Chapter I: Wanted to Swear; (2)

The last year that my now sainted companion was on earth, we were far away from markets. Her desire for food was very fluctuating. Occasionally she would want some kind of food that seemed impossible to obtain; but whenever she expressed a desire for any kind of food, it came. One morning I asked her what she could eat if we had it. She replied, “I could eat a brook trout, if I had it.” My son, Lester, then about fourteen years old, was attending school in the place where we then lived. At recess he went back a little way from the school house, where was running a little brook, the outlet of springs: He saw therein a remarkably fine trout. By some means it was out of the main channel and could not make its escape. My son saw the situation, and remembering what his _sick_ mother had said in the morning, marked the spot, and as soon as school closed he took the fish up to his mother. As soon as she saw it she recognized the hand of the Lord, and with a heart full of love and gratitude, and eyes sparkling with tears, we unitedly joined in thanking God for the supply so much needed. On another occasion during her sickness, when asked what she would like to eat if we had it, she replied: “I could eat some lamb, if I had it.” It was in the month of March, and it did not seem as though such a thing could be had short of New York City. A farmer living some three miles away, had five lambs that were born in December or January. They were very nice and highly prized by their owner. The day my companion expressed a wish for lamb, the owner was moving them from one stall in his barn to another; one accidentally broke its leg; so the farmer was compelled to kill and dress it. While at this work and feeling very bad, he said a voice, as plain as human voice, and a good deal more impressive, said: “Take part of this lamb to Sister Osborne,” which he did. Praise God!

The next circuit that we occupied was Seneca Falls, Auburn, Owasco, Niles and Canandaigua. I felt that God wanted me to live at Seneca Falls. My chairman thought that I had better settle at some other point, as the Seneca Falls pilgrims were very poor and discouraged. We went to Seneca Falls on Thursday, met the pilgrims at Sister McKee’s. I think there were less than a dozen poor, discouraged ones. They received us with not a little indifference, and were sure that a house could not be found anywhere in the place. They said that others had been there looking for houses, but could find none. However, they were going to _leave it all_ with the Lord. In this they were like a great many that I have met with, awful willing to let the good Lord do it all. They really believe that Jesus paid it all, consequently, let Him do it all.

This did not disturb my convictions that God wanted me to live there, and that He had a house for me at that place. I prayed much that night, and as Friday morning dawned upon us I felt all through my being that in such a part of the town there was an _empty house_, and that I could hire it. I knew but little of the place, but after prayers I started off in the direction of the _empty house_, according to my conviction. I came to that part of the town indicated by my feelings. I met a lad and said to him, “Where is that house where the family moved out a few days ago?” Said he, “Right around the corner.” I moved on a few rods when I met another boy and made the same inquiry of him. He replied, “That house across there.” It was really a neat house owned by a merchant’s wife, they occupying the wing part. All the upright part, consisting of seven neat rooms, she wanted to rent until spring. Inside of ten minutes I made a bargain for the house, paid one month’s rent, and the next week we moved in and remained there for two years. We had the house for six dollars per month, when a great many others wanted it and would have paid ten or twelve dollars per month.

I want to say a little more about this affair, as it was so clear a case of the Lord’s doings; as clear as when Peter was led out of prison by the angel of God. I thought so then. I think so now, after the lapse of nearly twenty-five years, and look back to that event with the profoundest feelings of love and veneration for the special leadings of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus at that time, and all the way since. A gracious revival commenced from the very beginning of our ministry at that place. As we commenced house-keeping right away, I appointed a meeting for holiness at our house. In my notice of the meeting I excluded all that did not want something special of the Lord. The meeting was good and lasted until after ten o’clock. We had quite a struggle for a lady that came there expressly for her soul’s salvation. She finally came through with a tremendous shout, and this she continued for some time. I had a sort of feeling that these shouts greatly disturbed my landlady in the other part of the house. Immediately after breakfast the next morning she sent for me to come in, she wanted to see me. As soon as I entered she looked me square in the face and stated in very emphatic language that I must procure another house immediately. Said she, “I did not let you have my house for public meetings. I cannot and will not have such confusion in my house. It was perfectly ridiculous--such a noise--such a pow-wow--husband and I did not sleep a wink all night, you must move right out.” I looked her steadily in the face and said nothing until she had spent her force, and then made my statement. I knew my rights and purposed to stick to them. I said, “True, Mrs. Ingmire, you did not rent me your house for public meetings; it was not of that class--it was a select meeting. I stated from the pulpit that none need come except those that wanted something from the Lord. It was a meeting for holiness. You know the Methodists believe in that. (She was a Methodist.) We believe in being good--like our Master, who went about doing good to the souls and bodies of men.” I then referred to that poor widow that God converted last night; what a hard time she had, caring for five little children, working late at night and early in the morning with but little to eat and poorly clad and without the comforts of salvation. I saw that she was deeply interested in my talk, and that I had the inside track. At this point I said, “Let us pray,” at the same time dropping on my knees, I commenced praying for God to bless the work at Seneca Falls, and especially my landlady. She knelt while I prayed. The good Lord heard and answered prayer. When I came to the Amen, she responded, Amen. We arose. She said with tears rolling down her face, “God bless you, Brother Osborne, I believe the Lord sent you here; I think you will do good here; just the man needed.” I assured her that God sent me there, and that I meant to do good, and bade her good morning. No more was said about our leaving the house, but they made much effort to keep us there; and when the first year was up, they circulated a petition for our being returned the second year. We remained there two years and God gave us a continuous revival. For weeks souls were saved in every meeting at Seneca Falls, and at every point on this circuit we had a revival.

