Pioneer Evangelist

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Pioneer Evangelist

By John L. Green

Reprint Publisher’s Preface

Requests have come to us to reprint this very interesting and inspiring book of the life and experiences of the John L. Greens, especially of their pioneer gospel work in the Pacific Northwest.

With this reprint edition we inform the reader that the author, John L. Green, departed this life in October, 1941, and his wife in June, 1965. Both are interred in the Belle-Passi Cemetery at Woodburn, Oregon. As of this date, six of their nine children survive — four daughters and two sons. All are in their 70’s and 80’s. Their permission was granted us to reprint their father’s book.

Out of print for many years, the original book is herewith reprinted verbatim in full with the hope that its publication will be an inspiration and a challenge to the present and future generations.

Guthrie, Oklahoma, October, 1979

—Lawrence D. Pruitt, Publisher

OUR ONLY APOLOGY

Some twenty years ago Brother A L Byers a very dear friend of ours, wrote an article on our experiences as pioneer ministers, and published the same in the Gospel Trumpet, of which he was then the office editor. Some twelve years later the present editor, Brother C. E. Brown, asked for and printed some twenty-seven chapters in the same paper, the results of which, many of the saints and friends have urged that they be printed in book form.

These requests have had their part in directing our minds and hearts in the channels of prayerful consideration, yet the major cause is the ever increasing desire and burden of our hearts to leave to the world our testimony of the Lord’s grace and goodness to us, and that the same may not be lost to the memory of our own children.

Titus 2:1 1-14 reads: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

We have the blessed assurance that these scriptures have proven true in our lives. We also long that (Psalm 11 6:1 5—Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his saints, and Revelation 1 4:1 5—Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. . . that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them) may be true in our death.

We both are so indebted to the Lord for his support and divine guidance, that we desire to acknowledge His special help in protecting and preparing our young lives for his service. And this we do humbly by affixing and prefixing a few chapters to those already mentioned, hoping it will encourage other young people to dec11-cate their lives to the Lord and His service.

Love is not love which alteration finds,

Or bends its pursurer to pursue,

But love is love, when like its giver kind,

Lays down its life for I and You.

—The Author.

THE AUTHOR AND THE BOOK

With the many years acquaintance, our life work in so many respects having been so much alike and with the high esteem I have always held this man of God, causes me much pleasure to note a few items of interest as a contribution to his book. His conversion took place, also his earlier Christian life, his call to the gospel work and his earlier ministry, before our acquaintance. I well remember the time when my parents in Illinois made a visit to mother’s sister at Mahaska, Kansas. While they were there, they met Brother Green’s parents whose hearts were open and hungry for the gospel and the truth of this Zion message. Through this means, this young man later became interested, converted, and illuminated with the transcendent beauty of Zion. He received the divine call, obeyed the same and began his work in the ministry. In one of his first meetings a business man became interested in the message and was saved; also his wife. Some years later they moved to California and located in Oakland. They became members of my congregation. They lived and died in the faith. Their lives were radiant and their departure triumphant. These were some of the sacred trophies of dear Brother and Sister Green’s early ministry.

If I remember correctly, we first met these gospel workers in Denver, Colorado, in an assembly meeting. At this time they were on their way in obedience to an unmistakably definite call to the far-off field of Oregon. At the same time we were on our return to our field in California, having been back home on our first trip east.

One of the first impressions in meeting Brother Green was that he had a consuming passion for souls and this seemed to fairly drive him with an irresistible urge. It was easy to see how he could make this daring venture into the regions beyond. We never learned how Sister Green became persuaded and willing to make the step neither have we ever heard that she murmured nor complained in this life of sacrifice. We recognized in her the God-given companion of a God-sent minister. These dear workers have proven to a coming generation that God never requires anything of us but that He will supply the sufficient grace.

I think it was about the second year after their arrival in their new field of labor that I had the great pleasure of an invitation to attend the first camp meeting of the Church of God in Woodburn, Oregon. It is needless to say that I was made to rejoice when I saw the goodly number of precious souls who had been won to this truth, and all of them were enjoying the blessed camp meeting. From this time on we visited back and forth from our fields of labor in many camp and assembly meetings. The work grew rapidly requiring more than natural strength of the few laborers. The mutual fellowship and sympathy which grew out of the conditions, circumstances, difficulties, testings, conflicts, and conquests produced a bond of appreciation of each other that never has been broken.

I believe that I fully anticipate the motive of the author in writing this book, as expressed by the great psalmist in his declining years, “Now also when I am old and grey headed, O God forsake me not until I have showed thy strength unto this generation and thy power to everyone that is to come.”

Yours in the faith,

J. W. BYERS, Monrovia, California

A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW

As we review the past and what many of the early ministers and saints have meant to us, our words and pen fail to give expression to our appreciation. Neither can we mention each one, most of whom have gone to be with Jesus. But we do want to mention that of dear Brother and Sister J. W. Byers, who were like parents to us and with whom we laboured so often during the early years of our ministry.

They were so kind in their corrections, patient in their instructions, upright in their example, that it was comforting, inspiring and instructive to be with them, and we always have felt we had been made stronger, and better prepared by having been with them.

Some forty-four years ago we were in the midst of a hard fought battle in a new field, when we received a letter from Brother Byers, in which, among other things, he said: ‘Brother Green, be encouraged; let us be faithful unto death. Let us never give up, never give down, never give out and never give in. A soldier may return from the battle with his face, arms, chest and entire front wounded, lacerated and, bleeding, but the same proved him a faithful soldier who had faced the foe. Let us never return with wounds in our back as such are received when in retreat. . . Let us never spell appointment with (dis) but always use a capital His, then Romans 8:28 becomes real in our lives.

Brother Byers was far my superior in education, social culture, public speaking, and in most every way. No doubt I was often a trial to him, but he never let it be known. He always treated me as his equal, if not as his superior. He always made it so easy for me to preach in his presence, for I knew he was upholding me by his faith and prayers.

Thus Brother and Sister Byers hold a warm place in our hearts, and our debt to them will remain unpaid, except as the Lord rewards them in that day.

A GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Since writing the foregoing, I have received a letter from our beloved Brother Byers in which he suggested of his own volution that he write the introduction to our book. I am unable to express my appreciation of the same, and accept his offer with a feeling of heart-felt gratitude, mingled with a sense of unworthiness of such an honor.

Since then wife and I attended the 1939 camp meeting at Reedley, California, where we met both brother and sister Byers, the first time in almost two decades. A joyful meeting indeed, but we were made to realize how soon the glory of youth and the duties and activities of our short day of life are past.

May God grant that no cloud nor shadow dim the glory of our setting sun, and that our testimony be like that of the Apostle: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all of them that love his appearing.”

JOHN L. GREEN

By A. L. BYERS

(A Reprint from the Gospel Trumpet)

The subject of our sketch this week, while falling a a little under the required limit of thirty years in the ministry, is nevertheless a pioneer in every sense of the word. His early life was spent in the new wild West, and he was the first to take the reformation light and truth into the northwestern country, the North Pacific States. When he landed at Woodburn, Oregon, on October 30, 1893, he was the only evangelist known to the saints north of San Diego, California.

He was born in Green County, Iowa, April 16, 1868. In the summer of 1871 his parents settled on a homestead in Washington county, Kansas. Here, in the midst of hardships, discouragements, and poverty, his parents reared a large family. It was a number of years before they had, a public school; consequently of education there was a dearth. In later years, however, Brother Green, as many have done, applied himself individually to study, to gain what he could in this manner.

Brother Green acknowledges that the greatest boon to his early life was the Christian training of his God-fearing parents though for a time he became quite wild and sinful. There were some events in his life that served to lead him to regard divine things. His parents have always affirmed that when he was about one year old, he took a severe illness and died. Some neighbors who were present at the scene pronounced him dead, straightened him out, and asked for some pennies to place on his eyes. At this his mother’s heart was overwhelmed, and she fell at the bedside and to the best of her understanding gave herself to God and promised to do all in her power to rear her child for his glory if he would bring the boy back to life, Instantly her child was restored to life and health, made as sound as he had ever been.

Another striking answer to his mother’s prayer occurred in the fall of 1875 on one of those heavily grass-covered plains of Kansas. A strong wind was blowing from the South, and signs of a prairie-fire warned the family of coming danger. The farm was surrounded by a wide “hedge-row,” which in ordinary times would have been perfectly safe, but on such occasion it was absolutely nothing. The grass was the heavy bluestem, much of it very tall, with a thick ground covering. On came the fire with terrible speed. It looked like a solid fire leaping hundreds of feet into the air, and it was burning homes and stock. All the family had was represented in the little house and barn, and the father was twenty-five miles away,

The mother took the children and the cow to the back part of a rye-field and told the children to lie close to the ground. Then she ran back and took her place directly in front of the house, with the open field of grass in front of her. The stable, made of poles, brush, and straw, was about ten rods north of the house and had no protection. The mother was heard calling on the Lord until the fire came so near that its roar drowned her voice; but when it had passed by, the mother, house, stable, etc., were all there. The fire had separated directly in front of her, gone around all the buildings, and come together again back of the barn—a miracle, indeed. The mother said that when she kneeled down she resolved not to open her eyes lest the sight weaken her faith, and to perish, if need be, on the promise, “Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Brother Green ascribes the bringing of this reformation truth to his home neighborhood to a visit of the writer’s father and mother to their relatives in that section of the country in 1889. It was the means of having G. L. and Mary Cole and others come later. Brother Green was saved and also sanctified in a meeting held by Brother and Sister Cole and company in the fall of 1890. His wife to be, whose name was Lydia Wheeler, was also saved in the same meeting. They were married the following March.

After his marriage Brother Green remained on the farm for more than a year. He began to feel God’s hand upon him for gospel work; but as his wife was not so inclined, he kept it in his own heart and began to ask the Lord to call and prepare his wife so definitely that she would give up all and go joyfully, never to flinch or go back to temporal life only. He became exceedingly burdened and prayed almost day and night to that end, but in secret, as he felt sure that if she did not get it direct from God she could never leave all and continue to stand true. The Lord wrought on her so completely that she took the lead in urging that they go. She has never flinched or wavered since, but has stood by her husband in every test. He says that if labor, sacrifice, suffering hardships willingly and for the sake of others helps to rate reward, hers will be greater than his, although she does not preach from the pulpit. She has been a succourer and a mother to many.

