these points to which
I have called your attention, I would bring to you the
lesson that God has, as 1 said before, been deeply im-
pressing upon my own heart, during these last few month^^.
We noticed first that it was a time of great desolation
in Israel, and her faith had no claim to the mercy of Go:l.
S!ie had gone away from His service. She was cold and
inditTerent, bowing down to false gods. By the chastening
of God. all her lands were laid waste and her people were
carried away captive into Babylon. We read that the
pro])het was to speak to the mountains of Israel, as if
they alone were left to hear the word that was spoken.
O beloved, you may draw the picture as dark as you
choose of the need of the professed church to-day — of her
coldness, her indifference her worldliness, her idolatry.
Still, the word of God gives you ground for confidence
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
219
in a revival, — a sweeping revival in Israel. ("Lord help
us !")
I say it was a time of desolation. God always has
chastened His people, when disobedient. I presume He
always will. When the church grows cold and careless
and indifferent to any degree; when to any degree she loses
sight of the glory of God and His salvation — her one object
and cause of existence, — ^just to that degree God withholds
His blessing from her. This was a time of famine — a famine
of souls. Beloved ! What is this cry we hear to-day? What
is the message we read in nearly every Christian paper?
It is the cry that we need a revival. This cry comes from
the Episcopalians, the Presbyterians, the Baptists, the
Methodists, the Congregationalists. We read this mes-
sage in denominational and undenominational papers.
Ministers in their conferences and their presbyteries are
asking, ''Why is the church with all its power and all its
wealth and all its carefully laict plans and all its multiplied
organization making so little real progress? Why is her
membership not increased? Why is she not accomplishing
greater results? Why are her members being carried
away in captivity to worldliness and sin? Why are the
thousands round about us unmoved? Why will they not
attend our services? Why can the Christian church not
accomplish in the evangelization of the world what she
accomplished in the first two or three centuries of her
existence? Beloved, what is all this but an acknov/ledg-
ment that God has laid a famine upon us? And there is
a cause ! God has not laid a famine upon the church with-
out cause ! ("God help us !"). Loving her, the church, as
we do, we are compelled to acknowledge to some extent —
and may I not say to a large extent, she has her eyes off
220
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
of one thing: God demands the salvation of those about her
at every hazard, at every cost ! ("Amen !")
I would not ignore the good that is being done. I
would not question the faith of the weakest of God's chil-
dren, nor fail to encourage every spark of grace in a hu-
man heart. I believe there never was a time when I was
disposed to break the bruised reed or quench the smoking
flax. But are we to be satisfied with weakness ? Are we
in our love for the church to overlook her worldliness,
her backslidings ? By no means ! But on the other hand
let us remember God's love for His people of old, and
that God has said that He is married to the backslider.
Let us remember God's infinite tenderness and patience
with us and let us bear in mind that it was at such a
time as this — yea, truly at a worse time than this, that
God declared by His prophet, moved by the Holy Ghost
that He would send a revival. So I believe to-day that
God has given to those who are taught of the Spirit a
promise of glorious and sweeping revival in the professed
church of God.
And that our faith may be strengthened, let us look
in the right direction. Let us remember that this revival
had its beginning, not in the mind of the church; not in
the minds of God's people ; not in the minds of those
sanctified and true, but in the mind and purpose of God,
Himself. Let us remember, too, that God's pur-
pose to grant a revival was not brought about by
the faithfulness and spirituaHty of the church but for
the glory of His own name and because of the great need.
God had laid a famine upon Israel but that famine did
not bring glory to God ! On the other hand, the heathen
only profaned His name the more because of it. They did
not comprehend that God was able and willing to bless
and prosper His people as of old and was onlv chastening
U0LINE88 ASSEMBLY,
them for their disobedience : They only mocked and said,
The God of Israel is not able to deliver them out of our
hand.
So all around us to-day the name of our God is pro-
faned and souls are hindered from yielding their hearts
to Him by the spiritual famine that is upon us. They
do not see that we are being punished for our sin and
unbelief but they say, "There is nothing in the religion
of ithe Bible." "Christian experience is nothing but imagina-
tion." "God has no power to save and keep from sin
and build up His people." "Our lives are as good as
theirs ("God help us"). Why should we seek after their
God?"
O, beloved, this is the saddest part of all ! For the
church to suffer is only just ; but through this famine the
very name of our God is reproached. The name of our
mighty Redeemer is profaned in all the heathen world
'round about us, because of our sin and need, and be-
cause of the famine God has placed upon us. ("God,
help us !")
O, Beloved ! There is too much excuse, there is too
much cause, there is too much reason ; when the men of
the world 'round about us say, "I do not believe there is
a man that lives without sin." ("Amen!") The church
of the living God ought to be a living contradicition to
such a statement as that ! Surely the same motive which
led God to make His declaration to Israel, will lead Him
to declare in this day that He will send a revival. It
is the glory of His own bkssed name that is to be ac-
complished in such a revival in the church of the living-
God! ("Amen!") And if we ask for it and plead for it
and believe for it on this ground, we shall find our faith
increasing and God will answer our prayers. I remember
222
ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
at one itime being greatly burdened for a poor, proud,
wilful backslider — a man whom God had once called to
preach the gospel and had used in the salvation of souls ;
yet he had wandered so far from God that he had gone
into spiritualism and sin of almost every kind. For about
two weeks a great burden of prayer was upon me ; but as
I saw his awful pride and rebellion and hardness of heart
my faith would have utterly failed had not the Holy Spirit
prompted the cry in my heart, Lord, for Thine own
name's sake, save that precious soul." I saw the evil he
was doing — the awful reproach he was bringing upon the
cause of God and how God might be glorified in his salva-
tion and with that cry — "For Thine own name's sake" I
was enabled to prevail and that poor hardened, sin-bound
soul was brought in deepest humility to the foot of the
cross; every sin was confessed and abandoned and deliv-
erance and salvation came. And was not God glorified
in his salvation more than in his bondage and condemna-
tion? O brother, if you cannot prevail for the salvation
of souls and for a revival in any other way, plead the
name of God Himself — that His name may be glorified.
We noticed also that while this revival w^as to begin in
the mind and purpose of God, it was to bring, what every
true revival always brings, heart transformation. We have
been saying, "U the people will only repent, God will have
mercy; if people would come to the fountain, God would
send His blessing." God proposes to bring His people to
repentance! I believe in the free-will of every soul that
God has created; but I believe this revival is to come
to Israel not because she is worthy, but because God
purposes and wills it. He says, "They shall be willing in
the day of my power." Sometimes you preachers say God
can't do anything until people are willing. I say, if God
HOLINESS ASSE3IBLY.
223
had done nothing for me until I had of myself come to a
point of voluntary and unconditional surrender, I would
never have been saved. But God for His own mercy's
sake wrought in my heart to bring me to heart-felt re-
pentance and submission to Himself.
God can and will, in answer to prayer, work mightily
upon human hearts and hear and answer the weakest long-
ing of a human soul after Himself. My case is but the
experience of every soul that is converted. God will not
forgive you until you repent. But, if you haven't grace
enough in your heart to-day to repent, you have a right
to call upon God to move your soul to repentance, and
God is willing to answer that prayer. ("Amen V ) I know
I prayed that prayer and He answered it mightily.
[ remember when my heart went out after God. I knew
I ought to realize my lost condition. I knew I ought to
come, above everything else, to seek the salvation of my
soul, yet I was still cold and careless, until, from the
depths of my soul there came a prayer prompted by the
Holy Spiri't that God would help me, and He, in some
way, humbled my proud heart and brought me where I
could seek Him from my very inmost soul. He an-
swered the prayer and even the very longing of my soul.
When a revival comes to Israel, the depths of hearts will
be broken up and they will be moved to repentance.
God doesn't visit Israel with His chastenings, and
leave her in that condition. That is not God's way. He
says, after He comes and brings her back into her own
land, then- she shall reniember her own evil w^ays and her
doings that were not good and shall loathe herself in .her
own sight for her iniquities and for her abominations.
Let. us not sa}' then that when the church, as a whole, re-
j>ents, God will revive his work but that when, in answer
to the prayer of those whom God can use, God pours
224
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
out His Spirit and revives His work, the church will re-
pent. Then repentance will come. God will see that it
does come. God alone is able to break up the deep of
hearts and bring them down in the very depths of humility
and sorrow for their coldness and their indifference and
their lack of faith and love and devotion.
As we have seen, this heart transformation included
heart cleansing and restoration to Canaan. As of old,
the rightful inheritance of the church is purity and pros-
perity. He wills that His people should dwell in the
"Land of corn and wine and oil,
With every blessing, blessed,"
and in working and praying for the revival God promises,
we must be satisfied with nothing less !
A result of that promised revival that we did not par-
ticularly mention was that the waste places should be
built up. O my brother, my sister, are there any waste,
any desolate places in our land to-day — places that ought
to be built up and occupied by the church of the living
God ? Have we any waste places in Chicago ? Are there any
churches in Chicago, where on Sunday morning there is a
congregation occupying a few seats and thousands all
around them going down to an eternal hell ? These waste
places are not only in Chicago, but all over this land
we find them — the waste places, the desolate places. God
says these waste places shall be builded up.
We have been limiting the power of our God ! We
have been looking the wrong way. God says, "I will build
up the waste places." There are none so waste but that
God is able to build them up again. There is no wilder-
ness so desolate, but that, under God's blessing, it will
blossom as the rose.
God help us, and send us down in confusion to-day,
because of our little faith and love! ("Amen!") O, be-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
226
loved, if your faith is small, is it not because your love
is so small?
Some of you may have heart-aches because of loved
ones out of Christ. For many years my heart has never
ceased to go out for' a loved one back-slidden from God.
I have cried from the very depths of my soul for God to
bring him back. I never think of him without praying
for him and I have never given him up. I have never
let go of my hold on the throne of God in his behalf.
T know he is fighting against God. I know he is (so far
as I can see) going farther and farther away, in the re-
bellion of his soul, from the God that once saved him.
But I have only pled for him the more earnestly, ''Foe
Thine own mercy's sake ! For Thine own name's sake,"
spare that blood-bought soul ! I cannot give him up ! I
will never, never give him up so long as God in His mercy
does not utterly withdraw the Spirit's aid in intercession.
I don't expect to give him up, until God brings him back,
— a broken and a contrite soul, to Jesus Christ. What
has given me that faith? It is the love back of it! We
have given up people too easily. We have given up pas-
tors, when they fought holiness. We have given up broth-
ers and sisters here and there. Why? Because we didn't
have faith ; because we didn't love them as we should,
had we gone down in humility at the feet of Jesus, and
cried to God as Christ did when He said: "Father for-
give them, for they know not what they do." But some of
you say that those cold-hearted men knew what they were
doing, *and that they had had the light, but they drove
in the nails, and crucified him. In a sense they did ; and
if Jesus could say what he did in behalf of that mob, the
Holy Spirit can come to our heart and say it in behalf of
such as those we have mentioned that sie'em to fight against
the truth. Then before you cease to pray for any soul
226
ECHOES OF THE GESERAL
be sure that that soul is worse than the members of that
cruel mob that rejected the Savior and cried out, "Crucify
him, crucify him," for doubtless m.any of them were after-
ward converted in answer to the py;;ayer of Jesus.
But there is a condition. I said that this revival started
in the mind and purpose of God. Glory to God ! I be-
lieve God speaks, some times, to the hearts of the Children
of Israel, as He spoke in olden times to the prophets.
I believe He has been telling his children up and down
our land in places of prayer that He will build up the
waste places and send a revival to the church ; but he says :
"I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel,
'to do it for them." The very first thing God does in bring-
ing about a revival is to grant an especial spirit of inter-
cession for such a revival to souls that are moved by
the burning love of Jesus. I said to you, beloved, I
believed that God had promised it. I can't tell you how
God has moved my soul the last few months.. I have
been just a little worker in His vineyard for a number of
years. I love the holiness movement, and holiness people.
I want to live and die with them, but while I am praying
for the holiness work and the holiness people I am praying
for more than that. For months an agony of prayer has
taken possession of my inmost being. I have been pray-
ing for this assembly but not for this alone. I have been
praying for the denomination of which I am a member
but not for that alone. I am praying for a revival in Israel
a revival Hke that described in our lesson that shall be-
gin in the church and sweep through the church and
reach out to the uttermost parts of the earth.
God has brought us together for a purpose. We
are here in obedience to the calling of God and the lead-
ing of His Spirit. We are here, many of us at least,
because our hearts have been led out in prayer for a
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
227
mighty oitt-pouring of the Holy Spirit, — not for our own
sakes but that we might be better fitted to be used of
God in bringing about such a revival as we have been
talking about, and prayer is the condition God has given.
If God has sanctified our hearts, it is not because He
wanted to do us some special favor. Jesus said that it
was written that His Father's house should be called a
house of prayer. If our hearts have been made temples
of the Holy Ghost it is that the Holy Ghost might find
in us a place to pray, — might find in us instruments that
He might use in interceding with groanings that cannot
be uttered for the accomplishment of God's will and pur-
pose in the salvation of others.
God will hold us responsible for this opportunity ! The
very heart of our God is going to be grieved if we do not
get down lower before Him than we have ever been in
the past ! Great responsibility rests upon us as holiness
workers — as those that know the power of the blood of
Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and God will
require much at our hands ! God wants to use the holi-
ness movement and to use it gloriously in bringing about
a revival that shall take away the reproach that is upon
the church and bring eternal glory to our Redeemer.
O beloved ! God commands us to go down ! down ! !
down ! ! ! in the unsearchable love of God, until God shall
lift us up and move us out and carry a revival of pure
and undefiled religion all over this land of ours. (*'Amen !")
May God help us for His name's sake !
EXHORTATION BY BRO. S. B. SHAW.
I want everyone to look at that Prayer Roll yonder.
Somebody has faith in our prayers. Thousands of people
are looking in the direction^ of this Assembly. We are
here to consider the most important subject this side of
228
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
heaven. There is nothing on earth better than hoHness ;
there is nothing better in heaven. If there was ever a time
of need in the hohness movement, it is now ; and we ought
to be burdened for it in the very travail of our souls.
God is laying this conviction and burden on many hearts.
C'Amen !") This travail of soul is becoming common among
holiness people, and there is a conviction throughout the
land that we are on the eve of the greatest revival of holiness
the world has everknown. (''Amen!") I believe it is theplan
and purpose of God to use holiness people with all their
faults, failures and weaknesses, because they are the best
representatives He has. (''Amen !") God wants to bring
t.hem together as He brought His disciples together on
the day of Pentecost, until they are all of one mind, one
heart, and one accord, in one place. ("Amen!") Then
He will open the windows of heaven and send down an-
other Pentecost. One of our brothers. has a book "Back
to Pentecost." That is what we want. I am a candidate
for the altar. I believe that, instead of going on, we need
to go back, back to Pentecost. ("Amen !") I believe we
can in answer to prevailing prayer, have a repetition of
the power they had at Pentecost. Before God delivered
the people from Egyptian bondage, they had been praying
and crying to God for deliverance. They had been hoping
to get back to the Promised Land, and in their afBiction
they cried with an unearthly cry and unearthly groanings.
God raised up a man to lead them whose faith enabled
them to withstand the Egyptian army, and the combined
forces of earth and hell. I tell you, friends, the holiness
movement lacks leadership. There is more for me. I
am going to the altar. If we get near enough to God we
shall agree touching the vital points of this work. We
need to get where God can indicate His own chosen lead-
ers. Do you know, no man could interfere with Moses
HOLINESl:^ ASSEMBLY,
229
without being smitten of God? When they did, we know
how God afflicted them. With all this talk about splits
and divisions in the church and among holiness people, we
never were in a better condition for a revival in Israel.
See how God revealed Himself and manifested Him-
self not only to Moses but to the elders of Israel, and all
the elders of Israel saw the will of God in the choice of
that man as their great leader. When they got to the
Red Sea, they found mountains on either side, the Egyp-
tian army behind them and the Red Sea before them ; and
their faith wavered. They doubted God's ability or will-
ingness to lead them through the difficulty. They found
fault with Moses and reproached him and talked out their
doubts and unbelief. Was Moses discouraged ? No ! — but
in agony of spirit he fell on his face and cried to God all
night. He never got off his face until God said to him :
*'Why criest thou to me?" Some of us speak before we
get through crying to God. ("That is so.") The trouble
is, we don't stay on our face long enough, or until we
hear from God. There is some room for that here. We
need to get down with orre mind, one heart and one accord,
before God ; and wait until we get an answer. ("Amen !")
We need to get on our faces and stay there until we
hear from God. O, that God would bring us down in
order that He might bring us up ! ("Amen !")
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest
thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that
they go forward." You know the result. There was no
power that could stand before the Israelites. No power
can stand before the church of God, when He says : "Go
forward." When we get low enough before Him, and
close enough to Him with our cries and prayers, He will
tell us to go forward. ("Amen !") How many have faith
in Him and bless Him for it? How many say: "I am
230
ECHOEii OF THIJ GENERAL
going down ! down ! ! down ! ! !" until God answers,
'It is enough.' After God sent His angel to Daniel, he
cried, with weeping, unto the Lord for the fulfillment of
the covenant revealed to him. He saw that the time had
arrived when God was to bring his people out of bondage.
He cried, wept and prayed for not only one week, but
three weeks. He afflicted himself for twentv-one days.
He confessed the weakness of his people and their iniquity,
bewailing their sins with deep, humility of spirit, until
God sent an angel to tell him his prayer was heard.
Has God sent us an angel to tell us that our prayers are
heard ?
The Lord wants us to go down on our faces and cry
with an unearthly cry until His work shall go through.
He wants to give a revival of pure and undefiled religion
that shall spread all over this land. (''Amen!")
At the close of this exhortation, all joined in singing "When
Israel out of Bondage Came" and a large portion of the congrega-
tion fell on their knees. Seekers of pardon and purity wept and
prayed for themselves andl in answer to the united cry of many
hearts, heaven opened and the glory of God was revealed. Then
followed a blessed season of joyous testimony and rousing exhorta-
tions given in the power of the Holy Ghost.
EVENING SESSION.
7 :oo P. M., President C. J. Fowler in the chair.
Sisters Fannie Ross and M. E. Palmer of Lincoln,
Neb., (en route to the Afro-American Holiness Convren-
tion at Pittsburg, Pa.,) visited the Assembly, and Sister
Ross made a brief address. Bro. S. B. Shaw moved that
the Assembly send greetings to the Afro-American Con-
vention in session. The motion was carried unanimously
and greetings sent.
Singing by the congregation, "Am I a Soldier of the
Cross ?"
Prayer, led" by Bro. Fowler.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
231
TESTIMONIES.
Bro. James Harris : — "I praise God for the wonder-
ful blessing He is showering down in my soul. I thank
God that His full salvation satisfies."
A Sister: *'The fire is burning on the altar of my
heart. The song of my heart is : 'Nearer my God to
Thee.' "
Sister Aura Smith : ''I praise the Lord for this holi-
ness experience. The Lord led me into it 15 years ago. I
found it was just the thing for the home girl and just
the thing for the school girl. The Lord has given me
a chance to test it under a variety of circumstances. It
fits everything."
A Delegate : *'I praise the Lord, not only for a nega-
tive salvation that saves from sin, but a positive salva-
tion that fills my heart with love for God and love for
man."
A Delegate : *'I find the days precious and the way
clear and glorious as I walk with God."
Bro. Brushingham : ''I said when the Assembly came
to us that this church and pastor would not be the same
after having this privilege. We will not be the same, but
Christ will be the same and more too, as far as we are
concerned. I thank God for that 'more too' in Jesus
Christ. Remember us here, one one of the worst streets
in Christendom, right down in the midst of iniquity. Pray
for us here."
Song, by Brother and Sister Harris : "Clinging and
Resting."
Bro. H. Hunt: "T was converted in 1887, during the
great Murphy campaign, but it was only five years ago this
month, in Western Ave. Church that I experienaed the
blessing of entire sanctification. It was through the
232
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
preaching of Bro. Carradine that I first had this -definitely
placed before me, and I found that there was a remedy
for this inbred sin. It has brought peace and comfort to
my soul." ("Amen !")
The report of the Committee on Deliverances was
read, accepted, and ordered taken up for discussion im-
mediately after the opening exercises on Friday morn-
ing.
8:00 P. M., Bro. C. J. Fowler presiding.
Singing, by Bro. and Sister Harris: "They Tell Us
of a City Far Up in the Sky," and " I Want to be There,
don't You?"
SERMON BY BRO. C. W. RUTH.
Text : "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which
are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in
that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending His own Son in
the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh."
(Rom. 8:1-3.)
Sin and condemnation are inseparable. Whoever com-
mits sin is, necessarily, under condemnation. The soul
may not be conscious of that fact all the while, but the
truth remains. We all have sinned; hence, all, in our
unrenewed condition, are under condemnation.
Some have supposed that condemnation would set in
with the judgment ; that is, if they come down to death and
judgment overtake them in their sinfulness, then con-
demnation would set in. We read in the third chapter
and eighteenth verse of St. John: "He that believeth on
Him is not condemned : but he that believeth not is con-
demned already." Every individual under the sound of
my voice is either saved now, or lost now ; a child of God
now, or a child of the devil now ; pardoned and delivered
from guilt now, or under condemnation and the sentence
G. A. McLaughlin,
Evanston, 111.
MRS. G. A. McLaughlin.
Evanston, 111.
C. J. \'i )\\'i.FR
E. F. WALKER,
Greencastle, Ind.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
283
of death now. Death can only make this final. I mean
to say that all death has to do with our eternal destiny
is that of making it final in our state a«d relationship
toward God. If any man here, — yea, if any say they have
not sinned, they make God a liar. God says "All have
sinned and come short of the glory of God." Hence, I
insist that all, by nature, in our unrenewed state, are
under condemnation. But the text makes mention of a
relationship where there is freedom from condemnation.
It is found in that beautifully chosen and select phrase
of the Apostle : "In Christ Jesus." And that means more
than assenting to the truth. That means more than sub-
scribing to sotne credal statement. That means more
than simple observance of rituals and ceremonies. It
means a personal contact, a vital union with Christ,
even as the branch is united to the vine. The question
arises: How may I know I am in Christ Jesus? I shall
give a proof text: (2 Cor. 5: 17) "Therefore if any man
be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new." Men are
inclined to modify that statement. They will admit that
persons coming from the lower walks of life should ex-
perience a change of this nature, but you people who are
morally good, all you need to do is to join the church,
pay your dues, do a little better and not expect much
change. But I insist that you should know when this
radical transformation takes place, by the grace of God.
Any man, whether he be a big or little sinner (if there
be a distinction), if he be in Christ, he should know
when such a radical change was wrought. "Old things are
passed away; behoM, all things are become new." Glory
to God! I contend that the change is so distinct and
radical that the soul will come to the consciousness of the
fact. You will know when that takes place. ("Amen!")
234
ECHOEi:; OF THE GENERAL
I am glad of a distinct experience along this line. A lit-
tle girl applied to a church, where it was not counted the
proper thing fo* children to unite and be taken into church
fellowship and membership. They questioned the little
thing, because she was of such a tender age. They said :
''Why do you want to join the church?" She said: ''Be-
cause I am a Christian." "How do you know you are a
Christian?" "Because I am changed. My heart has been
changed." But they said : "How do you know your heart
has b'een changed?" That was pretty close cross-question-
ing for a child. "Well," she said, "If my heart wasn't
changed, the world was ; there was something new ; there
was something changed." ("Amen!") It was even so in
my life, blessed be God! If any man be in Christ, this
change has taken place. This is not simply reformation.
It is something far beyond that. You can see the impor-
tance of maintaining this relation, in John 15: 6: where
the Saviour says : "If a man abide not in me, he is cast
forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather them
and cas't them into the fire, and they are burned." Some one
will say : "Yes, I knew of that change, of that transforma-
tion, many years ago." Let us bring it to the present
tense. Do you still maintain that union at this hour of the
ninth day of May, 1901 ? We read (?) in i John, 3: 6,
"Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth every day in thought,
word and deed" ("No, sir ! No, sir !") — Excuse me, that
is according to the unauthorized version. (Laughter).
The correct reading is : "Whosoever abideth in Him sin-
neth not." ("Amen!") Do you see the connection?
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them that
are in Christ," being saved from sin. Blessed be God!
("Amen !")
The man who contends and insists that he is a Chris-
tian and yet is sinning every day in thought, word and
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
235
deed, as we frequently hear it stated and openly con-
fessed, — is either woefully deceived, or an abominable
hypocrite. No man can be a Christian and a sinner at the
same time. ('*Amen !") A sinner is one who sins, be he in
the church or out of the church. ("Amen !") Whoso-
ever is born of God does not commit sin. He that com-
miteth sin is of the devil. ''For this purpose the Son
of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works
of the devil." "Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He
shall save his people from their sins."