“God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform.”

The people that we were laboring with and for, were very poor, so that we were compelled to pray the Lord’s prayer daily: and blessed be the name of the Lord, He fed and clothed us. It would be impossible to tell the many peculiar ways that God had in supplying our needs. On one occasion my entire suit of wearing apparel had become badly worn and looked decidedly seedy. My coat was so feeble that it would not hold together under the arms, though wife had darned it much, and every time that I would raise my hand, when preaching, there would be an exhibition of cotton, which somewhat annoyed me. I prayed over the matter. I believed that God would supply my need. I said, “Lord, thy servant ought to be in a presentable shape.” It did not seem to me that in a country like ours, where there was such an abundance on every side, that God wanted me to go dressed so poorly. After much care, and thought and prayer, I called at the Post Office and received two letters. I did not open them until I reached home. My first letter contained a fifty dollar post office order. It seemed as if I could not believe my own senses. Tears of gratitude so filled my eyes that I could hardly read for the time being, while the Spirit said, “This means an entire suit of clothes.” Of course this sent afresh the doxology coursing, vibrating and thoroughly permeating all of our redeemed powers. O, how precious it is to live where God feeds and clothes the body and satisfies our immortal nature with Himself. Well might the poet sing--

“O for such love let rocks and hills
Their lasting silence break.”

Every law governing this vast universe, with all its intelligencies, are under the direct control of our Heavenly Father. Nothing is lost to His sight. “If I ascend up into Heaven, Thou art there; if I make my bed in Hell, behold Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee.”

Every effect has its own legitimate cause. It is not necessary that we should understand perfectly the law governing cause and effect in order to have implicit trust and confidence in God. Things about us may have a strange and a very forbidding appearance, yet we are to get good out of all the events of life. “All things work together for good to them that love God.” This will keep the soul cheerful and make life a pleasant pilgrimage. Having this constantly before our minds, that God directs or permits all of life’s operations; and all for His glory, and the eternal well being of His dear children. Glory to God and the Lamb forever! “Heaven and earth would sooner pass away, than one jot, or one tittle, of His law, should fail.”

We believe God; the uncreated, that was, from everlasting, to everlasting; that was, away back in the eternal solitudes of nature. With this profound mystery before us, and mysteries all along the way, we have the revealed will of God before us, which makes the way so plain, that, “The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.”

How numerous the cases where God’s special providences have been made manifest in delivering, in the time of great danger; in sustaining in the time of drouth and famine; when wasted and worn by disease. Truly, our God, is a present help, in time of need.”

In the fall of 1871 we were sent by our conference, and we believe by the Lord, to Philadelphia, Pa. We had felt, through the summer preceding, that we ought to go there in the fall. We arrived at our destination, and at Bro. Overing’s about 6 o’clock P. M. As we sat down to tea, soon after our arrival, Sister Overing said to me, “Bro. Osborne, did you know that the small pox was very thick in this part of the city?” I said, “No!” I then asked, “How long has it been at work here?” She said, “About three months.” Immediately my appetite for food left me, as suddenly as the unwelcome news approached me. I arose from the table without tasting of any food--powerfully tempted. The enemy said to me, “You see now what a fool you have made of yourself. You have brought your family here to die of the small pox.” I thought for a few moments that I should sink. I found my way into the parlor and then into a bed-room. I fell on my knees and cried unto the Lord. I told the Lord that I came there in good faith, and I could not bear to have my family all destroyed by the small pox. While on my knees the Lord telephoned me in these words, “No plague shall come nigh thy dwelling.” I recognized the communication as coming from my Heavenly Father, and immediately replied in these words: “Yea, Lord, be it unto Thy servant according to Thy word.” The burden rolled off and I felt as secure all the year from that moment, as though pestilence and death were not in the city. It spread until every part of the city was scourged with small pox. Hundreds died every week with it, and thousands during the year. Wife and I visited those that were sick. Almost every day I was in a small pox procession; and all through the year I felt perfectly secure from all of its destroying power.