In August of 1892 they left their home, friends, and everything, and started out to work for souls. At first they wanted to lean on others too much, but they soon saw that their only hope was the Lord and accordingly swung out to rely fully on him. The first year they spent in Kansas and Nebraska with unexpected success, laboring sometimes with different brethren. In 1893 the Lord gave them to know definitely that he wanted them to open up new fields on the Pacific Coast. It seemed a long way off, but they had learned that obedience was their part. They landed, at Woodburn, Oregon, as strangers in a strange land. They began their work in a cottage-meeting the same night they arrived, and till this day those meetings have never died out. In a short time the Lord raised up a little congregation that has always held the fort and stood by the work.

For more than sixteen years Brother Green made Woodburn his home and pastored the work as best he could, spending the greater portion of his time in evangelistic work. At one time they moved temporarily to Portland to open up the work there. With less than ten dollars in sight they rented a large hall and living rooms on a corner and began meetings. At first no one was interested, but by the end of eight months there was a congregation of ten or twelve. In two or three years others took hold of that work and built it to what it is now. Many times Brother Green has worked during the day to meet expenses and then preached at night.

In 1895 they received a call to Coos County, Oregon It meant a trip of nearly three hundred miles over fearfully rough roads. He borrowed one horse and bought another on time, with the understanding he could cut wood and pay for it when he returned in the fall. (The brethren, however paid for it while he was gone.) He fitted up a light wagon and started, giving out literature most of the way. They reached their destination all right, but the man who wanted them to come was of no special help to them in any way. They had to rent a house, and as they were strangers and had no money, it was either work and preach or not preach. He held meetings first in the Methodist house, then in private residences. One of his horses died, and he was compelled to buy another and pay for it cutting wood. A short while before they had to leave, a few began to get saved and others became interested. But they were obliged to go an account of rain, snow, and bad mountain roads. His farewell sermon was from Romans 8:28. He said, “If you hear of our missing the road and rolling down the mountain and being killed, remember it is for our good, and we shall count it so.” A good many were killed that way in those days, when the roads were so treacherous.

The next day when they were trotting along, high in the mountains, a bolt suddenly came out and the wagon tongue dropped on one side, throwing them against the bank and. quickly turning the covered wagon, with trunk, boxes, etc. on top of them. The horses went on with the gears. Brother Green soon extricated themselves and found all were alive. It seemed to him a voice from the skies asked, “Is it for your good?” With joy he answered aloud, “Yes, Lord; it is all for our good.” The team ran, breaking every breakable thing about the wagon and bending the steel axles, and then went over the steep bluff. They were found lying on their backs far below. It was only the Lord that spared the team to them. Sister Green and child and their niece walked on to a village, and a freighter hauled their wreck out also.

Brother Green had no money to speak of, excepting some subscription-money received the day before for the Gospel Trumpet, and that was less than four dollars, They prayed earnestly to God to help them home, He went to the blacksmith and told him of their condition and asked him to repair the wagon and hold it as pay. He would go on twenty-five miles and secure work, and later come back and pay him and get the wagon. The blacksmith smiled and said: “I think I have been in this business long enough to know a white man when I see him, If you will sell me your face for the price of fixing that wagon, I will buy it.” He dropped everything and the two went to work, and by the time Brother Green’s money was gone for feed and board, he and his family were ready to go on singing. Brother Green stopped a while and worked, sent the money back, then went on through mud and snow.

One night while on this trip they were out very late trying to make a certain place, as stopping-places were few. It was very dark; they could not see the team or each other. All at once they went plunging down a steep place into a lot of water. As they could see nothing, they could not tell where they were. But the team went up the other side and, took them safely to their desired stopping-place. The people thought it a great mystery, as a bridge which it was necessary for them to cross had been out for two days. The next morning they went to investigate and found that the team, as if guided by a divine hand, had left the road several rods and crossed at the only place possible, although not acquainted with the road. They felt that the Lord had again spared their lives.

Within several years other ministers came to the Northwest, and all the brethren in the Coast States managed to get together occasionally, and thus the work became united. For years the home of the Greens was the stopping-place for the saints traveling through the West. Sister Green worked incessantly preparing foods and fruits and cooking for those coming and going. Once she kept account of the free meals served at their table for three months, and the number was in excess of seven hundred seventy-five. Of course, those stopping with them often assisted and some helped provide. But so far as Brother and Sister Green were concerned, everything was free. Brother Green testified that without his wife’s help and encouragement he could never have stayed by the work during the first five or six years in Oregon. She would hold the fort for weeks at a time when he would be holding meetings elsewhere. Thus, we see that this brother and sister were truly pioneers.

The writer wishes to add a little interesting anecdote in Brother Green’s life, which also illustrates God’s answer to prayer. In the summer of 1911 the writer visited the Pacific Coast. Appreciating his long service at the Gospel Trumpet Office Brother Green arranged that he should participate in a deer-hunt in the mountains of southwestern Oregon. In this hunt several of the party obtained deer. But Brother Green, though he worked hard tramping over the mountainsides and through canyons failed to get a deer The rest of the party of course felt sorry for him The writer returned to his home and his work at the Trumpet Office, and about three months afterward received a letter from Brother Green, from which he quotes as follows:

“I very much appreciated your kind letter and remembrance. I am sure that there is no part of the trip that I look upon with regret, but, on the contrary, it affords pleasure to recall it. Of course, a little more game would have added to the satisfaction of success.

While I and the children were in the hop-fields about sixteen miles south of home, I asked the man to excuse me one afternoon. I went up the mountainside for a mile or two, but saw no deer. I was a little tired, and I bowed, in prayer and asked the Lord that if I could not go to the deer he should send one to me. I traveled on a while, then started for camp, and when about one-fourth mile away I came into an open place and I felt impressed to stop and sit down, which I did. In three or four minutes I saw a buck coming on a hard run directly toward me and in the way my gun was pointing ‘When he came close he bore a little to my right and when he was not more than fifty feet away I fired, the bullet striking him directly behind the ears and nearly cutting his head off, but yet not wasting a pound of meat He dropped instantly dead only lifting one hind leg At once my prayer came to remembrance and I felt thankful, for I believe the Lord sent the deer.”

(With this the series of Pioneer Sketches closes. A number have suggested that these sketches be made into a book. If that is desired and undertaken, the biographies can be made fuller and also the list can be extended to include others.)

My Early Christian Life

MY EARLY CONVERSION

As conditions surrounding my early life are mentioned in a later chapter. I will come directly to my early conversion.

At the age of about fifteen, I attended two lengthy revivals and being under deep conviction, I sought earnestly for possibly three weeks, being the first to the altar and the last away.

I expected some physical shaking up as a witness, or some great light or power that would, make me leap or shout. But having an honest heart the Lord kept me from such false evidences. My case seemed to baffle all. I went home determined to seek till I found.

I read the New Testament almost incessantly, even while working in the field. I prayed much. Months passed and I became desperately in earnest. The scriptures began to clear and divide into subjects.

One day I dropped to my knees and prayed in the anguish of my soul for the Lord to save me then. All at once the Spirit brought a number of scriptures to my mind on being saved by faith. Again I cried “what is faith?” and the answer came, “The substance of things hoped for.” My faith took hold and I arose a saved boy, with the joy of Romans 15:13 in my heart.

I soon took my place in family worship, and in public services as best I could. The Lord wonderfully helped me, and for nearly one year I lived a victorious life during which time I had many remarkable answers to prayer, the memory of which I still cherish as tokens of the Lord’s goodness to me.

MY FALL

I was now receiving much light on the general principles of the christian life, especially on right living, fellowship, unity and the one church or family of God, This continued until the following winter when I was persuaded to join the U. B. sect contrary to my own light and desire. From that hour a terrible darkness began to settle down over my soul; I prayed, even with weeping and fasting, but to no avail.

I soon realized I was backslid, and rather than live as a hypocrite, I stop professing, and for six years I have nothing to refer to but a backslidden and misspent life.

I did not surrender however without a struggle to again find peace to my troubled soul, which struggle was long and hard but futile as the darkness only increased with the increase of carnality.

MY LAST RAY OF HOPE

When every other effort had failed, I became allmost exasperated. It occurred to me that my last and only hope was to bind myself under an oath that I would live right, and not yet yield to the carnal nature which was now becoming so marked in me. If I had not been saved from all these things I would no doubt have been willing to justify myself in such a life. But I had known what salvation could do for the soul, and nothing short of that could satisfy.

I secured a number of horse shoes, then placed a cheap ring on my finger and with them in sight I bowed with uplifted hand, taking a vow that henceforth I would live right, and that as my eyes fell upon any of these it was to remind me that I was to do so.

I then placed the shoes in the most conspicuous places, such as at the well where I watered the stock, another on the barn door, one at the gate, others on the fence near my work. This was my last hope and if it failed I was to quit professing. It is useless to tell you all was an utter failure, for sin had dominion over me, and before the sun went down all my hopes were blighted.

I believe it was the next morning when the bible was handed to me for worship; I refused, saying I was backslidden and had decided not to profess further and be a hypocrite.

My parents pled and prayed for me a long time, insisting that I count it only a trial and go ahead, but my mind was made up and I stopped professing.

Dear reader, it may seem I have here been dealing in foolishness, but these invulnerable evidences have forever settled it with me that it is not in man to live right of himself. He must have the blood applied, and then walk in the light with a humble heart.

THE LORD LOVED ME STILL

We read in the bible how the Lord is married to the backslider. That is how He loves him still, and pleads for his return to the fold.

I was like the lost sheep in the wilderness, and the prodigal son who had left his father’s house, and was perishing with hunger, but thank God, Jesus was true to the parable of the kind loving shepherd, who leaving the ninety and nine in the fold, followed the lost sheep till he found it, and having found it he carried it home in his bosom.

