📘 Maria Woodworth-Etter, Acts of the Holy Ghost (1912): Selections

1. “Go, and I Will Be with You”: Childhood, Sorrow and the Call to Preach

Maria Woodworth-Etter, Acts of the Holy Ghost (Dallas: John F. Worley, 1912), chapters I–III, pp. 23–39: her birth in 1844, conversion, family bereavements, call, anointing with the Holy Spirit, and first meetings in Ohio. Primary source; page numbers from the uncollated OCR; the interpretations are the author’s.

CTS note: This is Woodworth-Etter’s own account, written many years later. The “Disciples” are the Disciples of Christ; the “Friends” are the Quakers; “Sabbath” means Sunday; a “man-fearing spirit” is the fear of people, and a “gazing-stock” is a public spectacle. Her argument from Joel 2 and Acts 2 that women may preach is her own view. Christians hold complementarian, egalitarian and team-ministry positions on women in ministry; CTS presents them without taking a side. Two hymn verses by writers who died long ago are kept; other verses are omitted ([…]).

Chapter I

I was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, July 22, 1844, and was the fourth daughter of Samuel and Matilda Underwood. My parents were not Christians, therefore I was left without the religious teachings and influence with which so many homes are blessed. My father and mother joined the Disciple Church one year before my father’s death, which occurred in July, 1855. The death of my father was the first great sorrow of my life. He had gone away to harvest in usual health, and I will never forget the night he was brought home, cold, in death. Some neighbor children and I were out watching a terrible storm raging, when we saw two strangers approaching the house. They came to bring the sad intelligence of what had happened, and as we looked out we saw the conveyance approaching, bringing the remains of our dear father. It was a terrible blow to our young hearts to see our father carried into the house cold and stiff in death, and my mother fainting as fast as they could bring her to.

We children were screaming and the storm was raging in all its fury. Father died of sunstroke; he was only sick a few hours, and died praying for his family. But I must pass over this sad event. My mother was left with eight children to provide for, and almost destitute. Then began the battle of life with us all. My mother was obliged to seek work in various ways. My oldest sisters and myself had to leave home and work by the week. We had not only ourselves to provide for, but also our brothers and sisters at home. It was very hard for my sensitive nature to go among strangers. I was discontented and homesick. I wanted to go to school where I could learn, for I longed for an education, and I often cried myself to sleep over this matter. I would have my books in the kitchen, where I could read a verse and commit it to memory; then read another, and so on, thus improving every opportunity while at my work.

I had no opportunity of going to church from my earliest recollection. My heart went out in strong desires to know of God, when eight years old. Two of my sisters were converted in a Methodist meeting. I went once or twice. My heart was melted with the Savior’s love, but they seemed to think children had no need of salvation, and I was kept back. At the age of thirteen I attended a meeting of the Disciples Church. My family were all Disciples at this time. When I heard the story of the cross my heart was filled with the love of Jesus. My eyes seemed to be fountains of tears. I was seated in the back of a large audience, and was the first to make the start to seek the Lord. It seemed so far to the front seat, that it looked like I could never make it, but I said,

“I can but perish if I go. / I am resolved to try, / For if I stay away I know / I shall forever die.”

The minister took great interest in me, and said many good things to encourage me, and prayed that my life might be a shining light. If he could have looked forward, and have seen my life’s work for the Master, he surely would have rejoiced to know how kindly he had talked to the poor little orphan girl. But I did not get converted then. They did not believe in a change of heart, and nature; but praise the Lord, He did not leave me in the dark. The next day, as they took me down to the creek to baptize me, there was a great crowd around. I heard some one say, “Maybe she will be drowned.” It scared me a little. I thought, “Maybe I might,” but I said, “Lord, I will go through if I do”: so I asked the Lord to save me fully, trusting myself in His hands; and while going into the water, a light came over me, and I was converted. The people saw the change, and said I had fainted.

Then began my new life of peace and joy in a Savior’s love. Then I was contented and happy, singing and praising God all the day long. I never went to any place of amusement. I attended four meetings on Sabbath and three or four during the week. I did not stay away from meeting once a year unless I was sick. I was more anxious now than ever for an education, for I wanted to work for Jesus and be useful in the vineyard of Christ. Soon after I was converted I heard the voice of Jesus calling me to go out in the highways and hedges and gather in the lost sheep. Like Mary, I pondered these things in my heart, for I had no one to hold counsel with. The Disciples did not believe that women had any right to work for Jesus. Had I told them my impression they would have made sport of me. I had never heard of women working in public except as missionaries, so I could see no opening—except, as I thought, if I ever married, my choice would be an earnest Christian and then we would enter upon the mission work.

A few years after this I married Mr. Woodworth. We settled in the country, and thought by industry and honest toil to gain a little of this world’s goods to sustain these physical bodies, but my health failed, and everything we undertook seemed to be a failure. I was away from all Christian influence, and could not often attend the house of God. Often when hearing the church bells ringing, which had been the signal for me to repair to the house of worship, and knowing that I could not go, I would cry myself to sleep. I had one trial after another, and temptations and discouragements beset me on every side. The angel of death came to our home, and after hovering around for a few days he bore away our only little boy, a bright, blue-eyed darling. As he was passing away he looked up and smiled. He looked like an angel, and seemed to say: “Mamma, do not weep for me; I am going to a better world.” It almost broke my heart to lay him away in the cold grave; but I could see the loving hand of God and hear Him calling me to build up higher, to set my affections on Heavenly things and not on the things of the earth.

One year had hardly passed by when the angel of death came again to our home and took away our baby Freddy, and at the same time I lay for weeks between life and death. In all this I could see the hand of the loving Father calling me to leave all and follow him. About this time our little daughter Georgie was converted. She was about seven years old. She was a great comfort to me. She loved to talk of the goodness of God and our Redeemer. Many happy times we enjoyed talking together of the beautiful home over the river, where her brothers had gone. I did not think she would leave me so soon to join their ranks and raise her voice with theirs in singing salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and the Lamb forever. She was taken sick with that dreadful disease, scrofula, and lingered about eight months. Her sufferings were great, yet she never murmured or complained, but only said it was for her good. She loved to read about Jesus, and the beautiful mansions he was preparing, and the robe and crown that were waiting for her. She would talk to all who came to see her of Jesus and his love, and tell them to meet her in heaven.

She sent messages to her Sabbath School teacher and scholars, and to her friends far and near, to meet her in heaven. For weeks before she died her face was all lighted up with the glory of God. The angels seemed to be hovering about her bed. She could hear them singing. Her body was with us, but her spirit seemed to be above the earth communing with God. She was willing to go and be with Jesus, but it seemed hard for her to leave me. She would say: “O mamma, if you could go with me I would be so happy. I hate to leave you; but oh, say, you will meet me in heaven.” I said: “Georgie, I will try.” But that would not do. She said: “O mamma, say you will; I cannot die unless you promise to meet me in heaven.” I said: “Georgie, by the grace of God I will meet you in heaven.” She said: “Now I am ready; I know you will come, mamma; I shall always be looking for you, and when you die I am coming for you.” The Sabbath before she died she called me to her bed-side and said: “Mamma, I am going to leave you this week,” and she began to set her house in order.

She talked of dying as we would talk of going to visit a dear friend. She gave away all of her earthly possessions. To me she gave her testament; said she would like to see all her friends once more. She selected her burial robe and place to be buried, and requested us to leave room for me to be buried by her side. She stayed with us until the last of the week, and was frequently heard to say:

“I am coming, Lord, / Coming now to thee; / Wash me, cleanse me in that blood / Which flowed on Calvary.”

She kept inviting every one to come to Jesus and be saved. Her sufferings were intense toward the last. When she could not speak, and we would ask her if she was happy, and if Jesus was with her, she would smile and nod her head. She thought she was going. She put up her mouth to kiss each one and gasped good-bye between her struggles, saying: “Meet me in heaven;” but she rallied and lived two hours. In this way she talked on till the last, and her face shone with the glory of heaven. Looking up she said: “O mamma, I see Jesus and the angels; I see my little brothers; they have come for me.” And they bore her away in triumph to the heavenly land. It seemed to me that I could see them as they went sweeping through the gates into the New Jerusalem. This was her favorite hymn, and was sung at her funeral:

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It was like death to part with my darling. But Jesus was very precious to my soul. Heaven was nearer, Christ was dearer, than ever before. I had one more treasure in glory. My health had been very poor all through her sickness. Three weeks before her death little Gertie was born. She was the picture of Georgie, and seemed to have her sweet disposition, and I thought as she grew older she would take her place; but the precious bud was not permitted to bloom in this world of sin. At the age of four months, the angels bore her away where the flowers never fade nor die, there to join her sister and brothers, who were waiting to welcome her at the golden gates. I could say with David, they cannot come back to me, but I will go to them. Praise the Lord for the Christian’s hope. These beautiful lines of the poet express my thoughts—I did not expect to be long behind my darlings:

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Chapter II

From the time of the sad occurrences which have just been narrated in the previous chapter, my health was very poor, and many times I was brought near the brink of the grave. Everyone who saw me thought I would die. But the work the Lord was calling me to do came up before me so plainly that I thought he would raise me up, and open the way; and at these times, when I seemed to be hovering between life and death, I would have such glorious visions.

At one time I was praying for the salvation of sinners, and the Savior appeared on the cross by me, and talked with me; I laid my hand on his mangled body, and looked up in his smiling face. Another time I was meditating upon the love of God in giving his only Son to die for sinners, and of the beautiful home he was preparing for those who love him, and I seemed to float away, and was set down in the Beautiful City. Oh, the glorious sight that met my view can never be expressed by mortal tongue! Heaven is located. It is a real city. Its inhabitants are real, and not imaginary. If mothers could see their children as I saw them, in all their shining glory, they would never weep for them, but would leave all and follow Jesus. They would let nothing keep them from meeting their children in heaven, where they are shining in dazzling beauty around God’s Throne, and are watching to give welcome to the Beautiful City.

I never think of my children as being in the grave. Oh no. The loved form that we laid away in the cold grave, is nothing but the casket, that contained the jewel which is now shining in the Savior’s Crown. Often now when I am pleading with sinners to come to Jesus, and telling them of the love of God, the beautiful home in heaven, of the mansions bright and of the robe and crown, and of the great multitude who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, the veil seems to be taken away and I feel lost in the love and glory of Christ. I feel as though the congregation was left behind, and I was floating upward in a cloud of glory. Oh, the wonderful love of God! The half has never been told. It never can be told. It will take all eternity to tell of the redeeming love, in the wonderful plan of redemption to a dying world. Dear readers, will you not give up all and follow Jesus, and meet me in that beautiful land where sorrow will never come?

I do praise God for his loving-kindness to me in always raising up the best of Christian friends in my behalf. In all my sickness and trouble the ministers and people came from the different churches in the town and had prayer-meeting in my room. They prayed in the churches for my recovery. I was willing to die and leave my little girl and boy, feeling that God would care for them; but the work God was calling me to do, loomed up before me. All these years God had been preparing me—for I was not willing. I felt like a worm in his sight. It seemed impossible for me to undertake the work for the salvation of souls; but the time had come to promise or die. I promised God that if he would restore my health, and prepare me, and show me the work, I would try to do it: I began to get better immediately. We then moved to a Friends’ settlement, and they came and took me to church.

They had glorious meetings. God seemed to say to me, “I brought you here; go to work.” Now the struggle commenced. I was very timid, and bound as with chains in a man-fearing spirit. When I arose to testify I trembled like a leaf, and began to make excuses—“O God, send some one else!” Then the Lord in a vision caused me to see the bottomless pit open in all its horror and woe. There was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. It was surrounded by a great multitude of people who seemed unconscious of their danger, and without a moment’s warning they would tumble into this awful place. I was above the people on a narrow plank-walk, which wound up toward heaven; and I was exhorting and pleading with the people to come upon the plank and escape that awful place. Several started. There was a beautiful bright light above me, and I was encouraging them to follow that light and they would go straight to heaven.

This vision left quite an impression on my mind. When the Spirit of God was striving with me to talk or pray in meeting, I would resist as long as I could. Then this awful vision would rise before me, and I would see souls sinking into eternal woe. The voice of Jesus would whisper, “I am with you; be not afraid.” Then I would be on my feet or knees in a moment. I would forget everything but the love of God and dying souls. God seemed to speak through me to the people. But I had so much opposition to contend with. My people were opposed; my husband and daughter fought against it; and my whole nature shrunk from going to stand as a gazing-stock for the people. But the Lord was showing in many ways that I must go and perform the work he had for me to do.

Several ministers whom I had never seen before told me, at different times, that God was calling me to the ministry, and that I would have to go. I said, “If I were a man I would love to work for Jesus.” They told me I had a work to do which no man could do; the Lord was calling me to the West to labor for lost souls. I said, “O Lord! I cannot take Willie with me, nor can I leave him behind.” Then the Lord saw fit to take him out of the way; so he laid his hand on my darling little boy, and in a few days took him home to heaven. He was the joy of my life. He was nearly seven years old. He was very bright for one of his age—in fact, far beyond his years. He was the pet of the whole neighborhood. He seemed to know when taken sick that he would not get well. He talked of dying and going to see Georgie, who had been dead three years that month.

He said he would have to die sometime, and that he would rather go now if we could go with him; that he would never be sick any more, nor have to take any more medicine. He bid us all good-bye and said he was going to be with Jesus. He died very happy. He had talked and fretted much about his little sister, and said he could not live without her. By faith I could see her meeting him at the beautiful gates and welcoming him into the golden city of God. This sad bereavement nearly took my life. The dear Savior was never so near and real to me before. He was by my side and seemed to bear me up in his loving arms. I could say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” When alone I missed my darling so much that I wept as though my heart would break. Then I would always pray; and as I prayed I would forget everything earthly and soar away by faith to the Golden City, and there see my darlings all together shining in glory, and looking at me and saying, “Mamma, do not weep for us, but come this way.” I would always end in praising and giving glory to God for taking them to such a happy place. Lizzie, our oldest child, aged sixteen, was all we had left of six sweet children.

In all these trials God was preparing me and opening the way for the great battle against the enemy of souls; and now the great desire of my heart was to work for Jesus. I longed to win a star for the Savior’s crown. But when I thought of my weakness I shrank from the work. Sometimes when the Spirit of God was striving and calling so plainly, I would yield and say “Yes, Lord; I will go.” The glory of God came upon me like a cloud, and I seemed to be carried away hundreds of miles and set down in a field of wheat, where the sheaves were falling all around me. I was filled with zeal and power, and felt as if I could stand before the whole world and plead with dying sinners. It seemed to me that I must leave all and go at once. Then Satan would come in like a flood and say, “You would look nice preaching, being a gazing-stock for the people to make sport of. You know you could not do it.” Then I would think of my weakness and say, “No; of course I cannot do it.”