Thus was God’s special providence made manifest in this fearfully alarming time of pestilence and death. Some two hundred thousand left the city in fearful alarm and dismay. At another appointment where our people were very poor and very much scattered, a rich man was saved and joined the feeble band. He agreed that if conference would let me stay with the poorest part of the circuit the second year, he would support the work, if it cost a thousand dollars, and beside, he would build a church for the pilgrims. This, doubtless he would have done, had he lived. He died soon after conference, having paid but one hundred dollars, leaving us to trust alone in God for our support. The house that we occupied was sold so that we were compelled to find another. There was just one house to be rented in the place for six months, the balance of the conference year, and this was owned by a hard-fisted landlord, and he wanted his rent monthly in advance. What could I do? I had nowhere to look for help, but to God alone. I must have a house, and get out of the one I then occupied, or be turned into the street. What a dilemma! How it would look to have a Free Methodist preacher, with wife and children, as good as ever graced the earth, turned into the street, because _why_? I seemed to be forced to bargain for the house, and agree to pay monthly in advance. The price was eight dollars per month. These were days of sore trial and anxious care. Much time we spent on our knees with strong crying and tears before God for the salvation of souls, food and shelter. Three days before we were to make our first payment, just the amount came, and we secured the house. Money came so that we were able to pay our rent always on time, and with two exceptions, it came three days before time. This has not always been the case, when we have trusted in boards, official or otherwise. But when we have been shut up alone with God, we have fed on the good of the land--the finest of wheat, with honey out of the Rock.

A few years later on, we were shut up for trust, to a large official board. They managed the parsonage, or hired one, and were responsible for the rent, and we supposed that everything was moving along grandly--when one morning I was called out by an officer of the law, and then he read a paper stating that three months rent was due, and unless it was paid immediately, I was to be thrown into the street, kit and cargo. This hard-hearted landlord said to me when the bargain was made for the house, “the garden is good for nothing.” It was a large one, but it had not been worked in ten years; it had grown up to weeds and thistles, year after year, so I need not expect anything from that source.” I thought, how bad it would look to have the preacher’s back yard covered with weeds and thistles. I made up my mind that I would not let the weeds grow. I would have it plowed and worked--if no more. After it was plowed, I was impressed to plant it, which I did. I spent quite a little time in working my garden. The Lord wonderfully blessed it, so that it was the best in the place. I worked it with hoe and axe. This I had to do right after it had rained. I made up my mind that my field could be made fruitful if well worked, with God’s blessing. I have often heard it said that such places were so hard, that nothing could be done. They meant Spiritually. All such expressions indicate a small amount of faith. They seem to forget that “_all things are possible with God_,” “_and to him that believeth_.”

Our work has been largely of the faith mission character, and wherever the ministry and laity have gone forth in that spirit, victory has crowned their labors. Much has been said and written about India and Africa’s faith missions, but too little about home faith missions. Is faith needed in those darkened lands for the salvation of the heathen? much more is mighty faith needed for the cultured heathen of America. “_O, breath of Heaven, come on us, that these dry bones may live._” I am satisfied that too many of us, have too little faith in the Almighty. We do not seem to take into our minds the fact, that, all power in Heaven, and earth belongs to Him, and He that spake world’s from nought, could, if necessary, create unnumbered worlds for the accomplishing of His designs in saving the human family.

Remember, O, remember precious soul, that with every felt need, your loving, Heavenly Father has the blessing in readiness, waiting for your contending faith to claim it!

“Though troubles assail, and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail, and foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,
The promise assures us, ‘_The Lord will provide_.’

The birds, without barn or storehouse, are fed;
From them let us learn to trust for our bread;
His saints what is fitting shall ne’er be denied,
So long as ’tis written, ‘_The Lord will provide_.’

When Satan appears to stop up our path,
And fills us with fears, _we triumph by faith_;
He cannot take from us, (though oft he has tried.)
The heart-cheering promise, ‘_The Lord will provide_.’

He tells us we’re weak--our hope is in vain;
The good that we seek we ne’er shall obtain:
But when such suggestions our graces have tried,
This answers all questions, ‘_The Lord will provide_.’

No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim:
Our trust is all thrown in Jesus’ name;
In this our strong tower for safety we hide;
The Lord is our power, ‘_The Lord will provide_.’

When life sinks apace, and death is in view,
The Word of His grace shall comfort us through:
Not fearing or doubting with Christ on our side,
We expect to die shouting, ‘_THE LORD DOES PROVIDE_!’”