Friends, if a man is not saved from sin, from what is
he saved ? ("Sure enough !") What is his religion good
for ? He could do that without a spark of religion ! The
truth is, the lowest plane on which a man can be saved at
all, is deliverance from all outer sin. ("Yes. That is
right !") We are frequently misunderstood and misrepre-
sent'ed here. It is urged that these holiness people are
preaching sanctification in order to have people cease
from sinning. Good old-fashioned repentance will bring
you to the abandonment of sin. A repentance that does
not carry with it the abandonment of sin is a farce, a
delusion and a humbug. You may sign your name to a
creed, join a meeting house, train with the gang, and
call it religion, but you don't know the a, b, c's of religion,
unless you know what it is to forsake sin.
The emphatic word in the text is the word "There-
fore." "There is therefore now no condemnation." You
see the text is the suniming up. It is the conclusion of a
line of thought that has gone before. The question
naturally presents itself : What are the premises ? How
does he arrive at this conclusion? — "There is therefore
now no condemnation." This couples the text to the
preceding chapter. In viewing the preceding chapters we
may better understand the line of thought. The first
236
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
chapter, reVeals God's hatred of and attitude towards sin.
Take the second chapter, and you find it says sin is "inex-
cusable." You see God allows no excuse for sin. The
third chapter teaches the universality of sin. The fourth
chapter teaches justification by faith, showing how Abra-
ham was justified and saved through faith. Faith was
accounted to him for righteousness. We have the sum-
ming up of the fourth chapter in the first verse of the
next chapter: ''Therefore b-eing justified by faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
The fifth chapter shows the result of the disobedience of
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the entailment
of sin and death upon the race through the disobedience of
Adam. In the concluding verse of this chapter He speaks
of abounding grace. In the sixth chapter, as though he
would anticipate the repression theory, he says : "What
shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin?" Is that
the idea of the abounding grace of God? "God forbid.
How shall we that are dead to sin live any longer there-
in?"
He calls attention to God's method of dealing with
inbred sin in the sixth verse : "Knowng this that our old
man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might
be destroyed," not suppressed, "that henceforth we should
not serve sin." In the twenty-second verse, he sums up
by saying: "But now being made free from sin, and be-
come servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness,
and the end everlasting life." Did you ever discover that
passage in your Bible? I admit that my Bible is one of
those holiness Bibles! ("Amen!") It is so announced
on the outside of my Bible. This verse I have quoted
says "now," not in death or in purgatory, but "now being
made free from sin." ("Amen !")
Then we come to the seventh chapter, which precedes
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
237
the verses of the text. I do not propose to interpret this
chapter for everyone here, but I do propose to tell yon
what I believe about that chapter — the sieventh of Ro-
mans. God never intended that you and I should live in
the seventh chapter of Romans. (''Amen!") I believe
if you would take your testament and turn to that chapter,
you would find the key to the chapter in the first verse :
"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know
the law)," ("That's it !") "How that the law hath domin-
ion over a man as long as he livetl" . For the woman which
hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so
long, as he liveth : but if the husband be dead, she is
loosed from the law of her husband." "Wherefore, my
brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body
of Christ; that ye should be married to another." What
is the import of this? What is the thought? You will
note that he is speaking of law. He calls attention to the
powfer of the law, and, second, to the duration of the law.
Then he preaches the second blessing. He says they are
to be married to another. Marriage cannot be construed
to symbolize the new birth. There must be birth before
matrimony ensues. Some insist that they were married
at the same time they were born. It was not so in my
case. ("Amen !" — Laughter.) This is certainly just as true
in the spiritual domain as in the natural. There must
be a spiritual being, — a spiritual existence, before this
text could apply.
Then he proceeds, beginning with the ninth verse, to
give his experience in connection with the law. Here,
we have a testimony that has become so common. People
rise and say : "Brethren and sisters, I am like good old
Paul." I never hear that but what I am startled. (Laugh-
ter.) I turn to hear what it is he has done. I listen with
all the ears I have, only to hear him say : "I am like good
238
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
old Paul, *for the good that I would do, I do not: but the
evil which I would not, that I do. O wretched man that
T am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?' "
I say, "Is that the best good old Paul had?" I confess
I had a more exalted opinion of good old Paul. Paul used
that language.
''For that which I do I allow not : for what I would,
that do I not; but what I hate, that do L If then I do
that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is
good."
Well, Paul! What is the difficulty? The difficulty
apparently is not in the law. Then what is the difficulty?
''For the good that I would, I do not : but the evil
which I would not, that I do."
Is that the best thing we can promise to men to-day?
In the next verse he tells us : "It is no more I that
do it, but ain that dwelleth in me." What sin dwelleth in
him? You see he recognizes the presence of indwelling
sin. The sin committed may be repented of and forgiven,
but He cannot ask us to repent for being born into this
world with sinful tendencies, or what is termed in the Scrip-
tures as the "old man," "the law of sin," "the flesh," spoken
of as original sin, as inbred sin, the Adamic nature, etc. I
submit that God cannot forgive inbred sin. I cannot re-
pent for something that I have not done. ("Amen !") Here
is something, not a result of your volition, — something
born within you. We do declare, however, and love to
publish to the world that there is efficacy and power in
the blood of Jesus to wash and cleans'e that out of your
heart. Glory be to God ! ("Amen !") Said a man, in a
meeting I was holding some time ago, "When God for-
gave my sins, He forgave all of them. God didn't do any
half-way work." That is true : He will forgive every sin
you ever committed.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
■*
239
Regeneration and justification consist of four com-
plete works within themselves, and is no half-way work.
1. The pardon of every sin you ever committed.
2. It comprehends the washing of regeneration,
cleansing from the acquired pollution resultant from your
sin.
3. The quickening, — the impartation of new life.
4. The adoption into the family of God, and receiv-
ing the Spirit of adoption, "whereby we cry, Abba, Fath-
er."
These four things take place when a soul is converted
to God. When God converted you He did a complete
work. One reason He did not sanctify us at conversion
is that we had not realized our need of it. But we had
not gone long before we became painfully conscious of
this thing, the sin that dwelt in us. It matters not what
your theory is, what your persuasion or what your denom-
ination, after you were soundly converted, you never went
any great length of time, until you came across something
within you that gave you trouble. The manifestations of
inbred sin are so varied, it is hard to locate them. With
some, it is ill-temper ; with some fear, or pride ; with oth-
ers jealousy; with others "prone to wander. Lord I feel
it." All of these are manifestations of indwelling sin,
and you have had some of these manifestations after you
were converted. I needed no holiness teacher to tell me
that I needed another experience after I was converted.
I had such a "sky-blue" conversion that Satan could not
make me doubt that I was converted through and through.
("Amen !") Glory ! I was a new creature ! But I don't
need to tell you that after I was converted, that uprising,
man-fearing spirit still belonged to me ; and that there
was something in my heart I knew ought not to be there.
I was distressed. I wept bitterly. I asked God to help
240
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
me. I didn't know what it was, but I knew it was some-
thing contrary to my new life. This is the thing Paul
speaks of. He says : "Now if I do that I would not, it is no
more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me." There
is then such a thing as sin dwelling in you. He says : The
law is all right. I delight in the law, but there is some-
thing in me that is not subject to the law. He says : "I
see another law in my members warring against the law
of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of
sin which is in my members." But is there no deliverance?
Hear him : "I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Here is the answer: It is deliverance in Christ.
Then look at the eighth chapter and second verse :
"For the law of the Spirit of Hfe in Christ Jesus hath
made me free" — free from what? From condemnation?
("No, sir !") Free from the law of sin and death. Where ?
"In my members." What did this "law of sin" do? It led
him captive; hence he was coming under condemnation.
But "what the law could not do, God s^nt His Son to do."
Beginning with the ninth verse He gives his experience
in connection with the law, and noting the weakness of the
law then tells us what the law failed to accomplish God
sent his Son to do.
What is the difficulty with all law ? The law may pro-
hibit and prevent a crime in the overt act. But the law
cannot eradicate the tendency to commit the crime. There
was the trouble with the old law. In Hebrews 7: 11, we
read : "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priest-
hood (for under it the people received the law,) what
further need was there that another priest should rise after
the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the
order of Aaron?" And, again, in the nineteenth verse:
"For the law made nothing perfect : but the bringing in
of a better hope did : by the which we draw nigh unto
God." "Wherefore He is able to savfe them to the utter-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
241
most that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever livetli
to make intercession for them."
The law, in itself, had no power to eradicate or elimi-
nate the sin that dwelt within. Certainly men were for-
given and had pardon, the remission of sins under the
former covenant. If this remission of sin is the best that
comes under the new dispensation, what advantage have
we over the foKner dispensation? The Old Testament
stands for justification. The text says, in the third verse :
"For what the law could, not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God, sending His own Son in the like-
ness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the
flesh."
The law, itself, does not carry with it the power to
eradicate inbred sin.
Some, looking through the types and shadows by
faith, saw the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of
the world. They were saved on credit, looking forward
to this realization which we have in reality 'to-day, — the
cleansing from all sin.
Brethren, what the law could not do, in that it was'
weak, God sent His Son to do. God sent His Son to
eradicate inbred sin. "For the law of the Spirit of life
in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and
death."
Since he declares he has been made "free," I will
ask Paul to take the witness stand again and tell us how
it is now. (Romans 8 : 37 :) "Nay, in all these things, we
are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us."
There is no more of his doing the things he ought not
to, making crooked paths, and wanting prayers that he
might continue. If I were living in the seventh chapter
of Romans, I would move over into the eighth. ("Amen !")
I was casting about for an illustration of being "more
than conqueror" and this occurred to me in the life of
242
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
David. He had been tending his father's sheep, and went
over where the battle was going on, and there was a
certain giant holding the Israelites at bay, and defying
them, and they all seemed frightened to death about the
Honorable Mr. Goliath ! So David made a challenge to
Goliath, and Goliath said : ''Come to me, and I will give
thy flesh unto the fowls of the air and the beasts of the
field." Goliath came swinging his spear and making his
boast. I fancy that I can almost see him, for I have met
some of his kins-folk. David didn't stop to argue the sci-
ence or the philosophy of the matter. You will rem'ember
as he passed the brook with his grip (knapsack or haver-
sack, the thing he carried) he stooped and gathered five
smooth stones, and slips down to where Goliath is, swings
back his sling, gets in a center shot, and Mr. Goliath turns
up his toes. David had enough ammunition left to kill
four more like him ! He was ''more than conqueror."
("Amen!") He didn't bring him down simply with his
last shot. That is the thought in this experience. It places
you where you don't get through "by the skii) of your
teeth," but you have grace enough and some to spare.
When God sanctified you, your up and down experi-
ence came to an end.
I have confidence in the brethren here in this Assem-
bly. I want to tell you what they are saying. They are
saying that there is such a thing as the second blessing;
that after our sins are forgiven, there is left in the heart,
original sin. Then they come again and ask God to take
that out of the heart, and the blood of Jesus does that. I
want to ask if there are any witnesses here to that fact.
Bro. Fowler: "I can say that He did it for me."
Do you mean to say that there is such a thing as a
second experience, after your sins are pardoned?
Bro. Fowler; "Yes."
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
243
And that this inbred sin can be suppressed and held
down?
Bro. Fowler : ''No, sir !" Several voices : "No !"
Do you mean to say that this inbred sin can be
cleansed out of the heart?
Bro. Fowler: ''Yes, sir."
I would like to know if there are any witnesses to this
fact.
Bro. Fowler : "Here is one. God did that for me."
Do you mean to tell this congregation that, after you
were converted, you grew into this ?
Bro. Fowler: "No, sir."
Do you mean to say that after your sins were forgiven
and God had accepted you, you were still conscious of
inbred sin in your heart?
Bro. Fowler : "Yes, sir.'*
And you asked him to cleanse that out of your heart,
and He actually did that ?
Bro. Fowler: "Yes, sir."
Then you got this second experience, as a second
definite work in your heart?
Bro. Fowler : "Yes, sir."
We have plenty of witnesses here. I want all who have
that experience to raise their hands. (Scores if not hun-
dreds of hands went up in response).
After the sermon, the invitation was given, and fifteen seekers
came forward, and a large number gathered with them about the
altar in prayer and supplication.
Friday, May 10.
MORNING SESSION.
8:00 A. M., People's Meeting led by Bro. E. F. Walk-
er.
9 :30 A. M., The President, C. J. Fowler in the chair.
Prayer led by Bro. A. Sergeant : "O, Lord, we are
here as Thy children. We are here in the interest of Thy
244
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
cause. We are here as co-workers with Thee in the
building of the Kingdom of Thy Son here in this present
world, and we pray that Thou wilt give us a double por-
tion of Thy Spirit. Give us wisdom that comes from heav-
en. Take control of every heart. May everything that
is said and done, be with an eye single to Thy glory.
We pray Thee that Thy blessing may rest upon every
member of this Assembly. May our hearts be united and
knit together in the bonds of perfect love. May nothing
come in by any way or means to distract, or take our
minds and hearts away from Thee.
God bless this meeting. God bless the President of
this Assembly. Give him wisdom as from above, that
he may do everything to Thy glory; and Thy name shall
have the praise forever. Amen."
Following the order of the day, the Report of the
Committee on Deliverances, was taken up, and was adopt-
ed by a unanimous standing vote. This report will be
found under the heading, "Holiness Assembly General
Address."
The President, by order of the Assembly, appointed
the following Committee on the Publication of the Pro-
ceedings of the Assembly:
Bro. S. B. Shaw, Chairman.
Sister Sarah A. Cooke, Chicago, 111.
Sister Kent White, Denver, Colo.
Sister Charlotte Dudman, Chicago, 111.
Sister M. J. Harris, Evanston, 111.
Sister Hattie Livingston, Des Moines, la.
Sister Etta E. Shaw, Chicago, 111.
On motion, the Chair was authorized to appoint a
committee of three to have the report of the Committee
on Deliverances published in pamphlet form in time for
distribution on Saturday, if possible, the expense of pub-
lishing: same to be paid out of the General Assembly Fund.
♦
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
245
The Chair appointed the following persons as such com-
mittee : Bros. Geo. A. McLaughlin, S. B. Shaw and A. L.
Whiitcomb.
Bro. E. F. Walker moved, and the motion prevailed,
that the Ass'embly, by a rising vote, show its appreciation
for the great sacrifice and labors of Bro. George Hughes
and Bro. and Sister S. B. Shaw by which the Assembly was
made possible and successful.
The Committee on Permanent Methods made its sec-
ond report, which was accepted by the Assembly, and final
action deferred, while a portion of the report went back
to the committee for further revision. At this juncture,
Bro. Fowler left for the East, and Bro. E. F. Walker took
the chair. The Committee to nominate the members of a
"Committee on Preparation," as provided for in the Re-
port on Permianent Methods, made the following nomin-
ations : Bros. C. J. Fowler, Massachusetts, J. McD. K^rr,
Canada, A. M. Hills, Texas, P. F. Bresee, California, H.
C. Morrison, Kentucky, Geo. M. Morse of Connecticut,
and A. L. Whitcomb, Illinois.
A set of resolutions was presented to the Assembly
by Bro. B. S. Taylor, on the subject of Prohibition, and
referred to the Committee on Permanent Methods.
An expression of fraternal sympathy from Bro. B. R.
Jones, a General Superintendent of the Free Methodist
Church was received and read by Bro. W. T. Hogue.
A letter of greeting from Bro. J. B. Atkins of Ireland
was read and Bro. Geo. Hughes I'ed the Assembly in pray-
er in behalf of this brother and of Ireland. On motion,
Bro. Hughes was authorized to reply to said letter on be-
half of the Assembly.
The Assembly thereupon listened to reports from dif-
ferent sections, as follows :
Sister M. J. Harris of Evanston, 111. : "I truly praise
the lyord for the privilege of being in this Assembly and
246
ECEOEki OF THE GEXERAL
for the blessings which the Lord has bfeen pouring on my
heart. We have had a hard winter's work, and I was
tired when I came here, but the Lord is resting me as I
go along. This has been the most wonderful winter, with
ns, in all our lives. At a series*of meetings at Wabash,
Ind., the Lord permitted us to see more than 700 souls
either reclaimed or gloriously sanctified, ("Praise the
Lord !") I find the people just as hungry as ever, and
when the truth is presented rightly, they are ready to re-
ceiv'e it. I am glad that the doors are not closed against
us, as we walk in the light and present the doctrine as it
ought to be. ("Amen !") We do not find it so. We have
three calls where we can fill one. At the last conference
we attended, we received enough calls to occupy our time
for three years.
My soul is on the wing for Christ, and I am expect-
ing this to be our greatest summer, as last winter was
our greatest winter. I praise God for the advancement
we are making in the holiness cause." ("Amen !")
Bro. J. M. Dustman of Urbana, Ind. : — "I heartily
appreciate your kindness in permitting me to have a place
in your proceedings. The Lord is wonderfully blessing
the work in my part of the country. We have five or six
camp meetings in the Northern District of Indiana, which
bring five or six hundred souls a year to Christ for par-
don and entire sanctification. We ask your prayers.
Benediction, pronounced by Bro. A. McLean.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
2 :oo P. M., Bro. E. F. Walker, presiding.
After a word of prayer by Bro. Hiram Ackers, the ' '
Assembly proceeded with a continuation of presentations
of holiness literature and schools as follows :
Bro. B. S. Taylor came forward as proxy for Bro. H.
C. Morrison, representing "The Pentecostal Herald" (16
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
247
pp., Louisville, Ky.,) — Assistant Editor, Bro. H. B. Cock-
rill. Bro. Taylor stated, that the paper was always filled
with original holiness articles, and had a staf¥ of editorial
writers. He also call^ed attention to ''The Pestecost Cen-
tury," having reached No. 4 of Vol. i, and spoke of the
efforts through its columns in behalf of Cuba. Bro. Tay-
lor mentioned also the fact that this firm had issued a
number of books and tracts along holiness lines.
Bro. J. S. McGeary of Greenville, 111., spoke briefly
of the College of the Free Methodist Church located at
Greenville, 111., describing its pleasant location. Bro. Mc-
Geary confined himself to the Theological Department,
devoted to the training of students for the work of God,
''its faculty being devoted, sanctified, Christian men, and
holiness being represented in the coll'ege 365 days in ihe
year."
Bro. Thomas H. Nelson presented the "Pentecost
Herald," (8 pp., Indianapolis, Ind.,) of which he is Asso-
ciate Editor, and Mrs. Flora B. Nelson, Editor. Bro. Nel-
son stated that it contained "red-hot articles along Scrip-
tural holiness lines," and called brief attention to his books
"Marvels in Metaphor," "The Midnight Cry," and book
of songs "Garden of Spices."
Col. F. E. Peck of Button, Mich., represented "The
Herald of Salvation," (8 pp., Mount Pleasant, Mich.,) the
organ of the Crusaders, which has its department for re-
ports from the field and a page given largely to holiness.
Bro. G. W. Ridout represented the "Christian Stand-
ard," (20 pp., Philadelphia, Pa.,) Bro. E. I. D. Pepper,
Editor, and Bro. Joseph H. Smith, Associate Editor. Bro.
Ridout stated that the Standard had the reputation of "be-
ing a strong, sweet, holiness paper," calling attention to
publications of the firm: Cornell's "Hints to Fishermen,"
"Songs of the Living Way," etc.
Bro. W. E. Shepard represented "The Nazarene Mes-
248
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
seiiger," (8 pp., Los Angeles, Cal.), Editor, P. F. Bresee ;
Associates, J. P. Coleman and W. E. Shepard, "a small
paper but representing big things." Bro. Shepard called
attention to his books, ''Holiness Typology," and "Wrest-
ed Scriptures Made Plain."
Bro. W. P. Olmstead told of some of the merits and
advantages of Spring Arbor Seminary of Michigan, and
stated it had a blessed holiness faculty, teaching the doc-
trine of entire sanctification.
Bro. S. B. Shaw spoke of his publications, calling at-
tention first to "God's Financial Plan," which he regarded
as his best production, "Dying Testimonies of the Saved
and Unsaved," and "Touching Incidents, and Remarkable
Answers to Prayer." One half^million of these books, or
something like two hundred and fifty tons or a freight
train load are already in circulation and all in answer to
prayer.
Bro. B. S. Taylor presented his publications, mention-
ing his "Full Salvation" Series and different tracts, also
calling attention by request, to his book trunk.
Bro. Ridout called attention to a work by Bro. E. F.
Walker, entitled "Sanctify Them."
Bro. E. F. Walker represented "The Way of Faith,"
(Columbia, S. C.,) edited by Bro. T. C. Ligon, to which
Bro. Walker is a contributor.
The Chairman of the Assembly called for "s.ingle-
&entence" testimonies, with responses as follows :
"Saved to-day."
"Praise the Lord for conscious salvation."
Bro. S. B. Shaw : I have not testified in this Assembly
before, but it is not because I didn't know how. ("Amen !")
I have been preaching holiness for about twenty-six years,
because I enjoy the experience. When I can't preach it
that way, I will quit. ("Amen !")
"Praise the Lord for sanctification,"
WILLIAM JONES, JOSEPH DEMPSTER,
(Deceased.) Washington, D. C.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
249
"Saved and kept by the power of the blood of the
Lamb."
"Happy on the way."
"Sweetly and blessedly sanctified."
"Glad I can say I am saved and sanctified."
"Filled with the Holy Ghost."
"I live for Him who died for me."
"How can these things be ? If you do not understand
earthly things, how can you understand heavenly things?
I am glad that I understand these things which I hear."
"Saved to the uttermost through the blood of Jesus
Christ."
"Glad I can say: Jesus saves even me."
"The blood of Jesus cleanses me."
"I enjoy full salvation."
"Hallelujah, He cleanses me."
"Jesus satisfies the longings."
"He fully saves me now."
"The great transaction's done."
"I am standing on the Rock."
"Jesus is my all-sufficient Saviour."
"I have the assurance that I am saved and entirely
sanctified."
"Sanctified and resting on Him."
Bro. Haney : I can testify that I am profoundly and
increasingly cTiarmed with holiness.
"Well, I am on the sanctifi'cd route."
"Thank God for full and free salvation."
"I praise the Lord that He received a poor sinner
Hke me."
"I thank God for two births: one. natural; and a
second, spiritual."
"He saves me now."
"I was a sinner saved by grace."
Prayer, led by L. B. Kent: "O, Lord, Thou art our
250
ECHOES OF THE GEXERAL
God. Thou art our Father, and we are Thy children. We
have been born of God and we have come into Thy
family. We have come into spiritual life and into com-
munion with Tbee. We have come into that experience of
life that has made us Thine eternal worshipers. Glory
be to God. We bless Thee that we are brethren and sis-
ters of all Thy children of all ages and all lands.
We prais-e Thee that we have learned through Thy
blessed Word, under the light of Thy Spirit, that it is our
high calling to be fully saved from sin ; to be sanctified ;
to be Thy spiritual children ; to be brought finally to dwell
with Thee in heaven.
Wt thank The-e for this delightful gathering and for
Thy presence with us. We pray that Thou wilt help the
speaker this afternoon. May manv souls be saved and
sanctified this hour, and we would ask Thy special bless-
ing on all the meetings to follow, and may there be cause
for soul rejoicing.
Bless us all, and receive us finally into Thy home in
heaven. We ask it for Christ's sake. Amen."
Singing, by Bro." and Sister Harris, 'Xet Him have
His way with Thee."
SERMON BY BRO. W. E. SHEPARD.
Xow, I hope God will limber us all up, and save
us from being stiff and starchy which prevents us from
saying "Amen," or shouting "Hallelujah." or doing any-
thing else the Lord has for us to do. ("Amen!")
There are a great many people continually asking
the question : How can one tell when he is all the
Lord's ? How can he tell when he has reached the end
of consecration, so he may step out on the promises
and get under the blood? Xow I don't believe I have
ever been guilty of trying to preach a big sermon or
of trying to do anything else impossible, but I do want
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
251
to preach a plain, simple sermon to help some one. I want
you to pray the best you can. I am going to preach
the b^st I can ; God will do the best He can, and, if every
unsanctified soul here will do the best they can, we shall
have a number of seekers. (''Amen!") If you feel that
you can't stand it to wait for the call to come to the
altar, if you will do just what I tell you to do, you
will get sanctified just where you are, this afternoon.
I am sure I can make it clear enough for any one to
get sanctified.
I want to take up first, the thought of the Old
Testament line of priesthood and its offering, and run
a parallel with the N-ew Testament priesthood and its
offering, and then by a practical object lesson, show you
what entire consecration, or dedication to God is.