Then I would be in darkness and despair. I wanted to run away from God, or I wished I could die; but when I began to look at the matter in this way, that God knew all about me, and was able and willing to qualify me for the work, I asked him to qualify me. I want the reader to understand, that at this time I had a good experience, a pure heart, was full of the love of God, but was not qualified for God’s work. I knew that I was but a worm. God would have to take a worm to thresh a mountain. Then I asked God to give me the power he gave the Galilean fishermen—to anoint me for service. I came like a child asking for bread. I looked for it. God did not disappoint me. The power of the Holy Ghost came down as a cloud. It was brighter than the sun. I was covered and wrapped up in it. My body was light as the air.

It seemed that heaven came down. I was baptized with the Holy Ghost, and fire, and power which has never left me. Oh, Praise the Lord! There was liquid fire, and the angels were all around in the fire and glory. It is through the Lord Jesus Christ, and by this power that I have stood before hundreds of thousands of men and women, proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ. The Friends wanted me to travel a year with a minister and his wife and work in revivals, and they would pay all expenses. But my husband was not willing for me to go, or to engage in the work any place.

Chapter III

I thought I would go through a course of study and prepare for the work, thinking the Lord would make my husband and people willing in some way to let me go out and work. But I could not get my mind fixed on my study. Everything seemed empty and vacant, and I was restless and uneasy.

The dear Savior stood by me one night in a vision and talked face to face with me, and asked what I was doing on earth. I felt condemned, and said, “Lord, I am going to work in thy vineyard.” The Lord said, “When?” and I answered, “When I get prepared for the work.” Then the Lord said to me, “Don’t you know that while you are getting ready souls are perishing? Go now, and I will be with you.” I told him that I could not talk to the people; I did not know what to say, and they would not listen to me. Jesus said, “You can tell the people what the Lord has done for your soul; tell of the glory of God and the love of Jesus; tell sinners to repent and prepare for death and the judgment, and I will be with you.” Still I made one excuse after another, and Jesus would answer, “Go, and I will be with you.” I told him I wanted to study the Bible; that I did not understand it well enough. Then there appeared upon the wall a large open Bible, and the verses stood out in raised letters. The glory of God shone around and upon the book. I looked, and I could understand it all.

Then Jesus said again, “Go, and I will be with you.” I cried, “Lord, I will go. Where shall I go?” And Jesus said, “Go here, go there, wherever souls are perishing.” Praise the Lord for his wonderful goodness in revealing his word and will in such a wonderful way, to such a poor weak worm of the dust. I saw more in that vision than I could have learned in years of hard study. Praise his Holy Name. I saw that I must not depend on any thing that I could do, but to look to him for strength and wisdom. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” saith the Lord. I was to be the vessel of clay God was going to use to his own glory. I was to be God’s mouth-piece. I must trust God to speak through me to the people the words of eternal life. There was all this time a secret monitor within telling me that I should be calling sinners to repentance.

I could not get clear of that reflection by day or by night. Walking or dreaming, I seemed to have a large congregation before me, all in tears, as I told them the story of the cross. Thus for months and years did I debate; and yet did I falter and hesitate, and, like Jonah, trim my sail for Tarshish. I thought if I were a man it would be a pleasure for me; but for me, a woman, to preach, if I could, would subject me to ridicule and contempt among my friends and kindred, and bring reproach upon his glorious cause.

Always when I had trouble I would flee to the strong-hold of faith and grace and prayer. But when I went in secret to pray the words seemed to come to me, “You deny me before men, and I will deny you before my Father and the holy angels.” Then I would go to my Bible and search for teachings and examples. Who made sport of Miriam when the poet said:

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Again, the Lord put his erring people in remembrance of his great blessing to Israel when he said, “Did I not send thee Moses and Aaron and Miriam to be your leaders?” And again the prophets were ordained of God. And when there was trouble on hand Barak dare not meet the enemy unless Deborah led the van. And the noble woman, always ready to work for God and his cause, said, “I will surely go. God’s people must not be a prey to the enemy.” “Oh, no; call out the men of Israel; Sisera’s mighty hosts are gathering.”

As I continued to read my Bible I saw that in all ages of the world the Lord raised up of his own choosing, men, women, and children—Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Hulda, Anna, Phoebe, Narcissus, Tryphena, Persis, Julia, and the Marys, and the sisters who were co-workers with Paul in the gospel, whose names were in the Book of Life, and many other women whose labors are mentioned with praise. Even the children were made the instruments of his praise and glory. See Romans ii: 6; I. Samuel iii. 4; Jeremiah i. 6; Numbers xxii. 28.

The more I investigated the more I found to condemn me. There was the Master giving one, two, and five talents, and the moral obligation of each person receiving them and their several rewards. I had one talent, which was hidden away.

The Lord, through the Apostle Paul, commanded us not to forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” And again, “They that feared the Lord spake oft one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.”

By the Prophet Joel we learn that one special feature of the gospel dispensation shall be, “Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also upon my servants and handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit.” It seems by the Prophet Joel, that the last days were to be particularly conspicuous for this kind of prophesying. We cannot reverse God’s decree, for it is said: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the Word of God shall endure forever.”

By reference to Acts ii. 16, it is determined that this prophecy by Joel was verified on the Day of Pentecost. And “it was fully warranted as of divine origin, and that the gift of prophecy was not confined to either sex; for they all began to preach and to prophesy, as the Spirit gave them utterance—both men and women. Paul, in his first letter to the church at Corinth (I. Cor., xiv. 3.), defines prophesying, exhorting, speaking, edification, and comfort. If we are able to answer the important questions: First, Whose spirit was poured out? Second, On whom was it poured? Third, When and for what purpose? then we shall also be able to decide somewhat as to what extent women are required to work for the advancement of Christ’s cause upon the earth. I maintain that, by the prophecy of Joel, women were to participate in this work with their brethren. Now, when the kingdom, or new dispensation, was set up by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, their work was not only recognized in a miraculous manner, but was acknowledged by the apostles as in fulfillment of said prophecies.

Now, to those who are sensitive upon this point I propose the inquiry: First, Is there not as much to sustain the position that women are called to preach as there is that men are called? If you admit that there is such a call to the ministry, then whence the authority for making the work exclusively for the male sex? What would have been the work of those women who labored with Paul? (Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, iv. 3.) Second, How could they obey God and not prophesy? (Acts ii. 18.) Philip had four daughters who did prophesy. (Acts xxi. 9.) Was that by divine authority, about thirty-five years after the setting up of the gospel kingdom dispensation? And is it less becoming for women to labor in Christ’s kingdom or vineyard now, than it was then?

If you determine that there is no acceptable preaching only through a called ministry, who will arrogate to himself the power to determine the calling, seeing that more are invested with miraculous power?

But should you deny that there is any divine authority by which the word is preached, why not offer the most encouragement to those who may labor the most successfully? There will be a time when all good works will meet a just recompense; for it is said: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

The first meeting that I undertook to hold was in a little town where we had lived some years before, right among my husband’s people. It was a cross for me to talk to those people; but I said, in the name of God, and by his sustaining grace, I will try, and leave the result with him. As I rose to speak, this text came to my mind: “Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live.”

When I began to talk upon the subject the man-fearing spirit left me, and the words came to me faster than I could give them utterance. My sister-in-law broke down and left the house. We continued the meeting a few days, and twenty claimed to be converted. People were converted all through the neighborhood. One who came to this meeting afterward became my son-in-law. I continued to keep house, and spent as much time in holding meetings as I could, to give my husband a chance to attend his work. I was anxious to raise money for us to go West. I would ride seven miles and hold meeting on Saturday evening, and three meetings on Sabbath—sometimes in different churches—and then ride home over a hilly and rough road. By this time I would be nearly exhausted and hardly able to walk around to do my work. But the last of the week I would go again; and often through the week I held meetings in the towns around where I was born and raised, where we had lived since we were married.

It was a cross for me to speak before my own folks, and the people whom I had always known. But God wonderfully blessed my labors in every place. Wherever I went the house was crowded. I did not write my sermons or have sketches of sermons. I would take a text and trust God to lead me in his own way. I was holding meeting for a few days where I was raised, and the house was crowded every night. One night I could not get a text. The people came pouring in until the house was packed. I began to get frightened. A brother said to me, “The Disciples are turning out to-night.” There I was, with several hundred people before me and no text—nothing to talk about. Everything was empty. I began to plead with Jesus. I told him he had called me to preach; that here was this starving multitude and I had no bread to give them. To verify his promise and to glorify himself in manifesting his power to this people, the words came to me, “What are you going to do with Jesus, that is called the Christ?” and also the place to find the text.

Jesus seemed to whisper in my ear, “I am with you; be not afraid.” I opened the meeting and repeated the text. As I did so the power came, and it seemed that all I had to do was to open my mouth. The people all through the house began to weep. I talked one hour and a quarter. The power came as it did when I received the anointing. It seemed as if the house was full of the glory of God. I felt as if I was drawn up over the people. Glory to God for helping a worm of the dust.

For the glory of God and the encouragement of those who are engaged in working for lost souls, to prove that no place is too hard for God, if we only trust him, I will tell you of the victory God gave me at a place called “The Devil’s Den.” It was distinguished for infidelity and skepticism. There was an old free church in which no one was ever known to be converted. Some of our best ministers had tried to hold meetings here, but had gone away in disgust. This place was six miles from home. I had several times refused to go to this place, but at last concluded to go, believing God would shake the foundation of infidelity, and that there would be a shaking among the dry bones. A large crowd met me. They had come through mere curiosity, expecting to see me back out. I had to do all the talking, all the praying, and all the singing. But God was there in mighty power. Some of those infidels turned pale and trembled in their seats. For a few days I could hardly find a place to stay. I appointed day-meetings; but they said, “Oh, you cannot have meetings in day time; no one will come.” I told them if no one else came I would go and pray for God to pour out his power upon the people. About the fourth day some were brightly converted. They went to work.

The news spread like fire, and the Christians and singers and ministers came for miles around. There were hundreds who could not get into the house. The doors and windows were open, and the order was so good that I think nearly all the people outside could hear. I held the meeting two weeks, and seventy-five came out on the Lord’s side. One old man and his wife, about seventy-five years old, and nine of their children, were converted. Nearly all who came out were over twenty years old. Some of the hardest sinners in the whole country were converted. They had to confess that God was there in wonderful power. I organized a Sabbath-School of one hundred and fifty scholars, and put in a man for superintendent who had been a noted drunkard; appointed two prayer-meetings for each week, and established meetings every Sabbath. Different ministers promised to furnish them with preaching. The people said it was a glorious work, but that it could not last; that when I left it would go down.

Bless God, I have heard of only one who went back to the world! Praise God, the work is going on, and the wilderness of sin has been made to blossom as the rose! where there was cursing and blaspheming, there is singing and praising God. Let us never be discouraged; but lean hard on God, and he will give us victory every time, if we only trust him and give him the glory. Praise God for victory through faith in his promise and through the efficiency of the blood of the Lamb!

Let me say for the encouragement of those who are starting in the work of the Lord, God has promised to be with us always, even to the end. We are nothing but the clay God speaks through. It is “Not by might, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.” If the Holy Spirit is dwelling in our hearts and shining out through our lives and actions; if we, by faith, take God at his word, we will find at all times and places that his grace is sufficient, and he will give us victory every time. We must claim the victory by faith, before the walls fall. (Joshua, 6.20.)

2. The Harvest Field: First Revivals and the Indiana Campaigns (to 1885)

Maria Woodworth-Etter, Acts of the Holy Ghost (Dallas: John F. Worley, 1912), chapter IV, pp. 40–47, and chapter XVI, pp. 105–113: her first protracted meetings in Ohio and Indiana, and the campaigns of 1885 at Summitville, Fairmount, Columbia City, Tipton, Pendleton and Kokomo. Primary source; page numbers from the uncollated OCR; the interpretations are the author’s.

CTS note: A “protracted meeting” is a revival series held day after day; the “altar” or “mourners’ bench” is the place at the front where seekers prayed; a “class” is a local congregation of the Methodists or United Brethren; the “Daniel’s Bands” were local prayer groups. Falling “under the power,” lying “as dead” and trances are her descriptions of what Pentecostals later called being “slain in the Spirit.” The healings in this chapter are her historical testimony, not verified medical findings; CTS presents them with respect for the Pentecostal belief in divine healing. The hymn “A Child of the King” (Hattie E. Buell, died 1910) is kept; other verses are omitted ([…]).

Chapter IV

On the way home from a revival-meeting I took a severe cold, which settled in my throat. We stopped in Columbiana, ten miles from home. While there a Methodist class-leader requested me to take charge of the prayer-meeting, and preach for them. As it was too late to announce a meeting, I told him I would go if able, and we would have a praise-meeting, as I could only speak in a whisper. The church had gone out after style, and pride, and festivals, etc., until they had lost their power. They were in a lifeless condition. I went, and to my surprise the people were coming in crowds. They continued to come until the house was crowded—and they said the house would hold a thousand people. There I was, barely able to sit up, so hoarse I could hardly speak, with no minister or anyone to help me. I never had stood before such a congregation, or so much style. I trembled in my seat; but oh, how I clung to God.

In silent prayer I asked him to take away the cold and hoarseness, and man-fearing spirit, and everything, and give me a message for that dying people. I thought if I could get up into the pulpit I would tell the people it was a mistake; that I had not promised to speak. It seemed so far away. But I went, and stood up to make an apology for the first time since I had started to work for the Lord. As I did so this text came to mind: “I am doing a great work, and I can not come down.” I trusted God to take away my cold. The first five minutes they could hardly understand a word. Then my voice got clear and strong, and they could hear distinctly all over the house; and the words just seemed to roll out. I talked for one hour, and the power of God was wonderfully manifested. All over the house people wept, and a death-like solemnity settled over the congregation. They wanted me to go on with a revival, but I could not. Whenever I think of that meeting it strengthens my faith, and I feel like praising God for victory through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, and power, and praise forever and ever. Amen.

I had various calls to take a stationary work where I could have done well. The United Brethren wanted me to take charge of the Woman’s Missionary Society, or take a circuit; the Bible Christians wanted me to unite with them, and take charge of three large churches; and the Methodists wanted me to take charge of one church. These were all within ten miles of home, and I would have received a good salary. But I felt that my mission was that of an evangelist. I felt that my work was not confined to one charge or place, but wherever the Lord was leading me. I joined with the United Brethren Church and got permission to preach and organize churches. I felt that the time had come when I must break up house-keeping and leave home and friends and our only child, to travel through the West. It was a sore trial. I had to flee to the Rock that is higher than I before I could say:

[…]

My husband was now willing and anxious to go with me in the work. It required strong faith, for we had to start without purse or scrip, like the disciples, trusting the Lord to supply our wants. As we traveled from place to place, without a home we could call our own, I could sing:

“A tent or a cottage, why should I care? / They are building a palace for me over there. / Tho’ exiled from home, yet still I will sing: / All glory to God, I’m a child of a King. / My Father is rich in houses and lands; / He holdeth the wealth of the world in his hands; / Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold, / His coffers are full, he has riches untold.”