VII.

A PECULIAR PEOPLE.

The elect, the Chosen of God, those who are ordained unto life eternal, are God’s peculiar people; they were in the past, they are now, and will be for all time to come. Hear the declaration of Holy Writ:

“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice, indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a _peculiar people_, or treasure, unto me above all people, for all the earth is mine.--Ex. 19:5. For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a _peculiar people_ unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.--Deut. 14:2.” Then in 26th chapter and 18th verse the same thought is expressed: “And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be His _peculiar people_, as He hath promised thee, and that thou shouldst keep all His commandments.” The Psalmist caught the inspiration and gave thought and expression in like manner: “For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto Himself, and Israel for His _peculiar people_.”

Under the blazing light of the new dispensation, with a heart and tongue all on fire with love divine, and vision turned upon the redeemed of God, he declares what God would have us understand more perfectly that, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a _peculiar people_; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

The condition rendering God’s people peculiar is of a twofold character--internal and external, and both internal and external are likewise of a twofold character, the positive and negative.

A person may be very peculiar, and yet be far away from God. There is much that is odd, very odd, yea, very peculiar, connected with some very good people which is no part of Christianity. A few years ago I had the pleasure of attending a Sabbath School Convention of the M. E. Church at Black River, N. Y. A part of the program was a discussion of this proposition:

“Shall we teach the peculiarities of Methodism in our Sabbath Schools?”

There was much said, but nothing that had any special bearing on the subject. Rev. Mr. D---- said that he had a right to speak on the subject, as he was a Methodist, of Methodists parents; two of his sisters married Methodist preachers; and beside he had two brothers that were Methodist preachers, and his father’s house was a home for Methodist preachers. He related many pleasant things that occurred among the preachers, and many peculiar things. He said there was one Bro. Lovice that was often at his home, a holy man. He really enjoyed holiness. At the table one day, mother, at the close of the meal, took the platter containing a custard pie, passed around the table and gave to each a piece. When she came to Brother Lovice, she said, “My dear brother, will you have a piece of pie?” He replied, “Yes, ma’am,” holding out both hands, and received his pie in that peculiar way. This he related, and then said, “I believe in the peculiarities of Methodism.” There are too many, I fear, who entertain similar views of the qualities that go to make up what constitute a _peculiar people_.

It is not eccentricity--though people lay much stress on that. It is not in being careless or indifferent, to any of the claims that God, or our neighbor has upon us; nor indifference in regard to our personal appearance. The dress question is one of great importance. God requires us to _adorn_ our bodies in _modest_ apparel. Now, to meet the conditions, some things are necessary: First--The color and quality of goods purchased. Secondly--The style or manner in which they are made. It is not for the glory of God to have your clothes cut and made so that all who see you would never mistrust your clothes were made for you, but for some person of a much larger make-up. There are some people who are real saints, but in their manner of dress, they have no respect for the “_terms_” _modest or adorn_. I maintain that the saints are the best-looking people the world has got, and they ought to dress the best. Thank God, some do! The material should be becoming, age, and condition in life, embraced in a thus saith the Lord. In the next place, garments should be made to fit. We should dress ourselves with care and neatness--not slovenly, or in a careless and untidy manner. Many seem to have no respect for the fitness of things, especially for how their clothes fit. We should be in a presentable condition: “_adorned in modest apparel_.” Many have lost measurably their influence for good by their untidy, and utter disrespect of God’s requirements in the matter of adornments.

A real saint, has the outside, and the inside of real salvation, which renders them _God’s peculiar people_; inside, and outside, righteousness. It consists first, in having our sins taken from us--removed as far as the east is from the west, so that it has no more dominion over us, having our inner being washed and set free from all the remains of the carnal mind. This is preceded by a real death to carnality--a death which too few experience, but necessary in order to prove the heights and depths of love divine.

It is to be so dead to sin and self, that we shall be just like clay in the hands of the potter, fashioned by Him as he wills and we lovingly submit and say, “Thy will be done, O, Lord! my God, and my Redeemer.”

To be a peculiar people, means _death_ to the tricks and wiles of the devil--so that in presenting his claims with all his Satanic art, there is no response within, but a repelling power springs up immediately. He will tempt you to disbelieve in Jesus Christ, that is, don’t expect Him to save you so thoroughly as some claim. He will persuade you if possible to tone down a little; but with this death, and this resurrection power, you are more than a match for him.

He will follow you all the way down to death. Everywhere he will present his claims, and with the least possible chance, he will overcome you.