During these years I was often deeply convicted, and like David, the terrors of hell got hold upon me, and yet I went into sin almost unchecked. It seemed almost useless to ever try again to get right with God. I thought I had reached a place that no other man had ever reached, a sort of whirl-pool in the midst of the surging waters, from which I could never free myself but soon go down forever.

ANOTHER BROKEN VOW

As I returned home one night from a place of dancing and revelry, the Lord begun to talk to my soul, and I could not refrain from weeping bitterly, yet I was so tired I lay down, saying, Oh Lord if thou wilt spare my life and let me rest till morning, I will again try to give my heart to thee. I fell asleep and on awakening I

found the sun quite well up and the stock needing care. Besides it was corn plowing time, and being rushed, I arose, hastened to my work, but Oh how the Spirit strove with my soul, yet I did not yield.

That day is one to be remembered in my life. The enemy even suggested that I drown myself and end it all. I said, Oh that I knew there was no immortal soul in man, and no future state, then death would be a relief, but I had read of the terrible fate of those who die in sin. I knew therefore that death would not be a relief from the sorrows of my soul, but with all hope passed I must spend eternity with the lost. As the scriptures hath said, “The wicked shall be turned into hell with all nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17.

THE PRODIGALS RETURN

It was in the fall of 1890 during a revival meeting, that my Mother, Brother and Sister Cole and others, spent a day in fasting and prayer that I might be saved. The general meeting closed, on Sunday night, but an ordinance meeting was announced for Monday night in a private home. I attended with no feeling of conviction so far as I recall, until near the time to close.

I then noticed Sister Cole go into a separate room with a troubled countenance. She returned shouting Victory! She again went to the room, taking Sister Kaser, and again came out shouting Victory! She soon returned to the room, with both the sister and my mother.

On entering the room she said, “Sister Green, someone must be saved tonight or be forever lost. To which my mother replied, that is my boy!” I could hear their agonizing, but could not distinguish a word.

All at once God spoke in clearer than audible tones to my soul, “Son, why do you treat Me so; I loved you and gave my Son for you, and He died in love for you.” It was enough. The deep of my heart was broken up. Tears flowed. My whole being quaked, and shook as a leaf.

A rank sinner arose trembling, and said, “Here is my neighbor, Johney Green. Johney, if ever a man needed salvation you need it. I am a sinner but advise you to get saved tonight. To which I answered, “Mr. Lowry, you advise me. Come on and we will get salvation or die trying. At this he and two other men fell with me on our knees in the middle of the room and surrendered our lives to the Lord.

As I started the Spirit spoke to my soul, saying, “Are you willing” to which I cried, Yes. This was repeated three times, with more meaning and depth to me than I have ever been able to make known to others, except it be by my life and labors for my Saviour.

No sooner had I reached the floor than all the wrong things of my life rushed before my soul as if to say, will you forgive, will you confess, will you ask forgivness, will you restore, etc., to which my only response was, yes, yes, yes, and as swiftly they passed on and a sweet heavenly peace flooded my soul, and I arose, saying, the Lord saves my soul from sin and condemnation tonight.

All this took place in much less time than it has taken to write it, yet it has lasted nearly 50 years and its glory increases in my soul as I near my Heavenly Home.

After this another three weeks meeting was held in which some 30 souls were saved and baptized And it was during this meeting that I offered my body to the Lord as a living sacrifice according to Romans 12: 1, 2, and was sanctified according to His precious will See I Thessalonians 4: 3; 5: 23 and John 17: 1 6-23.

RESTITUTION

We read in the Bible, “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he hath robbed he shall surely live,” Ezekial 33:15. Also to confess our sins and forgive our enemies; I was not without some things to do along these lines in order to clear myself before God and man.

As I have said before, when I went to my knees I surrendered with all my heart to the will of God to obey every jot and tittle of His word. I begun at once to correct my past which meant something to me.

The first was with a young man with whom I had had serious trouble. The house was packed. I was up near the minister, the services were just ready to begin, when I saw this young man and his lady friend come in. I had decided to always take my first opportunity to do right, but Satan whispered, not now, he will knock you down and that will break up the meeting, but I went in the name of the Lord, and as I drew near my soul was moved with love for his soul. I had not expected to do more than ask forgiveness and offer to shake hands, but I fell upon his neck and asked his forgiveness weeping. He also broke down and, asked my forgiveness, and we wept together. On looking around, it seemed the entire audience was weeping.

I went to a very wicked man and handed, him some money, saying, here is that money I won from you on that race, telling him I had given my heart to God and did not feel free to keep the money; it had a great effect on him.

I had a number of such experiences which time and space forbids to mention, by which I made friends, won the confidence of those I had wronged, and cleared my conscience of every stain.

THE CHURCH QUESTION SETTLED

During this meeting my attention was not especially called to the church question, but about the close I began to recall memories of the past. And knowing that the brethren taught one church only, and against sectism, I begun to be deeply concerned, and decided I was now going to settle this question for all time, by the word of God.

The ministers were preparing to leave us. I went to Brother Cole and telling him my decision, asked him if he would take down a few of the leading scriptures on the subject. I was not caring for any comment on the same as I wanted to get it alone from the Word. He gladly consented to do so, and insisted that he give a skeleton of thought, which to my memory run something like this:

The Bible Church

In prophecy, Isaiah 2:2; Mica 4:1, 2.

The last day is the gospel day, Hebrews 1:1, 2.

Who built this church? Matthew 16:18.

When built? Answer, at pentecost, Acts 2:47.

Name? Church of God, 1 Corinthians 1 :2; 1 Timothy 3:14, 15.

Purchased with His blood, Acts 20:28.

A pure church, Ephesians 5:25-27.

Christ the door, John 1 0:9.

No man can open this door, Revevelation 3:8.

The class book in heaven, Hebrews 12:23; Luke 10:20.

Also called a body, Colossians 1:18.

Only one body, with one head, Ephhsians 4:4.

Who sets us in? 1 Corinthians 12:18, 28.

How? By the one Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:1 2, 1 3.

Each saint a member, 1 Cor. 12:27; Ephesians 5:30.

All have fellowship, 1 Jhon 1 :3-7.

Division condemned, Romans 16:17; 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 2 Peter 2:1-3.

This outline served as a great help in searching the scriptures for the Bible church, and I was soon clear and discerned it was a divine organization, but I also saw that the New Testament was replete with warnings against divisions and an incoming flood of sectarianism that would sweep over the world, and ultimately constitute the “Great Mystery of Babylon” of Revelation 17 and 18th chapters.

I then purchaesd the history entitled, “A History of All Christian Sects,” to 1880, that I might investigate the origin of all the modern sects, and found that every one was founded by some man or woman and was of far too late a date to be the church of God.. Not only so but the Church of God was purchased by the blood, came into existance by virtue of the new birth, and included every child of God on earth, and while sectism only divided them and yoked them up with sinners who had no fellowship with Christ. And in the most part sprang into existance as the direct result of strife and division.

Thus my soul has been at rest for forty-nine years so far as this subject is concerned.

PROVIDENCE IN MARRIAGE

I was neither reared, nor did I possess by nature the faculties of a society boy, and it might of seemed to those who knew me that I had but little concern as to what my future would be, but I did. I early entertained the thought that marriage was sacred, and would be the one step that would affect one’s entire life. And no matter what else I might fail in, I must guard on that line. I felt I must never choose until I could, as it were, “marry the whole family” so that her parents would be to me as my own, also that my parents could love my wife as their own daughter.

The time came that a young lady came into my association, a real lady; industrious, modest and entertaining. Our associations were of some duration, and our friendship became almost inseparable, and would have been if it had not been for a silent monitor in my soul which seemed to warn me to not take the step. Although unsaved, I decided to take warning. This was possibly the hardest step I had ever taken solely for the sake of right, and the preservation of my life for future usefulness.

My parents greatly admired, and I may say loved, from her childhood, the young lady who afterward became my wife, often speaking of her modest lady-like ways.

We were both saved before we were married, and it was not without much prayer, asking the Lord to take both our interests and future usefulness into His control and leadership, that we took the step. And now after nearly fifty years, we can truly say our peace has been like the river, (Isaiah 48:18) and our love for each other increases with the years.

I pen this chapter hoping it will be of benefit to other young people in choosing their life’s companion, and not allow fleshly desires or hasty and, rash decisions to control them in this matter.

Marriage is too sacred and involves too much to take an uncertain step, as a failure in the same is infinitely too great for any one to sustain the loss.

MY MOTHER’S COUNCIL

As a young man I was blessed with the council of a Godly mother. In early life, I was unable to place the proper value on such council. Nevertheless, in after life it proved of great value in our married life.

Previous to our marriage, mother came to me, and after talking over a few points, said, “Now my son, I have one more special and last request. When you get married, never try to correct your wife by using mother’s name, how she did this or that. Never refer to your parents as having done things better than your ‘wife or her parents.”

To this I gave my promise, which I have kept sacred to the present. Although in our early married life, I sometimes wished things might be done more like mother used to do. But by due consideration and a little forbearance, our likes and dislikes became assimilated and we passed over what might be termed the adjustment period, safely and without a riffle.

I now look back on my mother’s council with great appreciation, and recommend it to all mothers as good council for their sons.

A TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE

In Rom 16: 1, 2, the Apostle Paul pays a godly tribute to a godly woman saying She was a servant of the church and a succourer of many” and, of myself also. It took consecration sacrifices and toil a forgetting of self and personal comforts. Many weary steps, and sleepless hours were spent in prayer and anxious planning with possibly not a few tears for Pheba to merit such a recommend.

Many people wait until after the person is dead to place the flowers, or speak of their merits, but Paul was frank to acknowledge the merits of this worthy saint while she was yet living. And as I call to remembrance the years of faithful toil and service, the unflinching consecration and the cooperation of my dear wife. The sick that have been ministered to, the outcasts taken in, the weary refreshed the destitute cared for and the many fed by her hand, I feel deep within my heart, she too has merited a like tribute having been a faithful servant of the church and a succourer of many.

All this added to the heavy responsibility of caring for a large family has never caused her to lay a straw in the way of my going forth at any time, or ever once trying to hasten my return home.