We are going to build a structure and will move
in with the furniture a little later. Possibly it may seem
a little dry for a few minutes, but we v/ill try and get it
watered soon.
''For the law having a shadow of good things to
come, and not the very image of the things, can never
with those sacrifices which they offered year by year con-
tinually make the comers thereto perfect." (Heb. io:i.)
I have read this to get one thought, and that is that
the law represented the shadow of the good things to
come. We haven't the shadow any more, but we have
the substance of the good things. ("Amen!") The sub-
stance of a good thing is a great deal better than the
shadow of it. If I were real hungry and you offered
me a slice off of a loaf of bread or the shadow of it, I
would say : "Please give me a slice off the loaf, it will
stick to my ribs better !" ("Amen !") We have now
the good things to come, the substance, the real salva-
tion of God.
252
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
I wish to push out two parallel lines : — one, repre-
senting the shadow, and the other the blessed sub-
stance.
In the first place, under the Old Testament dispensar
tion, there was a priesthood. There is no need of read-
ing Scriptural proof ; we all understand it.
Is there a priesthood today? I refer you to Rev.
i: 5, 6: "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from
our sins in His own blood. And hath made us kings
and priests unto God and His Father." Every child of
God, everybody that has had the blood to wash away
his sins is made a priest unto God. ("Amen!")
What was the duty of the priesthood under the Old
Testament dispensation? A part of it was to of¥er sacri-
fices. The first text I read sp-eaks of those sacrifices
which they ofifered "year by year, continually." Under
the present dispensation, what does the priesthood do?
We do the same thing, but in a dififerent way. In i Peter
2 : 5, it says : "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up
a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual
sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." So, the
priesthood of today has a spiritual sacrifice to offer unto
God.
What kind of a sacrifice did the priesthood offer
under the old dispensation? If you turn to the first
chapter of Leviticus, you find what that was. The sacri-
fice may have been one from the herd, or from the flock,
or from the fowls. Could they have a choice? No,
everyone had to offer the best he could. If he was able
to do so, it must be one from the herd. If not able to
offer one from the herd, then one from the flock, or from
the fowls. Nobody was exempt. Anybody could give
turtle doves. The requirement was that he should offer
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
253
what he could. God's commands never transcend one's
abihty to perform.
Under the new dispensation, what is the sacrifice?
It is not some animal. Read Rom. 12: i : "Present your
bodies a living sacrifice." Our sacrifice to-day is our-
selves. We make an offering of ourselves. We give Him
our bodies and everything that pertains to us. (''Amen !")
Where did they place the sacrifice in the old dis-
pensation? They had to have a place, so God provided
it. An altar was provided. We read in the first chapter
of Leviticus, that if the sacrifice was from the herd, it
had to be placed upon the wood that was upon the fire
that was upon the altar. In like manner, if the sacri-
fice was from the flock or from th-e fowls. What does this
teach us? It teaches that no matter what the offering,
it had to be given the same way and be placed upon
the same altar. If one was able to offer a large sacri-
fice and another only a small one, it was brought to the
same altar. All had to come to one common level here.
There was no room for caste; no chance for "big I and
little you" in the worship.
Under the old dispensation, they came to God through
their altar. We come to Him by Jesus Christ. Christ is
our altar to-day. They were made acceptable through
their altar ; we are acceptable through Jesus Christ ac-
cording to I Pet. 2: 5. In Heb. 13: 10, we read: "We
have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which
serve the tabernacle." The Jews who kept up the old
service of the tabernacle and who rejected Jesus Christ,
had no right to partake of Him. The Bible says that
they who wait upon the altar have the right to par-
take of the altar. The Jews who rejected Christ could
not wait upon our Altar, hence, had no right to par-
take of Him. Jesus said : "Except ye eat of the fl'esh
254
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
of the Son of man and drink His blood, ye have no Hfe
in you."
Then, Christ is the AUar upon which Christians place
their sacrifice.
If there was a priesthood under the old dispensa-
tion, and that priesthood offered animal sacrifices on tha*:
altar, what did that altar do? God pronounced the altar
holy. He said it would do something in a ceremonial
way. We read in Matt. 23 : 19 : "The altar sanctifieth
the gift.'' Exodus 29 : 37 says : ''Whatsoever toucheth
the altar shall be holy." Their altar sanctified the gift.
God said so. But it was in a ceremonial sense. If we
to-day, having a sacrifice, and that sacrifice being our
selves, give ourselves wholly to God and place all on the
Altar, Jesus Christ, will our Altar do less than theirs
of 2,000 or 3,000 or 4,000 years ago? No. Our Altar
does according to Hebrews 13: 12: "Wherefore Jesus,
also, that He might sanctify the people with His own
blood, suf?ered without the gate." Our Altar sanctifies.
There never was a complete sacrifice oflf-ered ; there never
was a complete dedication of ourselves made to God, but
what there was received the blessed fullness in the heart.
It is absolutely certain if we get all on the Altar, we shall
become sanctified. If you are going around saying, "I
haven't got it," you would better ask the Lord to give
you the light, and show you where you are lacking in
complete abandonment to Him. ''Present your bodies a
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."
I want to illustrate this with an object lesson. Some
one has said that w^e may speak into the ear of a per-
son, and it may go out at the other, but if we speak into
the eye, there is no way for it to pass through the head.
I am going to illustrate the work of entire consecration.
I will use the thought of the altar that sanctifieth the
H0LINES8 ASSEMBLY.
255
gift. rXord help us !'') The word of God says : "Present
your bodies a living sacrifice." I am going to let this
box with its contents illustrate the body. We will use
this desk for the altar. This is not sacrilege. W'C are
employing it merely for the sake of illustration. By plac-
ing all upon this, let it be a representation of placinp;
our all in the hands of God, letting Him do as He pleases
with it. (Romans 12 : i) "Present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." We will place this
(object representing the body) on as the first thought.
It says in Romans 6: 13: "Yield yourselves unto God,
as those that are alive from the dead, and your members
as instruments of righteousness unto God." And in an-
other place it says that the feet, hands, eyes, etc., are our
members. By giving our body, it takes in all its m>em-
bers and everything pertaining to it. Let the contents
of this box represent the members. If you will follow
out this consecration, you will get the blessing this after-
noon. If God flashes the light on your soul, walk in the
light. ("Amen !")
When I gav>e myself to the Lord, it took in my two
hands. (Placing on altar objects representing the two
hands.) If the Lord has blessed you with two hands, say,
"Lord I consecrate my hands." ("Amen!") It is a good
thing to have sanctified hands that will work for God;
hands that will let the Lord use them in any way that he
wants to; hands that wiH bless others; hands that will
give out tracts, distribute papers, and in many
ways find avenues of service. Do you know that you
can bless a soul by a hand-shake, if you give the right
kind? I have shaken hands before now when it seemed
as if I had taken hold of a dead fish. Lord, put some
life in these hands. ("Amen !")
Sanctified feet. (Putting objects representing feet on
256
ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
altar.) We have two feet. Consecrate your feet to God.
Say, Lord, let me have feet that will run on missions
of mercy, carrying glad tidings of great joy. Conse-
crated feet will carry you wherever God wants you to
go. They will not take you where God does not want
you to go. Th'cy will not take you where you v/ill have
to leave Jesus Christ outside. ("Amen!") It means
much to have sanctified feet that never walk in "by and
forbidden paths," but are everlastingly going for God, and
will stand on every promise of His.
Most people have two ears. Give them to God (plac-
ing objects representing ears on altar). Do you know
that we can sin through our members? These are the
avenues through which carnality can work. Consecrate
your ears to Jesus. I want sanctified -ears, that will
be closed to the tattling, tale-bearing sin of the world
Sanctified ears will not be running around after flattery.
When some one has an outlandish tale to tell, such ears
will not be open to it. ("Amen !") The world is full of
slanderous stories about somebody or other. Pray for
the party, instead of listening to more of the report.
Put your eyes on the altar. (Illustrating with object
lesson.) Dedicate them to God. Consecrate them to be
used to the glory of God. If you have sanctified eyes,
you will read the Word when God wants you to. You
will be all alert to see something that you can do for
Jesus. ("Am'en !") Sanctified eyes will be closed to im-
pure sights. Sanctified eyes will have daily reading that
is clean, and no time for lies and bosh in the newspapers.
Sanctified eyes will have no time to read flashy stories,
pamphlets and cheap-John trash. Sanctified eyes will not
want to be running around for questionable amusement.
("Amen !") Sanctified eyes, pure eyes, will not look upon
a woman to commit adultery with her in the heart. They
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
267
will not lead you into sinful lusts. Do you know that
you can scarcely walk a block Jti the business portion
of the city without seeing enough nude and lewd pictures
to backslide you if you would stop to look at them?
It means much to have pure eyes. If you have a ques-
tionable piece of statuary on the mantel-piece, it ought
to be ground to powder. If you have pictures, or any-
thing that suggests impurity, anything in the home that
does not savor of purity, burn it up. ("Amen !")
Then we have a tongue. (Laying object on altar).
Do you know God reaches people through the tongue?
A sanctified voice will speak when God wants it to speak.
A sanctified voice touches souls. A sanctified tongue will
deliver any message the Lord wants it to deliver, if the
person knew he would die the next minute. You would
pray anywhere, on the street, in the home, anyhow, any
time. A sanctified voice is the channel of the Holy Ghost,
given up to God, ready to do His bidding. ("Amen!")
It will praise God, when the. Lord wants it to. ("Praise
the Lord.") It will be shut against a good many things.
A sanctified tongue will be closed against tattling, tale-
bearing, murmuring and complaining. I would no more
think of complaining and finding fault than of swearing.
How many people fret, and stew, and complain and find
fatilt! By the grace of God, I will never do that nor
-speak evil of anybody. Nearly twenty years ago, I stood
up in a Southern California camp meeting, with others,
and vowed never to speak evil of any one. It has been
a padlock on my lips for nearly twenty years. If you
feel that you need to warn somebody concerning another,
and that God leads, th^n do it.
Mind, intellect, thinking power; give these to
God. Have sanctified brains, sanctified mind. It means
much to have a pure mind, that thinketh no €yil, A
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
pure mind will put the best construction it can on
people and things. The pure mind will not be
the channel of impure thoughts. When God sancti-
fied my soul, He didn't kill the devil. The devil does
his best some times to put in evil suggestions. With
God's help, you don't need to receive them. He will give
\ou the victory. In passing along, somebody might thrust
a cigar into my mouth. I could spit it out. I don't need
to receive it. We do not need to receive the tempta-
tions of the devil into our heart, nor be subject to his
wily suggestions.
If the Lord has given you one talent, or ten talents,
put them on the altar. Let the Lord get the best use
of your latent talents. There are people singing the Gos-
pel to-day, who, before they were sanctified, did not know
there was such music in them, and so in many lines of
work.
Put your reputation on the altar.
You say: ''What will my friends say?" You are
giving up your will concerning your reputation and friends,
saying : "1 am going through with Jesus, no matter what
my friends say or do." That man that cuts loose from
his opposing friends and becomes one with God and the
holiness people, gets the blessing of God. ("Amen!")
You cannot be tied down to anybody or anything, and
God at the same time. ("Amen!") You should be as
free as the birds in the air. ("Amen !") Paul said that
he had suffered the loss of all things that He might win
Christ. When you have lost all, there is a kind of com-
fortable feeling, because you feel that you have nothing
more to lose ! ("Amen !")
If you want to win your friends, say, "Here goes,
friends and all," and after you get through, you are
better prepared to bring your friends around. What about
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
269
the family? Will you consecrate them to God? Let
Him have His way with your life companion, your child,
give all to Jesus.
Then say, 'Xord, I will go where you want me to
go. I will do anything you want me to do. I will say
anything you want n- 2 to say. I will suf¥er anything
you want me to suffer. I will be anything you want me
to be. I will drink, eat, dress, all to the glory of God."
("Amen !") Bless God ! I wouldn't do anything I wouldn't
be willing to do, if I knew Jesus was coming the next
minute. ("Amen !")
Ask God to search your heart and show you if there
is any thing more to give. He may say : "Will you
give me your time?" Tell Him, "I will give you my time."
Put that on the altar. (Placing time-piece on altar.)
"Is there anything else?" you ask. Yes. Your
money, your possessions. You need to take God into
your business. Put your pocket book on the altar. (Puts
purse on the altar.) That reminds me of the preaclier
who was about to baptize a candidate by immersion. The
candidate was about to hand his pocket book to a friend
when the preacher said : "Let him be baptized pocket
book and all." ("Amen !" — Laughter.)
Be systematic in your money matters. Give it all over
to God, but see that He gets at least one-tenth and then
as much more as He calls for. I believe that any one
who will not give or rather pay one-tenth of his income
to God is too stingy to be called a Christian. ("Amen !")
Then put your testimony on the altar. The Lord
asks, "Are you going to tell out the glad news when
I sanctify you, and will you give >! a clear ring so that
every body can understand?" Tell Him, "Yes, l,ord."
and let it ring out. (Puts a bell on the altar, and ring.,
it loud and clear.) ("Glory to God.")
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
' Do you know that many are afraid to do this? They
hesitate to say they are sanctified. They want to testify
some other way. They would say: "When in Chicago,
the Lord gave me a big blessing: He gave me more
religion. (Ringing bell with muffled sound.) Another
says : ''I consecrated all to the Lord, and received a
deeper work of grace." (Rings bell with partly muffled
sound.) That is only a little bett'cr. The devil is trying
to close people's mouths on this question. I have learned
a secret : If one gets his mouth open wide enough to
let out the word *'sanctification," the devil hasn't a plug
big 'enough to close it up. ("Amen !") (Testifies clear and
rings bell loud and clear.)
You will get where you can think of nothing more
to consecrate. Then give Him all you can not think of.
When He asks you if you are willing to sign a contract
that everything you will have in the future shall be* His,
then answ'er, "Yes." Give Him all that will come up
later on, that you fail to think of now. Put the "un-
known bundle" on the Altar. (Putting larger bundle on.)
That is a bigger bundle than the other. I don't know
what is in it. That is the unrevealed will of God, until
I get to heaven. ("Amen!") It may have in it, sorrow,
suf¥ering, ignominy, or death, and it may have blessing.
Say, "Thy will be done."
I know nothing more to give up. I have put on
the Altar, all I know, and all I don't know.
Having given up all, having reached the utmost limit
of entire dedication, take hands off and say "I am thine,
forever on the Altar." Step out on the promise, open your
heart for the Holy Ghost, believe God, and you have
the blessing. ("Amen!") If you don't put all on the
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
261
Altar, you will never get sanctified. If you don't keep
everything on, you will lose it ("Amen !")
Now, concerning the unknown bundle : You will go
along enjoying salvation, testifying, and somebody will
point the finger of scorn and persecutes you for righteous-
ness sake. The Lord says : ''I knew that was com-
ing. That was in the unknown bundle." That is some-
thing you hadn't thought of. That is known now, so
you pass it over to the known bundle. (Transferring from
the unknown bundle to the known.) You don't put this
on the altar. It was there before. You nev^er have to
put arything else on. All you have to do is to trans-
fer from the unknown bundle to the known. ("Glory !")
After awhile you may get a great blessing. You
begin to fill up. The Lord says : "My child ! I think
you would better shout a little." ("Amen !") You say :
"I hadn't thought of that before," and so let out the
shout and quench not the Spirit. ("Amen !")
I think I see a young lady, perhaps. She has been
gloriously sanctified. The Lord says to her : "You told
m!e you would do everything to my glory." "Yes, Lord."
You told me you would dress to my glory." "Yes, Lord."
"I see that you have on some foolish toggery and jewelry
and feathers. I think you would better begin to moult."
"Must I lay aside these things, Lord?" "Yes, I want
my children to l>e free from gaudy attire." She says,
"Yes, Lord, I will lay aside anything that Thou requirest,
and dress to Thy glory." (Transferring some feathers
from the unknown bundle. Laughter and shouts from
the congregation.)
I think I see a young person lately sanctified. The
Lord says, "You are walking in the light. I want to tell
you something for your good. I do not want you to get
into trouble. You are keeping company with somebody
262
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
who is not a Christian. You are anticipating marriage
with a sinner. 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers.' " (Another transfer from the unknown bun-
dle.) So that loyal child swings around to the will of God,
and forever pulls away from the thought of being yoked
up with any sinner. (''Amen").
Do you think it wrong for a Christian to marry a sin-
ner? ("Yes.") Well, what about the preacher that per-
forms the marriage ceremony of such? I refuse to per-
form the marriage ceremony between a Christian and a
sinner, finding out about the parties before 1 undertake the
case.
Here is a brother who has lately been sanctified.
Light comes to him about a certain thing. We think he
ought to have known it before, but we will say it had not
come to him. The Lord shows him that he is unequally
yoked up with secret societies, and that he cannot spend
any of his time nor money nor influence in that way. Hav-
ing promised the Lord to walk in the light at any cost,
he transfers that which he had not previously known to the
known bundle, cuts loose from secret fraternities, gets
more blessed than ever before and does more for the king-
dom of God. ("Amen ! Amen !")
Here is a young lady. The Lord says, "My child, you
have been a good witness. I am going to send you across
the sea to the heathen lands as a missionary and you can
have more stars in your crown." She says "By the grace
of God, where He leads I will follow." So, this is trans-
ferred from the unknown bundle to the known, and to the
foreign fields she goes and wins many souls for Jesus.
You have a dear child in your home. Your heart's
aff-ections center around it. Sickness comes. Somehow
you fail to get any evidence that God is going to heal.
You wonder why, but He shows you that He is going: to
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
263
take the child to Himself. He transfers the precious
jewel to heaven and makes it a loadstone to draw you
stronger that way. You must be loyal to God's will and
say, ''Thy will be done."
The unknown bundle will constantly be getting small-
er and the known bundle larger until finally the last thing
will be transferred to the known, and you will be trans-
ferred to the glory world, having kept all on the Altar.
From the heights of glory you will look down and bless
God that you were ever permitted to consecrate all to
Him and be sanctified and then kept in the blessed way.
It pays to be sanctified. ("Amen"). Everv body in
the house this afternoon that wants this experience, if you
dare to get up from your seat and walk down these aisles,
do so without any singing or persuading.
Eighteen seekers came forward, and a goodly portion of the
congregation pushed forward to join in prayer.
EVENING SESSION.
7:00 P. M., Bro. E. F. Walker in the chair.
Scripture Reading, by Bro. J. M. Dustman.
Opportunity was given for requests for prayer, and
the following subjects were presented:
"An unsaved daughter."
"An unsaved husband."
"A sister and a son unsaved."
"A son who once knew the Lord."
"An unsaved brother."
"My only child unsaved ; the husband of a sister and
five children in California unsaved."
"An unsaved brother and a great many unsaved
friends."
"My child."
"An unsaved boy far away."
"A brother afflicted with a broken limb."
Bro. J. R. Allen led the Assembly in prayer in behalf
264
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
of th'ese requests and the prayer roll, followed by Bro. O.
Wendel and M. L. Haney.
Congregational singing : "Walking with Jesus," "It is
for us All To-day," and "Beulah Land."
Prayer, led by Bro. Hiram Ackers : "Our Father who
art in Heaven ; hallowed be Thy name ; Thy Kingdom
come; Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven. We
are exceedingly glad that we can, by grace through faith
in our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, approach Thee as
our Father, with the divine assurance that Thy parental
ear is open to our petitions, and Thy loving parental
hand toward the children in Thy care, to administer to
their necessities. We realize that this is a time of great
need. There are hungry souls here. There are souls here,
no doubt, that know not God.
We pray that there may be such a manifestation of
Thy spiritual presence and power to-night that every soul
that enters this sanctuary shall be touched by that Spirit.
Take possession of our minds and hearts. May God be
glorified in this meeting, and precious souls saved and
sanctified, and the cause of Thy kingdom exalted. Touch
the lips of him through whom Thou shalt speak to-night,
with the unction, wisdom and power of Thy Spirit. May
Thy power rest on all in Thy pres^ence. We ask it all
through Jesus Christ, Amen."
Singing by congregation : 'He Brought me out."
SERMON BY BRO. J. McD. KERR.
Text : "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; and I
pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (i Thess. 5:23.)
A lady, this afternoon in this congregation, a per-
fect stranger, looking at those strings of paper behind
me, asked what that meant. I said to her that it was
a prayer roll, — requests for prayer, and an announce-
ment that individuals were praying for this General Ho-
ALEXAXDER ^IcLEAX,
Brooklyn. X. Y.
WILLE\M BEXKERT,
Davenport. Iowa.
U. WARRINGTOX. JOHX P. BROOKS,
Harvey, 111. Ft. Scott, Kan.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
265
liness Assembly. There has been a great cry going up
to God for His blessing on these gatherings, and since
I came, I have had the consciousness that God is an-
swering these petitions. We believe that He can and
will answer prayer, and grant His blessing on souls far
away. We want you to pray for all who have not yet
found Christ, for those who have back-slidden, and also
those that are in the congregation who want to know
more of Christ, that they may be gloriously blessed in
their souls.
The first part from the Revised Version reads :
**And the very God of peace. Himself," putting empha-
sis on the word ''Himself."
I believe there are more people enjoying the ex-
perience of the higher life than even before. I believe more
people in all the churches are seeking this experience
than at any former period of time. I believe that there
is less preaching against this blessed doctrine of the
Word of God to-day than there has ever been in the
past, and I give the glory to God, for these have been
my convictions as I have gone up and down the land.
Yet, there is a little prejudice existing in some quar-
ters, and, as a consequence, some persons go around
the circle of unmeaning and unscriptural phraseology
to avoid the terms which God has used, which are so
expressive of the doctrine, and by which He often ac-
complishes His purposes. If you have a particle of prej-
udice in your mind, or anything akin to it, I would rec-
ommend that you take out your pen knife and elimi-
nate from the doctrines of your church everything per-
taining to this subject, such a course I know would
make a very large elimination in connection with the
standards of doctrine in my own church. Then take up
266
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
your hymn-book and go through it. I do not know how
many hymns on this subject are in other hymnals, but
I know we have a great many that we hold in common
in the evangelical churches. I have had occasion to
stand in the pulpits of different denominations, and I
have yet to find any difficulty in locating in their hym-
nals, songs to meet the particular thought of heart purity
and holiness that I wished to pnesent. These hymns
and truths are all here to stay, and will stand when heav-
en and earth are passed away. Then take the Bible,
and wherever you find the word *'Holy," or anything
pertaining to holiness, erase it ; take out every word on
sanctification and purity in the blessed Word of God,
and you will be so sick before you get through with
the process, that you will never want to see that pen-
knife again, or that mutilated Bible. Take my recipe
and you will get over your prejudice before we are
through with this sermon, and I know it is possible for
you to get the blessing before we are through with this
service. ("Amen !") I don't know that I ever had any
prejudice concerning the blessed Word of the living
God. ("Amen!") I am glad to say that I can take all
the theological terms, from "Higher Spiritual Life,"
down to "The Second Blessing," — whatever you propose
to call it ; also all the scriptural terms from that presented
by the Apostle Paul in my text : "Sanctified wholly," down
to the Lord's statement of heart purity, in that inimitable
Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God." I do not say that we are not to
use other terms, but we may pare and cut and trim the
truth, until it becomes a powerless weapon. Let us not
only hold to scriptural doctrines but to scriptural phrase-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
267
ology as far as possible. I believe these are to bie blessed
by the Holy Ghost in the presentation of this theme.
While I may make reference to my church, it is
merely for the purpose of illustration, and because of
the fact that I am a little more familiar with my own
than with other branches of the Christian Church.
Wesley wrote to Dr. Adam Clark that those who
spoke against the holiness doctrine should not be allowed
in the church, for he didn't see how they could be hon-
est men and women, after the vows to God that they had
taken. Every Methodist minister is asked at the bar of
the Conference: i. ''Do you believe in Christian per-
fection?" 2. "Do you expect to be made perfect in
love in this life?" and he answers in the affirmative.
The man who does not stand by the principles he has
espoused by his solemn and holy ordination vows is not
honest before God or man. I am impressed with this
thought by force of circumstances that every member of
the conference with which I am connected, believes in
the truth of a full and complete salvation. I want to
say that I have presented holiness as strongly in every
church to which I have gone, as I shall to you, by the
help of God to-night. ("Amen !") I glorify His name
for the privilege of declaring the truth as it is in Christ
Jesus, our Lord.
One time, in the City of London, six hundred and
fifty persons gave testimony to the experience as taught
in my text. These were nearly all interviewed by Rev.
John Wesley. It was found that some obtained it in a
few months after conversion ; some in two weeks ; one
in two days. None of these were found to have gotten
it in a shorter period than that. I believe it is possible
to bring it closer than this. I like to see a soul get
saved by grace and then move over into the Canaan
268
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
Land at the same altar service. I believe that we may
more easily enter then than at any other time.