We are not above our Master. The world, with all its grandeur, will make its demands. As Christ was tempted to bow the knee, so will it be with us. The flesh will clamor for indulgencies, but the child of God that is dead indeed to sin and alive to Him, will overcome by the word of their testimony and the blood of the Lamb. The internal evidence that you are one of that family, _a peculiar people_, is grandly pronounced in the following manner:

The first noticeable manifestation after you have made clean your escape from the land of bondage and destruction, will be a _state of peace_ that will thrill your entire being. This will appear strange, after the awful conflict that you so recently passed through. Coming into a state of reconciliation--everything about you will seem to be in a lovely mood. As you move on in the divine life, this state of joy and gladness will increase, so that your _peace_ will flow as a river; and as you continue faithful in the grace already given, you will soon have what the Psalmist called “_Great peace_.” “_Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them._” That is, if you are sanctified wholly, made perfect in love, you have a peace that will not stumble over anything that may occur; the ungodly things that are on all sides will not turn you out of the direct way to Heaven. Everlasting joy belongs to this people; it comes natural to them, as rays of light from the sun, or as rain from the clouds. The command is, “Rejoice evermore.” This would be impossible without a pure heart and a holy life. “The redeemed come to Zion, with songs and with everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

While the saints all have joy, they do not all have the same degree of joy; neither will they in the world to come. St. Paul says that “one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection.” Holy joy is like a musical scale, with its added lines. Every note of praise has its positive, comparative and superlative development. The first note of holy joy that will be discovered in us will be in singing the songs of Zion. The redeemed come with songs; and yet there may be the joy, not only of the justified believer, but of the wholly sanctified. Glory to God. While this may be true, not all that sing the songs of Zion are blessed with this holy, triumphant joy. Only the redeemed have it.

The second degree of joy, in the natural scale, will be found in the hearty amen; especially if it be born of the Spirit. A great many amens were never born of the Spirit; they are counterfeits. How blessed are the sanctified amens. How rich the service that is well interspersed with them. The amen corners in our churches are of inestimable value; as much so as the Urim and Thummim in the Mosaic dispensation. It clearly revealed the presence of the Most High; so do the spirit-inspired amens. How encouraging the unctious amens to the saints. How it lifts the preacher while proclaiming the everlasting gospel. Oh, that God would baptize the church with more sanctified, Holy Ghost amens.

The note of praise running still higher in the scale of holy joy will be, “Praise the Lord.” How little we hear of this, to what we ought to hear. But as we advance in the divine life, the praises of God will increase in our hearts, and upon our lips, and we shall feel like saying: “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”

The next higher note of joy will be “Glory.” This will spring up so natural if you occupy just the right spot on the scale of experience. You cannot pump it up, if the well is dry. There must be living water in the well. Jesus said, “The water that I give you shall be in you a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.”

As you ascend the mount of holiness, the next higher note struck will be “_Hallelujah!_” This note is sweeter than honey and the honey comb. In order to understand music on this key, you must live in the promised land. Thus far in the scale of everlasting joy we have language to express in a very faint degree the heaven that reigns within. But there comes a condition in our onward flight when all the language employed by mortal beings fail to express the joy that floods the soul. St. Paul, master of the Greek language, which is said to be very expressive, could not give it in that, so, doubtless, he gave it in the language employed by angels. “For,” says the Apostle, “Believing, ye rejoice with joy which is unspeakable and full of glory.” That must be a little of the bliss that we shall know when we surround the throne; bliss without alloy; joy unspeakable and full of glory. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” God grant that the reader and the writer may have a great deal of this joy, regardless of the outer manifestation.

But in this condition of salvation, there will be outer manifestations; outer developments. Life is not an even spun thread. Rivers are not all the way through, the same, width and depth. The earth is not a dead level--a vast prairie--not all hill--not all valley, but a variety. The beauty of creation, is this endless variety. Who could bear to gaze forever on a vast plain, or mountain scenery? I believe that Heaven will be made up of change. It will take all of eternity to develop God’s creative power. It is true, there will be some general features that will abide; it is so with Christian life; but outwardly there will be new developments, new manifestations.

“Good works,” will be the most marked, demonstration. This people are “zealous of good works.” The work of beneficence occupies a large place with all that truly belong to Jesus. In this they will be like Him, who went about doing good to the souls and bodies of men; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and so far as we have the power, helping in every legitimate way:

“The voice of charity is kind,
She thinketh nothing wrong--
To every fault she seemeth blind;
Nor vaunteth with her tongue.
’Tis not to pause when at the door--
A shivering brother stands:
To ask the cause, what made him poor!
Or why he help demands.”