I find the promise of Jesus verified. If we leave all for his sake, we shall have houses and lands, sisters and brothers, and a home in heaven. I find dear mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and dear children born into the kingdom, wherever I go, who are as dear to me as my own.

Oh, it is a glorious work to rally sinners to the cross of Christ, and to say: “Behold the dying Lamb.” May God keep me low at the cross of Christ, and keep me ever pure and holy—a vessel fit for the Master’s use—is my daily prayer. Oh, that all would praise the Lord for his goodness to the children of men. Prior to going West, I held nine revivals, organized two churches—one of them with about seventy members; organized a Sabbath-school of about one hundred scholars, and appointed a prayer meeting at the same place; preached in twenty-two meeting-houses and four school-houses, for eight different denominations, and delivered two hundred sermons. This work was accomplished in about one year and a half. God blessed my labors in this short time with more glorious results than I had expected to see in years, or perhaps in a life-time of labor. Praise his Holy Name.

God has promised, that they who go sowing the precious seed weeping, shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Dear reader, God has assigned a work for you and for me. Are we doing that work? God has given us salvation; let us work it out with fear and trembling. We do not want a starless crown. The day is far spent and the night of death is fast approaching, when no one man can work. Male and female are one in Christ Jesus. When we went West to engage in the work which God was calling me to do, the first place at which we stopped was at Willshire, Ohio. I preached in the M. E. Church the same evening, and the next day we went to Fairview. Here Bros. S. and T. were just closing a series of meetings. The class requested me to continue the meetings, which I did for sixteen days. I never saw the power of God so wonderfully manifested as at these meetings. There had been trouble in the church for a number of years.

Some of the best members had left, and the church had lost its power. I felt impressed that God was going to restore love and harmony in the church. I visited those families, and the third day of the meeting the trouble was all settled. All who were present came to the altar and made a full consecration and prayed for a baptism of the Holy Ghost and of fire, and that night it came. Fifteen came to the altar screaming for mercy. Men and women fell and lay like dead. I had never seen anything like this. I felt it was the work of God, but did not know how to explain it, or what to say.

I was a little frightened, as I did not know what the people would think or what they might do to me, as I was the leader of the meeting. While the fear of God was on the people, and I was looking on, not knowing what to do, the Spirit of God brought before me the vision I had before I started out in the work of the Lord, and said: “Don’t you remember when you was carried away, and saw the field of wheat and the sheaves falling? The large field of wheat was the multitudes of people you are to preach the gospel to; the falling sheaves is what you see here to-night, the slaying power of God. This is my power; I told you I would be with you and fight your battles; it is not the wisdom of men, but the power and wisdom of God that is needed to bring sinners from darkness to light.” The Lord revealed wonderful things to me in a few moments; my fears were all gone.

Those who were lying over the house as dead, after laying about two hours, all, one after another, sprang to their feet as quick as a flash, with shining faces, and shouted all over the house. I never had seen such bright conversions, nor such shouting. They seemed as light as a feather. The ministers and old saints wept and praised the Lord with a loud voice. They said it was the Pentecost power; that the Lord was visiting them in great mercy and power, and there was great victory coming.

It is now twelve years since that meeting; the Lord has poured out the Holy Ghost as he promised he would in the last days, with signs and wonders following. He said he would give the latter rains of the Spirit before the notable day of the Lord came. This was to be given to gather in the last harvest of souls before Jesus comes in the clouds. Many times I have stood before congregations of thousands, preaching or singing, when the Holy Ghost fell upon them, and swept over, wave after wave, till the multitudes would sway back and forth like the trees in a forest, or grain in a storm. Many of the tall oaks would be laid prostrate over the house or camp-ground; and, like the revival at Cornelius’s, many were converted standing, or sitting in their seats.

Many shouted, others wept with a loud voice. Other times the power would sweep over the house in melting power. In a few minutes nearly every one in the congregation would be weeping, saints and sinners. The solemnity of death would rest upon the people; you could not hear a sound nor see a move; the people were held by the power of God. These outpourings of the Holy Ghost were always followed by hundreds coming to Christ. The Lord has backed up his word, as I preached it on the apostolic line, with signs and wonders and demonstrations of the Spirit.

He has shown me we are in the last days. He has poured out his Spirit in all my meetings. Praise God, no difference how the Holy Ghost came, I knew the Lord was leading. How I realized this: “It is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” Oh, how precious these words of our loving Father: “Open thy mouth and I will fill it,” and, “Be not afraid of their faces, for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.” “Thou, therefore, gird up thy loins, and arise and speak unto them all that I command you.” “Be not dismayed at their faces, lest I come and confound you before them.” “Go, and I shall be with you.” “Be strong and courageous,” etc. When I would feel my responsible position, and look over the crowded house, I, like Peter, would begin to sink, and cry: “Lord, help; Lord, use the clay to thy glory, and give me a message for this dying people.”

Some of those promises would come rolling in, accompanied with the Holy Ghost, until I would feel lost in Christ and see nothing but the multitude of dying people rushing on to judgment.

Oh, praise the Lord for his tender care over us, and for his wonderful salvation, that fills our souls with glory; that takes away the fear of persecution, the fear of man and the fear of devils, and makes us rejoice in the midst of trials, remembering that “all things work together for good to those that love the Lord,” etc.; that takes away the fear of death, and as we look at the grave we hear a shout from Calvary, saying, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Death is the Gate to Glory. The saint can shout “Victory” over death, hell, and the grave. Jesus says, though we walk through the valley and the shadow of death, he will be with us. Jesus will carry us safely over. There will only be a little brook to cross.

My next work was at Bethel Chapel, St. Mary’s Circuit, where I held a revival-meeting, which lasted eleven days. The class was in bad condition. There had been trouble in the church for nine years. Sixteen members or more had left the church; but harmony and love were restored to the class, and nearly all who had left came back. Father D., who had been standing out of the church all his life, came out and joined the church, and eleven of his family followed. One brother consecrated himself to the ministry, and is now preaching the glorious gospel. An infidel became convicted and converted, and is now in the ministry. One hundred and thirty-five came to the altar; thirty-nine united with the class; Christian workers and ministers came in from all around, and we had a glorious time. The house was filled to overflowing; half the people could not get in. The seekers were trampled upon. We could not get room for the mourners. The altar and the side seats were full, and the night I closed the meeting there were thirty-two at the altar. It seemed that all who came fell under conviction.

Two young men attended the meeting all through, and were deeply convicted. I labored with them day and night. I felt impressed that that was their last chance, and if they did not come to Jesus then their doom would be sealed. I told them that I believed death was on their track. They turned pale but did not yield. A short time after the meeting closed they both took sick about the same time, and both were unconscious to the last, going into eternity without a ray of hope. People remembered how I had labored with them, and they thought it was a warning from God for others to flee to a Saviour’s arms and escape the vengeance of a just God. Oh, it is a fearful thing to die without Christ; to take a leap in the dark and go down into the dark waters of Jordan without Christ to lighten it with his glory. Think of the awful day of judgment, when the great day of his wrath will come; who will be able to stand? Will you cry for the rocks and the mountains to fall on you and hide you from his awful presence?

[…]

We went to Pleasant Mills, Indiana, to hold a series of meetings, and there found the class nearly broken up. I could only find six who had any experience; they were discouraged. Even the minister had no hope of it being built up again. The Baptists were strong there, and there was contention between the churches. A good many of the brethren advised me not to go; but I thought as it was such a hard place, work was needed there worse than anywhere else. No place is too hard for the God of Israel. I expected the mighty God of Jacob to fight for me. Jesus is a Mighty Conqueror. He has never lost a battle. I claimed victory before the walls fell. The night I commenced there were only two members present, though the house was crowded. I spoke from the text, “I am doing a great work, I cannot come down.” I talked principally to the church. I told them that we were brothers and sisters in Christ, and all were engaged in putting up a building for the Lord, and that each one had a part in the building.

I invited them to come out and help; that it was not only their privilege, but God commanded them to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty; for we had a great battle to fight and needed every soldier. God has said, “Cursed are ye that come not up to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” The churches all came out, and we could not tell a Baptist from a Brethren. Brother B., the Baptist minister, came out and offered to do all he could. Many of them came out in a good experience. Two came to the altar and were converted, and we were all bound together in bonds of love, which I hope will last through Eternity. No one seemed to think the church could be built up. They would say, “If any good is done here it is more than I expect.” They had no faith; I could not depend upon them at all. The third day two old men about sixty years old came to the altar for the first time in their lives, and were converted; and one young man came out, and they went right to work. Seeing is believing. This fired up the members, and we had a glorious time. The house was filled to overflowing every night. The meeting lasted sixteen days. Fifty-five came to the altar, and I think nearly all were brightly converted.

On Sabbath morning I could not find a message. When I got to the church the house was full, and still I had no text. As I stepped to the porch a brother asked me if I would preach a funeral sermon at the hour of preaching, and if so the procession would be there in a little while. I studied a moment. I thought it was all of the Lord, and I said I would. But I had never preached a funeral sermon. Oh, how I looked to God to guide me to his glory. I knew if God did not speak through me I would be confounded. This text came to my mind: “He can not come back to me, but I can go to him.” I turned to the passage in the Bible, and the light of God seemed to shine on the text. It was a child that was dead, and its parents were not saved. They were both convicted, and promised me not to stop until they found the Pearl of Great Price. As I stood up and read the text, its meaning unfolded, and the Spirit of God came down in great power. The people were weeping all over the house. Oh, praise the Lord for his ever-present help when we trust him.

While holding the meeting I visited a man who was sick and unsaved. I talked and prayed with him, and he was sweetly saved. I left him rejoicing in a Saviour’s love. He was taken into the church, but died in a few weeks. He was very happy and resigned. I went to bid him good-bye. He said he was going soon, but would meet us in the Beautiful City above. During his last hours his friends and neighbors gathered in, and he talked and exhorted them to seek Christ, and meet him in heaven. He said the angels and his little child who had passed over, were in the room. He shouted and praised God until the last breath was gone. His triumphant death convinced some of the hardest sinners of the reality of religion. “Oh, let me die the death of the righteous, that my last end be like his.” Our loving Father is calling his children home one by one. Some of us have more loved ones over on the golden shore, than we have here. They are watching and waiting for us. Shall they watch in vain, or will we by the grace of God meet them at the Pearly Gates, and with them sing the Redemption Song through the endless ages of Eternity? We will soon all be gone. All will have passed over. Jesus will soon call us to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, where we will crown him Lord of all.

[…]

Chapter XVI

I next went to Summitville, Indiana, and commenced meeting on Wednesday evening, Feb. 25, 1885. They took the seats all out of the church to make room. The house was crowded the first night. The crowd was made up of infidels, skeptics and scoffers. Many of these scoffers were church members. A few of God’s children stood by me praying for victory. Most every one said, she will make a failure here, and were hoping it would be a failure. I went in the strength of God, knowing that he that was for me, was more than those who were against me. I arose and told them that God was coming in power; that many of them would be at the altar that night, crying for mercy. I saw some laughing, as if to say, you do not know us. I commenced singing, “Let me in the life-boat.” The Holy Ghost fell upon me. God made them to see the life-boat on the ocean of eternity, and them drifting away into darkness and despair, down to an awful hell. I led in prayer. When I arose, the silence of death reigned over the house. They were trembling under conviction. While I was preaching, God sent every word like arrows, dipped in the blood of Jesus, to their hearts.

After preaching, I called for sinners to come forward. There was a rush for the altar. It was soon crowded. Those who had opposed me most were the first to come. Some who would not yield were stricken down as dead in different parts of the house. There were many bright conversions the first night. Some of these went into trances. Their faces shone with the brightness of heaven. The sinners said they looked like angels. They told of glorious visions of heaven. Some of the scoffers who were struck down by the power of God had awful visions of hell and the judgments of God on the ungodly. God showed them the road to heaven and told them to make their choice. They often saw a ladder with golden rounds, reaching to a great city; they yielded to the Lord and stepped on this ladder and were saved. They came out shouting, with that awful look of horror all gone and their faces shining with brightness. When the people saw the change in these men they said: It is the work of God.

The work went on increasing in interest for one week. About five hundred were saved in the church. The seats were taken out to make standing room. The whole house was a mourners’ bench. Many of the worst men in the town and country were saved, and lived earnest christian lives. Many were saved at home, all around the country, in nearly every house. Some died praising God. Several went to preaching the Gospel. Hundreds have been brought to Christ by their labors.

One man, a Universalist, who had great influence over the people, was a leader, but not for good, got under conviction but would not yield. He thought if he could find something against me he would have an excuse for not accepting Christ. He followed us home at night and tried to eavesdrop. He watched me every chance he had to pick some flaw. He failed in this. Then he went from one place to another where I had lived and labored for Christ; but thank God, instead of finding something to accuse me, in every place he heard them speak of the trials I went through, and the patience, faith and perseverance in winning souls for Christ.

I did not know he was watching me, but when he came back I was holding meeting at Kokomo, Indiana. He came there and got up and told all about what he had done; how he had tried to drive off conviction, but instead of driving off conviction every place he went he felt worse, till he was glad to yield; but said he could not get saved till he came and made a confession of what he had done. He was gloriously saved and went to preaching the gospel. Praise God for his wonderful work! God’s children shall never be ashamed.

By very urgent request we next went to Fairmount, Indiana, and held meetings in the Wesleyan Methodist Church one week, I commenced on Wednesday evening, March 3, 1885. This was a most wonderful meeting. There were over four hundred conversions in the week, there being an average of three conversions every hour from the time the meeting commenced till its close, counting the time day and night. The seats were all taken out so as to make room. A double altar was made through the house. The church was crowded day and night. Hundreds could not get in. The people were up in the trees trying to look in the windows. I commenced meeting at nine o’clock in the morning and closed at twelve at night. Some men arranged to come and break up the meeting. I did not know them, nor what they were doing. They came and crowded in at the door. God pointed the leader out to me. With a loud voice I called to him to come to Christ. The fear of God fell upon him. He turned pale as death and started for the altar. When he got half way he fell under the power of God. He lay about sixteen hours. The way he talked, and his gestures while lying there, brought the fear of God on all who saw him.