I want to say that the experience of holiness and its
adoption is not peculiar to any one church alone. It
is found in all evangelical churches, and in some that we
have not rated as evangelical. I wonder at any person
leaving the church, when Madam Guyon could enter in-
to this close experience, and live it in the Roman Cath-
olic Church. Let us stand in our places where God puts
us ! ("Amen !") If our church people are not with us
on this, I believe, by patiently practicing and living up
to the full experience, we will, in time, bring them along
with us. I was holding services in the city of Ottawa
and a brother minister of my own church came to the
services full of prejudice : but after he heard the word
preached and saw the methods adopted, he said, — "I
want to make an apology to you, and I want to unite
heartily in the work." And so he did to the end of a four
weeks' campaign. While we were engaged in these serv-
ices in the West End three prominent ministers visited the
city and opened up holiness meetings in the Congrega-
tional Church, and the int'erest grew until the church
would not accommodate all the people. That went on to
the close of the meetings, and many hungry souls found
the blessed Saviour and entered into full salvation. God is
spreading this work all over the world and throughout
this land. Let us have faith in Gqd. (*'Amen !") Prej-
udice is going. Blessed be His name ! I am glad that the
truth is popular; I am glad that holiness is popular. I
mean that in a pure and good sense. I believe it is more
popular with the churches, to-day, than ever. I can re-
member, during the period of my own life, a time when
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
269
men doubted the possibility of knowing that their sins
were forgiven; but that time has passed away. I believe
the truth of full salvation will be received as freely and
fully as the doctrine of the new birth. Thank God!
Prejudice is going. ("Amen !") I want you to pray
earnestly that God may help us in the work to-night,
that precious souls may be sanctified unto God.
My God ! If Thou didst ever help me, help me
now. If Thou didst ever speak through me, speak through
me now. I believe I stand in that place, where I am
willing to have my mouth closed, where I am willing to
be silent as well as to speak just as it be Thy will.
I notice, in the next place, that it is just about as
difficult to get Christians into this experience of full
salvation, as it is to get sinners convertied.
Why? Has not God made provision and given
commandment concerning the same? ''This is the will
of God even your sanctification." "Be ye holy for I the
Lord your God am holy." "Follow peace with all men
and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord."
We cannot set these and similar truths aside and be
guiltless.
I heard of a Presbyterian minister's wife who was
brought down near the gates of death. She had found
the Lord Jesus, and followed Him in justifying faith, as
taught by her husband, but when she came so njear eter-
nity, looking into that other world, there was a fear of
death, a drawing back from the call she felt must soon
come. She summoned her companion to her side and
asked him if it were not possible to be saved from sin
in the present life ; if it were not possible to be cleansed
from all sin before death. Perhaps the pastor had not
heard such a question before. It came from his b'eloved
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
companion in the hour of sorest and direst soul need.
He began to recall the promises of God, until he reached
this passage : '*But, if we walk in the light, as He is in
the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all
sin." **If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unright-
eousness." The pastor told his wife that he believed
Jesus could fulfill His promises. She said : "Husband,
if that is the case, will you not now kneel by my bed-
side and ask our Heavenly Father, for Jesus' sake, to
do this in my heart?" He prayed with her and God
answered the prayer. God fulfills His promises to-day.
Mrs. Phoebe Palmer was very well satisfied with her
experience of the new birth, and would have been con-
tent to live in a justified experience until eternity broke
in on her soul, but the commandment of God cam,e to
be pure in heart, to be sanctified wholly, to be perfect
in love. She knew that she did not have this experience,
and, with her great, logical mind, she also knew that
she could not break or disobey any of God's command-
ments and not be condemned. She saw that she could
not be condemned and justified at the same time. It
meant either to go forward in these truths, or to go
back into spiritual bondage. Thank God ! She entered
into this experience. Thousands will bless her memory
and life, and glorify God through all eternity as a re-
sult. Why do we not enter in? Is it because of unbelie;'?
Moses got all Israel out of Egypt in 24 hours. It took
40 years to get them to a point where they were really
ready to enter into the promised land. With two excep-
tions, none would enter in, but later when Joshua com-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
271
manded the priests to go forward, although the Jordan had
overflowed its banks, they stepped into the water, and the
IsraeHtes went over dry-shod into the promised land. It
may be that a minister here and there will not go over.
It may be that a few now will not enter in, but the rising
generation will. ("Amen !") God wants you to possess
this heritage.
If you have been five, ten, fifteen or twenty years,
professing to be a Christian and have not been seeking
after a full salvation, I have as much reason to believe
that you are back-slidden in heart as I have to believe
that you are justified before God. Is it not a fact that
you had more zeal, more earnestness, more devotion to
Christ and the study of God's word the first week, or-
month, or year of your Christian life, than you have
had since? God help us that we may follow on, to know
the Lord, and be led to receive His blessed redemption
and sanctification. (''Amen !")
Many, instead of looking at the precious promises
of the gospel, look at themselves, and do not understand
why they do not realize freedom from sin. I do not
mean freedom from actual sin in life, but freedom from
the sin in the heart that remained after conversion.
Some, because of subdued sin in the heart, conclude that
no one can be delivered in the present life. A lady, who
admitted that she was a member of the churc'.i, said
that she could not live without committing sin every
day. If^that is the case, what is the difference between
her condition before she was converted and her con-
dition at the present time? I am not referring to actual
sins, but to the sin in your heart — pride, self-will, love
of the world and self-esteem. You should have these
taken out, and know that the old man can be destroyed.
''But now being made free from sin, and become servants
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end
everlasting life."
It can and must be done here and now, in the pres-
ent life. I trust it may be so in your case. ("Amen!")
''And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly: and
I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be pre-
served blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ." That means that Christ is able to sanctify us
fully now and that you and I are to be preserved blame-
less until the Lord comes. I know that He has done it
in my case, and what He has done for me, He can do
for every heart here.
Dr. Godbey, who has been exploring down in the
Holy Land, tells us that stones taken out from the
lower strata, beneath the temple, where the sound of
chisel or hammer was not heard, came out squared and
hewn and polished for their places in the temple. So
the Lord is chiseling and squaring: and polishing us for
a place in the glorious temple hereafter.
As I passed down the street, I saw a man prepar-
ing stones for one of the great pubHc buildings. He
had a huge hammer, which he was bringing down on a
large block of stone. It looked as if he was trying to
break it all to pieces, but I found that he was chiseling
it. He was bringing his hammer down to break ofif the
protruding points. So God brings down His great ham-
mer of Truth to break off our protruding points,
to take off the rough corners of sin. "At Ot-
tawa, I went into the great Parliament Build-
ings, and my friend said : ''I want to show you one thing
more, — the corner-stone of the building." He took me
through a passage-way to a stone laid many years ago
by the Prince of Wales. When I came to that stone,
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
273
I could see my image in it. I said: "I want to be a pol-
ished stone for Jesus, that I may always reflect my Lord
and Saviour." I thought of that blessed woman, the
queen, who, not a great while before her decease, was
at the bedside of a poor woman, who was about to die,
and she quoted this passage from the Word of God:
"The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from
all sin." If the Queen of England, with the blessing in
her heart, could quote that passage to a poor dying wom-
an, every minister and worker ought to b}e able to go out
and proclaim : "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleans-
eth us from all sin." Hallelujah to His name ! ("Amen !")
We want the face of Jesus Christ reflected from the
bottom of our hearts, through our minds, through
our very being and nature. We want everything from
the depths of our inmost soul made so clean and purie
and transparent by the blessed blood of the Son of God,
that nothing sliall be seen in the reflection but the lovely
image of Jesus Christ. If I have any ambition, it is to
be like Jesus ; to think like Jesus ; to talk like Jesus ; to
preach like Jesus, and to glorify Jesus in this body and
soul, which are the Lord's. ("Amen !") I have heard
of twenty or thirty leading members of a church, who
took the obligation upon them to follow the teachings
of that little book : "In His Steps ;" to endeavor to lead
a life, such as the Lord Jesws Christ would have them
lead. This is not only our privilege, but our duty. He
not only enables us to live it, but he comes and enthrones
Himself in us, to help us live it. We are ready to give
to every one that asketh a reason of the hope that is
within us, with meekness and reverence.
Jesus came to destroy the work of the devil, which
is sin. This, He cannot do, unless He has the power to
free my soul from sin. I am here to say, by personal
274
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
experience, that Jesus can do it. You surely see the ne-
cessity, the privilege, and the obligation of being cleansed
through the blood of Jesus. (''Amen !") Come and give
yourself a living sacrifice to God, this very moment, and
He will sanctify you wholly. The very God of peace,
Himself, will do it. The blood of Jesus cleanses us, and
the God of Peace sanctifies us. (''Amen!")
During the altar service fourteen seekers came forward, and
workers assembled about the altar, looking to God in earnest pre-
vailing prayer.
Saturday, flay 11.
MORNING SESSION.
8:00 A. M. Prayer and Praise Service.
9:30 A. M., Bro. E. F. Walker presiding.
Bro. W. F. Spreuill led the Assembly in a short
prayer.
Minutes of Friday's session read and approved.
The Assembly voted that all names handed in dur-
ing the balance of the session be added to the Roll, at
the discretion of the Secretary.
By a vote of the Assembly, it was decided to add
four members to the Comittee on Preparation. Bro. L.
B. Kent moved, and the motion prevailed, that the Com-
mittee on Nominations report four names as additional
members of said committee, by the election of the As-
sembly.
The Report of the Committee on Permanent Meth-
ods was read, accepted, slightly revised by the Assem-
bly, and adopted as follows :
REPORT ON PERMANENT METHODS.
Resolved ist. That as many of the holiness people
throughout the land have been excluded from their
churches, on account of the profession and propagation
of holiness, we extend to them our sympathy and pray-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
275
ers and advise them, in order to avoid come-outism with
all its evils, as far as practicable to unite with some
other evangelical church ; and, where that is impracti-
cable, to make such other adjustment as may seem, under
the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to be wise.
Resolved 2nd. To more effectively promote the
spread of holiness, and unify our work, -we recommend
the organization of bands, and county, and state asso-
ciations, with a uniformity of 'constitution and by-laws.
That this Assembly, composed of members from at least
twenty different evangelical churches, declare that these
bands and associations are in no sense churches, were
never intended to be churches, and are not to take the
place of churches, but are simply a union of people for
the promotion and conservation of holiness, sustaining
the same relation to the churches as the Y. M. C. A., W.
C. T. U., Missionary Unions and associations similarly
organized.
Resolved 3rd. That this Assembly appoint a com-
mittee to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the use
of such bands and associations, and report at the next
Assembly.
Resolved 4th. That all such bands seek to system-
atically raise a fund among themselves for evangelism,
holiness literature, defraying necessary expenses of dele-
gates to General Assemblies, and other expenses.
Resolved 5th., That this Assembly ask the Commit-
tee on Preparation to submit to the Assembly of next
year, a full constitution for adoption.
On motion, it was decided that the Committee on
Constitution, provided for in Article No. 3 of the Report
of the Committee on Permanent Methods, shall not in-
clude any of the members of the Committee on Prepara-
ation.
276
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
On motion, it was decided that the Committee to
draft a constitution for Holiness Bands, as provided for
in the second resokition of the report of the Committee on
Permanent Methods shall consist of three persons appoint-
ed by the Chair. The following persons were appoint-
ed : Bro. Alexander McLean of New York, Bro. L. B. Kent
of Illinois, Bro.- M. L. Haney of Illinois.
The Committee on Nominations reported the fol-
lowing nan:e3 to the Assembly, and, on motion, they were
added to the Committee on Preparation:
Bros. Isaiah Reid of Iowa, M. L. Haney of Illinois,
E. F. Walker of Indiana, and J. M. Pike of Georgia.
The following resolution was offered by Bro. L. B.
Kent, and on motion adopted :
Resolved that, in case there are efrorts made to
exclude from churches brethren or sisters, because of
their testimony to sanctification, or their connection wilh
the holiness work, it is their privilege and duty to claim
the right of defense, personally and by counsel, as ac-
corded always in cases of charges preferred for other
causes.
The Assembly voted to invite the Salvation Army
Corps of the city to unite with us in our all-night service,
Sunday evening, and that they be requested to take
charge of the services for one hour.
On motion, the Volunteers of America were invited
to unite in the all-night meeting of Sunday.
On motion, it was ordered that, when the Assembly
adjourns, it he to meet next year at such time and place
as the Committee on Preparation shall decide.
It was moved, and the motion prevailed, that when
we adjourn, it be at the close of the all-night service of
Sunday.
The following resolution on Prohibition was offered
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
277
by Bro. B. S. Taylor, and, on motion, was adopted by
the Assembly :
Whereas, The Hquor traffic is the giant foe of God,
and the chief ally of Satan to-day, therefore :
Resolved: That we kindly urge all holy p^eople to
unite with, and vote for the candidates of those parties,
on county, state and national tickets, who declare them-
selves for the Principle of {Prohibition.
On motion, a rising vote of thanks was taken to
show our appreciation of the kindness of the Pastor of the
First Methodist Church, and other friends for their
kindness shown us during the Assembly.
Adjourned to meet at 2:00 P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
I 45 P. M., Bro. E. F. Walker presiding.
Special prayer was made in behalf of the Prayer
Roll.
Scripture Reading by Bro. Walker, i Cor. 13.
TESTIMONIES.
Bro. S. B. Shaw : — "There are a great many things
I don't know anything about ; a great many things I never
heard about, but I do know something of love, and this
love of which I speak is not the love of man, but it is the
love of God that is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy
Ghost, which is given unto me. I am in love with every-
body. I love God's people of every name." (I'Amen !")
Bro. J. McD. Kerr: "I am so thankful that I have
this love in my heart. I have heard nothing here con-
trary to love. It seems that this spirit has been filling all
hearts. I am glad it is filling my heart and soul and be-
ing. ("Glory!") I came here with that thought and
feeling in my mind and heart. I have love for every-
278
ECHOES OF THE GEXERAL
body. I bless God for His presence and power with us
in these services."
Sister Boyce : — "I want to say, to the glory of God,
that He abides in my heart. No trials, losses nor dis-
appointments disturb my inner being, yiy soul is at
rest, perfectly satisfied in Jesus Christ, and I am run-
ning up the shining way."
Sister Amanda Smith : "Everybody, I think, has
found out that Amanda Smith is on the holiness line
and in sympathy with the Book of God. I haven't a
doubt in my soul. No one can save anybody, but they
can say a little word to help somebody. ("Amen!") I
heard a sermon by John Inskip, in New York, that im-
pressd me, and led me into the light. Making the teach-
ing of the indwelling of the Spirit as simple as possible,
he said: ''You don't find it any trouble to breathe, when
you go to bed at night. You wake up in the morning,
and you have breathed all night, without thinking about
it, and you needn't think it is any trouble for God to live
in you." Then I saw that it was God in me, the Holy Ghosi
abiding in my heart. It was God doing something in
me, and I didn't have to do it. I let go of self and
went and got it. I got through as clean as a whistle !"
("Glory !")
Sister Sarah A. Cooke : "I came all the way from
the middle of England to Chicago to be at the first camp
meeting I ever attended. I had read books on holiness
and been much helped, but I shall never forget my feel-
ings as I looked upon the shining faces of those that ha^l
got it. I said : "O, Lord, give me that experience."
And the Lord said: "Will you pay the price?" Every
time the cry of my heart went up, the answer came
back: "Will you pay the price?" My eyes looked on
those radiant faces, and I would say: "Lord, give me
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
279
the blessing. I want to be as they are," and the same
answer would come back. The first thing the Lord told
me was that he didn't want worldly adornment and costly
array. I decided that I would have my dress plain, but
would have things good. The Lord did not stop at that,
but when my consecration was made I had to put every-
tliing on the altar.
I will never forget that day and night. I don't be-
lieve that the physical death will be anything compared
to what came in the midst of that awful struggle. The
pain and anguish was almost intolerable. The Lord said :
''I passed through Gethsemane and so must you." The
next morning I awoke. There had been the resurrection,
and the glory came into my soul. I remember when I
looked out on the camp ground, I said : ''My heart is
so pure. This is the same earth Moses and Paul and
John walked on, and I am as near heaven as they were."
(''Glory !") I praise the Lord that He has kept me. Shortly
after we had the Chicago fire ; and, as everything went
up in the flames, I said : "The Lord has given, and the
Lord has taken away. Blesaed be the name of the
Lord !"
Singing, by congregation, "The Half Has Never Yet
Been Told."
Prayer, led by Bro. J. McD. Kerr: "Our Father,
we come to Thee now in the name of our Saviour and
Redeemer. We thank Thee for all Thy mercies unto us.
We praise Thee for Thy wondrous love revealed to us.
We have been wondrously redeemed, purchased with a
price, — not with corruptible things, such as silver and gold,
but by the precious blood of Jesus, the Lamb without
blemish or spot. We thank Thee that Thou hast given
unto us Thine own blessed Word, as a lamp unto our
feet and a light to our path. We praise Thee that Thou
280
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
hast not only given us this wonderful revelation of Thy
divine will, but Thou hast given us the blessed Holy
Ghost to lead us and guide us in all truth. We have
realized Thy presence here.
*'We pray for a gracious manifestation of Thy power
and glory this afternoon, and, as our beloved brother
stands before Thee and us and delivers to us what may
be his last message to many here, may the Holy Ghost
overshadow this place. Come in Thine own mighty power
and glory, and may the hearts of all here be wonderfully
melted down. Our Father, we want all of our talents
used for the saving of lost souls and the building up of
Thy Kingdom. Be with us at this hour, and to the
Father, Son and Holy Ghost, we will ascribe all the praise
forever. Amen."
Song, by Sister Aura Smith: ''When We Get to the
End of the Way."
SERMON BY BRO. GEORGE HUGHES.
Bro. Hughes said : ''Before I give you my text, I want
every eye in the congregation to be turned toward these
folds of paper in the rear of the pulpit. On those Hnks
of paper stretching from gallery to gallery, are the cries
of hundreds of people, — I might say thousands, on the
mountains, in the valleys, on the prairies, along the sea
shores of our country, and in Canada, — saying, in God's
name, help us ; pray for our fathers, mothers, husbands,
wives, and for our children that they may not go down to
darkness and eternal ruin. That is the cry of this multi-
tude of hearts. What are we going to do about it? Will
we intervene between these that cry and their friends —
these fathers and mothers, and husbands and wives, and,
through united prayer to God, prevent them from going
MRS. M. J. McKINNON,
Dallas, Texas.
MRS. BEATRICE BEAZLEY,
Chicago, 111.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
281
down to the pit? May God help us! The cry of the
country must be heeded. A woman of God sent the first
letter from Colorado with sixteen names, imploring us
to help her with our prayers, and so the mails have come
to us heavily laden. As we stand in silent prayer, if any
are moved of the Holy Ghost to offer audible prayer,
do so."
(After a brief season of silent prayer, Rev. M. L.
Haney led in earnest supplication to God in behalf of
the subjects of prayer represented in the prayer roll.)
Brother Huges then remarked, When I was com-
ing from New York to Chicago, on the train, a passage
of Scripture came to my mind with great suddenness
and impressiveness. It seemed like a message from
heaven to be given to the people on some occasion.
I had not thought particularly of its being used in
the Assembly, but when the appointment to preach was
made, rather pressed upon me, it was made manifest
that the passage referred to was the message from God
for the hour. It is this :
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken
where they were assembled together; and they were all
filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of
God with boldness." Acts 4: 31.
Peter and John, the newly anointed apostles of the
Gospel Dispensation, had been cast into prison for the
sake of Christ and for His truth's sake. What was the
offence charged against them? It is specifically stated
in the second verse. "As they spake unto the people, the
priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees,
came upon them, being grieved that they taught the peo-
ple, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from
the dead."
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ECHOES! OF THE (JEXERAL
A terrible charge, indeed — "They preached througK
Jesus the resurrection from the dead." Well, these rulers
found they had a heavy piece of work on hand by im-
prisoning these men. They feared the people. Rulers
can only go so far — there are limitations to their author-
ity. They feared the popular voice, lest an uprising might
despoil them of their authority. So they brought the
apostles out of prison the next day. After having ques-
tioned and threatened them, they set them at liberty,
straightly charging them, however, not to preach in the
name of Jesus. But the apostles made no promises or
stipulations in the matter. Being set free, the record says,
"They went to their own company." This is a notable
expression. There are saintly affiliations which naturally
draw them together, in the enjoyment of the blessed fel-
lowship divine.
When they found their own company there wer^
mutual congratulations and praises to God for the marvel-
ous deliverance of the apostles. Then, as further dan-
gers threatened they went to God in prayer. The exer-
cises of this occasion furnish us with a theme for thie
present hour, viz :
A Primitive Church Prayer Meeting — How they
prayed, and with what efifect. It was a very peculiar kind
of prayer meeting — a model for all the centuries. It was
peculiar in its personality and exercises.
As to its personality, the two apostles mightily
anointed of God on the Day of Pentecost, were the leaders
of the prayer service of the hour. A company of the
disciples surrounded them and participated in the exer-
cises — how many is not stated. Let us see now
I. How they prayed.
I. They prayed in holy unison. The exact record
is : "They lifted up their voice to God with one accord."
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
283
There were no discordant notes — no impediments in the
way of a successful approach to the Throne. This unity
gave promise of victory in advance. We can only briefly
state the characteristics of the prayer offered, as we desire
speedily to reach an application of the subject to the ob-
ject of our present assemblage. We note
2. They distinctly and appropriately recognized Je-
hovah's sovereignty.
They knew to whom to pray, and with what
mode of address to come to His footstool. "They
Hfted up their voices" — saying, "Lord thou art God,
which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea and all
that in them is." Here we see a becoming acknowledg-
ment of Jehovah's glorious being — "Lord, thou art God"
— of His creative splendors, and universal dominion —
"which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
all that in them is." In these acknowledgments of the
power and glory of the Lord Jehovah their eyes and hearts
were turned reverently and adoringly toward the heavens,
where He was seated upon His throne.
3. They appealed to David and his significant utter-
ances concerning God's people Israel, and her predestined
glory.
The mention of no name at the throne could have had
greater potency, than that of David except that of Da-
vid's Son, the beloved of the Father.
They quoted from the second Psalm where the Psalm-
ist inquires, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people
imagine a vain thing?" He declares the impotency of
their combinations against the Lord, and His Christ, and
the certainty of their overthrow. In presenting these
things, they assumed an attitude of sublime confidence.
4. They offered specific and comprehensive petitions,
(a) They ask for divine observation — that He
284
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
would take a survey of the imperiled situation of the
apostles. "Now Lord, behold their threatenings." The
enemies of the truth could largely use that sort of weapon.
(b) They pleaded for Gospel boldness.
This is a priceless gift — indispensable to success —
resistless in its potency. Not for rhetorical beauty or ex-
actness, or logical precision or force — but for divine bold-
ness — to strike home, to sucessfully assault the enemy's
works, to win victories in the name of Christ.
(c) They also asked for miraculous accompaniments.
They said, "By stretching forth thine hand to heal;
and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of
thy holy child- Jesus." The healing of bodies as well as
souls marked the Apostolic ministry — and the day of such
signs and wonders is not closed. They are necessary to
rebuke the prevalent skepticism of the age.
II. The Stupendous Effects of Their Prayer.
I. A Physical Effect.
"The place was shaken where they were assembled
together." How, or in what way the place was shaken
is not stated. It may have been by earthquake shocks,
making the whole building tremble. But we know not
what were the particular physical manifestations. One
thing we know — for it is on record — the place was shaken,
palpably and awfully shaken, demonstrating the presence
and power of God.
In all ages of the world, when God has made extra-
ordinary manifestations of Himself there has been some
stirring of physical forces. It was so at Sinai, at the
giving of the Law. "There were thunderings and light
nings, and the whole mount quaked greatly, and all the
people in the camp trembled."
It was so on Mount Carmel when Elijah called down
fire from heaven upon the sacrifice, and all the people
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
285
in the camp fell upon their faces, and cried, ''The Lord,
li^ is God ! The Lord he is God !"
At Pentecost there was another demonstration of a
similar character, *'The sound as of a rushing mighty
wind, and cloven tongues, like as of fire sitting upon
each of them."
So here, the place was shaken in some marvelous
wa}^ demonstrating God's eternal power and Godhead.
2. A Glorious Spiritual Effect.
"They were all filled with the Holy Ghost." This
was the crowning feature of the occasion.
