REMINISCENCES PCa Ona S CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ANNA ALLEN WRIGHT LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND Cornell University Libra BX 8495.H97A3 The narrow way :experience illustrated : THE NARROW WAY, Experience Hlustrated. REMINISCENCES SUB-PASTORAL WORK BY JAMES H. HUTCHINS, CLASS-LEADER, ILION, N. Y. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY REV. DWIGHT WILLIAMS, CAZENOVIA, N. Y. UTIOA, N. Y. T. J, GRIFFITHS, PRINTER, EXCHANGE BUILDINGS, 1891. i, Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1891, By JAMES H HUTCHINS, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, INDEX. Page. Class-meeting—large attendance...... 00... eee cece eee eens 27 Letter from a young convert.......... ...... leas haiti wees 29 A young man saved in answer to prayer. ..........0....eceeeees 33 Revival work, West Schuyler, N. Y........... ndegcha emia eieity cadets 36 Revival work, Mohawk, N. Y.......... peecadenee ee 47 St. Lawrence and return. 2.2.0.0... eee eee eee eens 15 Harvey Brown won through personal work and the Holy Spirit.. 95 Tent meeting, John street.... 1. ........... Mie eeaw ae MameeiD 104 * Bliphalet Remington.........0.00ccsceee seeeceaceteeeesenes ened 188 Philo: Remington ..2coscccoissriecs wewnrssinaddewe see acaeewaa 190 Samuel Remingtoniisecs os escuxe eivdanindddenade were waess 191 Cut of Armory.......... (Per Mwaviemdia Gein eiereweess ae 192 The highest mound in Cemetery, the monument shows plain in cut, there are four generations of Remingtons.............- 192 Class Leaders’ Convention, Utica, N. Y..........-+.+.55 vases es 200 Five hours delay at the Railroad Station..................05005 234 Revival services, St. Johnsville, N. Y...........0 0.0 e eee eee 236 St. Jolinsville parsonage.... ........... .. rece renner 264 Letter from E. G. Newman, Cor. Sec’y Oswego Lay Evangelists... 268 Mrs. Maggie Van Cott, Evanvelist, in Utica, N. Y............... 289 Reception of Rev. G. M. Mead and Presiding Elder Shepherd in CHUGH: Parl OPE pds sncsrecmerictannedadaidas Madunbdamanmenneaes 335 CONSECPAON Cardi .ccoos. sericnatsweananaanmesnrrcrun cease 340 P. A. Burdick, Gospel Temperance work.............-++++++++5 345 Letters trom Fannie A. Russell on higher life hid with Christ in God, to Julia E. Sackett.......... 0... sp Siena Data aaee 383 394 Drive over the hills to Devereux and back ...... ...0...-.00005 ty inbEx. . \ Class Leaders’ Convention, Oswego, NN. Viancwttioiensecencs e408 ‘ Convention, Class Leaders’, Herkimer, N. Y.............+--00+5 411 Sabbath School Convention, Jordanville, N. Y...... aubisca ionacene eS 415 Union Class-meeting.............. Mirawauhexael Pudi And ier meee 419 Consecration Meeting, Sister Tefft’s...... sane gait siaaubsaycnebapaytanseersecuees 421 Trip to Harlville, N. Vo... 6c cece cence tenet ee ee ees 423 Experience at Adams, NY eaten Gann gn eeuemee ocean 426 Morristown Camp Meeting............ seiialansond muse aienee teat 434 Hast Hamilton, N. Y............. 0c cece eee ees oe sae ees 443 ~ Class Leaders’ Convention, ROm6;, No Viosics jessie Sie o's ci teaeeees 448 Sabbath School Convention, Richfield Springs.................. 454 Gali, George W. Balin. ....06siss cdawncuneernnnsatanney sexes 464 Coasting On: Wiest Hillis)... vs.ac ose. awemeaeenies we cee eee 471 Concert in the Church—Swift Brothers................00 cee eee 477 Misses Barker and Anderson, Evangelists...... : seunxe pea barews 482 Description Jerry McAuley’s Mission, New York...... ....... .. 498 Trenton Camp-ground....-..........0e.eee cee epee RNS 499 Essay given by the writer at the Class Leaders’ Convention, Sy- wious6: Ni Visi. ceccarexyrteieAve daetdeassnateuieecies be 512 INTRODUCTION. The literature of the church necessarily embraces many subordinate fields. It reaches to the highest walks of theological research and discussion, it takes in all doctrinal statement and teaching, it a' ounds with history, and its biographical department has a wide compass. The church provides for the intellec- tual demands of.the learned, but it has equal resoarces to meet the multitudes of her sons and daughters who can only give their largest attention to that class of reading which practically concerns the growth of the religious life and offers studies that will give a broader basis for usefulness and Christian activity. We have text-books for the recitation room of the theological seminary, for the minister’s study, for the Sunday school parliament, for teachers’ classes, for Bible read- ers and for class-leaders’ use, who takes the over- sight of a small flock of believers and applies himself to the best methods of leading them in duty and holi- ness. We have authors in the ministry, and authors in the laity. Whoever so writes as to enrich the mind and benefit the heart does a work that gives lasting reward. This volume is the result of a laborious and patient mission in the church of a layman who in a humble and loving way has been the instrument of untold 3 : _vi INTRODUCTION. ~~ spiritual comfort and blessing to hundreds to whom he has ministered in the capacity of class-leader. It _is the record of one who has been content to go out simply as a gleaner and pick up the fallen heads of wheat, and yet it may be that in the years he may show as many sheaves as some who have labored more publicly and have been entrusted with greater responsibilities in the church. ‘ The book is an echo that comes from many a bed- side where spiritual comfort has been given, and where warm Christian sympathy has done a work that will be seen in heaven. It has been written as a help to spiritual workers. The incidents related will be of interest to the many who may be familiar with the scenes, and those who look to the exneriences of oth- ers will will find many suggestions that will help them into a more loving and devoted Christian life, aud find more effectually the way of happy living. The joy of the Lord is a wonderful power in the pro- gress of Christ’s kingdom, and he who has it in large degree will be efficient in leading others to the same fountain. - Carvosso and Father Reeves and many others who have gone out into this humble and highly useful field of effort have left blessings upon thousands who have read their unpretending pages, and the church itself has been the recipient of untold good in a deep- er consecration and a more perfect faith of many seeking souls. A loving thought can never die, And thousands wait the seed Where it shall fall, not long to lie, INTRODUCTION. vil: To grow a blossomed deed; Nor will it cease until the fruit Shall hang in clusters rare, __ And praise shall ring from lips once mute, And eager feet shall give pursuit— Made swift to do and dare. Tis not the high, ’tis not the low, Which God doth most approve; The heart that knows the overflow Of his unending love Calls most, his benediction down; His throne built up within Is better than an earthly crown, And better than a king’s renown, And there does heaven begin. This little volume is a tribute of love to him who only can build the temple of beauty in the soul, and reside there as a living presence of joy and purity. As such we pray that many hungering and fainting ones may be led into a deeper and holier life of duty and blessing by perusing its pages. DWIGHT WILLIAMS. Cazenovia, N. Y, THE NARROW WAY. — EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. At the request of my friends, I have consented to give my Christian experience to the public. As I have consecrated myself to God, and made a cov- enant with him through the atonement and blood of Jesus, for all time to come, to be used for his glory and the honor of his name, I expect, by the help of the Holy Spirit guiding my pen and operating on my heart, filling it with Divine love and inspiration, to utter words that will quicken souls, cheer the down- cast, comfort the broken-hearted, prompt the indif- ferent,and negligent to be active and zealous in the cause of Christ. Unless God will put his seal and blessing on these sayings, they will be a failure. Paul may plant, Apollos water, God giveth the in- crease. Twenty-eight years of my life is a blank. I do not derive any pleasure or help as I reflect upon it. It is past, never to return, the time wasted. J loved company and was fond of dancing, would engage in it with others for four nights in the week until four o'clock in the morning on some occasions, but not satisfied even at that late hour. No results except weary limbs, loss of time, and an empty purse. I served the world and Satan the very best I could, al- 10 THE NARROW WAY. ' though unhappy and discontented, knowing I was doing wrong. I had a thirsting within me and a ‘strong desire for something real, that would console the craving of my longing heart and fill that aching void. which the things of this life cannot satisfy. " During the time of writing this experience I have received several excellent letters from the members ~ of my‘classes and kind friends who have sympathized with me in my work, and have offered prayer to God in my behalf. I will pray God to reward each one of them for the good their letters have done me. Their kind advice and words of cheer have encour- aged my heart; by the blessing of God upon what they have written, it has helped me to be a better Christian, and go forward in the pathway of duty, fearless of criticism, with one purpose and aim of my life in view—the glory of God and the good of never- dying and immortal souls. I have given the contents of. several of these letters to be published. In doing that, the name of Christ has been honored, and good accomplished, and hearts touched through the Spirit of the Master. The experience of each one coming from a heart filled with the love of Jesus is cheering and profitable to the reader. Some of them have ‘been great sufferers; grace has kept them through faith in the blessed Redeemer—kept by the power of God for the Master's use. Experience will reach hearts where everything else has failed. The Lord is able to use the weak things to confound the mighty, and the simple things to confound the wise. Some with whom I have corresponded may be surprised when they read this article, to see some of their own \ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. il composition in print that they have written to me. I have done this for the benefit and interest of others, with a pure motive of doing good to the public, with ’ God’s blessing upon the course I have taken for the ' advancement of his cause and building up of the Re- deemer’s kingdom. I have not given the name of the writer in any case, but one of their initials. I am un- der many obligations to them for contributing to this publication from their pen, the thoughts that have been given to them from Him who says in his Word, - “ J will put my laws in their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” To think, speak and act right, we need inspiration from above, The press is a great educator ; the pen that is set in motion to en- lighten the people, will wield a mighty power for, good if the life of the one back of it has been conse- crated to God and his service. Asa man thinketh in his heart, so is he. This life is given to us to prepare for the life that is to come; we are building character, and doing work for eternity! May we act wisely; our destiny is in our hands to a certain extent. ‘Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” May we choose that good part which shall not be taken away from us. Each one of us has an influence! how are we using it? what have we done to help men to be good, and love God? We are accountable to our Maker, and must answer at the judgment. May we ‘be endued with power to persuade men to seek the Lord. I expect God will reveal himself to those who peruse these pages, and impress hearts by his tender Spirit, and win souls to Christ. If that may be ac- complished, the desire of my heart will be realized. 12 THE NARROW WAY. I hope and trust it may be, and expect it will, for I have the promise of it in his precious Word. “ De- light thyself also in the Lord, and he shall grant thee the desire of thine heart.” _ Reared and trained by pious parents—father Pres- byterian, mother Methodist—being the youngest child at home, I was in the care and direction of my mother wholly. She was a sainted woman, lived and ‘enjoyed religion every day of her life; she had a ‘powerful influence on those around her. God says in the Word, “ They that honor me, them will I hon- or.” As I reached the age of accountability, I was impressed by her holy life. Again and again she would receive so much love in her heart trusting Je- sus, that tears of joy would run down her face, and ' often would praise the Lord for his loving kindness. I was wayward and wilful like other boys, and want- ed my own way. Repeatedly have I brought grief and sadness to her heart, still she would go forward expecting God would open the way, answer prayer, and save her erring boy. I decided quite early that there was a reality in religion. I wanted the same kind that kept her sweetly in every trial and under all circumstances. I do thank God, and will praise him all through eternity for giving me a Christian mother. The years passed away; I happened to meet in class-meeting, and was very much affected ; ' the leader was a devout man ; what he said went to my young heart, although ‘he was not aware that his words were making an impression on me. An earnest Christian will not know the good he is doing in this life, until the books are opened at the judgment. In EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 13 many ways the Lord answered prayer, and used ‘means to draw me to himself. A Baptist minister called and spoke to me about my soul. I thanked him, and said, When I seek re- ligion, I want mother’s kind. He did not call again. I admired him for the interest he had in my salva- tion. “In the great revival all over this country and Canada, in 1858, I surrendered in answer to prayer and tears. I gave all to Jesus, and sought the pat- don of my sins, by simple faith on the Son of God. Rev. D. C. McDowell wwas the preacher in charge at Kemptville, Canada. The Methodist church in that village is of precious memory—my spiritual birth- place. At that altar, on my knees, I bowed in hum- ble supplication. When we draw nigh to God, he will draw nigh to us. We must believe that he isa rewarder to all them that diligently seek him. For three nights in succession I went forward to the mer- ey seat with others seeking. Through the kindness of the pastor, advising me to look to Jesus by faith, and thank him for prompting me by his blessed Spirit to take that step. In answer to the prayers of the church I was saved, praise the Lord. There was a great awakening of feeling in the whole community, all classes were reached, many hardened sinners were won to Christ. At the close of the revival ser- vices we organized a band-meeting, composed of five members ; it was the duty each week for one of the members to take charge and lead the service; the key was turned in the door, as no one was allowed to enter, Those meetings were of great benefit to each one of us. I well remember the first time in my life Eo Ge an 14 THE NARROW WAY.’ that I offered prayer to God in public. I look back to that occasion with deep interest; it was a cottage prayer meeting in a palace—the finest residence in town. Iam glad to say it was consecrated to the Master. The owner of that beautiful home was the leading merchant in that section of the country. Af- ter the toil and wear of business through ‘the week he would go out and preach the gospel to lost men, and _ honor Christ. No wonder he grew to be a man of wealth and fame; God blessed and prospered him. The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich. In a few years I disposed of my goods, let my store, and followed farming. Being in the country, I did not attend all the meetings, which was a great detriment to me. One lesson in life I have learned, the most important thing to a Christian, is,. watch, work and pray. It may be I was not called to be a farmer; however I did not succeed. After consider- ation and thought upon the situation, I came to this conclusion, to bid good-bye to the land that gave me birth, and cast my lot among strangers. Having a friend living in Rome, N. Y., I decided to make my home in the great republic, and seek my fortune in the United States. The chorus of the song is, “ Un- cle Sam is rich enough to give us all a farm.” April, 1862, we arrived in Rome—the people were kind to us. The excitement and push of business which is characteristic of the Americans, attracted our atten- tion, but we soon felt at home. There was a demand for help in every enterprise. The government was in need of men; a regiment of volunteers to go to _ the front were mustered in and quartered there in. Ss EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 15 the barracks. The sound of the bugle call in the morning to rouse the boys in blue to prepare for drill was often heard. We found employment on the R. W. & O. R. B., and tried our hand at that kind of work for several months. Rev. J. B. Foote, pastor of First M. E. Church, called at our home. I need not say we were more than pleased to see him ; we shall never forget that act of kindness. We united with the church above referred to, were assigned to Dr. Cowles’ class; they convened on Tuesday evening. A litile mound in the cemetery reminds us where the remains of our much loved boy Fred were laid away to await the sound of Gabriel’s trumpet in the resurrection morn. We next found a position in the office of that pop- ular firm, E. B. & H.S. Armstrong, wealthy mer- chants, and men of business and high standing in that town. The junior partner was a man of influ- ence and ability, held the title of “Colonel,” had charge of the boys in blue that I have written about, before they left the city to go South. In the mean time a number of very wealthy men formed a com- pany to manufacture pig iron, and purchased the blast furnace owned by Mr. Munson, located at Franklin Iron Works. Col. H. 8. Armstrong had an interest in the business, and was made by the Board of Directors the Managing Trustee. He kindly in- vited me to go with him, and offered me a position where I could work my way up, and be useful to the firm, and demand a remunerative salary. April, 1864, we put our goods on board a canal boat and started for our new home. I commenced in service as bell 16° THE NARROW WAY. boy and time-keeper. The years rolled around, business increased, and I was so much interested in the welfare of the corporation, and especially in the matters of Col. Armstrong, as he alone owned a ‘large number of boats on the canal, and other prop- erty that needed attention. The company built a ‘store in connection with their works, and sent me to New York to purchase goods, Sept., 1867, to furnish our men with an assortment of supplies such as a family are daily in need of. My former experience in the mercantile business was of great advantage to me, although there was a difference in buying goods in Montreal and New York. Goods well bought are half sold. They raised my salary, and put me in charge of the store, and gave me two young men as assistants, as my du- ‘ties increased. Through the influence of one of the members of the corporation, Hon. O. B. Matteson, Utica, who had communication with the proper au- thorities at Washington, D. C., the Postmaster Gen- eral appointed a post office at the works; I was made ‘assistant postmaster. I was obliged to go every month to the ore beds and pay the men. The fur- nace was one and a half miles from Clinton. We gave our church letters to the pastor, Rev. Dwight Williams ; he gave us a hearty welcome, and assigned us to John G. Davenport's class, which met after the morning service. For the first time in my life I was homesick when -I went into that little church to worship on the Lord’s day ; the congrega- tion was small, the appearance of the building not inviting; the walls of the basement, where the class EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 17 meeting was held, were in the rough state us the ma- sop left them, no matting on the floor, no pictures on the wall. We were loyal to Methodism, or we would have gone across the way and united at the stone church, where the membership was large, wealthy and popular, where nearly all the people went to hear Rev. Albert Erdman preach the gospel. Hamilton College, Houghton and Cottage Seminaries, and Prof. Kelsey's Schoo] sent all their students to the Pres- byterian church. We have remained on hoard the old ship so far, and don’t propose to change at this time. Brother Davenport, the class leader, had an influence on me, through Jesus, that no man ever had ; he used to call on me at my home; I needed his counsel. In the class room I used to sing heart- ily. God used my voice to cheer the heart of the leader. He would often ask me to lead a part of the class, which was a blessing to my soul. The Master knew what was awaiting me in the near future. I did not understand it then; I do now. I prized a good horse ; the more life and speed it had the bet- ter I was pleased. I kept one to drive from my home in Clinton to the works. (We changed our residence for the convenience of my family.) Through the care of business and increased duties for the firm, I neg-- lected the means of grace. I would find fault with everything ; all was going wrong. Afterwards I found dut the trouble was in myself; I was cold and formal, and in a backslidden state, but did not know it. Rev. M.S. Hard was sent to Clinton to succeed brother Williams; he was active in the church and out of it, full of magnetism and song. In «answer to prayer,, 18 THE NARROW WAY. _ and thought upon the subject, he was led to propose to the members and congregation to make improve- . ments on the church edifice, which was long needed. He soon appointed a building committee to take the -matter in hand. He could make any one of us put our hand down deep in our pocket and pay out © money, and feel happy over it. The Lord used him to do that kind of work. They enlarged the church, ‘putin a bell, painted the house in and out, and changed the basement, and made an inviting place of worship. He then sent for his much esteemed friend, Dr. Peck, to dedicate it to Almighty God. The people gave liberally to meet the expenses ; a great revival followed ; lawyers, doctors, gamblers and oth- ers were converted ; the gospel net was full—a great . ingathering of souls, a new state of things for Meth- odism in that village. The next summer they built a new parsonage ; now they are well to do, ‘and rejoic- ing in the Lord. Rey. M. G. Bullock was the next minister sent to that charge. He was an able preacher, and quite an orator, second to no one in any pulpit. He read law , With Prof. Evans while in Clinton. Rev. O. C. Cole e ' followed him as pastor of that church. a Nine years passed away pleasantly in that beauti- ful village, with all its opportunities—the excellent schools and the benefit of attending the college—the blessing and help that will come to a community _where men of learning, and the gifts of talents that are bestowed on them from him who gave us our ex- istence tend to make us better. All the citizéns of _ that place greatly admire the young men that are EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 19 there to be instructed and benefited in their halls of Jearning, and pay their money in exchange for what they get. The students grace the streets of that love- _ly town with their gentlemenly presence. It is a beautiful scene to witness on College street in the af- ternoon, as these young men are passing on their way to the post office, anxious to receive letters from dear . friends—to hear from absent ones, father, mother— sister will pen a few thoughts to inform them of what is taking place at the home of their childhood, the dearest place on earth to them. May God bless all of those dear ones and use them © in answer to prayer offered in their behalf froma -sainted mother, that each one will be made a blessing to the world and do good in all the pathway of life. August 31st, 1873, we severed our service with that wealthy and popular corporation, the Franklin Iron Works. After a rest of afew months, through the solicitation of my dear friend, Rev. M. 8. Hard, and a kind Providence leading him and others to inter- ‘cede in my behalf with the Messrs. Remingtons, they kindly offered me a position on the clerical staff in their office. December 25th, Christmas day, we land- ed bag and baggage in Ilion, to commence again among strangers. We gave our church letter to the pastor, Rev. T. B. Shepherd, who received us cheer- fully in his off-hand way and made us feel at home. He assigned us to the class that met on Tuesday evening, Marshall Lewis, class leader. We were edified and instructed from his well chosen words of common sense and deep thought, in response to the members of the class after testimony of each one. 20 THE NARROW wAY. He is a well-read man, an excellent scholar, an earn-- est Christian ; uses good language, can express him- . Self with ease, is a fluent speaker, a little conservative in manner, must be convinced and persuaded by ar- gument before changing his plan and line of work, is. an old time and consistent follower of Christ. The. _ boom was up to high tide in Ilion; the armory had a. full force working day and night on the Spahish con- tract, a mint of money in it I should be led to say. Gov. Squire had charge of the clerks in the office and was secretary of the corporation. He was kind to. the stranger, God bless him; his pleasing way and happy expression on his smiling face would gladden any heart under reverse circumstances. He was liberal and gentlemanly to the clerks, made each one of the staff a valuable present on Christmas day. ° The monthly pay roll of that far-famed and noble firm would amount to $110,000. Seventeen hundred men at work, the blue checks paid to the men were quite conspicuous in those days, each man going to: the bank to draw the greenbacks and pay his bill as he pleased. The contractors became rich, while their _ wives and daughters dressed in a style the very best the market could afford. One merchant in Utica said to me, “We can not buy goods anywhere too: valuable to please the people in your town, they won't select any cheap stuff.” A large number of the contractors kept a nice turn-out and a man to drive,, each one making an effort to excel the other. A vacant residence on a convenient street was not. -. to be had There were from two to three occupants in each dwelling, and it was said that 800 families. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 21 lived in 550 houses. At last we found a place on Armory hill to settle. Now came a new experience to the writer. A large church with 350 members all well to do and rich in regard to this life, talented and endowed in spiritual gifts ; many of them walking in the highway of holi- ness and enjoying the blessing of sanctification. They were gifted in prayer, while answers of peace and the very presence of the triune God would be manifest as they were pleading on their bended knees, calling on the name of the Lord. We attend- ed all the means of grace and soon became acquaint- ed and attached to the people, and loved them. Everybody seemed to be employed. It was not offensive to any to toil in a manufacturing town where - each one was engaged to do their part, and in return be amply rewarded for the same. The church, a little ancient in the outside appearance, the audience room beautiful, the frescoing very elaborate—no bet- ter work anywhere, with gas in the ceiling, and when lighted you might imagine you were in some city church as you enter it for worship. Rev. A. J. Cowles, Mohawk, was a wide awake . man. The Lord blessed him down there in his work of the ministry. The whole town was stirred by his’ earnest appeals, and especially the intemperate class; a great many were converted. At the close of the year, the pastor invited me to become the lead- - er of a class made up of the converts; I thanked him, but dared not undertake the care of those pre- cious souls, I felt my own weakness and inability to be a class leader away from home. I did go down 22, THE NARROW WAY. for a few weeks and met the class while the preacher was there, but declined the offer made to be their leader. May, 1874, brother Shepherd kindly suggest- ed to me to take charge of class No. 5, organized and led by brother R. for aterm of years. His health failed, and he resigned. Brother W. became the- leader of the class, got discouraged on account of the small attendance, and gave it up. We organized and started for work and success. It is an old adage, “A new broom sweeps clean.” After a time the members. neglected to attend, only five persons came that we could rely upon each week. In about two years the interest in attendance was so low, that for two weeks. in succession the only person present was the leader. Idid not backslide over that, or cross the way and _join another church. I did learn my own weakness. “Thad no power with God, I had not the influence upon the members of my class that brethren B. and T. had on their class. In the meantime brother B.. would converse with me about the higher life, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As we were employed by the same firm he would often speak to me on the subject. He could give day and date when he re- ‘ceived that blessing. I soor became a firm believer in that doctrine ; 3, the more he explained it to. me about his own experience, the more light I received. The Lord made use of that devout man to help me. By simple faith I waited and earnestly coveted that blessing. One very stormy night, in the basement of our church a few were present to honor the Master. Brother Harter was there. I am happy to say the- good Lord filled my soul with His love and power. T EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 23 can not describe the feeling and emotion I then had. I could not find a name to give it. I said “ Yes, Lord, that experience and blessing I want constantly in my heart. I will do anything or go anywhere to work for Jesus, if I can feel the Spirit’s power throuh me and abiding within me.” It was plainly revealed to me by grace that I must for ever consent to do certain things. I had a quick, bad, sulky temper to overcome ; I was irritable and impatient, would sin and repent often. It was necessary for me, owing to my position as class leader, to be an exem- plary, cross-bearing Christian, to be kept by grace divine. I then solemnly agreed and promised to obey Jesus, as the light was made known to me, I was able after that gift from God to lead my class with ease, and did not shrink from duty as I had before in many ways. I think, if it was necessary, 1 could with that blessed experience go out on the street corner and bow on my knees and offer prayer to God, should He make it known to me that was His will. I committed, bequeathed and transferred without reserve all I had to God, to have, hold, possess, con- trol and make use of time, talent, friends, reputation and purse. All for Jesus! Hallelujah to His pre- cious name! O, what a hallowed revelation I had from heaven and immortal glory! The thought of being wholly the Lord’s! It is blessed beyond de- scription—the joy, comfort, peace and rest to a sancti- fied soul. The chorus of that grand, inspiring old, song is appropriate right here : “The half has never yet been told!” 24 THE NARROW WAY. After that memorable occasion and wonderful manner, the Lord led me to see new beauties-~-hold- ing communion with Jesus, and the sacred nearness of His presence in our walk together by faith on the strong arm of Jehovah. He gave me for my first lesson, fo prepare me to honor Him each day of my life to gather a few sheaves for the garner of the Lord, a relish to study His precious Word. I became interested in it, and had a hungering and thirsting after spiritual food. Rev. W. F. Crafts gave an address, 1877, in the First M. E. Church, Utica. I was present, and learned through ‘that devout man and the Spirit of God how to study the blessed Bible. Through a mere accident, a short time after I attend- ed the Sabbath school in our church. Brother Moss was teaching a class, and he kindly asked me to take a seat with them, but did not for some reason ask me a question. I was in dread all through the session for fear he might speak to me to explain some portion of the lesson. Afterwards I had charge of a class of boys, and remained their teacher until the school gave me the honor to be assistant superintendent. I had lost a great deal by not being engaged with the children in the Sunday school work. ‘A little child shall lead them.” I am very grate- ful to the Master for the deep interest He has given to me in the children. I attended six Sunday school conventions last season, and had the privilege of giv- ing a short address at each session—Jordanville, Cedar Lake, Coldbrook, Earlville, West Frankfort and Remsen. The superintendent of the school at the last mentioned place has held the office for J EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. " 25 twenty-one years in succession! precious record. He is a self-made man, a staunch Methodist, well read in the catechism and discipline of our church, and chock full of the Bible; a man of much prayer, strong faith in God, speaks his mind with freedom, and gives his opinion of doing things in a rapid off-hand way. He has accumulated large property, and knows the value of a dollar as well as his next door neighbor. He is in love with the Sabbath school work, takes an in- terest in the children, uses his time and money to bless the young people of that community, and push the battle to the gate of the blood-stained banner of King Immanuel. The secret of it all is that God works in and through that devoted man to bless the world. Methinks his crown of rejoicing in the glory land will be full of stars, and many of the dear young _hearts he has won to Christ will meet him at the judgment, and call his name blessed ! I love the narrow way ; as we are traveling init we are able to help others, there are so many that need an encouraging word or a pleasant smile. The Word says: ‘“ He that converteth a soul from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” O, the value of an immortal soul, who can estimate it? No one but our Maker. After we make the consecration God fits us for our work. Paul says, “I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Now,:a word or two to those who are class leaders, or workers in the Sabbath school. I have no plan of 2 Zo THE NARROW WAY. my own, and no set rule or form to lead my class. I ask Jesus to lead me and help me to lead the class, and He has never disappointed me. As I am very ‘busy in the office and go before my class without any time for preparation, I trust wholly to the Holy Spirit, and find that man’s extremity is God’s oppor- tunity. I think we trust too much to ourselves, and do not honor our Saviour. Christ says in His Word, ‘‘No man cometh unto me except the Father draw, him.” Very true. If we are filled with love we can help others to get nearer to Him. Some one has said, “It is so hard to take.care of the young converts, more so than to bring them to Jesus. We cannot help them only as Jesus helps us.” We are the honored instruments in the hands of God in winning souls for heaven. There is a joy in working for Him. We do the best we can, and leave the results with God. It is our duty to work ; results belong to Him alone. We will give Him all. the praise. I would recommend that a leader commence his meeting on time as far as possible, and close at 9 o’clock precisely. Open with singing and prayer, read a few verses of the Word, and comment upon it if you are led by the Spirit to do so. Be very brief in whatever you have to say yourself, as the class are watching you. Slow singing, long prayers and long testimonies will drive the young converts away, and they will grow cold and formal. Have them all take part in singing ; sing quick, short and often, and se- lect something appropriate for the occasion. There is & power insong. I am learning every day that EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 27 more souls will be gathered for the Master through grace and the song service than we think of. ° I have observed that after a revival in the church our class meetings are better attended; as the inter- » est of the church members seems to slacken, they stay away from the class meeting. There are some who are kept along from year to year, and they de- pend upon the help they receive from the church to earry them through. If you are so fortunate as to enjoy a revival once a year in the church, in that way you may hold your members. The custom now is, after the week of prayer, in January of each year, to commence a series of meet- ings, and often a revival will follow. There are some that wait and depend upon these meetings to be car- ried along; the trouble is with us—not the plan of salvation—God is the same yesterday, to-day and ‘for ever, praise his dear name. “ Him that cometh unto me I willin no wise cast out.” The length of time to hold a class meeting depends wholly upon circumstances—one hour if you can get through in that time. We had sixty-nine testimonies, fourteen songs and three prayers in one hour and twenty | minutes, seventy-four persons present—not much time for the leader to respond. I let the good Lord speak through my voice in song. Jesus led the meet- ing that night; the occasion I will never forget. His presence filled the place. ‘‘ Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Mr. Wesley recommends that the leader see each member of his class once a week. He knew what he was saying. If a man is filled with the Holy Ghost, 28 THE NARROW WAY. ‘and likes his work, he ‘may become a power, under God, and do an amount of good in the church, and be a treat blessing to his own class, for the members of his class are watching him closely. He cannot lead them on to higher ground only as Jesus leads him. The class will never go ahead of the leader— that is true. O, for devout and holy men for clase leaders. J want to emphasise that sentence. (May God impress that upon each one of us that are called to this great responsibility.) He said to Peter, “ Feed ~ my lambs.” In order to do that, we must hold com- munion with God, and be filled ‘with his Spirit, have: a relish for our work, and enjoy much of his love in our hearts. Paul says in the tenth chapter of Ro- mans, “ Brethren, the desire of my heart and prayer té God for Israel is, that they may be saved.” When we get a burden of soul for the unsaved, something "will be done, as that desire is given to us by the Lord. -Isaw the account of a Sabbath school convention in our family paper (Advocate) ; I had a desire at once to attend. In the mean time I made it a subject of prayer; the Lord blessed me in a powerful manner ;, ' the tears ran down my face while I was pleading with | God to save a few souls on that occasion, and use his servant to gather afew sheaves at that place for the garner of the Lord. Blessed Lord, he did answer my prayer, and gave me such faith as I addressed the young people at that gathering. I gave the invita- tion at the close of my remarks, for any one that had a desire to give their heart to God to manifest it by . rising to their feet—no one ready to take such a stand. Satan will keep a person on their seat if he can. I EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 29 asked the congregation to bow their heads while I went on my knees and offered prayer to God to send conviction to the people, and save souls for whom Christ died. The Lord touched hearts in that audi- ence, and made them tender with his love. In the evening, after the benediction was pronounced, I was shaking hands with the children; as I walked up the aisle a young person came towards me and addressed me with these words: “ Mr. Hutchins, your remarks this afternoon impressed me very much. I want to be a Christian; I ask you to pray for me that I may be saved.” J asked their name, and said, “I will pray that you may be saved ; when you are convert- ed, write to me.” I gave my initials; we separated, perhaps never to meet again until we meet at the judgment. I began at once to pray for that soul ; the Lord gave me faith as I continued to pray. .I will not attempt to tell if that one was saved. I will give a copy of a letter that I received in a few weeks from that person : “Dear FrrexpD—I have not forgotten the promise which I made you a few weeks ago. I am happy to inform you Jesus has at last shed light upon my darkened pathway. One week ago last Sabbath dur- | ing class meeting I expressed my desire to be a Chris- tian. We knelt in prayer, and I then gave my heart to God ; but it seemed as though God had turried a deaf ear to my petitions. I struggled on in darkness, praying and reading, but no help came. Tuesday night, December 26th, 1882, I was obliged to decide whether I would be on the Lord’s side or not. I pas- sionately loved dancing and dress. My companions invited me to attend a long anticipated party, and I could not see the harm in attending. 1 talked with , * 30 THE NARROW WAY. Elder B., and thanks be to God, I finallySmade a stand for Jesus. I felt happier, but still I was “groping in the dark until last night, when God spoke peace to my weary soul. I am sweetly trusting in Jesus, and am determined (God helping me) to re- main faithful. I was partially converted when twelve years‘of age. I remained faithful for about two years, then I became discouraged and fell by the way; but the Spirit of God followed me. Although for a few years I was more reckless than ever, God did not forsake me. Three and one-half years ago I took the first step towards returning, and during the same time was striving against the Holy Spirit. For more than a year I have been under deep conviction, _and during my solitary hours I have prayed, read and thought much ; but in society (and especially be- fore Christians) I have seemed the most hardened. Many times when I have met Christians with a cold, haughty appearance, I have only tried to cover a breaking heart, and only one word rightly spoken would have caused me to yield. God brought me down toa sick bed the 21st of August, 1882. The 3d of September I thought I should die, and when the time came to bid my friends farewell I felt that I was unprepared to meet my God. Then did I earn- estly pray that if God would spare my life a little longer and permit me'to recover, I would consecrate my life, my all, to his cause. God permitted me to recover ; and as I began to improve I kept thinking ' of my vow, and felt that I never could keep it. The way seemed more difficult than ever; and until you spoke at the S. S. Convention that day, my feelings were, I’m further from heaven to-day than ever I’ve ‘been before. But during your address I broke down completely, and had I thought it the proper place then, I should have given my heart to God. That induced me to attend the evening service, and I de- _ termined to ask your prayers. The Lord has indeed EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 31 granted them. I am weak yet, and still need them. Pray for me whenever it is convenient. I believe the Lord will bless you and make you instrumental in doing good. I will try and repay you by serving the Lord and praying for my associates. Excuse my lengthy “note,” for I wanted to tell you my expe- rience. May the Lord bless you, and grant that we shall meet on earth; if not, I hope to meet you where partings are no more. Verysincerely, 5.” Ido thank the dear Lord for saving that soul, and for that beautiful letter. I hope Jesus will use it to save precious souls, for his own name’s sake. He shall have all the glory. An aged minister once said to a younger one, as he was giving him his ordination charge : “ Every man has a heart, not every one a head; if you aim at the heart in preaching to your people, you will hit more of your hearers than if you aim at their heads; there is more power in sympathy than in logic in swaying men’s convictions; some men get religion through their passions, and not through their intel- lect. God has different ways of working in bringing men to Christ. If we are willing to allow him to use. us, he will do great things for us and through us to his glory and the good of the cause.” “Tf ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” I would advise a class leader to read the Word and to commit to memory; there is power in it; itis the sword of the Spirit. ‘“ For the word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and 32 THE NARROW WAY. is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Avoid as much as possible any form or set way to lead your meeting. If you have a liking for your calling it will help you materially. If the lead- er has enthusiasm in his work he will give it to his class ; it. is contagious ; the husbandman must first be a partaker of the fruit. We are commanded to sow by the side of all wa- ters ; if we sow, we shall reap if we faint not. The narrow way is a safe way; it is the way of the cross. “No cross, no crown.” Doubtless you have expe- . Yienced this. What we accumulate in this life that costs us the most we esteem the highest; we will en- joy all the religion we live for; the oftener we go to ' God in prayer, the greater our enjoyment. I know of some Christians in time of trouble that : neglect their closet duties, and try and arrange mat- ters themselves. I cannot get along and make any ‘headway in that line, so I take everything ‘to the Lord in prayer, and the best of it to me is, he leads me. I find rest in believing in his Son Jesus Christ. Some one has said, We must take up the cross at ‘both ends; that we must pray in a prayer meeting, speak for Jesus in the conference meeting. We are to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to ane glory of God the Father. ’ _It is an old adage, “‘ Practice makes perfect.” The more we confess our Saviour, the more enjoyment we ‘will have. By neglect of duty we gradually drift away from God; the cross is so heavy we cannot find the courage to take it up. ‘‘ Watch and pray lest ye ' enter into temptation. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 33 ‘‘ Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, The Christian’s native air, His watchword at the gate of death— He enters heaven with prayer.” We are saved through faith and prayer. “He that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live again.” There is power in Jesus’ blood to make the foulest clean. Paul says, “When I would, do - good, evil is present with me.” It is the little things that make up life. With Je- sus’ love in our hearts, and kind words on our lips, we can win the hardest heart for the Master. It was not the nails in the hands of our Saviour that held him to the cross ; it was love, wondrous love, so full and free that it reaches even me. Praise his dear pre- cious name for a salvation that saves all that will come unto him. As I was calling at the home of one of the members of my class, the lady of the house said to me, “I know of a young man that is very low with consumption—my neighbor—I want you to go and visit him and speak to him about his soul, as I feel a great burden for him, that he must be saved soon, or lost to all eternity.” Isoon became much interested in the young man, although I had not seen him. God put the burden of his precious soul on my heart. The lady gave me the name of the person, and directed me to the house. I promised her that I would call as soon as an opportunity was offered me. I remember well the evening I rapped:at the door of that home; the idea of calling on a strange family, and not one of them Christians ; no sympathy with Christ or religion—I assure you it was not an easy « + ’ 34 : THE NARROW WAY. . task. There was a soul to be won for the dear Saviour. I will use the words of the Apostle: ‘The love of ' Christ constraineth me.’ The mother came to the door and invited mein. I called the name of her son, and said I wished to see him She called him in and introduced me to him. I called his name and said, “I have come to sympathize with you in your affliction.” He was very frank to talk with me. O, what an anxious look upon his face! J never can forget it while I live. Isoon found he was anxious to know about the future; he seemed to realize that he was a very sick man, and must be prepared to die. I did not say much to him that evening, or let him know I was anxious about his soul, for fear he would not be free to talk with me about giving his heart to Jesus. The Lord was working upon that young man by his Spirit. He knew very well he was not pre- pared to meet his Maker. 1 addressed the most of my conversation to the family that evening. Before I left, I asked him if I might pray for him. He an- swered in the affirmative. I then bowed on my knees in prayer to God, while the whole family remained in their seats. I beseeched the Father for his Son’s sake to speak to the heart of that young man, and save his soul for whom Christ died. The lady was also praying for him, and that encouraged my heart, for she promised me she would unite her prayers with mine that God would save the soul of that young man. As I clasped his hand to say good night, he seemed pleased to have me call, and asked me to call again. The next visit was on Sunday afternoon ; I could see he was failing, as I took his hand in mine, EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 35 the fever was very high. My heart went out to him at once ; he was troubled to get his breath, and had pain in his side. I read to him from the Word, and spent a short time in prayer, commending him to God and the word of his grace. My next visit was ~on Friday evening. I noticed he was much worse, and would soon cross the river of death. He said to me he hoped he would not be confined to his bed’ very long. O, the mercy of God, to grant him the desire of his heart. As he rode out Tuesday to Mo- hawk and back, he was taken down with severe pain, and suffered much through the night. In the morn- ing a neighbor of his called at the office and said to me, “ Orrin is very sick, and won’t liye but a short time ; he has been talking, and calling your name during the night; you had better go at. once to see him.” I then took his case to God in prayer and faith, and asked him to save the soul of that young man. O,the burdenI had then and there on my heart ; I did plead with the Master to speak peace to that soul. The answer came that he would grant it for his Son’s sake. The burden left me, and I had faith that I would meet that young man in heaven. I went on with my work until nearly noon day, when I walked up to the house to see him. He did not recognize me, he was so low. About one o'clock his spirit passed up to the glory land. In the forenoon of that day sister C., who spoke to me about him, went to her closet in prayer to God to save his soul before he called him away. The answer came to her that her prayer was answered. She immediately arose from her knees and went on with the duties of 36 THE NARROW WAY. her home. We claimed one of the promises simply ‘by faith, “ Where two or three are agreed as touch- ing one thing, it shall be granted unto them.” Blessed are they that be wise, for they shall shine . as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. Blessed Lord, we give him the glory. That sainted man, Payson, once said he was not fit to speak to a man about his soul until his own heart was all broken to pieces with the hammer of God’s love. ‘“ Behold now is the accepted time, be- hold now is the day of salvation.” ‘ When thou seekest him with all thine heart, he will be found of . thee.” I remember the time when a devoted young minister was anxious for a revival in his church. He came to Ilion for some of the brethren to go and as- sist him in extra meetings. Brother B. and the wri- ter went up to unite our prayers to the Almighty for the spirit of work and the salvation of souls. We had a blessed time together ; the Lord did wonderful things for me. The pastor preached well, good at- tendance at the meetings, but no one seemed to be ready to seek the Lord. It did seem that we must give up the meetings, without anyone being converted. On Sunday evening brother B. was conducting the services at the altar; the pastor, a dear, sweet spirit - ed man was pleading with the young people to come forward and start for heaven. Finally, one beautiful young lady decided while he was talking to her, to embrace the Saviour, and went to the altar, and the consequence was twenty-four more followed her be- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 37 fore the meetings closed. Our hearts were happy in the Saviour’s love on that occasion. We found out in a few days in one of the meetings that a devoted sister in the church there had a great burden for souls on her heart. She took it to the Lord in prayer. God can take a worm and thrash a mountain. Yes; ‘One shall chase a thonsand, and two put ten thousand to flight.” God moves in a mysterions way His wonders to perform ; He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. “There is joy in heaven over one sinner that re- penteth.” The experience I had in the meetings in that little church was a great blessing to my heart. I' have learned that when we try to make others happy, and do a little work in the vineyard of the Master, he does great things for us. There is a hungering after more of his love, and only Jesus can satisfy our long- ing appetites and fill that aching void in our hearts. His gracious presence makes our paradise. I am glad salvation is free ; the rich aud poor may share in it; there will be no difference in heaven—all will be on a level. We shall be so much attracted by looking at the dear Saviour! We will fall at his feet, and the story repeat, and the lover of sinners adore ! The way to heaven is so plain that a fool need not err therein. God’s blessed spirit is striving with our hearts, convincing us of sin and a judgment to come. We are to flee to the outstretched arms of Christ ; He is waiting in tenderness and love to receive us with gladness and joy in the Holy Ghost. Without vO THE NAKKOW WAYe s _ Him we are miserable—no hope of everlasting life, no _ peace, no rést out of Christ. I remember the case of a young man who was anxious about his soul. His __ devoted mother was praying to God for her boy that he might be saved from his sins, and become a Christian man. At last he yielded to be saved, and went forward with others to the altar for prayer. At his side a young man was seeking salvation, and ~ weeping as though his heart would break. The bless- ing came, and he was happy in the Lord, while the . -other was expecting he must shed so many tears. The facts were these—they were different in their make-up. Itis by simple faith on God’s dear Son. Some grasp the promises at once, others receive the pardon of their sins gradually, without much excite- ment or emotion of their feelings. With a very wicked man sometimes the change is wonderful, very. - marked and thorough in the extreme. Still the work may be genuine in either case. God is to be our judge—I am so glad of that. We dare not say to our fellow creatures, you must do this, or that. We need to have charity. Inthe Word I read, “Faith, hope and charity ; the greatest of these is charity.” Paul says, “ Though I speak with the tongues of men or of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sound-. ~ "ing brass or a tinkling cymbal.” I drove out into the country to-day, and addressed ‘a Sabbath School for fifteen minutes! As the choir was singing that beautiful hymn, “JI am coming to the Saviour,” God touched my heart and filled it with his divine love. I had great liberty in the opening prayer. Ialways have found that if we are doing { rl / EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 39 work for the Master, and trust to him for grace to _keep us and his Spirit to help us, He will use us for his own glory and the good of the people. We must be humble, simple and loving. Be easy and natural, and not try to fill some great man’s place—we will fail every time. The children will detect you, they are sharp critics. You cannot hold their attention any length of time unless you let the good Lord use you. A gentleman of culture once said to me, “It don’t matter so much what you say in public ; it is the spirit you say it in.” It is true we have good men and women in our community whom we can take for our example ; still we must work in the way marked out for us. We all differ, but we are seeking the same end in life. We all belong to the same great brother- hood. May God help us to treat each other in that way. I think in doing that we will be happy as we travel on to the glory land. J hope the reader will not think that Iam so happy because I travel in the narrow way I escape all trials. We are to be tried as gold is tried in the fire. The Lord says in his precious Word, “I will have a tried people, a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Trials are blessings in disguise, they help us if we take all to the Lord in prayer. Iam asking for grace daily to keep me, for patience to wait the Lord’s good time in everything, feeling that I belong to Jesus, that my pardon has been purchased by His own precious blood. There is nothing here that satisfies us but His own presence. O! for more of his gracious love in my heart—that is the intense de- sire and longing of my soul. . See 40 THE NARROW WAY. My mind goes out to one that has passed through severe trials during the past week. It would aston- ish any one, and still the dear Saviour has kept that person in the “lonely midnight hour,” when only a few intimate friends knew what was going on in that .home. Blessed Jesus! He will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on God. Those He loveth He chaseneth, and scourgeth every one He receiveth. That one that I have referred to has helped me very much in the meetings, and is a bright and shin- ing light for the Master. And why are they obliged _to pass through such scenes that I could not endure, I wonder at it. I have taken it to the Lord in prayer, in doing which I have been blessed in a spe- cial manner. By and by we will know all about it. David says, ‘ Before I was afflicted I went astray.” God doeth all things well. With His grace we can look up to heaven and say, “ Father, not my will but thine, O Lord, be done.” His way is right, we must submit to it. On Monday, while I was in the office posting books, a dear faithful brother in Christ called on me ‘ and said, “You must go down immediately to a cer- tain home, the man is dying, I want you to pray with him.” Iknew who the man was. A large, strong man stricken down while at his work with paralysis one week befdére, was carried home insensible to his dear family---wife and two little girls. I called at the house on the following Wednesday, and offered a prayer to God in his behalf, to spare him if it was his will; if otherwise ordered, to prepare him for death, and fit EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 41 his companion for the trials that were to follow. He was unconscious all the time he was suffering. I did not feel a burden on my heart for his soul until brother B. called with a message “from our kind | heavenly Father.” He said to me afterwards that he could not rest at his work in the armory, until he had notified me. The Spirit said, ‘Go and tell him to go ' down.” JI received a great burden as soon as he told me about it, and felt it my duty. I put on my hat, and walked in haste to the home of that dying man, praying as I went. As I walked in I saw he was very low, and O, the anxious look of that companion I never can forget it. I was not there to dictate what they were doing to help; no, my work was marked out for me—to take his case to the Great Physician of souls. I asked those that were watching by his side to go down on their knees with me in prayer. Sister Levis, a very devoted Christian, was present, and. united her prayers with mine. Brother B. had pro- mised me he would pray in faith for the good Lord to save the soul of that sick and dying man. While pleading with God on my knees in that home for that soul to be saved I had liberty, the tears were running down my face, and the answer came then and there that our prayers were answered. The Lord gave me faith to believe that the soul of that man was cleansed and made white in the blood of His dear Son. I arose from my knees, and looked at him. I was anxious to have him recognize me, and let me know by a word from his lips, or an ex- pression of his face, that he was trusting in Jesus. I was obliged to leave without any expression from 42 THE NARROW WAY. him, as he remained in that state until his spirit took its flight to Him who gave it. All things are possible to him that believeth. God gave me faith to believe that I should meet that man in heaven. I expect I will. I pressed the hand of each one present, and ‘bade them good bye, and walked back to the office to work. About one hour from that time, word came to me that A. R.G. was dead. How kind the dear Lord is to me in giving me the experience I had with that man. I do not understand it. “God knows, and that is enough.” Now we see through a glass darkly, then face to face. I remember when that man was converted he was a very wicked man, and rough, was dreaded by every one when he was angry. I have called on him, and prayed in his humble home for the Lord to keep him in the narrow way (I was his class leader). He be- came indifferent and did not attend the means of grace, and was in a back slidden state when he was taken sick. The Lord is merciful, He bears with us; we may forget Him. His loving arms are open wide to receive the prodigal son. I am thankful to God for the experience I have had in the case of that man, May that widow and those fatherless children be cared for by Him who says in his Word, “I will be the widow’s God and a father to the fatherless.” In the midst of life we are in death. Let him that think- ‘eth he standeth take heed lest he fall. In the day when thou seekest me with all thine heart, I will be found of thee. Blessed Lord, he saves, and is keep- ing me. — While calling on one of the members of my class on EXPERIENCE ILLUSTEATED. 43 Tuesday evening, I met a young man in that home, very luw-spirited. He was confined to his bed, he had’a cancer in one of his limbs. I commenced at. once to point him to Jesus, the great physician of soul and body. After I had said a few words to him in regard to his soul, I bowed on my knees before God. I had liberty as I prayed for him, and received an answer that his soul would be saved. I did not feel a burden that he should get well. I tried to com- fort him and point him to Calvary. I found I had a little work to do in that home. God does bless me more than I can tell as I call on the sick and pray by the bedside of the dying. He uses me to do the little things for Him, and I do them gladly. The memories of them cheer me on my pathway. In that home there is a sainted mother that has prayed for that wayward boy. Although he has been wicked and wandered away, his mother’s prayers have followed him. We often bring trouble and pain upon us on account of our sins. “‘ Whatsoever we sow, that shall we reap. If we sow to the flesh, we shall of the flesh reap corruption ; if we sow to the spirit, we shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.” Praise God. Sunday morning I drove out into the country and carried the minister to preach the gospel. I found I could honor my Saviour in doing that. The Lord did bless my poor hungering soul by filling it with the love of his dear Son. While they were singing the opening hymn tears of joy ran down my face; they were for some one in the audience, J cannot tell who. I expect to know in eternity. The superintendent then introduced me to the 44 THE NARROW WAY. school. I talked to them for fifteen minutes. I had ‘liberty in speaking, tried to be simple and childlike myself. We must get down alongside of the child- -ren if we would help them. In doing that we may : “accomplish a great work under God. I read in the, precious Word, “ He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” I gave them some simple stories about Jesus and the children, not forgetting to quote from ithe Word occasionally. They like to hear the Word, it is always fresh. Sometimes we think they are tired of the Word ; no, never, itis a mistake. To illustrate this I will tell you what a wideawake boy said in Philadelphia, in a . certain school. Said he to his teacher, ‘‘ Mr. we have _ only five minutes now, as the superintendent bes ‘sounded his bell; give us all the gospel you can.’ With our own hearts filled with Jesus’ love, and a lik- ing for our work and the aid of the Holy Spirit, we can. impart to others as far as we have gone in the way , ourselves. Preacher, superintendent, teacher or class leader, is the beacon light in the congregation, school, Bible class, or the class meeting. O! for holy men and women to work for God, and win souls to Christ and heaven. You may depend upon it, one heart consecrated to the Master is worth a half dozen that are cold and indifferent in the cause of the Sav- iour. We must become fools for Christ’s sake if we may but win a soul in that way. It pays well to live godly in Christ Jesus. In the afternoon I accompanied our pastor, Rev. G. M. Mead, to the river, where he performed the ceremony of baptism to one of the converts by im- ‘ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 45 mersion. In the evening I attended the exercises of children’s day and Robert Raikes’ centennial, in a church a few miles east of this place. I was highly entertained by the speaking and singing, and espe- cially by the little folks in their part ; they did well. The superintendent, by the way, is a dear friend of mine, and is aware that I love the children very much. He announced to the audience that I would © make a few remarks. I gave them a story about a little boy and the village pastor at the town pump. Through Jesus’ love in the heart of that man, and a kind invitation to go with him to the Sabbath school on that Sunday, it encouraged and cheered his little. heart. God honored that kind act in that devoted minister of the gospel. That boy reformed and led a different life. In twenty years after, he met the pas- tor in a certain city, walked up to him and thanked him for the kindness he had received from him. , Through a kind Providence he was now a Christian and a good business man; he thanked him kindly. _ Please have a kind word for the boys, it does help at all times. The Lord will use us to help them. I then gave a story to encourage the teachers, and sat down. I will look back to that occasion with a great deal of pleasure. I have no doubt but impressions were made on hearts that evening that will be lasting all through eternity. Monday evening I led the prayer meeting in a church below here; a good number present, and Je- sus’ presence filled the place ; each one present was profited. We went to our homes happy in the love of our Saviour. Tuesday evening I visited the sick; 46 ; THE NARROW WAY. called and prayed in three homes. Wednesday eve- ning I spent a while singing with one of the members of my class, prayed inthree homes, spent one hour in Christian conversation. The good Lord does bless me in doing a little for him. It is a great help to me in making calls; my own heart is warm with the love of my Saviour. I can help others as the Lord is help- ing me. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Itis | the little things that make up life. I am a dull scholar, but I have a “kind Teacher.” I sometimes ' get in a hurry; haste makes waste; think before you speak ; look before you leap; it is work that wins. Reader, what are you doing for the Master? Please answer the question to your Maker. Who gave his only-begotten Son to die for you? O, stop and think of the suffering i in the garden of Gethsemane ; look at the prints of the nails in his hands; look at his ~wounded side—all for you—please do not reject him longer, but seek him with all your heart, for his own name’s sake. Thursday evening I remained at home writing. Friday afternoon I attended the ladies’ - prayer meeting at the house of sister Tefft. The meeting was in charge of sister J. L. Douglas, a very devoted Christian woman. Iam thankful to God that we have the Marys and the Marthas at the pres- ent day. I had great liberty in prayer and in song, more so than I do in any of the meetings in Ilion; I cannot tell the reason ; I may not know until the books are opened at the final judgment, as my record is in heaven. O, for a baptism of divine love to come upon all of our hearts, and especially mine ; I feel so weak of myself ; I am not able to say grace at EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 47 the table on the many blessings the good Lord daily bestows upon me, without the power of the Holy Ghost on my soul. Friday evening I was disap- pointed in not holding class meeting as usual. The graduating class of 1880 held their exercises in the Opera House, and all our town’s people were there— all that could be accommodated with seats. The young people did well. Professor, teacher and pa- rents of those that graduated were more than pleased, and went away happy and delighted with the enter- tainment. Jesus said to Peter, ‘‘ When thou art converted, strengthen the brethren.” I am so glad there is some- thing to do. Our Saviour said to the fishermen, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Are we willing to follow Christ ? that is the test case. We will have opposition in the way. Reader, have you experienced that? I have. I find that the Lord does sustain and help ; I go forward in his name, ex- pecting to overcome through his strength given to me. ‘If God be for us, who can be against us?” I remember well when I asked the good Lord to | give me a little work to do in his vineyard if it was in accordance with his will; I would be glad to labor for his glory and for my fellow beings. A sister church not far distant was in need of help. A good brother kindly invited me to go down and assist them during the week of prayer. Our own church was strong enough to hold revival meetings every night and not miss us. Three of the brethren and the wri- ter went down to assist, at the request of Rev. J. V. Ferguson, the pastor. The meetings continued six 48 THE NARROW WAY. if weeks. I only missed two meetings in that time, and then I was leading my own class here. The pastor and brethren gave us a hearty welcome; the Spirit of the Lord was there, we had liberty, and the mem- bers were quickened. The pastor would preach a ‘. short sermon each evening, followed by exhortation, singing, prayer and testimony. I was not accus- tomed to revival work, and one of the weak and fee- ble of all the brethren. I asked the Lord to use me to do the little things. I got blessed being obedient, my cup was full and running over. Glory be to Je- sus our king! Hallelujah, I will sing! We had great liberty in prayer, the Holy Spirit aided in singing, and we made melody in our hearts to the Lord: We were led to pray the second time in the course of the evening. The power of the Most High came down upon us as we were assisting in that series of meet- ings. Iam unable to find words to explain how much the dear Jesus did for me each evening as I would enter the church and commence in the service by singing, or engage in prayer. It seemed to me that the place was solemn on account of the gracious presence of God. While at my work in the office during the day, I would be thinking of the meetings, and my heart would ery out to the Lord in silent prayer for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and for ‘ love of his dear Son to fill our hearts with his pres- ence, and give us strength to work for him in his own good way. Glory be to God for salvation. The pas- ‘tor labored hard, would preach good sermons, and then exhort the people with so much tenderness and sympathy for the unsaved, and no one ready to move EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 49 to the alter to be saved. O, for decision to seek the Lord. It is so hard for them to decide to go at once. They acknowledge it is right and proper, and ' will say, “Not to-night.” How merciful the Lord is, not to take his Holy Spirit away from striving with the hearts of the people, and leave them to join their idols! How many commit the unpardonable sin, and lose their souls by refusing the Holy Ghost . while striving with them! Again and again I noticed good singing would draw the people out night after night. I think it well at 9 o’clock to close if possible, if circumstances will admit. Quite a number were reclaimed during the meetings and made happy in the love of the Saviour, and started out in the narrow way for glory. Several of the young people said good bye to the world, and went to the altar, and there exchanged their load of sin and guilt, and re- eeived the love of Jesus in their hearts, and went their way rejoicing. I noticed that the testimonies of the members of the church would move the audience to tears, and touch the hearts of the congregation when nothing else would reach them. We are to confess our faults one to another, and pray for one another. ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I remember one very stormy Sunday morning, my dear brother B., whom I have referred to as my tutor and instructor in the higher life, (I do thank the Lord for putting words into the heart of that de- voted Christian to say to me to help me along in the highway of holiness,) as we were walking down 1 50 . THE NARROW WAY. through the snow and blow of that winter day to the little brick church, to hold a prayer meeting before. the morning service for a half hour, the wind blew a tree to the ground and across the side- walk; we were obliged to move it off before we could pass. I read in the Word, ‘Commit thy ways unto the Lord, and He will direct thy paths.” By and by we shall walk the streets of that city where they are paved with gold. Blessed Lord. As we walked into the basement of the church and stood by the furnace to warm our hands, the sextoh © came along and said that Mr. I. was up-stairs in the audience room all alone, we had better invite him down to the prayer meeting, Brother B. said to me, “Go up and speak to him. I shrank from doing my duty and asked to be excused. Poor, weak humanity, ‘I wonder the Lord has so much mercy for.us! I sug- gested to brother B. to go up; his answer was, “I have not any influence with that man. I did speak to him last night in the meeting about seeking the Lord. He put me off in a cold way, and was quite out of patience with me for speaking to him on the © csubject. I can tell you he was under deep convic- ‘tion; the good Lord had touched his heart, the Holy Spirit was “‘ striving with him.” I at last had “ the courage to go up and speak to him. As soon as I called out his name he gave me such a look, and asked me how I knew his name. I was afraid he ‘would begin to argue with me. I kindly invited him to come down into the prayer meeting. I then turned and left him; and to my surprise when I was about to enter the room, as I looked around he was EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 51 following me. We went in and commenced the meet- ing. He yielded to be saved then and there ; he was willing and did go on his knees and ery out to God for mercy. He was a backslider, and the dear Jesus came to his rescue, and filled his heart with love and made him His child. That little meeting that stormy morning will be remembered with much interest. God says in his Word, “ Choose ye this day whom ye willserve.” The testimony of that man was a power for good in the meetings after he was converted. I remember one afternoon I accompanied the pastor making calls, and we met his wife. She said her hus- band was deeply convicted, and made the remark that he must either keep away from the meetings al- together, or go forward to the altar and seek the Lord. In a short time the meetings were brought to a close, and the writer was invited to take charge of the young people’s class. Saturday evening was the time for them to meet. I thanked them for their con- fidence in me—almost an entire stranger, except the six weeks’ acquaintance in the revival meetings. I made it a subject of prayer, and asked the Lord if it was his will; to give me liberty to work and use me for His glory, and help the class. I felt the great responsibility but dared not refuse, as I promised Him when He gave me the blessing of sanctification, I would go anywhere or do anything for Him where He would lead me. I am thankful to the Lord for a ° great many things, and especially for a good mem- ory! In the few weeks I was among the people down there during the revival services, I learned the names 62 THE NARROW WAY. ' of the young folks, and the first class meeting was held Feb. 7th, 1880. Twenty-one persons were present, and the Saviourjwas prompt and made our hearts rejoice. I could call the name of each one that was there. It gives a home feeling to the members as the leader has his heart filled with Jesus’ love, and call the name of each as “mother would do at home; Carrie, Mary,” &c. I practice that in each of my class meetings, and call on my young people by their given name. They were anxious to organize a young people’s prayer meeting ; itis a good thing for the converts to learn to pray. I told them I would take charge of the prayer meeting. They selected Monday evening, and they were well attended. Some came to enjoy the song services, and I trust the good Lord touched their hearts. I hope they will find profit from being there. We made it a rule in the prayer meeting to devote a portion of the time each even- ing; in quoting Scripture, every one was prepared with one verse, and more if they chose. There is power in the precious Word. The young people will sustain their own meetings, and feel at liberty to take part in them ; they are interested in each other, and help one another along in the narrow way. We continued the prayer meetings for some time, until we had a change of pastor. The new one asked me to discontinue the Monday night meeting and appointed the class meeting on that evening, and held the teachers’ meeting on Saturday evening. I said to him that I was there to assist him, and help the young people; I wastheir servant. My ambition was to do them good—that was my aim and one de- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 53 sire. I think the people don’t pray enough. It is by constant effort, and doing all we can to keep up the interest in the church that we can attract the atten- tion of the young, and let them know we want to assist them, as the dear Jesus will work in us and through us. He says in his Word, “ And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” I believe that promise is true. I expect He will use me to help the people. : We lack faith, we doubt in our minds, and often think these passages I have quoted were written for others, and not for us. It is a mistaken idea; we are to put our names in there and feel they are for us. “Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them.” It is love that moves the chariot wheels, it is love that breaks our stubborn will. I want to love the Saviour more, and serve him better ; I expect to, I mean to. I do not want to lose my crown. God helping me, I will do more for Him. My life will be short, and 1 can see so many avenues where there is work to be done. These golden opportunities will soon be past and gone ; let us seize them as we are journeying to the glory shore, with a helping hand and whatever we may ac- complish through grace, we will give Him all the praise. The Christian’s pathway is a warfare; we must fight if we would win. We are to meet the enemy without flinching, we must show our colors. When we gain a victory, we are not to be elated and think our work is done; we are to hold our ground and press forward. I will take a humble place J 54 THE NARROW WAY. in the service of the Master. I have learned I can do nothing without Jesus. My own experience for the past few months has been a great blessing to me. When we are doing work for the Lord we are to expect great things from His hand; for in his Word I read, ‘‘ No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” . Tyremember one evening during the revival meet, ings in the brick church, after I returned home I had such a spirit of prayer and burden for souls! I went on my knees before God, and continued my petition to the throne of grace until after the clock in the Ar- mory struck twelve, and during the day I was be- seeching the Lord in silent prayer to give us power -from on high, and anoint us with the Holy Ghost to work effectually in His vineyard. ' - Saturday evening—good attendance at the class meeting ; I had unusual liberty in leading, and felt in my heart that the dear Saviour was leading me. As I opened the Bible to read his word, I felt inspired . from above to the depths of my soul. There was the best of attention from the members, they listened with such eagerness! God was speaking to their . hearts through his Word. I waited for a message from Him. I have never failed while I look to Him for help in time of need. Sunday morning I enjoyed the sermon very much ; my heart was tender with the love of Jesus, and tears dropped from my eyes during prayer. It is so pre- cious to hold commurion with God, and feel and know from the blessed spirit He gives that you are His child. Where He leads we will follow. “ Nearer EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 56 =e my God, to thee!” is my song and my prayer. I was greatly blessed in the Sabbath school as I studied the Word. I heard a good sermon in the evening from ‘the words, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11: 1. The pastor commenced his discourse and said: “Faith has two senses,—it is the repose of the soul ; it is an act on our part, it is a gift from the Lord through faith in Christ. He is the rock on which we build.” He spoke for twenty-six minutes, —quite long enough for a summer evening. He explained the Word very well, and enjoyed what he was saying. It has a wonderful good effect on the people if the speaker feels down in his soul what he is trying to tell them. It is along time since I have heard a sermon from that text. Ifa man has a deep experience he can make it interesting to his hearers. Experience is a good teacher. Monday evening I was in the young people’s pray- er meeting ; we spent a half-hour in singing from that little favorite book of ‘ Chaplain McCabe,” “ Joy to the world.” During that time we felt an in- ‘Spiration coming down from heaven, which stirred us to the depths of our souls. We then went down on our knees before God in prayer; we had a quick meeting, and that will long be remembered. They are green spots on the way from earth to heaven. Tuesday evening I called on the sick ; there I met some of thetmembers of my class ; we spent a short time in Christian conversation ; I then offered a short prayer to God in behalf of the sick one. God filled my heart so fulljof his love that the tears came to my 56 THE NARROW WAY. eyes. I had great liberty in prayer, and nearly ev- ery one in the room were weeping; the good Lord was present in power. O, for more faith. ‘ Hitherto ye have asked for nothing ; ask, and I will give you,” saith the Lord, “the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy posses- sions.” I called for a few minutes in the prayer meeting, and found that quite a number of my own class were present. Wednesday evening I drove down to M., and called on a young man who was suffering great pain of body —his soul was happy in the Saviour. He asked me at once to pray with him. I requested the family to come into the sick room, and we engaged in prayer, and asked God to give grace to the one suffering so intensely, and fit him for whatever awaited him in the future. Paul says in the Word, “ These light af- flictions worketh out for you afar more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Good will come out of the sickness in that family in some way. God doeth all things well; his way is right. The Lord blessed my soul on that occasion in a wonderful manner, and especially while I was pleading with God, for his dear Son’s sake, to give strength and wisdom to that devoted mother while watching over, and administer- ing to that loved boy who was so soon to pass away to the spirit land. I expect God will keep that fam- ily in the hollow of his hand, and do for them more. than we can ask or think, for the dear Redeemer's sake. I then called at a home to sympathize with a man who had just been bereft of his companion, left with EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. ' 57 two little ones to mourn the loss of a mother; they are too young to realize their loss. I was disap- pointed not to find the man in; I found his mother there in charge of the house—a very pleasant lady. I asked her to remember me kindly to her son, and say to him he had my sympathy and prayers in his affliction, and tell him to look to Jesus for comfort and strength to bear up under this trial. I then bowed in prayer, commending them to God. I found that the neighbors had called to assist and care for the children. As I clasped the hand of each, going out, not to meet again, perhaps, until we meet at the judg- ment, I noticed the tears in their eyes. God had touched their hearts, although they did not bow ‘the knee with mein prayer. I leave them in the hands of their Maker. I walked out of that house feeling thankful to Jesus, my loving and kind Saviour, that I could say a word to the broken hearted in time of trouble. I quoted to them these words: “The Lord | gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” I then called and prayed in three families, where some of them are members of my class. Some one asked the question, ‘ How shall we be- come strong?” The answeris, By going on our knees. It is knee work. We need discipline; we must go down before we go up. As the grist is to the mill, so is reading to the mind. In the Word we find the command to the Apostles, ‘“Tarry ye at Jerusalem until ye are endued with power from on high.” Friday afternoon I spent one hour at the ladies’ | prayer ili Jesus’ presence filled the place; we { -, i ‘THE NARROW WAY. give him all the glory. There is nothing like prayer. I think sometimes we are too nice, and try to be like | others. Speak and pray well; we must be simple. | Simplicity of intention and-purity of affection will take us through this world ; yes, through hell itself. In the evening I met my class in Ilion; the Lord was - with us in great power. “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary ; they shall walk and not faint.” We are to feed up- on the promises. “ As the hart panteth after the wa- ter-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” We are not all called to preach the gospel; still we can invite souls to Christ, and through our faithful- ness win some for heaven. Saturday evening Iam leading my class in Mo- hawk. I am gladI can repeat the words of that sainted man, Mr. Wesley: ‘‘ The best of all, breth- ren, God is with us.” “God is a spirit, and they . that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” The interest in the class is good; they are getting on to higher ground in the divine life, in an- swer to their own prayers and the reading of His Word, they are profited, and are growing in grace. ‘To him alone we ascribe ceaseless praise. O, for a baptism of all the church in that place, pastor, teach- ers and the class leaders. This work is a new expe- rience to me, to have the responsibility of a class out of town to care for. Paul says in the Word, “I can do all things.through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ‘The attendance is good—better than I could expect. Some have not missed one meeting during the past « | ’ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 59 year only by being absent from home. May the Lord bless and make’ them shining lights. I have not missed a meeting yet; if the members do not stay away from the meetings until the leader does, they’ will be present every week. With the blessing of God giving me good health, to be able to lead my class, they will never have the excuse to take to the judgment, The leader has lost his interest, and does not come ; and I may do the same. The way of duty is the way of safety. ‘The willing and the obedient shall eat the good of the land.” I find we can an- swer some of our own prayers. Some say, “ Becare- ful, and do not get excited.” I read in the Word, we are to be zealously affected in a good cause. O, the good we may be doing while the years are rolling on. To be dead to sin and alive to God is the command. The Christian’s armor will rust except it be polished with prayer. . The wise man prayed for wisdom and knowledge, I am obliged to pray every day for patience. Weare to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. One of the members in my class said last evening, “There ‘is but a step between me and death.” How true! O, to be ready! After death, the judgment. There is no work beyond the grave. ‘‘ Life is the time to serve the Lord, The time to insure the great reward.” May we all strive to enter in at the strait gate. “ For wide is the gate,and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” May God turn our feet into the narrow | way. 50 THE NARROW WAY. Sunday I enjoyed the day very much. Our pastor Was away on his vacation, to get rest, which I sup- pose is necessary ; for I think we are held responsi- ble how we use our bodies; that is, not to over-do, and bring on sickness and early death. I need not say much on this subject, as I think it not called for, as there are very few who are so zealous in the cause as to over-tax themselves in the work for the good of souls. I do think of some—Whitefield, Fletcher, Payson, Cookman. Such men we need at the pres- ent day. O, how I do want to be like them; not as great, but as good, and true to my Saviour. I am glad we have their example. I have been blessed in reading their memoirs. I thank the Lord for raising up such men. I heard two able sermons to-day from a Baptist ’ minister. (When our own church is closed,:then I go across the way to a sister church.) I ama Meth- odist through and through, and still I am not secta- rian ; I have charity for all ‘‘ Bible Christians ;” that is the kind that will be in heaven. It is not the name of a church that will give us an entrance to glory. It will be the clean heart, washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb that was slain to purchase our redemption and pardon from sin. “Come unto me, all ye ends of the earth, and be saved.” What a broad invitation ; it takes me in. It is a blessed gos- pel, free to all, white or black, rich and poor. “Take my yoke upon you,.... for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Take me, break me, make me. I want to be thine, wholly thine, purchased by blood divine. Seal my heart, and let it be forever closed EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 61 to all but thee. We enjoyed the study of the Word in the Sabbath school to-day. That noted and pop- ular man, Rev. Dr. Tyng, Jr., once said ata. S. Convention (in the city of Utica), that we are to prove the Scriptures by the Scriptures. The word is what we all need; we do not appreciate its value to us as Christians. I want to have it hid in my heart. “Drak BrorHer ix Cueist—Words would fail me were I to try even to express my thankfulness to you for vour kind letter. It cheered my heart as I was passing through trials. Surely we understand it is nothing but the Holy Spirit that could have revealed to you to write to me at the present time. I wonder why God is so mindful of me, im giving me so many friends. I accept them in the precious name of our Master ; and may God's richest blessing rest upon you and yours, shall ever be ny prayer while on earth ITremain. And, my brother, as God has revealed himself to you so many times in the past few months, may his tender love bind you closer to the side where flows the blood, and may yon feel every day and hour in the future as I believe you have in the past. *-] lift my eyes. the cloud grows thin, I s=< the blue above it, And day by day this pathway smooths. Since dist I learned to love it: Tk: peace «i Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever flowing, All things are mime since 1 am bi-. How can I keep from singing ~ O, I am so glad we may be abundantly satisfied out of the fatness of his house. And though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh, “ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds: casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledze of God, and y Z SN 62 THE NARROW. WAY. : \ bringing into captivity every thought to the obedi- ence of Christ.” I wonder how any one can think but there is a fulness in the religion of our Lord Je- ~ sus Christ. Glory be to his name; I am glad he en- ables me to believe, and I enter into rest and rejoice in tribulation, and it ever works for me patience, and - then comes experience, and my experience gives me ' a hope that enters away into that “within the vail.” And the anchor holds, as I hear my Master’s voice so anany times cheering me onward and upward. I, too, may come with all my unworthiness, and in the mer- it of the blessed Jesus, te able to comprehend with all saints this uttermost salvation. It is a fountain full and free, pure, exhaustless, overflowing. Won- drous grace ; it reaches me, even me. How can we help rejoicing, with that “joy unspeakable and full of glory?” HowTI prayed for you inthe Sabbath school room! but I trust that wherever you were last Thursday evening (I was absent from the prayer meeting), the opening heavens around you shone with beams of sacred bliss. You will never know, my brother, the good you are doing, through God, until you wake up in the image of our Saviour. And may God give you the joy which is the Christian’s, _ strength, and may your efforts be crowned with abun- , dant success. I will close ; but how I have failed to tell you what I feel; but God knows, and will reward you during time, and in eternity. From your sister in Christ, F.” Monday evening I am in the young people’s prayer meeting. The Lord accepted of our offering, and blessed us as we bowed in prayer, and called on His - dear name for His Son’s sake to come down and take the lead of all our hearts. It is the spirit of prayer that He gives us. In Isaiah I read: “ He will give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the ‘ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 63 garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” I am in love with the precious Word of God ; it is food to my soul. It is a great Rock in a weary land for my feet to rest upon ; it is a hiding place from the storm and tempest of life’s troubled sea; a high tower—the righteous remaineth in it, and are safe. It is acces- sible by faith on the Son of God. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, ‘but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Reader, how is it with you? May I with all the simplicity of a child and the affection of a fellow traveler to the bar of God, ask you this question. ‘Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” Tuesday evening I spent an hour in Christian con- versation at the home of a friend, and then offered a prayer to God for His blessing to rest on each one as I called them by name, for I believe in that. The . presence of the Saviour was felt in power, and es- pecially on my own heart. The enjoyment of that evening will be remembered with pleasure. Wednesday evening I visited the sick.and prayed in three homes, and the dear Jesus was preseut to help His weak and unworthy servant, in doing the simple things for His cause. I have received a letter from one of the converts in the meetings last winter,_—a member of my class who has been called away from home, and deprived of the class meeting on account of his business being out of town. My heart was cheered as I perused the contents of his note. “Dear Brorger Hutcuins—Your letters were re- ceived with. great pleasure, and in reading them I 64 ‘ THE NARROW WAY. was encouraged. Bless the Lord for Christian friend- ship! My dear leader, a letter from you at any time will be kindly received, and encouraging to me. But you must pardon me for not answering, for I am working from sunrise until sunset. You will see I have not much time for writing. Thank the Lord, I finally hit upon the method of living by the moment. I am trusting in the blood of Jesus already shed as a sufficient atonement for all my past sins, and the fu- ture I have committed wholly to the Lord, agreeing to His will under all cireumstances, as He will make it known; and I saw that all I had to do was to look to Jesus for a present supply of grace, and to trust Him to cleanse my heart and keep me from sin at the present moment. Praise the Lord! Iam glad the class are getting on to higher ground, and my prayers are that they may. I hope the Lord will fill us with his fulness and give us all the mind that was in Christ. The Lord loves us, and will work through us. J am resting on that promise, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” My heart is full of love and gratitude to the blessed Master. I claim a place in your class, please remem- ber me there! a ‘Thursday evening I attended the prayer meeting. Brother Tufts was our leader, Jesus led him! Quite a number of strangers were present. That meeting’ will be remembered for some time on account of the presence of the Master. He filled all our hearts with His love. It is true where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Glory be to His precious name. Friday evening I called at the home of one of my neighbors where the father had been called away to the spirit world, sick only a few days. I met the friends of the departed one—wife and two daughters, EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 65 ' who are left to mourn his loss. I extended to them my hand in friendship, and my heart in sympathy in their affliction, and commended them to look to Jesus, as He is the great sympathizer of all hearts that are afflicted. I then went on my knees, and prayed to God to give grace to that sorrowing family, and care for them while passing through the greatest trial of life. He did come down in mighty power, and touched my heart in such a wonderful manner ! Tears ran down my face, while those afflicted ones were all weeping. I will remember that occasion for years to come. The Lord is doing wonderful things for me, whereof I am glad and rejoice in His love. ““God is love.” I feel that my friends are praying for me ; their prayers are answered in my behalf. I am humbled when I think of all His tender mercies tome. I felt His gracious presence in the room, leading my class. As I tried to say something that would cheer them, the dear Saviour blessed my soul. It pays well to serve God. He says in His word, “Them that honor me, I will honor.” Mr. Hutcuins—I am afraid you will think I did not appreciate your kind letter. I hope you will par- don me for not answering it before. I read it with a great deal of pleasure, it was as good as going to class meeting. I read it to an old lady friend of mine ; she said it did her more good than a sermon. I think if I should see Mr. Hutchins now, he would ask me if I was happy; my answer would be, as of old, that I was. The cause of it is, Jesus so sweetly abides within. He is more precious to me than when T left Ilion. I have had a new experience, and I learn to trust Him more and more each day as it passes. Surely it isa heaven below, our Redeemer 66 “THE NARROW WAY. to know. I often wonder of God’s goodness to me, ‘and’ feel so unworthy of the blessings He bestows, ‘upon me daily. The other day, while I was reading. - the life of “Payson,” his experience gave me comfort oy light. I will write 2 few words as found in his 00k, “The other morning, while half awake and half asleep, I said, ‘Lord, why is it that thou art never _ weary of heaping favors on ungrateful persons?’ In , &@ moment a reply came as powerfully as if He had “spoken with an audible voice, ‘Because I am never weary of gratifying my dear Son, and showing my | love to Him by heaping favors on his friends, how- ever unworthy.’ A day or two ago, after reading this - ‘I read in God’s Word, “And ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” Never has nature looked so beau- tiful to me as this summer, it seems as if everything said, “‘ Praise the Lord.” But my heart is made sad daily, for I see so many that have not the love of God in their hearts, and walk in darkness without know- ing the light. How glad I am that I know He is the same yesterday, to-day and for ever. What a com- forting thought is that verse found in Romans 14: 8. ‘For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live, therefore, or die, we aré the Lord’s.’ I must close my letter by telling you that I hope and strust Iam making a little progress in Divine life, and that my faith is strong that I shall meet you in that sweet by and by. Respectfully yours, M.” - Saturday evening the Lord did bless me in lead- ing the class meeting. O, to be ready to go at the call of the Master! O,for more of the spirit and mind that was in our dear Saviour! May He send. the Holy Ghost down upon us and fill our hearts, the leader and all of the dear class. Without this power EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 67 we are utterly helpless. He is leading me into green pastures, and by the side of still waters. My heart is tender, my will is lost in His. I am waiting for marching orders to attack Satan, the enemy of all souls. Sunday was a feast to my soul, I heard two good sermons. I enjoyed teaching in the Sabbath school, although Ihad but one scholar in my class. I did the very best [ could, and that was so poor the half hour would have been lost and the time wasted, only that the dear, precious Jesus did lend me a helping hand and blessed us in the study of His Word. I remember reading in the Book of all books, the - greatest Teacher in the world taught one at the well, and she went away back to her people and said to them, ‘Come and see the man that told me all things that ever I did; is not this the Christ ?” Cheer up, my brother teacher, it is for you and I to work ; re- | sults belong to God. You may never know until eternity what your influence has been for God. Go on in the narrow way, and the Lord will reward you in this life with joy and peace in believing in His dear Son, Jesus Christ, and a triumphant death from earth to glory. “ Dear BrotHer H.—I shall not be able to attend . class on Friday evening, but instead I will try and express my thoughts to you by sending you the few verses which I have composed and arranged since I last saw you. Your friend. A TWILIGHT REVERIE. As I stood gazing from my window, Watching the beautiful sky, And also the glorious s inset, As the evening shades grew nigh. f ~ 68 THE NARROW WAY. While gazing there in the twilight, At the pesceful clouds above, The stars began to twinkle, © With a heavenly light of ‘love. / And I thought with a sigh ot reverence, Of the loved ones gone before, Of their peace and joy unspoken, i On the banks of the golden shore. = + Of those who dwell with the angels, In the home of that sweet paradise; And of Jesus’ who purchased it for them, \ In. the agony of a blood-spilt price. I trust by faithful watching, In His footsteps so to tread, : That I may reach that haven, 5 To dwell with those called dead. M.” ~ Monday evening the Lord was with us, and gave us a spirit of prayer; we received an inspiration in the song service. I think we ought to pray more than we do for God’s blessing on that part of our ‘worship. Good singing is more than half the meet- ing when we enter into it with hand and heart. Some are influenced by it, and no doubt are made to think of Him with reverence, who gave us our voices to sing His praises and make melody in our’ hearts. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole maiter: Fear God, and keep his commandments ; for this is ‘the whole duty of man.’ Tuesday evening I spent an hanes in Christian con- versation very profitably, and then bowed in prayer with the friends who were visiting in that family. God did bless us in that act of worship, simple as it may seem. I will give youthe contents of a letter from one of the mem‘ ers of my class who was called ‘away from home on account of business. I have kept up the acquaintance with him by the way of pen EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 69 and paper. I have found the Lord is so good'to me, — and sometimes He gives to me something to put down on paper to cheer His dear followers on in the Christian journey. Iam His unfaithful’ servant in any way that I can honor Him, or speak a word for His cause. I do it in all weakness, and trust results wholly to Him, for He is abundantly able to do for us far more than we can think of. Glory be to His dear name! I do love Him because He loves me, and ' makes me happy. AllI do is to obey; obedience is better than sacrifice. “Dear Broruer Hurcuins—I received your letter of the 17th inst. with great pleasure. Dear leader, your gentleness and patience with me I earnestly ap- preciate; and with your Christian example, I am en- couraged to look away from every thing that is past, and with the eye of faith look away to that blessed One who loved us and died for sinners like me. This moment, with my eyes filled with penitential tears, my heart goes out with gratitude to God, asking him to fill me with more of the heavenly spirit. I was working at F. last week. I enjoyed a good season at the Thursday eveing prayer meeting. Blessed Jesus, I have been surrounded with great temptations while repairing a hotel, but the Lord brought me through them, and out of them sweetly. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord, my Rock. Brother H., give my com- pliments to the class; tell them the Lord is leading me sweetly. © SJL” Wednesday evening I spent in calling on some of the members of my class. J prayed in three homes ; the Lord gave me the spirit of prayer; we felt his _ presence overshadowing us while on our knees. It is knee-work that tells for God. I was introduced in 70 THE NARROW WAY. one héme to an aged man. As we arose from our knees I took him by the hand to say good night. I noticed his locks were white with the frosts of many winters. We may never meet here again, but we shall meet at the judgment. We are passing away to the great judgment day! O, to be ready! how those words impress me, more than I can tell. Thursday evening I attended the prayer meeting. In the absence of the pastor, brother Thurston led the meeting, while the Lord led him. Jesus filled us with his love; my.faith grasped the promises, and the presence of the Master was felt by all. The mem- ory of that occasion will be cherished and held in grateful remembrance for years to come. It is safe to wait at his feet for marching orders to advance. I have written a letter to one of my members, who has been absent from the meetings for some time, and on account of it, is getting cold and indifferent in the cause of Christ. “Dear BrotHER—I am go anxious to see you once more in the meetings; I want to hear you testi- fy for the dear Jesus—the power there is in his blood to save and keep them that trust in his precious name. My heart would leap within me for joy if I could see you again at the church. I will pray the good Lord to turn your feet again to the house of God. The memories of that little class room are very dear to me on account of the presence of the Master in the meetings there. And that is the birth-place of my dear brother that I am now addressing. O, the mercy of God in sparing you to live until you had the privilege of seeking our loving Saviour, and then.to feel his blood applied to the washing away of all your sins, and make you an heir of God, and joint EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 71 heir of the Lord Jesus Christ. O, how the dear Je- sus is filling me with his gracious presence and love. LE cannot explain how much the good Lord is doing for your unworthy and weak brother and humble ser- vant. The class are praying you to come back with us, and encourage us with your presence, and words of comfort and cheer. May I indulge the hope of seeing you in the meeting next Monday ovening? Please remember me kindly to all your dear family, and accept a share yourself. I remain your brother in the Lord.” Friday afternoon I attended the ladies’ prayer meeting for one hour at the house of sister Tefft. The leader was not present. They invited me to lead the meeting. I dared not refuse, but consented to go on in my simple way. The Lord showed mercy and love, and made my own heart very tender with his gracious presence. My cup was full and running over. To him be all the praise. The tears were run- ning down my face while I was on my knees in pray- er, and while I was speaking in behalf of his dear Son, tears dropped from my eyes. The rest caught the blessed tender spirit that was powerfully felt in that room. God’s name was honored, and his chil- dren quickened in the journey to the heavenly king- ‘dom. The joy of the Lord is our strength. In the evening we had an increase in numbers in the class meeting ; the Lord is so good, he does answer our prayers. I was very anxious about my class, as some of them seemed to be getting cold and indifferent about their spiritual welfare. I took it to the Lord ' in prayer; I had liberty in leading the class. The dear Jesus was present to lead me. I expect to over- come through his strength. 72 THE NARROW WAY. '“ BrorHer Hurcstins—I have been anxious to see you for some time upon business ; ‘the opportunity not occurring obliges me to pen these few lines. My experience this beautiful morning is, Jesus sweetly saves me, glory to his name, and with the poet I can say, O, to be ready, ready, God’s word to obey, Shunning the pathway of danger, Seeking the one narrow way. O, to be ready to suffer His will! “Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth ;” chasteneth for good, not for ill. O,to be ready and watehing in prayer, ready for Christ’s appearing, His glory to share. May God bless you more abundantly in your manifold labor. Methinks your reward will be indeed glorious, while it is blessed to know that without Jesus we are per- fect weakness. But as He works in us and through us, we are evabled to do all things that He requires of us here, and we will give to Him all the glory. My heart is full, but I must close. Pray for us. From your sister in Christ, F.” “Dear SistER—Your much esteemed letter came to hand this P.M. I can not find words to express to you my thanks for those beautifnl words of cheer. While reading them, the dear, loving, blessed Saviour _ filled my heart so full of his love that tears of joy started down my face. Praise His dear name! I am saved through the blood of the crucified one. To Him be all glory in heaven and on earth. O, the bliss of knowing Jesus! JI am so busy in the office I scarcely know what to do first. Iam so glad that Iam saved; and with Jesus’ love in my soul pre- pares me for everything in this life. I have patience to wait, and faith in God gives me strength to en- dure. I expect to be obliged to toil while I live; my Saviour’s presence makes me happy. I hope by and by to gain an entrance to the saints’ rest in glory. I EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 13 drove twenty miles yesterday to talk to the children at Salisbury Centre. I enjoyed it very much, the people were so kind to the little man dressed in blue, that related stories to the children. I do not under- stand it when I think aboutit. I have arrived at this conclusion, that it is the love of Christ in my heart that wins friends. Glory be to Jesus, I do love him with all my heart, might, mind and strength. In the evening I returned to Little Falls on my way home, and led the young people’s class meeting. The good Lord did come down our souls to greet, while glory crowned the mercy seat. ‘Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” O, to be little and unknown, loved and prized by God alone. God bless you and yours on your journey, and all through life, and a triumphant death for the dear Redeemer’s sake! I want to see you so much, and talk to you about the higher life hid with Christ in God. Pray, pray much and often for your weak brother in the Lord. Saturday evening I am leading the class, not many present. [have learned this, that God is not confined to time, place or numbers, and is no respecter of per- sons ; the same yesterday, to-day and for ever. “No man liveth unto himself.” If you want to be happy, go out and help others. O, for the anointing of the Holy Ghost! Some one may ask the question, What shall I do ? we are not all called to preach the gos- pel. True; but we can do the little things—visit the sick, say a kind word tothem. There are hearts all around us suffering for sympathy and words to cheer them through the trials of this sinful world. Look after the poor in your town—enquire about their souls, tell them of Jesus who died on the cross to ao 74 THE NARROW WAY. save them. To fit us to do valiant work for the Mas- ter we need the courage of Peter, the meekness of. Moses, the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job. He that winneth souls is wise. “Be thou faith- ful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” ‘If we are true to God, there are so many things to encourage us. Allow me to mention a few of them. Home, family, loved ones, about that we do not ap- reciate until they are called away by death, and bur- ied out, of sight. Christian friends are given to us from Him, the giver of all good things. Their worth I am unable to estimate. A friend in need, is a friend indeed. The wise man once said, “ How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” The ex- -ample of devoted ones helps us; we profit so much by them ; their prayers are going up to God in our be- half. ‘The fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” It is not the length of prayer, — the beautiful sentences in prayer, the good grammar we use in prayer, that prevails with God. No, no; ‘it is the prayer of faith. Without faith we cannot please God. If we try to be good and live near to God, we will have opposition. I think it will help us. Then we are compelled to goto God in prayer. I can not succeed without prayer. I do not pray enough. God helping me, I will pray more than I ever have done. Itis knee work that will open God’s hand to bring blessings down uponus. He says in the Word, ‘Before they call will I answer, and while they are yet speaking will I hear.” _ Sabbath day I enjoyed very much, especially teach-, ing his Word in the Sunday school to my class. The EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. . 75 Lord did reveal himself to usin the study of his Word in a wonderful manner. I am resting in the promises. Monday evening I had liberty in leading the prayer meeting ; we were very much profited in ‘that service. The leader that is equipped and fitted out for work from above by the great Commander, can have about such a meeting as he desires. “ De-. light thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Blessed Lord, I believe that promise; I have experienced that in my short life in the narrow way. Tuesday morning 10:19 a.m., on my way to the St. Lawrence. The ’bus from the village to the depot was crowded with people, I counted twenty persons present. I thought of the old adage, “There is room enough for one more.” Ina few minutes’ ride on the. cars we reached Utica, in time for lunch. Then we made our way to the train on the Black River R. R., and secured a seat in the car for Clayton, the termin- us of that road. An excursion party from Bingham- ton on the way to the Thousand Island Park joined us in Utica. Several coaches were filled with people traveling for pleasure. I was amused to look in so many strange faces and see the anxiety of each one to secure the best seat. How selfish we are ; we are willing to give the poor places to others. I had in my possession one of the best books I have ever read, the “Life of T. M. Eddy,” written by Dr. Sims, Chan- cellor of Syracuse University. The train started, and Ito my reading. The tears came to my eyes as I perused the pages of that book of the sainted man. My prayer is for God to give us more of such men as 16 THE NARROW WAY. Dr. Eddy—a deep thinker, a great writer, and a faith- ful worker. His flow of words, and that noble and tender heart of his did win friends wherever he went. “He being dead, yet speaketh.” As the seats on the train were in great demand, I was obliged to put my Satchel on the floor, and allow a young lady to take a seat by my side, who was on her way to Trenton Falls with a company of pleasure-seekers to spend the day. No doubt she saw the tears on my face that God put there ; they were for some one he knows best.. I was plasged in a wonderful manner reading about that devoted servant of God. It is so precious to hold com- munion with the Lord even in a crowded car. The~ Holy Spirit said to me, Speak to that young lady about her soul. I said, Yes, Father, I will. I dare not object the prompting of the Holy Spirit for fear God will take that spirit from me, and leave me to my own weakness. In obeying the prompting of the Holy Ghost I am blessed. Reader, are you working for the Master? There was a lady not far from us in a seat with a pillow to her back to ease her on the journey. I spoke of it to the person by my side, and introduced. the conversation with her by relating a story that I read some years ago about an invalid, for twenty years a great sufferer. One evening after the family had retired, she was thinking why she had to suffer so much and so long. Just then the room seemed to be lighted up, and a beautiful form stood by her bed- side and addressed her in these words: ‘ Daughter oi sorrow, are you getting impatient ?” No, was her auswer. “But,” said she, “I was wondering why I was obliged to suffer so intensely.” “Come with me,”’ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 77. said the stranger, “and I will shew you.” He took ‘ her gently in his arms, and carried her away across land and water into a far-off city, and put her down in a workshop, where there were a large number of men busy at work on diamonds and pebbles. One of the workmen had a little diamond in his pincers, holding it on a grindstone that was going very fast, grinding it so the dust was flying. Said she to the man, “What are you doing that for?” Said he, “ We are making a crown for our king. He was here yester- day, and is much pleased. I want this little diamond for a very important place in that crown. Iam grinding out the flaws and cracks in it; if it will stand the test it will be beautiful.” The angel guide then took her back and put her on the sick bed, and then said, ‘“‘ Daughter of sorrow, do you understand the vision?” “Yes, I do. May Iask you one ques- ‘tion ?” “Certainly.” ‘Were you sent here to show me all this?” ‘Most assuredly I was.” “Then may T have the consolation to know that I may be a jewel in the crown of our king?” “Yes, you may, and every pain of body shall be hike a flash of lightning in a dark night, revealing to you eternity. You shall | walk and not faint, run and not be weary, and sing with those that have come up through great tribula- tion. Blessed Lord! All whom God loves he em- ploys ; every saint has something to do or suffer for his glory.” As I finished my story to the young lady at my ‘side, I looked into her face and saw the tear in her eyes. God touched her heart in a powerful manner. ~ [then said to her, “I hope you are a Christian,” \ 78 THE NARROW WAY. She answered me in the affirmative, and said she- could not get along without Jesus. We soon reached: the Falls. My lady friend said good-bye. I hope to . meet her in heaven. I was busy reading. Occasionally I looked out of the window, viewing the country. I noticed Low-. ville and Carthage are places of business and stir. _I saw several smaller villages and less of business - transacted. 5:15 p.m. we reached Clayton. The hurry and bustle then came of getting our baggage, and getting on board of the little steamer to take us. over to the Thousand Island Park. We called at the dock at Round Island. They have a large and com- ‘modious hotel there. The island belongs to the Baptist society, and will in the course of time be a great summer resort. In afew minutes we arrived’ at the Park. They have accommodation for a number: ‘of boats to land at their dock. The steamer “ Maud” was lying at the dock with an excursion party from Kingston, our Canada cousins. They are very friend-- ly and visit the Park often. As we left the dock, the next thing was to put our hand into our pocket and get fifteen cents for an admission fee. We received. a ticket, and marched up the sidewalk to the board-. ing house, where they serve out on some days two: thousand meals. We were late as we sat down atthe: table—after the time for a good warm cup of tea,. then 7 P. M., our appetite was good about that time,, as you may suppose. The air is very bracing. Com-- ing down from the water the view is beautiful; you: must see it for yourself—the finest river in the world, the St. Lawrence. After supper we walked over to EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 79 the Sanitarium, kept by our old friend, Dr. Hopkins, from Madison. He gave us room 5 for our lodging. We left our baggage and went out to view the cot- tages and tents, which are very numerous. There were several thousand people on the ground enjoying rest and pleasure. We walked down to the taber- nacle ; the accommodation is good for several thou- sands to listen to the speaker. I thought of the con- veniences we have at thé present day to worship our God, all of the good help we have. We ought to be better ; we will have much to answer for at the bar of God. AsI walked down towards the dock, I met a young man that I recognized as a member of my class in Mohawk. I was delighted to see him. He and his mother were spending a few days at the Park. Wethen walked down to the tabernacle to listen to the service of song. It was a great treat. The Tandy Brothers from Kingston, Miss Kelta from Hamilton, and Miss Bar from Toronto, Canada, make’ ' up the choir; Mrs. Tandy presided at the organ. The Rev. Fred Widmer from the Troy Conference, N. Y., had charge of the Sunday School Parliament. Prof. Osborn’s name was then announced that he would deliver his favorite lecture. We listened to him until 9 p.™.; we then walked quietly down among the cottages and made a few calls. I was de- , lighted to meet my old friend, Rev. H. W. Bennett from Fulton, my former pastor. We met several | people going to the post office for their mail, and the store to purchase their supplies for the next day. In a few minutes we reached the Sanitarium ; our old friend, Dr. Hopkins, showed me to my room for the 80 THE NARROW WAY. night. I was soon fast asleep. In the morning I felt refreshed, as good as new. After I had adjusted my toilet I started for the office in the building. As I reached the hall I heard the Dr. reading the Bible. : their buildings are open; you can hear a sound in the _ third story down in the office quite plainly; the peo- ple there are accustomed to it. I walked into the parlor, and engaged in the service of reading and prayer with the Dr.’s family and the guests of the . house that wished to be present. I enjoyed it much. . After breakfast, with satchel in hand, I walked down to the dock, where the steamer “‘ Pierpont” was wait- ing for the hour to start, 7:30 A. M. is I was informed there were about six thousand peo- ple on the island. I found the air very bracing and fresh at the Park. After two and a half hours’ sail up the river we reached Kingston, that old city. We sawa few things of interest as we walked around town. The City Hall is a fine building. As we walked . farther on, at our right stood a beautiful brick church (M. E. church); at our left we saw the Wesleyan ‘church. A little way from that stands the Cathedral. As we went inside we saw two young ladies on their knees in prayer; near by we saw their college. We did not have the time to go and visit the Asylum and Penitentiary. We dined at the Windsor House, on Princess street. We were obliged to wait in the of- ‘fice for the train about an hour; during that time a great many people passed through into the next room to drink at the bar. It seemed to me as though ' nearly every man in town drank. O, when will men ’ ‘ i EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 81 -cease to do evil and learn to do well. I am so thank- ‘ful that I am not a drunkard. ; At 4:15 p.m. we took a seat in the car on the Grand Trunk Railway, for Bowmanville (125 miles), to meet ‘our old friend and spiritual adviser, Rev. D. C. Me- Dowell. The car was full of French Canadians. I | was not very much entertained by their language. We passed some fine places of interest—Napanee, Belleville, Coburg. At the latter place we stopped ten minutes for lunch; the bill of fare was good. Fifty cents was demanded and paid. We were soon on our way. As I took my seat in the car I made the acquaintance of a young man who was very frank to talk to me about his soul. He was anxious about a brother not saved, and asked me to pray for him. We conversed together for a half hour; the brake- man called out the station where I was to stop, and I bade the young man good night. I expect to meet him in the glory land. I left the train and started for the parsonage. At10p.m.I reached the place and rang the door-bell. My friend did not recognize me as I entered his home, until he heard my voice. He gave me a very hearty welcome as he put his arm around me and drew me up to him, by the side of his great loving heart. I felt I was well paid for riding that long distance to meet that devout and ho- ly man of God. We had a good visit together in his parlor, alone ; the young people had been invited out to spend the evening; the good lady of the house was away in Whitby, caring for and administering to the wants of a sick daughter, the wife of the Rev. Mr. Hare, Principal of the Ladies’ College in Whitby. 52 THE NARROW WAY. After breakfast the young people gathered around the piano and sang a’ few pieces. The music was beautiful, each part was sung. I can imagine now how good they looked as they stood near each other + around the instrument, while the face of that dear fa- ther was beaming with goodness as he looked upon those dear loved ones. O, what a sight!—all saved, - and walking together in the narrow way. After the ‘song we bowed around the family altar to thank God for the mercies during the night, and to pray that his grace and richest blessings come down upon that dear family and remain with them all through life. The good Lord gave me liberty while I was pleading in behalf of the dear ones that make up that home ;. the tears ran down my face, my heart wag filled with the love of Jesus, and my faith took hold on the promises. The memory of that hour will be dear to. me all the years to come. I bade each one a kind good-bye, and started for the train. At 9:18 a. M. we were on our way homeward. We: reached Kingston at 2 o’clock, got a lunch, and then rode to the dock and secured a passage on the “Tsland Chief,” for Clayton. We left at ‘4 o’clock, and had a pleasant sail down the river. We took on board several people who had veen fishing---ladies,, with their broad-brimmed hats on, to protect their pretty white faces from the sun. At 6 o’clock we * reached our destination. Our feet once more on terra jirma, we walked up to the Walton House, 8. B. Johnson, proprietor, a very pleasant gentleman, and the hotel is first class—plenty of dishes on the table, and lots of good things to eat. My appetite was EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 83 good about that time. I was highly entertained after supper on the veranda by a gentleman from St. Louis. He took me down (in my imagination) to New York, and told me about Jay Gould and his speculations, how he made money on Wallstreet in railroad stocks. While they were taking lunch together on a certain occasion, a boy came in and spoke in a low tone of voice to Mr. Gould, and passed out. In a few min- utes he returned. Said Mr. Gould to his friend : ‘Since we sat down here together I have made five thousand dollars.” The gentleman said to me, “It is all wrong.” How true the precious Word, “ The love of money is the root of all evil.” I was much im- pressed with the appearance of that man, although I was an entire stranger to him. He took great pains to tell me about his travels in the “old country,” and their way of doing business. One evening as he walked down to the market and asked the price of a certain line of goods that they would be likely to have for sale, the answer was, “ We have sold out; we do not keep them; we can sell you the same kind of American manufacture.” ‘“ Please explain that to me.” ‘Well, you Americans can make and put in the market, and sell cheaper than we can here; so we buy your goods; the land rents are so high here we cannot compete with the market in America.” I thanked the gentleman for the information he frankly gave me. J would say from his appearance he had plenty of money, a good deal of ‘common sense, and had a good experience of the things in this life. The evening passed away quickly. I had a good night’s rest ; in the morning I took treakfast and paid my s 84 THE NARROW WAY. bill. At 9:15 we left Clayton for Ilion. After a pleas- ant ride of six hours. we reached home very much re- freshed in body and spirit. Now we commence our toil again. 4 Friday evening we are leading the class Hees only twelve present—the smallest attendance we have had for a long time. Iam glad I can say the words ,. of that devout man, Mr. Wesley, the best of all breth- ren, “God is with us; itis his presence that makes '. (our paradise « without him we are weak and helpless; the j joy of the Lord is our strength. ; Saturday evening, a good many present at the class meeting; two of our best singers are absent on ac- count of sickness; we miss them very much. I think good singing is more than half of the meeting. We, ‘as Methodists, have the credit of good singing. If that be true, I hope we will try at the present day to hold our reputation in that respect. We are com- manded in the precious Word to sing heartily unto the Lord, expecting him to bless the same, and use our voices for the good of the people and the honor of : his dear name. __ + Sabbath day I greatly enjoyed the sermon; had a ‘ good ‘time in the study of the. Word in the Sabbath school. It pays well to do the little things for the Master. In the prayer meeting in the evening, the Lord touched my heart ; my cup was full and run- ‘ning over; as I prayed for my pastor the dear Sav- iour blessed my own heart in a special manner, so that the tears ran down my face. O, for that anoint- ing of the Holy Ghost. “Come, Holy Spirit, heav- enly dove, with all thy quickening powers.” EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 85. Monday evening the Lord blessed us in the prayer. meeting, while reading and commenting upon his Word. We felt much of his presence and inspiration from heaven, which will make a good meeting wheth- er many or few be present. Ti is the spirit of prayer. that he gives to us; we can have it for the asking in faith. O, for a mighty faith that will hold on to God under reverse circumstances ; and cries it must be done. All power is with God. “ The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.” . Tuesday evening I went down to Mohawk, made five calls, prayed in four homes, visited the sick. The Lord filled me with his love. I then walked one mile and a half alone with Jesus, praise his dear name. Some people look at me with astonishment and surprise, and say, ‘‘ Why do you pray in so many homes, and spend so much of your time calling on the members of your classes ?—other leaders do not practice it.” I will use the words of the apostle Paul, “The love of Christ constraineth me.” It is God working in us and through us. To his own dear - name be all the glory. “For no one liveth to him- ' self.” We are here for a purpose. The good old Quaker once said, “I am going through this world but once, so I want to do all the good I can.” I think it is a great privilege to live in this enlightened age. Where much is given, much shall be required of us. Reader, can you stand the test if you are called to-' day to the bar of God? “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation ?” Paul says, “ Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing: by the Word.” The Word of God is our chart 85 THE NARROW WAY. through life ; if we follow its teaching, it will guide. us into all truth. O, for wisdom and knowledge. “ Wisdom’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all paths are paths of peace.” We may have all of this world ; it will not make us happy. Not what a man has, but what he is, makes the man; it is his charac- ter. Young man, set your standard high, and reach it if you can. Jesus is a satisfying portion ; without his presence we are miserable ; with, his love in our hearts we are rich in faith, and made heirs of God | and of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wednesday evening I went to East Frankfort. and attended brother Johnson’s class meeting (at the house of Thomas Leech). The leader invited his class from Frankfort (one mile and a half away), for the benefit of the Leech family. The good Lord was pleased with that offering, and made his gracious power felt in that meeting. The leader called on me to make the opening prayer. I felt the power of the Most High God as I pleaded with the Father, for his Son’s sake, to give us liberty in speaking in honor of his name. We arose and sang that beautiful song, ~ “Tt is good to be here.” Rev. W. F. Brown and wife, from Frankfort, were present, to cheer the hearts of the young converts that make up that class. We can- not do too muck for our young people. Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my lambs.” O, how tender the great Shepherd is of his own. “What manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be | called the sons of God.” Blessed Lord! he is mine, and I am his. ‘Thursday evening I called at the home of one of \ \ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 87 the members of my class and had a very pleasant time for half an hour in Christian conversation ; then we went down on our knees and called on the name of our God ; our suuls were hungry for the bread of eternal life. He came and filled us with the love of his dear Son, our Saviour, the sinner’s friend, the world’s Redeemer, My faith took hold of the strong arm of heaven as I asked God to send his special blessing to rest on the parents of that family circle, two sons and one daughter. AsI prayed for them and called each one by name, and commended them to God and the Word of his grace, I felt Jesus’ love ‘welling. up in my soul. As I clasped the hand of each and bade them good night, as I looked into the face of the one that they call “ mother,” that the dear ‘Christ had touched her heart and filled it so full of his presence, the tears were running down her face. As I was leaving, the expression from her eyes told me in a louder tone than words, “ God bless you, my brother, for the interest you have taken in my dear ones ; may grace be given to you from above, all through this life, and an abundant entrance into the world that is to come.” I then found my way to the prayer meeting—very few present, but Jesus was there; his presence filled the place. I ‘prayed, sang and gave my testimony for the Saviour. I am thank- ful that God is not confined to time, place or num- bers. Friday evening we had twenty-one out to class; my heart was encouraged ; the Lord is good to me; praise his name for all his wondrous works to the children of men. He does answer prayer. God bless 88 THE NARROW WAY. and cheer the praying mothers. One of the members of my class has started the second time in the nar- row way, and is quite devoted at times, but is easily influenced by her wicked associates. She came to class, and there promised to renew her vows to God, . [think it an answer to her sainted mother’s prayers, who is now in heaven. The prayers of a devoted, . faithful mother is the best legacy that can be left to- ‘the children. I have found it to be so in my own case; I know it by experience ; I know what I am now saying is true. If there is a mother that per- , chance may read these simple words, I hope and pray that God, by his Holy Spirit, mayimpress upon their hearts the necessity of praying for. their boys, al- though they may think that their case is a hopeless one. Your boy will not tell you how much your prayers help him, what your example has done for ‘him, and the many snares and. pitfalls he has been saved from in answer to your prayers. O, may God in his infinite mercy help you to pray in earnest for your dear ones. ‘It may be the test of your faith, as you think of some that are saved, and your boy is not; it may be after you are put away in the silent ' grave, that your prayers may be answered. God is able ; he doeth all things well. “For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Saturday evening I find myself in the class room, a good many present. I had liberty leading the meeting, the Lord filled each heart with his love. On -my way home I was reviewing my life for the week © past. . I felt humbled on aceount of the goodness of EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 89 God to me and doing so much for me, while I have: done a little for him. O, the mercy of God and his. long forbearance with unworthy me! I can not thank. him enough. If I had a thousand tongues and a voice equal to a trumpet, I would sound them all to the ends of the earth in honor of the blessed Jesus. I will praise my Maker while I have breath. I will give the reader a copy of a letter I have written to one of the converts in the meeting last winter, and his answer while away from home and the class meeting, among strangers. ; “ Dear BrotHER—No doubt you will think strange when you receive this letter. I missed you from the class meeting ; J made enquiry from your friend R., he said you were out of town. He gave me your address. It occurred to me I had better write you and keep up the acquaintance. I am more interest- ed in your spiritual welfare than I can find words to tell. You have been so faithful in attendance at the meetings, I want to thank you kindly; you have help- ed me so much; your testimony and passages of Scripture have encouraged my heart so many times, I do appreciate it. My daily prayer to God will be that his grace may be given to help you on in the narrow way. J remember well the time you started, —it was the most noble act of your life. God says, in his Word, ‘I love them that love me, and they that seek me early shall find me.” ‘He that over- cometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” I hope you may continue to the end. I want you to be active in the cause of the Master ; in doing that there will come to your own heart joy and peace in believing in Jesus; your influence will be felt by all your associates ; you can win many souls for Christ. It pays well to sow by the side of all waters; for we shall reap if we faint 90 THE NARROW WaY. not. God bless and keep you, my dear brother. The meetings are well attended, the interest in the ¢lass is ~ good ; to Jesus be all the glory. God is doing won- — x derful things for your unworthy and weak leader ; -pray for me that I may be kept humble and true to Jesus. Good bye. Your brother in Christ.” “ Dear BroTtHerR H.—Your letter is received. I ap- preciate very much your kindness in leaving your bu- siness to write to me; and I think you would. not be sorry could you know how much good your letter did me. The passages of Scripture cheered my heart very much. I am happy, and trusting in my Saviour. Although I have not been with you in the meetings, my earnest prayers have. I expect to return home the last of the week. I shall be happy to hear from you at any time, trusting that you will unite your prayers with mine that I may grow to be a noble man and a zealous worker in the cause of Christ. I remain your friend, R:” Sunday I was much profited in hearing two good sermons from our pastor. The Lord blessed me in teaching his word to my class in Sabbath school. As - T called at the home of a sick man in the afternoon, I read: a portion of Scripture to him, and then knelt in prayer in his behalf, God revealed himself to me in _ a powerful manner. The companion of that sick man was led to rejoice in the hope of a mansion in the skies. The promise made by our dear loving Sav- iour to the disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you,” that means each follower at the present day. : Many are waiting for Christians to speak akind word — to them, and call at the home of the sick and offer a prayer or read from the precious Word, to cheer - them while struggling through this life and meeting EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. Z the opposition that we find in the pathway of our pilgrimage as we travel to the land of rest. Monday evening I am leading the prayer meeting. What an inspiration we received in the song service. T think we do not appreciate that enough ; there are some that will be saved in that way; they havea passion for music and singing “that has a Christ in it.” That is one way that God has to reach the hearts of the people. It is Jesus speaking through us ; to him be all the praise. While Messrs. Moody and Sankey were in Boston, an infidel opposed his wife in going to the meetings, or trying to become a Christian; nevertheless she was determined to give her heart to the Lord and lead a different life. The husband said he would go to hear Sankey sing, but he would not listen to any of Moody’s nonsense. He went, and when he came home he got his Bible, read -from it to the surprise of his companion, and said: to her, “If the Bible is true, we are wrong.” He went again, and as he read from the precious Word, he said, “Ifit is true, we can be saved.” Yes, he found that without Christ we are in a lost condition. He simply believed, and was saved ; praise the name of Jesus. It is so hard for a man to confess that he is asinner. Sometimes it is the pride of our hearts ; with others it is their associates they cannot give up. Reader, what is your excuse ?—have you a good one? —if you know it will stand the test at the judgment, hold on to it; if not, fling it to the four winds of the | earth, and take Christ at his word by faith on the Son of God. “The law of the Lord is perfect, con- verting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” 92 THE NARROW WAY. Tuesday evening I walked one mile and a half, made four calls, and prayed in three homes. The Lord blessed me in doing that; his presence cheered my heart and filled my soul with his love. I was very much humbled asI called on one of God’s chosen ones that has been confined to the house for two years. What an experience she has had in that time. If I had the gift of words, I might write quite an ar- ‘ticle in regard to it. I learned a lesson from that af- flicted one, and think I will by the help of God and the grace of his dear Son be more patient, and live better in the future, and cease fault-finding, and stop trying to pull the mote out of my brother’s eye while the beam isin my own. AsI prayed by the side of that sick one I felt the presence of the Master ; I had such liberty in prayer. The communion of saints is glorious’; it is work that wins. How many fail in the Christian life for want of faith, patience and per- severance. Time and perseverance will accomplish all things. Ithen called at the home of that sick one, went in and took him by the hand and said, “ How are you, Fred?” His hand was cold; death had already begun its work in the body of that young man. He did not recognize-me as I called his name and looked into his face for the last time. Thursday ~ following, between two and three o’clock p. m., his spirit passed up to God, who gave it; he is now in heaven ; he is singing the song of the redeemed and blood-washed around the throne of God. Mr. Wes- ley says our people die well. I am thankful that I made the acquaintance of that young man, and that I was permitted to call on him and sit by his bed- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 98 side and tell him of Jesus, who died to save. I never . shall forget how God has revealed himself to me © while on my knees in that home. I imagine I can hear the response from his sainted mother as I have prayed to God in behalf of that dear boy in that sick room, while a kind father and a loved sister joined their prayers and dropped their tears of sympathy with that one suffering so intensely. Grace was given in that trying hour. On one occasion, while I was pleading with God, for Jesus’ sake, to give strength of body to that devoted mother, as she was administering to his wants, his heart was broken to pieces with the love of Jesus, he wept like a little child. He loved that mother as he loved his own life. God bless the praying mothers. Wednesday evening I called on one of the mem- bers of my class. We spent ashort time in Chris- tian conversation, then went down on our knees in prayer that the good Lord would bless all of that household, and prosper them with. success in this life, and a triumphant exit from time to eternity. Thursday afternoon I received the sad news that my young friend (Fred), that I have just referred to, had passed away. The pastor of that family was absent from home, attending the camp meeting, and could. not call and pray with the afflicted ones. The Spirit suggested to me to go down after tea and call there. I did. The good Lord blessed my soul with an out- , pouring of his Holy Spirit as I prayed to God to heal the wound that death had made in the hearts of that bereaved family. I then hastened home, and went to our prayer meeting. I fonnd the Lord was there | 94 : THE NARROW WAY. in Spirit and in power. The tears were running down my face as I gave in my testimony for Jesus. I had such liberty in singing. O, for the anointing — -of the Holy One of Israel, The pastor was at the | camp meeting. The Lord led the meeting. The nar- row way is a safe way; the service is delightful. . Friday evening, very few at the class meeting, but. Jesus was there; his gracious presence filled the place. I had minal liberty reading and commenting on the Word. We sang, and felt deep down in our hearts. It is good to be here. God is no respecter of persons ; he is not confined to time nor place; he - is everywhere, beholding the evil and the good. “ The willing and the obedient shall eat the good of ‘the land.” How many Christians to-day’ are quiet, ‘easy, and seemingly asleep. Satan will keep them there if he can—he is so cunning and deceitful.. “I. would that ye were cold or hot.” “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.” An aged Christian was in the habit of going to sleep while listening to. his pastor. On one occasion he arose to his feet and stopped the sermon, and exclaimed with an audible ” voice, “Is it possible, dear Lord, that thy servant that has served thee for years, will go to sleep and lose his soul, and go to hell?” Just then he felt a ‘ something give way in his head, and that sleepy feel- - > ing left him. ‘“ Awake, thou that sleepest, and Christ shall give thee light.” O, for a contrite heart, be- lieving, true and clean. May grace be given us on all occasions, “ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” cs EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 95 Saturday evening, a good number at the class meeting. We received benefit from the reading of his Word. Itis continuing doing good and serving Jesus ; in doing that, we find joy and peace coming to our own hearts; we simply believe: that if we en- dure to the end we shall be saved. One may say, “ T have so many trials.” We are to be tried, as gold is tried in the fire. Trials are blessings in disguise. Reader, did you ever think of that? I have found it to be a fact. God says in his Word, “I will not al- low you to be tempted more than you are able to bear.” He knows all our infirmities, and sympa- thizes with us. How often we sing, ‘Take every thing to the Lord in prayer.” Are we doing that? God help us, for in his strength we shall triumph over every foe.. “If any man sin, we have an Advo- cate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the right- ‘éous.” Love is the lever that moves the world. “He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.” Sabbath day I enjoyed the sermons very much; the attendance in Sabbath school was small. I spent a part of the day writing in my journal. About six o’clock a little man, dressed in a suit of blue, was seen walking in the rear of the Armory of E. Rem- ington’s Sons, going to the home of a poor sick man, wasting away with that fatal disease, consumption. After reading a portion of the Word, prayer was of- fered in behalf of that sick one. The Lord touched the hearts of each—only three persons present, the sick man, the wife and the stranger. God was there in great power. Harvey Brown was not a Christian 96 ‘THE NARROW WAY. at that time. I will say more about him in the fu- ture. How true the Word of God; when we draw nigh to God, he will draw nigh to us. Blessed Lord, . O, for more of his presence in each one of our hearts. Prisons will palaces prove if Jesns will be with me there. Monday evening I am engaged in the young peo-’ ple’s prayer meeting ; the Lord was present, and helped us to get nearer to him through his dear Son _ Jesus Christ. The meetings have been well attended ‘all summer. I would recommend to all pastors to | encourage such means of grace ; if the young Chris- tians desire them, they will feel the responsibility resting upon them, and will make an effort to be pres-_ ent and sustain them. The reading of his Word and the song service will tell all through. the week; the friendly hand-shaking at the close of each meeting is a means of grace ; we do not appreciate it enough. May it be practiced more in all our churches in the years to come. Tuesday I was called upon to write an obituary for the young man (Fred) that died from cancer in the limb, that I have referred to. I could not refuse the mother’s request. I said to her, “ Why did you ask me?” Her answer was, “ Because you were with him during his sickness, and knew more about his experience than any one else.” I consented to do it with the help of Jesus. I prayed about it, asked the Lord to give me something to say to cheer the hearts of that family and honor Jesus in those few lines, and if it was his will, a word to the unsaved, that some hearts might be reached through the press. In all t EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 97 that Ido I want to glorify God and gather a few sheaves for the garner of the Lord; that is the rea- son that I am writing this, that some hearts may be won for Christ. I am happy to say the Lord helped me, and gave a few thoughts for the occasion. My time is fully occupied for the firm that employs me. As I was waiting in the city of Utica, in the office of a gentleman I was anxious to see, I took my pencil and wrote a few lines in great haste. The Lord was pleased with that feeble effort of his unprofitable and weak servant, and filled my heart so full of his love that the tears came to my eyes. I can never forget how he blessed me in that simple act. After I re- turned home I made a copy in ink, and went down in the evening to read it to the family, for them to dic- tate and make any change they might desire. Be- fore I left the house of these afflicted parents I went down on my knees fin prayer. The Lord gave me liberty as I prayed for the father of that young man. I found my heart was going out to God in his behalf; IT had a burden of soul for him; Jesus touched my heart and filled it to overflowing with his love. I made a call that evening across the way on a lady dying with a blood cancer in the stomach. She re- lated to mea dream she hada short time before about her uncle who is now in heaven (my old friend brother Harter). It seemed that he was sent down from the spirit world after her to take her away with him to that beautiful land, the “Sweet By-and-bye.” She said to me, ‘“‘I am not a believer in dreams, but I thought that one may be real before long.” I made her case a subject of prayer each day from that time 96° * THE NARROW WAY. until her death, for God to give her grace, as she suf- fered so intensely, so that she could say from.her -heart, “Thy will, O Lord, be done.” Wednesday evening I called on one of the mem~ bers of my class. We spent a short time in Christian conversation ; we sang a few pieces and then bowed. together in prayer around that family altar, and asked - the blessing of Jesus to come down in a special man- ner upon the parents in that home, and on each one. of the children that make up that family circle. God. blessed me in saying simple words to the dear chil- dren. I felt I was a child with them, and the weak- est one present without Jesus. Thursday evening I attended the prayer meeting ;. very few of the members present. Quite a number - are on the camp ground. The Spirit of the Lord was. present, but not much emotion. I did not receive the inspiration in singing I am accustomed to on such occasions. I did feel and sing, “It is good to. be here.” It is the good Lord working in us and through us for his own glory ; to him alone be all the praise. There are occasions in the meetings when I am inspired from above; I can carry all the members. of our church on my heart to God in the song serv- ice. I just open my mouth in song; he fills it, words. are spoken by the Spirit he gives to me ; my heart is. stirred by the power of the Holy Ghost ; it seems to- carry me over the bar to reach the highest note in the scale. My soul is made to rejoice with joy un- speakable as I sing for Jesus. Some may ask the _ question, ‘‘ Why we do not always feel that emotion of soul in all our meetings?” Iam not able to answer EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 99 that question. JT often think of it, and say, “ Dear Lord, send it down upon all our hearts; without it we are powerless.” Perhaps our physical condition has something to do with it. God is no respecter of persons; he is the same ; I am glad of that. Weare commanded in his word, Whatever our hand findeth to do, to do it with our might. I believe in that com- mand; whatever we do, do it heartily unto the Lord. Serve him not only because it is right, but serve him because we love it. I would rather be a Christian than not; there is joy in the narrow way. As you sow, so will you reap. We cannot expect figs from thistles. Some one may say, “ My prayers are not answered.” Stop; let us consider; we may have a selfish motive in view. God will not supply all our wants, but he willsupply all our needs. We must say in all our asking, “O Lord, thy will be done.” Friday evening, very few out to class meeting, but a large attendance at the Opera House to hear “ Un- cle Tom’s Cabin.” Christians will go to such places. and stay until ten o’clock at night ; they do notscold and find fault about it. If you should keep them in a class meeting until that time they would think it hard. One of the members of my class that went to the entertainment felt guilty about it on occount of a younger sister’s remark. She said, “I cannot go to such a place; I would lose my influence.” She said to me that was a rebuke to her. I think it was a mes- sage from God to her soul. We must take up our cross daily and follow Christ. Dear reader, I hope you are doing that; if you are, you will be happy; your life will be a success. What we do, we must do 100 THE NARROW WAY. it quickly, for there is no work beyond the grave. We are passing away to the great judgment day. , “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where will the sin- ner and the ungodly appear?” O, that we may each day try and honor our Maker, and help some one to get nearer to God. “ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Saturday evening in the class-room ; on account of sickness but few present; the Lord showed mercy and love in the manifestation of his Spirit. Very | soon we expect a larger attendance after the people return from the summer resorts and places of rest, which are very desirable, as our bodies need rest ‘and quiet. Our young people are benefited by a change in society and travel, making new acquain- tances; they are held in grateful remembrance; they brighten our pathway on the way to the home of the soul. The narrow way is the way of the cross ; no cross, no crown. Some parents have gone out after the midnight hour in search of a loved boy to ‘find him in the saloon ; wives have had such an ex- _ perience, searching for a husband who has spent his evenings at the gambling table. May God help such,’ and give them grace to keep in every trial. The Sabbath was a day of rest to my body, and of profit to my soul; my heart was tender by the pres- ence of God during the sermon ; I was blessed in the Sunday school searching his gracious word. At six o'clock I called on the sick, and read a portion of Scripture to that sick man that will not be with us long. God touched my heart in a special manner ; EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 101 as I went on my knees in prayer for Harvey, the tears ran down my face. Glory be to God in the highest. It is the spirit of prayer Jesus gave to his weak servant. ‘The Spirit maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered.” O, for - more hungering and thirsting after God! “ Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteous- ness; for they shall be filled.” I had liberty in the prayer meeting in the evening. The Lord gave me a weeping blessing while on my knees. Obedience is better than sacrifice. I did sing with grace in my heart. O, to grace how great a debtor, Daily I’m constrained to be. I am a pensioner on God’s mercy and love. “In Him we live, and move, and have our being.” At the close of our prayer meeting I went up to the tent meeting on Elm street. The Protestant Methodists are holding a series of meetings there this week. The place was filled as I reached the tent; some, no doubt, came out of curiosity. Rev. Mr. Prindle preached from that beautiful text, “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellow- ship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” He felt the power and meaning of that passage. I was much impressed as I listened to his discourse, coming from a heart filled with the love of the dear Saviour. I stood back near the entrance among some of the wild, rough, young men, that had gathered for sport and to criticise; they were quiet, and kept good order. I am sorry to say a woman out on the street, 102 THE NARROW WAY. at the top. of her voice ; however, she got weary, and was very noisy, and acted disgracefully by calling out walked quietly away. The speaker was so filled with the spirit of the Master that his words were felt out on the street., I was led to say, “God is here in power.” The audience listened with much interest, \ and, no doubt, impressions were made that will be ° lasting. Monday evening a full attendance at the prayer meeting. I felt inspired asI read from the Word. “Thy word is truth.” He says, “ My word shall not return unto me void, but shall accomplish that where- unto it is sent.” Tuesday evening I spent in calling on the members of my class No. 2. My boy drove me down. I thought I would pray in four families before nine o'clock; I failed in that. As we were driving to reach a certain home a little out of town, and passed the place, I looked back and saw the old watch dog lying in front of the house ; I recognized _ him, for I was afraid of him the last time I called there. We turned around; I thanked Charlie for driving me down, and then started togoin. The dog growled as I passed by, as much as to say, “If you call here, you must be civil.” I spent a few minutes in conversation with the lady of the house, making enquiry about the family, as some of them are mem- bers of my class. Then we went down on our knees _in prayer to God for his blessing to rest on that household. I then ran in and called at a home across the way, where the man of the house was con- verted last winter, also his little girl; they were much pleased to see me. I talked a while with the EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 108 wife and mother about her husband who was absent, and enquired how he was getting along. ‘“O,” said she, ‘my home is happy now; we take comfort to- gether. How true Jesus is a satisfying portion in every emergency ; his presence makes our paradise.” I then offered a prayer to God for grace to be given to that husband and child to keep them, and that the wife may become a Christian. (My prayer was answered ; the wife was converted in a short time afterwards—in God’s own good time.) I bade them good night, and walked down street. As I turned the corner and looked in front of me, I saw a house lighted up; I thought they had company. I did in- tend to call there, as I had an errand with one of the family ; soI ventured to pull the door bell. The young lady of the home came and kindly invited me to come in. I then asked her the question, “ Have you got company ?” ‘No; we are waiting and ex- pecting you.” Iwas much humbled as I walked in and took a seat in the parlor. God is so good to me. in answer to prayer and the intercession of God’s dear Son, my loving Saviour. I enjoyed myself very much in Christian conversation. In a few minutes a lady and gentleman called to say good-bye to that family, as they intended going on a journey the next day. The gentleman of the house asked them to wait, and turning round, said, “ Brother H., will you pray before you go?” I went down quickly on my knees and opened my mouth in prayer; the Lord filled it with words. He gave to me as I held com- munion with the Master of assemblies. As I prayed I called the name of each. one, and asked God to 104 THE NARROW WAY. ‘5 bless them in a special manner for Jesus’ sake. The place was solemn on account of His presence felt in that pleasant home. I will remember that occasion with great pleasure, as God revealed himself to us in power. I then clasped the hand of each, and bade them a kind good night. O, the blessed Jesus, I do love him with all my heart! He isin all my thoughts. : Ido say “Jesus ” with heart a thousand times in the ‘course of the day. He is the chiefest among ten thousand, and the one altogether lovely. ‘Wednesday evening I called at the home of a sick one wasting away ,with consumption. The husband is not a Christian; the daughter is a member of my class. I asked the question of that sick one, “Are you saved in Christ?” The answer was not definite I think she was a little embarassed, as the husband was sitting in the adjoining room. I suggested: to them that we engage in prayer, as I do not practice staying long in any home. We went on our knees before God and called on his name on behalf of that family, that he would bless each one that make up that family circle. The husband was in the next room, stirring the kettle on the stove, and I on my knees in prayer. I arose and bade them good night, and started for the tent meeting. I listened one hour to a.good sermon from the Rev. Mr. Prindle, but too long. When will we study brevity? He seems to enjoy the revival spirit; he has a good voice, easy delivery, and a deal of magnetism. He has the. | faculty of getting along with the boys, as we some- times say. 1 will give you an incident that occurred with him EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 105 in the north of this State. The Conference often sent him to different charges where other ministers failed to manage the boys that are full of mischief. In a certain town where he was sent, the pastor before him was obliged to close a series of meetings on ac- count of some young men that would come to make disturbance, and break up the meeting. Brother Prindle was holding a meeting one evening, and they came as usual. He carried on the meeting,[was very kind to them although they disturbed the people. In the course of the evening he invited all to come for- ward to the mercy-seat that wished to seek the Lord. Several came, and two of the boys that went there to ridicule went forward with the seekers, and knelt down with the rest. The pastor went around to them and prayed by their side. The Lord answered his prayer ; the Spirit came down upon them in power. The two boys fell- prostrate on the floor. The others were alarmed, and said to the pastor, ‘“ You have killed them.” They carried one of them out to a house near by, and came back for the other. The pastor remarked as they were taking the second one away, “ Lord, make him heavy for them to carry.” He went on with the meeting. They put the young man into a vehicle they brought to take him to his home. When they reached it, as they went to take him into the house, a fear came over them, they dared not touch him. They then called the people of the house to come out, and they were afraid to take him in. They decided to go to the church and ask Mr. Prindle to assist to get him into the house. After they reached the church, they addressed the 7° 106 THE NARROW WAY: pastor thus: “ You have killed that young man; you must come and help us carry him in; we dare not ‘touch him.” He kindly consented; and when they had cared for the young man, with the assistance of ithe pastor, they accompanied him to a room in the chamber. The young men were together in the room with the sick one (as they supposed he was sick); quite late in the evening the young man opened his eyes, and the first words he uttered were, “ Glory, ._ glory be to God. ” All the people in the house were frightened to hear the young man use such words. Just then they heard beautiful singing ; it seemed to be up stairs. They went quietly up to see if Mr. Prindle was awake. , They were very much alarmed, to hear singing at that time of night. Mr. Prindle arose and went down stairs; he heard the singing very plain; it seemed to be over the house. He then looked in the face of the young man. He was sound- ly converted, and happy in the Saviour’s love. Mr. Prindle was led by the Spirit to engage in prayer for the conversion of all those young men; they went. . down on their knees ; the Lord was present in pow- er; they were deeply convicted for sin, and before daylight in the morning they were all saved. Some of them,are now in the service of the Master as min- ' isters of the gospel. All things are possible with God. Thursday evening I called and prayed in one home before I reached the prayer meeting ; the good Lord ‘blessed my soul in a special manner. I had much liberty in singing for Jesus. O, the way is so de- lightful in the service of the Lord. I will love and serve him while I have breath. ! EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 107 Friday evening, a good attendance at the class meeting ; some strange faces were there; that en- couraged the heart of the leader. One member of” the class has been away, teaching, all summer; she was delighted to testify for the Saviour. Saturday evening I called on one of the members of my class, who has been deprived of the meetings for six weeks. I was grateful to God for sparing the life of that one. After I reached the place I soon engaged in prayer, thanking the Lord for all his ten- der mercies and blessings to me and my classes. ‘They are new every morning and fresh every evening. I felt his presence and power in reading from the Word. It seemed to me I had a message from above for the few that were at class. Some were moved to tenderness and tears. It is God that is speaking to the people ; he shall have all the glory. As we knelt in prayer for afew minutes before we closed, the Lord revealed himself to us in a special manner; my own heart was filled to overflowing; the tears ran down my face. As we arose to sing the doxology some wept that I have never seen affected before. Hallelujah to Jesus ; it belongs to him. The Sabbath day was a blessing to my soul. After the toils and disappointments of six days we have a day of rest. Iam glad of that. I listened to two good sermons from our pastor, Rev. G. M. Mead. I_ enjoyed teaching in the Sabbath school. I had a lit- tle difficulty as I was trying to get something out of the lesson (about Abraham’s faith), one of my schol- ars seemed to be uneasy ; I failed to keep her atten- tion, so I stopped and leaned back in my seat. They 108 THE NARROW WAY. looked with surprise, and wondered why I stopped in the middle of the lesson. Without the attention — of my class, or those I am addressing, I cannot help them ; and ouly then as the Lord uses me for his glo- ry and the good of his people. At six o'clock I walked over to pay a visit to my friend Harvey. T found Jesus was there in that sick room. ' God touched my heart and made it tender; the tears , started from my eyes asI began to talk with him about his soul. The Lord is so good to me, praise his dear name. AsI read from the Word to that: sick man, I felt the presence of Jesus in that humble home in power. I then offered prayer, and had lib- erty ; all in the house were in tears ; God was thera in might and power. We are in his hand, to be used_ for his glory in any way pleasing to him. He is able, and will remove all obstacles from our pathway ; it is the Spirit we receive from heaven. God has all pow- er, in heaven and on earth. We are the creatures of -his care, made in his own image, to be happy, and enjoy all he designed us to possess. O, the bliss of knowing Jesus—blessed Jesus. It smooths every step in life’s pathway; it will make the crooked places straight. I bade them good night, and started for another sick room. As I entered that home and pressed the hand of the sick one that I had not seen for several weeks, I enjoyed that call very much, as we talked about the mercies of God—they are innu-. merable and constant. My own heart was filled with his love. He gave me the spirit of prayer while on my knees in that beautiful home. Weheld commun- ion with the Master, and felt our prayer would be an- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 109 swered in his own good time. I then made my way to the prayer meeting. I found God was in that place in demonstration and power. J was blessed singing for Jesus. Monday evening we had a blessed time in the prayer meeting ; I had liberty in reading the precious Word; the Lord gave me a message to each one present; we sang, and felt deep down in our hearts. Pass me not, O gentle Saviour ; hear my humble cry. “ Commit thy way unto the Lord, and he shall direct thy path.” This week our pastor has held extra meetings. Tuesday night the subject was, “ Direct answer to prayer.” Every Christian present could answer in the affirmative. Not many present, but the Opera House was filled to attend a political meeting, until after ten o’clock at night. I am so glad that Je- sus is first with me; my business and the world is next. With the help of God I will never compro- mise with the world and Satan. They may call mea fanatic or anything else they wish. Paul says, “ We are fools for Christ’s sake.” \ Yes, we can afford to be called by any name; it does not harm us. It will test our faith, and try us, and send us to our knees in prayer. He that rules the heaven above us, and the earth beneath us, will give grace and glory. “For no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Wednesday was a memorable day in my Christian experience. As I went to my closet in prayer for a man, so wicked and dissipated, that I had prayed for for months, that God would convert his soul and save him from intemperance ; as I called his name to J e- Ry 110 THE NARROW WAY. sus on my knees, and asked the good Lord to save his soul, whatever might happen to his body, God . touched my heart in a powerful manner. The answer came immediatuly, “ Your prayer is answered; that man will be saved.” When, I do not know; in God’s own time. He then took the burden away from my heart—that anxiety of mind has been removed. I expect to meet him in the glory land. O, ‘for the _ faith once delivered to the saints ; it is from God; to _ him be all the praise. In the evening meeting the subject was “Sin and the consequences of it.” You will not be obliged to look far to find that. Call at the house of the drunkard, there you will find a wife broken-hearted, all her hope blighted ; strong drink has made a demon of one that promised to love and care for her, in sickness and in health. O, that we may be loyal and true to every good work, and fight | sin wherever we may meet it. I called at the home of one of the members of my class, and spent a half- hour in song service ; we then knelt in prayer to God for his blessing to rest on that houseliold. There was an aged sister present, that God had recently saved, and is on her way rejoicing in a free and full | salvation. Blessed Lord, he gathers them in one by one. She said to me, “The Lord does answer pray- er; he has taken away from me all care and anxiety about my home. I am resting in the arms of Jesus, . blessed Jesus. A good attendance at the meeting. Subject, “The atonement.” We were all blessed in hearing the passages of Scripture read by different ones. All our hearts were cheered and comforted by the Word. Friday afternoon, in the ladies’ prayer EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 111 meeting, the Lord helped us to get nearer to him by faith ; he made all our hearts tender with his love : that little company were melted to tears. Our united prayers ascended the hill of Zion for God to revive his work in Ilion. We are so cold and formal. May the Lord quicken us by his Holy Spirit to greater’ diligence in behalf of his cause and the good of souls. around us. Perhaps some are longing for a kind friend to speak to them about their soul, and let their heart bend over and touch theirs, and by that kind act lead some one to Christ and heaven. O, for power from the Almighty, who says in his Word, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” God is able to save by many or few. Saturday evening, a good attendance at the class meeting ; some were present that have been away for: many weeks, not on account of choice, but sickness. The Lord is so good. “He giveth his angels charge over thee.” He careth for us by day and by night. My heart was encouraged by the presence of the. Master, as well as the number of persons present. The young Christians are bringing in their associates. I cannot do that ; their parents cannot do it. They have an influence with each other. May the Master give us the working spirit, and use us to gather a few sheaves for the garner of the Lord. O, for a present, active, living faith that cries, It must be done; that will laugh at impossibilities, and will go forward and bat-. tle for the Lord, and hold up the blood-stained ban- ner of King Immanuel. The enemy of all souls is busy leading the weak ones astray into the forbidden paths. “Awake, thou that sleepest, arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” 112 THE NARROW WAY. \ The Sabbath was a day of rest to body and soul: In the morning I drove down and heard an excellent sermon from the Rev. W. Dempster Chase, pastor; Herkimer, N. Y. You can find the text in James v. 19,20: “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know that he which converteth a sinner rain the error of his way Shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multi- tude of sins.” He preached Christ to the people, and seemed to be so absorbed in the theme that he forgot himself, and made an impression on the hearts of his hearers; many were moved tu tears. My own heart was made tender, while the tears were running down my face. I praised God for giving us such men to speak to us from the fulness of the heart. He is original, has a good delivery and his gestures are easy and free; his voice is a little sharp, but so much of Christ is in it that it impresses you. He can hold his congregation fast in his hand while he tells them of Jesus and his love, as he moves about on the plat- form, he has the strictest attention from the people. May God give us more of the same spirit, who are devoted to his cause and kingdom. At six o’clock I went out to make a call on one of the members of my class that was going away. We spent afew minutes in song service, then went to prayer before God for his blessing to come down on the dear ones that make up that home, and especially on that young lady while absent from that dear mother, who has watched over and loved her as only _ a mother can; that the Lord would comfort the heart ‘of that mother in her lonely hours at home. The ee EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 113 good Lord touched my heart with the finger of his love in a special manner ; the tears started down my face, and such liberty in prayer! I was blessed while’ pleading with Jésus to fill our hearts with his pres- ence and send a baptism of fire. Praise God for the spirit of prayer and the faith he gives us; to his dear, precious name be all the glory. I bade them good night, and made my way to the basement of our ‘church for prayer meeting ; they were on their knees. Brother Tufts was praying from his heart with great faith ; brethren B. and E. followed. We then took our seats. I felt the presence of the Master; my heart was so filled with the love and power:of Christ that I commenced to sing that beautiful hymn, It is gdod to be here, &c. I felt in my soul that I was keeping one of the com- mandments ; I could sing with grace in my heart through the help of Jesus. I open my mouth, He fils it with praise. While singing I looked up at the desk, and recognized a strange face ; I noticed he was looking at me, and I would say fom the ex- pression on his face he was anxious to know who that little brother was that sang so loud. I soon found out who the stranger was—Rev. D. W. Thurs- ton, evangelist, from Syracuse, N. Y.; a man well known about here and in the whole conference ; one of deep piety, and enjoyed the blessing of sanctifica- tion to help him in all he had to do for God and the | good of his cause; a man of great faith, and filled with the Holy Ghost. As brother Mead introduced him to his congregation he said, “ Brother Thurston talks religion, and lives it every day.” In the even- \ 114 THE NARROW WAY. : ing I heard him preach from that beautiful text, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper ; but he that. confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” What a searching sermon he gave us! It seemed to be especially for me. God was ‘in all that he said ; the Lord spake to the people through that man. He is fine looking, well built, weighs two hundred pounds, age 60 ; his locks are white with the toil of many years; his voice is clear, and has a ring in it. Gé6d uses him to reach hearts; his face is covered . with smiles, while his heart is full of the love of Jesus. You are impressed, as he is talking quite. dignified—as a minister of the gospel ; he has a good. pair of lungs, and uses them for the glory of God; he: can and does say “Hallelujah!” and no oné takes exception to it. There is a Christ in all his words. and actions, which will count for the Master. To put. . it ina few words: he is a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. More about him some other time. He is conducting a series of meetings in our church. May God bless his labors in Ilion for the dear Sav- iour’s sake. Monday evening I had liberty in the prayer meet- ing, in the song service and in reading his Word. J felt an unusual amount of his presence while com- menting upon his teaching in the Bible. I trust, by God’s help, that the seed sown down there in weak- ness may be raised in power; and many dear, loved ones, who are out of Christ, may be gathered for the © Lord. Heisable; the work is his; the glory and praise shall be given to him. O, for an entire con- secration to. God and his cause! We are nothing ‘ 1 EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. ' 115: but dust. ‘He that humbleth himself shall be exalt- ed.” Humility, humility! we need more of it. I want more of it in my own heart. I am obliged to say often, ‘Every moment, Lord, I want to feel the merit of thy death.” When my spirit is broken, and I am wholly given up to God’s spirit for his guidance, I do feel he is working through me to help the peo- ple, and do honor to his dear, precious name. That sainted man, Fletcher, who is now in heaven, was very humble in all his life. - It is said the wall in his closet was stained by his breath in prayer. It is knee work that pleases God, and gives us power to work in his vineyard with success. I expect, as I have read the memoir of that devoted man, to be a better Christian. I do not aspire to be great ; I want to be good, and by the help of Jesus I expect to be. Bless- ed Jesus! He is worthy of all praise and adoration. Saints and angels in heaven laud and magnify his holy name; men on earth bow to him. Tuesday evening I spent in calling on the mem- bers of my class; we occupied a short time in song service, and then spent a season in prayer to God. He was pleased, and accepted that little service in that home; He came down in power to all our hearts; we were refreshed by his gracious presence, and were led to rejoice in his love and the power of redeeming grace. One of the members of my class is a teacher in the Sabbath school, and has given me the follow- ing questions to answer. The first one is this: If one does not feel like praying at any time, ought they to pray just at that time? I will try, by God’s. help, to answer these questions. To the first I answer 116 THE NARROW WAY. in the affirmative and say yes, by all means. The good Book says, “Pray without ceasing.” Jesus says “Take up your cross daily and follow me, for I am meek and lowly; and ye shall find rest for your souls.” Pray if you are obliged to use the publican’s prayer, “Ged, be merciful to me, a sinner!” The second question is this: Can timidity in praying be overcome to the extent that one will be able to ex- press themselves with freedom? You will please pardon me, if I refer to my own experience to answer this question. The Holy Ghost has taken away all timidity from my heart. Praise God for that. I read in his precious Word, Take no thought what ye shall say; for in that hour the Holy Spirit shall teach you what to say.” Reader and teacher, get the Holy Ghost ; it is for you by faith on the Son of God. I find that promise is true: “The heavens and the earth shall pass away; but my word shall not fail.” “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speak- eth.” “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Glory be to his dear name! The third question : How would you talk to a skeptical scholar? As I have never passed through such an experience, I would advise you to take it to the Lord in prayer ; He alone can direct you the best. I would quote the Bible to them. Do not spend any time in argument with them. If they are reasonable and will talk with you for information, you can explain to them as you believe; and tell them you are saved through faith on the Son of God. They will find out that it is true. ‘God bless and keep teacher and scholar. Thursday night I called and prayed with the sick EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 117 before I went to the meeting. Friday evening I was invited to take supper with brother Mead and brother Thurston, at the house of “ Happy John,” as we call him (John Gridley). I enjoyed it very much. After tea I called at the home of one of the members of my class. We went into the parlor; the young lady of the house played on the organ, and we sang a few pieces from Chaplin McCahbe’s book, “Joy to the World.” We then bowed in prayer; God gave me such liberty of words and faith in his dear Son, Jesus Christ, that our hearts were made tender by his love; the tears came freely while we waited at the feet of Jesus. I then went into the meeting; I could sing _with my heart, “My Saviour comes and walks with me!” Praise God for the working spirit. Saturday evening I prayed by the sick bed of one near the spirit land, and then bowed in prayer in two homes before I reached the class room. The joy of the Lord is our strength. I found comfort to my soul as I read from the sacred Word. The Lord helped me to lead that meeting; He was in every song, and in each testimony in power. Brother Lewis was so happy; he gave us two testimonies before the meeting was closed. May the good Lord keep that aged man faithful unto death. Sunday was a blessed day to my soul; I could sing in my heart, “I have pitched my moving tent one day’s march nearer home,” blessed power. I listened to an excellent sermon from brother Thurston. His heart was filled with the Holy Ghost ; that gave him power with the people. He talked to us for 58 minutes. I was blessed in the Sabbath school. We had a lesson on 118 | THE NARROW WAY. temperance. Our superintendent gave a short speech; he referred to drinking cider. He said that was where a great many people made a mistake—it is the first glass that does harm ; “ The little ‘foxes spoiled the vines.” O, how true! Brother Thurston was then called out to address the school. He commenced in a familiar and pleasant way to talk to the children ; his heart was full of the love of Jesus. He was brief and ‘simple i in his remarks ; he will always be wel- come in Ilion. He gave us a temperance pledge ; it is in poetry; it pleased the children as he had them repeat it over after him. We think we never will drink Whiskey or gin, brandy or rum, Or anything that will make drink come. Dear reader, may you and I take that pledge and, keep it. Atsix o’clock I called on my friend Har- vey ; I found him weaker; death will soon enter that home. As he was confined to the bed I was obliged to speak in a low tone of voice; that is quite a cross for me. As my Maker has given me a good pair of lungs, I like to use them for his glory and the good of his people. Monday evening I had liberty 3 in the prayer meet- ing, and felt quite an inspiration as I read from his Word. Bunyan says (God’s Word has two edges), “Tt can cut with a back stroke, and a fore stroke. If it will do thee no good, it will do thee no hurt ; but it is a savor of life unto life to all of those that receive it, and a savor of death unto death to all of them that reject it.” Tuesday evening I made one ¢all, and prayed in EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 119 ‘that home ; I felt the presence of the Master as I went down on my knees. I then found my way to the church, and listened to brother Thurston; we were much instructed and helped on in the narftlew way. May the good Lord give us all the power to win souls for Christ’s sake. Wednesday evening my wife and I were invited out to take tea with brothers Mead and Thurston, Mrs. Mead and: a few more of the members of our church at the home of brother B. We enjoyed it very much; I found brother ‘Thurston very social, free and easy; he can entertain & company very happily in a conversational way. Thursday evening I spent a half hour in song service; I then prayed with the family, bade them a kind good night, and made my way to the church. Jesus was there in power before we reached the place ; we caught the inspiration as we went inside of the base- ment. One dear young man was led by God’s free’ Spirit to the anxious seat, and to Jesus. Praise his dear, precious name. The church was quickened ; we could sing deep down in our hearts, “ Nearer, my God, to thee!” Blessed Lord, he is so good to me! - Friday evening we had a quiet, still meeting ; there was a good spirit, sweet and peaceful; each one seemed to wait for the other—no emotion. I did not. have liberty in song ; I kept my seat during the even- ing. Saturday evening I called on the sick ; that one is near the glory world, a great sufferer, and not a murmur from her lips. Her husband came home in- toxicated a few moments before I reached that sick room. I was thankful to God that he put it in my heart to call and pray with that afflicted one on that 120 THE NARROW WAY. occasion. She told me, with the tears running down her face, how her companion came home under the influence of liquor. I sympathized with her, but did not know what advice to give. I said to her I would go on my knees in prayer, and ask God to give me a word to utter in her presence, to cheer her heart in that trial. I then quoted one of the promises that. ‘kept me in the greatest trial of my life. O, the bliss of knowing Jesus, blessed Jesus! Without the con- - golation of his grace, and the comforting influence of his love, we would be miserable and wretched. I - read in his Word, “ In this world ye shall have tribu- lation ; but in me ye shall have peace.” My peace flows like a river, simply because I trust. Blessed. Jesus, we will crown him Lord of all! We had an excellent class meeting ; the Lord led the meeting ; our hearts were encouraged.- Some have returned . from their vacation to remain for the winter; now for work to bring in some wandering one into the fold, to God and heaven. O, for the power that comes from Him alone! We will wait for the endowment of power, expecting the anointing from on high. May he send us a double portion of his spirit that he gave to the old prophet Elisha. We are to ask in faith, not wavering or doubting ; his Word is true. O, for. more faith in his Son, our Saviour. Sunday was a blessed day to my soul, not on ac- count of anything that I did, no; it was the presence ‘and nearness of Jesus that filled my heart to over- flowing with his love—love to Christ and everybody around me, and especially to them that are of the household of faith. Itis God in us, by the gift of EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 121 the Holy Ghost. ‘Ye are the temple of the living God.” Hein us, and we in him. Brother Thurston preached an excellent sermon from that beautiful text found in St. John: 7:17. “Ifany man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.” The dis- course was made a blessing to all our hearts; God was init. That devout man is filled with the fulness that all of the ministers need to-day; he has a bur- _den of soul for the unsaved; God does honor him in granting the desires of his heart. He speaks from the heart ; his arguments convince the most skeptic- al. He remarked that if men would be honest with themselves, and live up to the light they had given them through the revelation of his Word, that there would be more people religious than we now have. ‘He told the story of a skeptic in a certain town that attended the meetings with his wife. She was con- victed by the Spirit of God, felt she was a sinner and must be saved or lost to all eternity. She had the . courage to go to the anxious seat, and there plead for mercy and ask the prayers of God’s people. After the meeting was over the husband said to the pastor, “You had better pray my wife through ; you may come to our house and stay all night!” He did, and after breakfast he went out to the barn to get his horse ; the farmer asked him where he was going? The answer was, “Home!” He said to the pastor, “You Methodists have got my wife under conviction ; you had better invite some of the members of the church to come here and pray for her salvation. Do not leave her in the state she is in.” The pastor did as the eae suggested. Of course the wife was % - 122 THE NARROW WAY. saved, and made to rejoice in a sin-pardoning God, and was made to go free in the Saviour’s love. Now the best part of the story isto come. The husband was under conviction himself; but, as a great many | people are now-a-days, they won’t acknowlege it, but fight away the Spirit of God, and say, “Go thy way for this time ; in a more convenient season I will call \for thee.” That man went forward for prayer; the members gathered about him, and offered to pray and help him to find the Saviour. He said to them, “ Keep away, and let me alone; I have made up my . mind to act up to the light given to me.” He did, and at the close of the meeting the pastor called on him to speak. He said in afew words, “I will be true to my convictions, and will go according to the light given to me.” He did, and God saved his soul; he became a new man in Christ Jesus. Blessed Lord, — he will save all that. will come unto him by faith, in. the atonement of his dear Son. I enjoyed teaching in the Sabbath school; I had liberty in prayer as I went to call and pray with Har- .vey. I think, from all appearances, I will not pray with him but a few times; he is so weak and feeble, that he is liable to pass away at any time; still, so patient, not a word of complaint or murmur in all his suffering. I have learned a lesson from that afflicted one. Thank the good Lord, Harvey is saved through " faith in the Son. Monday evening I had much liberty in the prayer meeting. The pastor came in— that encouraged my heart, and especially the hearts . of the members. The Lord is so good to me. I have a pastor in Tlion, and one in Mohawk. I ought to be EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 123 a better Christian than I am; I have so many privi- leges, and so many to help me in the narrow way. I am so weak and feeble of myself; I would often get discouraged ; but I read in the Word, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong ; but to them that endure to the end shall be saved.” Tuesday evening I attended a sociable; had a pleasant time. I think we ought to keep up with the times, and meet each other as a society and church, and keep up the acquaintance; in that way we may become more interested in each other’s welfare, tem- porarily and spiritually. The rest of the week was , Spent in the meetings held by brother Thurston—that | faithful, zealous and deveted evangelist. Saturday evening I made a call on the sick, before I went into the class room. I read from St. John 14, and then went down on my knees in prayer to God. I felt much of his presence in that sick room; I found Jesus was there before I had reached the place. As that devoted one looked up into my face and said, “1 expected you would call this evening and pray with me,” O, I thanked God with all my heart for the privilege of visiting the sick room, and say a word of cheer to the suffering one. As the evening shades are gathering about that one, she can and does look up to Him, and feel that promise is true where he says in his Word, “I go to prepare a place for you; and I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, ye may be also.” Blessed promise! that hope buoys us up amid the darkest hours in all our pathway ; it will keep us when we are about to say farewell to loved ones on earth, and pass away to 124 THE NARROW WAY. the spirit world beyond. It is then we may give our last word of advice to a wayward boy, or an unsaved companion. God will answer prayer; although we may be buried away out of sight, our influence will live on and on through the present age. O, to be faithful and work for the Master! We had an excel- lent class meeting. As Mr. Wesley said in his dying hour, the best of all, “‘ Brethren, God is with us.” The good Lord led the meeting; we felt much of his power. Praise his name for salvation. Monday evening I had liberty in the prayer meet- ing; the Lord blessed us in the song service. I think we do not appreciate and pray enough for that part of God’s worship. There are some that will come to hear singing that will not attend a prayer . meeting or preaching service for fear of committing themselves; you may reach them in song. God bless each one that has received that gift for his dear Son’s sake. Tuesday evening I made a call and prayed in one home. I had a profitable conversation with the lady of the house ; her son is a member of my class. O, how delighted she was as she told me he had marked in his Bible, “ I found the light to my soul on the 22nd April, 1880,” the time of the session of | Conference in Ilion. How much I have prayed for that dear young man, that he might grow up to be a worker for the Master! God does answer prayer. Mothers, pray on as long as God gives you breath! I then made my way to the church ; we had a meet- ing in the basement; the Holy Spirit was there to help our infirmities. ‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Wednesday evening we spent in x EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 125 singing from that excellent book, “Joy to the World.” I thank the Lord for giving us such men that are able to set music, and place the words to it that are ap-- probriate to sing in our meetings. We ther went down on our knees before God, to ask him for his dear Son’s sake, to send his richest blessing on the inmates of that home. Thursday evening only a few at the prayer meeting. In Herkimer, three miles from here, thirteen hundred people were in the procession that night. Politics are the excitement of the day. God is so forbearing with us; he is a God of love. I am so much afraid I will grow cold again in the service of the Master; but a few years ago that was my ex- perience. I pray each day for Jesus to keep me and give me something to do for him. I am not allowed to judge Christians, neither do [ wish to; I fear there are some that are cold and backslidden, that do not realize their conditon. If you would say to them that they were in danger of loosing their soul unless they repented, they would be offended, and no doubt would say you must have charity. ‘Charity suffereth long and is kind.” Plain words must be said by some who have the courage to dare to do it. We are to confess our faults one to the other, and pray for one another. We are not always ready to do that, and will not ac- knowledge we are wrong; Jesus must help us to do that by the prompting of his Holy Spirit. An honest. confession is good for the soul—it humbles us; that , is what we daily need. God says in his Word, “ If any man will deny himself, let him take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Blessed Lord! I will do that with the help of his dear Son. Reader, haye you ¥ \ 126 THE NARROW WAY: tried that? If not, do it at once; your peace will flow like a river, and you will have a rich, deep ex- perience. There are heights and depths you have not yet attained ; go on in the narrow way. May the God of peace go with you and make your life a suc-. cess, that you may receive a crown of life in the sweet ‘by-and-by, on the evergreen shore. Friday afternoon I attended the ladies’ prayer meeting. The leader, sister Douglas, was filled with ‘the Holy Ghost; she had power with God. She is obliged to come several miles to be present. The Lord says in his Word, “The liberal soul shall be ~ made fat.” God will use the faithful in doing good and helping on his cause. These meetings are full of the Spirit; they are attended by the devout and ” faithful of our church among the sisters. The mothers that gather there have loved ones unsaved; they know how to ask in faith; God will answer in his own good time. He knows what is for our good; we can leave all with him. The Lord is pleased with the sacrifice each one is obliged to make to come. They are often melted to tenderness and tears; they are green spots along the way from earth to heaven. They read a portion of the Word in each meeting, followed by prayer and song for one hour. I have had liberty in the meetings that I do not elsewhere ; I cannot tell why—God knows; I expect to know at the judgment; my record is in heaven. I hope there may be such a meeting organized in every church all over this land. We do not pray enough. In the evening we had a general class meetiug in ‘the basement of our church. That is very well to \ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 127 keep up the acquaintance, and bring the members to- gether. I think the pastors can help the leaders very much ; as they are calling on the members they can make enquiry from each one if they have been to their class meeting this week, “I hope you did.” That will help the leader materially, and encourage the members to attend next week. May I make an appeal to all the ministers of the gospel to bear this in mind, and urge the members to be present at a class. They will bear plain talk from their pastor, and Jesus will impress on their hearts that it is right to acknowledge him before the people. Some may say for an excuse, “We have such a poor leader; our meetings are dull and not interesting!’ We will admit all that; go and help to make them better by your presence; pray for your leader,—ask God to give him power with the class and bless his labors among them. I have thought that a great many leaders are appointed, and not called. You may ask, What do you mean by that? They are chosen by the pastor to take charge of the class, without any pre- paration or love for the work. The leader may keep the class together, and in doing that he may think he ‘is filling his mission. I fear some may be disappoint- ed at the bar of God. Brother class leader! you and I are responsible to God for the growth of our class . in spiritual things; did you ever think of that? May Jesus help you to set a good example to your class, . Tt is a noble calling, to work in the vineyard of the Lord. When the Lord calls a man to go to work, he will fit him to do that kind of work. We can leave the results to God; he alone will bless the means 128 THE NARROW WAY. made use of for his own glory and the salvation of the world. “ Watch, and fight, and pray; the battle ne’er give o'er.’ If you have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, you will agree with what I have said about the pre- paration for the work; if you have not experienced that endowment from on high, it is for you; it is by faith on the Son of God. Pray for it; look up and expect it,—God will send it on you. “According to your faith be it unto you.” \ Saturday evening I called at the home of a sick one who is very near the grave. I felt the presence of Christ as I engaged in prayer that grace may be given to that one that is suffering intensely, and yet so patient. I hope she may feel each day the sweet- ness of the words of the poet: ‘Jesus can mike a dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are, While on his breast I lean my head, And breathe my life out sweetly there.” I then hastened to the class room and commenced our song service. God gave us grace to sing with our hearts for about twenty minutes ; we then bowed in prayer, While brother Charles Butler led us; he prayed from his heart. God touched our hearts and ‘filled each one with his love. We arose and sang that good old song, “Jesus, lover of my soul.” I thought if I could hear that familiar hymn sung at my bedside as I was about to pass out into the spirit world, I would praise my Jesus through all eternity. We had an excellent meeting. The Lord was pres- ent in power and Spirit; glory be to Jesus. He is EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. | 129 “‘chiefest among ten thousand.” '“ His name shall be called Wonderful.” Sunday was a blessed day to my soul. Brother Thurston preached a good sermon from that text: “My presence shall go with thee there, andI will give thee rest.” Those words were spoken by our Lord to Moses. The discourse came from the heart ; it found its way to our hearts. Those burning words were spoken in power. I expect much good will come from them. That was his last sermon in Ilion. At the close of the meeting quite a number were seen to weep; he made me shed tears, and I could not help it. God spoke through that man. O, for more of such men, who are consecrated to God and his cause, to go around this world and exhort men to seek the Lord. Brother Mead, our pastor, arose and said, ‘“‘ Brother Thurston is going home to-morrow ; he has worked faithfully and well for three weeks in this church. The collectors will now pass the plates for your contributions, be as liberal as you can, he is in need of money for himself and the support of his family.” Brother Mead merely introduced the sub- ject ; God spoke to the hearts of the people, and they responded nobly. Ilion forever. As the writer has the honor of passing one of the plates down the cen- tre aisle of that beautiful church, I noticed the peo- ple were all ready to give quite liberally. God was in the giving, and that will make it easy. When we counted what was on the plates and compared the figures, to our surprise we had $117.47. If you could have looked in the face of that man when I announced éo him the amount, you would never forget that beau- 130 | THE NARROW WAY. tiful expression. He was delighted ; it was more than he expected; he was pleased. The people felt glad in their hearts; the name of the Master was honored. “There is that scattereth, and yet in- creaseth; there is that withholdeth more than is meet but it tendeth to poverty.” Blessed Lord, I don’t want to be poor ; I want to help others, and to do a little for God’s cause. We are stewards ; what we may have belongs to God. Only five converts while the meetings have been continued ; the church ‘has been quickened and revived. ‘“ Paul may plant, Apollos water, but God giveth the increase.” He shall have all the glory. Iam thankfulin my heart that I have heard from that devoted man (brother Thurston) ; I do expect to do more for the Lord in the years to come, and profit from the good advice and his earnest words of exhortation and good exam-. ple he showed to us while remaining here. Sunday was the best Sabbath of my life, not for any thing that I did; no, it was the presence of Jesus. He makes our paradise ; without him we are unhappy and miserable ; there is an aching void in our hearts the world cannot fill. Nothing but the Holy Ghost can satisfy the human mind. God made man in his _ own image, and created him to be happy and enjoy the most beautiful spot on earth—the garden of Eden —and then gave him a help meet, to add more to his comfort. ‘God is love.” I know; I feel. Jesus weeps ; he weeps, and loves me still; praise his dear name. I enjoyed the sermon very much. I was blessed in teaching in the Sabbath school. In the afternoon I wrote ten pages in my journal. At six EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 131 o’clock I called on the sick, read a portion of God’s | Word to them and went down on my knees in prayer in behalf of that man who is so near the spirit land. The good Lord made my heart tender with his love, the tears ran down my face; glory be to Jesus, for ~ his mercy and love; he does answer prayer. ‘“ Be- fore they call will I answer, and while they are yet speaking will I hear.” Monday evening I called at the home of an aged couple—old veterans in the army of the Lord. The lady was quite feeble; she was delighted to see me, and was very communicative—(brother and sister Green, of Mohawk; they have since passed ‘to their heavenly home, to meet their reward and receive a starry crown awaiting them from the blessed Jesus. May their loved ones so live as to meet them in heaven). We spent a half-hour in Christian conver- sation, and then bowed on our knees in prayer, plead- ing with God for his dear Son’s sake to give grace to the aged ones, as they were walking in the afternoon of life. The Lord was pleased with that supplica- tion, and came down in that home to cheer the hearts of each one, and especially the aged. My own heart was made to rejoice in arisen Saviour ; tears of joy ran down my face while we waited at the feet of Jesus. I pressed the hand of each and bade them a kind good night, and made my way to the prayer meeting. I found the people waiting for me. The dear Saviour blessed us in the song service, and in reading a portion of his Word. We had liberty in prayer, and all received comfort from on high. The joy of the Lord is your strength; glory to his name. 132° HE NARROW WAY. _ Tuesday evening I walked one and a half miles, made two calls, and prayed in one home. Wednesday evening, Oct. 20, was the most memo-. rable occasion of all my life. My classes made me a surprise at my home. They were so quiet about it I did hot know of it until eight o’clock in the evening. After tea I had an errand down street ; I then made a call on a member of my class in Ilion. I had much liberty in prayer; my heart was made tender with the love of Jesus; I wept like a child. I reached my home, and as I opened the hall door I saw the house was filled with young people—parlor, sitting-room, dining-room and kitchen. Brother Mead and wife were there tomake glad our hearts and cheer the young folks by their presence and kind words. I commenced hand-shaking, and called the name of each one. In doing that it saved me from breaking down in my feelings. My heart was touched by that kind act. I was delighted to look into their happy and plesant faces. I said to them, “ You are wel- come ; I am glad to see you.” In a few minutes I was called into the sitting-room; there was one of the young ladies waiting to present me with a beau- " tiful folding-chair, and then made the presentation speech in a very creditable manner to herself and the classes. I thanked them kindly for their valued -gift, and the spirit manifested by all present. [I felt a good deal in my heart, but words to express myself were not available. I said to them, “You may look - for something in our village paper in regard to this gathering.” It was quite unexpected to me, as I feel unworthy of any favor. I have failed so often in do- : EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 133 ing what I would like to do for my classes, and still they seem to bear with me and overlook my many faults. I wonder at it, and attribute it to the good- ness of God; I do praise him. He is dealing with me in mercy and love. Iam thankful that he gave me grace to keep me in that hour, and not feel fiat- tered. I give Jesus the glory for putting that spirit into their hearts, to remember their leader. I was humbled, and felt under renewed obligations to God, and a stronger attachment to my classes. I can now understand why I was tried and tempted so much. On Saturday evening I heard the clock in the Armo- ‘ry strike two in the morning before I could sleep. Jesus kept me by his grace; praise his name. I never passed through such severe trials. I never had such victories. O, to get the victory over self, the flesh and Satan. It is blessed to feel our feet on the “ Rock of Ages.” The memory of that occasion I will remember with much pleasure all through my life. I regretted very much that the friends from Mohawk were obliged to leave so early in the eve- ning. May the blessed Master unite our hearts to- gether with a three-fold cord of love which never can be broken, and each one enjoy peace and much hap- piness in this life, and an abundant entrance into the glory world my prayer will ever be. I give the con- tents of a note I received from one of the members of my class that could not be present : ‘“‘BrorHeR Hourcuins—I regret very much that I cannot be one of the number that meet at your house this evening ; but my best wishes are yours. May 134 THE NABROW WAY. God bless this occasion, and make it one of great pleasure to you and yours. Your sister a Cc ee Many thanks to those that worked so hard to make that gathering a success. May God bless and keep you sweetly until your work is done in this life, and then take you to himself, for his dear Son’s sake. At eleven o’clock in the evening, after the kind friends left, the house was quiet. I went up to my room, and on my knees I called on God to let his divine blessing rest upon my classes as never before. O, what a baptism of love came to my heart to over- flowing. Thursday evening my better half sent me with a cake over across the way to a home of a sick neigh- bor dying with a cancer in the stomach. After I had done the errand for my wife, they invited me to pray with that sick one. I went on my knees in prayer to God to give grace to that feeble one suffering intense- ly. I had liberty asI prayed for that dear family, that they may be saved and won for the Saviour. The Lord is so goolto ms. I then made my way to the prayer meeting, as the opportunity was afforded. I engaged in prayer; what liberty I did have ; it seemed to me that I was nearer to heaven (by faith in God’s dear Son) than ever before in my life. In the Word I read, “ Be ye filled with the Holy Ghost.” I felt his power and gracious presence in my soul, such as I cannot fully explain. It was God speaking through me to his people. My voice trembled as I uttered words in prayer; my heart and my flesh were erying out for the living God—such a hungering and EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 135 _ thirsting after the Holy Spirit. That place was sol- emn on account of the presence of the Most High God. I could say with his servant Jacob, “God is here in power.” As brother Mead changed the order of the meeting to speaking, I had two testimonies to give, one for myself and one for sister Fitch, who cannot attend the meetings to witness for Christ, but is reconciled to his will, to do or to suffer, and is ready to go when the messenger comes, at morning, noon or night. Blessed Lord, he can save to the ut- termost all that will believe on his Son Jesus Christ. He gave me liberty in singing in the meeting. I open my mouth in song; he fills it in praises to Jesus. I will never forget that meeting. ‘“ Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Glory be to Jesus. Friday afternoon I did not attend the ladies’ pray- er meeting. I went to Mohawk to aitend the funeral of Mrs. Dodge, which was held in the Baptist church. I walked from the house with the procession. As we entered the vestibule, I noticed every thing looked new and clean. They have painted the building out- side and inside; the place is very inviting in appear- ance. The pastor, Rev. M. W. Haynes, is quite young-looking, only 24 years of age, tall, very mod- » est in appearance, unassuming in his manner, an ea- sy speaker, has a good delivery, a clear voice, and impresses you with his sayings. The text and the hymns were selected by the deceased. The text was found in the Psalms: “I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness.” He preached to us for twen- ty-three minutes—quite long enough for such an oc- casion. He said, “I shall be satisfied, for I shall be SS 136 ~ THE NARROW WAY. freed from sin and temptation, and be forever with the Lord and the company of the blood-bought.” He spoke in a very tender manner of the departed one, and remarked that she was the oldest member in that _ ehurch—was faithful and true to God and the church of her choice. Her blessing she gave to the dear family before she breathed her last, was very im- pressive, and no doubt will bring them to the dear Jesus for pardon and acceptance through his all- atoning blood. May each one meet that devoted mother in heaven, where they may join in the song of the redeemed in glory. Friday evening we organ- ized our class meeting in Ilion, after an absence of a few weeks on account of the revival service by the evangelist, brother Thurston. The Lord blessed us in a wonderful manner—leader and members were hungry to tell the old story of Jesus and his love. Saturday evening I made a call at the home of that afflicted family where they are sad and lonely, for the Spirit prompted me the previous evening to call there and pray with them. As I entered that home I re- cognized but two faces; the rest were strange. I gave them my name, and said, “I have called to sym- pathize with you in your sorrow and_bereavement.” The husband was delighted to see me; his heart is almost erushed. I tried to point him to the dear Je- sus; for he says in his Word, “Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” I spent half an honr in Christian con- yersation, and then went on my knees in prayer to ask God to bless the afflicted ones. As I prayed they wept. I called the name of each one to the Master ; me EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 137 as I mentioned the name of “ Hattie,” the good Lord filed my heart to overflowing with his divine love and power. The Holy Spirit helped me to pray. What a revelation I had from the throne ; it seemed to me that angels were in that room to cheer the hearts that were bleeding from the wound death had made. I thanked God with all my heart that I was permitted to call at that lonely home and to say a ‘kind word to cheer those that mourn the loss of a de- -voted Christian mother. A faithful mother's prayers is the best legacy that can be left to the children. I would rather my boys would go out siugle-handed in the world and have the prayers of a Christian mother than to have money and be established in business. “ The blessing of the Lord maketh rich.” Sunday was a blessed day to my soul. My heart was filled with the love of Jesus. The sermon was made a blessing tome. I enjoyed my work in the Sabbath school. Searching the Scriptures is a great comfort to my heart. In the absence of our Superin- tendent, who was in New York, I was called upon to make the opening prayer. God blessed me in doing that; he gave me the spirit of prayer. I felt his presence and power. In the afternoon I went with brother Clark to his Sabbath schvol, one and a half miles in the country. I was called to lead in prayer, then taught the Bible class, and occupied fifteen min- utes talking to the children. On my return home I spent the remaining part of the day writing in my journal. Attended the preaching service in the eve- ning. At ten o'clock I went up to my room; my family had retired for the night. I felt such a conso- - 135 THE NARROW WAY. lation and joy in my heart, that if that was my last Sabbath on earth, I had tried to do a little for the Master and his cause. “The willing and the obedi- ent shall eat the good of the land.” Monday evening we hada blessed time in the prayer meeting, an increase in attendance that en- couraged my heart and honored the dear Saviour. We had much liberty in song, which lasted a half- hour. I think we do not sing enough and make mel- ody in our hearts unto the Lord. We get inspired from above as we use our voices for the Lord. The Holy Spirit helped us while we were on our knees. The prayers were brief and simple ; we went out from that place with a better Christian experience. Tuesday morning I called at a humble home to do my last work, and offer my final prayer in that fam- ily. Harvey Brown breathed his last on Monday evening ; his spirit passed up to God who gave it. One less for me to pray for. When I think of the many calls I have made upon that poor man, so little known in our community, with few acquaintances, I thank the Lord for the many blessed revelations of his goodness to me, as I have tried by his grace in my heart to win that man to Christ. The memories are precious, and will be helpful while I journey in the narrow way. Only a few months ago I saw that man for the first time ; as I entered that home I had an errand to do for my wife. I found I had one to do for the Lord. The first question I asked him about his soul, he would not answer me. Through the love of Jesus I won that man to the Saviour ; glo- ry be to Jesus for salvation that saves to the utter- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 139 most. There are seven persons now in heaven that Ihave called upon and prayed with that have died during the present summer. I am never satisfied with anything that I do of myself, I am so weak and sinful. IfI ever accomplish any good, it will be through Christ which strengtheneth me. Where I shall call next to visit and pray with the sick, God only knows; I am in his hands to work for his glory. In the evening I made two calls, sang and prayed in two homes; God blessed me in doing that. Wednesday evening I called on one of the mem- bers of my class, spent one hour in Christian conver- sation and hand-shaking where the pastor and con- gregation had gathered to hold a church sociable, At nine o’clock I left for my home with my heart cheered and comforted from looking into so many cheerful and happy faces. ‘A merry heart maketh a glad countenance.” Jesus is my joy and song all the day long. Thursday evening I called at the home of one suf- fering intensely from cancer in the stomach. I found the children had come from the West, to be present and receive a dying mother’s message before she is called to meet a loved daughter in the spirit world, that was buried from that home only a few months ago, and is now singing with angels in glory. I had liberty in prayer, and felt the presence of Jesus, and his power to keep in sickness and in health, prosper- ity and adversity. I then went to the prayer meet- ing, and felt that sweet spirit of Christ as soon as I entered the basement; the good Lord led us, as brother B. led the meeting in the absence of our 140 THE NARROW WAY. much-esteemed pastor Mead. We sang with grace in our hearts ; the prayers were offered in faith ; the testimonies were good ; each one was quickened in the divine life. How true, “ Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty ;” glory be to his name for- ever. I will give the reader the benefit of a letter I received this week from my old friend and former pastor, Rev. M.S. Hard: “Desk Brorser Hercaivs—Many thanks for the kindness you did us in sending your photograph. I will return one with the request that in place of it you send us one of sister H. We shall not move un- til after election. Lam very glad to hear you say that you intend to visit us in Elmira. We have a grand society there, a church without debt, about - 450 members, a good church edifice, a large Sunday school, having in ita piano and organ. Indeed, I know of no better church in Central New York Con- ference. Wehave been five years in Ithaca, and Were invited Officially to both of the churches here. It seems like going from home to leave here. But we have had a good time wherever we have gone; the people have been kind to us, and so we will not fear as to the future. We met brother J. A. Johnson in town a few days since. He spoke cheerfully of Dion. Please remember us to any who may for us. The same. M. S. Harp.” This letter is characteristic of the man himself— short, but good. O, that the Lord would raise up more men like brother Hard. Friday evening we did not hold our usual class meet- ing. The leader was the only person present. The citizens of Ilion illuminated their dwellings on that evening. (All Republicans did as a general thing.) EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 141 They held a political meeting in the Opera House, had speakers from abroad to address the people. They formed a line, had a grand procession, each one in uniform, and carried a torch. The Continentals came down from Utica and joined us in the march ; they were much admired by all who had the pleasure of looking at them passing ; they did credit to them- selves. Utica may feel proud of such a company of fine-looking young men. They had a lunch given to them in the Club Room by the committee. They sang several patriotic songs during the evening. They march well, and sing good; we hope they will come again; they will be welcome. Our neighbors from adjoining towns and villages graced our streets by their presence; from the smile on their faces, we | ' would say they were happy, and enjoyed themselves ~ very much on that occasion. As they marched by our door, on their way to the Hall, the clock in the Armory struck ten. Our citizens did nobly in pre- paring to receive the strangers that came into town to attend the demonstration. Each one seemed to out-do the other in the way of fire-works, &c. May the men do as well next Tuesday in voting, and we may be sure of success. “Dear BroTHER—My heart is so full of the glory of God. When I think of the prayer that you offered, the tears come (and I cannot see these lines, still J ‘must write); surely I feel this morning that there are among us those that the prince of this world cometh and findeth nothing in them. Glory be to Jesus, it was so wonderfully revealed to me this morning! O, glory, itis indeed our privilege to enter into’ the Holy of Holies, and there commune with our Saviour, 142 j THE NARROW WAY. and get so gloriously strengthened with power in the inner man that we gladly become nothing, if need be, - that Christ might be glorified and his kingdom built up. It seems our paths diverge, but O, this experi- ence which came to me this morning, how I love it ; the prince of this world cometh, and findeth nothing in me’; purified by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. My experience this “morning is, to do or not to do; to have or not to have; Ileave to Thee, to be or not to be; I leave thy only will be done inme. All my requests are lost in one Father—thy only will be done. My broth- er, God is indeed fitting you up for a grander and nobler work. O, how tribulation has been working for you patience ; patience, experience ; experience, hope ; hope, which is one of the Spirit’s , precious graces, enters into that within the vail, and you look | not through a glass darkly, but go from glory to glo- ry. But how true, “‘ We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God ;” and then this glorious experience comes. We | may be “troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” “ Always bearing about in the body the dying of the ’ Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” Glory be to his precious ‘name. May God bless you and lead you on into deeper and still more precious experiences ; and as the moulding process goes on, may the glorious im- age be stamped more perfectly until you awake up in the perfect likeness of our Jesus. From one that ,can learn so much of my brother in Christ, Your sis- ter in our faith, F.” I give the answer to the above. I pray God to touch hearts with the burning words in the letter above, that I have given a copy of the same. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 143 “ Dear SISTER IN CHRIsST—Your most excellent let- ter came to handin due time. Thank you kindly. As I read it God touched my heart ; the tears started down my face ; glory be to Jesus for what he is do- ing to unworthy me. I count myself one of the weakest of his followers. I am so glad I am counted in the ‘ Whosoever.’ Praise his dear name. Hesaves and keeps me day by day from straying away from the fold. ‘If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous. I amin his hands, to be used for his glory. O, to be noth- ing, nothing ; only to lie at his feet, a broken and emptied vessel for the Master’s usa made meet. Where he leads, I will follow. ‘We are fools for Christ’s sake.’ The Lord is doing more for me than Iam able to tell. He sent his dear Son all the way from heaven to earth to save me. Now he is giving me so many dear Christian friends to pray for me and encourage me in the narrow way. O, how I do love it; it is the safe way ; itis the way of the cross. ‘No cross, no crown. ‘Must Jesus bear the cross alone, And all the world go free ? No, there’s a cross for every one, There is a cross for me.’ Yes, and I will take it up for the dear Saviour’s sake- The prayer you have referred to in your letter I nev- er can forget, neither can I find words to explain to you the holy rapture in my soul, and the fulness of joy that came to my heart; it seemed to take pos- | session of my soul and entire being. It is impossible for me to tell what I felt. It was the Lord speaking through me to the people. It seemed as though I had hold of the strong arm that moved the world. O, such a mighty faith that came down from heaven ! my mind went out for brother Mead. I could carry him and all the members of ovr church on my heart to the throne of grace, and there plead with God to -144 THE NARROW WAY. baptize us as a church and equip us to work as never before. O, for the anointing of the Holy Ghost to work in his vineyard with success. My experience is different from others; some say, ‘ You go to ex- tremes in your Christian work.’ I feel great respon- _ sibility of souls that are left in my care, as their lead- er; I must give an account at the bar of God for my example of living before them; it is a solemn thing to think of. The Word says, ‘The fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ I want ‘to be good. The best of all, God blesses me as I try ‘to work for his glory. I will ask you to continue to pray for your weak brother. I have trials, often and severe. I have victories through our Lord Jesus Christ ; glory be to Jesus. If I have helped you in any way, itis the Lord working through me. ‘Ac-' . cording to the power that worketh in us.’ I must ‘ close, and not weary you. Pray much and often for me.” Saturday evening we had a small attendance at the class meeting ; the night was stormy and kept a good many athome. Jesus was there to make glad our hearts as we witnessed for him. The words of the poet express a great deal: «And if our fellowship here below In Jesus be so sweet, What heights of rapture shall we know When round his throne we meet ?” Blessed Lord, glorious meeting; parents and chil- dren there will meet, meet to part no more, on Ca- naan’s happy shore, the blessed Jesus to adore. Dr. Bennett, from Syracuse, occupied our pulpit in the morning ; he gave us an excellent sermon in be- half of the university. At the close, brother Mead ’ K EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 149 called for a collection; the collectors passed the plates and took $242-in currency and pledges; the professor was happy. In the evening he referred to the large amount the Messrs. Remington had already given to the university, and thanked them for their generosity, and asked God’s blessing to rest upon them in the future as in the past. He remarked that all through the struggle they have just passed in the late financial crisis (the Remingtons), his faith was so strong in God; he felt in his heart that they would succeed and continue their business and be a blessing to the community, and give employment to those that were depending on what they could earn to support themselves and their little ones. Dr. Bennett will be welcome to come again. God bless him in all his walk of life, and especially as he goes before his pu- pils in the school. In the evening I made two calls. In the home of one that I called on we spent a short time in singing from that good book, “Joy to the World ;” the music is difficult and hard to learn ; there are some beauti- ful pieces; the words are excellent. I hope our young folks will become familiar with them. As TI called at one home where two of the family are away—one in business in the West, the other has gone East to at- tend school,—I enjoyed that call very much, as the mother read to me a letter from each one of them. The Lord made my heart tender: as I went upon my knees to ask God’s blessing on that family and the dear loved ones who are absent; the tears start- ed down my face. O, how God blessed my soul! That occasion will be remembered in years to come. 146 THE NARROW WAY. Some one has said, “The more we scatter, the more we have.” I do praise Jesus for the privilege of doing the little things for him. Praise his dear name! That sainted woman, Mrs. Fletcher, once said, “An idle Christian is the devil’s cushion.” With the help of Jesus, I will never let Satan sit on me. Then I clasp- ed the hand of each, and bade them a kind good night. - Friday evening a good attendance at class meeting; some were there for the first time,—may they come again. We were simple in our testimonies, and felt at home; we had a profitable meeting. It is true, it is the old story of the cross—it will never grow stale. .It is through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony that we shall overcome him ; we must fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold of eternal life. My heart is encouraged; I can see with the eye of faith that the good Lord is coming to Ilion in great power; may the tidal wave of salvation come this way and go down through all this valley, and gather in the wandering ones into the fold of Christ, and many added to the church daily, such as shall be saved. God grant it forthe dear Redeemer’s sake. The bell in the public school sends out its merry _ peal calling the children together. The names regis- tered in the building amount to one thousand, with a corps of fourteen teachers, with that very popular man, Prof. Poland, at the head of that institution ; he is a great favorite with the teachers and children ; he has had charge of the school for a number of years; he is much thought of and greatly respected by all our citizens. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 147 Saturday evening the weather is unfavorable; still they come out to class. God will reward them for their good attendance at the means of grace. I can see the work is deepening in the church down there. We had liberty in singing for about twenty minutes ; God blessed the reading of his Word. I intend to read a portion of the Scriptures in every meeting. I have charge of. We were brief and simple in testi- fying for the Master; some were affected to tears; each one went away profited and strong in their faith. The Lord shali have all the glory. Sunday was a profitable day unto me; I enjoyed our Sabbath school lesson about Joseph in the prison. _ Brother Mead preached an excellent sermon ; he had a large and attentive audience to talk to. God is giv- ‘ing me a relish for the study of his Word. I do hunger and thirst, and crave after righteousness. His presence disperses all my gloom, drives out all the buyers and sellers in my heart, and removes all self- ishness, gives me the spirit to esteem others better than myself, and gives me charity that hopeth all things, that believeth all things, that endureth all things ; helps me to be a good citizen, a better hus- band and father. Indeed, all I am, I owe to God; for it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure. At five o’clock I called at the home of a sick one who is wasting away with that fatal disease, consumption. We spent a short time in Christian conversation ; I sang two verses of that _ beautiful hymn, “All tears,” &c. We then went down on our knees in prayer to God to give grace to that sick mother, and help her to say, “Thy will, O God,. 148 THE NARROW WAY. be done!” The Lord blessed us as we prayed in that family; that simple act was noticed by the recording angel in heaven. I then called ata home where Iam always welcome, and enjoy the society of that aged couple more than I can tell, The gentleman of the house is so kind to me, and has invited me again and again to accompany him out toa mission Sabbath school, where he is their superintendent. I expect, by the grace of God helping me so to live, that we shall walk together by-and-by in that beautiful city where the streets are paved with gold. Blessed Lord, the way is so delightful! JI love the narrow way. That house is consecrated to God; I have enjoyed a number of prayer meetings there with them; we ex- changed a few words about Jesus and his cause in Tlion, and were agreed in expecting a revival in the church here. May God give us faith that will -hold on to the strong arm and take no denial, but ery out in agony of soul on our knees; it must be done. As I pressed the hand of each and said good night, I soon reached the basement of our church, to attend the prayer meeting. “For with the heart man be- lieveth unto righteousness, and with the mouth con fession is made unto salvation.” Blessed Lord, we will witness for him. There was one thing in that meeting I have not seen in a long time,—every person in the house, man, woman and child, witnessed for Jesus! A beautiful sight; quite a number were moved to tears. It is God that fills our hearts with the Saviour’s love. I do expect the Lord will save souls for whom Christ died. Iam thankful I can work a little for the Master; it will keep our souls ‘ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 149 warmed by his love, quickens our faith, confirms our hope and guides our thoughts heavenward ; we have new desires given to us to be more like our loving -Saviour ; kept low at his feet where he can see us. “ He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” As I reached my own home you may think I was weary ; no, no, not a bit of it. ‘‘As thy days are, so shall thy strength be.” Iam resting in the promises all the time, kept by the power of God; Jesus saves me now —glorious hope; I would not exchange with the rich- est man I ever saw. Blessed Jesus, I do love him with all my heart. Reader, are you working for the Master? You will say there is nothing todo. You may not be called to preach the gospel; go out and visit the sick—speak a word of cheer to the suffering and poor; you can distribute tracts among them who seldom or never go to church. Take aclass in the Sabbath school—find a class of boys on the street, bring them in where you can instruct them from the Word of God. You may say you are not competent to do these things; Jesus will fit you forit. Paul says we can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us. We will work till Jesus comes, and not do as the foolish virgins did that we read about. May our motto be, “Upward and onward.” What we find to do, do it with our might; for “the night com- eth when no man can work.” Thursday evening I called at the home ofa sick one, offered prayer to God for grace to be given now while that sister is in such severe pain of body, that her soul may triumph in Jesus her Saviour. I said good night, and soon reached the prayer meeting. \ 150 THE NARROW WAY. There was a heavenly spirit in the room as I entered, they were on their knees; I bowed my knees in prayer and heart also; we sang with grace in our ’ hearts, “heartily unto the Lord.” Praise his dear name for salvation! The heart of our pastor was en- couraged ; I can see the work of the Lord increasing in the church; the classes are better attended ; it is not all in preaching the gospel that will save souls— it is living close to Jesus in the church, at home and on the street. ‘The fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” May God come in the power of his might and save souls in Ilion! I do hope and pray that not one person in this place will have it to say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.” Friday evening, weather stormy; I made one call on the sick, and prayed with them. Jesus was there, the patient ready to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, or stay a little longer with the family (husband, son and daughter). .The daughter is a Christian, and faithful unto God; the husband is un- der deep conviction ; the last time I prayed in that home he remained in the kitchen, stirring the kettle as it was on the stove; while I prayed in the adjoin- ing room, I could hear him out there as he was en- gaged in that room; he could hear me in prayer ask- ing God to give grace to keep his companion as she suffered so intensely, dying with consumption. I can leave him in the hands of his Maker; God is too wise to err, too merciful to be unkind; He doeth all things well, praise his name. Very few out to class; the Lord blessed us reading his Word ; the testimonies EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 151 were good, some of them given in weakness I trust answers of peace will come down on each one. May this week be the best in all their life on account of the presence of the dear Saviour. Saturday evening we enjoyed the meeting very much ; some came as visitors,—come again, you will be welcome! The interest in the class is increasing ; I hope the revival spirit may spread all through the church down there. Paul may plant, Apollos may water, God giveth the increase. Jesus says in the Word, “‘No man cometh unto me except the Father draw him.” God can, and does work; none can hin- der. Sunday was a good day for Zion in Ilion; the audience large. I notice an increase in the attend- ance on public worship ; the good spirit is deepening and widening all through the church. The Sabbath school is growing in numbers, I was obliged to give up my seat and take a chair to make room for them that came in to take part in the lesson about Joseph. The story of that man is interesting and very profit- able. May the entire church study the Word more and more. ‘ Thursday I was obliged to pray much for patience. I find that little trials come along where I do not ex- pect them; I take them to the Lord in prayer. His way isthe best way. The pruning knife must be used if we bear fruit for the Master. Trials are bless- ings in disguise; let them come, only let me have . grace in advance. In the evening I made two calls; I had an errand to do in one home for myself, and I found out afterwards I had one to do for the Lord. The man of the house and three sons are not Christ- 152 THE NARROW WAY. ians, the wife and mother is a very devoted follower of Christ. I have heard her say she had faith to be- lieve they would all be saved, although it might be after she was buried away out of sight in the narrow house appointed for all living. As I entered the hall door, the man I have referred to came in at the side door. After I had taken him by the hand and pass- ed the compliments of the evening, I sat down, and began to talk to the little boy, about eleven years of age, telling him stories. He listened with intense interest that pleased me very much. As I was about to leave we went down on our knees; I had great liberty in prayer. I do think I had a message from heaven to that man. When I prayed for those boys (the eldest in particular) I had such a revelation from God! It was wonderful; the longer I prayed, the more love and presence of Christ I felt in my -soul. I realized then what I had read in Carvosso’s book, referring to the goodness of God and how often he had made it manifest unto him, and especially on his knees, that he was obliged to cry out, “Father, stay thy hand; itis more than thy servant can en- dure!” O, when the heart is wholly filled with the Holy Ghost, we are then in a condition to help our fellow creatures. Blessed Lord! He is doing won- derful things for me. I love him more than all else beside. I had faith given to me from God that the whole of that family would be saved and meet in heaven—when, I cannot say ; God’s own good time; he knows best; I can leave them in his hands. It seemed to the wife and mother that I have mention- ed, she had faith to believe that each of her dear, EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 153 loved ones would be saved, and her prayers answered; but she could not tell which one would be saved first. As she talked to a neighbor about that occasion after- . wards, she said she could see them in her vision around the throne in the glory land, all safely in heaven together. She was not spared long to that: dear family ; a few months, and she was called to her reward in the sweet by-and-by. It is plain to me now ; death was between her and the conversion of her family. Faith in God will accomplish wonderful things for his children. Atthe funeral of that one hearts were touched, no doubt, and impressions made that will be lasting. Which one of us will be called next, God only knows; I want to be ready and set my house in order. I am so glad I am saved, I am ready and willing to help others into the kingdom. Through Christ I expect to gather a few sheaves for the garner of the Lord. Now is the seed time ; the reaping time will come, depend upon it. Anything or anywhere for Jesus! Itis blessed to be in the service; it is the most honorable thing we can do—to work for souls, and do errands for Jesus. Praise his name, our reward is waiting us in the beautiful home over there. O how it cheers our heart to work and wait. Friday evening a good attendance at class. Some’ came that have not been in a long time,—that rejoic- ed my heart; I gave Jesus all the glory, it belongs to him. The testimonies were brief and simple, and came from the heart, which is pleasing to our Maker. O, for more of that home feeling in all our meetings ! The more of Christ’s love we enjoy in our souls, the 10 154 THE NARROW WAY. more simple and childlike we will be to get down at his feet, where I belong; may he give me that feeling constantly in my heart. I heard a man say in the meeting that every shore line was cut, and that he was out in the ocean of God’s love, sailing for the harbor on that happy shore. What a glorious meet- ing that will be—meet to part no more; no sorrow, no sighing; God will wipe away all tears from off our eyes. It pays well to be true to Christ. He says in his Word, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Praise his dear name. Dear R.—I want to see you so much more than I can tell. After the meeting last night your old friend, R. F., gave me your address. I promised him I would write to you, God helping me, trusting Jesus will give me something to say to encourage you on in the nar- » row way, and do honor to his name. I do hope and pray that you will continue faithful to your dear, lov- ‘ing Saviour. He came down from heaven to earth to save you and me, took our load of guilt aud sin upon himself, suffered and died on the cross, that through - his stripes we are healed, made heirs of God and _ joint heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ. I am amazed “when I think of the love of God in giving his only begotten Son to die for our sins, and through his .atonement we are made free, our pardon purchased by the blood of the Lamb. O, it washes white as snow, gives us joy in the Holy Ghost. ‘Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I suppose you are happy and enjoy your new situation; it is exciting, no doubt, passing through the country, and having a strange audience every evening to listen to you. It is a good school, you may learn a great deal about human nature; so many kinds of people you will meet in your travels. Be true to Jesus; if you are, t EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 155 you will be happy and content, although away from home and that loved one you prize and call “Mother!” “Tn all thy ways acknowledge God, and he shall di- rect thy paths.” God bless and keep you, my prayer will ever be. Read the Word; go to your closet often in prayer ; practice writing to your Christian friends, give them passages from the Bible ; God will bless your own soul as you do that, and their hearts will be strengthened more than you can conceive. I do enjoy receiving letters from my Christian friends, and especially as they quote from the precious W ord of God. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” The meetings are well attended; the Spirit of the Master is with us, leading us onward and upward. The members of the class miss you, and pray God to keep you while you are deprived of the influence of the means of grace that they are favored with, and the help of those that started in the Christian way when you did. The Lord is good to me, I cannot thank him enough for giving me a little work to do for his cause in Mohawk ; weak and feeble as I am,: he does accept the service of his humble and un- worthy servant; while I am trying to help the class he blesses my own heart in a wonderful manner. May I ask your prayers for the dear class, and your weak and erring class leader. Farewell. Yours in Christ. “Dear BrorHeR H.—i was much pleased to re- ceive a letter from you at N.; but in response I can write but a few lines, as there are so many friends that I must write to. The advice and Scriptural passages your letter contained, encouraged me more than I can tell. I meet with a great many tempta- tions and trials, but with God’s help, I mean to bear the trials and withstand the temptations. Jesus blesses me more than I deserve by far. Even while I write this, my heart is full of God’s love, and I weep 155 ° c THE NARROW WAY. when I think how the ‘blessed Saviour gave his own life that we might be saved. I like my work very much. Ofcourse it has its disagreeable parts, but no business is without them. I want to thank you for the interest you have taken in my Spiritual wel- fare. God bless and help you, that you may lead many a poor heart ovt into the light and happiness of Jesus’ love. And while I am praying for my dear class leader, I want to ask his prayers, that I may be kept from all sin and unholiness. I will receive with pleasure a letter from you at any time. Your young friend, — R.” Dear O.—After the meeting closed on Saturday evening last, you requested me to write you this week; my answer was, I would if the Lord would give me something to say that would encourage your heart, and help to smooth down some of the rough places in the pathway of life. Ido not know what to write that would interest you the most; I am so busy I can not give you the news about town, or the gossip of the neighborhood. Brother Mead preached a good sermon on Sunday evening, on gossiping or talking about our neighbors. I suppose we wont hear any more stories; enough of this. We had an excellent meeting on Monday evening; we missed you more than I can say, but hope you will soon get well and be able to take up your regular work in the cause of the blessed Master. Jesus said to Peter, ““When thou ‘art converted, strengthen the brethren.” There is ‘something for each one of us todo; are we doing that? Iask myself the same question. We are so modest and willing to leave the work for our neigh- bors to do ;' we suffer so much on account of shrink- ing from duty. ‘The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered himself.” He that winneth souls is wise. Blessed Lord, 1 am saved now; I am a sinner saved by grace. It is nothing I can do of my own strength; I i EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 157 am weak and feeble. God is able and mighty to save. ‘Ask, and receive; seek, and find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Blessed Christ, he is leading mein a way I know not; it isa glorious way, , it is the way of the cross; no cross, no crown. have read in the Word of God, “Take up your cross ' daily, and follow me; for I am meek and lowly of heart; and ye shall find rest to your souls.” The rest of faith is free to all,—without money and with- out price. How often we say to each other, “My leanness,” when there are such heights and depths we have not yet attained. “Hye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things God hath prepared for them that love him.” Precious promises! I am resting in the pro- mises. ‘He that abideth in the secret places of the © Most High, shall abide under the shadow of his. wings.” Jam afraid I may stray away from his bleed- ing side, where flows the blood and bought our guilty souls for God. You are in all my prayers,— that God will bless you, soul and body. He is the Great Physician! I trust through grace given you from your loving Saviour, that you can do and say from your heart, ‘“Not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done.” Pray for me, your class leader. I am so glad that occasionally I can honor the Master by writing to his children; whatever good may be accomplished, it must come from God. I trust him to bring forth fruit to his own glory. The joy of the Lord is your strength; it is Jesus in the heart. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away, and all things are become new. Paul says in the Word: “As ye have found Christ, so walk ye in him.” Are we doing that? Reader, if you are, you will be happy; and, the best of all, you will help ‘15S THE NARROW WAY. others who are on the way. There are so many that need a kind word to encourage the heart, as they are journeying in the pilgrim way. Sympathy i is what we need to-day; the children need it; we all need it, and look for it, and are sadly disappointed if we do ~ not get it. “Jesus, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever.” Yes; God is the same. “As a father piti- © eth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear ' him.” “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” The willing and the obedient shall eat the good of the land. We all like good things. “For no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Blessed Jesus, we will crown him lord of all. “He ‘that giveth a cup of cold water in my name, shall re- ceive his reward.” The more we scatter, the more we have. As we are engaged in helping others, God will help us in doing that. As the day is past, and we lay our weary bodies away to rest, if we have done a little for Jesus, we are happy. I thank God for putting it in the hearts of his children to write me so many good letters; they en- courage my heart wonderfully. I do fresh courage take, And press with vigor on, The heavenly kingdom I shall reach, And there with Christ sit down. O, the hope I have of eternal life—how it buoys me up amid the trials of this life. Without trials we - would not grow and thrive. ‘Tribulation worketh patience; patience, experience; experience, hope; hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 159 which is given unto us.” Blessed Redeemer! Some are called to suffer; in doing that it brings out graces, rich and precious ; and sometimes revivals are traced in the neighborhood to one of the suffering ones, who has been pleading with God that precious souls may be saved, for whom Christ has died. The love of Christ constraineth me. Paul says, ‘We can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us.” O, for power from God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” ‘Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation!” “Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” May our lives be hid with Christ in God. Glory be to his name. “Dear F.—Your beautiful and welcome letter came to hand in due time. J read it over and over again. The Lord is kind, giving me so many friends. I feel very much indebted to you for your words of cheer, and your faithful prayers to God in my behalf; and especially when I have been burdened with trials and cares on every hand. “A friend in need, is a friend indeed.” I will pray God to reward you himself for your sympathy and counsel in all my conflicts. I am so thankful to the dear Jesus that I can pray for you. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Blessed Lord, I do love him. It is my meat and drink each day of my life to honor my Saviour. He says in his Word, “I love them that love me; and they that seek me early shall find me.” O, the precious Word of God! The promises are yea and amen to all that believe. ‘Help thou mine unbelief.” The Spirit answers to the blood, and tells us we are born of God. I feel so unworthy, I want to hide away out of sight, as I think of that old song, Jesus died and paid it all, All the debt I owe, &e. 160 THE NARROW WAY. Every moment, Lord, I want to feel the merit of thy death. ‘We are only stewards here in this life; what™ little we have here belongs to him. He says in the Word, “All the silver and gold, and the cattle upon a thousand hills are mine.” “He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord. Yours in Christ.” Saturday evening, large attendance at the class meeting ; the good Lord blessed usin a powerful manner. I called on an aged brother to testify for the Saviour; his heart was made tender with the love of Jesus; God blessed him; the tears ran down his face as he turned around and addressed the class. The dear Jesus touched their hearts with his love; quite a number shed tears; glory be to Jesus. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Without him we cannot do anything. “ For it is God that worketh in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” The Sabbath was a Wlessed day to my soul. I en- joyed the sermon; my heart was made tender with the love of Jesus; praise his dear name forever. He has kept me to-day sweetly by the power of his grace and the gift of his love. I love the Word, it is my strength and guide, and my chart through life. It is a lamp to my path and a guide to my feet, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. There is power in the Word. I made a call at five o’clock at the home of a sick one. When I reached there I found two sick in the same house. The mother came to visit the daughter, who is not expected to live. I quoted several passages of Scripture, and then went upon my knees. God gave me liberty in prayer for EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 161 the inmates of that home, that they may all be re- united in the glory land. As I was about to leave, that sick one asked me to come again. I answered in the affirmative, ‘ When ‘Father’ sends me, as I cannot help you of myself; I am utterly helpless . without Jesus.” Icalled at another home on my way to the prayer meeting. I spent a few minutes in Christian conversation; I prayed with them be- fore I left. “‘The Lord came down our souls to greet, And glory crowned the mercy seat.” Praise his name ; he gave me a weeping blessing in that home. God is so good to me; he blesses me on my knees wonderfully. In thé evening Mrs. Annie Wittenmeyer, Philadelphia, addressed a union tem- perance meeting in the M. E. church; she occupied one hour and ten minutes. She had a good subject to speak about (temperance). She is unassuming and modest, easy in gesture, at home on the plat- form, voice a little weak, speaks her words very dis- tinct, is intensely in earnest to do good. She has faith in God, and is trusting wholly in him to bring about the temperance reform of this nation. God and one soul are a majority. She referred to the triumph of the people in Kansas. The outlook is more hopeful, and the day is not far distant when it will be considered a crime to manufacture or sell al- - coholic liquor in this country. She gave us the fig- ures, what it cost a year for drink ; it is an enormous sum, scarcely credible. She made a comparison of the cost of paying the expenses of keeping the jail in a certain county where they had granted license to 162 THE NARROW WAY. the saloons to sell liquor, and then the reverse in the same place, when the Court was in session when there was no license. The District Attorney told the Judge he did not have any indictments ; the Sheriff said he did not have any prisoners—so much saved through temperance. She remarked what would become of the lawyers if every town would not grant license. “Why,” said she, “we will send them where the Lord sent Moses, herding the flocks.” She said, not long since she was addressing an audience, and after she had made that remark, a lawyer in the congrega- tion arose and said, he thought the poor sheep would be in great danger, as the lawyers would shear them so close. The people laughed all over the house. I noticed in a few minutes they were in tears. She re- ferred to the value of the boys; she said she could not estimate the worth of her own dear son; and yet thousands of our boys fall every year victims to king Alcohol, and fill a drunkard’s grave. She then re- ferred to the precious Word, where it says no drunk- ard shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. She has a happy way of expressing herself—the sum and sub- stance is, she trusts in God ; her heart is in the work. She is sure of success; the right will win. The liquor party will go down because the Lord is not on their side. He saysin the Word, “Woe unto him that putteth the cup to his neighbor's lips.” God have mercy on that man that deals out that cursed thing. O, the‘misery and desolation it brings to so many homes, is heyond description ; the hearts that are crushed and bleeding by it, we cannot compre- hend. We may know of a fewin the circle of our \ \ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 163 acquaintance who are suffering from the effects of it in their dear loved ones. You can trace it every where ; it leaves its stain and blights and blasts every one who tampers with it. O, for sympathy for those unfortunate ones who have the appetite for strong » < drink; may the Lord help us to take off our kid gloves, and reach outa friendly hand and gather them from the gutter; it will bring more comfort and real consolation to our hearts than I (in my weak- ness) can explain. God pity the poor inebriate! my heart goes out to him. I know some that have suf- fered so much on account of drink. Blessed Lord, I am thankful I am not a drunkard. I have many faults, and fail so often; I make good resolutions, and break them. I hope to be a better man; may the dear Jesus lend me his friendly aid, and put his fashioning hand upon me, and make me wholly his own. Monday evening, street-car late---ten minutes lost. Miss Helen Potter gave Select Readings in Maben’s Opera House. On account of that, but few at the prayer meeting. Jesus was there; he made our hearts tender with his love, and gave us the Spirit and liberty in prayer; my own heart was touched ; Christ gave me a weeping blessing ; others caught it ; I cannot tell how it is, nevertheless itis true. The stream will not rise above the fountain head. We need better leaders in the Christian work. Mr. Wes- ley has said in his Journal, “It is only the Son of the living God that can move upon the hearts of the people.” Glory be to Jesus, and praise for ever- more. 164 THE NARROW WAY. Wednesday was a good day to me; my Saviour came and walked with me; he helped me to do my work—gave me patience, endurance, and the hope I have one day to sit down-in the kingdom; it lifts me above all the fleeting things of this life. Dr. Adam Clarke says, “A great many men fail for want of faith, patience and perseverance ; this life is a train- ing-school to prepare ourselves to enjoy the life that is to come; may each one he very studious to im- prove the golden moments as they fly; life will be short at the longest ; it is made up of little things.” God help us to help each other. In the evening I was invited to a certain home where a few had gathered ; one of the number was ‘one of God’s faithful ones (poor in this world’s goods, but rich in faith, an heir of heaven through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ). The son of that aged one, whom she expected to take care of her now, has left her to the cold world, and gone to the West. He will not prosper in doing that. A very de- " yoted and faithful Christian solicited funds and pur- chased a double shawl to give to the old lady. Thad the pleasure of saying a few words to cheer her heart, (as she is now going the down hill of life; her mis- sion is nearly over—may these, her last days, be the very best on account of the presence of Jesus). I then handed hera package, which was a surprise ; she did know about it, and was delighted. She told us she had been praying to God to give her clothes so she could attend church. He does answer prayer. As we went on our knees God gave me a weeping blessing: O, how he filled my heart with the love of EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 165 his Son! That occasion will be remembered with pleasure as long as I live. I clasped the hand of each and said, Good night. In a few minutes I was walking by the side of my wife, going up John street to spend the evening at the home of a friend. There we met Elder Shepherd among the rest We were glad to hear his pleasant voice once more. He was very communicative, and entertaiued us in his hap- py, easy and pleasant way, and then made a good prayer for each one present. We returned to our home to do better work for the Master. I think those little gatherings are very beneficial to us and the members ; I hope we may have more of them. Thursday, Nov. 25—a day set apart by the Chief Magistrate for thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God for his many mercies and blessings to us as a nation. I was so busy in the office all day I could’ not attend the union meeting in the M. E. church, but Jesus blessed me while at work. He filled my heart so full of his love and power that the tears ran down my face at the desk. Blessed Jesus, we will crown him Lord of all. In the evening I called at the house of a sick one, who was suffering beyond de- scription. AsI began to pray to God to give her grace to sustain and comfort her heart, there was a loved one present that is backslidden and cold; she refused to kneel during prayer. The Holy Spirit was working upon her heart last night; as I was praying she was making a noise with a piece of pa- per at the table. I could feel that God was eonvict- ing her in a powerful manner. May he answer pray- er, and save that one before that dying mother pass- 166 THE NARROWWAY. es away to the spirit world. I then started for Arm- ory Hill to call at a home there. We spent a short time in Christian conversation. I invited a young la- dy, a stranger (in Ilion) who will be an inmate of that home for some time to come, to the class meeting and Sabbath school. May God bless her while she wor- ships with us. “ DEAR Frienp—I called last evening ata certain house (on John street). I found the gentleman and the-lady of the house conversing together. F. was sit- ting at the'table writing a letter; G. was much inter- ested in reading a book. G. and L. were studying their lessons in the dining-room. -As I took each one of them by the hand and passed the compliments of the evening, they gave me a hearty welcome, and kindly invited me to take the arm chair. As I looked’ into their pleasant and happy faces that make up that family circle, there were two cheerful faces (I “have been accustomed to see them) missing. One of them has gone to the West, and commenced business for himself. May the blessing of God rest upon him. “The blessing of the Lord maketh rich.” The other has gone Hast, and is now pursuing a course of-stu- dies for their accomplishment. May God bless you’ in your understanding. I hope and pray you will succeed, and graduate from that institution with high honors to yourself, and great credit to your dear pa- rents ; that you may go out and be a blessing to the world, and a faithful, devoted Christian all through life. I was thankful to hear from you, and that you are getting along so well, and enjoy the meetings there so much. ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’ Please go often to your closet for prayer, and hold communion with your blessed, loving Sav- iour, who suffered and died on the cross for you. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 167 Read the Word much, make it the man of your coun- sel. We miss you from the class. God bless and reward you for coming so faithful to class meeting. You have helped me and the class. I trust we have your earnest prayers for the class, and especially for the leader. The class is well attended; the last meeting was the best we have had in a long time; we went on our way rejoicing in the Lord. The joy of the Lord is our strength. O, for more of his love in our hearts. I will not attempt to give you the news of the day, as I suppose the dear ones at home keep you well posted. The campaign is over; Garfield is elected. From your class leader.” As I called upon the sick, one of God’s faithful ones was there. It rejoiced my heart to meet her; she was a strict attendant at the class for several months, until she changed her home and moved out of town. We talked about the Christian way for a little while. She made this remark, ‘“ What a won- derful Saviour we have.” “Yes,” I said, “that is true ; praise his excellent name.” We then bowed in prayer ; I asked God to bless the stranger, and then prayed for that family, and if it was the will of our God, to heal the sick one and restore to health. There is so much to do at this time. I bade each one good night and started forthe church. I reached there in time to tell them I loved Jesus, and he loved me. I sang one verse of that song, “ Nearer, my God, to thee.” Friday evening I made one call on my way to the class meeting; the Lord blessed us as we went on our knees. We do not pray enough ; it is knee-work that pleases our Lord. In doing that we are keep- ing one of the commandments. He says in his Word, ‘ ' 168 THE NARROW WAY. “Every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue con- fess to God.” “My heart and my flesh cryeth out for the living God” There is nothing in this life that will satisfy a human being but Jesus’ love in the soul. We hada good attendance,’ that encouraged my heart wonderfully. Jesus was present, and led us by his tender, loving, gentle Spirit ; without him in all our meetings we shall fail. There was a so- lemnity in the room; it seemed as though each one was breathless; the atmosphere was heavenly and Christ like. One came to class for the first time. I had faith to believe they will come again. God bless and keep the young Christians ; may he give them the working spirit. Saturday. The week has gone quickly ; we are passing away to the great judgment day. O,to be ready. I have failed this week of what I had anticipated. I make good resolutions, but fail to put them in practice. If I ever get to heaven, it will be through the merit of the crucified One. Jesus is interceding for youand me. We had a good meeting in the evening ; some were moved to tears. God is revealing himself to the people. Sunday was a profitable day to my soul; brother Mead preached an excellent sermon. I enjoyed the Sabbath school. Our school is growing, I am glad there is power in the Word. We do not study the Bible enough. Dr. Adam Clarke used to read it on his knees. You and I may not be blessed with such an intellect as he had; but we can be obedient child- ren of the Most High. “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” I made one callin the evening. The dear Jesus blessed my heart, and filled it to overflowing EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 169 with divine love. I had such a burden for a certain one who has become backslidden. The mother can not live but afew weeks at most; I hope the Lord will answer the prayer of that sick one and save her child. I made my way to the prayer meeting; the Lord gave me much liberty in prayer, I praise his name for it. Our pastor, brother Mead, preached a sermon on amusements—card playing, dancing and theatre going. The house was filled. I trust impress- ions were made upon the hearts of some that will be lasting all through life. “In the morning sow thy seed; in the evening withhold not thine hand.” Monday evening we had a good meeting; several strangers were present. I hope some of them were impressed with the need of religion, to the honor of the Master. The Lord blessed the reading of his Word; we sang with grace in our hearts; we had liberty in prayer. It is the spirit of prayer that God’ gives to us. I remarked to them, we do not pray enough. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and - ye shall find.” Tuesday evening I made two calls, prayed in two homes. We spent about twenty min- utes in song service; God helped us to sing in the spirit. To him alone be all the glory; without his presence we cannot succeed in anything. “Thou God seest me.” We may deceive our best friend, but we cannot deceive God. His eye is everywhere, behold- ing the evil and the good. May his Spirit guide us aright in all our pathway from earth to heaven. Wednesday evening, I called at a certain home where God has blessed me so many times, as we would go on our knees and ask God’s blessing on the in- 11 170 THE NARROW! WAY. mates of that home. We were enjoying a pleasant conversation in regard to good books I had taken with me from my library for that family to read, as my books are free, and for the good of the members of my classes to read in their own homes. I make it my business to remind them to study the Bible, and read good books for their benefit. I have found that a good thing for the leader, and it will be advisable for the classes. As I handed them out,—‘Life of Dr. Adam Clarke,” for the gentleman of the house to read, “The Life of Carvosso,” for the lady, “Life of Dr. Eddy,” for the daughter,—all at once the door- bell rang, when one of my brother class leaders came in and took a seat by my side. I was glad to meet him and the family were delighted to see him. He claimed the lady of the house as a member of his class, and came there to cheer her heart by his words of counsel, and pray before he said good night, as it was his custom to do always with the members of his class. That man is gifted in prayer, and holds communion with God on his knees; the Lord uses him to reach hearts, and cheer his members in the class-room and in their own homes. I say, God bless the faithful class-leader! The gentleman of that house and the daughter are members of my class. As I had reached there a little in advance of him, I felt I had the floor to myself. I thought of the story I have heard my pastor tell, where three ministers met together in prayer meeting; he said before they ' separated they killed the meeting. 'I did not know what might take place before we said good night. We were there to help that family to get nearer to God; EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 171 in doing that, the Lord would help us by his grace. I said to the gentleman of the house, “If you will allow me to go on my knees, I wiil pray with you and then go; and when my dear brother wishes to go, he will pray for you.” We bowed in prayer; God did come down our souls to greet. He gave me the spirit of supplication ; my faith took hold of the promises, I claimed them through the death and atoning blood of the Son. I called the name of each one of that family to God on my knees. The place was solemn on account of the presence of the Master; we were moved to tears. As I prayed for my brother and called his name for the Saviour to fill his heart with. his love, and give him power with God and use him to help his class, I had liberty with Jesus ; the more I prayed, the stronger my faith. What a baptism we received together around that family altar! There. came to my mind such a view of the past, where we have bowed together and prayed to God to pour out his Spirit on the people, and revive his work in the hearts of the members of our church and elsewhere. I had such a revelation of things in the few minutes we were on our knees my heart leaped within me for joy, and the remembrance of the Saturday night prayer meeting for the benefit of his own class, where we have been blessed so many times together. J did thank God for the help and good example I have re- ceived from that brother. God bless and keep him, and use him for his own glory. The man of the house was blessed in a powerful manner; when we arose from our knees he was obliged to go into the next room to wipe the falling tears from off his face. God 172 THE NARROW WAY, ¥ ‘says in his Word, “Them that honor me, I will honor.” I bade each one good night, and then called and prayed in two homes, and reached the parsonage at nine o’clock to accompany my wife to her home. I do thank the Lord for the working spirit. “As you sow, so will you reap:” that istrue. The willing and the obedient shall eat the good of the land. Thurs- day evening I called on the sick and prayed in two homes, and then reached the prayer meeting in time to receive my penny. The Lord knew why I was late to the meeting; my pastor did not know. My record is in heaven. Friday evening we had an ex- cellent meeting. The testimony of each one came from the heart; some were moved to tears. We-had some strangers present; may they come again. Saturday was a busy day for me,—I may say all the week—I was obliged to write an essay to read at the Convention in Utica next Monday. Satan did try so hard to turn my feet out of the path that Christ has made by his death and resurrection for me to walk in, and in doing that reach the glory land, and there sit down with the blood washed and redeemed, and be for ever with the Lord. Jesus sustained me through his blood. I gained the victory, blessed Lord. We had a good meeting in the evening, the Lord was with us in power. I made one call, and prayed in a home by the side of an aged couple, that will soon be called to their reward in heaven. O, how the dear Jesus blessed my heart while on my knees in prayer; howl long for the communion of God’s faithful ones! They help me to be a better Christian- and get nearer to the bleeding side of our loving Saviour. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 173 Sunday was a day of rest for this body which will soon moulder in the dust. My soul did rest by faith in the dear Redeemer, my heart was made tender with the Saviour’s love. The sermon was excellent ; the text was, “Do good to all men.” At five o’clock _I called and prayed with the sick,—one near the grave, whither we all are going. ‘After death, the judgment.” I ask myself the question, Am I ready ? “All my hope and all my plea, Jesus died for me.” I am clinging to him by faith; through his merit and death I hope to gain an entrance into the sweet by- and-by. Blessed Lord, he is my hiding place, my: shield and strength ; on him alone my hope depends. On my way down to the church I called at the home of one of the Pilgrim Fathers, a place where I de- light to spend a few minutes in Christian conversa- tion,—they always have a word to cheer my heart in my work for the Lord. They tell me it is better further on. As we went on our knees in prayer to him who says in his precious Word, “Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost part of the earth for thy possession.” My heart was filled to overflowing with the love of the blessed Jesus, praise his dear name. We had a good spirit in the prayer meeting. The sermon was shortand good. It was a blessed day to Zion in Ilion. Monday we held a class leaders’ convention in Utica. The Lord was there to help us. In the even- ing I was present at our prayer meeting; as usual, the dear Saviour gave us the spirit of prayer, and blessed each one. So we went on our way rejoicing in his love. lst THE NARROW WAY. Tuesday I returned to the convention in Utica. We had a powerfal meeting in the morning session ; God filled our hearts with his divine love and power. The meeting was a success: the brethren are more spiritual than one vear ago. Thanks be to God for that. The dear people were so Kind and attentive ; they invited us to come again. God bless them abundantly. In the evening I made two calls; the dear Saviour was present. and blessed us while we were on our knees. It is knee-work that is pleasing to Jesus and profitable to us: we get strength from the throne. O for the spirit of prayer! It is the Holy Spirit that maketh intercession for us with God. Wednesday evening was a busy night for me. After sapper I called to pray for the last time in a home where the mother had passed away about one oOelock a.M. She was a great sufferer; she died of cancer in the stomach. The friends were pleased to have me eall: very few of the neighbors came in dur- ing the sickness in that home. As we bowed in prayer a young lady, a stranger to me, who knelt by my side. was blessed im a powerful manner. As I prayed for little Charlie for his best friend on earth had been taken away’. I had such liberty in prayer as I talked to the Lord about the motherless for. I then bade each one good night, and walked to an- other home where the crape hung upon the door, telling the passer-by that death had called and taken a loved one away. As T reached the sitting room and looked into the face of the mother. I saw by the ex- pression that her heart was sad. and needed sym- pathy. Blessed Lord, my heart was tender as I en- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 175 tered that family circle. I met several of the neigh- | bors there,—in doing that they did help to bear the burdens of that family. As we engaged in prayer I pleaded with the Great Physician of soul and body to heal the heart of that mother, who seemed to feel the loss of that dear one, and thatthe father might be brought to seek an interest in the Saviour, and be prepared to meet little Cora in the sweet by-and-by. As I offered a petition for each one of the family, I prayed for my neighbor, the undertaker (he and his” companion were present to assist and prepare for the funeral). The Lord filled my heart to overflowing with the love of his dear Son. God bless that faith- ful man for his sympathy and words of cheer to many hearts in their trouble. It may not be long before he may be called to my home; I hope to be ready. The Lord is so kind and merciful to give us warning that we must die. I left and called at the home of a sick one. We spent a short time in Christian con- versation, and then went down on our knees in prayer for the recovery of that one, if it is the will of our Lord and Master. I said good night, and made my way to meet an engagement to sing at eight. o’clock. The Lord blessed us in that service. In that family T met one of God’s children that has not a home of her own. The Lord will provide, and supply all our need, The Sabbath day I enjoyed very much,—rest to body aud peace in my soul. Jesus filled my heart with his love. Brother Mead preached an excellent sermon, and took up a collection, amounting to one hundred dollars, for church extension,—a very worthy 176 THE NARROW WAY. cause. God bless and keep sweetly that sainted man, Chaplain McCabe; may his life be spared long to bless and cheer the hearts of the American people. He can say with Mr. Wesley, “The world is my par- ish.” _The“amount of good that man is doing will never be known until the day of judgment, when the books will be opened, singing his way, making glad hearts each day. Ifyou ask me why his songs draw so many people to him and listen so attentively, I cannot explain it satisfactorily,—God has given him © that talent. Iam glad in my very soul he is using it ‘for the glory of God. Bishop Haven once referred ° to himin my presence. “I think he did well,” said he, “God has touched his lips.” Yes; that is the se- cret of his success. “Ye are laborers together with God.” We cannot accomplish anything without his aid. Iam a dull scholar in the school of Christ, but I have learned one thing which is important to me: if I have ever done any good, or helped any one, it is through Christ which strengtheneth me. The joy of the Lord is your strength; he shall have all the glory. I called and prayed in two homes before the prayer meeting at six o'clock. God blessed my heart in a wonderful manner; he gave me great liberty in prayer; we sang with grace in our hearts. I felt so much of the presence of the Master, the place was solemn. There was a halo of glory in the room as we spent a few minutes in song service. We had the spirit of prayer in the basement of the church; a good feeling prevailed, a tender, melting spirit was mani- fest during the hour of prayer. The sermon was good in the evening. And last, but not least, the: EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 177 dear Jesus gave us the Spirit around the family altar as we knelt to commend ourselves to God and the word of his grace. It was a day of feasting to my soul. Glory be to God in the highest. Monday evening I prayed in one home before our meeting in the church ; the Lord accepted that serv- ice, and in return filled each one of our hearts with his presence. Tears of joy ran down our face. Praise his dear name, it was a blessed time, one to be remembered by all present on account of the Master of Assemblies being there to cheer our hearts on in the narrow way. Very few at the meeting; our rival was “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” at the Hall. The young people could not resist the temptation, and off they went. Wespent half an hour in singing for Jesus— the remainder of the hour in prayer. For the glory, of God and the benefit of the reader I will give a copy of a letter from one of the members of my class who is away from home attending school. “ Mr. Hutrcuins—I was very thankful and happy to receive your kind and thoughtful letter. It was very pleasant to receive such a happy description of my home, and the pleasant call you made. Father wrote me about it also. I trust the class has in- creased in attendance since the political excitement has died away, and the scholars are fairly settled for the winter. I am sure they have a faithful leader, who deserves a ready response to his labors. We have a very healthful religious influence here. I feel I have received great benefit. The preaching serv- ice on Sunday is always of great value, and every day we have chapel twice, and Bible study twice, and ‘silent time” twenty minutes for private devotions twice. Besides that, we have Sunday and Thursday t 178 ‘THE NARROW WAY. evening prayer meetings, and Sunday evening sec- tion prayer meeting beside. So you see much atten- tion is given to the Bible and religious acquirements. Thursday we were invited to take a drive to the Farningham Female Prison. We found 450 inmates, chiefly for drunkenness. I think it is hardly possible to imagine that in Hastern Massachusetts there can be that number of women in prison for intemper- ance. I had a very interesting visit with the lady in charge, and was very much astonished at some of the things she told me. One girl, eighteen years of age, could not read or write her own name. In one ‘ease they have three generations—mother, daughter and grand-daughter—all in prison the same time, for ‘the same cause. After giving a concert for the bene- fit of the inmates, we distributed bouquets tied with ribbon to which were fastened verses from the Bible, to each woman. I was one of the ten chosen to do it. EF felt very grateful for the opportunity of doing so pleasant a duty. It made me feel strange to see those poor girls, no older than myself, look up into my face. with eyes filled with tears, sobbing, yet smiling in return for the “ widow's mite.” I went home with a deeper sense of my own mercies, and with a more sincere thanksgiving to my Heavenly Fa- ther than ever before. I went to Boston this week, and saw what I have read—half-clad women with hungry little ones clinging to them, trying to sell can- dy or pop-corn ; little news-boys, boot-blacks, cross- sweepers, who looked as if the sheds were their only shelter. I went home with a most sincere desire to help humanity in some way, if it can be but very small. I have very much I should like to tell you about, out do not feel to take the time just now. Re- member me very kindly to Mrs. H. and my class friends. I should be pleased to receive other kind epistles from you; it makes me feel nearer home to. hear often. Very kindly yours, M.” EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 179 Tuesday evening I made two calls, and prayed in two homes. I met an aged lady in one home. After T rang the bell the lady of the house came to answer the call, and kindly invited me into the parlor. I suggested to her to allow me to sit down in the sit- ting-room. She said in reply, she had company—an agent called to exhibit some samples of goods they had to sell. I asked to be excused and call some other time. She insisted for me to stay. Very soon I was introduced to the stranger. As I clasped her hand and passed the compliments of the evening, I found myself in the easy chair. near the register, en- joying that beautiful home. What a pleasant sight ; mother, daughter and grandmother, all Christians. We spent a few minutes in Christian conversation ; as I looked into their happy faces I received an in- spiration that quickened my thoughts ; my heart was full of good sayings to each one. The good Lord blessed my soul. I enjoyed that occasion more than I am able to tell. They seemed to feel under obliga- tions to me for the call; the lady of the house said she hoped I would come again, for I always cheered their hearts and encouraged them on in the narrow way. My answer was, it was Jesus in my heart, as I could not do anything of myself, only as he would use me, could I help others. I thanked her for al- lowing me to come in and enjoy their beautiful home for a few minutes. We then went on our knees in prayer and asked God’s blessing on that family cir- cle, and especially that aged “ pilgrim.” Praise Je- sus, he filled our hearts with his love; the tears ran lown our faces as we waited around that family altar. 180 THE NARROW WAY. That occasion will be remembered with great pleas- ure to each one present, and at the judgment, when he books are opened, the record of that evening will be made known. I bade each a kind good night, and made my way to another home, where I offered pray- er to God in behalf of that dear family, that his bless- ing may rest upon them all through life, and that they ‘may be reunited as a family in heaven, for the Sav- iour’s sake. Thursday evening I visited the sick; met a stran- ger in that home; I was glad to make her acquaint- ance. After we spent a half-hour in Christian con- versation, we bowed in prayer to ask God to heal that sick one, and give her health again, so she might / go out and do mission work for the Saviour. There are so many sad hearts in the community ; sin is so common in this world that many are hurt by it, and~ need the sympathy of warm Christian hearts. O, for volunteers to go out and speak a kind word for Christ, or do a kind act for the suffering and broken- hearted among us. They are not all in the poor homes; no, in some of these palaces there are hearts bleeding that have been wounded with trouble. “In- asmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it untome.” Precious Saviour. We had a good prayer meeting; the Mas- ter was present, and gave us his spirit. To him be glory. Friday evening, class met at the usual hour; we sang several pieces at the opening. After prayer from two of the members we arose from our knees ; the Lord blessed us in a powerful manner. I had EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 181 much liberty in reading and commenting upon the Word. The close attention paid by all present was ‘evidence to me that they enjoyed the Scripture les- son very much. There is power in the Word. God will draw the people to himself in his own way. There was a stranger present, for which I thanked God for sending that one intothe meeting ; may they ~ come again. My heart was made tender by the Spirit of Christ; my voice trembled as I replied to the members as I gave testimony for Jesus. O, that the Lord would send a tidal wave to Ilion, and move the feelings of each one in the church. It is the Spirit of God that quickens us in the narrow way. O, for power with God, then we could influence men to seek Christ. Saturday evening, very few at the meeting; the people are busy preparing for the holidays. The dear Saviour wag present and led me as I led the class. Blessed Lord, I will be true to Jesus, let oth- ers do as they may. Sunday was a blessed day to my soul. I took my friend, brother Turner, and drove up to Frankfort. We heard an excellent sermon from brother Lamb, (who exchanged pulpits with brother Brown). His text was, “ An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” He gave us a good discourse, and made many applications as he went along. He was simple in manner, easy in gesture, commanding in his voice, earnest in what he had to say. He referred to Jacob wrestling all night with the angel; he said (and how true) that we lacked faith and power with God. He remarked that we had an influence on sinners if we 182 THE NARROW WAY. lived near to God in our every day life. He told the story of the Christian man and the infidel traveling in the West. They had a large amount of money with them ; they agreed to take their turn and sit up at night to watch over it. They were delayed un the way, and failed to reach their destination where they expected to remain over night, and in the evening called at the house of a man in the country and asked for lodgings. The man said he would keep them over night if they could put up with his accommoda- tion. After supper he got down the family Bible, read a chapter, then went on his knees in prayer to God, thanking him for the mercies of the day, and -asked the Lord to bless the two strangers that were present, and watch over them through the night. He showed them to their room for the night. The infidel began to prepare to retire; it was his turn to watch until midnight, and care for the money. The Christian said to him, “It is your turn to sit up to-- night.” His reply was, “A man that can pray like that man won’t steal; Iam not afraid to trust him with my money.” After the sermon we went into the class room. The leader, brother Getman, kindly invited me to lead the meeting. I did the best I could, but I felt they were in the advance in the di- vine life. I availed myself of the opportunity of learning what I could from them. The testimonies were good, and full of faith. Several present have experienced the blessing of sanctification, and are walking in the higher life. The leader remarked at the close, “ They call this the camp-meeting class.” I was very much impressed with the experience of a EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 183 brother in that class, that is blind, and still he seemed to be the most happy of any one in the room. I think his words would convince any skeptic there is power in the religion of Christ. He gave us a good illustration; I brought it home with me. He said, “Tf aman was down in the cellar and was calling for help to get out, you would not go down in the dark ; no, you would take a light with you.” “Now,” said he, “if you want to help a man out of the darkness of sin, you must have your own heart filled with the love of Jesus, then you can help him ont of his dif- ficulty, and bring him to Christ and heaven. Reader, may you andI try it. God helping me, I will. At two and a half p. w. I was in my own home writing in my journal. At six o’clock I was on my way to visit the sick. AsTIentered the home I found my work was done there ; the patient was weak and confined to her room, so feeble her limbs were much swollen. As I clasped her hand, it seemed to me that she was nearing the spirit world. After a few minutes’ Chris- ‘tian conversation I knelt by her bedside and offered a prayer to God to give her grace to sustain her in that trying hour ; the place was solemn on account -of the presence of the Master. I had liberty as I pleaded with my Jesus to save the companion of the sick one. It may be that God is sparing the wife to be the means of the conversion of her husband. I think the tears I shed on my knees as I prayed in that home, were for some unsaved one. God grant that family may all be reunited in the glory land. I bade each a kind good night, and started for the church. I called at the house of a brother on my . 184 THE NARROW WAY. \ _ way, where.I delight to meet and hold communion with them. I found the man was not able to go to meeting ; I was glad I could spend a few minutes with the dear family on my knees in prayer to Jesus for them in the decline of life, and a loved son, Char- lie, who is unsaved, that he may be gathered for the Lord. My heart was tender with the love of Christ ; the tears started again; the Lord is so good to his . feéble servant. Ido not know why he does so much for me. I have decided that Jesus is. interceding for. _ me with the Father, and my friends are praying for me constantly.. Blessed Jesus, he is mine and I am his, now, henceforth and ‘forever. We had a good sermon ; on my way home I was meditating on the goodness of God and the many mercies I was made the happy recipient of; my soul was drinking of his blessed, tender, gentle, loving spirit. I felt deep down in my heart ; I could say, I have pitched my moving tent one day’s march nearer home; blessed. home, home of the pure and free, away from all sor- row and sin, eternally with God shut in. I find I have written several pages—my experience for the day—one of the best Sabbaths of my life, not for any- thing I have done ; no, what God has done for me. I must stop writing, and read a portion of the Word and pray in my own home, as I see the hands on the clock are nearing the figure ten. There will be no clocks in heaven; no haste, no waste, all calm, peace- ful and happy in the Christian's home in glory. Monday evening we had an excellent prayer meet- ing, good attendance, two strangers present ; we had liberty in prayer ; the singing was spirited and pro- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 185 fitable. The good Lord blessed my heart reading: and commenting on the Word. The hour passed away quickly, the communion of saints is delightful. ‘‘ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Blessed Jesus. I made one call before the meeting ; the Master was near each one as we went on our knees in prayer, and filled our hearts with his blessed presence and love; to him we ascribe ceaseless praise. Wednesday evening J called at one home, spent a half-hour in song service, and then we engaged in prayer. The Lord blessed us as we bowed in prayer around the family altar; we felt as we often sing, “It is good to\be here.” I bade them good night, and started for my home. At nine and a half o'clock I was sitting under the gas light reading that good “ book, “ Saints’ Rest,” by Rev. R. Baxter. Just then my wife came in (her face covered with smiles) from the concert in Maben’s Opera House. Thursday evening I spent one hour in the office posting books. I then made one call and prayed by the side of an invalid who cannot get out to the meet- ings. I have learned a lesson from that suffering one—not a word of murmur or complaint, so patient. God seems to fit us to do his will, some to work, and others to suffer—ail for his glory. | . Friday evening, no class meeting. They held our annual gathering (Christmas tree) in the Opera House. All the young people went there of course. I made two calls, and visited the sick. I enjoyed praying in the homes of those sick ones more than I 186 \ THE NARROW WAY. can tell. At nine anda half o’clock I was seated in the Hall looking at the children of our Sabbath school receiving their presents, and, quite unexpected to me, my name was called, and a number of nice presents were handed to me from my class. May the Lord give them his Spirit and the love of his dear Son in return for their kindness to me. Saturday (Christmas day) I worked the most of the ‘day in the office ; as my work was a little back I tried -to make time. My friends from Rome came down and cheered our home by their presence. We en- joyed a visit with them very much. At four o’clock they returned. I had two hours time I spent at the desk. I am so glad to have employment; I am thank- ful to God I like to toil. I can post books and say Jesus Iam happy doing that. In the evening I ‘took a seat in the street car to go down to my class meeting ; my heart was pained as I saw a young man come in and sit down, who was intoxicated ; very soon he was asleep. I offered & prayer to God (with my heart) to have mercy on that young man ; and then I thought of his mother that would be crushed as she looked into the face of her dear boy in that condition, or a fond sister who loved him as a sister can; or an aged father who was looking to that son to be his counsel and support in the evening of life. Just then I thought of the many homes where they were waiting for loved ones to come in. As I left the car, and passed a saloon, I saw a little. boy waiting in front of the door so patiently and with intense interest. Just then a man passing addressed him thus: “ Who are you waiting for, my little boy ?” 1 EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 187 “For my father,” was his reply. My heart sent up a silent prayer for that little one who was called so -young to feel the pangs of king Alcohol. AsI am led to write a little on the temperance question, I will refer to one case more. On my way home, as I sat down in the car, a man that I recognized came in under the influence of liquor, sat down and soon fell asleep—he was drunk. O, the sight was sickening. I thought of his wife and little one at home waiting his return. I have referred to three cases that came under my own observation—enough to stir a whole community. The good Book tells us, ‘‘ Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” “ How true. In another place I read in the Word, “Tn the world ye shall have tribulation,” “ but in me ye shall have peace.” My peace flows like a river. “Why ?” some one may ask. Because I am obedi-' ent; I want to overcome ; I expect to, through rich- es of grace in Christ Jesus my Lord. We had an excellent class meeting; I was hungry, and could scarcely wait until eight o'clock; but few present. We spent a half-hour very profitably in singing. Glory be to God for a voice to sing his praise, and a heart to love Jesus. I had liberty while on my knees. Itis so befitting for us to go down in the dust and wait at the feet of our Master, and ask him to put his hand upon us, and make us his own. The Lord led me as I led the meeting; praise the name of Jesus. I think it was the best Christmas of all my life, on account of the presence of my loving Sav- iour. As I was leaving the office at six o’clock I had the occasion to pass through the room of our much- \ 188 THE NARROW WAY. . esteemed treasurer, Mr. E. Remington, who sat at his desk arranging the business for the firm (E. Reming- ton & Sons), as he has the charge of the clerks in the office (while Mr. P. Remington is busy looking after the men in the Armory). He put down his pen, laid .aside his dignity of office, and condescended to con- verse with ons of the weak and most humble of his employes about the cause of Christ. He inquired very tenderly about some of the members of our ' church who are confined at home on account of sick-, ‘ness. He gave me directions about the distribution. of papers and books to the young converts in our church, and to some who are skeptical in regard to- the Bible. I thanked God from the depth of my soul for giving us such men, and that I was so fortunate as to, be in their employ—men who fear God and work righteousness, and are giving of their means to help the cause of. religion and temperance in this community and the adjoining towns. They have con- tributed to a great extent to the Syracuse University. Thousands of dollars have they invested in that insti- tution. God will reward them for giving their means to the many benevolent sources which I cannot take the time to enumerate. A record has been made in heaven. When the books are opened, all will be re- vealed. Then it will be glorious to know that they _ have treasure up there also. The name of “ Reming- “ton” is a household word all over this continent, Canada and Europe. All of the goods that they man- ufaeture, that has their name upon them, will meet with a ready sale—arms, sewing machines, type wri- ters, agricultural implements and the Remington Fire ELIPHALET REMINGTON, EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. | 189 Engine. ‘Their goods are sold and used all over the world. For uprightness in business, and their kind- ness to the men in their employ they cannot be ex- celled in this country. They have made a large amount of mouey in their business ; they have not been selfish in hoarding that up for themselves. They have sub-let the work tv the jobbers (in the arm- ory), and allowed them a large margin. Several have become rich during the vears that have passed. One: of the contractors in the establishment (I could give the name) is quoted to be worth two hundred thou- sand dollars (200,000). I mention this to show how liberal these men (Remingtons) have been with their help. Their name and influence will live on, and on, while the world stands; the amount of good they have done will never be known until the judgment. With all their business cares, they take time to attend the social meetings in the church, and are humble, de- voted Christian men. They will speak with a poor man, and show him attention, and listen to the request of the most humble one in their employ. Mr. Philo Remington has charge of, and remains the most of the time in the Armory. He isa skillful mechanic ; he is familiar with, and understands the most minute and all parts of their celebrated fire-arms and all _ goods made by them in the works. His judgment is consulted by the superintendent and foremen that have charge of the men in the various departments, He has an excellent farm, one mile and a half from Frankfort, with all the conveniences, silo, &c. The farm is now used for dairy purposes, and is well stocked with catile. He is an extensive owner of real 190 THE NARROW WAY. estate in different localities. He remains « short time at the Thousand Islands in the summer season ; he has a comfortable place there known as the Rem- ington Cottage. He has held the office of President’ of the Village for several terms ; he is a large stock- holder and an officer in the bank here. He is a man of great responsibility and care, as a business man, ’ still he will give attention and assistance to the most humble man in the town, in the way of advice, and use of his means to help, if need be. He has helped many a poor man out of financial difficulty. I know that by experience ; he has helped me; probably he will not remember it. There are so many who ask him to plan, and tell them how to manage their af- fairs. He is a man of wonderful endurance. I have been in the employ of the Company the past twelye years, and I have never,seen him excited or irritable, nor utter a word in haste, or manifest an unpleasant spirit during that time. I remember well when a part of the works were on fire—the cabinet shop burned—he attended to his regular business calm and deliberate as though nothing unusual had hap- pened: He is a member of the official board of the M. E. church ; his say among them is the end of the ‘ law with that honorable body. He is one of the es- timating committee to name the salary of the pastor each year. He is liberal in doing that ; he pays largely to support the gospel. He is modest and unassuming ; he occupies an obscure seat (seats free in our church) in the house; you will find him seated in the second pew from the vestibule every Sabbath when in town. If you are present at the communion service, at the PHILO REMINGTON. SAMUEL REMINGTON. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 191 last table you will see a large, well-built man that will _ turn the scales at two hundred and forty (240) pounds ' avoirdupois, with silvery locks, walking up the aisle to the altar, to partake of the communion, with the meekness of a little child. May his life be spared long to his dear family (wife and two loved daugh- ters, the wife of Gov. W. C. Squire, and Mrs. Fur- man, New York), his business, the church and com- munity. My. Samuel Remington, President of the corpora- tion, “‘ E. Remington & Sons,” died at his residence in New York city, Dec. 1st, 1882. He remained a number of years in Europe. He was familiar with foreign governments, and personally acquainted with a great many of their agents. In that way he has secured many large orders for fire-arms and ammuni- tion, from abroad. The Freuch and Spanish con- tracts were two of the largest orders they have ever received—a large sum of money in them, as one might say, was received from those governments. He built an excellent house in Cairo, Egypt. He was a thorough business man. The extensive acquaintance he had with foreign powers was of valuable service to the firm. He returned to this country about seven years ago, and made his home in New York. He spent a part of his time at the factory (Ilion), and a portion of it in Cazenovia, where he owned a valua- ble farm. He had a great liking for good stock, and invested in large sums for the very best of blooded cattle in the market. He was a busy man; you could find him in his office at seven o’clock in the morning, and often I have passed by it at nine o’clock in the 192 THE NARROW WAY. = evening, and found him busy at that late hour. He had an ambition to put the best goods in the market that were made any where. The last. time he was -here (one week before he died), he told the shipping a clerk at the Agricultural Works to be particular and -examine all the goods he shipped, and see that they - were perfect; if not, to send them back and report to the ‘superintendent, no matter what the expense - was, they must be made right. His sudden death is _ a sad affliction to his family who are left to mourn (wife, daughter and three sons)—a great loss to the company—he will be missed by a large circle of . fiends and the whole community. The funeral ‘took place from the Presbyterian church Tuesday,: December 5th; sermon by Dr. Dunham. The Remington Rifle Corps attended the funeral in uni- form; they also furnished a brass band to lead the \procession. (He was an honorary member of the R. R.C.) The employes,in the Armory and the citizens , joined in the procession at thé funeral. Mr. Carver Remington (the eldest son) will take his place with the firm. May he be endowed with the ability and talent for business, and succeed in all that he will en- gage in, that was characteristic in his dear father. On the opposite page the reader will find a cut of the works. You may never be permitted to pay us a visit in person, but you.can have the privilege of a” view of the Armory, as the lithographer has taken the impression on paper. Eight hundred men are now employed in the Armory. In 1873, seventeen hundred hands were busy on the Spanish contract; | the works were run day and night. Eight hundred i M Th Hill Hi iM ! A ns aa \ a : , nT ian a ! \ 8 ic i vt ih i MT i it Fi ill Mt iit il il “Hl $ il i i) Sn ah oN AE CG ws a "it \ ul i Mia ve ; 'e i i ty Ma ee if ~ BLBANY NN ILION, N.Y. ARMORY, REMINGTON EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 193 guns per day were made, six days in the week. The good Book teaches us, “Be diligent in business, fer- vent in spirit, serving the Lord.” If that is our ex- perience, we will be happy. May each one be in- tensely in earnest, and strive hard, not only to save a little here, but to lay up treasure in heaven. Since the above was written, the disappointment not to receive a long anticipated contract from abroad for Lee guns and ammunition, owing to circum- stances unavoidable, which may at an unexpected time come to the best of business men, April 24th, 1886, the Messrs. Remington assigned. Through Judge Williams the court appointed Addison Brill and Albert N. Russell, receivers for the Armory, and Chas. Harter, assignee Agl. Works, April 4th, 1889. Mr. Philo Remington died at Silver Springs Park, Florida, of billious fever, in his 73rd year. He was ready for the call of the Master. The sad and unex- pected news of his death cast a gloom of sorrow over this entire community. The president of our village . called a meeting of the board of trustees and citizens, and passed resolutions in regard to the funeral of the déceased. A large number of people escorted the village board to the depot, to meet the friends with the remains that came on the train 4:08 o’clock P. M. from the East. Funeral at the house Tuesday, 3 o'clock p.m. The Armory, Type Writer Works and Knitting Mill were shut down during the afternoon, the stores and all places of business were closed; the order and quiet on the street would remind you of the Sabbath. The anxious look and solemn express- ion on the face of each passing by would denote a 194. THE NARROW WAY. : t dear friend. had been taken away. The processior formed on Main street, and marched to the home or Armory Hill, led by the Board of Education anc students of the senior department of our village school, then the official board M. E. Church, eack one wearing a badge showing the high esteem anc ‘tender regard they had for the deceased. The nex in line of march was F. C. Cross, manager Remingtor Arms Co., with Wilfred Hartley, Treas., R. C. Fay Supt., and about one hundred and twenty-five of the employes. Then came Messrs. C. W. Seamans anc H. H. Benedict, representing the Remington Stand ard Type Writer Mfg. Co., with B. B. Vandusen manager, and one hundred and twenty men from tha: establishment in the line of march when they reachec the house. The service was in charge of the Rev. D F. Pierce, assisted by former pastors Rev. E. Horr D. D., Chelsea, Mass.; Rev. T. B. Shepherd, Oswego N. Y.: Rev. H. W. Bennett, Potsdam, N. Y.; Rev. G M. Mead, Kirkville, N. Y.; Rev. Wm. Watson, P. E. Herkimer District. Each one of these devoted ser vants of God spoke from a full heart, and paid a hig’ tribute to the life and character of the departec The audience were moved to tears. The most elc quent speaker of to-day would fail to find words t express all the kind acts and noble deeds of tha godly and exemplary Christian man. ‘The dear family are bereaved; the loss to th church and community is beyond my comprehensio1 Tlion mourns; all that knew him loved him. The flor: offerings were beautiful,—one piece in book shap with this inscription, “Only good night.” Another a: EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 195 1 tracted much attention,—a monument of roses, five feet in height and two feet at the base, with these words,. “Our friend.” At his own request the remains were carried from the house to the cemetery by the work- men in the Armory, and laid away to rest; his spirit has passed to the glory world, to be for ever with the Lord. We tarry a little longer; soon the summons will come. May each one, through faith in God and the atoning blood of Jesus, be in readiness to meet him in the land of rest, and dwell with God above. | Wednesday evening a memorial service was held in the Opera House by the citizens ; music and sing- ing wasin charge of E. B. Schmidt, Mrs. A. H. Jones and Miss Carrie Richardson. The room was draped in mourning, the flowers used at the funeral Were put on the stage in good taste; a portrait of Mr. Remington rested on two guns in a conspicuous place, easy to be seen from the gallery. The com- mittee of arrangement on trimming the hall and pre- paring the program for the evening, are entitled to much credit. Prayer by Rev. G. M. Mead. Singing by the choir, ‘“Beyond the smiling and the weeping.” Reading the Resolutions by the Sec. committee, J. L. McMillan. Solo, “The Pilgrim,” Mrs. B. F. Osgood. Thos. Richardson, chairman, in | ehalf of the family and friends of the deceased, thanked the people for their sympathy and kindness manifested during the burial services, and then introduced to the audience Rev. E. Horr, D. D., Chelsea, Mass., to deliver the commemorative address. Dr. Horr commenced by saying that as he entered his church last Sabbath, a telegram was placed in his hand announcing the 196 THE NARROW WAY. death of his long tried and faithful friend, Philo Remington. The anxiety of a pastor about to go in to the pulpit of a city church and preach the gospel, with the sad news that came to him then were very trying indeed. His time was limited to prepare suitable remarks for such an important occasion. Twenty-five years ago this present month, he was pastor of the man he was called here to speak of to-night. He wished to say words befitting the dead. In preaching to the people, as he would look over the face of the audience and catch the eye of his friend, he would receive inspiration and help from him. God was using him to benefit others; he was happy while living to do good to those about him. He then referred to the many churches dotted over this land, ‘with their steeples pointing heavenward, that his money had helped to build, where the people now worship God, and souls are saved. He mentioned the schools of learning, where he had invested large sums to benefit our young people, that they.may go out and be a blessing to the world. He talked to us for an hour from his heart, and gave a glowing ac- ’ count of the life and kind acts of the man, of precious memory, we had assembled to honor. He said reli- gion was to be lived in a man’s life; evil sayings and ‘severe criticism would not injure character. He ~~ spoke of the great responsibility that rested on that man during the late war; at the close of the same the company had a large amount of stock on hand and guns made, which was a loss and disappointment ; the government was poor, and could not afford to re- imburse them for the extra expense and investment. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 197 of means to manufacture, on short notice, a large quantity of arms and ammunition, to help put down the rebellion ; they were obliged to go it alone. The discourse was listened to with marked attention and intense interest by each. On going home one man was heard to say he could have listened two hours longer to such an eloquent and polished speaker. The singing was excellent throughout the evening. The title of the closing piece was, ‘‘Rest, spirit rest.” Rev. A. B. Sears, pastor Baptist Church, dismissed the audience with the benediction. Sunday was a day of great trial, from early morn until five o'clock in the evening. Blessed Lord, I got the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and Satan disappeared and left me. I speak of this to remind the reader that trials are for our good, if we take all to the Lord in prayer. He says in his prec- ious Word that he will not allow us to be tempted more than we are able to bear. I expect to overcome, through the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. All whom God loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every one that he receiveth. The Psalm- ist says, “Purge me with hysop, and I shall be clean ; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” The blood cleanses me. In the evening I called at the home of a sick one. I met my friend that I have referred to, Auntie Brown ; very soon two ladies came in to see the sick one. I then sang two verses of that beautiful hymn, “Trusting Jesus, that is all!” We then engaged in prayer, and a mighty faith came down from God to my soul; my entire being was filled with the Holy 198 THE NARROW WayY.. Ghost and power from the Most High God. The res- ponses from that sick one told me that the Lord was present to cheer her heart, and make that occasion a profitable time to each one present. The spirit did make intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered. I bade each a kind good night, and started for the home of one very near the grave. As Tentered the room, I could tell by the low tone of voice that the patient would soon pass away. As the husband asked her the question, “Do you know Mr. Hutchins ?” she inquired if I had come. I clasped her hand, and asked her if she was trusting in Jesus? She tried to tell us she was. I held my ear close to her lips; she said, “I am trying to tell you that I am trusting in my Saviour.” O, how that cheered my heart! I then knelt in the adjoining room, and offer- eda prayer for God to save the husband, and care for the family who would so soon be without a mother. The loss of her I cannot tell,—no one to say a word to cheer the husband as he will come in from his daily toil, crushed with care and disappointment through the day ; no one to advise the children, and ‘sympathize with them when they need our love, prayers and counsel. In a few minutes I was in the church, listening to elder Shepherd,—it was our quarterly meeting service. He took for his text, where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, “He took upon himself the place of a servant.” O, what an example left ‘for us! What a pattern,—the God Man to wash the feet of one that was so soon to betray him and deliver him to those murderers. Love, wondrous love! The last Sabbath of the year EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 199 , gone! AsIlook back, so many blessings and mer- cies bestowed upon me by my kind, Heavenly Father. Monday evening I called at the home of one of the members of my class; they gave me a warm greeting, and invited me to take a seat in the parlor. I asked the privilege of sitting down with the family in the room where they were. I received an answer in the negative. (It -is an old adage, “When you are in Rome, you must do as the Romans do.”) I obeyed the lady of the house, or she would not allow me to - come again. I always find it best to please the la- dies. They make good friends,—they are kind, true . and keep their word. They are more religious, and ready to forgive and overlook a fault than the men are. Ifwe are willing to confess,—that is a hard thing to do; we need much grace to acknowledge our mistakes Rev. W. H. Reese said in class-room No. 1, while he was leading the young people’s class, “Mistakes make the alphabet of success.” It is true we may profit from the past, and do better in the future. Tuesday evening I visited the home of the sick. As I entered the room I saw the face of the patient all aglow with the love of the blessed Jesus. O, what alesson did I learn there,—so patient, happy and cheerful, yet laid aside from active work and the privilege of the meetings. As I bowed im prayer, with that dear family, the Lord did come down our souls to greet, while glory crowned the mercy seat! ' Blessed Lord, my heart was tender; I received a weeping blessing, as sister Russell used to say. It is God that will put the tears on my face ; I can not do 200 THE NARROW WAY. that of myself. Praise his dear name. After a few minutes’ walk, I rang the door-bell at another home. As I walked in they told me the lady of the house was unable to sit up, was much worse from over exertion and care of loved ones sick in the home of a friend near by. I did not remain long, only to pray. God was pleased with that humble offering ; he gave us the spirit of prayer. A poor | widow lady was present, who had asick child at home. I think my prayer was for her benefit. THE ORIGIN, HISTORY, AND PRESENT RELATION OF THE CLASS-MEETING IN THE ECONOMY OF METHODISM. In the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley, convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. The next day - several more came. They desired that he would spend some time with them in prayer, as they were anxious about their souls. In order to do this, he appointed a day in the week (Thursday) in the eve- ning, that they might come together to receive such advice and instruction as he felt disposed to give them. Their number increased daily. They always concluded their meetings with prayer. This was the rise of the united society, first in Europe, then in America. Such a society is none other than a com- pany of men having the form, and seeking the power, of godliness, to meet together for prayer and ex-. hortation, and watching over each other in love, and work out their own salvation in the fear of the Lord. As they grew in number, they were divided into companies called classes (say twelve persons in a ! EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 201 N class), one of them styled the leader, whose duty it was to see each one of the members at least once a week: First, to inquire how their soul prospered ; second, to reprove, comfort or exhort, as the case might require; third, to receive what money they could afford to give for the relief of the poor; to meet the ministers and report to them any ‘that. are walking disorderly ; to pay over all moneys collected, | to the stewards. There is but one condition required of them that join; that isa desire to flee from the ~ wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins; where that is fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruit. They endeavored to watch over each other in love ; but they soon found a great inconvenience, as they were scattered over a large section of country ; they learned that some were not living in the gospel, (as Mr. Wesley says). While we were thinking of an- other thing we struck upon a method that we have reason to thank God for ever since. As we were talk- ing about paying the debts and expenses incurred, , one of the leaders arose and suggested that each member pay one penny per week until the debt was paid. Another answered and said, “ A great many of them are poor, and cannot do it, but,” said he, “put eleven of them with me, and if they cannot pay, I will pay for them.” It worked well, and in doing that, they found some walking disorderly ; they reported them to me. At first the leaders visited each member at their own house, but this was soon found not so expedient. It took up more time than some of them had to, spare. Mr. Wesley then de- cided to have them meet together, face to face. In 13 202 THE NARROW WAY. doing that, they found it worked admirably. We are commanded to bear each other’s burdens, and so ful- fillthe law. The Word teaches us that we are to : confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Humble confession is good for the soul. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un- _ righteousness.” Praise his dear name; I am glad _ that is true, blessed Lord. The class-meeting has stood the test for the past century, and has accomplished more good than I am able to tell. You may ask me, Why? My answer is, God is in it, working through the hearts of the peo- -ple. It is the power of Methodism. While no oth- er church has adopted that means of grace (the class- meeting), I need not tell you they have. failed in ‘their mission to a certain extent in holding their con- verts and aiding them in the Christian life, to reach that higher state of grace, even our sanctification. “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy Word is truth.” “ But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be wit- nesses unto me in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” We are to confess Christ before the world ; in doing that simple thing our faith is strengthened ; it will honor God. Verdicts in the courts are rendered ac- cording to the testimony of the witnesses. What we need the most to-day is Christian witnessing for Je- sus, that he hath power to save, and arrest the atten- tion of some where nothing else will impress them. The attendance at the class-meeting was made the EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 203 test of membership until the year 1864 ; then it was changed, although it is a question that is often dis- cussed, and especially at the present time, across the water and in Australia. I leave it with you; I am not competent to decide. I think we had better live up to the rules Mr. Wesley left for us as a church. Those that habitually neglect class-meeting, if you trace it out, you will find, nine times out of ten, they ‘are cold and in a backslidden state. (I know about that; Ihave been there myself.) God have mercy on any Christian that is in that condition. Mr. Moody says it is the easiest thing in the world to backslide. I believe it. Weare to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling ;” each one must answer to God for himself. In old time the apostles met with one accord in one place, in that upper room; there they received power, and went out working miracles and doing good. He says in the Word, “ But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem un- til ye be endued with power from on high.” With- out this anointing (brother class-leader), you and I will fail. The Holy Ghost is what we need first ; if you have not received it, get it at once ; it is for you, not by works, it is by faith. Make the entire conse- eration to God; it will come and permeate your whole being ; then you will feel you have taken an- other step upward inthe Divine life ; you will long to go out and work for the Master, because you will be inspired from above. Paul says, “When I am weak, then am I strong; yet not I, but Christ that is within me.” Rev. Charles C. Keys says, “A leader should be a man of some business talent; he must 204 THE NARROW WAY. open and close his meetings at the hour appointed, have a system, and carry it out; everything should be done with regularity.” Rev. John Miley says, “Tt is the duty of a leader to inquire into the reli- gious and spiritual state of the members of his class ; every leader should feel the importance of that; he should be a devoted, spiritual man himself, full of ‘faith and of the Holy Ghost.” Father Reeves says, ‘A leader should be the first one in the class-room; and the last one out, at every meeting.” He never was late at the means of grace but once; he had called on the sick. He held the office of leader for twenty-seven years; in that time he made nearly thirteen thousand calls on his members. It is work that wins. “ The liberal soul shall be made fat; and ‘he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” The Bible was his teacher, prayer his element, duty his delight. The secret of his success was, he was filled with the Spirit of God; he could teach others the way, for he walked in it himself. Jesus says in the “Word, “No man cometh unto me except the Father draw him.” Blessed Jesus we will crown him Lord “of all. I might mention the name of that sainted man, Carvosso, whom God raised up; he was the model leader. The amount of good he accomplished in his day, eternity alone will reveal. ‘His name is a household word. To read his book will create en- thusiasm in the heart of every Christian person. 1 would advise all class-leaders to procure it, and read it again and again. He was very illiterate when he was called to the work, and in marking his class-book -of the members present or absent he learned to write. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 205 Through faith in God and a desire to be a worker in his vineyard, he taught himself and tose to great dis- tinction of character, not only as a leader, but a re- vivalist. He was the feeble instrument in the hand of God in bringing many a soulto Christ and heaven. He allowed his employers to cut down his wages twenty-five cents per day to give him one hour each day to prepare for his work and visit the members of his classes—a great responsibility, but Jesus sus- tained him, and made him an efficient worker in the cause of Christ. God honored him, making the sac- rifice of his time and talent. He says in the Word, “Them that honor me, I will honor.’ The more we scatter, the more we have. His heart was filled with the love of Jesus; he was willing to share it with others. “There is that scattereth, yet increaseth ; there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” In helping others we gain strength ourselves. Some one may say, ‘I am not competent to be a leader, I have failed, I will give up my class to another.” Don’t do that, please; try again ; take it to the Lord in prayer. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.” I know a leader that went to the church to meet his class for two weeks in succession, and not a soul came. He did not backslide over that, and go across the way and join the Presbyterian church; no, he tried again. To-day he has charge of two classes. It was the test in that man’s Christian life, no doubt of it. God says in the Word, “ He will take a worm and thresh a mountain; one shall chase a thousand, -and two put ten thousand to flight.” He is abund- 206 THE NARROW WAY. antly able ; he will use the “ weak things to confound the mighty, and the foolish things to confound the wise.” As that devoted and faithful servant of God, Dr. Nathan Bangs, was waiting in the house of a friend, before going to church to fill an appointment, a& man came in and addressed him thus: “ Elder, if a, - person feels it his duty to preach the gospel, and refuses the Holy Spirit, can he ever reach heaven ?” The answer was, ‘He may, but another will take his crown.” How true, “No cross, no crown.” My brother, go on in your work; itis for you to labor, results belong to God. Speak a kind word to the downcast, raise up the fallen, offer a prayer by the » side of the sick one, have a smile on your face for the weary, have your own heart filled with the love of Je- sus, extend a hearty and warm shake of the hand to those who are burdened with the cares of life. A young lady had a striking dream one night. It seemed to her she was in heaven ; the angel guide was show- ing her around; when they came to the crown room she saw there a beautiful crown ; she admired it so much, she asked the guide, ‘‘ Who is that for?” The answer was, “It was intended for you, but as you ‘have not labored for it, it will be given to another.” Webster says, ‘‘ Economy is a virtue.” As long as we continue the itinerancy, the class-meeting is in- dispensable ; it is a great help to the pastor coming among us, a stranger; he can meet his members in ‘the class-roum ; there he can hear them talk. After the meeting has closed, he is introduced to each one, and in that way becomes acquainted. His own heart will be made glad in hearing their testimonies for 5 EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 207 Jesus. He will know very soon what kind of ser- mons they will need ; what kind of meat to give them. Jesus said to Peter, ‘Feed my lambs.” The class- meeting is a good training-school for the young peo- ple of our church. Coming together every week keeps up the acquaintance, renews the friendship and interest in each other. Weare commanded to bear each other’s burdens. The association of the class- room is pleasant to think of. Although we may be separated from each other during the week, if our thoughts are about God and heaven, we will be hap- . py and content. Now I will prove to you by the | Word, that the class-meeting is a means of grace and a duty. Malachi iii. 16,17: “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and thought upon his name. And they shall be mine saith the Lord of hosts in that day when I make up my jewels, and I will spare.them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Charles Kingsley says, ‘Continual resignation is, the source of continual strength; he that lives to make others happy, his immortality has already be- gun.” Dr. Lowry once said, “A regenerated man was like a velocipede; he must keep on going, or he would fall.” How true. Christ says in his Word, “Ye are my witnesses.” It is most likely we will be tested by the way. ‘“ According to your faith be it unto you.” It is true, it is the old story of the cross, but it will never grow stale; the more we tell it, the better we like it. Through the blood of 38 THE NARROW WAY. hrist and the word of our testimony we shall vercome him. Witnessing for Jesus is one of 1e most powerful agencies we have to convince men 1ere is a reality in the religion of Christ. The sim- le confession of a heart filled with the love of our aviour will bring tears to the eyes of the most hard- ned sinner; “ For with the heart man believeth un- > righteousness, and with the mouth confession is 1ade unto salvation.” The immortal Whitefield, who is now in heaven, cknowledged the class-meeting to be a necessity. Le once said, “Mr. Wesley has put his converts into lasses ; I have not; mine are broken like a rope of and.” Experience is one of the best teachers; prac- ce makes perfect. I find in the Word, we are to orfess our faults one to another, and to pray for one nother. In revivals, witnessing for Christ will send onviction to the hearts of the people. We may have rosses by the way. ‘No cross, no crown.” I have tried, as best I could, to explain the benefit f the class-meeting to our church. I am unable to 0 justice to the question. Doubtless I have exhaust- d your patience, but not the subject. I can say for ne, that the class-meeting has kept me in the church, nd-through that agency I am saved to-day; blessed iord. I did have a faithful class-leader ; he is now aheaven; I hope to meet him there ; how soon, God nows. When I was cold and indifferent, not satis- ed with anything that was spiritual, would find some xcuse to absent myself from class, he would come nd invite me to go with him. The Lord put it into ' is heart, for I could not refuse the pleadings of that ‘EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. ' 209 devoted man of God. Here I am a sinner saved by “grace. I give Jesus all the praise. My brethren, we - are here to renew our covenant and vows with each other, and dedicate ourselves to the Lord, and make an entire consecration to God, and surrender all we have for time and eternity to the blessed Master and his service. If you will consent to take that pledge, here and now, you may give the answer with your heart to the Triune God, and receive from him the anointing of the Holy Ghost, and go back to your - work with such delight as you have never experi- enced in the past. It is Christ working through you to help your class. O, my brother class-leader, if I could use the pen of a ready writer, and speak with the tongue of an angel, that I could encourage you on in ‘this noble work for God and never-dying souls. May God speak to your hearts, and make you feel by the ‘Holy Spirit what I want to impress upon your mind from the depth of my soul. Monday evening we had an excellent prayer meet- ing. The Lord gave us the spirit of prayer. O, for his Spirit to help us; we are constantly depending upon our dear Heavenly Father; he will supply all our need, but not all our wants. We often imagine we want a great many things, that would do us harm. Our Father knows best; we can leave it all to him, I was much impressed as I read the Scripture lesson, where the Saviour said to them to roll away the stone from off the grave of Lazarus. I said to them who were present, “ Jesus will not do for us what we can do ourselves ;” that is true. We had a blessed time, 210 THE NARROW WAY. and closed our meeting by repeating the first Psalm together. . Wednesday morning, while I was taking my break- fast, I heard the door-bell ring ; I went to answer the call; there was a man who then said my neigh- bor (sister B.) was dying ; “‘ Will you go up and pray with her?” I could not refuse, for I would rather go on my knees and pray than to sit down and take my dinner. I put on my hat and overcoat, and start-: ed for the place. I began to pray with my heart as I walked along. The good Lord answered my pray- er and revealed to me by his Holy Spirit that she was saved. My heart rejoiced within me. I said, “Praise the Lord, he does hear and answer prayer, the pray- er of faith. As I entered the room the sister was un- . conscious, and could not tell me the state of her mind. The dear Jesus revealed it all to me by his Spirit. We went on our knees in the sick room. O, what liberty I had in prayer as I commended the dear family to God and the Word of his grace. I hope and pray, at the judgment the whole family may be reunited in heaven. I then clasped the hand of each one, and started for the office. The people looked at me with surprise to be out so early in the morning. I could scarcely realize it myself. My kind, loving Heavenly Father knew where I had ‘been, if the neighbors did not know. I find it pays well to do errands for Jesus. I hope the dear Sav- iour will put it in the heart of some one to call at my home, and pray and sympathize with mine, when I am called away to the spirit world. In the evening I called at a home and sang for ahalf-hour. We EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 211 found it a very profitable time singing the praises of _ our Lord and Master. We spent a few minutes on our knees in prayer, and trust a little seed was sown. O, that the loving Saviour will cause it to grow, and bring forth a hundred-fold. Blessed Jesus, we will - crown him Lord of all—working all day for my em- ployers, and in the evening for Jesus. Thursday evening I was deprived of the prayer meeting. Duty is the way of safety. I was detained in the office until eight o’clock ; then I went to the house of mourning, where a mother lay in the coffin.’ Death comes and takes away our loved ones. How true, we should place our affections on things in heaven, and lay up treasure there, for where our treasures are, our hearts will be there also. As I en- tered that home, the family were seated near each other with the friends that had come in to sympa- thize with them. They kindly gave me a seat by their side. My heart was tender with the love of Je- sus. I tried to say a word to cheer and comfort them in their sorrow and bereavement. The husband re- peated to me the last words of the departed one whose spirit had passed up tothe glory land. She seemed to recognize the family, and looked up to each one, and then addressed the husband and said, “T am going home, to be with Jesus.” She tried to speak again, but was unable to do so, and fell asleep in Jesus. Those words will never be forgotten. The ‘thought of meeting that one in the sweet “ By-and- .by” cheers my heart and helps me on in the narrow way. Friday evening, a good attendance at the class- 212 THE NARROW WAY. meeting. The Lord blessed the reading of his Word: to each one of our hearts. Five boys came in and remained through the meeting ; they were quiet, and kept good order. As I opened the meeting with prayer, I asked the Lord to touch their hearts with his tender, gentle, loving spirit. At the close of the meeting I walked over where they were and said to ‘them, “ Boys, if you fail to reach heaven, it will be your own fault ; God has made the way so plain that any one may come and partake of the water of life freely. We sang the doxology, and dismissed the meeting. I then made my way to John street, to the home of brother C., where they were holding a watch meeting. They were on their knees asking God’s blessing to come on that little company, as that was the farewell meeting for the year. Each one was melted to tenderness and tears. O, how the dear Jesus blessed me with the spirit of song; my voice seemed to be changed as the power of the Holy Ghost came upon me; it was a feast to my soul, blessed Lord. I was on duty eighteen hours (the last day of the year). As I went up to my room and laid away this body for rest and sleep, you may think I was weary—not a bit. That beautiful promise in the Word kept me, “ As thy day, so shall thy strength be.” Blessed Jesus, I want to do a little more for him in the year to come. After Sabbath school I called at the home of our family physician, who fell in front of our house yes- terday and broke his arm on the side-walk, as I was crossing the street to go into the yard. After I rang the door-bell a lady came and said to me, “ The doc- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 213 wr has forbidden us to allow any one to go in and 2e the sick one. The patient heard my voice, and mnt his wife into the office to invite me into his room. was delighted to hear her say that. As I entered is room I sat down by his side; my heart went out ) him in sympathy and love. I then asked him if I ight go on my knees and offer prayer, as I must asten. He answered me in the affirmative. I was 9 anxious to pour out my soul in supplication to rod. The Holy Spirit did make intercession for me ‘ith groanings which cannot be uttered. My heart ried out for the living God. I received a weep- ig blessing while on my knees. As I arose nd looked into the face of the sick one, the tears rere running down his face; his dear companion anded him a handkerchief to catch the falling tears. clasped his hand, and said, Good-bye, going out rith a precious memory of that little interview ; they re green spots to me along the way. Blessed Lord, eis so kind tome. ; after death the judgment. Reader, are you pre- red. You may answer the question to your Maker. i 308 ' THE NARROW WAY. I called at the home of a sick one, suffering with pneumonia ; the sight I never shall forget. As I took him by the hand he looked into my face so wishfully, as much as to say, help me. I said to him, “You have my sympathy and prayers, as you suffer.” “ Yes,” said he, “that is all you can do.” I then ad- vised him to look to Jesus. by faith, the Great Physi- cian that can heal the body and save the soul. It was painful to me to see him panting to get breath. I offered to pray with him; he consented. I spoke to the family in the next room. We bowed on our _knees in prayer to ask God to give grace to that ‘aged man and save his precious soul, for whom Christ died on the cross of calvary. After we arose to our feet I clasped his hand and said to him to trust in Jesus. My prayer seemed to be for a strang- er that came in to sympathize with that sick one, and by that, cheer the heart of that wife, in need of sym- pathy. The Lord is able to touch the heart of that man and save his soul for Jesus’ sake. The Lord is so good to give me health, strength and a disposition to call on the sick and say a kind word to the dis- consolate and suffering. I will love and obey him with all my heart. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Thursday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s day, the Ivish people of this place had a supper, prepared for them by the host of the Osgood House. I suppose they ‘think St. Patrick was the best man that ever lived. I won’t quarrel with them about that. In the evening I called on the sick. We spent a half hour in Chris- tian conversation, and then bowed in prayer for God ‘to heal that man and bless in soul and body. I said EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 309 good night, and soon made my way to the basement of our church. I did not see the pastor as I went in ; he was called away to pronounce a couple husband and wife. May peace and happiness attend them along the way. Brother Shepherd was leading the meeting, but few were present. He referred to that and said he had often preached (in the past four years) to a congregation of fifty. God is not confined to numbers ; ‘‘ Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty ;” we proved that last evening. I had an excellent meeting; he says in the Word: ‘Come: uuto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest ; take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall tind rest to your souls ;” blessed Lord. O, for that spirit that was manifest in Moses. May we be ‘kept humble and low at the feet of Jesus, waiting for an opportunity to help some weak one of God’s follow- ers; “ Blessed are they that be wise, for they shall shine as the brightness of the,firmament, and they that turn mary to righteousness as the stars forever.” Friday afternoon I spent one hour at the ladies’ prayer meeting. God was present in might and power. My faith seemed to take hold of the promises and cry out to God ; it must be done; all things are: possible with God. That occasion was a feast of fat things to my soul. Some of the old veterans of the cross were detained at home on account of sickness. One of the sisters present prayed to God in behalf of her son, who is passing through deep affliction. He has buried a beautiful child, one that he loved dearly. It will draw him nearer to the loving Saviour. O, 310 THE NARROW WAY. - what faith that woman had as she pleaded with the Lord to give grace to her boy at this time. The prayer of faith shall save the sick. They all prayed better than I ever heard them pray before, or God is doing more for his weak servant. I am surprised when I think how good the Lord is to me in these days, giving me strength and a desire to work among the sick and poor. Inthe evening we had a good class meeting ; quite a number came in as visitors ; ‘they helped us and cheered the hearts of the class ; ‘may they all come again. We closed by singing one verse, “ Home of the Soul.” As we went our way the testimonies were ringing (as it were) in our ears; the happy expression on the face of each one will long be remembered for years to come. Saturday evening stormy ; as we reached the base- ment of the church, we found a lady and a little gir) waiting. I clasped the hand of each and said a word to encourage and make them feel welcome. As the members came in we commenced the song service, which lasted about thirty minutes. After prayer we read a portion of the Scripture. I had liberty as I commented upon the Word. After each one had testified for Christ, I asked the stranger if she wished to speak for Jesus; as she arose to her feet I was happily disappointed. She gave a good testimony without feeling the embarrassment a-stranger woulc likely feel. She made the remark that a heavy bur. den was resting upon her heart, and requested ow prayers in her behalf. The time was up to close thi meeting. I asked each one to bow in prayer to Goc while I asked him to help the stranger to cast he EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 811 burden on the Lord, our great burden-bearer. We closed by singing ‘the doxology ; as I clasped the hand of that one I knew God had touched her heart with the finger of his love then and there; blessed Lord. He does answer prayer. Sunday was a day of rest and time for meditation ; we enjoyed it much. As we entered the audience room for worship the music seemed to touch our hearts in a tender manner with gladness of soul. Rev. J. Zimmerman and lady, from Rome, were present. Brother Mead invited him to take a seat in the desk. He made the opening prayer. He is a devout man, and filled with the Spirit. He has been successful as a faithful minister of the gospel. He prayed from his heart, and said, “ We are thankful, O Lord, for our creation, preservation and redemption, through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” He prayed espe- cially for our President (Garfield) and his Cabinet, and allin authority over us. He remembered our Sabbath school in a tender manner, and then prayed for the pastor. The text was taken from Psalm Isxi.: “Cast me not off in time of old age.” The pastor said it was not time that made us grow old; it was the way we lived, and our surroundings. Our mind has something to do with our lives ; if we are happy in God, and have a hope in Christ, that is big with immortality ; we can rest by faith on the Son of God. I think ‘the wise man has said something about length of days that will be added to the upright man and them that fear God and work righteousness. The sermon lasted thirty minutes. I think we are not brief enough in our prayers and testimonies. It is 312 THE NARROW WAY. so hard for us to study brevity ; we forget when we are talking toan audience or addressing a Sabbath school, that there are others who are waiting to speak. There are a few men that can entertain us for an hour or more, such as Chaplain McCabe. God has touched his lips; he is an exception, not the rule. At six o’clock I called at the home of the sick. I found the mother and son in bed from prostration of the nerves. We spent a few minutes in Christian conversation about the meetings. I met in that home an intelligent young man, a boarder, who was dissi- pated, but has now reformed. I was pleased to look into his face. I heard the church-nell calling the people together. I sang three verses of that old hymn, ‘“ Trusting in Jesus, that is all.” Ws bowed in prayer to ask God to heal the sick ones in that family. The husband was present; the Lord gave me liberty as I called on God to save that man. I expect he will be brought into the fold. I called the name of each in prayer, and commended them to the Saviour. I had a burden of prayer there for the ministers in Ilion. The good Lord gave me a weep- ing blessing while on my knees ; what a flow of words came to my mind; I had great faith; it seemed tome all things are possible to him that believeth. The result of that call is known to God alone. The rich blessing I received through his own dear Son inter- ceding with the Father in my behalf, was more than I could expect. I bade each one a kind good night, going out, perhaps, never all to meet again in the flesh. Tt was a solemn time to me; I felt the weight and responsibility heavy upon me—three persons EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 313 present unsaved—they may have heard my voice in prayer for the last time. O, how I pleaded with God to save each of their precious souls. They are in a few days to move to another locality and make their abode there. May the good Lord save them for his Son’s sake ; and when he comes to make up his jew- els may they be gathered with the redeemed in glory. I soon found my way to the church, in time to hear the text announced: St. John xxi. 22: ‘ What is that ‘to thee ? follow thou me.” The speaker commenced by saying, “At the request of your pastor I have consented to appear before you this evening ; may I ask your prayers in my behalf?” He said if all our associates were Christians it would be an easy thing for us to be disciples of Jesus. At the present time we are held responsible to God for ourselves. The question was asked of that great and distinguished man, Daniel Webster, ‘‘ What is the greatest thought of your life?” He paused for a minute, and then an- swered, “ My individual responsibility to God.” How true. Reader, stop and think for a moment. May Christ help you to act. ‘“‘ Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” The sermon was a half-hour long, . practical and good. Atthe close he asked the con- gregation if they were following Christ in every par- ticular. First, did we sympathize with Jesus for the unsaved ? That came close to me; J cannot answer that question satisfactory to myself; I try to do that, but fail. Second, do we endure hardship as his fol- lowers? May God help us to be more active in the cause of the blessed Master, for his Son’s sake. The pee was the gentleman I referred to in the morn- 314 THE NARROW WAY. ing, that made the opening prayer, Rev. J. Zimmer- man, who came here to spend the Sabbath with his son, Seward Zimmerman, that popular townsman (cashier in the office of E. Remington & Sons), known and prized by the boys in blue as Captain Zimmer- man, who served his country faithfully and well (in the late war), to the honor of his parents and much credit to himself. He never will forget the battles he has taken part in, and the hardships that befall a soldier in the service. He carries in his pocket us a keepsake a Minnie rifle-ball, flattened and out of shape, that was discharged from the gun of one of the rebels, that struck him in the right arm below the shoulder. I have noticed, as he has been telling us in the office about the army life, that old patriotic spirit would be manifested in him. He has some of the father’s make-up in him—a very modest man in all his ways, firm and true to himself, his God and his friends. He has held the office of superintend- ent in our Sabbath school for the past seven vears. He is a devoted Christian man, and loves the church of his choice. He is class-leader of class No. 6. I could write more, but he might think I am trying to flatter him; no, Iam not. I love him as a kind bro- ther in the church ; I respect him as a diligent and faithful employe of the generous and noble-hearted men we are employed by. The last, but not the least, I am anticipating with much pleasure and consola- tion, that when our teiling in this life is past, and our work is done here, that the blessed Master will say, “It is enough; come up higher.” Then as we clasp hands on the evergreen shore, where the word EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 815 farewell” is never spoken, and friends part no more, ay this be our happy lot, for the dear Redeemer’s ke. The way is so delightful in the service of the ord—joy, peace and happiness the narrow way af- — rds. In the evening I enjoyed the prayer meeting; the mgs of Zion did us good. I was so much inspired hile singing that I forgot I hada had cold ; my roat is diseased, but my heart is washed in the ood of Christ, and made clean in the sight of God; essed Lord. Some came to the meeting a little gary in body from the cares of the day. In one of prayers they quoted that beautiful promise, Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, id I will give you rest.” That promise is true; we ‘eto feed on the promises. At nine o’clock we osed the meeting by singing one verse, “ Home of e soul.” We bade each onea kind good night, and ant our way, feeling deep down in our hearts it was 1 hour of much profit to our souls, an hour of wor- up and adoration, of praise to our God. Tuesday evening Mrs. H. and: myself were invited it to take tea. On account of a cold she was una- eto go. I spent a part of the evening in the office. t eight o’clock I made a call on the sick. The man tthe house, who has suffered very much in the past uur weeks, is better That sainted man, Payson, ace said, ‘“ God has put us on our back to make us iok up, and think of him.” How true; those he ‘veth, he chasteneth. As I rang the door-bell, the omestic came and invited me to come in. I inquired ir the sick one; he came into the hall at once, and 816. THE NARROW WAY. ; seemed pleased to see me. I walked into the parlor and sat down in the easy chair in that beautiful home. Husband, wife, daughter and son, make up that fam- ily circle. I thanked God for giving them so good a home. The lady of the house was out to tea. The daughter and son had gone to the Presbyterian church to attend a festival. We had a good visit, al- though I missed the young people. I had anticipated the pleasure of singing with them. The daughter is an excellent musician. I expected to hear her play on the piano. I had a story to relate to the son; it will keep until we meet some time in the future. I asked the privilege of praying. We bowed together’ and God gave me the spirit of prayer for each one of the family. As we arose I saw the tears come in- to the eyes of my friend ; God touched his heart with she finger of his love. J said good night, and went to my home feeling grateful to the Master for his presence with me calling at that home, and all his mercies and blessings to me and mine. Wednesday evening at five o’clock, I walked to the Jepot to take the train for St. Johnsville. The pas- ior kindly invited me to go down and enjoy the meet- ing with the young converts. As I reached the par- sonage they gave me a hearty welcome. I inquired about those who had recently given their hearts to ihe Saviour. Some have been converted, died and zone to heaven since I was there. We are passing away to the great judgment day. May we all be ready, “For in an hour ye think not the Son of man someth.” If our peace is made with God through his lear Son, it will be glorious. That rich provision is EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 317 mace to every son and daughter of Adam. To con- vince people of that fact, and arrest their attention to heed it, seems to be the important work of the day. May we, as Christians, live better in the future than we have in the past, and win some souls for the Master. At seven anda half o'clock we went: into the church, and found a good number present. We shook hands with them gladly, and commenced the meeting by singing. We then bowed in prayer to ask , God for his special blessing on our meeting. We then read a portion of Scripture found in St. John. The converts were ready to witness for the dear Sav- iour, that God hath power on earth to forgive all sin, and make them happy in Christ, who hath redeemed them with his own precious blood, and make them heirs of God and joint heirs with his Son Jesus Christ. At nine o’clock the members had all testified for Jesus; I then gave the meeting in charge of the pastor. He arose to his feet and made a few tender remarks to the converts and those present. He gave an invitation for any one that wished to seek the Lord to make it manifest by rising to their feet. One lady had the courage to stand up for Christ. The pastor then invited her to come to the altar; she did, and by that simple act said good bye to the world; I am now for God. We all bowed with her in prayer to ask him who says in his Word, “ Ask, and ye shall receive.” After a season of prayer in her behalf, we arose and sang one verse, “Just as I am, without one plea.” She then testified for the Saviour, that she was a child of God. The benediction was pro- nounced and we were dismissed. We spent a while v 318 THE NARROW WAY. in friendly hand-shaking, and bade each other a kind good night, going out, perhaps, never to meet each other in the flesh. That occasion will be precious in my memory for time to come. The narrow way is a blessed way; may the Master keep our faces Zion-- ward, for his dear Son’s sake. | Thursday evening I walked one mile and a half, — and called at the home of one of the members of my class, a young man of promise, one that will be a credit to his parents, a blessing to the community and an honor to the Master. He has heeded the promise found in the Word, “ But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things * shall be added unto you.” They made me welcome as I entered the room. The good Lord has blessed them temporally and spiritually—everything in that home for comfort that could be desired. We ex- changed a few words in Christian conversation for about twenty minutes, and then bowed in prayer to ask God to give grace to that young man to keep him in the narrow way. There are so many things to draw his mind away from the Saviour. Our thoughts make up our lives; going out into gay society some- times is the first step we may take away from God. — May he help us to watch and pray. I had liberty as I prayed in that home; the place was solemn on ac- count of the presence and nearness of Christ. In a few minutes I called at the home of the sick—the man was so low with pneumonia that I was not al- lowed to go in and see him. I walked away and of- fered a silent prayer to God to heal him, soul and body. I soon rang the door-bell of a certain home EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 319 where I have purposed to call for some time. I found the man of the house indisposed. I tried to cheer him ; we had a good visit. We then bowed in pray- er for a few minutes to ask the blessing of God upon that family, and on the one who was so weak and suffering, for God to spare his life to his family, the church and the Sabbath school. I met one of the members of my class in that home that has been passing through trials recently. She told me about them, and asked my advice. I said to her, “ Trials are blessings in disguise ; you and I would not grow and bear fruit without the use of the pruning-knife, to cut off the little twigs.” I advised that one to take it to the Lord in prayer ; “I will pray especially for you to be kept by grace divine.” I bade them a kind good night and took the street-car for home. Friday afternoon I spent one hour very profitably in the ladies’ prayer meeting. They called on me to lead in prayer; my heart was made tender with the love of Jesus; my mouth was filled with argument; my faith grasped the strong arm that has all power in heaven and on earth. O, what liberty I did have as I prayed for the sick and dying. Some of our sisters will soon pass over to that land of rest, the saints’ delight, and be forever with the Lord. All the prayers were from thé heart and mixed with tears. I think the Lord will come to this place soon and save precious souls, for whom Christ died. In the evening, a good attendance at the class meeting some came for the first time; the Lord was present in power; he made our hearts to rejoice with hi: love. We all received instruction from the preciou: s 320 | THE NARROW WAY. Word. Jesus says: “ Now, ye are clean, through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” A lad in the meeting of about sixteen summers, gave in his testi- mony, the key of happiness. Godliness with content- ment is great gain. There is nothing but Christ that will satisfy our longing. Money, home and friends are all very well in their place; but that will not satisfy. “‘ Christ, my all in thee I find ; Gives comfort, satisfying my mind. Nothing else my soul would crave ; O, the power in Jesus, blood to save.” The testimonies were brief, simple and from the heart; the aged, middle aged and youth were pres- ent. God spoke through each one for our edifica- ‘tion ; our hearts were made glad from his presence ; ‘the communion of saints ; how it cheers us on in the narrow way. At nine o’clock we closed the meeting, feeling in our hearts the truth of that song, “It is good to be here.” Saturday evening, the weather unfavorable; no doubt it kept some at home. We sang for twenty minutes and received inspiration from heaven. We can sing with grace in our hearts, as we receive help from above. The Lord gave us faith as we prayed ; he humbled me ; I wanted to hide away out of sight; I felt so weak and feeble and great responsibility resting upon me; so many are dying about us ; I may be the next one to be called, or some one of the class. Quite a number of the members were moved _ to tears as they testified for Jesus. O, for a broken ‘and contrite spirit; may he give us the spirit of EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 821 meekness ; we need humbling constantly ; then we can see ourselves as we are by nature and feel that our salvation and hope of heaven must come through the dear Saviour. Wilberforce once said: “I have not time to think of self. I want to’ help others.” Sunday, but few out to the morning service ; the text was taken from Matthew vii:6, “ Give not that which _ is holy unto the dogs; neither cast your pearls be- fore swine.” The sermon did us good, In two weeks from to-day Brother Mead will give us his last ser- mon. » God; I felt safe in doing that ; good will come to hem if they are true to Jesus. An aved one of God’s 352 . THE NARROW WAY. children was present ; she enjoyed that season of -grace so much. After I closed my prayer that aged one said to me: “I want to pray; the Lord is so good to me.” That one is without home, no rela- tives. The Lord will and does provide. Thursday evening I called at a home where a little one has been taken to the evergreen shore. After I rang the door bell the gentleman of the house came to the door to invite me in. I found they had com- pany. I asked to be excused and said I will call again. The hearts of those parents are tender. Now is the ‘time to win them to Christ. I hope the Lord will use some means to turn their feet into the narrow way, so that they will meet that little one where parting is never known. It is Jesus who hath power to pluck - them and gather into his fold. After a few minutes’ walk I reached the home of the sick, where an in-. valid resides. She is unable to be at any of the means of grace. I found her on the couch as I en- tered her room. I sat down in the easy chair ; the nurse aud a young lady friend make up that family. The companion of that one has been called home to his reward several years ago. I am thankful we have the prayers of that feeble one. I sang two verses of that familiar hymn, “Trusting Jesus, that is all.” We then bowed together in prayer; the dear, loving ' Christ was pleased with that offering. The place was solemn to us on account of the nearness of God. It was a bethel to my soul. I learn a lesson from that one called to suffer ; she has such confidence in God; not even a murmur or word of complaint; so much patience and resigned to the will of God. In a few \ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 853 minutes’ walk I reached the basement of our church. ‘The pastor was giving in his testimony that Jesus ‘Christ hath power on earth to forgive sin. An in- crease of members were present; a good, sweet spirit prevailed. I hope and trust the Lord will visit Ilion in might and power and save precious souls for whom ‘Christ died. Friday evening I called at the home of a man that met with a sad accident on Thursday; had his hand cut off in the planing machine. My heart went out to him in sympathy. As I walked up to his room, in company with the gentleman of the house, I was in- troduced to him. I tried to speak a word of cheer to encourage him, while suffering intensely. I then said to him, “I must go.” I will offer a word of prayer in behalf of that man, among strangers, with the ex- ception of his wife and child. The Lord blessed his soul as I was pleading with God to give him grace to keep him during this afiliction. I prayed for all that make up that ante. I leave the results to my Make, . for him to dictate and bless the prayer otfered in ‘weakness. The Lord is so merciful and kind to me. I do praise him for the spirit he gives me. We had an excellent class-meeting in the evening ; an in- crease in attendance. Jesus shall have the glory, hallelujah to his name. I was obliged to give the time to the class and say very little; the time was limited ; so many present. Saturday evening class as usual. A stranger came in; his locks whitened with many years; be talked good. I trust his words will be remembered by the youth that were present, six hundred and fifty miles 854 THE NARROW WAY. from home. We say to him, “Come. again.” I am so glad we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. O,. the cleansing stream I see, I see; God comes into our hearts as a purifier, and will put our house in order. We are the temple of the Holy Ghost ; Christ,. the abiding comforter. Sunday we enjoyed the sermon much ; text, Phil-- lipians iii., part of 13th v.: “ Forgetting those things which are behind ; I press toward the mark for the- prize.” The discourse was practical and plain ; his. illustrations beautiful and easy to comprehend. We:- must go on; there was no place to stand still. He- told the story about the young man that tried to write his name on the side of the rock above all other names. He cut niches in the side of the rock for his hands and feet and climbed up where he could write: . his name much higher than any of the rest. After he- had reached there he found he could not go back the- way he came; to stand still he could not; he looked up and decided to go on, and soon reached the top of the summit. He said we are to forget our first ex- perience to a certain degree. We should remember the tomb of a little one, or the joy and happiness we have experienced along the way. He referred tu the leaf we have noticed in the eddy in the stream going ‘round and round. He said there were a great many . Christians to-day in that same condition ; how true ! I have been there myself. He said we are to get out. into the current and go on with the stream. We- were delighted to see the family of Rev. H. W. Ben- nett, P. E., Herkimer district, in the congregation ;, EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 355 _they are welcome to Jlion. At the close of the ser- ‘mon, Brother Reese said: “I have a command to give you; right about face, forward, march.” At six o’clock in the evening I called at the home of the poor, where a man has been sick all winter, unable to work and support his family. During the week I collected a few dollars from different ones. I was obliged to carry it to him on the Sabbath. I said as I handed it to him, that I did not have time through the week; I believed it was work for the Lord. “He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord.” As I dropped the package into the hand of his wife, I said, “I will pray if you will allow me to.” I asked Jesus to care and provide for that aged couple, and comfort their hearts as they journey along. I then made my way to the prayer meeting, where I used my lungs in song for my Saviour. At seven and a half o’clock we gathered in the audience room for the evening service. Text, Romans i. 16: “ For I am. not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” He spoke for thirty-five minutes, and explained the text so well _ that any skeptic would be convinced that the gospel had done a great deal for humanity; we owe every thing to Christ. The world is better to-day on ac- count of the precious Word. He looked at it first from a wordly standpoint, and reasoned away every prejudice, and made it appear to his hearers that it was popular to be a Christian, and proved it by the masses who are traveling in the way to the glory land. He made several good points during the dis- course; he kept to the text. It was evident to the listeners that he had spent much time in the study of 56 THE NARROW WAY. ie subject; he handled it in an able manner. At ie close he said with words of tenderness, “I offer 1is Christ to every unsaved man in the house to- ight.” The choir did well in singing for the closing iece, “Jesus, lover of my soul,” with the varia- ons. Monday evening I walked one mile and a half, and alled on my pastor No. 2. We conversed for a few unutes about the interest-of the church. He bade 1e good night, and went to the Quarterly Confer- nee. I callédon.one of the members of my class. was hungry for prayer. Our usual prayer meeting ‘as postponed on account of the official meeting: ‘he Lord blessed my soul as we waited at his jeet in aat quiet home. AsI prayed for the young man of aat family I received a weeping blessing. We arose ) our feet and said good night. After a few minutes’ ‘alk we rang the door-bell at another home where n aged couple live. The lady of the house opened © ie front door; I walked in and sat down in the easy hair. The daughter came in with a letter in her and to read to me, from one of the members f the class who has gone out to make her home mong strangers. I was delighted to listen to the ontents of that letter. The Lord isso mindful of is own ; he cares for us in a gracious manner. “ No ood thing will he withhold from them that walk up- ightly.” The man of the house said to me, “I want ou to pray with us before you go.” We bowed on ur knees around that family altar; it was a feast of at things to my soul; the dear Jesus was so near nd so dear; it seemed like a little heaven to our EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 357 souls. I had such liberty as I prayed for those aged ones; I imagined they could, with the eye of faith, look away into that within the vail, and see the glo- rious reward thatis waiting them. Their example has helped me; may God reward them. ‘O, the com- munion of sairite, Tuesday evening 1 changed the program a ‘little ; ; after tea I took my horse and wagon and carried our P. E. to the depot and back. I did not try to show him the speed of my horse, but we did have a good visit by the way. He was, as usual, very communi- cative, and made inquiry after those! that started in the narrow way when he was laboring among us for the Master. I do enjoy so much to sit down by the side of those men of God who are trying in Jesus’ name to win our loved ones to Christ and heaven. I drove up on Armory Hill, and left him and his bag- gage at the brick mansion, the home of neighbor Ben- ton, where he is stopping for a few days while they. are fitting up his own house he purchased on John street. I soon reached my home ; my son was wait- ing, not to put out the horse, but to take a drive. I gave him possession of the rig. In a few minutes I reached a home where they expected me to call. i saw the parlor lighted up ; that humbled me, when I thought of the many mercies and blessings God was. bestowing upon me. I owe them all to Jesus, the compassionate Saviour. After the usual hand-shake I sat down in the arm-chair. I can assure you there was no time lost ; it was not a Quaker meeting ; my heart was full of good sayings to the parents and loved ones that make up that family. I did enjoy 358 THE NARROW WAY. looking into their happy faces again. I talked, and they listened very attentively (especially the little folks) to the stranger. The time passed away quick- ly; the daughter sat down to the instrument and played while we sang, “Close to Thee.” We then bowed around that family altar for prayer before we said good night. The best of the wine was given at the last of the feast. Jesus made his presence felt in that room ; we rejoiced with joy unspeakable in our risen Lord and Master. We walked to our home with pleasant memories of that call, and thanked God that Jesus, his dear Son, can save to the utter- most; blessed Lord. Wednesday evening I spent at the home of Mrs. H.; a little strange it seemed to her, no doubt ; I am away so much, with the exception of walking by the side of my pastor to call on the sick, which I en- joyed very much. Brother, sister and baby Reese came to town yesterday; they are stopping with us until the parsonage is made ready for occupancy. The little one is a bright girl of eighteen months, a remarkable and interesting child.. She became ac- quainted with the writer very quick, and talked tc me quite freely in her childish way. They are welcome among us, and have our sympathy settling their new - home. I think the wives of Methodist ministers need a large amount of grace to keep them; every third year of the itinerancy they are obliged to move. I say, God bless them with the riches of his grace. Thursday evening, at the weekly prayer meeting a good spirit prevailed ; not so many of the sisters out as usual; they are weary, no doubt, house-cleaning, Y? EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 359 I think they are more devoted, and live better Chris- tian lives than we, men, do. Friday afternoon I spent one hour in the ladies’ prayer meeting. I need their prayers to help me to keep me near the bleeding side of my loving Saviour. The good Lord made his presence known in that place in power. In the evening we enjoyed one of the best class-meetings we ever held in Ilion; good ‘attendance, the members ready to witness; the testi- monies came from the heart, with tears in them. The presence of God filled the room and cheered each heart. The occasion will be remembered all along the years to come as a Bethel to our souls. One young man that laid the armor down for several months was cold and dissatisfied with himself, con- fessed to God, and promised in presence of the class, he weuld start again, then and there, to be a follower of Jesus on the way to Zion. The mother of that young man was present; I need not tell you it re- joiced her heart ; it was a comfort to each one of us. A stranger came in—one of God’s chosen ones—he responded heartily as sister Brown was pleading with the Master to send us grace to cheer our hearts and melt them to tenderness while we waited together at his feet. That man said to us he,was converted fifty years ago, and felt in his heart he was convertcd now. May he come again. Saturday evening one of the members of my class here accompanied me to Mohawk to attend the meet- ing. He was reminded of old times as he walked down by the places where he used to call, and spend his time and money and degrade himself by drink. 360 THE NARROW WAY. \ What a change has come over that man all through: the grace of God. I want the Lord to use me to help: him as he journeys along the pathway of life. I called on the pastor to open the meeting by prayer; I fol- lowed with a few simple words; I had liberty as I commended the class to a covenant-keeping God; the members had freedom as they witnessed for Christ. Sunday was a day of rest to me: I spent it in read- ing and meditation. I often wish to be alone and count the mercies and blessings God bestows upon me for his Son’s sake. Text was taken from Colos- sians: “Ye are complete in him.” He spoke forty- two minutes; the sermon was plain and impressive ;: the inspiration he received helped him in the dis- course; it seemed to lift the people upon a higher grade; my faith was strengthened. I am satisfied there is no one complete out of Christ. At six and a half o’clock I went to the prayer meeting. I used my lungs in song for the Saviour. A lady arose and requested prayers for a sick one who is nearing the spirit world. My neighbor (the undertaker) passed by with his board to-day to prepare and lay out some , one for the coffin. After death, the judgment. Are we ready ?—that is the question. Text in the eve- ning was, ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked ; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap.” He said to us, “Doubtless you have heard that text preached from.” He remarked, “The words sowing and reaping are taken from the vocabulary of the farmer; in fact, I may say we are all farmers; our spheres are our farms. We cannot expect results: ’ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 361 without causes. If we sow to the flesh, we shall of: the flesh reap corruption. The harvest follows the sowing. He referred to the drunkard sowing to the baser passions and reaping the tremens. His dis- course was heard with much interest by all present. Time, thirty minutes. Monday evening we held our farewell young peo- ple’s prayer meeting in Mohawk. The new pastor thought it best to take up that meeting. The young people feel disappointed ; I will not refer to my own feeling, or say anything in regard to it. I am thank- ful to my dear, kind Heavenly Father for his bless- ing on us as we have met from week to week to pray and sing praise to his dear Son our loving Saviour. Several strangers have been present during the past fifteen months ; we cannot say how much good will result from the prayers, songs and passages of the precious Word quoted by those present. One thing we do know by a blessed experience, one of God’s little ones has derived mere good from them than [ am able to tell. Little Fred, the praying boy, was present; he thanked us for inviting him to come in and take part in the meetings. His brother George was there; God bless and keep them by his grace. Tuesday afternoon I drove our pastor up to attend the funeral at East Frankfort, and pay the last tribute of respect to a young man called away by that lin- gering disease, consumption. A few months ago a daughter was taken from that home to her reward in the home of the blessed. Her dying message to each one of the family, as she took them by the hand and talked like an angel, was wonderful and impressive, 23 362 THE NARROW WAY. never to be forgotten. She then said farewell, and rested her weary head on the pillow for the dear Say- iour to send an escort of angels for her. Her bro- ther Charlie called her name and wanted to hear her speak to him once more. Her answer was, as she called him by name, “My work is done; I want to pray ; now please do not disturb me again.” Ina few minutes her happy spirit passed out to God, who. gave it. Mr. Wesley said, “Our people die well.” In the evening I called, sang and prayed in one home. The Lord is so good, sparing my life and doing so much for me. I pray for him to keep me humble, down at his feet, where he can use me for his glory. Wednesday evening I called on the sick one that is so patient ; I have learned a lesson from that one. We cannot appreciate our health until we are de- prived of it. At the best we cannot do anything of ourselves ; only as the Lord uses us can we help any- one. It is a great honor to be in his service; we do not realize our high calling in Christ Jesus our Lord. While we were conversing with the sick one, a neigh- bor came in accompanied by a young lady who had recently given her heart to the Saviour—a convert in the meetings held by Mrs. Maggie VanCott, in Utica. He says in the Word, “I have chosen you.” May we becomé resigned to his will. To glorify his’ name should be our constant aim. Friday evening we opened the class-meeting by singing a few songs and making melody in our hearts unto the Lord. Brother Jones led us in prayer ; af- terwards we used our voice for the Saviour, singing EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 363 wo verses of “Jesus, lover of my soul.” TIT had lib- rty as I read the Scripture lesson and made com-. nents upon the Word. The presence of the Most Tigh was felt by all. We had a number of visitors ; hey cheered onr hearts and helped the young peo- le. A Baptist lady came in and talked good to the ‘lass, and said to them, “ Be cheerful Christians ; you we children of a King.” I hope they will remember hose beautiful words. Saturday afternoon I spent three hours in the pres- mee of my pastor. I like good company, especially hose that help me get nearer to God. I took my 1orse and wagon and drove across the river, where »rother Reese wished to call on the members of the thurch. The first house where we called we found a rery sick man attacked with Bright’s disease of the didneys. The wife of that man is so anxious about iim. We soon made our way to another home ; the ‘astor prayed, and kindly invited the family to attend hurch. We made eight calls; brother Reese prayed a five homes. One thing in particular I noticed ; he inmates of the different families thanked him for alling; I could see from the expression on their ace they were delighted for that little act of kind- ess. The people are hungry for Christian counsel nd sympathy. O, that all pastors may attend to hat department of their work. In the evening my rife accompanied me to Herkimer to visit an afflicted _ amily. A loved daughter of sixteen summers was alled away to the spirit world. That young lady ‘ras a member of our church. I well remember when rother Shepherd, then our -pastor, received Emma, _ 864 THE NARROW WAY. |, . the deceased, and Violet Casler into the church, and assigned them to my class about seven years ago. _ She was a faithful Christian, and died happy in the hope she had in Christ—sick about one week. The family now reside in Herkimer. The Lord blessed me as we went down on our knees to ask God to give his grace to those that mourn, and especially that mother. ‘Sunday was a beautiful sunshine day ; Dr. Sims, Chancellor Syracuse University, preached to us in the moruing an able discourse from Psalm exxxviii- 6: “Though the Lord be high, he hath respect unto . the lowly ; the proud he knoweth afar off.” Time, forty-three minutes. Voice good and clear; he speaks with his lips and hands also; he kept clase to the. text and often repeated it. The interest he mani- ‘fested from the commencement of the sermon, as he moved away from behind the desk and spoke in an off-hand way, seemed to draw the people close to him. Although an entire stranger to us he felt deep ‘ down in his soul the meaning of those beautiful words of the Psalmist. He explained the meaning of the words low and lowly. For instance, you call at a home where they are poor, not neat and clean in the house, and the inmates may quarrel and differ, and use profane language. Then you call at the home of the widow, poor in this world’s goods, but neat, tidy, everything clean and in order, harmony prevails in that quiet yet pleasant family circle. There is where God delights to bless and help along with his gracious presence. That’ man could tell us about the way which is pleasing in the sight of God ; he is walking EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED, . 865 in that way, and is able to teach others to find it. May the Lord teach us to be meek and lowly of heart, and find rest to our souls. At the close of the _sermon he called for a collection to aid in the ex- penses of the institution he represents. The plates were passed, and a very liberal collection was taken. | At six and a half o’clock I found myself in the base- ment of our church, to enjoy ‘the prayer meeting ; there was a tender spirit in the room; some were there in black attire, which told to me they had late- ly parted with loved ones ; others came in late, who: ‘had attended the burial of the dead to-day. While on my knees offering prayer to the Master, I thought of a dear family that was sad on account of a vacant chair. One voice will be missed as the family join in singing in that little group that gather around that fireside after the toil and care of the day is past. God touched my heart with the finger of his love; the tears came to my eyes as I pleaded with the great Physician to heal the hearts that death had made sad. O, what faith I received from heaven while I waited at the feet of Jesus ; the place was solemn to me. In one hour the text was announced by Dr. Sims—Job xiv. 14: “Ifa man die, will he live again ?” He commenced the sermon by saying the book of Job was so old no one could tell who wrote it. It is supposed that it was written by Moses when he was taking care of his father-in-law’s flocks. He referred to what the scientists had to say in regard to the fu- ture. He held the audience spell-bound; they were moved to tears ; he is full of magnetism, winning the affections of the people; the Lord speaks through BS THE SsEBOW Way. hin ; he is a great and good man, humble and spirit- ual In his closing remarks to the young people he told them about his enllege days; he worked his way and paid his tuition. He isa self-made man ; God bless him as he goes in and out before the young men of the University. He is very impressive as a speaker ; has a happy way of expressing himself; no lack of words ; his heart is full and running over ; he spoke forty-six minutes. He will be welcome to eome again to Tien. He kindly thanked the people for the collection, and asked their sympathy and prayers for the success of the =-Lool. He is a bless- ing to mapkind, and is domg good in many ways. Brother Beck told me of the offer which had been given to him from a strong church in the West to be- eome their pastor, at a large salary, double the arcount he is now receiving from th= University. He thanked them kindly, and said he felt it his duty to remain where he was until the debt was raised. ~ Beornee Hrrcsiys—Your very kind letter I have just read, and it did me so much good. I could not help thanking tke Lord, with my eyes filled with tears, that he pot the kind thought of writing to me im your heart. 1 had just sat down, feeling somewhat diseour- to think, and was trying in my weakness to ask Lord to help me. sul Wik wie Evan wal weak: © cannot seem to see my way clearly. I am not gain- fast a5 my physician expected me to, and though the time is up for me to go home now, I may never get well any way. Thad quite a strogele over Hiiat yestentay, bot, sieaded wih, thax: * Lord, if it be thy tins. I will bear it, thy grace assisting” 1 sano well cn tore dieek gondik Gee meta Tink you are praying for me: how many times I think of EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 367 it when I am almost discouraged over my poor health, and I feel like asking you again to pray the Lord to help me to do just what will be for my best good, and those dear ones at home. But in the midst of every trial I have so many things to be thankful for. Iam glad you are feeling encouraged over your meetings in M., though I know of no reason why you should not, for the blessed Saviour always helps those that work in earnest for him. These words will, I think, apply to you in this: ‘If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.’ How many times I think how entirely useless I am, but I do pray earnestly that the Lord will bless and help his faith- ful few in M. .Is it not wonderful what grace divine -and faith in God can do for people. There are two examples of it here: Two ladies, one has not been able to walk for years, and the other has been sick in bed most of the time for six years, suffers terribly, and will never be Letter, yet is all ready to go when the summons may come, or stay and suffer with per- fect patience, contented in Christ, willing to abide his time. The other poor helpless girl is happy, and singing of Jesus most of the time. There is one here that knows not of this precious love, but ex- presses a desire to be saved. I have tried, as best I can, to help her. I hope you will excuse my poor writing, for it is still quite hard for me to write. Please accept my hearty thanks for your kind letter. From one of the members of your class, and sister in Christ, 0.” Monday evening the storm prevented the people from coming to the meeting. I turned out the gas in the church, and walked to the home where the lady of the house is a member of my class, and quite sick, confined to her room. AsI clasped her hand and said, “You have my sympathy in your affliction,” I , 368 THE NARROW WAY. sat down in a chair by the side of her husband. At _my left her dear boy was fast asleep in the cot. We ‘talked about the interest of the church, Sabbath ‘ school and class meeting. We enjoyed that inter- view very much; my heart was full of good sayings to that dear family. It reminded me to thank my kind Heavenly Father for giving me health, strength, patience, endurance and grace to keep me in the narrow way. I learna lesson from the sick room that I do not get elsewhere. They suffer, and yet so patiently ; there is something in the religion of sickness and health, prosperity and adversity. We bowed in prayer to ask God to give grace to that one to say, “Father, thy will be done.” We arose and said good night, going to our home with a thankful heart, that we could do a little for the Master. ‘Tuesday evening I met brother C. on his way to the class meeting ; he did not forget to stop and take his weak brother by the hand and say a word to cheer me on the way, as he talked to me about the ser- mon by Rey. W. D. Chase on Sunday, at the funeral in Herkimer (Emma Casler’s). The discourse was impressive. Text, ‘ Not my will, but thine, O Lord, ‘be done.” The tears came to my eyes as he men- tioned the name of the deceased, and the tender and affectionate way the pastor spoke of the departed : one. He remembered her; the first time he saw her ‘was in the prayer meeting as she testified for the' Saviour. He described the ‘garden of Gethsemane, and explained to them how much Jesus suffered for . Christ that will keep us under all circumstances—in - ‘us on the cross; the audience were melted to tears. Hs, EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 369 I soon reached my home, and spent the evening read- ‘ing the book of that wonderful man, John B. Gough (“Sunlight and Shadow’), about his travels, espe- cially in the great city of London. His name is a household word ; the book is very instructive and entertaining ; he has a happy way of expressing his ideas, and seems to use the pen with much ease. Thursday evening but few out to prayer meeting ; a good, tender spirit prevailed ; some testified for the Saviour who have not spoken in a long time. One -of the members said to me, “I have resolved to live better in the future ; I wandered away in the past few years, and am almost a lackslider.” I am thankful God has reminded that one of their condi- tion. May there be a general revival in the church. I was highly entertained as brother R. (who has been in New York for a few days) referred to that devout and faithful man of God, George Muller, and tell about the leading of the Spirit, and the good- mess of God to him for the past fifty years. When he felt the call from the Master to provide a home for those little orphans left without any place of shelter, he rented four houses, and accommodated one hundred and thirty-one children for a while, then he could not keep the premises longer. He made it a subject of prayer for thirty days for God ‘to send him the means to erect a building for that purpose. During that time no sign of an answer to his prayer. The thirty-fifth day five thousand dol- lars came; that encouraged his heart; he commenced to build. When he finished the building, it cost sev- enty-five thousand doilars. The money came from ‘ ¢ 370 ‘ THE NARROW WAY. different ones as he needed it. He was satisfied then that was his calling, to look after those little ones. Since that time he has put up four more buildings, paid for them and the expenses as they have incur- red. He has now in his charge two thousand chil- dren that are provided for in those buildings. He- has received in all, during the fifty years, four million dollars—a demonstration of the truth of God’s Word,, “‘ Before they call will I answer, and while they are yet speaking will I hear.” Friday afternoon the room was well filled at the ladies’ prayer meeting ; the leader was present; her face was shining for the glory of God. We had lib- erty in prayer. The hour passed away quickly, never to be forgotten. It was a refreshing time to my soul. I feel the need of the prayers of God’s faithful ones.. In the evening we had an excellent time in the class- meeting ; the presence of the dear Saviour was felt by each one. One of the members remarked the in- fluence she received from the meeting seemed to fol-. low her through the week. Blessed Lord, we will love him and serve him the best we can. A student from Drew Seminary was present, and opened the- meeting by prayer. His presence made our hearts glad. He used to be a member of the class. God bless him as he goes out to win souls to Christ. A young man came in by invitation from one of the- members who met him in the evening. The Lord blessed him as he testified for the Saviour. A lady who called to town to take the care of a loved friend, was present in the meeting and witnessed for Christ. Saturday evening, on my way to the house off EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 371 mourning, where a dear boy of four summers had been called to the spirit world, I called for a few min- utes at the home of a friend. I found them studying the Sunday school lesson. We exchanged a few words in conversation and sang fora few minutes, and then bowed in prayer. What a revelation I had from God while on my knees; there was a heavenly atmosphere in the room ; he filled our hearts to over- flowing. My mind went back to the place where we used to worship eight years ago; my heart rejoiced as I thought of former scenes; it seemed to me I could see my old class-leader, John Davenport, that devoted servant of God, who is in heaven. I re-- ceived a weeping blessing as we waited at the feet of Jesus. The memories of old times in the class-room are precious to me. We arose and bade that couple good night. Very soon I reached a home where the crape hung upon the door. I rapped quite gently on the side door, was invited in, and seated in the room where a few of the neighbors had gathered to cheer the hearts of that afflicted family. I extended to them my hand and said, “You have my sympathy in this affliction ; God bless you.” I did not remain but a few minutes ; I had an engagement at nine and a half o’clock; we bowed together in prayer to ask God to give grace to the parents who now have bur- dens fo bear; we called the name of each to God for his blessing and guidance all through life, and a re- union Of that entire family in heaven. We clasped the hand of each, and said good night. Sunday was a day of rest to soul and body. The sermon did us good. The text was taken from the ¢ 372 THE NARROW WaAY.. book of Jonah, where the Lord told him to goto . Nineveh. He remarked that duty was our Nineveh. — How many there were on the way to Tarsus; they never would get there; the storm would overtake them, as it did Jonah. He said the Lord was speak- ing to usin many ways; the sound of the church- bell was reminding us to go to Nineveh. Reader, | are you on the way? You may answer my question to your Maker. May he help you andIto do our’ part in the call. The prayer meeting and class-meet- ing were the places where we should not forget the assembling of ourselves together. ‘“ No cross, no crown.” Some might think it too heavy. “ Weshall reap if we faint not.” The prayer meeting was well attended; the pastor madea request of the mem-+ bers to pray short, and ask God for the one thing» they most needed. I was glad of that; we pray too long; the sermons are too lengthy; we must study brevity. Text, Luke xv. 8,9: The piece of silver the woman lost. He said she had forgotten the nine pieces she still had in her possession. He referred to the love of God for a lost soul. The value of a human soul is beyond comprehension. He said if we knew the worth of a soul we would not rest, but would go out and seek the unsaved and win them to Christ. The audience listened with intense interest. . The Baptist brethren came in to worship with us; I am thankful for Christian fellowship. We will be united in the beautiful world beyond ; there will be no distinction in the home of the blest we are striving _ to reach. Monday evening not many at the class-meeting. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. ’ 373 The Tard is not confined to time, place or numbers ; he is every where, beholding the evil and the good. We spent a part of the time in song; I had liberty as Tread a portion of the Word. I then told them a story I once read in the book of John B. Gough. He called upon a lady; she referred to her son during the conversation. The boy said to her, ‘Mother, I am not going to hear Rev. Mr. Parker any more; I don’t like his preaching.” The mother felt bad, and did not know what to do in the matter. In a few minutes he came in, his face bright and cheerful, as he said to her, “I met Mr. Parker to-day; he was. pleased to see me, and inquired if I had been away from home? I told him I had not. Said he, “I missed you from church.” My answer to him was, “T do not like your preaching.” “Well,” said he, “JT agree with you; I do not like it myself; if you can tell me how to preach better, I will be thankful.” Said he to me, “Go and hear Dr. ; he preaches good sermons; do not stay away from the house of God; good bye, Ed., ‘God bless you.” ‘“ Mother, Mr. Parker is a brick; while he remains in the city T will hear him preach.” The good book says, “ He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” That young man was won by that minister making a confession, and saying kind words to him. May the Lord hum- ble me and keep me at the feet of his Son. Tuesday evening I called on my pastor No. 2. We had a pleasant interview, talking about the interest of the church down there. He was cheerful, happy, and very communicative. I bade him good night, and called at a home near by. I met an acquaint- % 374 THE NARROW WAY. ance there I had not seen in some time. I was then introduced to a lady (teacher in the school), a board- er in the family. She sat down at the piano and en- tertained us with music and song, while the daughter of that home joined her with her beautiful alto voice. It was a treat to me after the toil of the day, to look into the happy faces that make up that pleasant home, The gentleman of the house turned to me and said, “J want you to pray before you go.” I did not ob- ject ; the Lord is so good and kind to give me some- thing to say as I go on my knees in prayer. I prayed for the aged ones who are nearing the harbor. Al- though their little bark has passed through many a storm, the waves have beat against it fiercely, hut Father is at the helm; by-and-ly they will anchor at the shore. Brother E. then escorted me to ‘another home where I wished to call. I was de- lighted to have his company; it is seldom I am so highly honored to walk by the side of those faithful and chosen of the Lord. I am a better Christian to- day for what I have received from the kind words and faithful prayers of that sainted man of God ; may his life be spared long to his dear family and the church. After we entered the home of Bro. T., we conversed freely with him in the absence of his am- iable wife. We then bowed in prayer for God to bless the inmates of that home and keep them by his power, cheer them by his grace, and bring them at last to the glory land. The Lord came to our hearts in might and power and filled us with his gracious presence. We bade them a kind good night, and went our way homeward, giving the glory to Jesus. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 375 Thursday afternoon I spent a few hours in the com- pany of my pastor, calling on the members of the church. I did a little for the Master; I introduced the pastor to the people and showed him their homes. We made twenty callsin three hours; the people were delighted to see him. It is personal work that will win for the cause of Christ. In the evening I enjoyed the prayer meeting much. Rev. E. Horr, Jr., was present; he gave us a good talk from his heart, and referred to the time when he was pastor of our church, seventeen yearsago. He spoke of Bro. Har- ter, who is now in heaven singing with the angels. I was much impressed as I read a few words about helping others. I will give them to you: To think kindly of one another is good. To speak kindly of one another is better. To act kindly one toward another is best of all. Friday afternoon I had the privilege of leading the prayer meeting held weekly by the ladies, in the ab- sence of the leader. God blessed me with the spirit ‘of prayer as we bowed on our knees; the room was filled by his gracious presence ; our worship was ac- cepted through the intercession of his own dear Son. In the evening but few at the class. They held an entertainment in the Opera House for the benefit of the temperance cause. A great many young people were there. At nine o’clock I closed the meeting and made my way to the hall. It was said to the credit ‘of those who took part, that the people were much pleased. Iam not a competent judge, so I will not attempt to laud the actors. The stranger, Mr. M. from Allany, did his part well; he deserves credit. 376 | THE NARROW way. He graced our home with his presence in the evening to supper. At ten o’clock the curtain in the Opera House dropped, and we made our way home. Saturday evening I called at the home of the sick. The patient is improving, and I trust will soon be in her pew to hear the new pastor. I met a stranger in that home, a domestic in the family. After we con- versed for a few minutes, a neighbor came in to call. Just then Hattie, (the stranger that I have referred . to), was passing through the room; I said to her, “If. you will wait I will pray and say good night.” We bowed on our knees in prayer ; the place was solemn .to me; the stillness of that room and the blessed, tender Spirit felt there impressed me very much. I asked God’s blessing on the inmates of that family, especially upon Hattie. What faith I had given to me as I prayed for the sister who came in, and her loved ones at home. The memory of that occasion will be sacred to me. I bade them good night, and . walked to my Home, thanking God for his goo dness. love and mercy to his weak servant. Sunday the church was filled. The sermon was in- tended for the boys in blue—Grand Army of the Re- public. Text: “He being dead, yet speaketh.” The - pastor said Abel’s death was the first one we have an account of. Some have died who have been faithful during their lives ; they are helping us now. He re- ferred to that sainted man, Martin Luther, and oth- ers. He paid great respect to the soldier who died. in the defence of our country. I noticed the boys were pleased; he talked to them from his heart; some of them were moved to tears. God was in the EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED, 377 discourse. I hope impressions were made that will bring many souls to the dear Saviour. The choir did good service in the closing piece, National hymn. At six and a half o’clock I found myself in the prayer meeting. Some of the old veterans of the cross were present; it encouraged my heart to hear them speak of the way. The Lord is so good. The prayers were brief and had a Christ in them ; I had such a hun- gering and thirsting after the living God as I prayed. The place was solemn to each one on account of the nearness of Christ. The secret of the Lord is with | them that fear him. The pastor talked to us twenty- eight minutes; sermon good. Text was taken from Matthew’s gospel: “Is notthis the carpenter’s son ?” The Jews would not accept Christ as the Messiah. I am now reading, at my leisure, Josephus’ works. He was the greatest historian that ever lived. One thing that I notice in his writings, he has great re- svect for God, but does not, acknowledge our Saviour as Divine. Monday evening not many at the meeting; the peo- ple were tired celebrating and decorating the graves of the soldiers. It is a noble act to pay respect to those who died on the battle-field to protect our homes and country. It is Christian love we ex- hibit to the world as we plant flowers on the graves of the heroes that fell at their post of duty in the late war. As the year reaches us the spirit of patriotism is aroused as we think of the past; and especially in the hearts of those who have loved ones sleeping in the dust, that have sacrificed their lives to sustain the Union and save the old flag. The militia turned 24. 