Those who came in with him saw it was a fearful thing to fight against God. They were soon on their knees crying for mercy. When he came out he had a wonderful experience to tell, which God used to bring many to Christ. He went to work to bring souls to Christ, and soon began to preach. Many ministers came and received the anointing power from on high. The power of the Holy Ghost fell upon me the first meeting and remained while I was there. It could be seen, heard and felt by all who came. Many times the power would take control of me when singing, praying and preaching. I would be held standing, a spectacle for men and angels. Sometimes I would lay for hours at a time. The holy fire went into all the churches and spread for miles. Hundreds of lost souls were brought to Christ after I had gone to other fields.

From Fairmount we went to Columbia City, Indiana, and commenced meeting in the Universalist Church Thursday evening, March 12, 1885, which lasted about four weeks. Sinners came to the altar the first night. Many made a start for heaven. The interest was so great we engaged the large skating-rink, which was crowded. The interest continued till the last. Many who had been saved in my meetings a year previous, and some of the ministers and Christians who assisted me in those different places, came up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. The altar was full, day and night. Sometimes the whole house seemed to be a mourners’ bench. Hundreds were sometimes on their knees praying at once. Two or three hundred converts would give a ringing testimony to the saving power of God in one meeting. The slain of the Lord were many. The rink looked like a battlefield: It was indeed a battle against the powers of darkness and the hosts of hell. Conviction rested all over the city. Hundreds became pilgrims and said they had started for heaven, seeking a city out of sight that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

The Lord showed me while here that I had the gift of healing, and of laying on of hands for the recovery of the sick. I had been working day and night for many months and had no strength only as God gave me each meeting. It would be two o’clock often before I would get to sleep. When God began to show me I must preach divine healing I could not understand that it was the spirit of God leading me. For three nights when I was most dead for rest I lay awake. God was teaching me a lesson I could not or would not learn. I said: Lord, you know I started out to win souls for heaven, and I have been busy all the time. I have tried to be faithful in everything you have given me to do. I am so exhausted with constant labor that I have to be helped many times to rise from my bed.

I thought if I would preach divine healing they would bring all the cripples in the country, and I would neglect the salvation of souls. The Lord showed me he would take care of the work. I told the Lord if he wanted me to pray for the sick to send them to the meetings, and show me he wanted me to pray for them, and I would. When I made this promise I had perfect rest of mind and soul. From this time God began to lead me to teach divine healing and pray for the sick. It is now nine years since, and God has healed thousands of all manner of diseases. Thousands have been brought to Christ by seeing the people healed. The devil tried to make me think there would not be nearly so many saved. On Friday, April 10, 1885, we left Columbia City for Hartford City, Indiana. At Fort Wayne we were met by Lawyer C., of Hartford City, who escorted us to his house.

In the evening we met the Daniel’s Band at their nicely fitted up room, and found them all on fire for God, which cheered our hearts. The Daniel’s Band arranged to have meetings in the opera house, as I was going to stay over Sunday. At five o’clock Saturday evening they began to fill the house, and by the time the meeting commenced the house was full to overflowing, and God greatly blessed the people, and several souls were saved. On Sunday the house was full all day. But Sabbath evening was the grandest and most glorious sight I ever witnessed; fully two thousand people were crowded into the hall, and fifteen or more were entranced during the evening, and God was present in mighty power. On Monday we went to New Corner, and in the evening met the Daniel’s Band of that place. The house was literally packed, and there were not enough sinners in the house to fill the altar, most everyone being on the Lord’s side. There were ten conversions. On Tuesday evening I went to Summitville to meet the Daniel’s Band there, and found them as at the two former places, all on fire for God, and notwithstanding the stormy night the church was packed full. Twenty-three came to the altar and were gloriously saved, and after the meeting closed five more came forward and wanted to be prayed for, and they, too, professed to be saved. My next meeting was at Elwood, Indiana.

I found a great deal of formality here, and cold professors to work against. But I trusted in the Lord to fight our battle and give us victory. Praise God, whole families were brought into the fold of Christ. Annie M., a saloon-keeper’s little daughter, was converted, and as she urged others to come to Christ and be saved she looked like an angel. It was a sight that caused strong men to weep to see her so happy with the love of God. I held meetings here ten days with wonderful success. Every night the church was crowded, and vast numbers stood around the windows and doors anxious to gain admittance. No one but the recording angel can tell the number of those who were converted in this meeting. There were hundreds that we know of. By very urgent request I next went to Tipton, Indiana. I commenced meeting on Sunday morning, April 26, 1885, at the Methodist Church, and for two weeks we held up the cross of Christ to a dying world, amidst all opposition from professing Christians and the outside world.

All hell seemed arrayed against us, but I trusted in the Lord Jehovah to give us the victory. And many hundreds praise God for the meeting at Tipton. On the second Sabbath evening, amidst the most intense excitement, when the altar was filled with seeking penitents, a Mrs. Y. went into a trance, and while in that condition, Dr. P.—went to the front part of the house to see a trance for himself. She soon commenced to motion for him to get down on his knees. He fell as one dead. He yielded to the Lord; as he afterwards said, he believed it was then or never. God blessed and saved him. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

I never saw such demonstrations of the Spirit and power as at this meeting. Many of the leading church members were struck down, or stood held, not able to move, under the power of God; their faces shining with the glory of God. The presence of God was so felt that the fear of the Lord fell upon all the people. In the two weeks I was here over five hundred came out on the Lord’s side. May they ever be kept faithful to the end of life. The closing scenes were wonderful.

News of the wonderful work of God was spreading all over the country. The interest was so great I could not get any time to rest, day or night. Committees were sent from all parts for me to go and hold meetings in different churches. I was so exhausted from constant work I could hardly sit up. We slipped off to Indianapolis, and took boarding in a private house, hoping to rest a few days, without any one knowing where we were; but we had not been there a half a day till several ministers from the city churches came to see me, and tried to persuade me to hold meetings in their churches. I told them it was impossible at that time. They then urged me to preach on Sabbath, but I had to refuse.

Some came from Pendleton, Indiana, who traced us to our boarding-house, and begged very hard for me to come there, if only for a week. I had only one week before my next appointment. I saw I could not rest there, so I told them I would go. The news of my coming got there a few hours before I did. The preacher’s family, and nearly every other, were cleaning house and making garden. Things could not have been more discouraging. I was so weak I had to go to bed till meeting time, and then be helped to church. I stayed eight days. The result of this wonderful meeting was that several hundred souls had their names written in the Lamb’s book of life, including many leading citizens of the town and county—doctors, lawyers and merchants. Dr. T., a noted infidel, was converted and healed of diabetes. He is now a member of the legislature of Indiana. The oldest sinners and the hardest were saved.

We prayed for the Lord to convict them on the trains, and make them get off, and come and be saved. One afternoon I fell under the power of God and had a vision, and lay till the house was crowded. At night five doctors examined me, and they said I was in a normal condition, and that my pulse and heart beat were natural, but that it was keeping time with the music. I showed them by signs that they would all be converted, and showed them their calling, and they were all made to praise God. While in that condition I saw three men come in from the train. They were all travelling men.

The people thought that I would not be able to preach, but I arose, and stood before a packed congregation. The power of the Holy Ghost was like a cloud on the people. I saw the three men that I had seen in my vision come from the train. They were not sitting together. I went to each one, and told them that the Lord had brought them there, and that they would all be converted that night. They were angry at first, and said they were going to another city, but something got hold of them, and they had to get off the train. They saw the crowd going to the church, so they came too. Praise the Lord they were all saved that night. One told me that he was going right back home, twelve hundred miles, to tell his mother the good news.

After a week or two these men came to another place, where we were holding meeting, and told of the wonderful way they were brought to Christ.

From that meeting the revival swept over that country, and thousands were rejoicing in a Saviour’s love. The richest men and women were brought to Christ, and they built a nice new church.

For twenty miles round men and women were struck down in their homes, in business places, and on the roads and streets. Some lay for hours, and had wonderful visions. Many went into the ministry, or became evangelists.

Now readers, take notice how the meeting was started. Everything was most discouraging only one week before. You must see that it was not by might, or human power, but by the Spirit of God. He takes the weak things to confound the mighty; that our faith may not be in man, but in the power of God. One night during the meeting a young lady went into a trance; they sent word to her father that she wanted to see him. When told about it he swore he would tear up the Methodist Church and show them that they should not make his daughter insane. He came running down to the church, and threatened to kill me, and all the rest, when he saw them lying like dead; but the Spirit of God got hold of him, and he fell over his daughter like a dead man, and in less than fifteen minutes he was praising God for saving a poor sinner like him.

After long solicitation, which had been kept up constantly for over four months, I next went to Kokomo, Indiana, and for three weeks God wonderfully blessed me and the people of that city. My first meeting was held in the Friends’ Church, which was very large. It would not hold the people. The next day we went to the court house. While there Barnum’s show came to the city. The papers said there would be a race between the Woodworth meeting and the show to see who would get the biggest crowd. Hundreds came to the city to go to the show, but when they heard of the wonderful meeting in the court house they came there. Once, while the great show was passing, I was preaching and held the crowd. The next time they passed there were several hundred on their knees in prayer. Not one went to the window. Praise God for such victory through the power of the Holy Ghost. We went from the court house to the skating rink, the largest building in the city.

About one hundred were baptized. It was said about twenty thousand witnessed this solemn and wonderful scene. The first one baptized was a Methodist minister. About twenty church members who had not thought of being baptized were so impressed they stepped out with their best clothes on and were baptized. The crowds were so large I had to appoint three meetings that night. One was held in the court house yard and one on the street. Some ministers took charge of these meetings, and I held services in the rink. Several fell under the power of God. Many sinners were stricken down as Saul. The power of God was felt for fifty miles round. Thousands of souls were brought into the light of God. The Sabbath we closed God gave us a pentecost. The Holy Ghost fell on the multitude that had crowded in the rink and around the door. The power of God had been poured out in all the meetings, and signs and wonders followed and rested upon the people. The Holy Ghost sat upon the blood-washed sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. Old white-headed fathers and mothers who were plucked as brands from an awful hell—many past seventy years; many fathers and mothers past middle age, young men and maidens, some little children, one after another stood up with that strength and boldness that the Lord alone can give and told of the power of Jesus to save.

In two hours five hundred converts had testified that they knew they were saved by the power of God, and happy on their way to heaven. Many fell under the power of the Holy Ghost while speaking. Many fell in all parts of the house. Old men and women wept aloud. Others shouted, and sinners cried for mercy. All classes were stricken down in the meetings; many church members and ministers of different denominations, not only in the meetings, but in the city and miles away. They had wonderful visions of hell and heaven, and many of the deep things of God. As they stood and told these visions the fear of God fell upon the people, and hundreds were convicted and brought to Christ. One minister on his way home stopped ten miles away with some friends who had been to the meeting; while there, he fell in a trance. The news soon spread. The neighbors gathered in. One left his plow and went in. He had been fighting off conviction.

As he looked at his minister lying like one dead, the Spirit of God showed him if he was not converted before he came out of the trance he would be lost forever. He fell on his knees and called upon God to save him. Others followed. The house became a mourner’s bench. Soon their mourning was turned to shouts of praise. Before the minister came back from his visit to heaven, the news had been shouted around the throne: “Sinners are coming home to God.” This is only one instance out of hundreds where God has started a revival far away from the meetings, by striking some one down in a trance. The great revival at Cornelius’ house was all brought about by two trances, one a sinner, the other a saint, though they were many miles apart at the time. God used three visions to bring about the conversion of Saul. If I would write all the mighty works of God, I would have to write a book for each meeting.

3. Tent and Altar: Los Angeles (1893–1894) and Indianapolis (about 1904)

Maria Woodworth-Etter, Acts of the Holy Ghost (Dallas: John F. Worley, 1912), chapter XL, pp. 234–240, and chapter LV, pp. 339–343: the five-and-a-half-month tent meeting at Los Angeles from November 1893, and the Indianapolis tent and hall meetings, with speaking in tongues, before the 1906 Los Angeles revival. Primary source; page numbers from the uncollated OCR; the interpretations are the author’s.

CTS note: Her remark that a sister spoke in tongues “before the Holy Ghost fell at Los Angeles” refers to the Azusa Street revival of 1906. Mr. Etter is her second husband, Samuel Etter. The healings described are her historical testimony and her report of what others told her; they are not verified medical findings, though CTS respects the Pentecostal belief in divine healing. “Consumption” is tuberculosis. Family visits at the start of Chapter XL, and a reprinted article and signed testimonies at the end of Chapter LV, are omitted ([…]); “[illegible]” marks words the OCR could not recover.

Chapter XL

[…]

We left there November 7th, 1893, at 8:05 p. m., over the beautiful Burlington Route for Los Angeles, California, and arrived at our destination November the 11th, at 10 p.m. Found the weather beautiful. The flowers were blooming in almost every yard.

We commenced meeting at Los Angeles, California, November 20th, 1893. We pitched our gospel tent and sounded the battle cry. We do not live in our small tents any more; have not since our meeting in Florida. The first night of the meeting there was a good attendance. All present seemed glad we had come to their city to preach Christ. They showed a willingness to help in the work. The spirit of conviction soon fell upon the people. Sinners began to make their way to Calvary. Soon the cry of “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.” was heard under the tent. One man who was converted went home and called in his neighbors and had a prayer meeting; eight of them were saved. Another one of the converts held a prayer meeting in his house; one of his children and three of his neighbors were converted. An old man, eighty-four years of age, who came to the altar to be saved, said he had been saying “Our Father, who art in heaven,” all his life, but God had sent conviction to his heart and showed him that that would not take him to heaven; that he must have eternal life, must be born of the Spirit.

He said that was what he came to the altar for and he must have it. He fell upon his knees and began to plead with God to save him. In a short time he arose and said the Lord had saved him and taken away all his rheumatism. A man about seventy-five years old came to the altar drunk. He said he knew what he was doing, that God had sent him there that he might be saved from hell. The Lord sobered him up and saved him.

One night as I rose to dismiss the meeting, I asked all who wanted the prayers of God’s children to raise their hands. Many hands went up. Among them I noticed some aged ones standing trembling. I urged those who had raised their hands to come that night and accept Christ; to not wait any longer. I told them it was late, but we would stay and pray for them. Three came forward. One was seventy-six years of age, one sixty-six and one forty-nine. The oldest one said he heard of the meeting and came that night to be saved, but said he felt there was no mercy for him, he had rejected Christ so long. As I talked with them and showed them how to accept Christ, they looked up to heaven by faith and had the blood applied to their hearts. Soon they were on their feet shouting glory to God. Oh, how I praised God as I saw these aged ones, who were standing on the brink of the grave, accept Christ at the eleventh hour.

We had the pleasure of meeting a number at this meeting who attended our meeting over four years ago in Oakland, California. Also a number of others who attended our meetings in different States. Hundreds of precious souls were saved in this meeting, and hundreds of bodies healed of all manner of diseases and infirmities in the tent. Scores were healed in their beds in the city while we were engaged in prayer for them in the meeting. Strangers who were stopping in the city, where the physicians could not do anything for them, racked with pain and scorched with fever, requested us to pray for them. While we were praying for them, the fever left; they were made every whit whole.