But what is it to be filled with the Holy Ghost? I
will answer this in as few words as possible. The Holy
Ghost is a divine person, the third person of the adorable
Trinity. He was gi\'en to each of them to be their abid-
ing Guest, to dwell in them, of which fact they were
blessedly conscious. In this internal revelation of the Holy
Ghost — infinite Purity, Love and Power pervade the whole
soul^emple. So all who are filled with the Holy Ghost
are constituted Kingdom Millionaires. A great Trust
Company is established within, of limitless capital, which
will never break, it will stand *'tlie wreck of matter and
the crush of worlds." But had they not been filled on
the Day of Pentecost? Yes, but this was an additional,
installment, a refilling after an enlargment of soul under
Pentecostal auspices.
3. An answer to their prayer was given in precise
, form — in the impartation of Gospel boldness.
I shall have to leave you to examine the historic
records in the Acts to see how this ''boldness" was mani-
fested in their wonderful ministrations. There is a sub-
lime summing up in the 33rd verse. "And with great
power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of
the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all."
286
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
They went forth to storm the very citadel of heli, and
God gave them power and victory. (*'Amen!")
I told you when I commenced that the burden of the
Lord was upon me. Before I came to the Assembly I
had a vision of tidal waves. I thought and wrote of a
mighty upheaval from the great depths of Infinite Love,
for the salvation of multitudes sweeping with mighty and
resistless energy this great city of Chicago. Well, we have
had blessed times, in preaching, song and testimony —
but, brethren, there has been no shaking of the house
where we have been assembled. ("We must have it.")
Look at those empty galleries ! They ought to be
full of people. They have been full. Those who filled
them came to Christ and were gloriously saved. Is
it not time for this house to be shaken?
(Amen.) Is it not time that the awful sepulchral
stillness of those galleries should be broken by the tramp-
ing up stairs of an eager, thronging multitude? (Amen.)
I have been almost impelled, at times, to go up there
myself, and lie down on one of the seats and cry mightily
to God to shake the house by His almighty power. I
would rather see them filled with publicans and sinners,
than with appalling emptiness. Why do not the publicans
and sinners come in and fill them? Why?
What are we going to do about it? ('Tray.") God
has given us large praying privileges. Jesus has said,
''If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything
that they ask, it shall be done for them of my father
which is in heaven." What a promise ! Why, it puts
the resources of eternity at the back of two people who
know how to pray. Lord, teach us to pray and touch
the eternal magazines of the unseen world ! (Amen !)
My brethren, my sisters : This is no time to jump, or
cut capers in the aisles. Jump and cut capers when the
house is shaken !
Holiness assembly.
287
I am awfully impressed that the place, here and now,
should be shaken, and that the people of the city and of
the outside world, should be made to know that God
almighty has come down here in the glory of His power !
("Amen !")
I do not want to go back to New York and tell
them this Assembly was a mere fire-fly spark, or, an or-
dinary revival meeting. I want to be able to tell them
there was a moral earthquake — a veritable Pentecost
within these walls.
The whisky power of Chicago is stupendous. Its
havoc is seen everywhere. The devastation is enormous.
This is the time to weep, and wail, and cry unto God.
I wonder how many people in this house are ready to join
me and let us get down upon our faces and cry mightily
to God, the almighty, eternal God, for a revelation of
His mercy and power that will shake the house, and
sweep things? In every part of the house let us get
down — down before the almighty God, and cry unto Him.
In response to this fervent appeal, the congregation was pros-
trated before God and around the altar there arose a deep and awful
cry. Some were prostrate on their faces in the aisles — prayer was
ardent, opening heaven and the results will not be known until the
day of eternity. Brother Hughes was exhausted and retired to the
choir loft, and requested Brother S. B. Shaw to push the battle.
To God be all the glory.
EVENING SESSION.
We have no report of this service, except the sermon
which we give. We remember that the service was a very
blessed one from beginning to end and characterized by
very much of the presence of the Spirit of God.
SERMON BY BRO. ALEXANDER McLEAN.
I have been so immersed in the business side of this
Assembly that I would prefer, greatly, to have anyone
288
ECBOEB OF THE GENERAL
of half a dozen or more different brethren speak tonight
than that I should, hut the Lord's will be done.
It is Saturday night, and, if you please and the Lord
will help, we will try to gather up the fragments of the
week that might otherwise be lost. God help us to gather
the fragments !
To speak of Union in Holiness two passages of Scrip-
ture will be used. In the last chapter of th-e book of
Daniel, and the last clause of the seventh verse, are these
words : ''And when He shall have accomplished to scatter
the power of the holy people, all these things shall be
finished."
Daniel, among the prophets, gives us noticeable in-
dications (and at the best, they are very uncertain,) when
the end of the world shall be, and, in this last wonderful
prophetic declaration, he says that when he shall have ac-
complished to scatter the power of the holy people, all
these things shall be finished," as though it was the con-
summate will of the great enemy of all good, to try to
scatter the power of the holy people and as though he
would be satisfied when he saw such a scattering accom-
plished. And, when he shall have done that, look out!
the end is near. That seems to be the trend of Daniel's
utterance.
Then I invite your attention to what our Lord says
in John 17 : 21 :
"That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in
me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us : that
the world might believe that Thou hast sent Me."
Injury to Christianity results from scattering the pow-
er of the holy people. Advantage and blessing to Chris-
tianity will be brought by concentrating the power of the
holy people. The Lord Jesus, in His great high-priestly
prayer, cried to God from the depths of His soul, that all
H0LINE88 ASSEMBLY.
289
His people, those who believed on Him in His day, and
all who, through the ages, should come to believe
in His Word, might be one in Him, as He was
one with the Father, ''That the world may believe that
Thou hast sent Me." In His inrin'te stretch of thought and
knowledge, He saw that nothing would so thoroughly
cause this world to accept Him as the Messiah, as the
unifying concentrating power wrought among believers
by the Holy Ghost. When scattering is accomplished,
destruction is nigh. Jesus seeks to unify, concentrate and
bring believers together in Him, inaugurating thus the
millennium. How emphatic His words "He that gathereth
not with Me scattereth abroad." Jesus must be the center
of attraction and union among all men and this union is
the test of all methods and measures.
Oh, how my soul has gone out in prayer for this As-
sembly, and still goes out in earnest supplication that God
would concentrate the power of the holy people, and so
help the world to see what the Lord Jesus ptayed for but
a little before He was to render up His Spirit to God —
"That they all may be one." ("Amen!") Not to effect
a loose sense of union which men of the world may liold,
but in that complete sense of union which He held, and
which He received from His Father "that they may all be
one in me as I am one with the Father ;" as though He said
then, and not till then, will this world "believe that thou
hast sent me," as the Messiah.
Efforts that scatter, and dissuade from Holiness need
not be sought alone in ancient history. We can see so much
of it now, — 'this disposition to scatter and divide ; to decry ;
and not to have faith in others, who are professing and
striving to be all the Lord's. We need not go very far into
history to see that. We are here, members of at least
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
twenty different evang^elical churches, ("Bless the Lord !")
beHeving in hoHness, striving with all our hearts for that
union which the Lord Jesus Christ prayed for, that we
may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. When
that comes, in a broad sense the world will have to believe
(it hasn't believed up to date, because that hasn't come)
that Jesus is the Messiah. There are hearts here beating
hard against the heart of the Lord Jesus. They are often
before God on their faces saying, ''O, Lord, grant that
my brothers and sisters may be one in Jesus." ''O,
Lord, vouch-safe that we may be one in Thee. We are not
worthy. We are infinitely undeserving. We can do noth-
ing to make ourselves worthy of that high and won-
drous privilege. For Jesus' sake, make us one with Thee,
even as Thou art one with the Father." I confess that I
am staggered at the thought. We must get very low before
God when we utter that prayer. We may be one absolute-
ly, now and henceforth and forever, one with Him, as He is
one with the Father. It staggers me! Does it stagger
you? Have you ever gone into the depths of that with
the Holy Ghost, to find how much is meant? It cannot
be realized by sending up a casual prayer or desire. It is
only by deep contrition and the most earnest yearning as
though you were about to go into His presence, or as
though it were the last prayer you would utter to the Lord,
"Make me one with Thee as Thou art one with the Father."
Let me retrace my steps a little, that we may, by the
help of God, better understand the meaning of the Word.
This is a great subject. Jesus prayed it. As certainly as
Jesus offered this. He wants it answered. ("Amen!"
"Blessed be God !") Help us Lord to get in a higher
altitude and a purer plane to-night. One way of overcom-
ing a great conflagration is by scattering ; by putting dyna-
HOLINESS ASSE3IBL7.
291
mite and powder into adjoining structures. If they cannot
overcome the flames in any other way, they do it by scat-
tering the combustible portions, that they may subdue it
piece by piece. The devil can get at you and me, and more
effectually quench the Holy Spirit when we are separated
in feeling the one from the other. He cannot accomplish
this sad work, if we are united to the Lord and our breth-
ren. "United we stand ; divided we fall." Remember
the cause of Ireland, as they speak of it over there. Their
representatives in Parliament were unable to accomplish
anything for their Emerald Isle, and ''Johnnie Bull" paid
very little attention to them, because they voted discur-
sively. England was united. She said : "Let them re-
main scattered. We can thus handle them very readily."
But there came an Irish statesman on the scene. He
turned their disconcerted action into voting solidly, as one
man. England trembled and Ireland won many victories.
God bless the people whose hearts the Lord has filled
with His Spirit. ("Amen !") How we have allowed the
enemy to scatter the power of the holy people. O, how
my heart has bled through the years past, over the serious
lack of solidarity in the Holiness cause. How thankful I
am that God is opening our eyes to the tremendous mean-
ing of concentration and union along the line of loving
God with all the heart. ("Amen.") Pray about it in your
closet. Next year come yourself and bring someone else
with you, to the Assembly for the promotion of Holiness,
and see if concentration will not mightily help us on these
lines.
You will remember that a number of small and feeble
independent states were congregated and united by Bis-
mark into what constitutes, now, the powerful German Em-
pire. O, Lord, send us a great leader to concentrate these
292
ECHOES OF TUB GENERAL
holiness people that we may be one with Jesus and with
each other. ("Amenl")
I am profoundly glad, this Saturday night, to see
young mep and young women coming forward to push
Holiness. God bless them, in the accomplishment of more
than they who soon shall be crowned ! ("We'll stand by
the cross.") Holiness must live. I can't see in the Bible
that God has a mightier factor for the salvation of the
world than holiness. ("Amen I") I repeat that I can't
find anywhere in the Word of God a more potential factor
for the salvation of the race than is found in holiness.
Reverently let us realize that God knows of nothing to
employ for the salvation of this world like holiness.
("Amen!") Let us appeal to Jesus. He says: "Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and
great commandment." That is Christ's version. The sec-
ond is like unto it, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy-
self. On these two commandments hang all the law and
the prophets." By these remarks every theologian un-
derstands that this includes all scriptural requirements. He
doubtless had in mind the method of the Romans. On a
hook upon the outside of public buildings they hung the
statutes of the realm so no man could have excuse for not
knowing the law. On this hook of love were found all the
law and the prophets. I repeat it, without any fear of con-
tradiction, that our Lord knows of no power so potential
in the salvatiop of the world as holiness. ("Amen !") That
is the version of the Lord Jesus Christ on that subject, and
we cannot justify ourselves in the neglect or perversion of
this truth after our Lord has so emphasized it.
There can be no escape from the conclusion that Jesus
wants unification. Whoever drops a firebrand of dissen-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
293
sion, whoever seeks to scatter the power of the holy people
by any process, is as directly hostile to Jesus Christ as pos-
sibly he can be ; he is against the success of Christianity :
and against the grace which God claims is the mightiest
factor for the winning of this world.
You have heard of an elderly clergyman when ap-
proached by some young minister inclined toward holiness,
saying ''You had better let it alone." That young man
takes the advice of the elder and says : "I guess he is giv-
ing me sound advice. I will let it alone." I believe rather
than give such advice, a man had better have a millstone
around his neck and be cast into the sea. For holiness
is the greatest factor God employs for the salvation of
race. ("Yes, sir!") We ofttimes hear it said and the
thought frequently shapes the course of churches, "Get
people converted; that is enough. If they are converted,
all the rest will come out all right." That seems to be on
the theory that you can get people converted b^- un-
sanctified persons more readily than by the sanctified ; that
those who are but imperfectly informed as to the things
of the kingdom make the best religious instructors ; in
other words, you need hickory trees that have borne the
hickcry-nut, from which fruit in turn to raise young trees
of the same kind.. The Master may say of a fruitless Chris-
tian as of a fruitless tree, "Cut it down, why cumbereth it
the ground?" There is no one so competent to help people
into Christ as the sanctified. ("Amen !") They have
walked along and carefully studied the whole length of
both justification and sanctification and are thereby the
better prepared to assist others. I was in Illinois at a
camp and was sent for to a holiness camp meeting some
miles away. It was dusty and the weather warm, and
when I reached the point, one of the brethren hastened
294
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
me. I inquired "What is the matter?" He said: "An
able minister is going to preach this afternoon, and he is
sure to give a strong sermon against hoHness. We want
you to be there to hear him, and, if you can, to answer
him." Well he preached his sermon, quoting quite def-
initely from John Wesley on Justification, and he sets justi-
fication very high. No one that follows Wesley can
minify justification. Following the preacher, I said : "That
is right. In the grace of justification we are glad to fol-
low John Wesley closely." But my sanctification helps
me to keep my justification. What we want is sanctifica-
tion to help us keep our justification. God help us to
keep up to John Wesley's high mark." ("Amen.") I am
glad to say my justification is ten times clearer and
stronger because of the added grace of sanctification, than
it could possibly be apart from entire sanctification. ("That
is so !") I expect to go through on my justified line be-
cause God keeps me on my sanctified line." ("Amen!")
Let me stop to tell you a little about my own case. I
was created with a good, strong Scotch will. Although I
never was but a very brief visitor in Scotland, I have in-
herited a strain of Scotch blood. Those who know me
well say: "What a tremendous will that fellow has." I
bless God that I have a strong will and that it is all over
on the side of God. ("Amen!") I strove, before God
sanctified my soul, with all the intensity of my will power,
to hold on. I found the more I wound up my will power,
the more my spiritual thermometer dropped. I said :
"This will not do." I would read the Scriptures and try
to overcome my lost ground. I said : "How shall I
avoid it?" I was trying to go through on my will power.
The first thing I knew I was sprawling in the dust. I
would get up and brush off the dirt and say : "I will go at
it again." My spiritual thermometer kept dropping, and I
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
295
would say to myself, "Perhaps you didn't wind up your
will power tight enough." And I would say : "Now,
will power, you have got to be well wound up! But it
was only to go through the same sad experience as he-
fore. It is thirty-five years or more since God sanctified
my soul, and I am a witness that a futile reliance on my
will has ceased. ("Amen !") It is not my will power any
more. If it were, I would down again. It is because I
have a Httle more of the oneness in Christ. I said to the
Lord, I can't keep myself. Behold some difficulty coming
up like a cloud, O, how the Spirit can reveal difficulties,
as if he would say, "Look out! There is danger ahead."
That was the condition precisely that I was in after sancti-
fication. I would see the cloud, and would get down be-
fore God. When the supposed difficulty and I came to
meet, God had taken all the lightning out of it. I went
through beautifully, as though in a clear sky.
Don't you remember there is something in the Scrip-
ture about standing up straight? After a Christian is
sanctified, how he can stand up straight, walking like a
king ! ("Amen !") How triumphantly you can go forth !
Some might put the question : "Would you say you have
not sinned during all those thirty-five years ?" I wouldn't
like, myself, to say I have not sinned during all that time.
When God has flashed a warning upon me, that I might be
doing something wrong, I have plunged in the fountain
and come up clean and rejoicing. Try it brother! I
cannot say what is to come up before me, but I can say:
There is the fountain. When I was a boy, I learned to
dive, and when I have the slightest hint of impending harm,
I go into the fountain head first, and, glory to Lod ! I come
up clean. There is a fountain open in the House of David
for all sin and uncleanness. On the other hand, do not
,296
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
tell me that you can say "The Lord's Prayer" every day,
in the expectation to go out and repeat sin. ("No!")
You cannot pray "Thy will be done in earth as it is done in
heaven," and go out and sin and come back saying, "I
pray Thee forgive." Nothing of the kind. If, while you
are watching and praying, you find you have thought or
done something you cannot believe Jesus would have you
do, get into the fountain. Don't stop to argue. Plunge
into the fountain, get clean, and go on your way rejoicing
in the name of the Lord of hosts.
I do not know as there is any one who can say they
have not sinned for thirty-five years. I know I cannot, be-
fore God. I try to be as honest before you, as I am
honest before God. But these thirty-five years — how
blessed they have been!
I remember a July morning in New York. I had to
go out and look up a parsonage myself. I had been
sent in the middle of the year, without knowledge or
consent on my part, to a charge in that city. That Sab-
bath was a hot day, and pretty nearly ererybody had
gone down to the seashore or out to the country. I
said in the morning: "If the Lord lives, and will help
me, this up and down religion in my soul has got to end,"
and a voice seemed to say, "When?" I said, "Now."
"Where?" I said, "Right here. There is only one way
left. I will make a complete surrender to God." I had
not stolen; I had not sworn; I had not committed any
outrageous sin, but, somehow, there was a dropping in my
spiritual thermometer. I said: "That has got to stop."
"How?" "By a new and unreserved gift of myself to
God." "When?" "Right here and now." "Suppose it
means starvation to you ?" I said, "I am going to have it.
I will die, but I will have it." The Scotch will got up
that time. ("Amen !") (Will you pardon this little per-
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
297
sonal experience?) I saixd, "I may have a clear deed to
properties now, but I will not own a thing when the breath
has gone out of my body two minutes. Henceforth all I
have must come from God, and must be acknowledged as a
loan from Him to me." The Lord said to me: "What
are you going to do with that nice sermon you have pre-
pared?" I said: "I am going to put it in the waste
basket. I am going to tell those tony people in my church
what I have experienced." (''Amen !") I said to them :
"Brethren, you don't see any increase in my height or my
avoirdupois, but I know there is a difference in here.
(The heart.) There is a sweet peace in my soul that tells
me God has sanctified me." They did see a difference
before long, so much so, that they wanted to get rid of
me, and did at the end of that conference year. I said :
"Lord, if you don't give me any special joy or peace or
any great illumination for forty years, I am going along
saying: It is settled. It is done. The great transac-
tion is done. I am not going to worry about that." I went
three or four days, on the streets and in the cars, up and
down the great city of New York, saying, "It's done !
It's done ! It's done !" What a task I had ! I attended
a holiness meeting. As I began there to say "it's done,"
"heaven came down my soul to greet." Was I sanctified
then? I was sanctified several days before when I took
God at His word ; when I laid all on the altar ; when I
ungrudgingly said, I don't want it back : but if the Lord
wants more he shall have it ; I will hunt up-stairs, down
cellar, and every where to find something additional to
put on the altar. It is so good to have all on the altar.
I am glad to be a cipher in the hands of the Lord. I be-
Heve God has made 'ten times more of me, than would
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ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
have be€n made, had I continued alon^ the justified Hne
exclusively. I don't know how much time God has given
me on earth, but, if He were to let me have a million
vears, I would say: "Lord grant them so that I may
preach holiness."
My brethren, you cannot do your best for Jesus,
without sanctification. You may not be giants when you
are sanctified, but you will be infinitely mure success-
ful in Hi's cause with perfect love than without it.
' O, brother! O, sister! Come to Jesus that He
may give you this peace. Perhaps there is some soul
here that don't know about His pardoning- grace. I pity
you. God help you to come and learn of Him.
This sermon was followed by a blessed and victorious altar
service, numbers of seekers pressing to the front.
Sunday, May 12.
This closing day of the Assembly was glorious from
beginning to end ; and we would gladly furnish our read-
ers every testimony and song — every exhortation and
prayer with a full li^port of its sermons and a full descrip-
tion of its large and blessed altar services. Yet either
through, the failure of our stenographer or loss by our
printer we have no connected report of the day's sevices
with the exception of the all night of prayer, a report of
which is given in the following chapter.
The morning lovc-feast was such an occasion as
might have been anticipated after such a blessed week of
victory. The morning sermon was preached l)v Bro. H.
C. McBride and was spoken of by those wlio heard it a'S
one of the crowning blessings ot the whole Assemblv.
Special mention of tiiis service will be found in Bro. Bur-
lison's report in the chapter entitled "The Best Thing in
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
299
the Assembly.'^ Bro. McBride's sermon was written up
•by our stenographer and sent him for correction but if re-
turned it never reached us.
Bro. Walker preached in the afternoon and Bro. Aura
Smith in the evening, to large congregations. Both of
these were excellent sermons followed by altars crowded
with seekers ; but it was thought best to only report one
sermon from each speaker, and we have already given
our readers a sermon by each of these two brethren.
During this same day over thirty appointments were filled
in different parts of the city by delegates of the Assem-
bly and with glorious results ; and then many calls for
speakers were left unsupplied because of the hesitacy of
many to take street cars on the Sabbath as would have
been necessary in this city of great distances. At the
services of the Assembly and those held in the city that
day by members of the Assembly, there w*ere many scores
if not hundreds of seekers, and a large number converted,
reclaimed, or made perfect in love.
Altogether, this last day of the Assembly, ending in
the all-night session of waiting upon God which was so
blessedly and so gloriously owned by the Spirit, was in-
deed a day never to be forgotten by those who shared its
precious privileges and one of the richest seasons of grace
in which it has ever been our privilege to participate. And
we believe that beyond question our feelings were shared
by a very large proportion of those who gathered together
that blessed Sabbath day in that upper room down in the
very heart of this great city of nearly two million human
souls.
300
ECHO ESS OF THE (JEXERAL
The Second AH Night of Prayer.
The first all night of prayer was such a signal victory
resulting in so much visible fruit, that it was thought
best to have another at the close of the Assembly. We
have attended many all nights of prayer, but this was
the best and by far the largest we have ever known.
Stirring songs, thrilling testimonies, glowing exhorta-
tions and powerful altar services occupied the time. Xo
sermon was preached after the regular evening service,
yet the hours passed so rapidly that many failed to get the
opportunity of unburdening their hearts.
At twelve o'clock Sister S. B. Shaw gave the follow-
ing exhortation : —
Beloved! This ought to be, — I believe it is. already,
to all of our hearts — a solemn time. The eternal God,
the unchangeable God, has a purpose in thus bringing us
together, in laving it upon our hearts thus to wait upon
Him.
We have been singing the words : **A charge to
keep I have, a God to glorify." How wonderful, how
past finding out. that He, through His wondrous love
should commit unto us a part of His own blessed work —
the work of salvation, the work of redemption, the crown-
ing work of Christ ! It was by "having respect unto the
rec@mpense of the reward" and looking forward to the
joy that was set before Him — the joy of saving lost souls
from an eternal hell and making them partners of His
throne, that He was enabled to endure the cross, despis-
ing the shame, and is set down at the right hand of
the throne of God. He wants to make us sharers of
His eternal joy, but in order to do that. He must make
us sharers in His toil and sharers in His suffering. If we
want to know much of His joy, we must go with Him down
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
301
into ithe Garden of Gethsemane and share His agony. We
must get where our hearts will bleed for souls. It is
glorious to shout praises. It is more blessed still, in
the intercession of the Holy Ghost, to go down low into
the garden all alone with Jesus, and allow Him to give
us to drink of His cup and share His baptism and His
sorrow for a lost world.
O, what a charge God has given to us ! Who dares
to say none will be found among the lost, because you
and I have come short of the glory of God and have
failed to keep, fully, the charge committed into our hands ?
We see everywhere, scores and hundreds and thousands
of lost souls ! Lost souls ! ! Lost souls ! ! ! pressing their
way down to eternal despair, and who cares? ("God
help us !") Who takes it to heart ? Who weeps over the
desolation?
O, beloved, we come short of the charge that God
gave us in the hour when He first spoke peace to our
souls. So surely as you were ever converted ; so surely
as you ever knew your sins were forgiven, and your
name written in the Lamb's Book of Life, God gave you
a charge to save souls. (*'Amen !")
Who of us in this house, dares to say that from that
hour we have walked in all the Hght of God, and gone down
to the depths of His Love as He would have us?
"A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify;
A never-dying soul to save.
And fit it for the sky."
How sadly we come short! I am not bringing a
harsh charge against you. It is only by the infinite
mercies of God that He has spared my soul. O how
sadly we come short of being what we might have been
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ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
for God! How long ago our hearts ought to have been
enlarged to know more of Him and His wonderful
love ! O, the souls that are being lost all about us ! It is
a time to go down before God ; it is a time to weep
over the places where we have come short of His will
and His glory. (''Amen !") It is time for us to say, from
the very depths of our souls, God helping us, we will
work for His cause as never before ; ("Amen !") That
we will watch and pray as never before; that we will
open our hearts to the love of Jesus, as we never opened
them before. We haven't sounded the depths, nor meas-
ured the breadth of this wonderful Word of God.