378 THE NARROW WAY. out; G. A. R. boys fell in and marched through our streets; music from the Frankfort band; oration in the Opera House by Col. Cantine of Rome; the wea- ther favorable for the occasion. Tuesday evening I called at the home of one of the members of my class, an aged man, saved at the eleventh ‘hour ; what a mercy! I have often said to myself as I have thought of it, that God had such compassion on that one, and would accept him at that time of life. That one is happy in the love of- the blessed Saviour. Often in class-meeting his heart is filled with the love of Jesus; the tears often come to his eyes as he is talking abont the goodness. of God. Thursday, Sept. 28th, will be a rniavorabite day to the writey. I was called upon to write an obituary for one of God’s saints, sister Fannie A. Russell, (maiden name Fannie A. Reese). At 10:45 a. m. her happy spirit passed out to the glory land, the home . of the soul of the Christian. I said to her dear son Charlie, in answer to the above request, “ I am not competent to do justice to the occasion ;” but I de- cided to ask God to give me words suitable, and by faith in his dear Son Jesus Christ, that he would speak to some hearts, as they would read the sad news of the death of our dear sister, so unexpected and sudden, although she had been confined at home for several months by that fatal sickness (Bright’s disease of the kidneys). I called at her home on Sunday evening last to carry her a book to read; title, “Boy Preacher.” I saw she was much | worse 28 we were on our knees in prayer. Before I EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 379 said a kind good night to herself and companion, I was impressed that some of us would never meet again ‘in the flesh. I thought perhaps I might be called myself, and then I did plead with God to pre- pare each one to be ready to meet the summons. It came to our sister; she was prepared! Her com- panion and J are left to mourn, but not without hope. Our loss is her gain. ‘“ Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.” After her conversion she was not satisfied with that state of grace, but sought, found and witnessed for the Saviour that higher life. She was a great worker in revival meetings. I remember when the band were here assisting our pastor. (One of the members of her Bible class, unsaved, was un- der conviction ; she urged her to seek the Lord, and escorted her to the altar for prayer; that young lady was saved, and since then was taken ill and died happy in Christ.) She was gifted in prayer; she had power with God; would often go to her closet and hold communion with the Master of assemblies. The Bible was her teacher ; the Holy Ghost her comforter ; prayer her element ; duty her delight. I think I ney- erin my life met a Christian that had so good an ex- perience in so short a time. She would often be in- spired to write such beautiful sayings. Her funeral took place on Sunday from our church; the house was filled, and seats put in the aisles, so many pres- ent. Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Episcupals and Catholics were there. I noticed an old woman (Catholic) that used to do her washing ; she said to a neighbor, “J went into the sitting room one morn- ing to consult her about the work ; she was not there, _ 380 THE NARROW WAY. and I went to her own room and there found her on , het knees in prayer to Almighty God ;” said she, “I ' could not be'bad while I worked for such a Chris- tian woman.” The Lord had a work for her to do,. and she-did it well. Now she is wearing the bright crown with many stars in it, in the “Sweet By-and- ' by”—the summer land of song. No wonder she had so many dear friends; Jesus was using her to win ‘souls for his kingdom. In her youthful days she wds the pride of her parents; they were fond of her, and . Spared no expense to prepare her to be an accom- ~ plished young lady. They sent her away to board- ing school to fit her to go out and bless the world. Married at the age of seventeen; died at thirty- eight. She leaves a husband and three dear sons— Charlie, 20; Eugene, 16; and little Bennie, 8. God bless and save that family; may they accept their mother’s Christ, and when the journey of life is over, the last battle fought, and the victory won, they wilk meet each other on the evergreen shore. In all her sickness not a murmur or word of complaint was heard from her lips; always had that happy smile on her face to the last; and as she lay in her casket, I never saw such a beautiful corpse—asleep in Jesus. ’ The service at the church was solemn; the grave in Oak Hill Cemetery was draped in mourning and lined beautifully with evergreens. We read in the ‘good Book about Mary and Martha. I am glad in, my soul we have some of that same spirit with us now-a-days. a “ My Broruer 1n Curist—I have a little favor to ask in the name of our departed, loved sister. Will you EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 881 please bring your manuscript to our home on Wednes- day evening next. Our dear, aged father wants so much (before he goes to his home in the West) to have you read to him what you have written in mem- ory of our loved one who sleeps so sweetly in Jesus. Praise his dear name for ever. How I love him this morning, better than all else in this world. To live | is Christ, to die is gain. He saves me! His precious blood cleanses me, even me. Iam kept so wonder- fully; such great peace. I give Jesus all the glory ; bless his name. One more thing, will you please write a card of thanks for the kindness shown to- wards our loved and departed one, and have it put in the village paper? Pray forme. I thank you in the name of Jesus for the prayers you have sent up to the great white throne for me in my affliction. Yours in Christ. L.” “ Bro. H.—I beg your pardon for being so neglect- fulin answering your very kind letter. I am very. glad that your meetings in Ilion are prospering so nicely; and am, on the other hand, sorry to hear of the decrease of interest in Mohawk. My prayer to God is, that he will quicken the people there und give them the true spirit of worship, that the cause of Christ may be advanced and the church and soci- ety blessed. I am going to send this right along, so I want you to know that I have thought of your kind letter before this. I have thought daily of you, but I’ have been very busy in the store, and the excitement over our beloved Garfield’s death, combined, have about occupied all my time. I am at my old post _yet, and am trusting God to make of me so earnest and valuable a clerk as that my employers will not be willing for me to leave them under any consideration. Jesus is my Saviour, as ever, and J am trying to live for him, that I may, by my example if nothing else, lead some one to think of the higher and nobler life. 382 THE NARROW WAY. - which is found only in Christ. I am still hoping to hear of God’s blessing being poured out upon the dear class at Mohawk. Please remember me to them, and tell how I would like to meet them once more in that little class-room. God is with us here, and help- ing us in the furtherance of the repairs of our church, which are to commence next week. So far, $500 have been pledged for the work, and more will soon follow. Pray for us, that we as a family may help many to see their need of a Saviour. Please pardon haste, as it is eleven o’clock and I must retire. Hop- ing to hear from you soon, I am, as ever, your loving ,. friend and Christian brother. All unite in love to yourself and enquiring friends. R. I found myself in the basement of our church ; the prayers were brief ; eight persons took part while we were on our knees; singing was in the spirit; a large number witnessed for Christ. Text was taken from Romans xiii., 11: “And that, knowing the stime, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep.” He said it was now gospel time. O, how many in the church are sleeping to-day; may God awake us to work and duty ; the night of death is coming. The pastor re- marked that we should be better Christians than the apostles were in-their day, because we have more light of the gospel. The responsibility is great; we cannot meet it without the help of Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He referred to the days of Whitfield and Wesley. May a revival spirit be given us in Ilion for the Redeemer’s sake. Saturday evening I called at the home of an aged pilgrim ; she has passed the age of three score years and ten—now living on borrowed time. That one is suffering from an attac’ of rheumatism, and is de- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 383 tained from the meetings; we miss her words of cheer; we do not hear her voice in the prayer meet- ing. After I was seated in the arm-chair, she made several inquiries about the attendance at the meet- ings. In a few minutes her daughter and grand- daughter came in; they had just returned from the cemetery, where they had planted some flowcrs on the grave of a loved father, the companion of the aged one I have referred to. I was pleased to look into their faces and clasp their hand. We then bowed ' together in prayer; I asked God, for his Son’s sake, to give grace to keep that feeble one; I called the name of each, and commended them to God and the Word of his grace. - Through the kindness of sister Levis, I will give a copy of three letters written by that sainted woman, now in heaven, (sister Fannie A. Russell) to Mrs. Ju- lia E. Sackett, daughter of Mrs. Levis. “My Dear Sister in Corist—Indeed many weeks have elapsed since you left Ilion; and although you may think I have forgotten the promise I made, yet such is not the case. For many weeks I have been by the bedside of the sick. Shortly after your de- parture my oldest son was quite ill for two weeks; and then there was an old lady came to our house from Buffalo, and was taken suddenly and danger- ously ill. For several weeks she was not expected to live ; but she finally recovered sufficiently to go to her daughter i in Carthage. My only sister has been with me a long time under the care of the doctor; and last Wednesday my second son was taken with scarlet fever, so you will see my time has been fully occupied. When I was at leisure I was so tired in mind and body 1 was not fit to write; but God has 384 THE NARROW WAY. , been my wisdom and strength. I have found his ace sufficient, and ever expect to while I walk in the light and desire to live with an eye single to his ' glory; for he has promised to give to us the desire of our hearts and withhold not from us the request of our lips ; and so I find the way growing brighter, being rooted and grounded more firmly in the faith ; and I expect to be faithful unto the end by God’s grace assisting me. How often my mind has wan- dered away to you and yours; and how I long to know if you are finding new beauties in this glorious warfare, which will end finally in eternal life. You must write and tell me all about it, and I trust you will make a full consecration of everything; and O, how God will bless you, even in your trials and deli- -eate health, for the Saviour will have a tried people ; they are to become perfect through suffering. We must not expect to be greater than our Master; and who can ever suffer as did our Redeemer for us? He became obedient through suffering, and has been tempted in all points as we have, yet without sin. Who knows then so well as Jesus how to sympathize with his children ; and he says, ‘ There shall nothing pluck them out of my hand.’ Blessed promise. And also, ‘ Fear thou not, for 1 am with you; be not dis- mayed, for I am now thy God; I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.’ How the promises cheer weak and faint erring humanity. I have just heard the church-bell ring for class-meeting ; how much I should like to go; I miss my meetings so much; many weeks have passed and gone since I have been regular in attendance at the Thursday evening meet- ing. Sister Earle was here this forenoon; she said there were‘only a few out last evening; our pastor was not there, but they had an excellent meeting. . The converts are growing in grace, and are very en- couraging to the old Christians. I trust there is not EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 385 one that will fall by the wayside, but endure to the end, and receive the welcome, ‘Thou hast been faithful, enter into the joy of the Lord.’ Nearly a week has passed away since I commenced this letter —a week of care, but bless God, a closer waik than ever before. I attended prayer meeting on Thurs- day evening; we had a good meeting; Jesus was there to own and bless ; I was strengthened, and felt like running up the shining way with joy and glad- uess. Please write me; if you knew how anxious I have felt; and when sister Levis said they had not heard from you in along time, I thought she will not write to me then, for I am a stranger, compara- tively speaking ; but no, lam nota stranger; I am one of the branches of the living vine’; and the same ‘door is open to you; if we enter in we shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. Sister Earle is not feeling as well as usual; the cares are great for many of us, but she has not forgotten you, and will write as soon as she can. She sends love, aad best of all, she commits you to one that is mighty to save and keep. All of your acquaintances are well. Mr. Bottger has moved to Buffalo. Good bye; may God’s richest blessing rest upon you and yours. Your sister in Christ, Fannie.” “Dear Sister JuLIa—Your kind letter I received, and with what joy I perused it, and felt like rejoicing as I read of your triumphs in Christ; and I thought may sister Sacket go on to perfection, ever treading in the path of duty, for it is obedience, and obedi- ence is better than sacrifice, we read in the blessed Word. I am so glad that it is written that God is ex- ceeding abundantly able to do for us more than we ean ask or think; but we must desire the power which worketh both to will and to do. O, that it might rest upon every child of God, then we might exclaim with David, ‘I am abundantly satisfied out O Q 86 THE NARROW WAY. of the fatness of thy house, and shall drink of the river of thy pleasure. For with thee is the fountain of life, in thy light shall we see light.’ Bless God, T love the fulness which I believe God wishes to pour out upon us, that our lives may be hid with Christ in God. Then we may, like Paul, present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is. our reasonable service. Ido sincerely believe that it is only as we are crucified to the world, and the world tous, that we are meet for our Master’s use - here, and fitted for the mansion Jesus has gone to prepare for those that endure to the end. God grant, my sister, that we may be numbered among his jew- els. ‘Then shall we return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.’ You remarked that you were reading a book, title, ‘ Effects of Faith.’ Surely, my sister, I believe you may be able to grasp the blessing. O, how simple; and then you say you are so unworthy. Just the thing, my dear sister; ‘In my hand no price I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling.” Nothing but sin have I to give ; noth- ing but love will I receive. Claim it now, it is yours by faith; accept it that you may be better able to. glorify your precious Saviour with your body and your spirit, which are his. Remember, we are not our own; we have been bought with a price; - not with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb with- out blemish and without spot. Iam unable to keep- on my feet all the time, so I thought I would con- clude my letter to you. Varied has been my expe- rience since I began writing—battles and victories through the Lamb of God; glory »« to his name for- ever. Tuesday evening God wonderfully blessed my unworthy soul so that I dare claim the blessing of holiness, and with the sainted mother Monroe I get down behind the cross. and looking up s is an act- ive worker, very zealous in the cause of Christ ; his heart is in the work of saving precious souls. Sev- eral have been converted in his church during the summer. ‘God bless him and give him wisdom and ‘yighteousness, according to the power that worketh in us. As we reached the hall of that commodious and elegant residence, brother Gifford was frank, and took great pains to. introduce us to the inmates of that home—Mrs. Green, the lady of the house, Miss Kittie Green, a niece of Mrs. G., and now one of the | family, a very amiable young lady. Brother Gifford said to us, “When you address her she will not be offended if you call her ‘ Kittie.” She was very EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 447 busy, and seemed to take great interest in looking af- ter the servants as they were preparing supper. We enjoyed our visit there very much ; we had heard of brother Green as one of the strong and efficient mem- bers in the church. We have seen the name of Charles Green & Son on their banking house in Uti- ca, as we have walked up Genesee street. Brother G. was sociable in his home, and made our visit plea- sant; he is modest and unassuming in his manner. His pastor spoke very highly of him as a gentleman and devoted Christian ; is humble and faithful in the’ discharge of duty; he is a man of wealth, and con- tributes largely to the support of the church, and is present at the social means of grace to cheer the heart of the pastor. He knows how to work, and is not above it. His family consist of two sonsandtwo | daughters. Mrs. Brainard, the eldest daughter, re- sides in Waterville. Rev. E. A. Tuttle, her pastor, said to us she was an active worker among the young people ; she has charge of the young people’s meet- ing. She seemed to be deeply engaged in the social meetings. JI will remember with pleasure our inter- view, and hope some time in the future (God willing) to pay a visit to Waterville to talk to the young, to encourage them to be faithful in the service of the Lord. At seven and a half o’clock the carriage was at the door to. take us to the depot. On the arrival of the up train Dr. Sims came tospeak in the church. We clasped his hand and looked into his face as he passed by us. We offered a silent prayer to God in his behalf, that the Lord would speak through him to the people at East Hamilton. In a few minutes 448 THE NARROW WAY. . the%train came along, and we bade a kind good night to brother Green and Miss Kittie, who accompanied us to the station, thanking them for their kindness to make our call so pleasant and agreeable. The Lord is kind to give us so many dear friends to say words of cheer to encourage us in toiling in his vineyard. We hope to meet all of that family in the “ Sweet | By-and-by.” Wednesday, Nov. 15th; at 10:13 4.m., we got on board the train for Rome, N. Y., to attend the Class- leaders’ Annual Convention—Utica and Herkimer ‘Districts. When we reached Frankfort we were de- lighted to see Rev. H. Skeel (pastor of that place) come in and take a seat by our side, on his way to Utica to attend a funeral. He was very social, and conversed freely about repairing their church edifice . there. They have paid out one thousand dollars to improve their place of worship. He is expecting a yevival in the church. I say Amen to that. Ina few minutes’ ride we reached Utica. There we met Rev. L. D. White, Rev. C. E. Babcock, Bro. Fergu- son, Bro. Homer Austin, Dr. Hunt, Sister Vivian and Sister Sink, lady class-leaders, from Utica on ‘their way to Rome. On our arrival at the depot, we walked up to the M. E. Church, corner Embargo and ' George streets—quite a delegation of class-leaders. Attwo o’clock we assembled at the church. Rev. L D. White read from the Scriptures, and then page out that beautiful hymn, very appropriate, “ Forever here my rest shall be,” &c.; offered a prayer in faith and in the Spirit of God to bless us in a special man- ‘ner, and opened the Convention. The President, R. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 449 R. Bennett, was called to occupy the chair; the Sec- retary called the roll. Each leader present then gave a report of his class, their attendance and state of grace, &c. Several pastors were present; they gave an account of the spiritual standing of the members in the church. It was very interesting to hear how they were succeeding in doing work for the Master. Not as many leaders present as we would like to see there. The Lord is not confined to numbers. He ‘is mighty to carry on and give success in the salva- tion and keeping of souls. At five o’clock Pp. mM. the benediction was pronounced, and we accompanied the people home for supper. At 7:30 P. M. we metin the audience room to listen to an address given by Rev. H. W. Bennett, P. E. Herkimer district. Sub- ject: “ Spiritual Leadership.” He occupied forty minutes. The discourse was excellent ; we were much -benefited ; it was full of good advice to each one present, and especially the class-leaders. It seemed to me it was all for my benefit. I felt very small and humble as I listened to those plain words spoken by that devout and faithful man of God. I expect to be a better leader in the future than I have in the past. "I will, the Lord helping me. At the close of his sub- ject, Dr. Reddy was present and invited to speak to the audience. The Lord opened the way for him to be present. He is engaged in holding a series of meetings in the Liberty Street church with Rev. Mr. Reynolds. Brother Reddy commenced his remarks by referring to the able address by Bro. Bennett, anp said it was a grand thing to be a good leader. His silvery hair commands respect. The many years of \ ‘ af. 3 ~ 450 THE NARROW WAY. ! experience the Doctor has had as a faithful minister of the gospel, and of more recent years as an evan- gelist, has fitted him for noble service in the cause of the Master. His own heart is full of the love of Je- sus, and enjoying the blessing of sanctification. He talks about the higher life hid with Christ in God, and experiences that way of living daily. He said it. was necessary for a leader to be full of religion and go forward and say tothe members of his class: “ Follow me, as I follow Christ.” The memovers will ‘not go'ahead of the leader. The class-leader must: be intensely in earnest in the work for the Lord, and be willing to make sacrifices for the cause of Christ ; in doing that God will use him and give success. Dr. Reddy related several incidents that came under his observation during his pastorate, that interested the people in regard to class-leaders, and the different ways of leading a class. He said it was impossible to drive people to class-meeting. At the conclusion. of his'remarks he invited all the leaders and the en- tire audience to come forward and kneel at the altar,,. and ask God to endue the class-leaders with power from heaven for their work in ‘the vineyard of the Lord. After prayer offered by Dr. Reddy and H. W.- Bennett, we arose and sang the doxology, received _ the benediction and said good night, going to our lodgings feeling refreshed from hearing so many good things uttered during the afternoon and evening. At eight o’clock a.m. we met in the Sabbath school " room to engage in the prayer meeting, led by brother Ferguson ; the Lord led him. He said to us, “Come.” ‘We had a powerful meeting; God was pleased with ' fo EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 451 that thank-offering, and fulfilled his promise to each one. The prayers were full of faith, going up from consecrated hearts filled with the Saviour’s love, for power to come down upon us. One of the sisters re- marked that it was the best prayer meeting she ever enjoyed in Rome. At nine and a half o'clock the chairman called the meeting to order to proceed with the regular business. Elder Hunt, from Adams, was present, an old veteran in the service. He gave us some good suggestions, and advised the leaders to be loyal to the pastor and the church ; to be filled with the Spirit in order to succeed. Rev. L. D. White felt much at home with us, and occupied some of the ‘time during the session discussing the different sub- jects as they were introduced by the chairman. Dr. Reddy was present; his face shining ‘for Jesus, while his heart was full of gladness from the Lord. Some of the questions were put to him to decide. His judgment in each one was considered the end of the case. The chairman called on him to express his opinion as to how he would dispose of the young ’ converts after a revival; that is, would he be in fa- vor of assigning them to the different classes, or put them in a class by themselves? His happy face brightened, with a beautiful expression upon it, as he said, “‘ What the Lord has ordered, and given us the pattern that the sheep and lambs shall go together, he would not advise any one to separate them ; that the experience of the elder members of the church would help the converts; they would grow and thrive better from the example and influence brought to bear upon them by the mature Christians. We need 452 THE NARROW WAY. to pray each day for wisdom from God to teach us | to be wise; prudent and good.” Several ministers ‘were there and encouraged us by their presence. L. L. Palmer, P. E. Utica District, was there, and gave us his opinion in regard to the work of the class- leader. His words were instructive. Dr. Reddy oc- cupied some of the time with song appropriate for the occasion. At twelve o’clock the benediction was pronounced and we adjourned for dinner. Brother Folk, from Herkimer, came up on Thurs- day morning. We were assigned (to dine) at the house of Misses Walworth (two sisters, maiden la- dies.) Their house is elegantly furnished—a place for everything, and everything in its place. We felt” at home with them, and enjoyed the good things they had prepared for the outward man. They entertained us in a cordial manner. How quick the,time passes away. We adjourned to the parlor. I suggested to them, with their consent, we bow on our knees in prayer, to thank God for his goodness to supply all our needs. Brother Folk led in prayer; the Lord filled our hearts so full of his love, the tears yan down our face as we followed him to ask God to bless and reward the sisters for their kind hospitality shown to us in their home. In the precious Word I have read, “When we draw nigh to God he will draw nigh to , us.” It was a feast to our souls; the memory of that occasion will never be forgotten. We may not all meet here again in this life ; but through faith in Je- sus we expect to meet in the glory land. At 1:30 P.M. we met at the church for an experi- . ence meeting. Brother Bennett was anxious for each EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 453 one present to be filled with the Holy Ghost, and be endued with power to cheer our hearts for work as never before. We opened the meeting by singing that favorite hymn, “There is a fountain filled with blood,” &. After a few shert prayers, our hearts were strangely warmed ; we felt the efficiency of the blood cleansing us from all sin. Hallelujah to Jesus ; we had a Pentecostal time; we received a baptism from on high, that willcome after we have made an entire surrender to Christ and his cause. The breth- ren were active to testify for the Saviour. Three young men—Christians, 1 think—sang very sweetly together; one piece in particular, the chorus was, « The bleeding lamb.” I can imagine I hear them now, as they sang that for us. I think it was one of the best Conventions I ever witnessed. The dear people in Rome were so kind and attentive to us. I pray God to reward them for it. At three o’clock the doxology was sung. Rey. Bro. Roberts, of Utica, dismissed us with the benediction. Then the last, but not the least, came, the hand-shaking and the word farewell !—going to our home with a rich, deep experience, to put in practice and carry out, with Divine assistance, the good resolutions made while together. I do expect good will result from the vows and renewed consecration which were pledged and made from the brethren in presence of the people. It seemed a cloud of glory tarried near the place, and the shekinah rested on all present at that as- semblage. The hearts of the brethren were comforted and cheered ; each went their way rejoicing, feeling “grateful to God for his presence; and under many ' 454 : THE NARROW WAY. obligations to the Romans for the courtesy we re- ceived while there. _ Dec. 12th, at 7:23 a. m., I started on the train for Utica. At 8:20 I took a seat in the cars for Rich- field Springs, to attend.a Sabbath School Convention in that place, At 11:50 we arrived there, and after a few minutes’ walk reached the M. E. church. As I walked in and seated myself, Rev. 8. P. Gray, of Winfield, was oecupying the floor. In the absence of the P. E., who could not be present, Rev. S. Salis- bury, of Starkville, was made chairman of the Con- vention. He filled the position very well. He is tall, graceful and dignified. His age and many years of labor in the ministry command respect. The ‘ministers look to him for counsel. The long experi- ence he has had in the work for the Master has fitted him to be an efficient worker and help along the cause of Christ. At noon they sang the doxology and adjourned to the basement, where the good la- dies had prepared an excellent dinner. The many good things we saw on the table was evidence that they intended each one would be well cared for during their stay among them. We had the pleasure of sitting by the side of sister Helen Dawley at the dining ta- ble. I was glad to meet her; she is a devout Chris- tian woman. She read a beautiful poem in the af- ‘ternoon, which added much to the interest of the oc- casion. After we had partaken of the good things to strengthen the outward man, sister Dawley said to me, “I want you to make a call upon a sick person in town, that I have been praying for her to be healed.” She gave me the name and street where ' EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 455 she lived. Isoon found the place, with the assist- ance of the guides, Misses May Green and Jennie Wilcox, two girls of sixteen summers, who kindly es- corted me to the house. On the: way I talked to them about their souls, and invited them to seek the Sav- jour. In a few minutes we reached the sick room; the patient was lying in bed, suffering from nervous prostration. I walked into her room and introduced myself. I mentioned the name of the lady that sent me, and handed a tract to the sick one, on “ Faith Healing.” I found the one sufferlng had great faith in God, and believed he was able and would heal her and restore her to health. SodoTf. I then referred to some in Ilion that have been healed in answer to ‘prayer through the “ faith girls,” sisters Barker and Anderson. We bowed in prayer by that bedside, , asking Jesus, the great Physician, if it was his will, to restore that one to health ; in doing that it would honor the name of Christ. I had much liberty as I prayed inthat home. I asked God’s blessing on the companion of that sick one, a fine-looking gentleman. He came into the room while I was there. I offered a prayer for May and Jennie. As I clasped the hand of the patient and bade her good bye, she looked up into my face so wishfully, and said by that expres- sion, “ Pray for me.” I then bade her husband fare- well, and started for the church. I did thank God with all my heart that I was per- mitted to call on that sick one and pray ty her bed- side, and ask Jesus to give grace to keep, patience to wait, aad strength to endure. The Lord did bless her in a powerful manner, and put tears on her face. 456 THE NARROW WAY. s The experience I have had in the sick reom are pre- cious memories to me, never to be forgotten ; a rec- ord of that visit will be made in heaven. The dear blessed Jesus is so good and kind to me; I do love him, and will obey him each day and hour of my life. With his help [ expect to be true and faithful to the end. As we entered the church they were answering the questions that had been written and handed in to ‘be discussed. Rev. L. B. Gray, Cherry Valley, was present ; he and his brother, S. P. Gray, Winfield, put new life into the meeting. They are witty, apt” and original; they will keep an audience good na- tured and happy with their cute sayings. Rev. J. G. Brooks gave an excellent essay, entitled ‘From the Garden to the Cross.” The Lord helped him to | write a good article, instructive and cheering to each. The brethren suggested to have it published in pam- . phlet form, so that in may be scattered broadcast, and do good to the people. Prof. Grout, school com- missioner, was present, and addressed the young. people. The choir did good service, and entertained us by their songs. The Superintendent, brother ~ Goodrich, was engaged for the benefit of all present ; his voice was heard with much pleasure as he sang the tenor. We noticed an increase in the school, in attendance, from last year. There was a blessed, tender spirit manifested during the whole session. Brother Babcock and his faithful wife may feel en- couraged ; we think he is the right man in the right place. He is hopeful of raising enough money to * cancel the church debt. I hope and pray the Lord to revive his work in that place. May the dear young EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 457 people be won to Christ. As wetwere shaking hands with the children, affer we had been dismissed, the choir sang a beautiful piece while the people were putting on their things to go to their homes, saying good-night. A young lady came up and asked me to pray for her. That rejoiced my heart more than I am able to tell. While I was addressing the children in the afternoon my heart was made tender with the presence of Jesus. At the close of my remarks I was obliged, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, to ask a favor of the congregation. I then asked them to bow their heads while I went on my knees in prayer for God to touch hearts with his convicting Spirit, that I might gather a few sheaves from that’ assembly for the garner of the Lord. I expect he will save some souls from that gathering, for his dear name’s sake. We bade farewell to Richfield, going back to our toil to offer special prayer in our closet daily for that sick one, and those that said, “ Pray for us.” “The effectual, fervent prayer of a right- eous man availeth much.” I want to be good. I hope to be better ; I expect to be, Jesus helping me. I will praise his dear name. Dr. Pope says holiness is love, and is traceable in three directions « First Supremely towards God. Second, Unselfishly towards our neighbor. Third, Savingly towards ourselves. Great faith in God is well pleasing in the sight of our Maker. There is a beautiful passage in the precious Word; it has been ringing in my ears of late as I have thought of it ; it is this: “ And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” Blessed Lord, 29 4458 , 2 THE NARROW WAY. my faith enters into that within the vail; the anchor holds,'and I am resting at the cross. Trials come; by simple faith and humble trust in Jesus I have triumphed and gained the victory through the blood of our Saviour. I expect to conquer while I watch _and pray. Iam earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. I have a longing de- sire for it; yea, a thirsting and hungering after that higher life in Christ. My experience daily. brings ‘me into closer relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is doing its office work on my heart. My feet are on the Rock of Ages; I expect to triumph while I look to Jesus. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Jesus is leading me; my hand. is in his; I mean to keep it there; no evil shall befall: me by the way; my hope is founded on Christ, and is big with im- mortality. There is joy and peace in believing in .his promises ; it sweetens every cup of sorrow along the way, and smooths every rough place in my path- way; while I can feel the gentle pressure of his lov- ing hand, and meaning by that, he is saying to me, This is the way, my child, walk ye init. Iam obe- dient to his commandments, and waiting for light to be given from him, expecting to develop in my ex- perience, and ascertain the deep things of God con- cerning me, and the work he has for me to do. I will trust him where I cannot trace him; if I fall, it will be at his feet. The storms; come, but what of that? There is a hiding place and safe retreat ; it is found ‘beneath the mercy seat. Hallelujah to Jesus, our ' King. ; May, 1874, will be held in grateful remembrance. | EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 459 — 1 I will look back to that time with much pleasure, and thank brother Shephed, then my pastor, for giving ‘me a class-book and the appointment of class-leader of class No.6. Ihave been greatly profited while listening to his faithful sermons, and instructed by his kind advice, and helped by his godly example as a devoted minister of the gospel. Several of his dear family who have been converted have been members — of my class. They have made me welcome as I have called at their beautiful home, as I have been anxious about their souls, and how they prospered in the di- vine life. The Lord has given me power with him, as I have waited at the feet of Jesus, asking his bless- ing and guidance on the dear ones that make up that family circle. The place was made solemn to me on account of the gracious presence of the Most High, and the nearness of Christ filling my soul with holy rapture and the fullness of God, as I have been plead- ing with him to answer prayer from that devoted Christian mother, to save and keep each one of them that are as dear to her as the apple of her eye. I hope and expect God will answer her prayer. The promise is to us and our children. In the few years that have intervened, a great many changes have taken place in the class. Four of the members have died triumphantly in Christ, and gone to heaven to meet their reward. Emma Casler, that died in Her- kimer, happy iu the Lord, and singing praises to Je- sus a few minutes before her happy spirit took its ‘flight to the glory shore. (I have referred to her’ before.) Then Carrie White (maiden name Carrie Browning), that died at her father’s home, Herkimer, 460 THE NARROW WAY. of that fatal disease, consumption. Rey. W. D. Chase, her pastor, was present at the death-bed scene. What a glorious victory she had through faith in Je- sus, aS she said, “ Farewell, “mother ; good bye fa- ther ; meet me over there,” to a dear, fond sister ;- and then embraced her much-loved husband for the last time on earth, and said to him with the tender- ness of a devoted Christian wife, “ Frank, meet me- in heaven.” I expect he will, The next one I. will speak of was the death of Lizzie King, who died in Mohawk, at the house of a friend, while there on a visit. She was a great sufferer for a number of years—patient through grace, by simple faith in God. I well remember the last time I called at her home, ' she was happy in the Lord, and used her voice in song for Jesus before we went down on our knees to pray for grace to keep her unto the end. She is now waiting beyond the river For all her class-mates and the leader, There no more to patt, nor sever, i In the beautiful, bright forever. Mf : May we all be ready to meet her in the “ Sweet By- and-by.” Mary J. Cramer was the next one called. The summons came; she was ready. She had al- ready chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her. I have already written about her death, and will not say more. Mr. Wesley says our people die well. Glory be to God in the highest. I have referred to the Oswego Lay Evangelists as- sisting brother Mead in a series of meetings here. God bless and use them for his glory elsewhere. Af- ter they left us and went to Utica, brother Mead con- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 461 tinued the meetings. The first night, as he gave the opportunity for any one that wished to seek the Lord to manifest it by rising, Jimmie Ryals rose to his feet, and then came to the altar and was saved and made happy in Christ. He became a member of class-No. 6, and was faithful while here. He is now in the West, and has charge of a class, and is a de- voted Christian man. P. S. Jones attended the class many a time ; the heart of the class-leader has been blessed of God by calling at the home of brother Jones, and reading to him from the precious Word, and then going down on our knees together to ask the blessing of the Triune God upon him and his, and grace to keep him while tempted from a craving appetite for strong drink. That man is now in the West, and has charge of a class, and is a faithful Christian. Herbert B. Johnson was a faithful attendant upon the ciass for several years, until he made his home in East Frankfort; he was appointed class-leader by the pastor, W. F. Brown, at Frankfort, where he at- tended church service. During the time of being leader up there, he felt in his heart the Holy Spirit saying to him, “Go, work in my vineyard.” He at once obeyed, made ready, and entered the Drew Sem- inary to pursue a course of studies. He is at pres- ent the pastor of a church near there, preaching the _ gospel and winning souls for Christ. The last time he was in Ilion he visited the class-room and cheered our hearts by his presence, and witnessed for Jesus that Christ hath power to save, use and keep all that will trust in him. The Lord has used him down 462 THE NARROW WAY. there, and made him instrumental in the coversion of souls, which will cheer his own heart in seeing the ‘salvation of God on the charge. Eugene H. Joy was a faithful member of the class until he left here to attend the Syracuse University. He was engaged in reading law in the office of our much-esteemed and popular townsman, Thos. Rich- ardson. In answer to the prayer of a faithful Chris- tian mother, his heart was prompted by the Spirit of God to work for the Lord in winning souls for Christ and heaven. He laid aside the reading of Black- stone, to prepare himself to preach the blessed gos- pel of the Lord Jesus. Instead of vleading the cause of the client, to win his case and become noted as a ‘successful lawyer, and plead at the bar, and rise to , distinction of character and fame, gain respect and esteem with his fellow men, and receive recompense in the riches and honor of this world for his toil, he» ' chose to be a humble follower of Christ, advacate his cause, and warn the people to flee from the wrath to - come, and work for the good of souis around him ; ' and in doing that lay up treasure in heaven, while pleading on his knees, and beseeching him who is sitting on his throne and rules the heavens above us, ‘and formed the earth beneath us, and has the author- ity to decide the destiny of each one of us by his majesty, and receive from him who is to judge the actions of men and assign to them their doom, and have a starry crown for his faithfulness in the service of proclaiming the glad news of salvation, when the last battle is fought, the victory won, and the wel- come applaud be given to him for his service in the EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 463 cause of the Master. May he be an efficient worker, and have success in sowing the seed broadcast, and gather the golden sheaves for the garner of the Lord. He is preaching regularly every Sabbath in a church a few miles from Syracuse. The Lord has owned and blessed his labors in the conversion of souls. “ He that winneth souls is wise.” Edward L. Shepard, of Waverly, N. Y., belonged to the class while he remained in town; he was en- gaged in the office of the Central Hotel, owned and kept by his uncle, C. P. Hunt, as a first class temper- ance house for the accommodation of commercial travelers, and the convenience of those that choose to make their home there. He was made a blessing under God to the class, and a great help to the lead- er; he was a strict attendant, and opened the meet- © ings on several occasions in making the opening prayer. He is a young man of promise, conscien- ~ tious in his daily life, exemplary in his walk and con- versation, easy in his address, commanding in voice, pleasant in manner, free while conversing with you, and known to !:e loved by all. I have been informed by a friend of his that he is,preparing himself for the ministry. I wish him God speed. At our annual picnic he was present, and went to Newport with the Sabbath school. A lady of our church remarked to one of the young people atthe grove, and referred to him as the good young man. Iam thankful to the Lord for giving us so many faithful Christian young men; they can do a great amount of good in society; they have an influence on the young that we cannot estimate; God will use. them in winning hearts to 64 THE NARROW WAY. umself. I will never forget the first time J saw my roung friend ; I went into the basement of our church* juite late to attend the prayer meeting on Sunday vening, and tooka seat near the door. After sing- ng, a young man rose and gave a beautiful testimo-. iy for Jesus ; it touched my heart in an impressive‘ aahner. I said, ‘God bless the stranger.” After ve were dismissed, I walked up to him, clasped his iand, and thanked him for witnessing for Christ. O, hat all our dear young people were converted and leeply engaged in the cause of the blessed Master. . Xeligion is the most beautiful thing in this wide rorld. I can recommend it to everybody, the youth, aiddle-aged and the aged one. May the Lord has- , en the harvest time and ingathering of souls in Ilion, or the dear Redeemer’s sake. I do praisé God for he interest he gives to me daily in the spiritual wel- are of the young people. I am his servant and their helper in the narrow way, As we journey along, doing duty each and every day, Hoping, praying, and toiling side by side. Until our work is finishéd, and we meet beyond the tide. Sunday evening I had a rich treat. I had the leasure of listening to Kentucky’s great temperance rator, Col. Geo. W. Bain. Maben’s Opera House ‘as packed full of eager listeners; while the snow ‘as falling thick and fast the people came, but late. found I had reached the hall too soon; we were bliged to wait a half hour for the speaker to make is appearance on the stage. I amused myself the est I could, looking up into the galleries and view- ig the audience; I saw some from Mohawk and ' EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 465 Herkimer. I do not like to be in a, crowd; the tramping of feet going up and down the stairway, and the constant whispering that is heard at such a place, becomes monotonous. I do not know of any remedy but to stay at home. To do that I would not have heard the “ champion speaker of the day.” As an able orator and eloquent speaker, he can not be excelled on this continent. The press all over this land (where he has spoken in behalf of the temper- ance cause) have lauded and extolled him in stronger terms and louder tone than any one of his competit-. ors. AsI have read about him, and what the pa- pers have said in regard to his ability as the great orator of this nation, I have thought they were. say- ing too much, and he might think they wished to flat- ter him. It is not so. He is a great man; has enough of the grace of God in his heart and common sense enough in his head, not to be flattered, what- ever may be said in his favor. The Lord has called him to do the work he is engaged in, and has given him the ability to do it. Asa public speaker he is very modest and unassuming on the platforin; his. ready wit and good humor will so affect the audience that each one is made to laugh heartily, whether they feel like it ornot. His gift of language and volume of words at his command, which seem to come to him without any effort on his part, is wonderful. He can ‘say whatever he chooses to convince people to, do right. The influence of the Holy Spirit given him from above to persuade men to see the danger of continuing in the broad way of sin and intemperance, will draw them to him, and reform. The display of 466 THE NARROW WAY. dramatic power he exhibits, and is in possession of, to explain to his hearers what he has to say, will so impress you and remove all prejudice you may have in the temperance cause. He is intensely in earnest in what he has to say; his gestures are free and easy; he uses them to clench down his arguments in favor of total abstinence, as that is his pet theme and fa- vorite subject. His own heart is filled with the love- of the Saviour, as he attempts to draw the picture of the poor inebriate, and point out the suffering of the. ueart-broken wife and sorrowing mother of the drunk- ard! Jtis very touching and will move the congre- gation to tears. His strong appeals to each of them: that listen to his burning words, to lend a helping hand to save the intemperate, will enlist the sympa— . thy of the people. He addressed the boys in a very ten- der manner, and related to them the story of Abraham: Lincoln when a boy. The good advice he gave them will never be forgotten. He paid great respect to his mother. He said a great many good things in the time he occupied—fifty minutes. On Monday eve- ning he delivered his popular lecture, “Golden Gate.” The house was well filled, and each one highly en- tertained. He speaks the truth, without regard to pleasing any particular person; courts the favor of none; fears no one but God. The Master honors. him in his work and every attempt to do good, and aid the cause he so dearly loves—temperance. I have endeavored to interest the reader while I have mentioned a few things about Col. Bain. I have failed to do justice to him. You must go and hear him for yourself. May he be successful and faithfuk a i EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 467 to God, so he can use him for his glory, and make him a bright and shining light to win many a way- ward one who may be wrecked and. going down to- ruin and a drunkard’s grave, to temperance, Christ and heaven, for the dear Redeemer’s sake. Weduesday evening, Jan. 17th, through the court- esy of Mrs. M. J. Buck (of this place) we were in- vited to attend the wedding of her daughter, Miss Flora to Mr. Walter J. Bennett, Waterville, N. Y. The ceremony took place in the M. E. church. Rey. H. Skeel, Frankfort, officiated, assisted by Rev. W.. H. Reese. Mrs. A. H. Jones presided at the organ and played the wedding march, which added much to the interest of the occasion. The good ladies and friends of the bride trimmed the church in a beauti-. ful manner; made an arch and placed it inside of the altar rail, trimmed with evergreens; under the arch they made and hung a bell trimmed with the same ; upon it they put a large letter B. (very thought- fulin the one who designed it), which represented Buck and Bennett, It was evident thé ladies did not spare time nor labor to make the room look ele- gant to all that were present. The house was com- fortably filled with the friends of the bride, while a few friends came from Waterville, Mr. and Mrs. Ben-- nett, the parents of the groom; Mr. and Mrs. Terry,. Mr. L. Bennett, brother of the groom; Mr. and Mrs.. Terhune. Mr. George Herrick, Albany, was present, anephew of Mrs. Buck. He escorted his aunt up the aisle of the church when the friends came in. The presents were many and good; the most valua-- ble one we saw was made by the mother of the bride,. 468 THE NARROW WAY. her much loved and beautiful daughter, to the groom. The next one we will mention was made by the father of the groom, a certificate of deposit in the Bank of Waterville for $500, to the credit of the bride. Ilion will lose one of her beautiful and ex- emplary Christian young ladies; while Waterville will gain one that will grace their streets by her pres- ence, be a blessing to society, a help to the church, a joy and a treasure to her companion, and » comfort and godly example to the young people. She was converted in childhood, at five years ofage. She has been a devoted and faithful Christian ever since; a member of the church and attended the young peo- ple’s' class. She was regular in attendance; when Friday evening came she was present, unless absent from being out of town or detained by sickness. Her testimony was simple, brief, childlike and full of faith. She has often cheered the heart of her class- leader by her song, and helped the class in the ser- vice of the blessed Master. She was endowed with rare gifts; she graduated from the school here with the class of 1879. She has a musical talent and a ' beautiful, rich voice, which she has cultivated to quite an extent. She has recited on the stage and gave readings in our church on different occasions to entertain the people, with much credit to herself and satisfaction to her tutor. She was known to be loved by all; not an enemy in the world. I have never heard her speak ill or mention the faults of any one. O, how true the precious Word, ‘“ As you measure to others, it shall be meted to you again.” A word ,about the groom. We have had the pleasure to meet i EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. : 469 him a few times. He isa modest young man, unas- suming, agreeable in conversation and pleasant in society; a young man of good habits. He is a mem- ber of the choir in the Presbyterian church there. He has heen, of late, employed and held a position in the Bank of Waterville, until a short time ago he resigned his office to engage with his father in the duties of farm life. (His father is one of the largest hop growers in this State.) May success and pros- perity attend him and his all along their journey. Brother Skeel was happy and felt much at home dur- ing the service. There is quite a romance in connec- tion with it. Mrs. Buck was the first convert he had — when he began to preach the gospel, 1854. He has been her spiritual adviser and counselor all the years from that time. She has passed through deep afilic-, tion; grace has kept her through faith in Jesus. She © buried her dearly loved husband iv 1864, and then ' her only son in 1869 was laid by the side of his father in the cemetery. Through the consecration of herself and all placed upon the altar for the glory of God, she has been enabled to look up and say. “Father, thy will be done in me.” She can and, no doubt, has claimed that beautiful promise, “I will be the widow’s God, and a Father to the fatherless.” She has been an active, devoted Christian since her conversion ; time, talent, influence and voice she has given to the Master. The temperance work has been upon her mind for years; she has prayed to God for wisdom to reach the hearts of the intemperate and win them to Christ. Many a heart has been cheered by her song and tender words; they will be kindly AT0 THE NARROW WAY. remembered by those she has labored and prayed - for to give up drink and take the pledge. She has a happy way of winning the young people and enter- taining them. May God bless and keep her in the absence of that loved one; all alone except Jesus. He has said in the Word, “Lo, I am with you al- way.” The wife of Counselor Richardson took an ° active part in decorating the church. The bride is an intimate friend .of Myr. Richardson’s daughter. ‘Mr. and Mrs. Ross and Mr. and Mrs. Clayton were “very kind and walked up the aisle with the friends of the bride and groom. It left a good impression and looked very social. The ushers, Messrs. I. C. Sea- manus and A. Sanford, did their part well, seating the people. The friends of the groom were much pleased with the proceedings, good order and. harmony that prevailed during the evening. Thursday morning W. P. Lewis, photographer, was called in to take a view and make a picture of the interior of the church before the arch and bell were taken down, to be placed in the home of the bride and groom, for them to look at and refresh their memory of the most im- portant occasion to them in any event of all their lives. May the blessing of God rest upon and re- main with the bride and groom at each step they may ‘take in the pathway of life, as they journey along, — their hopes realized, their pursuits in life, temporal’ and spiritual, accomplished ; success and happiness attend them; joy and peace be with them; the pur- pose, aim, energy and ambition of life be for the glo- ry of God and the good of the people, and a crown of life awaiting them in the glory land, my prayer will seine ka EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED, 471 Friday evening, Feb. 23d, the attendance at class-. meeting was small, on account of the attraction on Second street, which was so great the young people could not deprive themselves of the gratification to witness the scene there ; consequently neglected their ‘meeting. The young men of this place held a car- nival. We had visitors from Utica, Syracuse, Frank- fort, Mohawk, Herkimer, and Unadilla Forks, to grace our streets by their presence. We have had a remarkalle winter thus far; plenty of snow and good sleighing since November, which is unusual for the Mohawk valley. The trustees of our village allow the boys two nights each week for coasting on Second street. They have gone into the business quite ex- tensively and at considerable expense. They have ' organized a club, known as “The Ilion Coasting Club,” and appointed their officers: 8. E. Ivlam, President; Seward Hakes, Vice President; G. A. Trowbridge, Secretary and ‘Treasurer. The citizens of the town are much pleased, and encourage the young people in the enjoyment, by giving of their money to aid in the expenses, and their presence to witness them ride down the hill at a fast rate of speed, and are often seen riding with them. They connect two sleds together with a plank two inches thick, twelve inches wide, and fourteen feet in length, which will seat and carry sixteen persons. The for- ward sled is managed by the use of a rope fastened to the end of the runuer by a steersman, to keep in the track and turn the corner of the street at the Baptist church, by means of a rope nailed to the side ofthe plank to hold on by, with a narrow piece of 472 THE NARROW WAY. ' board attached to rest their feet upon, they feel safe, unless through the mismanagement of the one who is. steering they may capsize before they reach the foot. of the bill. There is quite’ a strife among the boys to excel eacly. . other in speed, and get up the best turn-out. One of the sleds called “ Red Cloud” they have fitted up- elegantly, and painted it a bright red; the iron seat for the steersman, the heads of all the bolts, also ~ the handles to steer by, and all the iron-work, are nickel-plated. They have a flag-staff in the front to carry a banner, the young ladies have made and presented to the Club, with the name of the sled (or double rippers, .as the boys call them), in large let- ters. They are nicely upholstered for the accommo- dation of the fair sex who have the courage to ride on such a vehicle at railroad speed. I suppose the boys feel as though they have received the worth of ‘their money in the enjoyment they have had, and are satisfied. They have four men on duty during the evening, each one carries a lantern. Number 1 is stationed on West Hill, to give the boys their turn to _start when he receives a signal from number 2, on West street, that the way is clear. Number 3 is placed on Morgan street; number 4, on Otsego, to , keep the way open where they turn the corner. Thir- ty-eight sleds have been seen waiting on the hill to get orders to go. ‘‘Red Cloud” has made the time from the residence of H. P. Whitney, on West Hill, to the Osgood House, on Main street, in fifty sec- onds. It is amusing to stand on the street and see them pass you, while some are bare-headed, the mo- { EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 473. mentum is so great at a certain place on the hill that they are quite often relieved of their hats. They are not out of humor about it, but are thankful they have escaped an accident. Sometimes their sleds_ will fail to keep in the track, and will turn towards, and run into the crowd of spectators without cere- mony or even notifying them of that kind of a salu- ‘tation. 1 need not tell about the bruised limbs or sprained ancles ; I will leave that part of it to your own imagination. One lady, an invalid, who has not been down street all winter, was drawn on a hand sled by her companions last evening to witness the coasting. I am told three hundred people were pres- ent on West Hill to look at them; the view from there is splendid. They put torches on the street, and Chinese lanterns were lighted. Three electric lights were placed on Second street, in charge and under the management of Charles E. Pettee, fore- man in the machine shop (E. Remington & Sons). The illumination from those lights will be a good and effectual advertisement in this vicinity in favor of the Electric Light Company. The brass band from Frankfort were here, and discoursed music to the people, while the wives of the musicians were riding down the hill. The young men of Ilion are ambi- tious, and spare no expense nor pains to succeed in what they undertake. They excelled any former oc- casion ; it is safe to say they outdone themselves on Friday evening. It is exciting to stand,on the side- walk in the crowd and witness the sleds pass; you will hear a noise, and as you turn around and look in that direction, they are out of sight; then anoth- 30 474 THE NARROW WAY. er is heard coming, and gone. A large portion of our citizens were on the street to witness the sport and satisfy their curiosity, although they were obliged to keep on moving on account of the cold, while the mercury in the glass stood at zero. After I closed my meeting and opened the door of the lecture room, to my surprise I found the sexton of our church had the largest.audience. As I looked at them, and then at him, he was aware by the anx- ious look on my face, What does this mean ?—are you keeping open house to-night, or is this an oppo-- sition meeting’? He remarked to me he could not tell where to draw the line, and stop them coming as' he supposed to the class-meeting ; they had posses- sion of the house, and enjoyed warming themselves . by the furnace. No accident happened during the evening except the killing of a cat that undertook to cross the street in front of one of the sleds, and was cut intwo. Wm. Cristman, Jr., kindly sent a horse from his livery sta!le to draw the sleds up the hill. In the course of the evening the boys were all treat- ed to a free lunch at Coppernall’s ‘restaurant, on Un- ion street. The passers by on that occasion would not only be impressed that Ilion was the head-quar- , ters for the manufacture of Remington fire-arms, but at first sight would be led to think it was the centre for sporting-men, or fancy in their own imagination they were at Saratoga among the pleasure-seekers, judging from the way Second street was illuminated, and the crowd that congregated there of ladies and © gentlemen, to witness that beautiful sight. I have endeavored to interest.ithe reader for a few minutes EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 475. by drawing a pen-picture of the coasting and sights in our village for one night, and describe to you the pleasure and satisfaction of those that participated in the enjoyment of the evening, if I may be allowed to judge from the happy expression I saw on the face of those present. I am unable to give the names of all the sleds. ‘ Comet” has made good time, and is the topic of conversation among the boys; “Night- mare” and “Jumbo” are among the list. One of our skillful and leading physicians (Dr. Beach), made the remark that if the boys kept on coasting much longer they would ruin the business in this town for the doc- tors. I suppose he meant by that, the exercise in the open air was healthful to each, one that has taken part in it. The officers of the Club have taken great care, and used every precaution to prevent any one being injured through carelessness. As I was walk- ing along the street I heard my name called; a Miss ‘of twelve summers asked me if I had rode down the hill yet? I kindly answered her I had not. She then said to me, ‘I have just rode down for the first time.” She was delighted; her pleasant face was beaming with gladness. As they slide I will pray to the dear Lord, for his Son’s sake, that no accident may befall them while coasting. At eleven and a half o’clock p.m. the lights were turned down, the young people were wending their way homeward with wearied limbs and pleasant memories of the evening. I will venture to say and make the assertion, without fear of contradiction, that they went to sleep that night without rocking; while the citizens and visit- ors will remember with much pleasure the enjoyment of that evening entertainment. 