One lady who was very low with nervous prostration and catarrh, was healed in her home while we prayed for her. Her father, a street car conductor, came to the meeting and asked us to pray for her. The Lord heard our prayers and raised her up for his glory. She was converted and healed at the same time. In a few days she went back east to her husband. A lady, who was deranged part of the time, was healed sixty miles away from the meeting while we prayed for her. Bless God, she was clothed in her right mind and sits at the feet of Jesus.

Requests for prayer came from all parts of the country, some thousands of miles. God wonderfully answered the prayers of his children for the salvation of souls and the healing of the body. The wonderful works of God were noised abroad, the people came from surrounding towns. Many were brought from their beds to be healed and saved. One night a lady came from Kansas City, Kansas, to be healed.

One man was sent to Los Angeles by his physicians, from New York. They told him the only hope of prolonging his life was to remain in California. The climate did him no good. In place of getting better he grew worse. He came to the meeting and gave his diseases to the Lord, and was healed instantly. There was a lady from Canada healed, who had been an invalid for eight years. Her husband testified that he had taken her to different climates, and had spent fifteen hundred dollars trying to get her restored to health, but she continued to get worse. While in the meeting she was in a fainting condition. Her friends had to stand by her and fan her. When I prayed for her she was healed, arose to her feet, stepped upon the altar, talked to the congregation and sang in a clear, strong voice—something she had not done for years.

A lady was taken from her bed and brought twenty miles. She had been a great sufferer for twelve years. Half of this time she was confined to her bed. She was converted and healed at the same moment. With a loud voice she gave glory to God. There was a boy about sixteen years old brought to the meeting, who had been lame from birth, being paralyzed in his limbs, and had never walked. The lame was made to walk! He walked out of the tent without any help. The next day his mother brought him back and said he had walked almost four blocks alone. He was so pleased because he could walk, that he slipped away from his mother and went down in the city by himself. One lady who had a large tumor for twenty-three years was healed in a moment. The tumor disappeared. She attended the meeting daily, and did not fail to give God glory for what he did for her.

There was a woman and her daughter, both in the last stage of consumption, healed the same afternoon. While at the altar the mother had a hemorrhage. Her handkerchief was wet with blood. The daughter inherited the disease from the mother and father. The father died with consumption about a year ago. A lady who had been perfectly blind in one eye for ten years, and partly in the other, was saved and healed instantly. A minister’s daughter, who was in the same condition, had her sight restored. Her father arose with tears in his eyes and told the people what the Lord had done for his child. Several persons who were nearly blind for thirty and thirty-five years had their sight restored.

A man who had been entirely deaf for forty-two years, and a woman who had been deaf for forty-four years, had their hearing restored so that they could hear as well as any one. One man who had been thrown from a buggy and had his shoulder badly hurt and his arm broken, had the doctor set it, but he was suffering great pain. We prayed for him and all pain left him. He stepped back from the altar and took off the bandage and raised his arm in every position, and declared to the people that he had no pain and that he was healed. He came back to the meeting several times after that, and said he had never had any more pain and that his arm was well.

A sister from Chicago who had been a great sufferer for twenty years with consumption of the bowels, also a tumor and other diseases, was healed.

Another lady came to the meeting that had had paralysis of the throat for some time. She had entirely lost her voice and had not spoken a loud word for over four months. She said the physicians had treated her for this paralysis, and in treating her they had burned the vocal organs out. She was examined by a physician in Los Angeles, and he told her that the vocal organs had been burned out and that she never would speak again. Bless God, the Great Physician touched her vocal organs with his power, and in an instant she arose and spoke the praises of God aloud, in as clear and strong a voice as any one. She was converted and healed at the same moment.

Three old ladies bowed at the altar side by side, each afflicted with several diseases of years’ standing. In ten minutes from the time I prayed with them they were on their feet praising God for saving their souls and healing their bodies. They testified to the congregation that they were saved and healed perfectly of all their diseases. One was crippled with rheumatism for eight years. She could not straighten her hands and arms or hold herself up straight all these years.

A minister’s wife was healed of a tumor. She had been a great sufferer for a number of years, and had been examined by the best physicians, who said there was no hope for her; that she would have to die in a very short time. But she came to the Great Physician, and touched, by faith, the hem of his garment, and was made every whit whole. Cancers were healed. Many were healed of deafness, and many had their sight restored. One man came from another city to be healed. He was crippled with rheumatism for eight years. He was healed instantly, and was made to leap as an hart. With tears of joy he praised God and told the people the Lord had healed him. He took the train the same day and started home to tell the good news to his friends. There was a man healed of rupture he had had for thirty-six years. For the last twenty years he had been so bad that he had to wear a supporter constantly. He was healed instantly. He went home and took off his supporter and walked three miles. Came back to the meeting and testified that he was [illegible] well. Next day he walked fifteen miles.

One night two French women and an Italian, a Catholic, were gloriously saved and healed. One of the French women was healed of a disease that caused her many years’ suffering. The physicians told her she could never be cured. A lady was healed of a tumor in the side, and one in the bowels. She was getting worse all the time. A few days before she came to the meeting eight physicians examined her and told her she must die. She gave her disease to the Lord. Instantly both enlargements disappeared. She was well and strong. The Lord removed many tumors from all parts of the body.

We have only told of a few who were healed. Time and space will not permit us to tell of the many who have been saved, and those who have been healed in body.

While we stood between the living and the dead, preaching the gospel on the apostolic line, earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, proving to the people that Christ is the same yesterday, to-day and forever, according to the Lord’s promise, he was with us, confirming his word with mighty signs and wonders following.

When the disciples of John came to Jesus to inquire if he was the Christ, or, do we look for another? Jesus did not say, “Yes, I am the Christ”; but said, “Go and tell John what things you see and hear: the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them.” This was the same as saying, if John will not believe by these works, my saying that I am the Christ will not convince him. In the same way God convinces the world to-day that we are his disciples, by the works he does through us. He said these signs shall follow the preached word.

I praise God that these signs are witnessed in our meetings. The blind receive their sight, the deaf hear, the lame walk. All manner of diseases are healed by the power of our Christ. Dead souls are awakened from the sleep of death and receive eternal life. The poor have the gospel preached to them. The common people receive the gospel gladly. All classes are awakened and amazed at the wonderful works of God.

The same scenes that were witnessed in Christ and the apostles’ meeting, nearly nineteen hundred years ago, were witnessed in this meeting. At the close of the sermon I invited all those who were afflicted in soul or body to come to the altar. There was a great rush made and in five minutes the altar was crowded with men, women and children seeking Christ for the salvation of soul and the healing of the body. Parents came, bringing their children to be healed. All who were able knelt at the altar and remained there till I prayed for them. I went from one to another, and laid my hands on them, and prayed for them as we are commanded in the word of God. As they were saved and healed they rose on their feet praising God, and another from the congregation took their place. In this way they continued to come until it was time to close the services. Many had to wait till the next service to be prayed for.

It was like the scenes at Bethesda’s pool—every one was anxious to step in the water first. Nearly every one who came for the healing of the body was healed. Many were converted and healed at the same time. All who were healed got a wonderful blessing for their soul. Most all who came for the salvation of the soul were saved at once. Very few had to come the second time. The power of the Lord was wonderfully present to save the people. Ministers and workers who were out in the field for Christ came to the altar. Many of them for the healing of the body, and many for a baptism from on high.

We continued the meeting five months and a half. Held two services a day during the week and three on Sabbath. The interest increased till the last. On Sabbath, the day we closed, we had three wonderful meetings. Hundreds testified to the salvation of their soul, and many to the healing of their body. The altar was crowded with anxious souls, hoping to get saved or healed in body at the last opportunity. I could not pray for all; they would not leave, but begged me to pray for them after the meeting was closed. I preached my farewell sermon from these words, “Little children, it is the last time.” Strong men and women wept; not only the children, but sinners broke down and cried like little children. During this revival we had the best of order. The people seemed to feel that they were in the presence of God.

Chapter LV

AFTER fifteen years I went back to Indianapolis, my husband, Mr. Etter, accompanying me. There he stood bravely with me in the hottest of the battle, and since the day we were married he has never shrank. He is foremost when the battle is hottest; he will defend the Word, and all the Gifts, and operations of the Holy Ghost, but does not want any fanaticism, or foolishness. He takes the best care of me, in and out of the meetings. It makes no difference what I call on him to do. He will pray, and preach, and sing, and is very good around the altar. He does about all of my writing, and he also helps in getting out my books, and looks after the meeting, in and outside. The Lord knew what I needed, and it was all brought about by the Lord, through his love and care for me and the work.

We pitched a large tent in the southern part of the city, and the news soon spread of our being in the city. Our old friends, and children in Jesus, began to come to our help. The meetings were good from the first. Sinners began to flock to Christ, and shouts of victory began to ascend to the Great White Throne, “The lost is found, the dead alive.”

They began to bring sick people to the meetings, on beds, and in all ways. The lame were made to walk, the deaf to hear. One man was dying, but when the power of God fell on him, he got up, and walked and talked with power. A deaf mute nine years old, that had never walked, and had stopped growing when she was a baby, was healed. She walked and talked, and began to grow naturally, and is now a woman. All this work kept up day and night, with the interest increasing until we closed the meetings.

Many fell under the power of God and had wonderful visions. There were great signs, and wonders and demonstrations, including speaking in unknown tongues. Sinners were struck down like dead men and women. The Lord wonderfully used little children to bring sinners to Christ. While the Holy Ghost had full control, He, the Holy Ghost, would lead them out through the congregation and reach for this man, or that woman; they would give them their hand and go straight to the altar with them, with their eyes closed all the time. All knew that they were lead by the Lord; some were converted before they got to the altar—Some prophesied things that have since taken place. The weather began to get quite cool, so we went down into the city to Peniel Hall, on 11th and Senate, and all followed. The Holy Ghost was present in great power, with gifts, signs, and visions, following the laying on of hands. There were visible signs of light and glory on the pulpit, and through the congregation, seen by the natural eye by some. Saints said they had never been in such a meeting, or felt such power of God, or of the Holy Ghost.

The next year we went back to Indianapolis, and pitched the tent on the same ground; and it was about the same time of the year. The revival spirit from the last year was still with them, so the work commenced at once, with crowds and interest. The work was much greater than the last year. They were ready to come up and help against the enemy. The crowds were greater, and the interest deeper. Many were waiting to be healed, or saved. There were new soldiers coming into the ranks every day, and greater miracles of healing.

One woman was brought one hundred miles in a rolling chair. She had been confined to her bed for over seventeen years, and had had twenty-five doctors. They did not know her case, nor could they do anything for her from the first, but could only quiet her a little. Sometimes she could not stand on her feet, or turn over in bed. A man from her town had been in our meeting in St. Louis, and was healed there. He went home and went to see her, and told her. She knew him as a bad rheumatic. He went in without any crutches, or help, a happy converted man. He took one of my books with him and gave it to her to read. After seeing him and reading the book she was converted. She saw that she had never been converted before, though she had been a church member about all her life.

She had been anxious for her husband to get converted. When she saw her condition, she said, “Lord must I go to Indianapolis to be converted and healed?” “Yes,” she said, “I must be taken.” It was taking her life in her hands, to run the risk of the journey, but her husband brought her to the meeting, and she was converted and healed; and her husband was also converted. He went to her shouting, and she commenced shouting, and sprang out of her wheel chair, a healed woman. Then there was shouting all over the tent, and when he took her arm and walked up to the platform, and stood before the great audience, it was the first time that they had stood together for over seventeen years. They were both tall and stately looking, and he was prouder of her than when they stood as bride and groom, and everyone in and around the tent was glad. There were many tears of joy from hard faces. We sang, “Let the Hallelujahs Roll,” and had a Wave Offering of Praise, using handkerchiefs and hats. It looked as if every hand was raised; with shouts of praise.

The people at her home thought they would bring her back in a box, dead; but when they heard she was coming home well, nearly the whole town was at the river wharf to welcome her home. She went to the church for the first time there in that town for over seventeen years, and she stood up and preached and told what great things the Lord had done. Her husband’s brother had been preaching for many years, and this brother joined him in the ministry, and since then he and his wife went out together to hold meetings.

A man had a vision of this tent, and the work, twenty years ago; and of riding in electric cars to and from the tent. He described the meeting, and he had seen me. The Lord used him in many ways to bring sinners to Christ. He promised the Lord he would do anything he asked. One night he was going home and it was very dark. He went into an alley to pray, as the Lord led him to do so, and as he knelt down and prayed for lost men, there were two men secreted in a shed close by. The Lord led him to pray for wicked men and women; while doing so he heard a noise inside the shed, and the men came out behind him from where they were. They threw their arms around him and confessed they were waiting to rob, and if they were caught, murder. They had poison and intended to die rather than to be taken. Right then and there they were converted, and started for their homes, happy men.

This meeting was a greater success than the one a year before. Many ministers that we knew, and who had started out as ministers, and evangelists from my meetings ten and fifteen years before, came from all parts to see me, and be in the meetings. Amongst them many converts and workers, in all ways, in the Master’s Vineyard. Oh! We had such love and fellowship! The power and presence of the Lord was manifested in gifts, demonstrations, and operations and callings; with mighty works of the Holy Ghost.

One sister spake in unknown tongues all night. This was before the Holy Ghost fell at Los Angeles, California. A minister came to see me. He said he had been converted through a minister that was converted through me. He had heard so much about me that he had come fifty miles to see his grandmother. Last summer, eight years after, we came back, and held a tent meeting for several months; and several hundred were saved and healed of almost every disease. Cancers, tumors, blindness, and deafness; cripples were brought in, or came in on crutches; some were in a dying condition, and all received the divine touch, and were healed by his power, and walked, shouted, and praised God. Many were baptized with the Holy Ghost. The Lord used many in a miraculous way, speaking and singing, and prophesying, as the Holy Ghost gave utterance; and in the English language also; and everyone was convinced it was of the Lord. God gave wonderful visions of the Soon Coming of Jesus, and of earthquakes, and calamities that have come, and are coming to pass.

A woman was brought from Cincinnati, dying from cancer. The doctors sent her home to die. She was in such an offensive condition that the odor made people sick. It was in June, and very warm, and the flies were thick over her dress. She was a Christian, and was ready to die, but the Lord said she should not die, but live. In less than ten minutes after I began to pray, she was completely healed; she jumped and shouted; the odor stopped with the discharge, at once. She remained a week, and went to work.