("Amen!") Souls! Souls!! Souls!!! for whom Jesus shed
His very life-blood, dropping, dropping, dropping, by our
side, next door to us and all around us. Dropping, drop-
ping, dropping, into an eternal perdition !
I tell you there is not one of us here tonight, but
needs the blood. ("Amen!") Thank God there is atone-
ment for everyone of us. But when you and I stand
before the judgment bar of God, and He lets us see
souls go out to an eternal night, that we might have
brought to Christ had we permitted Him to use us as
He would — how shall we feel about the souls, the lost
souls, that it is then too late to win ? ("God help us !")
Now, we have the opportunity. They are all about us,
and God has spared us for the work. If we fail to win
souls to Christ, it is because our love is so small. O
may the power of the Holy Ghost get us down tonight
where we may receive a mighty baptism of holy love that
will melt our hearts down at the foot of the Cross of
Jesus, that He may send us out to do His bidding!
("Amen! Glory to God!")
The small hours of the morning witnessed a mOvSt
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
303
glorious altar service and among the seekers for holiness
were several young men, some of whom were students
from Moody's Bible Institute. With glowing faces and
hearts aflame with their new found perfect love, they
rang out their testimonies with no uncertain sound.
One of the touching and stirring experiences of the
night was that of a young lady who lay for a long time
under the power of the Spirit. Then she arose and it
seemed by real inspiration began to exhort the Christian
workers in a manner that was simply marvelous, thrilling
the hearts of all present.
There was a freedom among the saints which was
very marvelous. Sister Sarah A. Cooke, seventy-three
years of age, one of the two women who was used of
God in showing Mr. Moody his need of the baptism
with the Holy Ghost was present. The Spirit fell upon
this little woman and with the nimbleness of a little child
she skipped back and forth in front of the altar in a
way that brought the glory down and became a real bless-
ing to the people. Bro. Frank Hall of the Moody Bible
Institute danced up and down the aisle in an ecstacy of
delight, while some were shouting and others were weep-
ing and prevailing with God in prayer, and yet all things
were done decently and in order.
The following is copied from an article written by
Evangelist Hattie E. Livingston to the Pentecostal
Herald :
"While each and every session was precious and full
of spiritual help, the all night of prayer was to me the
crowning service of the Assembly. While there had been
many wonderful tokens of the divine approval and pres-
ence, the all night of prayer excelled in the mighty
presence of the all-conquering Christ. Brother Aura
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BJCB0E8 OF THE GENERAL
Smith preached in the evening with great unction. The
sermon was followed by an altar service of wonderful
power. The altar was packed. In fact, many could not
get to the altar.
Brother S. B. Shaw took charge of the all night
meeting which was turned over to the Holy Spirit and
He had right of way during the entire service. The night
was spent in prayer and songs and altar services. Many
souls bounded into great liberty and victory. The tide rose
higher until the morning hours; Tears, groans, songs,
and shouts of victory made us realize the Holy Spirit was
present not only in melting hearts together and lifting
Christians into Heavenly places in Christ Jesus and re-
vealing unto them some of the heights and depths of
the love of Christ, but many souls leaped into glorious
victory finding the pardon of their sins ; others the cleans-
ing fountain and the mighty power of the Holy Ghost.
The crowning service was about 4 o'clock in the
morning. After a season of prayer that touched the
throne, an invitation was given to those who wanted
healing and the altar was again packed and some were
healed. Thrilling testimonies of Christ's power to keep,
cleanse, and fill, with marvelous answers to prayer for
soul and body, were given. As we separated in the
morning we felt it had been a night spent wtih God "in the
more excellent glory' and the Assembly had been indeed
a ten days of waiting on God."
Bro. G. W. Ridout in an article ito the Christian
Standard relative to the all night of prayer says, after
giving a glowing report of the sermon and altar service
of the evening: "This was next succeeded by an all
night of prayer, under the leadership of Rev. S. B. Shaw.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
305
It was entered into most unanimously. People came in
from other churches to participate in it, and the people
of God from everywhere met in one place, being of one
accord, to pray for another Pentecost. They began to
pray — preachers, evangelists, workers, all classes — for the
outpouring of the Holy Ghost. Just past midnight there
was a heavenly cloudburst. The power of God fell upon
the company, and a holy tumult ensued, in which many
of the saints cried aloud for joy. This service gave many
the assurance of great victory in the coming days for the
cause of holiness.
"The Assembly closed in the spirit of faith and praise.
'Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy
Ghost.' "
The Open Air Work of the Assembly.
One of the most important branches of the work of
the Assembly was the open air services. This very impor-
tant work has been much neglected by Christian workers
generally. The holiness people, above all others, ought
to be an example in this line of religious work. Multi-
tudes never go inside a church to hear the Gospel, neither
do they go to any other place of worship. We should
live so near God that if people do not come where we are
we should go to them. If we are in the divine order, God will
constrain us to seek after lost souls wherever they can be
found. Humanity, without grace, are prone to evil and
that continually. If we let them alone, their evil natures
will lead them away frojn God, and they will surely stum-
ble over each other as they throng the broad way to
death and eternal night. There was once a picture in a Sal-
vation Army War Cry illustrating this sad thought. It rep-
resented the teeming mass of humanity filling the broad
way and rushing on towards the precipice of hell. There
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ECHOES OE THE (JEXERAL
were the Salvationists, some on their knees and others
with uph'fted hands, trying to stop them from awful de-
struction, illustrating the fact that the world had stampeded
for the pit and they were trying to head off as many as
possible.
Some of the greatest opportunities of a life time are
to preach the Gospel to the masses on the streets of our
cities. Many of the mission workers are preaching to
more people during a summer on the streets than the
pastors of the largest churches.
The open air meetings were greatly blessed of God,
and this effort was used of the Lord in increasing the at-
tendance of the Assembly. In these street services a
goodly number of people manifested a desire to be saved,
and some knelt on the street to be prayed for and then
followed the workers to the church.
Earnest prayers, powerful exhortations and inspiring
songs were the order of these open air services. The
labors of Sisters Sarah A. Cooke and Beatrice Beasley,
who had charge of this department of the work, were
greatly blessed of God. Colonels Peck and Mayhew with
several other Christian Crusaders with a brass band fur-
nished excellent music which was used of God in draw-
ing the crowds and adding to the interest of the meetings.
This little band of open air workers was not ashametl
of their colors, for they carried a large banner on which
were words which could be easily read at a distance, ad-
vertising the Holiness Assembly and the work of God.
By request, Sister Sarah A? Cooke furnishes the fol-
lowing :
As our Holiness Assembly gathered from the north,
south, east and west, consisting mostly of those who had
not only tasted of the Bread of life but were well able
HOLINEISS ASSEMBLY.
307
to break it to others, our hearts began to be moved for
the multitudes all around us, perishing for lack of knowl-
edge. Soon, we mentioned to Bro. Shaw our conviction
that we ought to hold street meetings. He at once re-
sponded and it was brought before the Assembly. Sister
Beaseley and myself were placed in charge. Right in the
very center of the city is this First Methodist church,
which is but a good stone's throw from the Court House.
Permission was granted by the Supt. of Police to hold
meetings there every night before the evening service.
When the weather permitted, we were there each even-
ing as well as on each Sabbath, on which days we held
two or three meetings.
Our right hand helper was Bro. A. Jacobs, a man
full of faith and of the Holy Ghost. He was the son
of a saloon keeper and formerly served behind the saloon
bar, when the Spirit of God arrested and through
the Word gloriously saved him. Since then he has been
greatly blessed in saving others. From his daily labors
he would join us, but it was hard work to get our
preachers out on the street. Is not this one of the
greatest lacks of our times? They tell us there are forty-
eight millions of people in the United States who attend
no place of worship whatever, and the command, mostlv
unheeded, is, "Go ye out into the highways and into the
streets and lanes of the city and compel them to come
in." Jesus, Himself and His own apostles led the way.
"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every
creature and lo, I am with you alway."
Here have been won the great victories of other days.
It was said of Geo. Whitefield, the earth was his pulpit,
the heavens his sounding board. Five hundred trophies
of God's grace and power to save, snatched in one day
308
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
from the power of the destroyer. It was a Fair dav
at Moorfiel^ in the suburbs of London. In vain his
timid friends told him he would never come out of that
place alive. It was the annual Fair where the scum and
blacklegs of London gathered once a year. Three or four
times in the course of the day his platform was over-
turned and builit up again, and that God-filled voice would
keep drawing the crowds around him. Nothing on earth
is so attractive as the Gospel to the restless multitude
when preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from
heaven; nothing much drier than the mere letter with-
out the Spirit. No out of door congregation can long
be held or mterested without it. Charles Finney and
Charles Spurgeon, were twin brothers in their mighty
exhortations to their students never to preach without
it. This was as the secret of their own marvelous suc-
cess.
The greatest sermon ever preached on this green
earth was preached by our Lord on the mountain. The
sermon of Peter on the day of 'Pentecost when three
thousand were launched into the kingdom was preached
on the streets of Jerusalem.
May the language of our hearts be that of
the sainted Wesley:
"The love of Christ doth me constrain
To seek the wandering souls of men ;
With cries, entreaties, tears, to save,
To snatch them from the gaping grave.
"Give me Thy strength, O God of power;
Then let winds blow, or thunders roar,
Thy faithful witness will I be :
'Tis fixed ; I can do all through Thee.
"Yea, let men rage; since Thou wilt spread
Thy shadowing wings around my head;
Since in all pain Thy tender love
Will still my sure refreshment prove.'*
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
309
The Best Thing in the Assembly for Me.
Sarah A. Cooke, Evangelist, Chicago, 111: To me
there was much of interest in the Assemoiy in the gather-
ing together of so many of God's elect. Many were
there of the princes in God's Israel who had long borne
the heat and burden of the day. Amongst the first was
Bro. Hughes, so long the editor of "The Guide to Holi-
ness" whose pure streams have refreshed and gladdene l
many hearts. Bro. Doty, of Cleveland, Ohio, who told
us that twenty years ago he might have landed in glory
but knew it was more important for the church's sake
to remain here. Yes, dear brother, heaven will be the
richer for your stay on earth, weak and frail in body,
but strong in faith, an able minister of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Bro. Haney, we had not seen for many years,
grand Captain on many a camp ground, a leader and
commander of the people; no police force ever needed
when he took charge of a camp meeting. We see dan-
ger in all the work of God, of our preachers choosing
an easier part. How they need to brace up by reading
the lives of our great leaders. Their unceasing toil and
self sacrifice, the one path to insure victory and the very
Spirit of our divine Lord. Bro. Allen, of Iowa, and
many others were with us, who bore legibly on their
foreheads, "holiness unto the Lord."
One marked feature much impressed me : The com-
mencement inaugurated by a night of prayer and clos-
ing on the Sabbath by another all night meeting. Be-
ginning at 7 130 p. m., without any intermission, it r^n on
till 4:30 Monday morning. O, what a night of victory!
"While heaven came dovvn our souls to greet,
And glory crowned the mercy seat."
310
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
There was no program, which is often a great hin-
drance to the Spirit's work. Prayer, preaching, exhorta-
tion, songs and altar services; the joy of the new born
soul, mingling with the sobs of the penitent, and then
the glowing testimonies of those who had long walked
with God ; the touches of divine glory making them shout
aloud with joy, dance or leap before the ark of the Lord.
True as ever, the joy of the Lord is the strength of
his people in body as well as in soul.
Reaching my home at 5 130 Monday morning I felt
just as rested as if I had slept all night.
Mrs. C. A. West, Chicago: That part of the As-
sembly that was the most strikingly blessed to me was
a portion of the illustrated sermon of Evangelist W. E.
Shepard of California. He was preaching on the line
of consecration and when he came to the unknown bundle,
showing what might come up after one's sanctification, he
touched on the dress question. Suddenly a flood of light
beamed in on my soul, revealing the fact that I had
not been careful to follow the Scripture injunction con-
cerning modest apparel. I went home and began to
arrange my wardrobe so as to correspond with the pro-
fession of holiness, and now by the grace of God I am
enabled to dress plain as becometh one professing god-
liness.
, Rev. H. S. Willing, Indianapolis, Ind. : — My strongest
impression during the Assembly was following a preach-
ing service when a sister delegate from the western frontier
country delivered a stirring appeal for workers for that
needy and neglected field who would not make money an
object in going, but who possessed
"A soul inured to pain,
To hardship, grief and loss/'
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
311
She declared (scripturally) that a true man of God
would not be bought nor sold nor require a stipulated
salary to work for God and souls.
Minnie R. Willing, Indianapolis, Ind : — The thing-
most noticeable to me during the Assembly was, that the
preaching service was crowded out one morning because
of the spirit of prayer that rested on many hearts. The
leaders of the meeting gave way to the Holy Ghost. Near
the close of the prayer service many came to the altar.
Thank God for the possibility of prevailing prayer.
E. Goodman of Chicago : — We have many reasons
for which to thank God because of the Holiness As-
sembly in Qur city. Among the foremost of its benefits
to my soul was the intense and continued spirit of prayer
that prevailed. The early morning prayer meetings were
characterized by the "fervent, effectual prayer of the
righteous" which availeth much. The altar services proved
that the old time power in travail of soul had not yet
died out. The long prayer roll which Brother Geo.
Hughes brought with him, stretched twice across the
church and the- many requests for prayer daily showed
that God's holy people still believe that prayer in the
Holy Ghost is the greatest factor in promoting the life
and experience of holiness. The good that has been
efifected by the Assembly in promoting the revival of
Pentecostal praying and thus hastening the Millennium
cannot be over estimated. To God be all the glory.
Evangelist Hiram Ackers, Big Prairie, Ohio : — The
best thing to me was the continual presence and mani-
festation of the Holy Ghost in keeping us all one in
Christ Jesus, holding us in the unity of the Spirit on
the Bible doctrine of justification and entire sanctifica-
tion.
312
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
Evangelist W. E. Shepard of Los Angeles, Cal : — "The
best thing in the Assembly." The good part was to be there.
The better part was the presence of the Holy Ghost
in our midst. The best part was the salvation of sin-
ners and the sanctification of believers which the presence
of the Holy One brought to so many.
The direct pointed thing that most impressed me
during the Assembly was at the close of Bro. Hughes'
sermon. With the burden of souls upon his heart and
the sense of their need pressing in upon him, that aged,
white-haired saint of nearly four score years, with upraised
hands and pleading voice, left the pulpit and rushed down
the aisle calling upon the people to come to God. Quick
as a flash, Bro. S. B. Shaw leaped upon the platform,
and, with stentorian voice, called the people to the altar
and to get down before God. It seemed as if volts from
a mighty dynamo had struck the people and with one
accord we went down before God. Oh, for more shocks
from heaven's battery that s-et things in motion ! Amen !
Evangelist C. J. Fowler of Haverhill, Mass : Among
the not a few things that impressed me and were a
genuine blessing to me in the Assembly, was the spirit of
unity which prevailed. I had not gotten fairly away from
Chicago, when I received a letter from a good and in-
telligent friend of holiness, asking me to do him the favor
of taking the time to write him, giving the exact facts
concerning the divisions he saw mentioned in the secular
papers somewhere, which he regarded as a very serious
reproach to holiness and the Assembly particularly.
I was glad to write him that the report was utterly un-
founded ; that the Assembly was of the greatest har-
mony. Of course this should be expected. If holiness is
what it. is preached to be, and certainly as taught to be
in the word of our God, the coming together of holy
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY,
313
people can but be the gathering which above all others,
is an object lesson of the truth itself. The delegates
were quite a number (219) and from all quarters and
from all denominations and from no denominations, rep-
resenting diversified views relative to many important yet
minor questions, but in this HoHness Assembly were all
one; and this, when the meeting was deliberative, as well
as evangelistic. A purely spiritual, or evangelistic meet-
ing, would not present the opportunity for the manifesta-
tion of differences, which might seem to present a very
divisive spirit, that a me'eting would, which was some-
what devoted to the discussion of doctrines and methods,
as was this one ; but even here, there was manifest the
fact that the heart experience of genuine holiness, causes
people who have it, to see alike on the great essentials
of salvation, and agree to disagree, in a genuinely Chris-
tian spirit, relative to all else.
I am blest not a little in such a meeting as the As-
sembly, as I see this spirit of the Christ manifest. I
see it nowhere as do I among the people whom God
has sanctified. This is the purpose of sanctification, ac-
cording to our Lord's own prayer. He declares that
the salvation of the world depends upon the unity that
Christian sanctity gives. The Assembly illustrated it. It
was a blessing to be there.
Capt. Otto Wendel, Peiro, Iowa : — What impressed me
most at the Assembly was. First: Meeting so many old
co-workers and so many of whom I had read but had
not seen, — a type of the grand reunion in heaven.
Second: The progress in the holiness work. In
July, 1878, I went 180 miles to Clear Lake, Iowa, to hear
my first sermon on holiness at a camp held by Inskip,
Wood and McDonald. Here I received the experience
314
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
definitely. Later I traveled with the first tabernacle cam-
paign in Iowa to spread Scriptural holiness.
The unity, spirit, wide representation of the Assem-
bly, and above all, the outpouring and manifestations of
the Spirit in blessing to soul and body, will go with me
through eternity.
Sister M. J. McKinnon, Dallas, Tex. :— I shall ever
be thankful, that in the providence of God, I was privileged
to attend the holiness assembly. The unity of the Spirit
that prevailed was marvelous. The most impressive antt
helpful service to me was the last Saturday morning of
the Assembly, when, Jacob like, the saints prevailed with
God, and His Spirit was poured out upon us. Sister S.
B. Shaw was for hours prostrated under the power of
God ; after which we witnessed the salvation of souls, the
reclamation of backsliders and the sanctification of be-
lievers. Many were the demonstrations of God's power
too numerous to mention.
Evangelst S. B Shaw, Chcago, 111. :— The thing that
made the deepest impression on my mind was the weeping
and crying to God on the part of some of the saints for
souls and the desolation of Zion. The unearthlv burden
for souls, and the prevailing prayers brought waves of
glory to many hearts. I was greatly moved while listen-
ing to the sermon of Bro. Geo. Hughes. I was so moved
during his talk that I could not keep still. Near the close
of the sermon I had an unearthly burden to exhort. When
he left the pulpit and rushed down the aisle, I was thrust
forward and constrained to cry aloud to the people to
fall on their faces and pour out their hearts to God. The
people rushed to the altar and many began to weep
and to cry to God. The glory of God was revealed in
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
315
a wonderful manner. Many seekers found their way to
the altar.
EvangeHst H. L. Jones, Wild Cherry, Ark.: — ^Above
everything that impressed me was the oneness of the
leaders.
Bro. Fowler said he hoped the proceedings would
not be too parliamentary.
Sister Amanda Smith said on one occasion, when
they were making quite a fuss in the altar: ''Still the
people, Lord, so Thou mayest speak to them."
Sister Sarah Cooke said after a long prayer with-
out much fire : "Don't pray too long. Just speak what
is in your heart and believe God, and give some one else
a chance to pray."
I would like to attend another Assembly like it.
Rev. James Harris, Guelph, Canada: — It was good
to be there. It is hard to say what was best when all
was good. The thrill of the soul as it felt the precious
unity in the beautiful diversity of an assembly of saints
from so many places and so far from each other, and
yet all of whom had experienced the entire sanctifying
power of the precious Spirit of God ; the beautiful and
timely singing led by our dear Brother and Sister Har-
ris, where choruses, repeated again and again by the
joy-filled Assembly, lifted our souls to heaven. The ex-
periment of our dear Bro. Hills of Texas in starting a
Holiness College for the training of the youth under the
overshadowing of sanctifying power : the preaching o?
the Word, presenting the great truth of holiness as the
duty and privilege of every Christian believer, especially
the clearness with which the preachers showed that sin
existed in the soul of the justified believer, and that entire
sanctification was the cleansing of the soul from this
316
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
"filthiness of the flesh and spirit" by the blood of Christ,
and that the spirit would then fill the cleansed spirit, soul
and body; the Pentecostal baptisms which we experi-
enced as we bowed togetlfer around the consecrated altar,
feeling as we did, that God was putting His seal upon
our proceedings, by filling and empowering us afresh
to go forth and spread holiness throughout the world ;
these were among the best things in the Assembly for me.
Rev. B. Winget, Chicago, 111. The best thing in the
Assembly for me was the object lesson it gave of the
fulfillment of our Lord's prayer found in John 17: 21.
Surely, if a company of people, like those who constituted
this Assefnbly, gathered from many places, widely sepa-
rated, and who had been educated so differently, and who
came from such varied environments, having never met
before, all taught the same doctrines, telling the
same experiences, and worshiping together in the Holy
Ghost, what possibilities, in accordance with our Savior's
prayer, may be realized on the part of the church !
Evangelist J. R. Allen, Waterloo, Iowa: — "The best
thing in the Assembly for me," was the united, rapt, long
continued prayers of the hundreds of God's truly sanctified
people.
Here they were from every part of this great land
and from other lands, men and women of deep piety, vic-
tors over self and sin, looking to God alone, and while
they invited the Holy Spirit's rigid heart searching, they
plead to be made more like God in character.
Is it to be wondered at, that at that time, no other
business could be done, that no man of God could preach,
that all song was hushed, that that wise and blessed man,
Dr. Fowler, President of the Assembly, could only throw
H0LINE8S ASSEMBLY.
317
himself upon his knees and give up all direction to the
only master of holy assemblies, the Holy Ghost?
Great leaders forgot all leadership and cried aloud
to God. Men and women of various callings, ministers
and laymen alike, forgot all surroundings, were oblivious
to men and things, while they prostrated themselves before
the divine One.
What men saw and felt and heard by supernatural
sense could never be expressed. Wave after wave of
divine power seemed to pass over the people. Now and
again great shouting and hand clapping prevailed, and
then almost perfect silence, to be followed again by loud
demonstrations of holy joy.
It seemed to this writer that the people generally
who were interested in the promulgation of gospel holi-
ness, and were able to come to this gathering, came ex-
pecting the opening of a new and far more
successful epoch in the ''Holiness Movement." For
this they had prayed at home ; for this they came to Chi-
cago to wrestle in prayer together. Hence, the answer
of the Holy Spirit was to be expected in some super-
natural way. The Assembly felt that God assured it
that His presence and power should attend ithe special
work of holiness as never before.
The holiness people were shown their individual weak-
nesses. They saw that the chief obstacle to mighty ad-
vance lay in themselves. The fearful opposition of a carnal
church, the contempt of worldly people, the voice of de-
traabion and persecution were nothing, when holiness peo-
ple not only taught but always felt and exhibited perfect
love.
They saw that the desire to be leaders and, hence,
the separation into factions, and the mutual critittism of
these leaders and factions, led people to lose the true
318
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
Spirit, and sink the true object in the desire to be great
in leadership. They saw also, that the zeal of many
was not united with deep humility, constant forbearance
and perfect love.
Oh, how the people prayed for that Spirit which would
unite and not divide ! How clearly 'they saw that any in-
dividual or body of individuals who gives way to a harsh,
criticising spirit, in the work of spreading Scriptural holi-
ness, will defeat that object, and themselves sooner or
later will imbibe and teach gross errors.
How easy for weak men to substitute their own ideas
for the teachings of God !
How certain it is that they will do this, when they
give way to desires for personal prominence, rather than
that of living alone to the glory of God! Oh, that all
of God's sanctified people may continually cry to be kept
from a resurrection of self and sin ! Amen and Amen !
Evangelist C. B. Jernigan, Greenville, Tex.: — '*The
thing that most forcibly impressed me at the Holiness As-
sembly was, that the people from the North, South, East
and West, all told ithe same story of their joyous con-
version, then of their awful struggle with the ''old man,"
and of such complete deliverance from his clutches by
the baptism with the Holy Ghost. The testimonies all
had the same ring. I have always preached that entire
sanctification was a complete cure for sectarian narrow-
ness. At the Assembly I met with and heard preachers
of many difYerent denominations, and they all preached,
shouted and sang a full salvation by faith in the all cleans-
ing blood of Jesus as a second experience. Oh, how
I do praise God for such unity as I saw in the Chi-
cago Assembly ! Surely, the prayer of Jesus was answered
in this case, making all one.
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
319
Rev. C. M. Duryea, Holland, Mich. : — The best thing
in the Assembly for me was that it reached beyond my
expectation. All seemed to be of one mind and one spirit,
yet so many different denominations represented.