476 THE NARROW WAY. Wednesday evening, Feb. 28, 1883, will be held sa- ered in our memory; we were highly entertained in the basement of our church. They held a concert for the benefit of our Sabbath school fund—admission ten cents. The Swift Glee Club’ were here from ~ Paine’s Hollow, and cheered all our hearts with their beautiful Christmas songs. The program was elabo- rate and well arranged by the devoted and faithful ladies of our church. I am happy to say they never failin anything they undertake for the benefit of Christ’s cause; they do not know what it is to be de- feated in the work for the Master. All home talent: was made use of to occupy the time and engage in the exercises with the singers from abroad, to make it interesting for all present. At eight o’clock our much esteemed and very popular Superintendent, O. B. Rudd (in the absence of our devoted and much ‘loved pastor, W. H. Reese, who was attending Dis- trict Conference, Sauquoit), introduced the Swift Brothers (five in number), who kindly volunteered to ° leave duties at home, and give us one evening of song. Mrs. A. H. Jones, who is so efficient, and al-. ways ready to give a helping hand to every good: cause, and make use of the talent and ability which has been given to her from the Lord, was present and presided, at the organ. The singers arose and . walked out upon the platform, dnd sang one of their best pieces, and introduced themselves in that way to the audience. Itis not necessary for me to say they we were well received ; the, enthusiasm shown by the people all over the house as they applauded them, and especially our old and much respected EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 477 townsman, L. L. Merry, who used his cane and the floor instead of his hands when they sat down, was evidence to the Club they were welcome. Some one of the young ladies was very kind and thoughtful, to make and put a button-hole bouquet on the coat of each one of the Club. That little act of kindness will long be remembered by the strangers, and will be noticed by the recording angel in heaven, from whence cometh every good gift, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to our hearts to do good in all the ways we can. The next thing in order on the list was announced ; Miss Nellie Angell would give a se- lect reading, entitled “The Surrender,” by Mrs. S. M. Henry. She walked out upon the stage; her tall and graceful figure, unassuming manner, and pleasant way made a good impression on the congregation ; they listened with intense interest. She seemed to be inspired from above, as she commenced to read with a clear, mellow voice, all her words spoken very distinctly, while her own heart was absorbed in the theme, and anxious of doing ‘good to all present. A tender spirit prevailed, each heart was touched, a solemn feeling came over the whole assembly, while ' our sympathy went out to the suffering wives and mothers of the intemperate. In answer to Mrs. Hen-' ry’s persistent and faithful prayer, her boy was saved from a drunkard’s grave to temperance and Christ, and a saloon closed up. The Club then favored us with a song, entitled “Golden Slippers ;” then Miss Mary Ruddy gave us a recitation called ‘ Abram’s Treasure.” She made a very polite bow to the au- dience before she commenced to address them. She 478 THE NARROW WAY. ‘has an excellent memory, and spoke in an easy man- ner ; has confidence in herself, and a liking to speak in public ; her independent, off-hand way as she ap- peared on the stage, was evidence she felt at home. She manifested an earnestness, and received inspira- tion as she advanced with the subject. She is en- - gaged as teacher in School District No. 3, North Il- ion. Prof. A. B. Poland may feel proud of his pu- pils, Misses Angell and Ruddy. ‘They are graduates from the school here. Some one has trained those, ladies to go out and bless the world. Itis a creditto the place and to those that have drilled them to ap- pear so well in public. Miss Angell is now employed on the staff of teachers in our school. The Club then sang a piece so well that the audience encored them, and they were obliged to sing another. The next thing in order were eight little girls who made their appearance on the platform. Title, “ Missions of the Season.” Each one did her part well. Bro. Rudd rose to make an announcement that there would be an intermission, so that the people could go into the adjoining room, and be served a dish of ice cream and cake the good ladies had prepared. The pastor’s voice was heard ; he said he wanted to move a vote of thanks to the Glee Club for their kindness in coming to entertain us in so a'le a man- ner with their songs, and to the young ladies whose names were on the program, and did their part to . the satisfaction of all present. The entire assembly arose to their feet to manifest their appreciation of what they had enjoyed. Bro. Rudd called out in his happy way to the people to come forward and i EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. __ 479 shake hands heartily with the Club, and said, ‘You need not feel embarrassed about forgetting the name —you may call each one as you speak to them, ‘ Mr. Switt.’” The father of the young men was pointed out to me during the evening. He has an intelligent face, modest and unassuming in appearance. We were much pleased as we looked at him, and saw the beautiful expression upon his face as he listened to those dear sons singing and making melody in their. hearts unto the Lord. We were led to rejoice with | him, and the first opportunity we walked over by his side and congratulated him, and asked a question: “T have seen your sons; how many daughters have you?” “Not any,” was his reply ; “we had one, and: lost her in childhood.” The Lord has blessed the Swift family ina wonderful manner. The grand- parents of the Club came here from New England, two old Puritans. They were blessed with twelve children, and all Christians. One of them, the father that came with the sons to attend the concert, and all of his family, are converted. He is glad in heart, and thanks God for his goodness. Irving Swift is the eldest son of the Swift family that came here. He has a wife and two children, is a devout Christian man and Superintendent of the Sabbath school there. Alvais the second son; he and Irving sing the bass with the Club. Rev. Charles F., third son ; he is a member of the Conference Protestant Meth- odist Church ; he is now the pastor at Paine’s Hol- low. With his fine physique, easy manner and plea- sant face he will make friends and gain the sympa- thy of those that have the pleasure to hear him. I 30 THE NARROW WAY. et‘him at a Sabbath School Convention at Jordan- lleja short time ago, and was much impressed with sable essay He gave ‘on that occasion. He re- arked to me as we met in the basement before the yncert, “You are the Sabbath school man I met at ie Convention.” Dr. Edgar, fourth son, resides at ordanville, has a good practice there, and is held in gh esteem by the citizens. I was glad to meet him id make inquiries about the people there. He in- rmed me of the appointment of Miss Minnie (eld- "daughter of Rev. J. G. Brooks) as teacher in ichigan. She is a graduate of the Normal School, swego. George Roscoe, fifth son, is now teaching ; , is preparing himself for the law. He seemed to : the moving spirit among the Club, and presided at e organ while they sang several pieces during the ‘ening. They are fine-looking Christian men and st-class singers. They are, indebted to their fa- er for their musical training. (He is a fine singer id.a. good musician.) They have all attended the Mege at Adrian, Michigan. May they soon favor s again with a visit ; they will be welcome. At nine id a half o’clock I started for No. 6 Cemetery St. ithe abseuce of Mrs. H., who has gone to Clinton ‘make a visit; I am keeping bachelor’s hall. If yu should ask me if I liked that way of living, I ould politely answer you in the negative. Iam a an of care this week ; the canary bird, house plants, 1d to make, room to air and keep in order, and have e charge of home on my mind. I think Tr cans en- st your sympathy in my behalf after I explain to yu the unpleasant position I am in. I am hopeful EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 481 _ when I think that in just one week the little wife will be at home. The Hutchins family, the male portion of them, take their meals at the restaurant in the Reading Rooms. Mrs. Post has charge of them ; if you ever come to Ilion, you can find her on First street, Maben Block, where you can get a good meal. She is doing good work for the cause of temperance ; that subject is on her heart; she never will allow an opportunity to pass without saying a word to the in- temperate that may perchance call at the rooms for a meal. She always treats them with civility and kindness. In that way she can win their confidence, and they will receive counsel, and be influenced to sign the pledge, reform and lead a different life. May the dear Lord help her to continue to do good to the unfortunate that have an appetite to participate in intoxicants, and in that way disgrace their families, ill-treat their friends, ruin their reputation, break down their constitution, and commit sin in the sight of their maker. O, for sympathy for the poor drunk- ard. The reading-rooms are well-furnished, matting on the floor, daily papers on file, with the periodicals of the day, for the benefit of the young men of this place. With a piano in the room for the accommo- dation of the visitors; at the expense of Mr. E. Rem ington, except. what help may come from the ladies in the way of a concert or an entertainment, to raise money to meet the expenses of the rooms in that way. At ten and a half o’clock the concert was “elosed ; the people bade each other good night, and separated, with happy thoughts of the enjoyment of the evening, while the heart of our faithful treasurer ‘ 482, THE NARROW WAY. : I in the Sabbath school, -M. J. Richards, was made glad as they placed the sum of forty dollars in his hand, the receipts of the evening. v3 Friday evening will long be remembered by many that met in class-room No. 1, M. E. Church, Ilion. I invited sisters Barker and Anderson, from Utica, to come,down and take charge of the meeting. They came with their hearts filled to overflowing with the dear Saviour’s love. God used them at that time for his glory and our good. I hope we are better Chris- tians for their burning words and kind advice they gave to'each one present. That devoted man, Cole-'— ridge, once said, that advice was like snow, the softer ‘it falls upon you, the deeper impression it: makes upon the mind. They spoke from their hearts ; the Lord blessed them as they tried to help us to take a step up higher in the divine life. They can help. others in the narrow way as they walk in that way themselves. Jesus shall have all the praise. At. \ seven anda half o’clock we commenced our song service, while the people came in; they soon filled the room ; we were all hungry to hear the blessed Word srppanded: I urged the strangers to join in song and feel at home, as we were in our Father's house to worship his dear Son Jesus. After we sang several pieces we went down on our knees (we must go down before we can go up, the reader will please bear that in mind); the sisters prayed from their hearts. I then called upon the dear Lord in prayer to make us simple, and give us liberty by his gracious. > presence in our midst. One thing I feared after we ‘rose from our knees, that the people would look to. \ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 483 | _the strangers, and forget to look to Jesus. The Lord made bare his arm and gave us power and inspira- tion from heaven, his dwelling-place. We sang that old piece, “I need thee every hour.” I then intro- duced the strangers to the audience. Sister Barker gave us a Bible reading; she chose for her subject, “Consecration.” She urged us all to make an entire surrender to the Master, and said it was our duty, and proved it by God’s Word. She commenced in the book of Exodus, and ended in Corinthians, by’ reading texts of Scripture and commenting upon them, and proved the subject. She honored God by using his Word; the Holy Ghost helped her to ex- plain it to usin such a manner that a little child could understand the meaning, and feel the force of her talk, and every one present was edified and built up in the faith of the gospel. One thing in particu- lar she said that impressed the writer, that we must exverience that radical change in our own heart be- fore we could tell others how to, get it. For forty- five minutes she held the close attention of the audi- ence. She referred to her own experience, and said God came and took away her idol (a loved sister) be- fore she could say deep down in her soul, ‘“‘ Not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done.” They sang a beau- tiful piece together--“ The joy of the Lord fills my soul”—then sister Anderson read from the precious Word and commented upon it as she was led by the’ Holy Spirit, for a short time. We occupied a few minutes in brief testimony from ‘different ones in the room. We closed the meeting by going on our knees in prayer, while sister Hunt led us, to ask God’s 484. THE NARROW WAY. blessing on the words that were spoken. We spent a short time in hand-shaking and introducing the people to the sisters. Their experience ‘in the Faith Home, Boston, in charge of Dr, Cullis, is interesting © to listen to ; they are full of faith; their words im- press you. May God bless.them in their mission of love and work for the Master. May they soon come again to Ilion; they will be welcome. The burden of my prayer will be, “O Lord, revive thy work in all our hearts; may we let our light shine that some poor sebstining man out on life’s ocean, and tossed by the waves of this unfriendly and selfish world, may make the harbor safely, before his ete bark may sink to rise no more.’ I well remember the first time I met the “ Faith Girls,” as we callthem. Sister Gibbs said to me in the basement of our church, “ We have invited sister Barker and sister Anderson to come down from Utica and heal sister Tefft.” (The Lord has endowed them with the gift of healing.) My answer to her was: “Do not make it public nor let many people know what you have done; if they fail to heal her the folks will think strange of you.” You will see my ’ faith was weak. The girls came and the good Lord used them on that occasion, answered their prayers, and sister Tefft was made better. For the glory of God, and to show the power of healing in Jesus at. the present day, she was restored to health, and at- _ tended the meetings at the church, which she was | “deprived of for a long time, and confined at home, a great sufferer. She is now the housekeeper for her son, and caring for three motherless children. Iam EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 485 glad the Lord has spared her life, that she may train those dear ones, by her words of cheer and godly example, for a home by-and-by with the angols in heaven. As I walked into the home of sister T. to attend the ladies’ prayer meeting, sister Barker was on her feet expounding the Word. She took her lesson from the Psalms and repeated these words as I came in to hear her voice for the first time. One thing have I desired of the Lord; that will I seek after. I will never forget them ; they are fresh and vivid to my mind to-day. Iwas much impressed by those words of the Psalmist coming from a heart consecrated to Christ and filled with the love of Je- sus, and the intense earnestness of the speaker in presenting the truth of the blessed. gospel to the people, to do them good and honor the Master. She is a woman of strong faith in God; she uses the sword of the Spirit to touch their hearts and win them to Christ. She is in love and familiar with the Holy Scriptures, and is trusting’ in that beautiful — promise, “As thy days are, so shall thy strength be.” She is a person of delicate health, slender in form, but of an indomitable will power; consecrated to Jesus, for him to live and die. The constant aim and purpose of her life is to be a faithful servant of the Lord, to do good to others and help them in the highway of holiness. She is from one of the bes} families in Oneida county ; her former home, Deans- ville. She attended Houghton Seminary, Clinton, and was converted while attending school there, un- der the faithful teaching of Dr. Gallup and his effi- cient corps of teachers in that institution. Many of 36 ' (THE NARROW WAY. ir young ladies have gone out from that popular hool accomplished and made a blessing to the orld. I want to emphasize that word Teacher. rere is no.one in our midst that has so much influ- ce on the young people as the teacher in our hool. I do not aspire to office, but if I should be highly honored as to hold one with the Board of lucation I would utter my protest against any, acher being employed unless a Christian. I con- ler that a very important qualification, so they can ach the head intelligently and instruct the heart iritually. The end of all learning is to know God, dthen to love and serve him faithful and well. aave not the pleasure of an acquaintance with the wker family, but know of them by reputation. 2x0rge W. Barker, the father, is an upright and suc- ssful business man; a merchant, exemplary in all 3 dealings; his every day life is worthy of imita- m. His brother, Marshal Barker, Clinton,’ is a ar friend of mine, a faithful Christian man, a pillar the church there. Sister Anderson is a native of Sweden. She came. this country at the age of twenty, and could not | eak a word of English. Since that time she has ucated herself; was connected while studying God’s ecious Word in the Sabbath school at Portland, aine. She is now an excellent Bible student, and eaks our language with freedom. Those who have d the pleasure of listening to her Bible reading, ym time to time, in the meetings, can tell from her cent that she is a foreigner. She is intensely in ve with the Saviour ; her simple, child-like, abiding > EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 487 { and active faith in Christ! and zeal for the cause of God will win the sympathy and close attention of her hearers, and convince the most skeptical person that there is a power and real enjoyment in the religion of Jesus that the world is not aware of. God’s Word is her meat and drink daily; she feeds upon the promises found in the Book of books. She is ready with willing hands and a loving heart to work for the Lord in any way; is modest and unassuming in her manner, and willing to take a humble place that she ‘may do good to all. The Lord used her on one oc- casion in the basement of our, church to help me to take up a cross that I had neglected for a long time, to speak to the unsaved in the meetings being held by our pastor, assisted by herself and sister Barker, and invite sinners to seek the Lord. (O, the uncon- scious power of a heart consecrated to God and filled with his love.) I have been signally blessed in doing work in that way, and some have been con- verted that I have spoken to since that time, for which I praise God and thank her for prompting me to do my duty to my fellow traveler to the bar of | God. During their stay in the East they were con- ~ nected with the “ Faith Home,” Boston. In answer to prayer through Dr. Cullis, sister Barker was healed by the great Physician, Jesus. She may well recom- mend her dear Saviour to others and say to them, “He is able to save the soul and heal the body.” She has had the happy experience of each. Experi- ence is the very best teacher. It seems providential , that they are now located here. Several years ago they met at the home of sister Tavender, Utica, when \ 488 THE NARROW WAY. : they were holding meetings there. Through a kind invitation from those sainted women, sisters Davis, Kellogg, Tavender and Bradish, they urged the girls to make their home for the future there, advanced funds and rented a place suitable to hold meetings twice a week. The Lord blessed them in a peculiar manner in their mission and new field of labor; good . was accomplished to many an aching heart and weak _ ‘and wearied body. They were called to go out in different ways and pray and administer to the wants ~ ot the suffering. Many were healed in | ody and re- | vived and blessed in soul. God’s name was honored, “ their hearts cheered and made happy in doing good. After their first visit to Ilion God opened a door of usefulness for them here, and saved a number of souls in the meetings held at the house of-sister Kling, on West Hill. Some of those converts are faithful members’of our church to-day. That en- couraged them ; they were led by the Holy Spirit to . make this place their home (I trust for life). As it is their custom to take everything to the Lord in prayer before acting in any business matter, they were led to pray to God for funds to be furnished to build a ‘ Faith Home” in Ilion. The Lord answered their prayer. Five hundred dollars were given by a generous-hearted Christian man for that object. He then advanced them two thousand dollars to com- plete the building, and take a security on the house until that amount is raised. God bless and reward that man. The building is going up; they expect it will be ready for occupancy in afew months. So much accomplished through faith and prayer in Je- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 489 sus. When the reader will pay a visit to Ilion, you will find the “ Faith Home” on Second street, near the Barringer road. They hold a Bible meeting there every Sabbath at 3:30 p.m. Iam glad to say souls are being saved. The Lord has used them in a wonderful manner in revival work; they assisted ibrother Bramley in Utica; many souls were won to Christ through their prayers and personal effort. Brother Reese kindly invited them to Ilion to assist in a series of meetings. Their labors were blessed here; they made use of the precious Word; the * church were quickened, and some were won to the Saviour. They assisted brother Chase in Herkimer. God, used them there; a great revival followed. Brother McClenthon, at Newport, sent for them to go there and help him. Hearts were touched by them in expounding the Word and presenting the gospel to the people; twenty-five souls were at the altar seeking the Lord. I have referred to the healing of sister Tefft; there is another case I will speak of, a marked account of faith healing in answer to per- ‘sistent and effectual prayer, and demonstrates to the world there is nothing too hard for God to accom- plish, through believing hearts that are consecrated and truc to him. Miss Martha Barringer, well known in this vicinity, and a great sufferer for seven years; she was deprived of seeing the light of the beautiful sun shining in the heavens, and confined to a dark room all that time. Through the mercy and love of God working on the hearts of his people in this place, the subject of the healing power was thor- cae eee: The mother of Miss B. said to t 490 THE NARROW WAY. | her much-loved one, “ May I call in the ‘ Faith Girls’ to see you?” Her answer was, “I have no objec~ tion ; but I will not take any medicine from them.”, Sister Barker came, while sister Anderson remained at home attending to duties there, but prayed and talked with God to display his healing power for that suffering one. Sister Barker walked into the room and addressed the sick one in a tender manner, with a few comforting words. In the mean time she raised the curtain at the window, and let the light shine into the room, and said with firmness and great _ faith in God, to the patient, “T will now go on my _ knees and unite my prayer with yours for you to be healed and restored to health.” The Lord did an- swer united prayer. She arose from her knees and said to the sick one to prepare to go out into the next room. She obeyed, put on her clothes, and to the astonishment and delight of the family, walked out into their midst. She could scarcely realize it: herself; the first thing she noticed was the little - ‘house-dog upon the floor ; she looked down and read the name on the collar about his neck. I need not _ tell you there was rejoicing in that home. ' The news spread far and wide; what a trophy for Jesus, that God is able to do all things if we will exercise faith, and ask him for his dear Son’s sake to grant our hum- ble requests. I could refer the reader to many more that have been healed in answer to prayer ; suffice it to say, enough has been said to establish these facts. Iam a firm believer of faith healing in an- swer to prayer. I will prove it to you by the Word: ' “ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.” James EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 491 v. 15. . The healing of Miss Barringer has been pub- lished in pamphlet form, and sent out for the benefit of the public, with the signature of her physician, Dr. H. B. Maben, attached to it. Some have gone to her home to converse with her about it; one man in particular, an unbeliever in the Bible until after he had talked to the person that was healed. She is ‘a faithful Christian lady, and is willing to acknowl- edge Christ hath power on earth to redeem a soul! from sin and heal the body from disease. July 4th, 1883, will be a memorable day to all that are of the Faith Home. Sisters Davis and Swartz, from Utica; sisters Niggis, New York, and Conway, from Albany, were here for a few days for rest and to at- tend the meetings and receive counsel from the girls, and enjoy the means of grace. On the previous Sabbath, at the meeting, brother E. Remington, who is a strict attendant upon that means of grace, sug- gested to the people that attend the meetings there, that they bring their baskets, and take dinner with the girls on the lawn. Quite a good number came with baskets well filled, and baby carriages with the little folks in them, to enjoy the picnic, as it was so called. After dinner was served, and all had par- taken of the many goed things that they provide for such an occasion, a storm came and drove the people into the house. The girls at once gave notice for all to come to order, and then commenced a meeting. ‘During the first season of prayer a lady was touched in heart by the blessed Spirit of God; she surren- dered her will to Christ, was saved, and then went into the adjoining room in search of her husbanfl, 492 THE NARROW WAY. and he was saved ; and two others were reclaimed before the meeting closed—husband and wife. Four souls were led to rejoice in the love of a risen Sav- iour. There is liberty in all of the meetings at the Home. It is consecrated ground; I expect many will, in the judgment, date their conversion, and ex- perience a growth of grace, from the meetings held there. We must not despise the day of small things. A few years ago the girls commenced their labor in rooms on the second floor of a dwelling on State Street, Utica ; now they have an elegant and commo- dious house to hold their meetings in, and receive the suffering in body that come for counsel, prayer, and to be healed. The girls have not a dollar to call their own; the Lord is able, and does provide, through faith and trust in Jesus. I firmly believe they are called of God to do that kind of work. I expect they will succeed, and be a blessing, under God, to this community, and honor the Master in working for the Lord. Let each one of us that loves the Saviour help them by a kind word, our sympathy and prayer. May God’s blessing attend them here, and a home in heaven when the toil of life is over, for his own name’s sake. Since the above was written about the evangelists, sisters Barker and Anderson, through faith in God and leading of the Holy Spirit, in answer to prayer, have been led to give all of their time to evangelical work, and dispose of their Home here on Second street. They own acottage at Thousand Island Park, and occupy it through the summer months, from May to September. They attend the camp-meeting at EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 493 - Felts Mills, N. Y., usually held the latter part of August, each vear, and go from there to commence their fall and winter campaign against Satan and his forces. They hold revival services with the pastors of Northern New York Conference, and give Bible readings, with prayer and conference meetings. Du- ring the past ten years they have labored in forty different churches, assisting the pastors to build up the Redeemer s kingdom and win souls to Christ. re- maining from three to five weeks in a place, and see- ing from thirty to forty converts brought to God, and in one instance, one hundred and sixty souls for Je- sus; blessed work. They continue laboring from one place to another, as they are led by the Spirit, through the winter months, closing their work in time tc attend the annual Conference held in April. The amount of good they are doing through Christ’s love in their hearts, will only be revealed when the books are opened in eternity. They continue their membership in our church. We hope to share the benefit of their consecrated lives. and be remembered daily at the throne of grace in their fervent and Holy Ghost prayers. I want now to sav a word that you will always re- member: Do not idle away your time, it belongs to God ; it is not your own ; please make the most out of the moments as they go by. Occupy your leisure time in reading some good book; you may get good from that source, and greatly benefit yourself. Some of our most distinguished men have educated them- selves from studying in the evening—not from gas- light or the electric light, but the light they received 494 THE NARROW WAY. IL from the old-fashioned fire-piace. We do not appre- ‘ciate the privilege we have at the present day; may. we be more studious. The Word says, “The hand of the diligent maketh rich.” I have occupied the odds and ends of my time for three years to write these sayings, while the Lord has given me a strong desire to give my experience to help others. If any one is benefited, it will be through the teaching and aid of the Holy Spirit prompting the readers to con- secrate their powers and devote themselves wholly to the Lord and his cause. Do not get discouraged if you have opposition along the way; it may come from your best friend ; if so, go to your closet, and on your knees tell Jesus about it. You will be test- ed if you are really in earnest ; and go forward fear- less of the opinion of others. They may call you peculiar ; never mind that. You may have two class- es of persons to meet with—the members of the ’ church, and the world’s people. You are to go ahead, looking to Jesus; he will carry you through and bring you off conqueror through him who hath loved you and washed you in his own precious blood. If you are deeply'interested in the salvation of souls, and make sacrifice of time, talent and reputation, all for Jesus, there are some Christians that are cold and indifferent, that may accuse you, and say you are doing too much in that way, there is no occasion for you to be so conspicuous, the Lord will carry on his work without your help. You must go on as Je- sus will lead you, and not be influenced by others. The world’s people will watch you very close, to see if you live up to your profession in your deal and ey- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. | 495 ery day life, in the shop, office, or wherever you may be engaged. Take your religion with you; live it; enjoy it; if you do, you will be a power for good ; by the help of Jesus you will be winning hearts for Christ. God will work through his consecrated chil- dren to draw the people to himself. It is said the _ young people are benefited more by what they see than what they hear. It struck me very forcibly. I want my example to help others. God saves men by men. I am glad that he does use his faithful and meek followers to carry on his work. There is a beautiful promise to the latter in his Word: “ Blessed ‘ are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” As I have prepared these pages for the press—the best three years of all my life—the experience of them will remain with me forever. I am profited as I think of the many mercies and rich blessings I have been favored with; it is true trials have come from different ways ; I have been obliged to look up and pray earnestly for divine help, which has kept me from falling. I have triumphed through grace under every trial, and expect to while I live. I am happy, because my hope is in Christ ; I trust in his promises; they never fail us. They that work and wait, win. I have used my feet to run errands for Jesus ; my hands have been busy doing little things for his cause ; my heart has gone out for the unsaved; I have tried to say words to cheer the downcast, and helped to carry burdens for those around me, almost discouraged, and ready to give up in despair; I have -made it my aim to employ every passing moment, and employ all the helps I have to be a better man ; 496 . THE NARROW WAY. I have read the Bible through nine (9) times con- secutively in the past six (6) years. I find great comfort to my soul studying the precious Word. I - have reczived great benefit by reading good books— memoirs of those devout men of God who have passed over to the glory shore. In the past eighteen months I have read the Lives of Carvosso and Father Reeves (those model class-leaders), Wesley, his own historian, the life of that sainted man Fletcher, Ed- ward Payson, Love Enthroned, by Dr. Steele, The Pioneer Bishop Asbury, The Life of Dr. Nathan Bangs, Methodism Illustrated, by W. H. Daniels, Hester Ann Rogers, Wm. Branwell’s Book, the Life of Dr. Adam Clarke, Alfred Cookman, the Life of -Dr. Eddy, Saints’ Everlasting Rest, by Richard Bax- ter, Joseph Benson, Martin Luther, Sunlight and Shadow, by John B. Gough. The reading of good books has helped me; I often offer a prayer to God to make me like these men I have read about. I am in God’s hands to be used for him, kept for the Mas-, ter’s use, my voice to sing his praise, my lips to uttér prayer and ask his guidance each day of my life, to do the little things in honor of his name now and ev- ermore. Since I have been class-leader in Ilion— 1874—I have called and prayed in one hundred and seventy-seven (177) different homes; God has blessed me in a remarkable manner in doing that kind of work for him, hoping some good will come out of it. In the three years that I have been class-leader in Mohawk, I have prayed in fifty-six different homes down there. The Lord has revealed himself, to me in making those calls, and blessed me wonderfully. \ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 497 Some that I have met at these homes I expect will be converted and won for’ Christ. I have had direct answers to prayers; many souls have been saved that T have prayed for during the years that I have referred to, because I have desired it. The Lord has given me a burden of soul for the unsaved. I have but one aim and purpose in life—the glory of God and the advancement of the Redeemer’s king- dom. Seven days in each week I have, as far as practicable, gone into my closet and prayed for those, and called their names to God in prayer, that I have coveted their souls for Christ. As I have had an op- portunity to address the young people I have en- deavored to reach the hearts of those that have list- ened, while I trust the Lord has made an impression upon some that will lead them to Jesus. We are to sow the seed; if we do, the harvest time will come. The law of the harvest’is to reap more than we sow.- If we sow an act, we will reap a habit; if we sow a habit, we will reap a character ; if we sow a charac- » ter, we will reap a destiny. I can remember while on my knees the dear Saviour gave me a burden of prayer for acertain church, for a revival of God’s work in that place. The answer came then and there to me, my prayer would be answered. I exclaimed, “Yes, Lord, I do believe; I expect it will come.” We are to do what we can to bring it about, and con- tinue to work on that line, then every effort we may put forth will meet with divine approval. God will give success to the faithful and tried ones who are consecrated to him. The more we do for the good of those around us, the more the Lord will do for ~ 498 THE NARROW WAY. us. The spirit of work and toil is given to us by the: Master. I often wonder why all Christians are not active and engaged in the service of the Lord. It is. true they have united with the church, their names are upon the church book, but I do not see any fruit from their living. I must not judge, but have char- - ity for them. May our example be worthy of imita- - tion. The young converts need help; they will ex- pect us to assist them to walk in the narrow way. They will, to a certain extent, be what we will make- of them ; as they will learn to bear crosses, endure trials, overcome difficulties, and pattern after the old landmarks. It is of vital importance that we live near to God, and are williug to suffer, if need be, if we can help others to reach the higher life and gath- er a few sheaves along the way. “DEAR BROTHER IN CHRIST—Doubtless you will be somewhat surprised in receiving this letter ; but hav- ing heard you speak with so much interest of the mission work carried on in this city (New York), by the late Jerry McAuley, I felt sure you would be pleased in learning that it has been my privilege to attend the ‘“‘Cremorn Mission” in West 32d Street, | near 6th Avenue. It is a very large room on the first floor, and will seat a great many people. As we entered, the first words my eyes rested on were these : ‘It’s all right,’ on the right side of the platform. ‘Gone home to rest,’ on the left side. The room ' was very heavily draped, and one entering could quickly realize that there was cause for mourning ;. and still those words quoted, ‘It’s all right,’ seemed to keep from the atmosphere that which otherwise _ must have filled it. Mrs. McAuley was present, and the gentleman that has labored a great many years. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 499 with her husband seemed to have charge of the meeting, but did not give the Bible reading. They hold a meeting every evening—service of song every Thursday night. Their singing would inspire one. They have a teacher who has taught them how to use their voices in more than one way for their Master.. Men and women of all ages were there. It made me feel like praising the Lord while listening to those who have been rescued from the depths of degrada- tion and sin through strong drink. Truly God’s sav- ing gtace and keeving power is sufficient for all con- ditions of mankind. There were a number that re- mained after the first meeting, to be prayed with. I thought of brother Hutchins while there, and knew you would enjoy attending such a meeting. The meetings for the promotion of holiness, held at the home of the late Dr. Palmer, on East 15th Street, are as near like heaven, I believe, as any place will ever be on this earth—so many holy men and women gathered together ‘with one accord.’ Many minis- ters number among them ; some Presbyterian, some Baptist, and from all denominations. They serve one God. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for earthly saints that go about doing good. I realize he has very many in this great city—many tuat are trying and are keeping his last commandment—watching and praying. That God’s blessing in all its fullness. may rest on his children in that little corner of his vineyard where you labor for him, is my earnest prayer. Yours in his service, B.” A Sabbath day on Trenton camp-ground, August 26th, will be fresh in my memory for years to come.. As it was my first visit there, and in the evening when I got down out of the bus, I had a strange feeling come over me. I started down one of the avenues in search of my friend, brother R. R. Ben- 500 THE NARROW WAY. nett, who invited me to spend the Sabbath there. I a few minutes I passed a tent where I recognized tk one I was looking for. I laid aside the etiquette would observe in.Ilion, that is, to rap on the doo or pull the bell before I attempted to enter their ten I simply opened the canvas, walked in and claspe the hand of my friend, and then saluted his compar ion with the compliments of the evening. While si ting there conversing with them, to my great su prise, a deputation of the members of my class, wh were on the ground, paid mea call. I was delighte to look into the face of each, and by the warm gras of the hand they gave their class-leader, it was ev ‘dent to me I Was made welcome. I trust with th dove of the dear Saviour in my heart, God used m to cheer them and strengthen their faith as we me in the tented grove to wait upon the Lord. In a fe _, minutes the bell at the stand called us together fc the evening service. As we took a seat in front: the stand, the choir were in their place and opene _ the worship with one of their best songs. ‘The sin; ing is in charge of, and led by Mr. Spink, an old e: perienced teacher of vocal music. Miss Kent, | New York Mills, was the leading soprano singer; sl has a good voice, and enters into the singing heart ly unto the Lord. The singing from the stand w: the best we ever listened to. I learned the names two of the choir, and have referred to them. Se mon by Rev. T. H. McClenthen, Newport; he spo! from the heart, and gave us some plain words, a1 said we as Christians were aiding the cause of Chri by putting our shoulder to the wheel and helping EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 501 push forward the car of salvation, or we were hinder- ing the progress of the gospel by our indifference and lack of interest that was manifest by our neglect of duty and coldness in the work of the Master. The earnest manner the speaker addressed the audi- ence set many to thinking, and led us to examine our heart, and by the Spirit of God as our teacher, find out which class we belonged to. After he closed his remarks, a tall, fine-looking gentleman stepped to the front of the platform with a happy expression upon his face, prepossessing in appearance, easy in. manner, with a broad chest and a massive pair of _ lungs, a rich, clear voice, and addressed us with these words coming from his heart with pathos and the tenderuess of a little child: ‘ It must be settled to-night.” That sentence from that devout man fell upon the audience with great weight and much force, and was as a nail driven in a sure place by the Mas- ter of assemblies, and then clenched it down as he took a seat in front of the instrument to play the ac- companiment as he gave us a song that had salvation in it. It was very impressive, and much appreciated by those who had the pleasure to listen. The amount of good accomplished for God through that song will never be known until the books are opened at the judgment. Rev. H. M. Church, Boonville, arose to his feet and announced they would hold an altar meeting in front of the stand, and invited all Chris- tians to gather as near there as: possible, to unite their faith and join in prayer for God to bless the preaching of his Word, and touch hearts through song, and win souls for Jesus. We then knelt to- ou? THE NARROW WAY. gether in prayer. While one of the brethren w praying, “ Happy Jobn” (John B. Gridley), escort: a young man to the front seat, and there he bows on his knees to ask God, for his Son’s sake, to mal him a Christian. In answer to the prayer of a d voted Christian mother and the godly example of pious father, who is preaching the gospel, that be was saved, and won to the Saviour. We arose to 01 feet, and were dismissed. As we walked away { our quarters for the night we noticed some were col victed, and weeping on account of their sins. Sal bath morning the bell from the stand was rung + five and a half o'clock, calling the people to tak breakfast and prepare for the love feast at eig! o’clock. After breakfast we called at the cottage « sister Davis, from Utica. We met sisters Steven Barker, Anderson, and sister Conway, Albany. W exchanged a few words with each of them about tl meetings, and then bowed on our knees in prayer { God for his guidance and blessing during the da The bell at the stand notified us that it was eig] o'clock. Rev. J. G. Brooks had charge, and opene the meeting by reading and commenting upon tl precious Word. After a season of prayer, testim« nies were in order. There was a tender spirit man fested by all present ; some old veterans in the ser ice were there and took delight in telling us how lor they had been in the way, which strengthened 01 faith in the Lord. The singing came from the hea while there was a ring in it that stirred the souls : the people. At ten o’clock Rev. H. Skeel, Frankfoi preached an able sermon. Theme: “ The Judgment \ EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 503 He walked out from his seat gracefully, as a humble follower of Christ, with dignity that is becoming toa minister of the gospel, calm and deliberate, and by the expression upon his face, showed his thoughts were heavenward, and looking up to him who is the King of Kings and Lord over all, for grace to be given at that critical time, as he was about to ad- dress his fellow travelers to eternity with words pleas- ing to God and suitable for the occasion. He no doubt felt the great responsibility that was upon him to speak to men perhaps for the last time, and per- suade them to repent and seek the Lord. He mani- fested great faith in the Master as he advanced with his subject. He was so much inspired from above, he seemed to soar away on wings of eloquence while he hid behind the cross of Christ, holding Jesus up to the people for them to look at his bleeding hands and wounded side, which was pierced for them, and through the death and atonement of our Saviour they may haye pardon with God and be made heirs of eternal life through faith in the crucified One. Many in the congregation were moved to tears by the tenderness of his own heart and the strong appeal he made to the unsaved to prepare to meet their God. He spoke for one hour and ten minutes from the fullness of his heart, the emotion of soul and the joy of the Lord that permeated his entire being with rapture and bliss coming from the glory world in answer to the prayer of faith from consecrated hearts praying God to bless preacher and people, as he de- livered that message for the Saviour to dying men that must meet at the judgment, and stand with him f 504 “ THE NARROW WAY. arrayed in white on the right hand of God; or hea -that unwelcome announcement, ‘e Depart from me ye workers of iniquity, into everlasting torment, pre pared for all of them that forget God.” He was « filled with power from the Most High; he took : book in his hand from the instrument and turnec over the pages, and addressed those out of Christ and said to them, “The blood of Jesus will cleanse you from all sin, and wash your guilty and sin-sicl _ soul, and make it white as snow.” What a picture for each one to look at in their imagination, while he was carried upon Pisgah’s top with such divine in. spiration, and held at his command the multitude sitting there breathless, as it were, from the solemni- ty and presence of divinity, while scores responded, ‘ and said Amen from the heart, and others shouted Hallelujah. He turned around, sat down, and was heard to say, Glory} glory. The “ Singing Evangel. ists” then sang a beautiful song, “ Come to J esus.” It fell upon the audience with a refreshing influence, with the softness and beauty of a summer evening sunset, as from the angelic choir that sing over there, “Unto him who hath washed us in his own precious blood.” Brother and sister Nickle, who are associated “(and singing the gospel) with Rev. Mr. Graves, the Evangelist Baptist minister, is now spending his va- cation with his wife at the home of his son, a bank- erin Dakota. Brother Nickle is from Pennsylvania, his former home. As I have written about him and the song he gave us on Saturday evening, I will not say any more. He is stopping at present at the home of Mrs. Tamphens Frankfort, the mother of EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. °° 505 his wife. Sister Nickle isa devout Christian lady, — has a clear, rich voice, and sings the contralto with her husband. May God bless and use them for his , glory in the work they are engaged in, the conversion of immortal souls. 1 will pray the Lord to endow them with power to win many from the broad way of sin to Christ and heaven. I suppose brother Skeel, who is now their pastor, as they gave him their church letters when they came, invited them to at- tend the camp-meeting. I am thankful I had the pleasure to meet them and listen to their Christian song. At one o'clock we met the class-leaders at the Frankfort tent to look each other in the face, and the love of Christ in our hearts to help along the cause we dearly love and are toiling for. After a few brief prayers and song, brother R. R. Bennett, who has the interest and is laboring hard to build up the in- terest of the class-meeting, reminded us of the com- ing Class-Leaders’ Convention in Syracuse, Sept. 12th, and urged each one to make an effort to be present. The beil at the stand then called us togeth- er to enjoy the afternoon service. A song from the choir broke in upon us, which was very acceptable and had a good influence upon the people to direct their attention to the stand, to listen to the sermon from Rev. W. H. Reese, Ilion. Text: “The perfect man,” as found in the Scriptures. He said we often measured men; and the mothers would tie up their little ones in a blanket and hang them up on the steelyards to find out their weight, and speak of it to their friends. He remarked that our aim should 32 , 506 THE NARROW WAY. ! ‘-be to pattern after the model man, our Saviour. He was the standard; we must strive daily to be like him. He was very liberal, and said we might call it ‘by any name—perfeet man, sanctification, Holy Ghost, rest of faith, perfect love, or use whatever ‘term we wish ; the important thing was to get ‘the experience, anil live it every day, and do- good in the world. The discourse was practical and beautf- fully pictured ont to us, and made a deep impression on many hearts, that would result in good. A song was given by brother and sister Nickle, appropriate for the occasion. We were dismissed, and went with - our pastor to the Ilion chapel to hold a prayer meet- ing. Some strange faces were there ; we said, “‘ God bless them.” After a few prayers and Christian song the invitation was given for any that wished to seek the Lord to manifest it by rising to their feet. One aged man arose and asked us to pray for him. That gladdened each heart. That man, as, we learned. was a believer in Universalism, and lived it all -his life, without any concern while everything was pros- perous and well. A few months ago death came to his house and took his loved companion ; his sorrow was so great he could not bear it; his religion to him was a failure. He then talked with Christians ; they of course pointed him to Jesus. That man was saved _ before the meeting closed, and made happy in the “Lord. At seven and a-half o’clock the bell called us to listen to a sermon from Rev. C. Phelps, Westmore- land. Text: ‘“ How shall we escape if we neglect sc great salvation ?” That is an old and familiar text, but the discourse was new and full of inspiration ‘EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 507 The speaker enjoyed what he was saying ; no lack for words ; he was intensely in earnest to honor the Saviour ; his mind was fixed upon the theme, while his voice rang out from the fullness of his héart to flee from the wrath to come, and through faith in Jesus accept salvation. He paid great respect to those of the household of faith, and said the world was better to-day from the preaching of the gospel. He is a firm believer in the power of God to heal disease in answer to the prayer of faith, as recorded in the precious Word, and referred to that subject in the love feast in the morning. The gospel singers then gave us one of their best pieces ; from the qui- et of the evening hour we lingered there listening to the songs of Zion speaking to the masses who were on the encampmient, and touching hearts that have a passion for music, and no doubt be won for Christ through that instrumentality, and gain the blissful shore, the ‘Sweet By-and by.” We offered a silent prayer from our heart for God to bless the faithful preaching of his ministering servants, and carry salvation to some hearts through song. At nine o’clock the people retired to the different tents for prayer, praise and thanksgiving to God for the mercies of the day and the good advice received from the sacred desk from those devout men of God standing on Zion’s walls, preaching a full, free and glorious salvation to every son and daughter of Adam. As we were dismissed by our pastor, we spent a few minutes in hand-shaking and looking into the faces of some for the last time in the grove. We then went to the Remington cottage, our lodging- \ i 508 ‘THE NARROW WAY. place for the night, feeling in our soul we could say by the grace’of God, “We have pitched our moving tent one day’s march nearer home.” Rey. H. W. Bennett, P. E. Herkimer District, and Rev. L. L. ' Palmer, P. E. Utica District, were present, and busy from early morn until late at night, making the an- -nouncement from the stand the hour for each service, and attending to the wants of the people, with an eye to the keeping of good order, which prevailed during the entire session, and especially on the Sab- bath, and saying kind words and giving a hearty, warm shake of the hand to welcome everybody, which was much appreciated by all. At seven o’clock a. M. we walked down to the dining hall for breakfast. We had the pleasure to sit at the table by the side of our much esteemed pastor and a few of the dear people ' from Ilion that were there. We then paid our bill to the officer in charge, brother Beckwith, took a seat in the *bus for the depot, and bade good bye to Trenton camp-ground. , On account of pressing duties in the office of my . employers, I was deprived of attending the Class- ‘Leaders’ Convention in Syracuse. For fear the breth- ren, and especially the Secretary, who is a dear friend of mine, might think I had lost my interest in the cause of God and the privilege of the best means of grace which is afforded to a member of the M. E. church, the class-meeting, by not being present to answer to the roll-call, I felt it my duty to write to brother Cobb and explain my absence; also to let him know the reason that brother R. R. Bennett was not there, as he had gone to Florida a few days pre- EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 509 vious to spend the winter. Brother Bennett has la- bored long and hard to bring about a deeper interest in the attendance of the class-meeting, and has suc- ceeded in the organization of the two Conferences to hold an annual meeting to promote the work of a class-leader and prompt the people to attend the class-meeting. I think we all need more enthusiasm “and a renewed engagedness in this means of grace. Through the help of divine aid, and an effort on our part to keep the subject before the church, we may help to revive a better attendance at class-meeting of members, and show to them the responsibility which rests upon them, as they have taken vows at the al- tar when they have entered the pale of our church, to be governed by the discipline and rules of the same. J am expecting grand results and much good from the Conventions; I have attended nearly all of them, and am happy to say God has approved of them, and by his blessing and through the agency of the Holy Spirit led some souls to seek the Lord be- fore the meetings have been dismissed. In answer to my letter to the Secretary (brother Cobb), I have | a postal card from him; it cheered my heart and gave me cncouragement. I now give its contents to aid you in the service of Jesus: “ Mexico, N. Y. “ Dear BrotHeR—Your letter at hand. We did indeed have a wonderful time—some 150 delegates present—the best meeting we ever had so far. The last night we held a revival service, and four at the altar, and six more for prayer—all adults; the salva- tion fires kindled all over the room. Our next meet- ing will be held ; we will endeavor to change 510 THE NARROW WAY. the day to 16th and 17th, then you can arrange to come. We thought of you all at Tlion. The Lord blesses our meetings in a special manner whenever we meet. We have incorporated now. Give my kind regards to your people. Amen. “Yours for God, Cops.” Through-the kindness of one of the members of my class, who is absent from home, and has not the opportunity of attending the class-meeting on ac- count of his duties in that popular institution, Ham- ilton College, where he is preparing himself through | study and the help of competent and able teachers, to go out and be a blessing to society in doing good, and by that honor his dear parents, and make a suc- cess in the labor and toil of life, and help to make the world better by the use of his talents and gifts that God has endowed him with. I hope the Lord will call him to the ministry, and send him out to preach the blessed gospel, and win men from dark- ness into light, and from the slavery of sin to God. To my happy surprise I received a letter from that young man. I will give the contents of it to benefit shose that peruse these pages. It came unexpected- tome. He has referred to the meetings, and the aelp received from me. I am not aware that I have »ver helped any one only as Jesus has given me a vord to utter, and through the aid of the Holy Ghost yower to accompany the feeble utterances, and reach 1earts and make impressions that will be lasting, and somewhere in the pathway of life turn their feet into he narrow way. The Lord has given me an interest EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 511 a friendly, warm clasp of the hand, and above all a godly walk, a pious example, a Christian influence, and consecrated life for Christ. I like the words of the apostle Paul: “I am all things to all men, that I may win them to Christ.” I have that desire in my heart ; I try and encourage it by putting it in prac- tice in doing good in every way I can, hoping the good Lord will use his feeble servant to win souls for the Master, and enjoy that beautiful home in the spirit world, for his own name’s sake. ‘“‘ HaMILTON COLLEGE. “Mr. Hurcuins: Dear Sir—I learned through my parents that you had called at the house, and was very much disappointed because I was not there to see you. Yet when I next come home I shall en- deavor to see you. Iam glad to hear so favorable reports of the progress of the church ; and I am sure that those whom Mr. Barnes may win for Christ you will keep from straying from the fold. You can have no idea of what good you are doing the young peo- ple in your class. Many times when feeling weak and disheartened, I have come from your class feel- ing strong and happy in Christ, for God had been there. J have spent many glorious moments in that little class-room, and although I cannot be with the class, I think of them very often. “Mr. Hutchins, you are doing a great work, and God is blessing you. I know it, I feel it ; your very words are full of his love; and the young people of the Methodist church are | eing blessed through your efforts. O,I could write a volume about those little meetings ; I could write of words dropped, as you may have thought, on barren and stony ground, which went home to young hearts and bore fruit ; of pray- ers which sank deep into young souls, and set them 512 THE NARROW WAY. thinking; and although I am away from those famil- iar scenes, I hope that you will never forget to think of, and pray for, ee? ESSAY GIVEN BY THE WRITER AT THE CLAS8—LEADERS’ CONVENTION, SYRACUSE. Subject—* Has the interest of the members of the M. E. Church in class-meetings declined ?” Myr. Chairman: Brethren—This questiun is of vi- tal importance to all lovers of Methodism. 1 am compelled to answer you in the affirmative ; the in- terest has declined in our chuch. We must admit of that, as far as our experience extends. To find out the cause, and trace it where it belongs, and obtain a remedy, is what calls us here to-day. Dr. Lowry once said, ‘Sin has the same effect on holiness that water has on fire.” The great foe we all have to con- end with, and the one that is doing us harm in the shurch and out of it, and is the most busy person I aver heard of, and one that we least think about, and 1eglect watching to keep him away from the lambs of ihe flock, to pluck them out of our hands and entice ihem to absent themselves from the class-meeting, ind attend the theatre, go to the ball-room, visit sa- oons, frequent the fashionable watering place, where rou will find the gay and trifling that are in pursuit »f happiness in this life, and do not succeed in find- ng it. If you should engage in conversation with iome of those persons that attend the places I have eferred to, you will be surprised to hear them say to ‘ou, at a certain time in their life they belonged to EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 513 the M. E. church and attended class-meeting. For some reason or other they neglected to meet in class, and staid away, and did not go the next week, conse- quently became backslidden, and to-day are out of the church and away from Christ. Nine times out of ten you will find, if you follow the absentees of your class, and inquire from them, and they are honest, and make a humble confession, you will find it a neg- lect of duty to attend the meetings and witness for the Saviour. The way of duty is the way of safety. When we as Methodists neglect to attend the class- meeting, unless detained by sickness or being absent from town, we will find out that we are getting cold and indifferent, and losing our zeal and vitality in re- ligion, and our interest and love for the Saviour and his cause is declining. It isa great thing to be a de- voted, humble follower of Christ,.and attend all the means of grace, and be true to Jesus, and loyal to our beloved church with all her blessed privileges, and faithful seven days in the week. To accomplish all this, we must be willing to pay the price, and make an entire surrender of all we have and are, to God, then and only then can we look up ,and say, Abba, Father, my Lord and my God. I fear with some of us our conversion is not thorough and genu- ine; that is, we may stop short in seeking a clean heart saved from all sin, and washed white in the blood of the Lamb. I have known of some Chris- tians that have started out in the narrow way and run well for a season, and in a short time, after the revi- val spirit has declined, they would remain at home, and not attend class, become cold, and lose their rel- 14 THE NARROW WAY. sh for spiritual things; they need help immediately, nd must get it from some source—from their pastor, a a sopl-stirring Holy Ghost ‘sermon, or a prayer rom-their class-leader, who is devoted and conse- rated to God, and will call at their home and pray _ rith his heart filled with the love of Christ, and his oul burdened for the members of his class, or any. ne who may be looking for Christian sympathy from ome warm-hearted follower of Jesus, that we may go- t once to their rescue. We must be on the look-out nd ready to act in any case of emergency to assist hem that need a kind work to encourage their heart o try again. I think one reason for the small attendance at class- 1eeting is, we as class-leaders do not make the meet- ngs interesting; the members come expecting to get \elp ; they have perhaps had severe trials during the veek. The leader may come in late and not pre- vared for the duties of the hour, and fail to meet the lemands from the members of his class in leading hem up higher in the divine life. Jesus said to Pe- er, “ Feed my lambs.” He also said to the disciples, Tarry at Jerusalem until ye are endued with power rom on high.” Brother class-leader, have you com- lied with that request? Have you received the Holy thost? Itis for you by simple faith in Jesus. O, ake it now and go out armed and equipped for the var. You may be called to engage in a hand to hand. ight with the enemy of souls, who is lurking about. md cunning, to devise ways and means to deceive © ‘rou and those who are in your charge. Take the word of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and. EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. 515 vield it in the defense of the gospel. A class-leader thould be brimfull of religion and running over; in 1im a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Chen the spray that will come from the overflow of a ‘ull heart will stimulate all of his class to renewed ife and vigor in the service of Christ. We must have jower with God to exert an influence upon men to. vin them to Jesus. Methodism without the Holy thost and the baptism of fire is powerless and dead. Brethren, let us think of this, and ask God to come n power and reign righteousness upon us here and 1ow and use us to advance his cause, and help im- nortal souls that are hastening to eternity and the udgment, there to be sent to everlasting punishment, wr enjoy the company of angels and the blood-washed n glory. Read afew verses from the sacred Word n your meeting and comment upon it as you may be ed by the Holy Spirit to guide you in your work. Your own heart will be strangely warmed as you re- yeat the promises over to those present. There will , ye a halo of glory in the room; the presence of the lost High will be felt in power; the stillness and juiet of the place will be evident that the Master of issemblies has come to cheer each heart with his ten- ler Spirit and give to them a new experience that hey have never witnessed along the pilgrim way. I? vill not attempt to advise you how to lead your class}? 7ou must ask God to teach you how to succeed in / loing that, and please him; you must have one ob-' ect in view, the glory of God and building up of ‘our class ; be familiar with the discipline, a good 3ible student, in order that you can quote from the 516 THE NARROW WAY. Scriptures to encourage and benefit the class. O, for holy and devout men of God for class-leaders, that are willing to sacrifice time, talent, and use their means if need be, to accomplish the work. A leader must use tact and common sense to get the most out of a meeting and make it profitable for each one. It is true there is great responsibility on a class-leader; any one who does not feel that had better pause and think about it ; souls are entrusted to their care, and. will become like their leader to a great extent. They should be in love with their work. and rather do it than not; be cheerful, full of hope and courage and exercise great faith in God; be simple and work af- ter the pattern set forth in the Word. I have ob- served that after a revival in the church the classes are better attended. May we have more of the re- vival spirit work and go forward expecting to succeed. We, as leaders,’need the anointing of the Holy Ghost, so that we can grapple with Satan and defeat his plans and march on to victory with the tread of a conqueror, accomplish our purpose, gain success, and reach heaven. Inthe WordI read, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me?” O, for that drawing power to be given toeach to make us efficient as laborers together with God. We are to toil here and rest yonder ; our reward is waiting us. “As you sowso will youreap.” We are here to-day to look each other in the face, renew our vows and cov- enant together, to re-dedicate ourselves to God and the work he has for us to do, and be quickened by his Spirit to renewed consecration and zeal which will he siven from Him who sitteth on his throne and EXPERIENCE ILLUSTRATED. OL¢ doeth all things well. May a baptism of the Holy Spirit come upon each one; create in us enthusiasm to advance and defend one of the blessed heaven- bought privileges, mighty for good and powerful, ex- erting a healthful Christian influence and promoting a holy zeal in the community peculiar in Methodism, and not to be found in any sister church in the land, which is founded on the Word of God and establish- ed by that sainted man now in heaven, John Wasley —the class-meeting. Dear reader, you and I are about to say to each other good-bye; we have traveled together (in thought) all through the pages of this work. The journey has been a pleasant one to me. I have endeavored to do you good ; my heart is full of good sayings to you ; wherein I have failed to interest you, the fault has come from the head, as the intention of my heart is pure ; nothing toward you but love. Yes, I love your soul; Jesus loves you, and gave himself for you. Do you love him? I hope youdo. I think no one on earth that ever attempted to put on paper what has been given to them, from whence cometh all our bless- ings, mercies and good wishes to benefit the human race, las had as strong a desire to do good by the use of the pen as I have. J maynever have the en- joyment to look into your pleasont face or greet you with a warm shake of the hand. I am glad that there is one channel of communication to reach your heart, through prayer and faith. My prayer to God daily while I live is, that he will bless and save all that read these words; that includes you. Perhaps you are already a Christian; if so, be a cheerful one. ‘ ’ 518 THE NARROW WAY. There is no growth in grace to a long, solemn face professor of religion. “A glad heart maketh a cheer- ful countenance.” Some one has said we are to give’ _ our smiles to the aged. That is right and proper. I say we are to give our sympathy, friendship, and prayers to the young people. They demand and ex- pect kind words from us; they do not cost us any- - thing ; but there will come back to us such consola- tion and satisfaction that we have helped some heart to carry burdens; we will have a blessed experience in- doing that simple thing. Love begets love. I will ‘prove it to you by the Bible. God says in his Word, “Tlove them that love me, and they that seek me early shall find me.” Decide now to be wholly the Lord’s. You are not your own; you have been bought with a price ; not silver or gold ; the precious _klood of Christ which was shed for you on Calvary. Look at his wounded side that was pierced for your sins ; see the prints of the nails in his hands where he was nailed 'to the cross, suffered and died for you. O, do not reject him; he is waiting to receive you with outstretched arms of mercy. He is interceding “for you at the throne of grace, and saying, “ Father, : forgive them, they know not what they do.” There is a time coming to each one of us when we will need Christ as our friend and Saviour. He is waiting to do great things for you in each step along the pil- grim way. Farewell! May you and I, through riches of grace in Christ Jesus our Lord, meet in heaven, for the dear Redeemer’s sake. Yours with the abid- ing Comforter. S 2