We closed the meeting and went to Maxwell, a little town twenty-three miles east of Indianapolis. The Lord drew the people from all parts; though it was a little town, there were two thousand souls there at a time on Sundays, and more on the last Sunday. The Lord was there to hold the people still, the word was with power to make the great congregation tremble. God called them with thunder and lightning; with the power of his two edged sword, to hear the word of the Lord, and to get ready for the judgments that are coming soon; and for the soon coming of the Lord. They were convicted; many of them received their last call. The next will be to the Judgment.

Next we went to Ohio, then came back to Indianapolis, commenced meeting in the Christian Church, and remained about eight months. People were saved and healed from the first. They came from Chicago, and other cities, and from all around for several hundred miles, and were saved, healed, and baptized with the Holy Ghost. Many as remarkable miracles of healing as have been wrought since the days of the early church.

[…]

4. Within the Veil: Sermons on Worship and on Preaching in the Power of the Spirit

Maria Woodworth-Etter, Acts of the Holy Ghost (Dallas: John F. Worley, 1912), chapter XLI, pp. 241–249 (sermon on the glory of the Lord on Mount Sinai, with her summary of fourteen years’ work), and chapter LXIV, pp. 433–437 (sermon on the power of the Word preached in the demonstration of the Spirit). Primary source; page numbers from the uncollated OCR; the interpretations are the author’s.

CTS note: In the first sermon (about 1894) worship means meeting God’s glory as a consecrated, cleansed people; “within the veil” and “the Most Holy Place” are the inner sanctuary of the tabernacle (Hebrews 10:19–20), and the “shekinah” is the glory of God’s dwelling presence. The second sermon is her charge to preachers: preach “all the words of this life” in “demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). Bible quotations follow the King James Version; the translations use the wording of the Reina-Valera (1909) and Louis Segond (1910) Bibles where possible. A poem and a song by other writers are omitted ([…]).

Chapter XLI. Sermon: The Glory of the Lord Abode upon Mount Sinai

And the glory of the Lord abode upon Mount Sinai; and the cloud covered it six days; and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like the devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. (Exod. xxiv. 15, 16.) We read with wonder the supernatural displays of God’s power and glory, but how many comprehend that we, too, may behold them? The people seem to think that these manifestations were for the early followers. We do not find any such teaching in the word of God. Lord, help us to know that our God is the same forever. God would ever dwell with his people. He does not want to live apart from them. His delight and pleasure is to ever be with them. He would walk with them; and wherever the footsteps of God have been among his people he has left a beautiful pathway of light and glory.

God delights to reveal his arm of power; he rejoices to show forth his glory. He maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty deep. His glory is for his people. He wants to bestow it upon them. O, that his people should reject it! O, that he should come unto his own, and his own receive him not!

God has ever desired to manifest himself unto his children. In the ancient days he made himself known in various manifestations of his power. He descended upon Mount Sinai in fire and smoke, and a cloud of glory covered the mount; his voice was heard in the thunder; he revealed himself in the lightning; he went before Israel in a cloudy pillar by day, and hovered over them in a pillar of fire by night, and the glory of his presence was with them.

In the apostolic days God revealed himself, through the blessed Holy Ghost, in many miraculous ways. He came to Saul of Tarsus in the brightness of the noonday sun, and changed him from a bold persecutor to a bold preacher. He came to the amazed disciples upon the transfiguration mount, and the Old Dispensation and the New held heavenly converse. He came upon the church with such magnifying power that she presented, not simply one of the phenomena, but the grand phenomenon of history. In all these exhibitions of his power the people recognized the presence of God and gave him the glory. That there came a time when there was an interruption of the communication of God with his people, was not due to God’s plan. God has told the people that if they would hearken unto his voice he would give them counsel. But they apostatized, and God withdrew himself. God will never dwell with an apostate people, nor will his voice be heard in their midst. God never speaks in the heart where the whispers of Satan are heard. It is only the pure in heart who shall see the manifestations of God.

We are living in the last days, and the glorious times of the early pentecost are for us. If, as in the days of Samuel, there could be a return of the “Open Vision” and the interrupted communication of God with his people restored, the great decline of the power of the church would be arrested. The Holy Ghost is no longer, with us in primitive pentecostal power. Instances of marked displays of the Holy Ghost, are painfully inconspicuous and exceptional. The church is merely a negative barrier in restraining the floods of wickedness, when she should be a positive, aggressive force in driving back evil. Sorrowfully we must acknowledge that the glory of the former days has departed. Now, there is a reason why we do not see the wonderful displays of God’s power among the people. There is a hindrance. The trouble with the people to-day is, that they believe that this power was for the early church only, and we have taken the views of our ancestors and abided by them. We have not tested God and met his conditions, and seen whether he would pour down his Spirit. We have not met the conditions, such as would ask God to display his power. We have believed that God has taken this power from the church; and when one does put forth the faith and believes these days may be for us now, such a one is called a crank, a hypnotic, etc.

The glory of God was withdrawn from the temple because they had abandoned him. He told them that so long as they would obey his laws he would be with them; but it was because they forsook God that he withdrew his presence from them. The Lord is always ready to do his part. Though his true believers may be few, he will be to them a mighty host. “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel, and I will help thee,” saith the Lord. God’s people are in the minority. Wherever God’s people were engaged in warfare the numbers of the Lord were the smallest. But whenever the battle was fought in the strength of the Lord, then God fought the battles for them and delivered them. God will make the minority victorious when the fight is in the strength of the Lord.

The masses of the people are not looking for signs and wonders to-day. They do not want to see them. The preaching of God is foolishness to them that believe not. We preach the gospel as the Lord gives it to us. Bless God, his people obey the spirit, and where the spirit is they recognize it. Where you see these manifestations—the lame leap as an hart, the sick healed, people stricken down with the power, etc.—it is a visible sign of God’s wonderful presence.

Jesus said: “I will send you the Holy Ghost and he shall abide with you forever!” But oh, how many of God’s professed people despise the Holy Ghost! In many places where the people profess to follow God the Holy Ghost has been driven out; and there are thousands to whom the Holy Ghost has come for the last time. We are not going to stay here very long. We are bound for Judgment, and the time has come for us to get out from the traditions of men. The Holy Ghost is our Leader and Teacher. We must depend upon him for our teachings.

The glory of the Lord covered the mountain for those six days; and the people saw it and believed it. They saw the visible power of God. Do we look for the visible power in our midst to-day? Moses lived with God forty days and forty nights, shut up with God without nourishment. Now, you don’t believe that. I believe it. I believe the whole Bible. God help us to believe the whole Bible or throw it away.

Now, they had to do something. They made a consecration; repented of their sins and shortcomings; they made a new consecration to God, and then they were ready for duty, and then expected the glory and the visible signs and wonders. It was just the same at the time of Pentecost. The one hundred and twenty came together, forsaking everything, and tarried in earnest prayer and consecration for ten days, waiting for the enduement of power to fit them for life’s service. And they didn’t wait in vain, for while they were yet praying the Holy Ghost came upon them in wondrous power, the city was shaken, and three thousand souls were converted in a single day. If we were ready to meet God’s conditions we would have the same results, and a mighty revival would break out that would shake the world, and thousands of souls would be saved. The displays of God’s power on the day of Pentecost were only a sample of what God designed should follow all through the ages. Instead of looking back to Pentecost, let us always be expecting it to come, especially in these last days. God help us to get into line and come together as one man.

In the 19th chapter, God came again in the bright cloud. In the 14th verse, Moses came down from the mountain and the people washed their clothing. This was the emblem of purity. This was the sign of the inward cleansing. We must be sure we have a pure heart. We can never expect to have these visible manifestations of God unless we are children of God. The people were in a condition to meet God—clean bodies, clean garments. God help us to get the cleansing power.

The people trembled when they heard the sound of the trumpet; and the mountain quaked because the Lord descended into the mount. The people prayed for the power to be stayed. That’s the way to-day. They were not right, some of them. And so it is now. People pray for these demonstrations of God to be stopped. They do not want a visible sign of God’s presence. The cloud of glory hung over them. God help us to pray for the cloud of glory to hang over us. The cloud over them by night, that had the appearance of fire, and the pillar of a cloud by day, were visible signs of God’s presence with them.

I will turn to the 3rd chapter of 2nd Corinthians. I want the dear people to know why we preach the power and believe in these visible signs. (Reads portions of the chapter, with especial reference to verses 3, 7, 8, 9 and 11.)

“Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in the tables of stone, but in the fleshy tables of the heart.”

Oh, God, help us to know whom this means. The fleshy tables of our hearts. Praise God for the new covenant. We may now come within the veil, into the Most Holy Place. The apostle wants us to understand that we can come so much nearer to God. He writes his law on the fleshy tables of our hearts. God wants us to be walking Bibles! He wants us to be a living ark, bearing about the glory of God! Our body is the temple. He lights our lamp and it becomes brighter. Then we have the epistle written in our hearts. Bro. Paul says we have treasure in an earthen vessel.

“But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance: which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For if that which is done away is glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.” Well, if the glory of God was displayed in wonderful manner in the old dispensation, how much brighter should it burn in the temple of our bodies to-day. Bro. Paul says the letter killeth: it is the Spirit that giveth light. God gives us light to-day! God gives us light! Paul says the old was done away when the middle wall of the partition was broken down; but that which is more glorious has come to stay. Christ said: “I will send you the Comforter …” [illegible] Those who have the courage to stand up and tell the truth will be persecuted. But we must go on and preach the truth; we’ve got no time to listen to the howling of devils. Let us boldly dare, like Hezekiah, to strike for a reformation! Let us purge the priesthood, the temple courts, our own hearts and lives, of every unclean and defiling thing, and bring all to the storehouse, putting God to the proof, whether he will not open the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Whenever the beauty of holiness is found in God’s temples, the shekinah will flood them with the glory of the Lord!

Summary of First Fourteen Years’ Work

It is over fourteen years since I started out to stand between the living and the dead, to point sinners to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, to blow the trumpet in Zion, to sound an alarm in the Holy Mountain. I have been going from one battlefield to another almost day and night. During this time I have traveled about thirty-five thousand three hundred and twenty-two miles, and held meetings in thirteen States; have stood before hundreds of thousands. The power of the Holy Ghost has gone out from these meetings all over the United States, and been felt in many places across the mighty deep in awakening power. God alone knows how many thousand souls have been born into the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and how many bodies have been healed by the power of the Lord. Thousands have been saved, from the age of fifty to eighty-five; some past ninety. More than two-thirds that have been converted were past middle age.

Hundreds have gone out as ministers and evangelists in America, and to nearly all nations, and to the West Indies and Africa. Hundreds of those who have been blest in the meetings have died in the triumph of living faith. Many of these were very aged, plucked as brands from the eternal burnings. Many said with their last breath they would be waiting and watching for us at the beautiful gates.

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I can say with Joshua, in all the promises the Lord has made, he has never failed in one, but has been with me in every trial and given grace and glory. He has conquered all my enemies and glorified his name again and again. What he has done in the past he will do in the future. I will trust him and go forward until he calls me from labor to reward. If we, as ministers, and churches, and as individuals, have passed through many trials and persecutions and have borne them patiently for Christ’s sake, we will in no wise lose our reward. Jesus says, “Let your heart leap for joy, for great is your reward in heaven.” We ought to thank God we are counted worthy to suffer for him. If we suffer for him we shall reign with him in glory. We know we belong to the company who are going up through great trials and tribulations, having our robes washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Dear children of God, let us be faithful; let us be brave soldiers. The war will soon be over. Jesus will soon call his battle-scarred soldiers home. He is preparing the Mansions for the Bride; he is preparing the Marriage Supper; he is gathering the hosts of angels together; his chariots are ready. Soon the angel will stand upon the sea and upon the earth, and swear by him that liveth forever and ever that there shall be time no longer. The angels sound the trumpet. Come, and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God, for the Bride has made herself ready. Blessed are they who are called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

When the herald shall shout: “Behold, the bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet him,” what a sight will burst on our raptured vision, as we see the King of Heaven coming on his white Throne; the Bridegroom with his royal robes in all the glory of the Heavenly World, with his golden chariot, with all the shining angels to escort the Bride, the Lamb’s wife, to the Golden City, the New Jerusalem, with the spirits of the saints coming back for their bodies! O grave, give us our bodies.

The Mighty Conqueror unlocks the graves, and, with a shout that penetrates the caverns of the sainted dead, the graves fly open, the sleeping saints come forth from their dusty beds, set free from all the effects of sin. Old age, gray hairs, withered limbs, deformities, death, disease, are all the effects of sin. Jesus came to save us from the curse of sin; to restore all that was lost by the fall. Jesus died in the prime of life, in the strength and vigor of manhood. We shall be like him; these vile bodies shall be changed and made like unto the glorious Son of God, not to be unclothed, but clothed upon with immortality. Oh, what a happy meeting that will be! Whole families and friends will rise up from the old churchyards and clasp each other in a long embrace, which will last forever; parents and children shall meet, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, pastors and flocks. Those who are alive will be changed in a moment, set free from the effects of sin, and be clothed with the glory of heaven.

Then a mighty shout of victory will go up from the millions of saints: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” But thanks be to God for victory over death, hell, and the grave. The soldiers of the Lord have left the various battle fields and have come together at the sounding of the trumpet; the last battle is fought; the last sermon has been preached; the last prayer has been offered; the last tear has been shed for sinners; the last persecution, pain and sorrow are forever over. Oh, glory to God for victory! I long for that day. Come, O Redeemer, quickly come! See, O see, the shining hosts arise, and the Conqueror leading on the armies to take the city! Hear him shout as he nears the gates: “Ye everlasting doors give way, and let the King of Glory in.” Who is this King of Glory? The Lord God of hosts is his name. Jesus, the King of Heaven, is coming with his Bride.

Ring the bells of heaven; strike your harps of gold. Oh, the rapture as we march through the streets of pure gold. We shall raise our voices, which will sound like rushing waters, like mighty thunders, in singing glory to the Lamb, who has bought us and washed us in his own precious blood. With harps and palms in our hands, and crowns on our heads, which Jesus has placed there with his own hands, we shall march through the streets of the city, with all the music of the hosts of heaven, saying: “Alleluia, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” Jesus will lead us to the great white throne and say: “Here, Father, am I, and the children thou hast given me.” We will prostrate ourselves before the throne and cast our crowns at his feet, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God of hosts! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”

We shall all sit down to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Oh, what a company! Prophets, apostles, martyrs, fathers, mothers, children, friends and neighbors, brothers and sisters in the Lord, ministers and converts—oh, what a Reunion! What a gathering that will be, as we look along the table at the bright and shining faces! Then to behold the dear Saviour smiling on his children will be more than all. Dear reader, will you be there?

Chapter LXIV. Sermon on the Wonderful Power of the Word of God, when Preached in the Demonstration of the Spirit

“WHOSOEVER therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My Words in this adulterous and sinful generation: of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8.38.) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1.1, 2, and 3.) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1, 2, and 3.)