Our joys and sorrows, battles and victories, gains and losses in fact all our aims in life have been mutual.

To her I owe much of whatever success I may have made in the Lord’s work or otherwise. May God bless and keep her faithful unto the end.

A WIFE’S CONTRIBUTION

As I was not reared in a Christian home, although my parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Wheeler of Mahaska, Kansas, were refined, honorable and highly respected, I have nothing of special note to mention, prior to the time I gave my heart to my Saviour and dedicated my life to His blessed service and the welfare of others.

I do appreciate that my parents taught their children to be rserved, modest, dress the whole body, and avoid all appearance of nudeness or shallowness, which is so prevalent today and calling for such a heavy toll of virtue, and human life.

I appreciate the tribute my husband has given to me. I have done my best, and given my best to the cause for which Jesus died. Yet I have only done that which was my duty, and to the Lord alone be the glory.

We were both saved near the same time thus our trials battles and victories have been quite mutual.

I appreciate the help, kindness and expressions of love and confidence shown to us during the years of our labours also what my husband has been to me and his loyalty to the cause we both love.

Only the Lord can reward all in that day when He comes to give unto every one according as their work shall be.

With a prayer that every word in this book will be pleasing to the Lord, and a blessing to precious souls, and that I may be faithful unto death, I am your Sister in Christ and His glad service.

—Mrs. J. L. Green

A TRIAL OF FAITH

We were married March 3, 1891 and on March 10 we moved to ourselves, where I had hired out to run or help run another man’s farm for that year. Up to this I had all my time to read, study, pray, visit and attend meetings, which kept the spirit of inspiration running high in my soul, but now conditions must change. If I did my duty I must get to work early and by the time all my work was done it was late, so about all the time I had for those things was our morning and, evening worship. As a result my feelings began to subside. The ecstasy seemed gone, and I finally became troubled over the situation. Satan saw his opportunity and accused me vehemently, saying I was backslid. I feared to say I was not and I was afraid to say I was. My prayer was something like this, “Oh, Lord if I am backslid., show me.” The more I prayed thus the worse I felt. I then thought I had better take my place as a sinner and go to the public altar and repent anew. At this a great fear came over me. If I was to say I was backslid when I was not I might sin against the Holy Ghost, but if I said I was not when I was, then I would just be a backslidden professor, and be lost in the end. The suffering of my soul and mind became something undescribable. Then Satan whispered you know all sin can be forgiven except the sin against the Holy Ghost, so you had, better commit one known sin, then you can repent intelligently and get saved.

It seems strange that one can be so tempted, but I was, and got the consent of my mind to do so. The next thing was to decide what sin to commit. I stopped my team to decide. Satan whispered, “Swear.” My whole being revolted, and I said I cannot do that for the Lord saved me from that; I shall die and be lost rather than use that sacred name in vain again. He then suggested I force myself to anger, and abuse the team to the extent of sin. And again the same feelings of revolt, with the same decided answer. Again to purloin from the man I was working for, but I was under obligation to be faithful, and the salvation of my soul covered that also.

At this point Satan whispered, “You are too sensitive, you can’t find anything you were not saved from,” and then presented, the fact that I was not married at the time I was saved, and that I might do something against my wife that might be sin, such as be cross and complain at her cooking, etc. Again my soul revolted. It really seemed that the Spirit of God and angels cried: “No!”

“The Lord saved you from such.” Besides I had promised both God and my wife I would be true and kind to her, and I again said in my soul, I will remain as I am and be lost rather than allow these things in my life again, and thus sin against the goodness of God.

At this point, the Lord began to talk to me, saying, “Child do you not see that I have saved you from all these things and the desire of sin. What more do you want. Why do you seek for feelings. They are deceitful but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” A flood of joy and glory came into my soul and I grasp a new revelation of living by faith and obedience irrespective of feelings.

This experience helped me in after years to comfort other souls who were passing through like trials, and I relate the same here, hoping it may yet help others.

OUR DECISION TESTED

As mentioned elsewhere, wife’s parents were very good to us, gave us a good farm of 160 acres, furnished our house with new furniture, stove, cooking utensils, table wear, in fact everything they thought we needed to keep house. Also a good milk cow. All went well until we decided to enter the ministry. What must we do with all this? To sell and spend the money in a cause they were not at all interested in, or to rent the farm and let it run down would incur their displeasure, and not be treating them right. There was but one thing to do. That was to return it all to them. But how could we approach them? How could we break the news? We needed both grace and wisdom, which we believe the Lord imparted to us.

This was a terrible shock to them. As lightning from a clear sky. Father plead with us not to do it. Offered to furnish all the money and guarantee that I clear not less than $1000 a year if I would, go into the cattle business with him for a period of five years. This was to be over and above my own farming. But it was settled, we had heard our Saviour’s call and must go. He then asked: ‘Can you demand sufficient salary to support our daughter?” I answered, “No.” That the gospel we would preach promised, our support and we were going to trust the same, and that our labors would be without money and without price, except what the people gave of their own free will.

He exhausted all his reasoning ability to persuade us to remain. He then lost his patience saying he did not want their daughter dragged around like a Gypsy And that it took a man of some sense to preach and that he would keep everything for us as I would be back on the farm in the poor house or in the asylum before spring. To which I replied If I found I was mistaken I would humbly acknowledge the same, ask forgiveness, return to the farm and do my best to make amends. But we must first give the Lord a chance to use us.

This was 47 years ago. We have never preached for a salary asked for a dollar taken up a collection for our own support, or went hungry for a meal, although we have reared a large family and our home has been your home. And we both have the blessed assurance as did Paul. We have coveted no man s silver or gold or apparel.

“Yea ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto our necessities, and to them that were with us We have shown you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus how He said It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Yes, He who notes the sparrow’s fall

And clothes the lily fair

Is watching o’er his trusting child

Toanswer every prayer.

Your every need He will supply,

Your every sorrow share,

The trials He will let you feel

He’ll give you grace to bear.

PARENTS WON

It was great joy to us when by the time five years had elapsed, Wife’s parents had changed their mind, became perfectly reconciled, and remained warm and kind until their rather recent deaths. And, as for me, I loved them as my own parents.

As to our support and financial situation, that remained between God and ourselves. We have known what it is to pray “Give us this day our daily bread.” Have been “pressed on every side.” Have worked hard, economized and trusted for wisdom to direct our every step. Have bought, built and sold a number of properties, generally doing quite well. The Saints have also done their part wherever we have built up a work. We deem it fitting at this point to say that just prior to wife’s father’s death, he deeded a residence property in Florida, and a farm in Kansas to her, the proceeds of which we will use in the publication of this work, and the spreading of this soul-saving gospel to a lost and sin benighted world.

MY VIEW OF THE MINISTRY

As ministers of the gospel we are called to preach from the entire book of God. To do this we must walk hand in hand with Abraham, Moses, David and the prophets. Our ministry will agree perfectly with theirs, but it means more than this, we must walk both hand and heart with our blessed risen Saviour. He must be our light, life, love and righteousness, for it is God’s will to reveal his Son in us. He is the unveiled glory and majesty of all that was shrouded in symbolic and prophetic mystery.

He must dwell within, and we must love him with all our soul, mind, might and strength, then we will preach Him and not ourselves, nor any human creed. And he alone will be exalted. “And if I be lifted up will draw all men unto me” He alone is the head of the body—the church, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:23. “And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.”

No sect machinery, associations, class books, boards or committees to govern the spiritual operations of the body of Christ, for that prerogative belongs to Him only, by His word and the Holy Ghost. All our motives and actions will be motivated by our love to God and souls for whom the Saviour died.

MY CALL TO THE MINISTRY

Shortly after my conversion I began to feel inclined toward the gospel work. This feeling increased with time. The desire and burden became strong. Yet there was a difficulty in my way that bothered me. I kept even from communicating the same to my wife, as there is where the dificulty lay. She had said to me one day, soon after we were married, that there was one thing she had always said she would not do and that was, she would never live with a preacher. For some reason she had entertained this feeling for years. So one day I ventured to tell her how I felt, in the following words: “I believe, Dear, if ever I do the perfect will of God I shall have to go into the ministry.” She did not speak a word, but looked straight ahead. I saw the entire affair was beyond my reach. God alone must change her mind. Even if I should persuade her to go she would never be equal to the requirements.

I saw the Lord must put the same burden upon her heart, so I began to pray and became greatly in earnest. I prayed almost incessantly to that end, yet so far as I remember I never approached the subject to her again, but I saw she was becoming more spiritual and interested in spiritual things. One day almost to my surprise she came to me and opening her heart, told me how the Lord had been talking to her, and she was sure we should give up all and dedicate ourselves to the gospel work.

That was a happy hour to us both and we were soon making plans to that end. This was again a definite answer to prayer and made the Lord seem very near to us.

When we were married my wife’s parents were very, kind and good to us. Besides buying all of our fur niture things necessary for housekeeping and a cow. They gave us a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres saying that was our home that they might keep their children near them. We moved on the farm the following spring, putting it in crop. They showed us many kind favors not mentioned here truly meriting our love and respect.

We knew our expected change would be a hard blow to them as they were not interested in the Lord’s work. This was our greatest problem. What should we do with what they had given us. And how should we proceed to avoid giving offense. It was then made clear to us that we should give all back to them if they would accept it.

We decided, to sell our most inferior stuff first, so if we failed to go it would be all right and we would buy new in its place, at the same time letting no one know of our intentions, but we were not able to sell anything.

One day wife asked, “Are we going or are we not? If we are then go to Father, and tell him so. Ask him to take all back that he has given us, then let the public know our stuff is for sale.”

I saw the point. It was to dismiss the doubt and settle it that we were going. This was a hard step to take, fearing they would think it was all my choosing, and their daughter would suffer privation, and possible shame, as the work in those days was far from being popular. But I took it. It is useless to say it was a stunning blow to them, and they used their best influence to induce us to stay, making exceptional financial offers, but it was now settled that we were going.

We then made public our intentions and soon sold everything except two of our best cows, for which there seemed no sale.