Christian men and women are stewards for God. Their income, after economically providing for their own needs, goes for God’s cause. How this cause would move, if all that profess to be disciples of Christ, were thus actuated. The secret of living where the great Shechinah will shine full-orbed upon your soul; where, not a cloud will arise to intervene for a moment, to darken the soul’s vision, comes when you are under, and daily bearing the cross. What blessed opportunities are presented daily, for denying self, and making glad hearts which have long been in the deepest sorrow, and affliction. How we may cheer the broken-hearted, if we will, and help the pilgrim on his way.

The very best investments come on this line. But woe to him that is greedy of gain, that is constantly seeking to lay up treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that, shall he also reap,” is the fiat of fate; the unchangeable law of Him that made and controls all things on earth, and in Heaven.

This people will have another class of manifestations, peculiar and marvelous. When the Holy Ghost comes on an individual, as it will, when a complete surrender has been made, there will be at times, visible evidences of that fact. This manifestation will not be the same with every individual, neither will it be always the same with the same person. The Spirit’s operations are differently presented; some will fall--others will laugh--some will cry--run--jump--shake as with the ague--shout--praise God--sing--and in various peculiar ways, God the Holy Ghost will manifest Himself. This has been the condition of things in the church of God from the beginning down to the present time when the church has been alive in Him, earnestly seeking to do His will. But when a church is dead--plucked up by the root--cold, frozen, stiff, formal, backslidden, why, then they have things “_decently, and in order_.” There are lots of churches in these days that, a legally constituted amen, would give them all a severe run of fever!

I suppose that if David, the King of Israel, should come to worship with you as he worshiped before the ark, dancing with all his might, you would have him stop, or put him out. I have no doubt but that you would set as umpire and cry out fanaticism, wild-fire.

_Jesus_, on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, was followed by the crowd; the children that were there worshiped Him, crying out Hosannah to Jesus, the King of Israel! The old Pharisees then acted just as they have ever since when God blesses His children, requesting them to stop their noise. Jesus gently reproved them in the statement made. Said He: “If these should hold their _peace_, the stones would cry out.” How this truth has been verified again and again. When one people stop praising God in the way the Spirit directs and operates, then another is raised up to take their place, thus it has ever been. The Free Methodist church was raised up to take the place made vacant by others, to offer the tribute of praise in its various moods and tenses to the Lord Almighty. Beware how you put your hands on the Ark! Death comes on that line. “_Quench not the Spirit._” Alas! the fumes of the dead killed in that way cover the land like a malaria, and the odor in many of our churches is stifling. O, for a breeze of salvation’s life and power on all the churches.

But to return. The man healed at the beautiful gate by Jesus Christ through Peter, went off leaping, and walking, and praising God. It must have looked very strange to those who saw it. A man, lame from his birth, performing in such a _peculiar manner_. Why did he not after the healing power came on him, walk off quietly? Why excite curiosity? Doubtless it was for God’s glory. If he had gone to his home in a quiet manner, but few would have taken notice of the circumstance; whereas leaping, and walking, and praising God, drew the attention of the people and of those who never had known him, to the marvelous fact, that a miracle had taken place on this man, and while their curiosity was in lively exercise, Jesus Christ was preached unto them as the Physician for soul and body. He wants the glory for what He does for our souls and bodies.

The day of Pentecost was a sample day of what we might have every day, during this dispensation, if the church wanted it and would put herself in the same condition to receive it, and doubtless with as peculiar, and marked demonstrations. On that occasion, it sat upon each like a tongue of fire, and they all began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. It has been said that some seventeen different languages were spoken on that occasion. What other outer demonstrations there were on that occasion we are not informed; but it is quite evident from what followed, there were some, for Peter’s denial of the charge of drunkenness would indicate the fact that they did take place. “These are not drunken as ye supposed.”

In every genuine revival the church has had from the very beginning up to the present time, powerful manifestations of God’s presence in a way calculated to arouse the most hardened and wretched sinner to a realization of their awful danger while in their sins, causing them to cry out from the very depths of despair, God be merciful to me a sinner. We often hear persons pray for the influences of the Spirit. Under certain conditions that would be right, but what we always need, is the mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, just as it came on the sample day, and if I read the scriptures aright, the promise is that God will pour out of His Spirit in this dispensation, upon all flesh, not sprinkle us with an influence but saturate and fill us. For He says, “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, _but be filled with the Spirit_.”