The words of God have been sent down from heaven to us by Jesus Christ, and the holy apostles, spoken with the Holy Ghost. They are from God and go forth a living power.

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.” “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works sake.” (John 14.12, and 13.) They testify that the Father is in Me, and with Me. God spake the worlds into existence. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. As He spake the word, the earth, land, light, darkness, the mighty seas, lakes, mountains, valleys, with all the fruits, and flowers sprang into life, into existence and beauty. He spake the word and every living creature stood before Him; from the mighty monsters of the sea, the lion of the forest, wild beasts of every kind, down to the little singing bird, they stood looking in wonder and awe, at the Mighty God, that had by the word of His mouth, and the power of His voice, called them into this beautiful world: saying by their very presence, “We know thou art the great Jehovah! the God that inhabitest Eternity.

When the high priest sent the officers to bring Jesus, the question was asked them, ‘Why did you not bring him?’ They said, “Never man spake like this man.” (John 7.46.) “With his voice the dead are raised, the lepers cleansed, the blind see, they have their sight restored. The raging storm on the Sea of Galilee was hushed at His Word, and the roaring sea became as a sea of glass.” The words of God spoken by the Holy Ghost have the same effect to-day. There is as much power in the name of Jesus to-day. Through the Holy Ghost, his words come like coals of fire, burning through the brains, and hearts of men. They are shot out like arrows dipped in the blood of Jesus: like lightning, piercing the king’s enemies in the head, and lodging in the heart: they fall like dead men. They are like David’s little pebbles, we throw them at a venture, and God directs them so that they never return void, but they bring life, or death; heaven or hell.

They stand for ever, for by the word we will be justified or condemned. When the disciples were arrested, and put into prison, as recorded in the fifth chapter of Acts, verses 19 and 20, “The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go right back, stand in the temple, and speak all the words of this life.” You see God sent the angel to set them free, and to tell them to go back, amidst all their threats, and the danger, and to preach all the words of this life. His words are life, do not hold back any of the message.

Jesus says, Whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and my words, of him shall I be ashamed when I come in all the glory of the Father. Oh! God help all that pretend to preach the word, to see what is at stake. Will you please men or God? Will you deceive the people and come up at the judgment, with your hands dripping with the blood of souls?

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save: neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.” (Isaiah 59, 1, 3, and 8.) You have given them smooth sayings, trusting to good works, and a moral life. “In vain do ye worship me, teaching the doctrines, and traditions of men,” that will perish with the using. Jesus says what He will do when He comes in all His glory. Yes He is coming soon. This is the time of the end, we see the signs everywhere. In this wicked and adulterous generation, in these last days, the churches have gone after the wisdom and power of men, instead of the wisdom and power of God. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Read the third chapter of the second epistle of Timothy.

God is calling as never before, in thunder tones, to those who pretend to preach his word, to “Blow the Trumpet in Zion,” and to “Sound an alarm in the Holy Mountain.” Let all the people tremble. What is the signal to make the people tremble? The day of the Lord is at hand. It is even at your doors. “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my Holy Mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.” (Joel, 2.1.) “The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty men shall cry bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness. A day of the trumpet, and alarm, against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver, nor their gold, shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.” Zephaniah, verse 14 to the end of the chapter.

Hear the angel shout, “The hour of his judgments has come; Repent and worship God, that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that are therein.”

The time has come when men will not endure sound doctrine, but turn the people to cunningly devised fables, turning away from the truth. Men of corrupt minds, reprobates concerning the truth, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away, or, of him will I be ashamed when I come in all My glory. The last invitation is going forth, “Come to the Marriage of the Lamb, and to the Supper of the Lamb.” The gospel of his coming Kingdom is being preached, as a witness to all nations. This work will soon be done. What are you doing? Preach all the words of this life. Oh! What a calling. Oh! What a privilege. The angels that stand before the Throne cannot do this work.

Jesus said, “Tarry until ye be endued with power from on high.” “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Then you shall cast out devils, ye shall speak with new tongues, take up serpents, or drink deadly poison, and they will not hurt you. You shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. They shall have visions. Tell them, Jesus is coming soon. Show them the signs. The wise shall know the times. The wise shall shine as the firmament. They shall reign, be kings, with kingly authority, and bless the people as priests, for one thousand years.

Do you not think that it will pay to be a true messenger, or herald, of his soon coming, when we shall be like him, and shall have glorious bodies like his? “Of him will I be ashamed when I come in all my Father’s glory.” Oh! Can you not understand, He is coming as a Prince of Glory, to meet his Bride in the air: to escort his Bride back to the great City, to be present at the Wedding, at the Marriage of the Lamb, when Jesus will present His Bride to the Father. He will welcome his Son’s wife. He is coming in all the glory of all His holy angels. Oh! What a picture. Oh! What brightness. See, oh! see, the shining hosts! Gabriel that stands before God! Oh! They are getting ready! They are tuning up the heavenly choir. They are coming! They are coming to meet us in the air! For the Lord Jesus Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the Voice of the Archangel, and with the Trump of God: And the dead in Christ shall rise first (See 1 Thess. 4.16.) They will come in the clouds of glory.

We will all be caught up: changed in a moment: have glorious bodies like our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; to be for ever with the Lord. Oh, this is wonderful, but it is true. Oh! Dear Brethren in the ministry, Can we miss this eternal weight of glory? When Jesus comes will he be ashamed of us? The wicked will be completely ignored, and banished from the Lord, from his glorious presence, for ever, for being ashamed of Christ, or of his words, or of his supernatural and divine power, or of the works of the Spirit, that are foolishness to the world, and to the natural man. Will you miss all, for a high position, or a high salary, or a social position, or to please the people? Oh! What can you do in that day?

Oh! God help us to preach all the words of this life, and earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. As God sent Jesus into the world to deliver his messages, so Jesus sends us into the world, as his ministers, to preach his gospel faithfully. Woe to us if we do not preach the whole truth, or are ashamed, or offended at any of his mighty works. “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1.8, 9 and 10.) I certify to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Verses 11 and 12.)

Hear him say he was taught by the revelation of Jesus Christ, by inspiration, no man had taught him. You see the Bible is a sealed book to those that are lost. No one can preach the gospel only by inspiration and revelation by the Holy Ghost through Jesus Christ, for He takes the things of God and brings them to us; the Lord reveals them to us by His Spirit. “For the Spirit searchest all things, yea, the deep things of God.” (1 Cor. 2, 9 and 10.) “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.” With man’s wisdom you can only learn historical knowledge, and the dead letter that kills and condemns; but the Spirit gives life and power; takes into the heart and mind thoughts from our loving Father, who says He will reveal his secrets to his sons; Jesus and the Father will come in and abide with us, and manifest themselves to us.

Oh! Brother, do not handle the word of God deceitfully, but as in the sight of God, we will preach the word in the light and power of the Holy Ghost. Paul is our example; we should follow Paul as he followed Christ. “I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” (1 Cor. 2, 3 and 4.) “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11.29.)

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5. Your Sons and Your Daughters Shall Prophesy: The Holy Spirit and Woman’s Privilege in the Gospel

Maria Woodworth-Etter, Acts of the Holy Ghost (Dallas: John F. Worley, 1912), chapter LXXII, pp. 487–492 (sermon on the office of the Holy Ghost and the unpardonable sin), and chapter LXXI, pp. 479–486 (sermon on woman’s privilege in the gospel). Primary source; page numbers from the uncollated OCR; the interpretations are the author’s.

CTS note: The first sermon teaches that the Holy Spirit is a person who teaches, convicts and empowers, and defines the “unpardonable sin” as attributing the Spirit’s work to the devil. The second is her fullest defence of women’s preaching, drawn from Joel 2, Acts 2, Phoebe, Priscilla, Deborah, Huldah and the women at the empty tomb; it is presented here as her own position. Christians today hold complementarian, egalitarian and team-ministry views of women in ministry, each with thoughtful defenders, and CTS takes no side. Poems of unidentified authorship at the end of the second sermon are omitted ([…]).

Chapter LXXII. Sermon: The Office of the Holy Ghost and the Unpardonable Sin

“WHEREFORE I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.”

“And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” (Matt. 12, 31 and 32.)

“But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.” (Mark 3.29.)

The question has been asked a thousand times, “What is the unpardonable sin?” but how often answered? Jesus explains: “Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3.30.) “This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beezlebub, the prince of the devils.” (Matt. 12. 24.) To commit that awful sin, is to attribute the power of the Holy Ghost to the power of the devil. To rob God of his glory and give it to the devil. There is one sin unto death, the sin against the Holy Ghost. To avoid committing that sin, you must know what, and who the Holy Ghost is, and what is his office. The Holy Ghost is the third person in the Trinity—the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. They all agree, have different offices, but the same spirit. Three men are engaged in partnership in a business firm; they all agree, and have the same spirit, but have different offices to perform.

The Holy Ghost is a person as much as Christ is. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things.” (John 14.26.) You see he is our teacher. “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” (John 14.16.)

You will see he is a person. Jesus said he was going away, but he would not leave them alone, he would send the Holy Ghost, and He was to stay with the Church forever.

At the time when Christ was baptized as he came up out of the water he was praying. He was the god-man, God in the flesh. The Holy Ghost came down from heaven in the form of a dove; John saw Him coming and that He remained; he was anointed with his power.

At the same time came a voice from heaven, the voice of the great “I AM,” speaking in an audible voice, introducing Jesus to the astonished multitude as his beloved son. The three persons in the Trinity were present at the baptism of Jesus. It was through this power that Jesus did all his mighty miracles. When Jesus went to heaven he sent the Holy Ghost back as his agent to represent himself. “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that he shall speak, and he will show you things to come.” (John 16.13.)

Before Jesus left the world he had many things he wanted the disciples to know, but they could not bear them then, nor could they understand; but Jesus promised to send the great teacher mentioned in John. Jesus speaks of him as a person. Nine times he is spoken of as a teacher, a guide and a prophet. “He shall show you things to come.” In the face of this would you dare to say he was only a fancied or imaginary influence? Before the day of Pentecost the Holy Ghost was in the world for certain purposes, and at stated times; but on the day of Pentecost he came to stay. The last days began at that time, but especially refer to this, our day. To this generation God is showing wonderful signs above and beneath. The sun has been darkened and the stars have fallen.

“Then Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2.38, 39.)

He promised the gift of the Holy Ghost to every one who would accept Christ in the right way. “The promise is unto you.” observe, he offers it to the whole congregation; he goes further, “And to your children and all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord shall call.” What? Even as many as the Lord shall call. Oh, praise his name that takes me in, and that all I lead to Jesus may have this power, the gift of the Holy Ghost—“ETERNAL LIFE.”

He comes as a wind; as a still voice; he comes in laughing; in weeping, in shouting, in trances; no matter how he comes, receive him. Be careful you do not make light of him and commit that awful sin.

Jesus compared the Holy Ghost to wind when he came to stay on the day of Pentecost. “They heard a sound coming from heaven like a rushing, mighty wind.” Like a great storm it came nearer until it filled all the house where they were sitting, and sat upon each of them like tongues of fire. There was a hundred and twenty men and women. “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” (Acts 10.46.)

The great revival at Pentecost was the result of the promise of the Holy Ghost; there was a great display of power and glory, it came in a visible manner, so that they saw and heard with the natural senses. They heard the noise like a cyclone; they saw the cloven tongues of fire; they heard them speak with new tongues, as the Spirit gave utterance.

“When the Comforter is come, whom I will send in my name, from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, He shall testify of me. He also shall bear witness of me. He will teach all things, and speak for himself, showing forth the deep things, the wonderful works of God.”

Peter said, “This is the promise of the Father, the Holy Ghost. He hath shed forth this which ye now see, and hear.” Three thousand souls were ushered into the kingdom; it is not by might, or power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.”

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” (Acts 10.44.), and they heard them speak with new tongues, and magnify God. The Holy Ghost testifying of Christ, in other languages as the Spirit gave utterance, the same as on the day of Pentecost.

All this was the result of two visions, one from a man that knew not Christ, the other from Peter. They were miles apart, and were brought together after four days, being led by the Spirit. They were all in one place, waiting to meet God, and ready to accept all that the Lord had for them. Oh, Praise the God, child-like faith in, and obedience to God’s promises, will bring the same great blessings, so that they will hear, and speak with tongues and magnify God.

When God’s conditions are met, all the blessings promised will follow, until the end of this age. This means salvation, health, and any other promised blessing, and they are multitudinous, for there is no limit to God’s ability.

You talk about excitement. Why the whole city of Jerusalem was shaken; they were gathered around this little band of anointed ones, or cranks, or worse yet, “drunken men and women,” as they were called.

The excitement goes on. Look at the sinners falling under the mighty power. Listen to the shouts of the new-born babes as they echo around the Great White Throne. The work will go on until God writes the last name in the book of life. They are excited in heaven; the angels are all shouting victory for King Jesus. Three thousand souls converted to God in one day; the most exciting revival ever known. Oh, Lord, send us more Pentecostal outpourings of the Holy Ghost.

“While Peter yet spake these words the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.”

“And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 10.44, 45.) Many object to this as excitement, but let me say to you, this is the quietest world you will ever be in.

And a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and peoples, and tongues, stood before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms in their hands. And they cried with a loud voice saying, “Salvation to our God.” And on the other hand, oh, sinner, as you stand on the brink of that awful pit with all its horrors, think of the bitter and remorseful cries of anguish that will come up from those fathomless depths, where there shall be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. And that excitement, poor dying sinner, will last through all eternity, eternity, OH Eternity! O, poor deluded ones, come and recognize the Holy Spirit as your friend and protector and escape that awful, awful hell. Suffer yourselves to submit and be filled with the excitement of joy and love, rather than endure the exciting pains of woe and anguish, which, if you do not step into the light, God will inflict on you in the Day of Judgment. Jesus said, “These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall be healed.” These signs were to follow the preached word until the end of time. Dare you deny it?

Now you may see the danger of committing the unpardonable sin. In every community there are those who have stepped over the “dead line,” the line that separates them forever from the Mercy of God and exposes them forever to his Wrath. It is awful to see men and women going about with the black pall of death resting on them, giving every indication that they are forsaken of God. They are as sure of hell as that they are alive; they have no desire to be Christians and go on without a ray of hope. “My Spirit will not always strive with man,” said the Lord. When the Holy Ghost leaves you the last time, your doom is sealed. We meet a great many such persons in our meetings, who, we must believe, have committed this sin, for “Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.”

You need not go so far as to make fun or speak lightly of the workings of the Spirit and power of God, but just continue to procrastinate a little too long. “He will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness (of a change of heart, of the need of a Saviour), and of judgment.”