Rev. J. McD. Kerr, Toronto, Canada : — I entered the
old, historic First Methodist Church, Chicago, in connec-
tion with the Holiness General Assembly on Thursday
morning. I had traveled all night to reach the city, and
was somewhat weary in body. Many were present at the
morning hour of prayer and I went forward and knelt
among them. There was immediately a conscious sense
of the presence of God ; a restfulness, peace and sweet-
ness which seemed to pervade the place. Jesus was in
the midst, and His glorious presence in spiritual fulness
and power continued to the close.
My soul was wonderfully filled as Brother and Sister
Harris sang with much unction, "His way with thee.''
I had long ago given Jesus His way, and now resolved
evermore to let Him have His way with me.
Ift was a great joy to look into the faces of brethren
of whom I had heard and whose writings I had often
read, and to hear the Word from their own lips. Dr.
E. F. Walker's impromptu remarks at the close of that
first service to me, were most inspiring.
"Cease from man, that God may be all in all.
"Let the Holy Ghost have His way, not let me have
my way.
"Don't seek recognition. We used to pray, 'Make
me little and unknown.'
"God teaches, that he that will be least shall be the
greatest.
"May He give us the spirit of meekness and of
fear and of love and of a sound mind."
320
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
Another thing which impressed me was the number
of young ministers connected with this movement.
Steady, sober, zealous, level-headed, young fellows, full
of faith and the Holy Ghost. This augurs well for the
future. The aged men must soon retire. Thank God,
the young men are ready to carry forward the standard.
If you were to ask me which service I enjoyed best, I
think I should have to say, the all night meeting. I
shall never forget those victories at the altar, nor those
soul-on-fire testimonies from the young men on the plat-
form.
My spirit is ready for another campaign. By all
means let us make it an annual affair.
Bro. John Kirn, Owosso, Mich. : "That which inter-
ested me most was seeing so many from different parts oi
the land, manifesting so much interest in the great work
of God and such a tender spirit among ithemselves. I re-
joiced also in hearing the truth regarding the sanctifica-
tion of the soul set forth with such clearness. Surely
when such a fervent spirit is planted through the land,
much good must result. I believe the Kingdom of our
Christ and His work has taken advance steps because
of our coming together. I feel wonderfully strengthened
spiritually since I came home and I believe this is the
result of the Assembly. May God help His people to
live where the unity of the Spirit will prevail, and the
world be compelled to acknowledge how Christians love
one another. Just to the degree that we have the spirit
of the Master, will we love our brethren — though they
may differ from us in many things. God send a mighty
baptism of love upon the holiness people everywhere !
I trust we may see many more Assemblies of the saints
and that our next coming together may be even more
owned of the Holy Ghost than the one just closed."
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
321
Brig. S. L. Brengle, Salvation Army Headquarters,
N. Y. City: "It was only my privilege to attend portions
of two business sessions of the Assembly on the last
Saturday, so that my opportunities for judging of the
character and work of the Assembly would hardly justify
an expression of opinion. I was however deeply and
most favorably impressed by the sweet and earnest spirit
that prevailed in the discussion, and I have no doubt the
influence of the Assembly will be felt far and wide for
good and only good. It has been my frequent privilege
and great joy in my wide wanderings through the States
to meet many of the workers who were then present and
I do not see how it would be possible for such a body
of men and women to spend a week together without
a mighty quickening of the forces that shall surely win
the world for God. Praise the Lord!"
Bro. Jonas Broo-ks, Des Moines, Iowa : "How I praise
the dear Lord for the privilege of attending that great
Holiness Assembly and seeing so many of the dear ones
I love — Brother and Sister Shaw, and my dear Deacon
Morse (that I never expected to see again) and my old
friend Brother Foote and many others. Am so thankful
for the kind entertainment provided and the new acquaint-
ances I was permitted to form and for the blessed, straight
holiness sermons and the rich testimonies and the mighty
faith exercised and the real salvation of so many souls !
Glory to God!''
Bro. A. E. Burlison, Chicago, 111. : "The most blessed
part of the Assembly to my soul was the last Sabbath morn-
ing service as dear Brother McBride from New York told
us in his child-like, simple way of perfect love according
to Matthew 5 48 : 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your
Father which is in heaven is perfect.' When in closing he
described the death-bed scene of the sainted Alfred Cook-
man and told how as he knelt by that bed-side Brother
322
BGHOES OF THE GENERAL
Cookman shouted *I am sweeping through the gates —
washed in the blood of the Lamb/ there were few dry
eyes in that large congregation and when Bro. McBride
gave the call to the altar, many came weeping their
way to Calvary and many, I trust, were there made perfect
in love. Brother Shaw, that day's service paid for all your
labor and sacrifice in behalf of the Assembly."
Evangelist C. W. Ruth, Indianapolis, Ind. : "What
most impressed me at the General Assembly was : First,
the spirit of unity, which was so manifest in all the busi-
ness deliberations and service. Notwithstanding the fact
there were present those who had widely divergent views,
representing a score or more of the different denominations,
and all sections of the country, they all seemed perfectly
agreed to disagree, on non-essential points, and agreed to
disagree in an agreeable manner ; whereas, there was mani-
fest the most delightful fellowship, and the perfect agree-
ment of testimony regarding the experience of entire sanc-
tification. It was in every particular an illustration of the
''oneness" for which Jesus prayed. Second, the gladsome,
hopeful, cheerful, expectant outlook for the work of holi-
ness in the future. No pessimism nor thought of retreat,
but a confident, concentrated, and eager looking forward
to yet greater victories. The inspiration and enthusiasm
for pushing the battle was exceedingly contagious, and
made one feel like running through a troop and leaping
over a wall. Praise God ! The tenderness with which
reference was made to antagonists, (only when it seemed
necessary) the humility and simplicity of our leaders, the
unctious sermons, the glad shouts of victory, the earnest
prayers, ending with the all night of prayer, would all
furnish chapters full of interest, and would fully justify a
trip across the Continent in order to enjoy it all. Amen!
HOimESS ASSEMBLY.
323
Personally, my soul received a great uplift, and boost
heavenward. Glory !"
Wm. Hettinger, Chicago: "I was not able to be
present at the Assembly with the exception of a part of
one service, nevertheless it was made a great blessing
to me through the brother who was sent to my home
for entertainment. He was a minister of the gospel who
had lost the experience of sanctificatioh but who found
it again during the Assembly. His teaching and the con-
versations we had at home were, a means of great bless-
ing and encouragement to me. The love and humility
he manifested made me desire to be like him but O —
even more — to be like Christ !"
Evangelist E. E. Walker, Greencastle, Ind. : "That
which especially impressed me and filled me with gratitude
and thrilled me with joy, next to the fact of the many souls
blessed, in connection with the Holiness General Assem-
bly, was the evident oneness and harmony in the Lord
of the people who composed the gathering. It is not
recognized as it should be that the meeting was delibera-
tive, as well as evangelistic. As a rule, deliberative bodies
of men and women, even when all are connected with
exactly the same organization, do not always see eye to
eye. Frequently in such, there is much disputation and
sometimes divisions in conclusions. This is so, even among
good people engaged in the Lord's work. It was thus
even with that 'son of consolation' and him who 'was
not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles : Barnabas
'determined', and Paul 'thought not good.' 'And the
contention was so sharp between them, that they depared
asunder one from the other.' (Acts 15 : 37-39.)
"But there was little, if any, of this manifested in the
Assembly. Of course there were of necessity differences
of opinion and preferences among so many minds; but
Eenews of tbe emERii^
there was little disputation, and no contention. N©t aw
uncharitable word against any holding to different views
did we hear. Not an unkind reference was giade to any
who could not see their way clear to unite in the meeting.
No contention except against sin."
Bro. F. H. Brookmiller, Pastor Evangelical Church,
Red Oak, Iowa : '*It was my privilege to attend the Gen-
eral Holiness Assembly fifteen years ago. I have been
in the holiness movement for twenty-seven years. When
I saw the call for this last Assembly my heart was glad,
and I felt a strong pull in my soul to go. So I went
in good time to be there at the first service and in the
opening service felt the divine presence and felt sure the
meeting would be a glorious success. O the beautiful
spirit of holiness in the manifestation of brotherly love
when I saw brethren like Brother Morse and others em-
brace each other and give the holy kiss ! It seemed to
me as never before in my life I understood what Paul
meant when he said 'Greet ye one another- with an holy
kiss.' Thank God, there is yet in the world a real primitive
spirit of Bible holiness. O how much it needs to be
conserved and spread throughout the whole world! In
these days of coldness and formality in the churches, how
refreshing to one's spirit to get in a real Holy Ghost
atmosphere like there was in the Assembly ! To me, per-
sonally, the meeting was a real blessing and benediction
such as I have not enjoyed for. years. I know I shall be
a better man because of contact with these holy men and
women, the real elect of God ! I hope the good report
of this Assembly will stir hundreds of others to be present
at the next. O how these gatherings make us long for
the coming of Jesus when in that great holiness assembly
we shall meet to part no more."
Brother Alexander McLean, Brooklyn, N. Y.: "The
HOLIKESS ASSEMBLY,
325
precious memories of the General Holiness Assembly fade
not away as the days pass by, but its love and fire burn
in my soul most blessedly. Praise the Lord ! He would
have us enjoy even a better one in the coming year. Let
us all work and pray for a mightier baptism of the Holy
Ghost then, than at either the first or second of these
great seasons of outpouring. It surely is in the direction
of convincing the world that Jesus is the Messiah !"
Bro. Isaiah Reid, Des Moines, Iowa : ''Having at-
tended the Jacksonville convocation in 1880, and the first
Chicago Assembly fifteen years ago, I have some wide-
ness of the conditions in mind that some others do not.
At Jacksonville the dew of youth was on us. We had not
then met many of the issues that have since confronted
us. The ecclesiasticisms of the day had not then so used
their combined power to oppose the movement. The gen-
eral public were eager to attend our camps and various
meetings. We always had the benefit of large congrega-
tions. We also had the conscious uplifting that the knowl-
edge of general unity and harmony brings the heart. In
a few instances had there been discovered tendencies and
signs of wildfire on the one hand, and church oppression
on the other. At that time our main stress was the formula-
tion of our belief as to the doctrine of holiness and re-
lated teachings, and the status of our teachers. The state-
ment was sound and satisfactory. It helped form the basis
of the first Chicago Assembly and through that reached
our late utterance.
"No one in that assembly had any thought of advocat-
ing the addition of any other issues to the holiness move-
ment save those which had been presented from the camp-
meeting platforms beginning with the days of the Palmers,
and the national movement under the leadership of John
S. Inskip. No one felt called to preach on second-coming
eCBOES OF TEE GESERAl
or call an altar service for bodily healing. Donbtless there
was not a soul there who did not believe in both, but not
one considered these doctrines any more a part of the
holiness work than the matter of w^ater baptism or the
creation of the world. I call attention to this to show that
thcs-c issues have been thrust on the movement as innova-
tions, and that it is not holiness that divides holiness, but
the insistence of making that a part of the movement
which for nearly half a century was never presented as a
part of it.
"The report of the Committee on Teachers, that is
preachers and evangelists, is very important and needed
re-affiming in our late Assembly as we had nothing to take
its place or cover the ground. It had nine special points.
The 6th reads as follows : ''That they should make such
full proof of their ministry that souls be established in
holiness, avoiding the introduction of such themes as
would constitute a permanent diversion of the services,
or essentially change the meeting from its proper object
and work.'
This was evidently a Spirit led or suggested state-
ment and heed to it would have saved us from much that
we have tp confront now. The ground covered by this
report, the reading of a paper of marked pith and point
on 'Current Errors,' by Rev. M. L. Haney, reveal plainly
the fact that the heart of the holiness movement sensed
the trend of coming events in a remarkable manner and
did all that was possible for it to do in planning for the
success and safety of the movement. I make special men-
tion of the work of this convention because it certainly set
the pace for both the assemblies that followed, and was
an actual need of the time, and honestly and fairly met
the issues confronting it. It was the result of the call
B0LJNES8 ASSEMBLY.
32T
©f a committee appointed for that purpose by what was
then called the 'Western Holiness Association/ It pro-
vided for the calling of a similar convention, which if I
remember rightly resulted in the first Chicago Assembly.
Sixteen different denominations were represented and in
this it was the first of its kind.
'*The Assembly of 1901 was like it in its fratemalism,
and like it in sweetness of spirit and holiness unity. Both
are evidence that holiness unites and the addition of some-
thing else divides. We had graver faces at Chicago than
at Jacksonville because face to face with menacing diffi-
culties. The fire of enthusiasm burned but the dew of
youth was sobered by the broader views coming with the
experience of years and the vision of manhood. In the
face of serious complications in the ecclesiastical world;
and at our threshold the factious spirit against which the
Jacksonville Assembly had forewarned us; and conscious
that the old-time holiness movement which we were stand-
ing for was denounced by some who evidently knew not
Joseph, it was a time to be thoughtful and listen for the
Spirit's voice in every move.
''Looking back, we praise God there was no jar, and
no dividing spirit. The unity was blessed. The fellow-
ship was owned of God. The results of our deliberations
shine in the clear light of Spirit-led conference. Th^e ac-
knowledged need of the Assembly is manifest in the pro-
vision made for its successor. The manifest leading of
the common heart of the assembled saints, gathered from
all quarters, and from various branches of the vine, in
practically abiding and continuing on the line of old-time
hoHness is a remarkable proof that God intends that tlie-e
three assemblies shall continue to be one the succes.,or
of the other, maintaining the faith and unity of the s.aints,
and the perpetuation of holiness as a special work. Amen.
So let it be."
328
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
How Chicas:o Pastors and Churches were Helped
by the Assembly.
As has already been mentioned, a very large number
of services were held in various parts of the city by dele-
gates in answer to calls from pastors, Salvation Army
officers. Volunteer officers and Mission workers and the
blessed results of these services greatly added to the fruit-
fulness of the Assembly itself in the salvation of souls.
Numerous verbal reports of glorious results come to us
from many sources and the following words from several
of our city pastors will convey to our readers some knowl-
edge of the blessed work accomplished. Bro. Brushing-
ham's report we have condensed from an article in the
Northwestern Christian Advocate published soon after
the close of the Assembly.
Bro. J. P. Brushingham, Pastor of First M. E.
Church, where the Assembly was held:
"We have been profoundly impressed with the con-
versation, piety and exalted motiv^es of the men and wom-
en who made up the Assembly. A member of our regu-
lar First Church congregation said Sunday night: "This
is old-fashioned religion. I have seen nothing like this
for twenty years." Another said : "This is as it used to be
fifty years ago.'' We are not surprised that some should
stumble over the manifestations of enthusiasm at differ-
ent sessions of the convention. We could see nothing
to contradict the spirit of such Scriptures as : "Where
the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." Surely it is the
same spirit but different manifestations. President Fow-
ler said when he closed a very demonstrative meeting:
'You may not have felt the pressure that is on some hearts
here^, you may not have had upon your heart the burden
that is with some hearts now — it does not necessarily
follow that you are not right with God because you have
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
329
not got it. You are not necessarily out of harmony with
God; don't let the accuser take advantage of you there.
But, if you have not been in sympathy with what you
have witnessed here and look upon it as creature activity,
as human manifestation; if you have been restless in the
presence of this thing you want to look out. Brother, if
you have been betrayed to merely look on, look out. God
does not give us light to play with. He wants us to go
forward with the swing of victory and the tread of a con-
queror.'
The Assembly appointed a committee of seven to ar-
range for a meeting in 1902, when the body may be per-
manently organized. The declaration of principles op-
posed everything that looks hke "conieoutism" forcibly
and radically. The whole letter and spirit of the services
breathed loyalty to the Church. A truly fraternal spirit
was expected and realized. While sectarian and ecclesi-
astical uniformity was lacking, " the unity of the spirit
and the bonds of peace prevailed." And why not? For
emphasis was placed upon love, the very essence of
religion. Not a hasty nor bitter word was spoken through-
out the deliberations. The flush of anger did not mantle
a single cheek during the sharpest discussions, but many
faces shone with a light celestial and a radiance reflecting
the power of an indwelling and abiding Christ. Chris-
tian courtesy and a sanctified common-sense prevailed
throughout. There has been a real spirit of revival with
an undercurrent of earnestness — a deepening of the spir-
itual life. There has been no wild fire, nor fanaticism.
We do not say but that such assemblies are in danger
of what Mr. Wesley called enthusiasm and we call fanati-
cism, because in old age John Wesley's heart cried out for
the sweeping revivals of his earlier years. He pleaded
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
that God might send them without the blemishes, but if
not he would welcome them with the extravagances.
He prayed that they might come any way. It is hard
to reach the heart of a great wicked city where the devil
has meeting places (salogns) and a perpetual revival upon
every street corner. Let us thank God when the city is
stirred, whether by ordinary or extraordinary methods.
It may be truly said that the blessing of God has rested
upon the General Assembly for the Promotion of Holi-
ness. It has proven a Pentecost — a Jerusalem chamber
to many souls. The First Methodist Episcopal Church,
the mother Church of Chicago Methodism, could not but
receive a spiritual uplift from the meeting. Several young
people have been soundly converted and have united upon
probation. The promise of the Father has been realized
and, best of all, may be realized personally and in abiding
presence.
Rev. J. O. Nelson, Pastor Second Swedish M. E.
Church, ''I was exceedingly gratified at the Assembly to
find a spirit of brotherly kindness toward non-professors
of entire sanctification and toward the different denomina-
tions of evangelical Christians — a grace not always found
with professors of this wonderful experience. Brothers
S. B. Shaw^ of this city and W. E. Shepard of California
preached at our church and the impressions made by the
word preached were blessed and reviving."
Rev. A. J. Lofgren, Pastor Oak St. Swedish M. E.
Church, **I wish to say that our church was greatly bene-
fitted by the Assembly. The evangelists who preached
for us were Rev. "SI. L. Haney, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Shaw,
Thos. H. Nelson and wife and Miss Fannie Birdsall. We
enjoved the singing l)y ihe two last named ladies very
much. We also had an evangelist the last Sunday of the
Assembly but do not remember the name.
MOLINESI^ ABeEMBLJ.
331
All the sermons were very strong and to the point and
I, as pastor, and my congregation as a whole, feel very
much obliged to them and to the Assembly for the inter-
est taken in our Swedish Church both during the Assem-
bly and before it convened, during the preparatory serv-
ices."
Bro. J. H. Ailing: "In a busy pastorate I found
some time to attend the recent Assembly of work-
ers interested in the higher Christian life and experience,
held at the Clark St. M. E. church, and experienced a
rich blessing. In forty-two consecutive years in the Chris-
tian ministry I have never been more pleased with the
wise conduct, sweet spirit and evident endowment of the
Holy Ghost which these gatherings constantly exhibited.
A great work was accomplished for God's Kingdom — and
as a pastor of one of the Chicago churches, I can testify
the meeting had blessed and what promises to be lasting
results among my membership. And this was largely
contributed to by a sermon of great argumentative power
preached in the demonstration of the Spirit by Bro. T.
K. Doty of Cleveland, Ohio, in my pulpit. My sincere
impression is that Chicago Christians, and Methodists in
particular, owe a deep debt of gratitude to the chief pro-
moters of this great convention, Brother and Sister S.
B. Shaw."
Bro. D. B. Fay, Pastor Second Free Methodist
Church, Chicago : "Mysoulwasfedmanytimes while attend-
ing the Assembly and very favorably impressed with the
general agreement of the Convention to plain Bible holi-
ness. I am free to say that my soul has not been stirred
in years as it was upon that famous Wednesday morning
when the awful pov;er of God came down shaking mightily
the whole place. The Lord give us more of the same
kind."
962
ECHOES OF TEE GENERAL
Bro. J. D. Marsh, Pastor F. M. Church, Chicago:
"The church of which I am pastor was greatly benefited
during the Assembly by the ministry of' the Word by three
different members of that gathering who preached to us in
power. We were also helped much by being in attendance
at the Assembly."
Bro. G. D. Cleworth, Pastor Wabash Ave. M. E.
Church, Chicago: The Wabash Av. M. E. Church (The
Open Church) in two ways received much benefit from the
Assembly: i. Our people attended the Assembly serv-
ices and several of them received there the blessing of
perfect love. 2. We had a preacher from the Assembly
every evening and kept our own doors open as usual.
Brothers Jernigan and De Jernette of Texas, B. S. Taylor
of Towa, and G. W. Ridout of New Jersey, gave us red
hot holiness sermons under which others of our people
came into the light. Bro. Hughes preached Sunday morn-
ing May 5, and Bro. Haney May 12, splendid sermons
that bore immediate fruit in earnest souls at the altar
seeking the fire. The flame has burned right on. May
26th B. S. Taylor came for a two weeks' campaign and
the fight is on at this writing June 7. Souls are being
saved and sanctified every evening. Personally the Assem-
bly was a feast of fat things to my soul. - Many of the
sermons were masterpieces — clear, definite, convincing,
powerful. The result of the Assembly in Chicago will not
be told to-morrow nor the day after, but will be seen in
the life of the church for months and years to come. Amen,
Hallelujah !"
The Assembly closed in a flame of revival and after
its close quite a number of those who came to attend the
Assembly remained for some time in the city and assisted
m revival work. In addition to work in city missions at
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
353
least five special revival services were conducted by As-
sembly workers with blessed and lasting results.
Sister Jennie Smith, of Washington, D. C., the rail-
road evangelist, conducted services daily for some time
at Williard Hall assisted by others who remained after
the close of the Assembly. The services were largely
attended, numbers were saved and many helped.
Bro. T. H, Agnew of Virginia, 111., tarried and held
very succesful services at West Side Pentecostal Mission.
Souls found victory at every service.
Rev. W. E. Shepard and wife and several other work-
ers assisted S. B. Shaw and wife at a tent meeting in Irv-
ing Park at which souls were saved and sanctified.
Sister R. L. Wortheim of Denver, Colorado and
Brother and Sister B. S. Morris of Derby, Iowa and others
assisted Brother and Sister A. Jacobs in a tent meeting
on the South Side and Bro. B. S. Taylor's successful work
at Wabash Ave. M. E. church has already been mentioned
by Bro. Cleworth.
Thus the General Holiness Assembly of 1901 and its
immediate results passed into history. It was a glorious
victory that more than repaid for all it cost in time and
money and self-denying effort and left those who attend-
ed it eagerly looking forward to another such gathering
of the holiness people in the coming Assembly of 1902, of
which we trust definite announcements will soon be made
by the Committee of Arrangement. In the meantime let
constant prayer be made for the Committee and for the
coming Assembly and for such an outpouring of the Holy
Spirit upon workers and people as shall speedily result
in the great wave of revival victory over our land for which
so many are already laboring and praying. And for what
334
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
has been done and for what shall still be done to God the
Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost be
honor and praise both now and throughout eternity.
Amen and Amen.
SOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
335
Weeping and Crying to God.
S. B. SHAW.
No language can describe the awful curse of sin. The
human mind is unable to realize the terrible penalty that
IS visited upon this earth because of man's disobedience, ro
say nothing of the eternal punishment of the wicked.
Well may this world be called a "vale of tears." From
the fall of Adam, humanity has been born weeping and
crying; for we are shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin
(Psa. 51: 5); and the inevitable consequences of sin are
disease and suffering and agony and death. From the be-
ginning, "the wrath of God has been revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men ;" and
in justice He has declared, "Whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap." In all ages of the world in spite of
God's offers of mercy, multitudes have sown to the wind
and have reaped the whirlwind, and millions are doing
it to-day. No ear but the ear of God can hear, no eye but
the eye of God can see, no heart but the heart of God can
comprehend, the pain and agony and wretchedness of deso-
late souls whose lives are to-day blasted by sin.
Nor is. this all. While we write, millions of moral and
physical wrecks are floating down the river of death to
suffering greater than they have ever known, or ever can
be known in this life. Ten thousand times ten thousand
more of broken-hearted sinners, whose lives have been
blasted by the drunkard, the harlot, the outcast who are fill-
ing the poorhouse, the jail, the prison, and the insane asy-
lum, are getting ready for a rapid march to the lake of fire :
and millions of unborn infants will take their place and
follow in their steps in the near future. And their names
are legion who are bewailing the wrath of God as revealed
by the pestilence, by the famine, by the flood, by the earth-
336
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
quake, by the cyclone, and the tornado, and by the many
wars, where humanity is butchered until rivers of blood
are flowing from the field of battle, and the cries of the
wounded and dying rend the very heavens.
And is all this suflfering a merely arbitrary, penalty
inflicted by an angry G(?d for disobedience to arbitrary
law? Nay, verily. All this woe, all this misery, all wretch-
edness of body and mind, is the inevitable consequence of
the violation of the holy laws of a holy God, so inevitable
that God himself could provide no way of deliverance from
the power and curse of sin only through sacrifice — sacri-
fice so great that the angels of God look on with wonder
and amazement, sacrifice that nothing short of infinite love
would ever have made.