A STORM OF CRITICISM

No sooner had this news reached the public than a storm of criticism began to gather, and soon broke upon us. The decision of some was that I had become so engrossed in religion that my mind was becoming dethroned, and steps were taken by different ones to help me see my mental condition. One dear old friend was more determined than others, coming to me boldly and saying, “Johnny, I am an old man, and have seen others go as you are going, and I am going to be honest with you. You are losing your mind, and if you do not take our council you will soon be in the asylum.” But he suggested that I still had enough mind left that if I would dismiss my religion, the reading of the Bible, and my purpose of the ministry for one year, I would so recover that I would be in better condition to decide in behalf of my future welfare. His strongest argument was that a sane man would spend his life to secure a home, and none but an insane man would give up a home, as we were doing, to go out to preach; also, that my views were erroneous in trusting God for everything. He continued his effort some hours. I treated him kindly and thanked him, but told him our decision was made and without repeal.

Many expected to see us make a failure, and come to shame, but we took it kindly, knowing they meant it for our good, looking at things only from the human stand-point.

We sold all except our two best cows, but it seemed impossible to sell them. We had set one o’clock on a certain day as the time to start for the Robinson (Kansas) camp meeting. Time went on, and the cows were unsold. My parents had come to go with us. All my efforts failed to dispose of the cows. I prayed the Lord to help me sell them. The very morning came. We were packing and loading our wagon. The forenoon seemed to fly away, and different ones began to say: ‘You must do something with those cows.”

I said, “I have done all I can. I believe the Lord will help me sell those cows by one o’clock today.”

Noon came and no signs of a sale. I kept working and praying: “O Lord, I believe you will help me sell these cows; so we can leave this house by one o’clock.”

My father, who was naturally conservative, begun to tell me he feared I was going beyond reason and would become fanatical. Only about fifteen minutes remained, and all was ready to go. My brother was bringing the team. But the cows were still unsold. I still felt sure the Lord would hear, and walked out to the road praying: “O Lord, send us a buyer and send him now.” I looked down the road and saw a man coming at a very fast gait. I turned and went to the house, praising the Lord, for I believed the Lord was sending him.

He was driving a swift animal and drove in as if the Lord had told him to be on time. On seeing our wagon loaded he said in surprise: “Johnny, what does this mean?” Not having heard of our going, he then asked, “Have you sold out? I said, all but two cows, to which he asked what kind, saying he wanted to buy two more. On giving the price he said just leave them in the pasture and he would get them that night He set tied for them in time for me to jump in the wagon and start the team at the same time holding my watch up to my father showing him. We had not missed the time one minute.

Again my soul was strengthened and we all rejoiced. It was our privilege to meet this same man and his wife thirty four years later in Oregon and to tell him how the Lord used him to help answer our prayers.

We drove about one hundred and twenty five miles to the Robinson (Kansas ) camp meeting. This was a wonderful meeting to me I received much light and strength.

We saw a number of brethren we would gladly have gone with but we did not feel to ask such a favor. We prayed the Lord to move on them to ask us Now it seemed the tide had turned. Our prayers were unanswered. Nothing came the way we expected. No one gave us a word of encouragement, even after I had publicly expressed our desire saying I would be glad to do the manual labor of keeping a tabernacle in the field and wife would do the cooking for a company of workers. Oh how the enemy did assail us with accusations saying No one sees anything in you.

I especially admired two young ministers and hoped that I might go with them. One came to me, giving me a strong reproof for something I was unconscious of The other expressed to another minister saying “If the Lord can use that fellow he can use anybody.”

For which he humbly asked my forgiveness a year later.

Soon all had left the grounds, leaving wife and I alone, standing by our trunks on the camp ground. These were testing times to our decision. If my father and mother had not already gone with my team, we might have yielded and returned, but I was glad they were gone, that we might not have that temptation to meet.

LEARNING TO CRAWL

As we thus stood by our trunks on the vacated grounds, we felt like a young ostrich in the desert. We were left alone, we were at liberty to go anywhere or remain there. Everyone else had a place and had gone to that place. It seemed the very surroundings spoke solitude and defeat. I said to wife, “What shall we do?” Then it occurred to us that a certain sister who had come from Illinois had often spoken of having been in the work, and desired to be out again, and that the train had not yet left the station. I hastened to see her and found that she was there, but had no money to go on. An agreement was soon reached, in which she was to do the preaching and we were to bear the expenses and help what we could. We surely drew a sigh of relief, and all were glad.

By the time we returned to wife and the trunks, a dear brother who lived out a few miles returned for a load, and seeing our situation, urged that we go out and stay a few days with them. We did and enjoyed that home and visit very much, and as the next day was threshing time, wife and I both gladly helped, so felt we were not a burden. We also became acquainted with the little church there, who became an encouragement, and very dear to us.

About this time new difficulties began to confront us. It was becoming plain that our new sister was not a proper person for such work, and that we had made a mistake in promising to go with her, and see the way open for her to hold meetings. But our word was out, and she was expecting it. Yet we did not know what we could do alone, or how we could get rid of her in an honorable way. We again resorted to prayer, and threw ourselves upon the mercy of God.

About this time she met a man and was soon married. So our company was dissolved. We were again alone and at sea, but a little wiser and I think a little better prepared for the work that was yet awaiting us.

As a child that has cried, kicked, and exercised itself sufficiently is no longer content with the cradle or its mother’s arms; so I was losing hopes of getting to go with others as a helper, or receiving the expected help from others. At the same time a feeling that we must begin to take responsibilities and stand alone was manifesting itself.

I said to my wife one day, “I feel the responsibilties of trying to preach the gospel to those not saved at all, or to those already established, would be greater than we could possibly fill, but if we could find a place where there are a few newly converted, we might be of some benefit to them, and thus get started.

We had heard of just such a place at Forest City, Missouri, and decided to go and look the situation over. On arriving we found Brothers McDaniels, A. A. Kinzie, and Sister Sillers had just arrived and had their large tabernacle ready for meeting that night. Our hopes were again blighted, and we let no one know of our desire or feelings. However, we stayed several days, both of us finding lots to do visiting, encouraging, and helping several in their temporal work, also had a few prayer meetings with others in private homes, besides attending the regular night services. We felt encouraged, but saw we could not remain there to advantage, as they expected to supply that place. We then left for Hiawatha, Kansas, where we joined Brothers T. A. Phillips and R. M. Haynes and their wives in a meeting. The memory of this meeting, the help they were to us and the influence of their Godly lives will long linger on the pages of our memory.

While there they encouraged me to move out. I found quite a lot to do, and our daily Bible readings were of great help to us. In private study the Lord would so open the Scriptures, and flood my soul with messages of truth that I often wept because there seemed no outlet, and the world offered no opportunity.

The brethren urged that I fill the pulpit, which I finally found courage to try. A good crowd was present. I arose and walked to the pulpit opened my Bible, and was speechless. The pages of my Bible looked like Greek to me. I could not read a word. I decided my Bible was wrong side up, I turned it some three times. The sweat came out all over my body. I actually felt it going down over my body. All was silent except the low prayers of the brethren behind, me: “God help Brother Green.” Here the enemy was on his job. He accused me vehemently, telling me I was a fool and a failure and out of place, that God had left me, that I might know I was not called. Even there I prayed and said: “Dear Lord, you know I love you and have done all to your glory, and I do not believe you will take this way to show me that I am not to work for you.” I decided to stand right there until a victory came in my favor. I did and presently the pages became clear, the thoughts of the day returned, and for fifteen or twenty minutes I spoke with perfect freedom, and a great joy filled my soul.

At the close of the meeting a business man came forward, and taking me by the hand, said: “Young man, this is your first time to fill the pulpit, is it not?” To which I replied, “Yes, sir.” He then said: “I am not a Christian, but I believe in Christianity, and I want to encourage you to keep on. I got lots of good out of your talk. There is something good in you. Don’t be discouraged, over your embarrassment.”

This and words of encouragement from others were a great help, for I know it was the Lord that helped me. Yet my struggles were not over.

SWINGING OUT ALONE

The meeting at Hiawatha closed, and the other workers left the country for other parts. Wife and I were alone once more as we were on the camp ground at Robinson. What should we do? What could we do? I said to Wife, “We must cease to lean and depend on others. We must do one of two things, either sink or swim. Which shall it be?” She was in favor of trying to swim. I then asked, “Where shall we go?” Her answer was, “I will go with you to the end of the world, so be free to make your choice.”

I remembered that while we were yet on the farm, we had a great desire to see the work opened in Fairbury, Nebraska I suggested we take train for that place, rent a hall, and begin a meeting. We then took the first train out. Once there, Wife remained in the depot while I went to locate a lodging.

I walked up town, and while yet on the street a terrible fear seized me. Here we were only fifteen miles from our old home and friends; it looked like running back into temptation. If the trials were too heavy, or our friends came and persuaded too strong, we might yield and return to the farm, and our hopes forever be blighted.

I found myself trembling with fear and returned to my wife saying we were too close to our old home and friends. We were again at sea, and by inquiry found the first train out was westward bound. We looked at the map, and chose Smith Center, Kansas, as our next stop, and the place where we must decide forever whether or not the Lord was calling us to the gospel work. We bought our tickets and arrived there about seven thirty P. M. and put up at the hotel that night.

We arose quite early next morning. It seemed we were almost alone in a new world. A new system of things seemed to have suddenly evolved upon us. We were now facing the world and the work of our blessed Master from an unexpected angle. All alone, no one to lean upon or council with; how different from all we had hoped, planned, or expected. Yet we were soon to assume the responsibilities of real gospel ministers, a position we had not thought to assume possibly for years. I truly feared and trembled, but felt I must do what I could.

Before noon I had the Masonic Hall rented, notices out, and a meeting quite well announced for that night. The afternoon was spent in prayer and reading the Word, all alone in a vacated building outside the city. This was to be the deciding night of my life. I must be sure I was placing into God’s hands every faculty of my soul and being, then if the Lord saw fit to leave me to myself I would know I was not to be in the work, and would return to my wife’s father, acknowledge my mistake as I promised I would, and go back to the farm which was then held for us.