This is what the Holy Ghost will do for the sinner. This is conviction. He warns you of your awful doom in rejecting Christ. The man who has been converted and lost his first love, and is in a lukewarm condition, should he die without doing his first works over, is lost.

You often hear the remark: “I have a little spark left.” “I would that you were cold or hot.” Don’t you know you are presuming on God’s love and mercy? You are guilty every moment you live. Jesus warns you to repent and get out of this condition, for you are sailing under false colors. “I will come and spew you out of my mouth.” I will remove the candlestick and take away that little spark. It is done, and you have crossed the dead line, after having tasted the power of God in the soul and after knowing that you were saved; you knew you were saved, but should you now deny it, saying: “There is no reality in the religion of Jesus,” your doom is sealed.

There is a class that is past feeling, being alienated from the life of Christ; and there is another class whose hearts are calloused as if seared with a hot iron. They have no feeling. The Spirit of God has left them. They cannot repent nor have godly sorrow. Then the devil comes as an angel of light and makes them “Believe a lie, that they may be damned.” They think they are all right; they will laugh in your face, and go down to the jaws of death and wake up in hell before they will realize their peril. God will send them strong delusions for not receiving the truth. Many classes are deluded.

There are no real unbelievers until God gives them over to believe a lie. The Lord came again and again. The truth was presented to them, but they fought instead of yielding, and tried to believe what they know to be a lie, thinking to ease their guilty consciences. When God shuts up a man there can be no opening. There is a sin unto death we need not pray for. The Lord says: “When you spread out your hands in prayer I will not hear you; let this people alone that I may consume them.” To-day if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. To-morrow may be too late. There are only two things that can quiet the guilty fears of man; one is to commit the unpardonable sin, the other, the blood of Jesus applied to the soul.

When Adam and Eve sinned against God they were afraid to meet Him. Oh, sinner, fly away from your fears and come to the loving arms of Jesus. Some men’s sins go before them to judgment while others’ sins follow them. All who are healed in Jesus’ name are healed by the Holy Ghost, by the finger of God, beware lest ye commit the unpardonable sin.

Dear reader, I will never see many of your faces until I meet you at the Judgment Seat of Christ. I will meet you there, and if you are lost, these words that I have written will condemn you. God help you to take warning. Don’t stay away from Christ too long. May the power of God come upon you as you read these lines and give you no rest. May they ring in your ears until you accept Christ and find him precious to your soul. Amen, and Amen.

Chapter LXXI. Sermon: Woman’s Privilege in the Gospel

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2.1.)

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” (Acts 2.17. Joel 2.28-29.) … “And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2.2-4.)

There was a wonderful excitement; the people came rushing in great multitudes from the city to see what was the matter. They saw these men and women, with their faces shining with the glory of God, all preaching at once; all anxious to tell what God had done for them and a dying world. Conviction went like daggers to their hearts. And, just as it is to-day, when the power of God is manifest, instead of yielding, they cried out, “Too much excitement,” and began to fight against God; they said, “These people are mad, are drunken with new wine,” and mocked them. Peter gets up to defend the cause of Christ. He refers to Joel 2.28-29. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” (Acts 2.17-18. I. Cor. 14.24-26; and I. Cor. 1-5.) Paul speaks as if it were very common for women to preach and prophesy.

“Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head.” (I. Cor. 11.5.) “The same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.” (Acts 21.9; Eph. 4.11.)

Paul worked with the women in the gospel more than any of the apostles; Priscilla and Phebe traveled with Paul preaching and building up the churches. (Acts 18.2-18-26; Romans 16.) He and Phebe had been holding revivals together; now she is called to the city of Rome; Paul cannot go with her, but he is very careful of her reputation, and that she is treated with respect; he writes a letter of recommendation: “I commend unto you Phebe, our sister, which is a servant of the church (which signifies a minister of the church) at Cenchrea, that ye receive her in the Lord as becometh saints and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you, for she has been a succourer of many and of myself also.” (Rom. 16.1.)

This shows that she had authority to do business in the churches and that she had been successful in winning souls to Christ. He is not ashamed to say she had encouraged him; he speaks in the highest praise of a number of sisters who had been faithful workers in the work of the Lord, who had risked their lives in the effort to save souls, and not he alone, but all the churches of the Gentiles sent their thanks.

Paul said, “Let your women keep silent in the churches.” So saith the law. We are not under law but under grace. “And learn of their husbands at home.” What will those do who have no husbands? Do you suppose they will remain in ignorance and be lost? And if some women had to depend on their husbands for knowledge they would die in ignorance.

Paul referred to contentions in the churches. Paul says you had better not marry. How many agree with Paul? How many obey? He is referring to contentions in the churches, that it is a shame to bring up questions and have jangling in the house of God. He writes to the brethren, “I hear that there be divisions among you, and I partly believe it.” (I. Cor. 11.18.) “Help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Phil. 4.3.) There were also several women who were prophetesses. (Luke 2.36; II. Kings 22.13-15.) Huldah, the prophetess, the wife of Shallum, dwelt in Jerusalem, in the college, and they communed with her, and she said unto them, “Thus saith the Lord God of Israel.”

Exodus 15.20; Micah 6.4. “I sent before thee, Moses, Aaron and Miriam.”

Judges 4.4. “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth she judged Israel at that time.” See the responsible position that God gave her, to sit and judge the hosts of the children of Israel. The children of Israel had sinned and God would not fight their battles, and for twenty years the nations arose against them and defied them to come out to battle. Barak dared not meet the enemy unless Deborah led the van. This brave woman, ever ready to defend the cause of God, said, “I will surely go.” God’s people must not be taken by the enemies. Oh, no; call out the armies of the Lord. Sisera’s mighty host is gathering. Every soldier to his post. See the brave woman riding with Barak, the commander, at the head of the army cheering on the hosts to victory, shouting victory as she led on the armies, sweeping through the enemies’ ranks carrying death and destruction till the king leaped from his chariot and fled for his life, but was captured and killed by a woman. Every man was put to the sword; not one was left to tell of the defeat.

The mother of Sisera looked out of the window for the return of the king, her son, from the battle, and cried, “Oh, why does he not come, why is his chariot so long in coming? Why, oh, why does he tarry so long?” While she is weeping for her son’s return he is lying cold in death in the tent where he has been captured and killed by a woman.

Queen Esther intercedes at the king’s court, and the sad decree of the king is reversed, so that her life and the life of the Jewish nation are saved.

Paul says there is no difference, but that male and female are one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3.28.) Let us take Jesus for our pattern and example and see no man, save Jesus only.

Women were called and commissioned by the Angel sent from Heaven, and by the Lord Jesus Christ, to preach the gospel. (Matt. 28.5-10.)

The cowardly disciples had forsaken the Saviour and fled. Peter denied the Saviour and swore he never knew him, but many women followed him and stood by the cross, and went to the sepulchre and saw the body laid away; the great stone was rolled against the door. (Matt. 27.55-61.) These women went home sad and broken-hearted, but they returned to pay a last tribute to their dear friend. They spent the night in preparing spices to embalm the body of their Lord. They came to the sepulchre as it was coming day. The grave was empty. The Lord was not there. As they stood weeping two Angels stood by them, and said: “Fear not ye, for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him; lo, I have told you.”

They started at once with joy and rejoicing. They could not walk fast enough; they ran to hunt up the brothers, to tell the good news. As they were going Jesus met them and they fell at His feet and worshipped him. He said: “Be not afraid; go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee and there shall they see me.” It was not only the twelve that were to tell the good news. There were several hundred brethren; yes, thousands of followers at this time. They never thought of blood-thirsty soldiers who had put their Master to death and were seeking for his friends who would dare to defend him.

Observe the wonderful mission that Jesus had intrusted to these weak women to preach the first resurrection sermon; to risk their lives in gathering together the followers of Christ, where the wonderful meeting was to be held. But just like many to-day, they would not believe. Peter said, “I will not believe your report.” Thomas said, “I will not believe except I see the prints in his hands and feet.”

In the midst of all these discouragements they went on with the work and had grand success. Jesus met with and preached to them; they were all made to rejoice. They were called by Angels, and the Lord from glory, and sent to preach the gospel. The names of four women were given and there were many others. God is calling the Marys and the Marthas to-day all over our land to work in various places in the vineyard of the Lord; God grant that they may respond and say, “Lord, here am I; send me.” This call was made after Christ had risen. Turn also to John 4.10-29-39-42.

“I will pour out in the last days of my Spirit,” that refers in a special manner to these last days in which we are now living. God is promising great blessings and power to qualify His handmaidens for the last great harvest just before the notable day of the Lord comes. We must first be baptized into Christ by the one Spirit, that is to be born of the Spirit; then we ought to be anointed with power and wisdom. The Spirit ought to be poured out like oil on our heads, to give us knowledge of the deep things of God. The Lord says we shall prophesy.

“Paul says desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” (I. Cor. 14.1.) It makes no difference how many gifts we have, if we have not the gift of talking, and teaching, it will not avail us much. The Lord has promised this greatest gift to his handmaidens, and daughters. In the third verse Paul explains what it is to prophesy. He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation, and comfort. He that prophesieth, edifieth the church. No one can talk for God only by the enlightening power of the Holy Ghost. Moses said, “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put His spirit upon them.” (Numbers 11.29.)

While Jesus sat at Jacob’s well to rest, there was a poor woman, one who was living in sin; who came to the well to get water; although she had fallen very low, and was despised by her friends, so that she had no one to lift her up and tell her of a better way, Jesus came to seek the lost, to lift up the fallen. God help us to follow his example; if they feel that their feet are slipping into the pit of hell, Jesus is a mighty Saviour. He can lift them up and make them children of a King. Jesus preached salvation; the woman was converted; she left her pitcher and took the well of salvation with her, and running to the city, went up one street and down another, with her face shining with the glory of God. Perhaps the people would have scorned her an hour before; now they saw and felt the change. “Look what he has done for me. He will do the same for you.”

The people left their stores, their places of business, left their parlors and kitchens, and came out in great multitudes to see the saviour of the world. There was a great revival there at the well. Jesus went into the city and stayed two days. The wave of salvation went on and on. This was the result of one sermon by a weak woman. Many were converted and made to rejoice in a Saviour’s love by the preaching of the woman who said, “He told me all things that ever I did.” They came to her and said, “We know now for ourselves,” and, like the Queen of Sheba, said “The half was not told.”

My dear sister in Christ, as you hear these words may the Spirit of God come upon you, and make you willing to do the work the Lord has assigned to you. It is high time for women to let their lights shine; to bring out their talents that have been hidden away rusting, and use them for the glory of God, and do with their might what their hands find to do, trusting God for strength, who has said, “I will never leave you.” Oh, the fields are white, for the harvest is great and ripe, and it is ready for the gospel sickle; oh, where are the laborers to gather the golden grain into the Master’s garner?

The world is dying, the grave is filling, hell is boasting; it will all be over soon.

God left the glorious work of saving souls in the hands of the church. What is the church composed of? Men, women and children. We are putting up a building of God; every one has a part in this building; if we cannot be a pillar or cornerstone, let us be a spike or a nail or a brick; let us not despise the day of small things. Whatever we do for Jesus, with the right motive, is precious in his sight. Dear reader, God has called you and me into his vineyard to work. He said, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” “Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” God’s church is a workshop; no idlers allowed here. There should be bills posted, “To work, to work. Every one at his post.” You and I should say when Satan tempts us, like Nehemiah, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. I am commissioned by the King of Heaven to work for him.” The work is great and the time is short. He offers a great reward. There are no idle Christians. Like the blind man, we will tell what God has done for us. “Once I was blind, now I can see.” We will be like the drowning man who was rescued; the first words he could whisper, he said, “There is another man overboard.”

“The Spirit and the bride say, come. And let him that heareth say, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. If we have been, like David, taken away from that horrible pit, over which we were hanging by the thread of life; if our feet have been taken out of the mire and clay; if the chains of Satan which were around us, like brass and iron, have been broken; if our feet have been set on solid rock, and a new song put into our mouths; if we have been adopted into the family of God, of which part are in Heaven and part on earth; if our names are written in the Book of Life, then we have the gift of eternal life, we are heirs to the bank of Heaven, to an eternal inheritance, to a mansion in the Golden City, to a robe and a crown. We are sons and daughters of the most high God. Should we not honor our high calling and do all we can to save those who sit in the valley and shadow of death?

Let us not plead weakness; God will use the weak things of this world for his glory. When he wanted to introduce his glorious gospel to a dying world, he did not go to the Jewish Sanhedrim and select the wise and mighty; he went along the sea of Galilee and chose twelve poor fishermen and said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” They started in the strength of God, setting up the kingdom of our Lord Jesus. They were led on by the Mighty Conqueror and to-day he sways his sceptre from the rivers to the ends of the earth.

Our God is marching on to victory, but the hosts of Satan are gathered; they are out canvassing for souls; they are trying to defeat the armies of the Lord.

Jesus is calling for soldiers, brave soldiers who will put on the whole armor, who will not desert the Captain when the battle is raging. There are so many cowards in the ranks who are a disgrace to the Captain, who run at the approach of the enemy. A few years ago, when the war was raging, the call was made for six hundred thousand men. In a short time the tramp of feet of brave men was heard coming in every direction, leaving their wives and little ones and all that was dear to them to fight and even die for their country. Some received a small bounty. To-day the enemy of souls, Satan, is marching through the land with his mighty army, taking captive thousands of men, women, and children, every year and dragging them down to a burning hell. He has taken some of our mothers, some of our fathers, some of our children, our companions, our brothers, our sisters, friends and neighbors, and to-day they are wailing with their fruitless cries where mercy cannot come.

Oh God! could we see their misery, we would not be so careless. We would cry aloud and spare not; we would take our eyes off each other and see nothing but dying souls rushing on to judgment. Oh, hear the Master calling for soldiers! He says he will lead us on to victory. Oh, who will respond to the call? Who will place his name on the heavenly roll? Who will enlist in the war and help to conquer the mighty foe? Who will help to beat back the powers of darkness? He does not ask you to die, but to live forever. He will give a glorious bounty—Eternal Life. Let us work for rewards. We shall be rewarded according to our work. “They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars, for ever and ever.” We do not want to have starless crowns. Oh, let us win stars for the Master’s glory. Dear reader, have you won a single star? Look over your past life. What have you done for Jesus? The day is far spent and the night of death will soon overtake you. Oh, sleeper, arise from the sleep of death and call upon God to give you light before it is too late. Oh, let us work for Jesus! If we go forth weeping, sowing precious seed, bearing persecution and trials, having our names cast out as evil for the cause of Christ, we shall not lose our reward.

“Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” If we weep and mourn now on account of poor sinners, we shall laugh through all eternity. Oh, let us work now, and by and by our weeping will be over. We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. We can say, “Here am I, Father, and the children thou hast given me.”

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