_Methodism_, in the days of Wesley, Whitfield, Asbury and Peter Cartwright, was marked by very peculiar outer demonstrations. Falling, like the dead slain in battle, was a very common feature. At a camp-meeting held in about the year 1803 in Kentucky, five hundred at one time fell under the power of the Holy Ghost. “Somewhere between 1800 and 1801, in the upper part of Kentucky, at a memorable place called Cane Ridge, there was appointed a sacramental meeting by some of the Presbyterian ministers, at which meeting seemingly unexpected by ministers or people, the mighty power of God was displayed in a very extraordinary manner, many were moved to tears, and bitter and loud crying for mercy. The meeting was protracted for weeks. Ministers of almost all denominations flocked in from far and near. The meeting was kept up both night and day. Thousands heard of the mighty work, and came on foot, on horseback, in carriages and wagons. It was supposed that there were in attendance at times during the meeting from twelve to twenty-five thousand people. Hundreds fell prostrate under the mighty power of God, as men slain in battle. Stands were erected in the woods from which preachers of different churches proclaimed repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and it was supposed by eye and ear witnesses, that between one and two thousand souls were happily and powerfully converted to God during the meeting. It was not unusual for one, two, three, and four to seven preachers to be addressing the listening thousands at the same time from the different stands erected for that purpose. _The Heavenly fire spread in almost every direction. It was said, by truthful witnesses, that at times more than one thousand persons broke out into loud shouting all at once, and the shouts could be heard for miles around._” The Methodist preachers that were at this meeting possessed some of the John Wesley ability to utilize whatever might aid in advancing the Redeemer’s Kingdom, saw in the meeting just described a glorious opportunity, which they immediately embraced, and out of which evolved the notorious camp-meeting referred to in another place as a child of Methodism. Bishop Simpson said in a sermon that he preached to a large congregation of class-leaders at Philadelphia, Pa., from these words, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire,” “that the Methodists owed their success to this baptism; and what made them peculiar was the fire.” This was a double blessing, producing intensity of life and action, with visible manifestations of God’s presence and power often manifested in peculiar ways. I remember well for more than fifty years, how the Lord graciously poured out His Spirit on our beloved Zion. The times of refreshing, cries for mercy, the songs of praise, the amens and the glorious Hallelujahs that I heard half a century ago, come welling up in my soul as though it were yesterday. I attended a quarterly meeting at Albion, N. Y., in the old brick M. E. Church, L. Stiles pastor, in 1857. This was one of the original meetings gotten up by Rev. B. T. Roberts, and Rev. L. Stiles. It was a four day meeting. I had never been away from home before to attend a meeting of this character. I had a good deal of anxiety to know what kind of people I should see at that meeting. An old class-leader that lived near me was on his way to that meeting with me. Said I, ‘Brother, what kind of folks will attend the quarterly meeting?’ Said he, ‘The very _cream_ of the church.’ As we came near the church we could hear the saints as they met each other coming in from the regions round about, greeting one another with ‘Praise the Lord, I am so glad to see you, how does your soul prosper, well? glory to God.’ Then would ring out Spirit-born amens. This was before the meeting had commenced. I was captured by these greetings. This meeting commenced at 9 o’clock A. M., with a prayer meeting, first was five minutes of secret prayer. In about two minutes an old gray-haired pilgrim got blessed, sprang up and commenced shouting glory, Hallelujah, with what I thought, unearthly power. He jumped to his feet and I to mine. He continued to shout, and I gazed with wonder, and shook from head to foot as though everything around me was moving heavenward. Very soon I got on my knees again and asked the Lord to steady my nerves, for I felt that I must have something, for the element around me was perfectly awful and solemn. I had been on my knees but a short time before a Bro. in the back part of the church sprang to his feet and with such lung power as it seemed to me at that time I had never heard before shouted with all his might--‘_Hallelujah_’--and this he repeated until the house was full of glory, and of God. This was a Pentecostal meeting. Here the saints received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, fitting them up for the awful ordeal of expulsion from their own home, consecrated by the dearest ties of nature and grace; made dear by every recollection of bygone days. Here in the beginning of our Christian life, were _Spiritual fathers_ and _mothers_, who cared for us with great tenderness and solicitude. Now, to be thrust out from our dear old home, simply because we loved her and were trying to maintain her rights, was cruel indeed. But God had a purpose in this, as much as He had in the selling of Joseph into Egypt. Benjamin must be cast out to man the LIFE-BOAT, to rescue the perishing. Nearly thirty years has come and gone with trials, conflicts, persecutions, broadside after broadside from the _old craft_, and other crafts, yet, the Captain has maintained his place at the mast-head, holding high the insignia that brought us to the front, ‘HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.’” May his life and health be preserved for years to come to maintain the same work that he has so tenaciously held to in the past, amen. While others have been raised up to help in bearing aloft the banner of heart purity, noble men and women, our brother has not become puffed up by great prosperity, but maintains the simplicity of the gospel as in other days.