It was the knowledge of the awful and eternal conse-
sequences of sin that moved the heart of God with such in-
finite pity that He was willing to sacrifice the brightest
jewel of Heaven, ev?n His only begotten son, the lamb
of God slain from the foundation of the world, whose suf-
ferings began when sin entered into the world and will
endure until sin is swept from the face of the earth, in order
that we might escape the awful suffering that sin brings
both in time and eternity.
Two things moved the heart of Christ to offer Him-
self the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.
First, our terrible need ; second, the eternal joy that would
come through His atonement to us and to Him, Who *'for
the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despis-
ing the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the
throne of God." He prevailed for us through suffering,
for'Mn the days of His flesh when He had offered up prayer
and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto Him
that was able to save Him from death," He "was heard in
that He feared." "Though He were a son, yet learned He
B0LINE88 ASSEMBLY.
337
obedience by the things which He suffered. And being
made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation
unto all them that obey Him." See Heb. 5 : 7-9.
And God's plan of redemption involves not only the
suffering of Christ but suffering on the part of all those
who would partake of His work and His reward. Jesus
said to His disciples who would share His honor, Can ye
drink of the cup that I drink of and be baptized with the
baptism that I am baptized with? (Mark 10: 38.)
Christ in infinite compassion bore upon His heart the
weight of a world's sin and gave His Hfe for its salvation ;
and it is only as we share in His spirit of compassion and
sacrifice and intercession, that God can use us to help in
accomplishing His work. The soul that has power to pre-
vail with God, is the soul that has been quickened by the
Spirit to see and to feel the world's need. We must see
something of the suffering and desolation that God sees,
and hear something of the wail of agony that God hears,
and feel something of the compassion that God feels, and
bear something of the awful burden of soul that Christ
endured, if we would mightily prevail in behalf of a lost
world. We too must drink of His cup and be baptized
with His baptism, if we would be able to bring joy and
peace and healing and blessing to hearts here, and share
His eternal joy over souls redeemed. The multitudes that
are weeping and crying because of sin and sorrow, are like
the sands of the sea shore, innumerable ; but oh, how few
know how ito pray ! How few are crying to God with a
pure heart! And if we regard iniquity in our hearts, the
Lord will not hear us. (See Psalm 66: 18.)
We tell of the faith of God's servants who have might-
ily prevailed, but we perhaps have failed to notice the rec-
ord of their crying to God in agony of spirit.
"Crying" is a stronger term and includes more than
338
ECHOES OF THE CESERAL
shedding tears. It is weeping aloud and giving away to
grief or pain with a loud voice. Sometimes the grief
is so great that the mourning and lamentation may
only be expressed by screaming, and sometimes the men-
tal agony is unspeakable. The saints of God as mentioned
in both the Old Testament and the New, have had such
revelations of the wrath of a holy God against the work-
ers of iniquity that no words or language could express
their feelings, and their unearthly groans and cries, inex-
pressed in human language, have prevailed with God.
When the people of God were in Egyptian bondage,
their burdens were greater than they could bear. We read,
''The children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage;
and they cried, and their cry came up unto God, by rea-
son of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and
God remembered his covenant with x-Vbraham, with Isaac,
and Jacob." It was their groans and their cries that came
from their heart of hearts, with an unearthly desire for
divine help, that reached the ear and heart of God, and
how quickly He came to the rescue !
Many years ago, we heard Bishop Bowman illustrate
the cry of a burdened soul as follows : "Let us imagine we
see a child on the floor crying for its mother. The mother
goes on with her work seeming to pay no attention. Her
heart is touched, she hears the cry, but she is not suffici-
ently moved to leave her work and take the child. The
child continues to cry, but the mother seems to pay no
attention. While the child is thus crying, it beholds with
awful fright and horror, a serpent with open mouth crawl-
ing nearer and nearer. Terrified at the sight, the child
utters an unearthly scream. The mother is shocked, her
heart is pierced, she hears the cry that comes from the
child's inmost soul, and she grasps the child from the
jaws of the serpent. So God hears and answers the cry
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
339
that comes from the soul who reaHzes its desperate need/'
The IsraeHtes had been crying for many years, but
they had not cried with all their hearts. It was their united,
unearthly cry that brought the reformation through Mos-
es. It was the unearthly cry of Moses' heart that brought
him into favor with God and gave him such marvelous
power with Him and influence with the people.
Moses so loved Israel that in the prime of his man-
hood, seeing them bound and oppressed and down-trod-
den, he had chosen rather to suffer affliction with them
than to enjoy all the wealth and ease and honor of the
Egyptian court. (See Heb. ii : 25-27). We have wondered
at his faith and meekness and power ; but have we realized
that that same faith, meekness and power were born of the
agony of soul in which he cried out to God when over and
over again .that people whom he loved dearer than his
own life, turned against him and against God and seemed
bent upon their own destruction? Notice how God tells
us of the crying that brought deliverance.
When the Israelites came to the Red Sea, they saw
no way of escape. The army of Pharaoh was in the rear,
the mountains on either side, and the Red Sea before them.
''And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel
lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched
after them ; and thev were sore afraid : and the children of
Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses,
Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken
us away to die in the wilderness ? wherefore hast thou dealt
thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this
the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying Let us
alone, that we may serve the Egyptians ? For it had been
better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should
die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people,
Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,
340
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
which he will show you to-day : for the Egyptians whom
ye have seen to-day ye shall see them again no more for-
ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your
peace. And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest
thou unto me ? speak unto the children of Israel, that they
go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thy
hand over the sea, and divide it : and the children of Israel
shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea."
So, in his desperate need, Moses prevailed with God
and brought deliverance to Israel in spite of the moun-
tains on either side and the Red Sea in front; in spite of
Pharaoh's army; in spite of the unbelief and murmurings
of the people, with both friends and foes turned against
him, and with no one but God to stand by him. What a
rebuke to the unbelief of would-be soul-winners that are
discouraged by unfavorable circumstances apd look at
difficulties instead of looking to God alone !
Again, after the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea
and pitched their tents at Marah, they found they could not
drink the water, for it was bitter; and again "the people
murmured against Moses, saying: What shall we drink?
And he cried unto the Lord and the Lord showed him a
tree, which, when he had cust it into the water, the waters
were made sweet."
After that they journeyed from the Wilderness of Sin
and camped in Rephidim. There was no water in the place,
and the people were dying with thirst. Again "Moses cried
unto the Lord, saying. What shall I do unto this people?
They be almost ready to stone me. And the Lord said
unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee
of the elders of Israel : and thy rod, wherewith thou smot-
est the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will
sitand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb ; and thou
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
341
shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it,
that the people may drink."
Again, when the people, forgetting all that God had
done, went into open idolatry and made them gods to take
them back into Egypt, we are told how it was only after
forty days of fasting and wrestling with God that Moses
was granted the life of Israel. Why was this — because
God was less gracious or less forgiving than man? Not
that, but because, much as he loved them that forty days
of prayer and burden and agony were necessary to fit
Moses to bear with that rebellious people during forty
years of wandering.
At another time, when Miriam and Aaron found fault
with Moses because of his Ethiopian wife and were guilty
of sedition, for which Miriam was smitten with leprosy, we
read how **Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her
now, O, Lord, I beseech thee." And God heard his cry.
(See Num. 12 : 14.)
Nearly half a century after the death of Moses, in the
time of the Judges, "when the children of Israel cried unto
the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer who delivered
them, Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger broth-
er." (Judges 3 : 9.)
Again about a hundred years later, "the children of
Israel cried unto the Lord" and He raised up the prophets,
Deborah and Barak and delivered them from Jabin and
Sisera. (See Judges 4: 3-17.)
Still fifty years later, "Israel was greatly impoverished
because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried
unto the Lord," and "When Israel cried unto the Lord be-
cause of the Midianites" God sent an angel with a message
to Gideon who delivered the people of God from their ene-
mies.
EGBOE^ OF TEE GENERAL
Another hundred years passed and Israel was op-
pressed by the PhiHstines ; and God raised up Samuel.
"And Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel and the Lord
heard him." "So the Philistines were subdued, and they
came no more into the coasts of Israel ; and the hand of the
Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel."
(See I Sam. 7 : 8-1^.)
Two hundred and thirty years later. Elijah cried unto
the Lord, and there was no rain on the earth for three
years. He cried again, and the Lord sent rain. During
the famine he was fed by ravens, and later by a poor widow
woman whose cruse of oil and barrel of meal were kept
from failing by a special miracle in answer to the cry of Eli-
jah. Before he left, the widow woman's son died. Elijah
cried to God and the son was raised to life again. We
read in James 5 : 16, 17, that Elijah was a man of like pas-
sions as we are, and so were Closes and all the Old Testa-
ment saints ; but their prayers prevailed with God and so
may ours.
A few years a;\er the death of Elijah, ''Asa cried unto
the Lord his God and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee
to help whether with many, or with them that have no
power : help us O Lord our God ; for we rest on thee,
and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord,
thou art our God ; Let not man prevail against thee. So
the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before
Judah; and the Ethiopians fled." (See 2 Chron. 14: 11,
12.)
King David spent much of his time crying to God.
The records of his crying are marvelous. They convey to
the people of all ages sublime lessons. He tells us : "The
eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are
open unto their cry." (Psa. 34: 15.) His prayer was;
HOLINESS ASSEMBLY.
343
"Hear the voice of my supplication, when I cry unto thee,"
(Psa. 28 : 2) and his testimony, ''When I cry unto thee, then
shall mine enemies turn back : this I know ; for God is for
me." (Psa. 56:9.)
Three hundred and fifty years later, we find the weep-
ing prophet, Jeremiah, crying: "Oh that my head were
waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might
T^ep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my
people !"
While Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, was crying, his
contemporary, Joel, was calling: "Blow the trumpet in
Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; gather the
people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders,
gather the children, and those that suck the breasts : let the
bridegroom go forth out his chamber, and the bride out
of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord,
weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say,
Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to
reproach, that the heathen should rule over them ; where-
fore should they say among the people, Where is their
God? Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity
his people." May God help us to follow the example of
Joel, and may every minister of the Lord, weep between
the porch and the altar.
By the revelation of the Holy Ghost, Ezekiel pictures
the sure and terrible judgments of God against all those
who fail to sigh and to cry because of the abominations
that are committed in Lsrael. In Ezekiel, ninth chapter,
we read that God said to His servant, clothed with linen,
which had the writers inkhorn by his side, "Go through
the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads
of the men that sigli and cry for all the abominations that
be done in the midst thereof." Then the prophet adds :
"And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after
344
ECHOES OF THE GENERAL
him through the city and smite : let not your eyes spare,
neither have ye pity : slay utterly old and young, both maid,
and little children and women : but come not near any man
upon whom is the mark ; and begin at my sanctuary."
God's judgments begin at His sanctuary. Then what of
thait minister that is at ease in Zion? What of those pro-
fessors of holiness that are careless about souls? What
of any that claim redemption through the sacrifice ot
Christ — yet fail to take to heart the terrible need of the
unsaved all about them? How are any of us to escape if
we have not the mark on our foreheads?
Ten days the disciples tarried in an upper room, plead-
ing for the promise of the Father. That was no mere for-
mal prayer. Their Lord had been taken from them ; and
with broken, pleading hearts they plead for the coming of
the Comforter. When every other desire was lost in this,
He came, and their sorrow was turned into joy, and that
same day three thousand more had joined their song of
redemption from the power of sin.
Paul, the chief of the apostles told, in few words,
the secret of his power when .he wrote to the elders at
Ephesus : "Remember, that by the space of three years I
ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears."
In our own evangelistic work of over twenty years we
have never seen any great revivals until our own soul was
melted before the Lord and we plead with Him with strong
crying and tears for the desolation of ^ion and the salva-
tion of the lost. W^ho has not read of John Knox's
agony of prayer when he cried out, "Give me Scotland or
I die," and of John Wesley's days and nights of weeping
and fasting and prayer ? And it was after some mem-
bers of his congregation had spent a whole night in prayer
that Jonathan Edwards preached that wonderful sermon,
S0LINE&8 ASSEMBLY.
245
"Sinners in the hands ©f an angry God," that has re-
sulted in the salvation of thousands of souls.
Such is the experience of the saints of God in all ages.
May God help us to follow their example and grant to us
such a spirit ef intercession that we may go on our faces
and weep and pray until we prevail with God and with man.
And may God so possess and control our emotional na-
tures that all our tears and groans may be the fruit of the
Holy Spirit making intercession for us with groanings that
cannot be uttered. (See Rom. 8 :26.) The Lord grant it.
Amen !
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that
goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall
doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves
with him. — 'Psalm 126:5, 6.
Chicago, 111.
Failing to receive two of the sermons we had expected to pub-
lish, we have several pages of space unoccupied in the making up of
forms. Believing that the great need of the holiness work is persistent
and united and prevailing prayer we have decided to insert an arti-
cle of_ our own which emphasizes this thought already touched
upon in our introduction and in our exhortation already published
— with a prayer that by its reading hearts may be stirred up to learn
the secret of prevailing with God. S. B. S.
OD's Financial Plan
OR
Temporal Prosperity
THE RESULT OF
Faithful stewardship.
By Rev. S. B. SHAW,
AUTHOB OF
'•TOUCHING INCIDENTS, AND
REMAKKABLE ANWSERS TO PRAYER."
"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thlP.c
Increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty." Prov, 3 : 9, 10.
"He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and ha whlct
scweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.' 2 Cor. 9 : 6.
TO AGENTS;
This book has over 3U0 pages, 5x8 inches, substan-
tially bound in paper, price 35 cents. In cloth covers,
sewed, price $1.00. Write for terms to agents and for
special price for books to give away. Pastors and
others who want books in quantities can have them at
reduced prices.
S. B. SHAW, 275 Madison St., Chicago, 111.
A Timely Book.
Review Notices from Leading Religious Periodicals .
concerning GOD'S FINANCIAL. PLAN or Tem-
poral Prosperity the Result of Faithful Stew-
ardship.
The Independent: "This is a better book than 'Coin's Financial
School'— better for bankers, traders, farmers, working people, and every
one who cares to prosper in this world. It is based on solid principles; it
has the whole history of the world back of it, the Bible under it, and is sup-
ported by examples and instances of which the author gives us a few in the
volume named above. The doctrine of the book is nothing more nor less
than the doctrine of the Bible, illustrated in the history of men in this world
and enforced by It. Mr. Shaw's previous volume, 'Touching Incidents and
Remarkable Answers to Prayer,' reached a sale of some 350,000 copies. This
book deserves as great a success. It is a capital antidote to the gross and
popular commercialism of the times."
The Herald and Presbyter: "The writer of this book, seeing the
haphazard methods employed in the church for replenishing the treas-
ury, or, rather, not keeping it replenished, was led to realize that God had
a system in his Word for this part of the work, so he has made a simple
exposition of God's plan for systematic and proportionate giving, and in this
little volume urges Christians everywhere to adopt God's own methods, so
that His treasury may be filled, and kept filled."
The Revivalist: "A running perusal of 'God's Financial Plan' by Rev.
S. B. Shaw, convinces me that it is a radiant sun-burst on the subject. It
will prove a spiritual and temporal blessing to all who will walk in its
light. Pastors and official boards should read it, and it should be sown
broadcast among believers. It is written in a taking style which the
common people will gladly hear. I believe it is the best book I ever saw
on the subject."
Michigan Christian Advocate: "It is a strong plea for the consecration
by Christians of their substance to the Lord and the practice of
systematic giving. Many incidents are given as incentives to a course of
fidelity and trustfulness."
The Christian Messeng^er: "The name of the author is a suffi-
cient guarantee to the worth of this book. The main object is to show that
God does, as of old, bless with material prosperity those who meet the con-
ditions of tithing and freewill offerings, as taught in the Sacred Scriptures.
The book we are sure will prove a great help to all classes of Christian
people who are passing through financial trial."
The Evangelical Messenger: "A useful and practical discussion
of the important subject of Christian benevolence. There is need of
teaching on this line. The conscience of many Christians is asleep, and
their judgment woefully deficient. The era of universal Scriptural benevo-
lence would hasten the millenium more than any other one thing we can
think of. Mr. Shaw's book will do good wherever circulated."
The Religious Telescope: "The book is the outgrowth of over
twenty years' experience as an evangelist. It is a forcible plea in favor of
God's plan for raising money for the support of His church, as against
modern devices, such as fairs, festivals, quilts, chain letters, socials, etc.
It will well repay a careful reading, and will be of special value to pastors
and church workers."
The Christian Herald: "This excellent little volume is worthy
wide circulation and careful reading as an important and valuable
contribution to the literature of a great subject, upon which there is a wide
diversity of thought and belief, and in which a larger and deeper interest
should be taken by Christians regardless of denominational lines."
The Christian Union Herald: "One thing in this author's presentation
of the subject which I specially admire is that it urges, systematic giving,
not ia a legal, but in an evangelical spirit."
xne MorniAg Star: <*A book written with &n earnest pvpotie luter
mttch reading and research. The author shows God's plan nom Paradise
down to the present time, and he finds that God has always required s part
of man's Income for the support of His church. He proceeds to show wnat
was required of the Jews, tlie temporal prosperity given to the faithful,
obedient Israelite, the prophecies concerning the liberality of the New
Testament church. He considers the question whether Christians should
tithe their income and give systematically, and some of the advantages of
systematic giving to the cause of God. He further considers the temporal
prosperity promised to the obedient, and contrasts the temporal prosperity
of the righteous and the wicked, and closes with the inconsistent excuses
among professing Christians for not paying more to God's cause.
The Evangelical Review: " 'God's Financial Plan' as unfolded in the
Word, and in this hook, will show how well He has provided for the finan-
cial interests of His church. The tone of the book is earnest, thorough,
■nspiring, candid, fervent, and its publication wise, timely, and eminently
Jtting to existing conditions. It is a helper, a teacher, a doubt-remover, a
faith provoker, unto much good work that hitherto has not been under-
taken in Jesus' name, that should and must be done for the glory of God In
the salvation of men."
The Cumberland Presbyterian: "This is unquestionably one of the
ablest and most convincing arguments for systematic and proportionate
giving we have ever examined. It is othodox from preface to finale, and
supported by so many authentic examples as to extort acquiescence, almost,
from an unwilling mind. It covers practically every phase of the subject
and brings together a wealth of illustrations and exemplifications. We
commend it without reservation to all of our readers as worthy their
perusal."
The Evangel: "No question of more pressing Importance confronts
Christian people at the present hour, than this of financial obligation to
God. This book, by Evangelist Shaw, aims to point out the defect and
suggest the remedy. The author lays the foundation of his work in Script-
ure, tracing the plan of God for the support of His cause through the Old
and New Testaments."
The Pauline Advocate: "The author furnishes a fine Illustration of
the principles inculcated. While in comparative poverty he honored God
by giving as liberally as his means would allow and God has wonderfully
prospered him. It fills an important place in Christian literature, and solves
a problem that has perplexed the minds of many good men."
Christian Neighbor: "The 'Plan' is amplified throughout the book (287
pages) in the light of the teachings of the Old Testament and the New. The
author, in getting up this book, has 'quoted freely from many prominent
works and leading writers of various denominations.* A partial examina-
tion of the book impresses us favorably."
Golden Censer: "The author makes an earnest plea for systematic and
liberal contributions to the support of religious work. His own experience
has assured him that not only spiritual blessing, but temporal prosperity
will be the reward of those who honor the Lord with their substance accord-
ing to the Bible standard."
The Pentecostal Herald: "There has been a lamentable lack of light
and teaching among Christians on the management of finances, which this
book will fill. It is the most thorough and sensible, and at the same time
scriptural treatise on this important subject that it has ever been our
privilege to cxr.mine."
The Christian World: "The author is well qualified for expressing hLs
opinicn, ac he has for twenty years made this subject a study. He shows
from history how closely God is connected with temporal prosperity, and
gives couvincin-T evidence that God does bless the righteous in his day."
Heralf. of Truth: "A new book, full of facts, instruction and advice,
supporter by evidences of God's dealings with His people at all times. Ex-
trem ly fascinating reading, sound, logical and Instructive."
Thr Christian Harvester: 'A needful and a precious subject; a well-
handled subject; a kindly Illuminator of conscience and consecration; a
book to read, and to lend."
Way oi Faith: 'We rejoice in the publication of this book, and beUere
that it will aid many iu a correct settlement of the privilege and datj oC
liberal glylng."
DYING TESTIMONIES
OP
SAVED AND UNSAVED.
A harvest for agents in selling this heart- thrilling
and wonderful book. The book is uniform in size and
appearance with Touching Incidents and Remarkable
Answers to Prayer, which has had a sale of OVER A
QUARTER MILLION in four years. This book will
have a larger sale. It contains the most wonderful
death-bed experiences of the saved and unsaved that
can be found. No religious boolt will sell faster
or do more good.
Rev. E. Davles, author of The Contrast Between Infidelity and Christianitu
and other works: *"Fhe Christian world is greatly indebted to Rev. S. B.
Shaw for writing and publishing that most excellent book. Dying Testi-
HOMIES OP Saved ahd Unsaved. It is the most complete work of this sort
that I know of, and is of infinite value as a warning to the wicked and as
an elixir of life to the saints. Ministers and Christian workers should have
It on their tables for constant reference. A million copies of it would be a
benediction to this generation. Many who think God is all mercy will find
that God Is infinitely and inexorably just by reading this book. Hell and
heaven begin here, and this book is a constant testimony to one and all.
Get the book and circulate it far and wide. It is a feast to the soul.
The Free Baptist: **A compilation of several hundred authentic ac-
counts of the death-bed utterances of saints and sinners. On the one hand
it is full of comfort and assurance to the righteous, and on the other of
foreboding to the wicked. As people approach the confines of this life and
the end of their probation, they place a truer valuation on the comparative
worth of things temporal and eternal. They often have a foretaste of
future blessedness or pain. To the frivolous this book will be sobering, to
the sinful convicting and to the saint assuring."
The experiences are indescribable. It is hard to
picture the awful contrast between the last words and
actions of dying saints and sinners as given in this
book. We think it the most complete work ever pub-
lished on this subject. Everybody will read it.
Paper, price 35 cents, postpaid*
Cloth, price $1.00, postpaid*
Write at once for terms to aigeats*
TOUCHING Incidents
AND
REMARKABLE ANSWERS TO PRAYER.
Some books are for preachers, some for merchants,
some for tradesmen. Some are for temperance people,
some are for Christians and some are for the unsaved.
Of those that are for Christians, some are for one de-
nomination and some for another, but
Tizis Book: is for You!
and a religious book at that.
Words cannot tell the good that is being done by
the circulation of these books. Even the unconverted
eagerly read them through from beginning to end. To
this end we have many testimonies. These books will
bring sunshine and blessing into every home they enter.
Very few can read them without weeping.
During the four years these books have been circu-
lated over
A Quarter ^ Million
have been sold or given away.
Paper Binding, price 35 cents.
Cloth Binding, price $1.00.
Furnished to agents in lots of six or more at a
time, half price. Now is the time to begin the canvass.
Send in your orders at once.
0^ We al90 have a children's edition, illustrated with 42 cuts. Price
board covers, 35 cents; cloth, 60 cents.
A Fine Group For
Framing.
We have just published a Fine Group for Framing
of half-tones of 60 of the leaders of the Modern Holiness
Movement, 20x24 inches, on heavy half-tone paper, which
should be rapidly placed upon the walls of thousands of
homes of holiness people.
Christian people should honor, and in every possi-
ble way, teach their children to honor, those whom God
honors • The pictures upon our walls and the books
upon our tables and in our homes should tell for God .
The world will honor its own . Let the children of
light be as wise in their generation as the children of
darkness .
Price of group, without frame, postpaid,
25 cents.
Price put up in beautiful 3 inch solid oak
frame with gold glass, $1.50.
Great inducements to Agents . Write at once for terms.
S. B. SHAW, Publisher,
279 Madison St., Chicago, III.
FOE GOOD iOLIlSS SCHOOLS
Are you lookins: for a gfood school to send yotir
children where they will be under good Chris-
influence ? If so^ we would like to recommend
the four following: schools named below :
6REENVILLE COUEfiE, •"»*JS,
Texas Boliness University.
TAYLOR UNIVERSITY, «™
ASBURY COLlEeE,''"^';'?^,
The majority of the unconverted students that at-
tend these schools are converted before they leave. We
have a son in each of the first three named and know
them to be first class schools. Write for catalogues
and pray for the prosperity of each school •
There are a number of Holiness Schools in differ-
ent parts of the country, but none that are any better
than the four we mention .