Many times that afternoon, these words would come to me, “Open thy mouth and I will fill it,” and as often the enemy would whisper the words of a minister I had once heard say, “Yes, he will fill it with wind.” So the struggle went on. The time came that I must go. I prayed, “Lord, we have left all to follow thee; we are willing to suffer for thy sake and to teach the people to observe all thy Word; I have done my part in announcing a meeting; I will now go to the hall; I will take my place in the pulpit; I will open my Bible, and then Lord, if you do not give me words, there is but one thing more that I can do, and that is to open my mouth which I will do. Oh Lord, on these conditions I humbly lay myself on the altar for thy service, believing thou wilt dispose of me as seemeth good and just in thy sight,” and I started to go. Just at this time a strong feeling came over me that that text might not be in the Bible, and I had better make sure lest I open my mouth without a promise back of me. I turned to my concordance and soon found the text, and to my surprise it read, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” My eyes seemed to set on the word “wide” and with it the scene of a foolish man standing before an audience with his mouth wide open. I again fell to my knees imploring the Lord to give grace to be even a fool for his name’s sake. That I might know I had done all I could, I there decided I would not only open my mouth as to speak, but I would open it as wide as I could and stand before the people in that way, and then, and not until then, I would know beyond any degree of a doubt that I had met every condition possible for a mortal man to meet.

I went to the hall comforted in my decision, knowing that I pleased God in furnishing him a willing heart.

I shall never forget this meeting. I went to the hall with fear and trembling. Thoughts something like this occupied my mind. Here I am a worm, the weakest of all mortal beings I have never manifested any ability for the ministry, and the ministers themselves see nothing in me, and could not use me in the most common place. Yet I am here to represent the God of heaven and earth; the Creator of all things and Jesus Christ his son, who gave his life to purchase this gospel that the world might be saved. I am to represent a cause which involves the welfare of all the world, a cause which angels rejoiced to tell, a cause to which patriarchs, prophets and holy men have devoted their lives, and for which the apostles and a million martyrs have died. Am I to bear the same message that angels have borne? Oh, what am I that I may stand in rank and file with them, and have even a little part in the carrying out of such a plan? How I longed that I might have at least a little place in such a work! Yet this meeting was to be the final test as to whether the Lord could use me or whether I was to return to the farm. All my future depended upon the Lord’s disposition of me that night.

When we arrived, a goodly number had already gathered. We seemed to be in a heavenly atmosphere. We enjoyed the prayer and song service. I walked into the pulpit, remembering my covenant made with the Lord that I would open my mouth wide, but I soon forgot it; for as I opened my Bible the joy of the Lord came into my soul and his glory filled my whole being. My mouth opened of itself, and the Spirit kept a clear, definite line of truth before my mind for possibly one hour, and the people showed more than ordinary interest.

I felt like Jacob when he said, “Surely the Lord was in this place, and I knew it not. This is none other than the house of God and the gate of heaven.” I had wrestled long and hard, but the blessing came.

It was no longer a question as to whether the Lord could use me in his work. All the things of this world faded from view. I had learned the sequel. It was not I, but the Lord to work in me. My part was to keep humble and devoted to His will, that He might have his way with me.

Many spoke highly of the meeting, and some would hardly believe that was my first meeting. Again I realized the Lord had given definite answer to prayer.

The meeting took on a real interest from the beginning. We sent for Brother and Sister Kriebel, of Kenesaw, Nebraska, to come and help. A number of souls were saved. After this meeting the four of us traveled together holding meetings in new fields. It was during these months the work was started in Cornell, Nebraska, where some twenty-five were saved. Cornell is a sacred spot, and the church at that place is still dear to our hearts.

A HUMILIATING BUT VALUED EXPERIENCE

Just prior to our leaving for Oregon we were conducting a revival at Cornell, Nebraska. The attendance and interest was excellent. Up to this time I had always sought the Lord earnestly for, and received a definite message for the occasion.

On this special day a brother gave me a tree if I would make it up into wood for my widowed sister who was locating not far away. I began early, and everything went well until noon, when I began to feel I should stop and go to prayer, and study, for a message. I intended to, but kept risking just a little farther. It seemed the Lord was striving that I stop. Then I thought, just so much more and then I will.

About this time the enemy began to whisper, Oh, you will get along all right, you always have. I listened to his suggestions, and the urge to go pray and study left me. About this time satan whispered. Really you are doing fine. Who knows but you will make a second Moody! I rather consented that such a thing might be possible.

I remembered how the Lord had wonderfully blessed my soul in the past when preaching on the subject of faith, and that I still had the scripture references. So I decided that would be all right and worked on until quitting time.

I found my old notes but they were lifeless to me, and seemed to shame me. My feelings became indescribable. I tried to pray, but in vain. I felt as if God had forsaken me forever. I was haunted on every side, as if demons were laughing me to scorn, and throwing into my face: You are quite a preacher. You will get through some way. You are really doing fine. You may become a second Moody. I knew I had grieved God. We started to meeting. I was tempted to slip out of the rig and not go. We arrived and all the yard was filled with teams and rigs. The house was filled to overflowing, even the standing room. The devil tried to get me to lie and say I was sick and could not conduct the service, but I dare not do that and thus commit a wilful sin.

The nature of our good meetings had changed. No one could sing and no one could pray. I arose, whipped, humiliated and dumb. I broke completely down, and acknowledged my true condition and when I had paid the uttermost farthing the Lord had mercy and His glory flooded my soul. A new subject was given me and while yet speaking four men who were heads of families came crowding forward without being asked, fell at the altar and got saved. It seemed that heaven came down to greet our souls, and I got my lesson that I amount to nothing without God.

One morning, shortly after this meeting, while in Atwood, Kansas, wife and I read in the Gospel Trumpet where a brother was calling for a meeting near Spokane, Washington. We then bowed in prayer for the same, and as we lingered, there came an assurance that God heard our prayers and would care for that call. At the same time it seemed the Lord asked me if I would be willing to go so far away. It was so real I said, “Yes, Lord, I will go anywhere you lead.” From that we felt pressed in spirit to carry the light of this reformation to the Pacific Coast, and we began to arrange for the same.

We had now made many friends and had seen a goodly number saved whom we felt were dearer to us than our own lives. We had spent most of our money, but this did not bother us in the least. We knew we had given freely of our means wherever needed, and we felt sure the Lord would not forsake us even though we were strangers in a distant land.

We then returned to pay a visit to my wife’s people and to bid them and, our old friends farewell. The time came to leave. My wife’s parents were to take us to the station. As I stepped into the carriage a very solemn feeling came over me. I thought: “I am now leaving the people among whom I grew up, a people who knew my life of sin, the people before I accepted Christ as my Savior. They know the high standard I profess and teach, and if there is yet a word, act, or deed that should be corrected that has not been, it will meet me at the judgment where it will be too late.” I began to pray, “O Lord, if there is one wrong in my life that has not been made right do bring it to my mind now.” And the Lord brought to my mind one dollar that I had got unjustly from a man in a horse race some two years before, but it had never come to my mind since I was saved.

I then began to pray the Lord to send that man to town that I might meet him and restore the money. We had just four miles to go, and he had one. The Lord knew I wanted to meet the man and that it was for his glory. As we drew near the town I saw the man coming on horseback. We met right where our roads met. I said, “Mr. Holaway, you are just the man I want to see.” He laughed and said, “Well I just took a notion to come.” I told him why I wanted to see him and, giving him the money, told him why I had not done it before. He then said, “Johnny, I never cared for the dollar, but I often wondered why you made things right with others and not with me.”

I left the place and people as clear in my soul as the sea of glass and strengthened in faith. This was in 1893. I did not meet this man again until June 1, 1930, when it was our privilege to pay him and his wife a short visit at Mosier, Oregon where they then lived, and where we met as real friends after thirty-seven years. My consciousness of having done the right increased the joy of that visit.

Leaving our home people we made a few stops on our way, the last of which, before leaving the home churches, was Cornell, Nebraska, where a week’s meeting was planned. Here we were joined by Brother Willis and Sister Anna Kriebel, who, to my surprise, came to me and said they felt that I should be ordained. I do not remember that such a thought had yet entered my mind, and it was a little hard to consent as I feared I had not been in the work long enough and had not been sufficiently proved. However, on the last night of the meeting, after a glorious ordinance service, I received my ordination by the laying on of their hands and the invoking of God’s blessings upon me and my life’s work. We then bade all farewell and left for our new field of labor.

It was our privilege to attend the camp meeting in Denver on our way. Most of the saints in that meeting were the product of Brother D. S. Warner’s first company, and as Paul said in I Corinthians 3:2, they were his epistle. Surely they were a zealous, Spirit-filled people, the memory of whom is still an inspiration to me. It was in this meeting that we first met Brother and Sister Byers, who afterward proved a great blessing to us. Our next stop was in Woodburn, Oregon.

Our Oregon Work

OUR FIRST HOME IN OREGON

As I have said before, our money was short. The country was under the strain of a financial panic. Money was almost out of the question. Wages ranged from fifty to sixty cents a day and that was generally taken in trade. This was only a while before our first child was born; so we must have a home. A home was necessary if ever we were to see the work established under our labors, and to this end we began to pray. I bought one acre on the outskirts of town for $120. I paid $45.00 down. This left us about $2.50 in cash. There was not another dollar in sight, and I had no idea where a stick of lumber or a pound of nails was to come from, but our faith and courage ran high, knowing what the Lord had already done. Because of our anxiety to see the work established in our new field, we were strengthened to press on.

About this time a man said to me, “I have a lot of lumber such as siding, flooring, finish, and shingles that I will exchange for work, splitting rails.” He set a price by the day or by the hundred, but I took it by the job. The timber was already cut in the right lengths and constituted an old tram way. I was furnished board and tools. I began at break of day. I sang, prayed, and worked with all my might each day till night stopped me. I made five dollars a day and paid only $7.50 a thousand for the lumber. The man was greatly surprised that I split so many rails. He then said he would give $16.50 for grubbing a certain tract of land, if I would take it in lumber direct from the mill at $4 a thousand, as the miller owed him. I went to work, and never let my fires die out till the job was done, which was a very short time.