Rev. Amos Hard lived in the town of Murry, N. Y., five miles from Albion and four from Holly, I lived neighbour to him. Perhaps there was not another man in Genesee Conference that did so much to stir up war as Bro. Hard. As a Sister remarked on the old Bergen camp ground, “Bro. Hard is all heads and points.” His relation to his church was supernumerary. This relation he occupied for twenty-five years, so that he was at liberty to go and come when he pleased. It was expected that when the Free church was organized, he would come right in, but he did not. If he had been expelled, as others were for doing some of the same work that he did, doubtless, he would have come in. There was just one thing that prevented his expulsion, and that was, his two sons that were in Genesee College. His character was arrested several times, and the only thing that saved his head from the axe, was his superior sons. It was argued like this, “You expel Brother Hard, and we lose two of the smartest students we have in the college,” and the last time that our Brother was put through the crucible, it was added, “and the Free Methodists will get them.” This statement I had from Sister Hard. His home was a rendezvous for those engaged in making war on church idols.

_Much harm_ has been done to the cause of Christ by not properly estimating religious demonstrations. Some have laid too much stress upon them. While blessed in the past, they had peculiar manifestations, and then come to this conclusion, that, when blessed of God, they would always have the same outer demonstrations; and if they did not have the same, readily concluded that they were not right with God, when at the same time they had not knowingly grieved the Spirit in any way. The next step with them has been to cast away their confidence in Christ, quit doing duty and of course, they were soon far away from the Lord. We should always hold fast the profession of our faith, if we have not committed sin, regardless of everything else. If we have done wrong, hasten to make it right. The cause of Christ has suffered great damage and in many places it has been completely smothered by those that sit in judgment and condemn every phase of experience that does not meet their preconceived notions of just how a person should act when blessed of God; condemning what may seem peculiar and strange because they do not understand it, is not wise. The Holy Spirit has been grieved, yea, _blasphemed_ in too many cases in that way. Charges and conferences have been greatly checked, and in some cases dried up by the root, by harshly condemning _the Spirit’s operations_. I have no doubt but that they honestly sought to remedy what they supposed was a serious difficulty--greatly hindering the work of the Lord. Their efforts were not blessed of God, and worked ruin, because they resorted to wrong measures. I believe that the devil has power to imitate the Spirit, especially in demonstrations. But suppose that he has? We need be a little cautious how we give him credit. John Wesley and others at Fetterlane fell into the same difficulty which grieved the Spirit and brought deadness to the work at that place, and leanness into their souls. They sought unto the Lord to know the difficulty and God let light upon them, just as He would do by you if you are guilty of a like offense.

Wesley and others made the following confession: “We acknowledged our having grieved Him by our divisions; one saying, I am of Paul, another, I am of Apollos; by our leaning again to our own works and trusting in them, instead of Christ, by our resting in those little beginnings of sanctification, which it had pleased Him to work in our souls, and, above all, _by blaspheming His work among us, imputing it to nature, to the force of imagination and animal spirits, or even to the delusion of the devil. In that hour, we found God with us as at the first. Some fell prostrate upon the ground. Others burst out, as with one consent, into loud praise and thanksgiving. And many openly testified there had been no such day as this since January the first preceding._” (_Wesley Journal, Volume 3, page 140._)

After confessing their faults, one to another, the blessing of the Lord came as on former occasions. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, is not the above remedy what we _need_ among us, as a people? especially in some places. Wherever it has been tried, it proved gloriously successful. In fact, it is the only remedy for the like difficulties. A good square confession is always health to the soul, it works like a charm. If you have grieved the Holy Spirit, try it.

During more than fifty years I have witnessed a great many powerful revivals, and from what I have seen I come to this conclusion, that it is impossible to have a revival of God’s salvation where the real burden of the Lord will rest on Zion, so she will feel a little as Christ felt when in the Garden, when such conviction will come on sinners that they will see themselves and their real danger, leading them to cry for life, without manifesting much that will be decidedly _peculiar_. But to stop and spend, or waste time in trying to regulate the Holy Ghost, is exceedingly foolish. You might as well try to regulate chain-lightning as it came from the clouds. When there is much fire in the furnace clinkers are formed, but you don’t spend your time working at clinkers, it’s the fire you want. A great many have tried to manage the train to suit their views of things, but the result has been in too many cases, a fearful smashup. Others through their blinded zeal have got on the train just in time to be side-tracked or ushered suddenly into eternity. How many have come into the Free Methodist church apparently with a desire to run this train according to their schedule time, but were soon side-tracked, or ceased to be.

God Almighty’s train must be managed according to the _old time-table_. Jobbers--compromisers--and all that love and make a lie, off from the track at once. But few brakemen are needed on this train, but a premium is offered for first-class firemen. Beloveds, up with the brakes, and let the train move on, and don’t become alarmed if she gets under big headway.