I remember this man standing with hands on hips the first evening and saying, “I have never seen a man in all my life that could turn as many stumps as you can.” I had all the lumber I wanted in just a few days to build and finish a small four-room house.

The lumber secured, the next problem was the hardware, windows, doors, and the building of the house. I asked this contractor if he would not exchange work with me and oversee the work. I also secured two other men. They were to be on the job the next Monday morning, I believe. Yet I had not doors, windows, or nails, but I felt I should go ahead in the name of the Lord. The men came and began drafting and sawing. I had a feeling of hope that God would give me favor with the man. On my way I stopped at the post office, and to my joy I received a letter which read as near as I remember, “Dear Friend Johnny, enclosed is a check for $14.50, the amount I owe you. Although I was not to pay it till May, I have felt strongly impressed to send it. Hope it will arrive in time to do you good. I am as ever, your sincere friend, Harry Peak.”

Imagine my joy. I went direct to the dealer, lay the bill before him, and asked, “What will that cost?” To which he replied, “$14.40.” I gave him the postoffice order and he gave me a dime. Again I could scarcely restrain the high praises of my soul, for the Lord had again given definite answer to prayer.

The men worked long hours and fast, and in just a few days our home was complete and every cent paid for.

OUR FIRST FURNITURE

As our house neared completion, We began to pray the Lord to help us secure the needed furniture; we had nothing but our bedding, dishes, and clothing. The Lord heard us, and we did not have to wait. Just as we were finishing the house we received another $7.50 from some of the dear saints among whom we labored in the East, and, going to a bachelor who wanted to leave the country, we asked the price of his stove. He said he would take his trunk and clothes and move out for $7.00, which we gave him gladly.

The outfit consisted of a good No. 8 cookstove, drop-leaf table, bedstead and spring, three chairs, a rocker, cooking utensils, tub and washboard, lantern, pails, several good carpenters’ tools, and, a few other things. All good stuff. It was almost like a gift. The next day we moved into our new “Missionary Home’ and there with a few saints we knelt and dedicated it to the service of God.

The doors of that home were always open to the people of God and his work as long as we lived there. Praise God,; as I write the tears of gratitude fall, and my heart goes out in praise to him who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”

SOWING THE SEED

About eight months after we arrived in Oregon, I awoke one Sunday morning with a great burden upon my heart, feeling as if I were needed, and should prepare to go somewhere. I communicated the same to the brethren in the forenoon meeting and asked an interest in their prayers that I might fully know the mind of the Lord in the matter.

On our way home we called at the post office and received a letter which contained an urgent call to come at once, on account of severe illness. Signed, Wm. Reed, Albany, Oregon.

We had only twenty cents in money, and but little in the house for wife to live on. I wanted her to keep the twenty cents, but she refused, saying she would trust the Lord. I started about eight o’clock Monday morning, walked all day in the hot sun. In the evening a man passed me with a fine rig, and I ventured to ask him for a ride, but was refused. At this the enemy attempted to try my faith and accuse the Lord, to me; so I stopped and went to prayer, and by chance opened my Bible to the thirty-seventh Psalm. Oh, what strength, what heavenly inspiration, what comfort it brought to me! It had never called my special attention before, but now it was like the Lord was talking audibly to me, and using it as a direct answer to our earnest prayers and fastings for several days just previous, that we might become more effectual, and better prepared for the work of the Lord. My whole being seemed filled with the glory of God. All night I walked on in the rain which had begun to fall. I arrived about six o’clock Tuesday morning, tired, muddy, and thoroughly soaked, having covered a distance of about fifty-four miles. While there the Lord performed a miracle by healing Sister Reed, who was very low.

I learned that Brother and Sister Reed had accepted the truth under Brother Warner’s teaching, and had often entertained him and his first company while living in Onarga, Illinois. They were loyal supporters of the Gospel Trumpet in its very infancy and remained so till their death.

We always enjoyed going to their home, for not only were their hearts and home open to us, but we always received helpful thoughts and a spiritual uplift to our souls, and they, being dead, yet speak to us.

About the year 1895 I went to Lebanon, Oregon, and held a few meetings in a private house, after which I decided to save my money by walking home. I had a new pair of shoes and a few dollars and felt good to think of going home with some money. It was a fine, balmy morning in spring, and I set out on foot, grip in hand. I took my bearings to the north, leaving the railroad as far as ten or twelve miles, and was soon out in the thinly settled forest. However, it was not long till the sky was covered with clouds and the rain falling, and I became as wet as could be. The road was filled and overflowing with water. I could not keep out of it; so kept the narrow, ungraded road regardless of water, which was sometimes quite deep.

I do not remember of passing a house or person during the entire afternoon. About dusk I came out at Kingston, and there turned my course west to the railroad, reaching West Stayton after most people had gone to bed. I tried different places for lodging ,but was refused. I was wet, hungry and very tired. My shoes had both burst open from the soles till they would hardly stay on my feet. I finally went to the last house near. I asked to stay, but the reply was not favorable. I insisted, at the same time praying. I finally heard a woman speak from the adjoining room, saying, “Papa, keep him.” I was then shown an upper room. I removed all my clothing and was soon enjoying a good bed, but I assure you it was an unpleasant task getting into my clothes the next morning.

Breakfast being over, I paid my bill, after which I asked the privilege of sitting by the fire to dry my clothes. I then explained to the woman of my work and how I came to be there. I gave her a Gospel Trumpet and one of those large tracts on the church by Brother Warner, and talked on the subject also. It was possibly two years later when I went to this place to hold a revival. This woman gave her heart to God, saying my visit and, those tracts and Trumpets brought conviction to her heart, and prepared her to get saved. She and her neighbors had read and reread them until they were worn out. She said she had often prayed that the Lord would send me back as she had no knowledge of where I lived.

During our first ordinance meeting there, this sister came to me saying. “Here, Brother Green, this money has been burning my soul ever since we charged you for your lodging that night.”

This was Sister Vannuyse, who still lives in the same place, whose home is still open to us, and whose life has truly adorned the gospel, and has been useful in leading others to the Savior.

OUR FIRST TRIP INTO THE WALDO HILLS

Shortly after our arrival in Oregon I heard of a Mr. and Mrs. Livingston, who had lived near our home in Kansas and had been very close friends of my parents from my early childhood, but had left the country shortly after their marriage, and all track of them had been lost. It seemed the hand of Providence had destined that they hear this message and become helpers to us in our early struggles but not until a transformation took place in their lives although very good moral people and professors in a formal church.

I set out to find them which I did some twenty miles east in what is known as the Waldo Hills country. I stayed over night, spending most of the time talking over the scriptures. They were very kind, and treated me fine, but my ideas of a holy life, baptism by immersion, washing of the saints feet, and especially that there was but one Bible church and it composed only of saints, and that all other religions constitute the great spiritual Babylon of Revlation 17 was indeed ridiculous to them. However I received a very cordial invitation to return and bring my wife for a good long visit.

About this time a fine young man who felt his call to work in the Lord’s vineyard came from near Colfax, Washington, to work with us. I found him to be a jewel, This was Brother James B. Peterman, who later opened the work in Kansas City, Missouri, and was much used of the Lord until his death.

OUR SECOND VISIT TO THE LIVINGSTONS

Several months had now passed and we planned to visit the Livingstons, but to improve the time by holding a revival in their neighborhood.

We arranged that Brother Peterman go a day or so ahead, secure the school house and announce a revival. I also sent a note introducing Brother Peterman and asked them to receive him as ourselves, but this was too much. The atmosphere had changed. The cold reception they gave almost crushed his spirit. However he secured the house and had the meeting well advertised when wife and I arrived.

We were met with the same disdainful indifference. It was a terrible blow to my wife, as well as Brother Peterman. It was plain the folks were ashamed of us, feeling the people would blame them for our coming. Brother Peterman and wife felt they could not stay. I did not dare to get hurt, or even let my countenance recognize the contempt shown to me, but played, ignorant, and forced myself to cheerfulness. I insisted that wife and Brother Peterman just leave the matter all to me, assuring them all would be well.

THE FIRST SERVICE

The time for the first service arrived. The house well filled. The Livingstons took a seat in the extreme back corner, but the Lord was there and His glory fell upon us. He wonderfully anointed for the entire service.

I knew we had won the respect of the people. And just before closing, I explained that wife and I felt we would like to visit the Livingstons a day or so, but did not feel we could do so except we also improve the time in the Lord’s work, hence the meeting, but Brother Peterman, being a stranger, was not counting on such, and if there was anyone in the neighborhood prepared to lodge and board him, we would pay them for the same, and be glad to do so, and that after a day or so wife and I would be at liberty to visit any and all who wished us to do so.

Many rushed forward and offered, free lodging to all of us, even urged that we come. This was so unexpected that it seemed to hurt our friend’s pride, and she came forward also, and reproved me for such a proposition, but I insisted we were no bums, and would not think of imposing a lengthy stay on them.

We were all urged to return and make our home right there.

The next night they took their places a few seats forward, and the following night found them still nearer. A heavy conviction settled upon their souls.

One night Mrs. Livingston stayed up all night reading, praying, and comparing my Bible with hers. The next morning it was plain to be seen she had wept much, but we rejoiced like Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:9-11.

The following night in meeting, she arose, saying I want to get saved, but I feel I have some confessions to make. First, I have been a professor and nominal church member among you. But I now see that I never had salvation and am no better off than any other sinner. She then asked all to forgive anything they had seen amiss in her life. She then turned to us asking our forgiveness for the way she treated us, at the same time saying she had feared the people would blame them for our coming, and that she did not suppose I could preach anything. They then made their way to a self-chosen altar where they both found the Lord after which they and some of their children became a great support to the Lord’s work in these parts. They passed on some 23 and 30 years ago. Their son, Brother W. H. Livingston, was a faithful servant of the church until his death three years ago. God bless his sainted widow and her children.

BROTHER PETERMAN’S FIRST SERMON

It was during the above mentioned meeting that I felt Brother Peterman should, move out and preach the gospel, but all my persuasions failed. I felt sure he was the proper material and that once started, he would never stop. I determined to bring this about and yet in a way that he would not know my purpose. So one night I said to the audience that I felt I must go to Woodburn the next day, and must leave the meeting with Brother Peterman. That I wanted everybody to come, every saint to pray and be at their best, and for Brother Peterman to give them the very best he had.

The next morning I felt sorry for him, as he pleaded for me not to go, or be sure and get back in time for the meeting. I went walking quite a little of the way. I spent the evening praying for the meeting.

On my arrival the next day I was greeted with enthusiasm, praise of the sermon and the meeting in general, and that a dear young man had got saved at the public altar.

That experience put confidence and inspiration in him and he never stopped until he laid the cross down to accept the crown a number of years later.

It was he and his companion who in the meantime opened and built up a good work in Kansas City, and I was told it was his ardent and unceasing labor for that work which he so much loved that was responsible for what might be termed a premature death.

A SHORT BUT PROFITABLE MEETING

In the spring of 1885, as mentioned in the article by Brother A. L. Byers, we received a call to Coos county. While on our way we met and became acquainted with Brother and Sister E. M. Beebe, who at that time was operating a foundry in Springfield. They asked us to hold some meetings and offered a fairly good room in the foundry which was soon cleared, seated and ready for services.

A man and his wife from far up the Mohawk river attended one day and both sought the Lord. They took some literature home with them and gave it to the sister’s parents Grandma and Grandpa Canton who rejoiced on seeing D. S. Warner’s name thereon with whom they once belonged to the Winebrenanian denomination. They also embraced the truth with all their heart. So did Brother and Sister Beebe, who later went to Australia to work for the Lord and died there. Brother Swatzer and Grandpa and Grandma Carlton were also faithful unto death, and their lives a benediction to early work. Sister Schwatzer is still living and attends the Eugene congregation, and may the Lord bless and sustain her.

Thus the short meeting was the means of six souls seeing the light and getting clear.

OUR FIRST CAMP MEETING

In the year 1894 the camp-meeting spirit began to burn in our hearts. The undertaking seemed a great one for so few and when finances seemed so scarce. Some thought it could not be done, but the zeal and faith of a number really knew no limit, and a camp meeting was announced for the year of 1895. The sisters began early to can fruits of different kinds. The brethren gathered it in. All planned from early spring, and it was wonderful the bountiful supply of that meeting in every way. We sent to San Diego, California, for a tabernacle, on which we must pay the freight both ways.

The first evidence of the Lord’s caring for the financial side was before the meeting. I saw I must have some money to pay freight, etc., and went to the Lord in earnest prayer. Just then a brother and sister who had got saved in some of our first meetings in Kansas visited us and on leaving gave me a twenty dollar gold piece. In a few days another brother sent ten dollars to me, which more than covered all our preparatory expenses. The ministers at that meeting consisted, of J. W. Byers, San Diego, California; F. N. Jacobson and wife, O. A. Chapman and wife, Colfax, Wash.; John Daugherty and E. E. Byrum, of Michigan. As I remember now all expenses were amply met. Our table was free to everybody, and no charges or collections were made.

The influence of that meeting was far-reaching for the truth. One man who got saved at that meeting said, “I was in trouble. I was leaving the country on foot over the Santiam Route. I kept seeing those camp-meeting bills on bridges, trees, etc., every once in a while. I would stop and read, and especially notice the words, ‘Church of God,’ and ‘full salvation.’ A desire came into his heart to attend, but not until he had traveled many miles, could he get the consent of his mind to do so. But he did, walking back a distance of some seventy-five miles.

Brother Byrum speaks of a miracle or two in his book, “Secret of Salvation,” that were wrought in that meeting. A number of souls were saved.

EARLY EXPERIENCES ALONG THE SANTIAM

My first trip into the Santiam country was, if I remember correctly, in 1894. I walked much of the way to a point eighty miles from home. I was welcomed into the home of dear, old Father and Mother Osborn, then living near the Santiam post office, but who have long since gone to their reward. But their kindness to me still speaks. The memories of that home and the kindness of all that family, including the in-laws, linger with sweetness in my soul. God bless those who still live. From this home I worked the country, visiting, giving out “Trumpets” and tracts, and holding services both at the schoolhouses and in private homes. A little seed was planted in Sweet Home and Waterloo. A few took their stand, for the truth, and a number of warm friends were made. I went home happy in my Master’s service and especially so as I found the little congregation at home doing well.

It was not long until a call came for meeting in that locality. Sister Osborn and her son came after wife and I in a lumber wagon, taking several days to make the round trip. Those were the days of “money famine” in Oregon. There was no money to finance anything. After our meeting at Santiam we were taken in by Sister Turnidge and her kind, though unsaved husband, of Sweet Home. Here a sort of warehouse with most of one side out was our meeting place, but we were thankful for it, although not much more than a good influence was created and a number of friends were won.

From there we turned our attention to Waterloo. Here the way was closed so far as a public house of worship was concerned, and I was told the minister of the placed used his influence against me. Nevertheless, a small grove was secured, arrangements were made, and a series of meetings begun. As we had no lodging there my wife could not attend much, and I was compelled to go alone some of the time, walking ten miles in making the round trip, and I alone holding meeting in the open air— a small object indeed to fill such a large place, but I did my best, and homes were soon opened to us.

It was at this meeting we became acquainted with a man and his wife living near Lacomb, some eleven miles away in the hills. On being invited, I went home with them one Friday night. The next morning the questions and Bible study began, which lasted till noon, covering the subjects of salvation from sin, holy living, sanctification, and the Bible church. After dinner, when I was about to start for the meeting, the sister said, “Brother Green, I want to ask you just one more question.” And with her eyes glancing toward my shoes she asked “Where do you get your financial support?” At first a deep sense of chagrin tried to flash over my soul but I answered, “I am trusting the Lord; I have no one else to look to. I know your thoughts, that I must soon have shoes or his name be dishonored.” To which she said, “Yes, it looks that way.” The shoes were the worst that I have ever been compelled to wear. I had blackened my socks to keep them from showing conspicuously through three or four holes. But my faith moved up a little and I said, “Sister, I know my shoes are bad, but I am praying for shoes or the work to earn them.” She gave me to understand she would watch the situation. I left that home praying the Lord speedily to supply. The next morning I received a pair of shoes, sent by two men some miles away, who knew nothing of our conversation. I preached Sunday evening and this woman and her husband came. I noticed her eyes were often on my shoes. At the close of the meeting I said, “Sister, the Lord sent the shoes and in a way unexpected,”

She was fully convinced that God heard and answered my prayer, They, too accepted the truth of this reformation. That was some thirty-five years ago, and it was my privilege to meet this sister at our camp meeting last summer.

STORMY EXPERIENCES ON HAMILTON CREEK

At the close of this meeting we were invited by a man and his wife to come to their home and hold a meeting about ten miles east, on Hamilton Creek. Here enough of interest happened to fill a book, but most of the details must be left out for want of space. All went smooth for a while, but when this sister took her stand for the truth her husband became enraged and seemed to lose all control of his reason. One morning he called us in council saying if we did not have her confess she was a sinner and therefore a liar—because she professed holiness—he would leave her, as he would not live with a liar.

I asked what his charges were, to which he said he had carried one handkerchief in his pocket for three weeks without washing. To which she answered, “John, all your other handkerchiefs were washed, ironed, and in that drawer.” His next charge was that her mind was so on religion that she burned her coffee while roasting, and the third and last that she left the door open and a chicken went in and picked into a roll of butter. To which I said, “I cannot accept your charges.” He then declared he would leave her. We were still in their house.

The next morning I awoke very early with Psalm 2: ringing in my mind. “Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?” I felt the Lord was talking.

I told my wife that something unusual was before us, and we needed to pray. About that time a knock came at the door below and a boy asked for me to come, saying his father wanted me to come to his house some two miles away. I was soon ready to go and this enraged man said, “I guess I will go along.” So about dawn we started over the winding trail. As I remember it but few words passed between us.

On our arrival at the home of Sister King we found that her husband who had been away from home running a threshing machine had heard that I was tearing things up and causing people to lose their minds. He had heard that his wife, though a church member, had confessed to being a sinner, made some restitution, gone to the altar, and claimed to be saved. This to his mind was a sure evidence of insanity. So he had come home during the night and had spent the time trying to convince her of her danger and to give up her idea and desire to be rebaptized, but to no avail.

On entering the house I saw he had been crying, his eyes were swollen, and there was a look of revenge on his face. Both men went out and talked matters over, after which they returned. Mister King said, “I want to see you outside.” I arose and followed as he started down to the creek about seventy-five yards away. I thought sure he meant to throw me in, but I said in my heart, “Lord, I will go and not resist.” But a little to my surprise he stopped near the water and said, “I want to know why you are causing all this excitement, breaking up homes, and causing these women to go crazy.” I said, I was not doing anything like that. He then informed me that I had already separated Mr. Wirt and his wife, and now his wife was crazy and would likely have to go to the asylum soon. He added, at the same time that she wanted to be rebaptized that day, but warned me under penalty not to baptize her, and never to speak to her again in private or public, nor to communicate with her in any way, either by friend or letter.

Then he said, “Do you see that fence? To which question I answered, “Yes, sir.”

Then he said, “Now, get over it and never set foot on this place again.”

This I firmly refused to do, saying, “I have done you no wrong. I have acted as a man in every sense of the word, and I will not go away as a villain. You may throw me over the fence, but I will not go under such conditions.” His demands were strong, but my protest was firm. I said, “If you will consent to my going into the house I will advise your wife to defer her baptism and not present herself as a candidate. But if not I will baptize her if she presents herself,” To this he finally agreed, saying, “Let your words be few.”

We walked in and I said, “Sister King, you see how your husband feels at present. My Christian advice is that you defer baptism for the present. Your husband will soon be ready to be immersed with you.” To this she said, “Praise God; that seems right!”

The hour for the forenoon meeting arrived. The two sisters took their places in front with my wife, composed and with victory, The house was full. The Lord blessed in preaching. At the close of the service the first man, who was something of a Tertullus, arose in the back of the house, and with quite a display of oratory, publicly declared that I