As I take up the pen to report, my soul is so full that I know not where to begin. God during the past week has indeed wrought wonders in our midst. At every meeting souls have been crying for mercy. Sinners of all classes, from the ragged drunkard to the respectable hypocrite, God has set at liberty. On Saturday night captain Taberer was taken home in the car very poorly, through rough usage, but God has well rewarded us for all our trials and persecutions.
On Sunday we began the day's fighting with 160 for the morning muster. Captured one soul. The open-air in Red Cross Street baffles all description. The windows and doors were thronged and the streets blocked with thousands of ragged children, men in dirty clothes and women with uncombed hair. It was tough work to get through but thank God our converts already are learning to stand the storm. At the morning meeting it was said we had a visit from the mayor of Bristol. Our convert's faces were all aglow, for God was with us of the truth.
In the afternoon we had a turn in the open-air, having a grand march and firing several volleys outside Captain George's house, but he was ill in bed. A little further on, a rush was made by a big burly fellow who dragged his sister out of the procession amidst her crying and tears. She had been saved only the night before. God save the family! We held a Hallelujah Free and Easy, when some strong determinations were uttered by our converts to stick faithfully to Jesus and the Army. Having had orders to go to a place called the Pithay.
At night we announced the meeting when the smiles of the congregation gave us to know we were going to warm quarters and were not disappointed. Someone had been on before and told the neighbourhood and as we turned into the place at night we found it all astir, evidently many, by their looks bent on mischief. The houses projecting from the walls being in the early English style of architecture gave the place a very dangerous, tumbledown kind of appearance. But in we went and although we mustered very strongly, what with the pushing and hooting and yelling of those around after we had sung two verses, we formed the band of March to the Circus. Nothing like bringing converts up in the way they should go and the torrents of rain that had just come down made the roads in a “floating“ condition. Through this we trudged our way onwards and found the Circus crowded, where some heavy shots from a Pentre soldier and others were fired. God came very near; conviction fell all over the place. Prayer meeting afterwards cannot be described. Everybody seems to be coming to see us. Crowds around the penitent forms. Oh, what cries for mercy. Jesus is in our very midst. Grey-headed sinners, young children, old men and maidens, husbands and wives, all wept their way to Calvary together. Heaven did indeed drop down and touch earth. Sinners turned pale and crumbled. We hardly knew whether we were in the body or out of the body. Between 60 and 70 set at liberty, making about 140 from Sunday to Sunday.
From, 'The War Cry', July 1880.
Circus packed 45 minutes before time announced to commence. At it we went. The result - 69 souls.
From, 'The War Cry', November 1880.
Bristol I or II (can't tell)
It is marvellous how the work of Salvation is going on through the city of Bristol. Last week we had seventy-two precious ones who professed to find Jesus. Our Friday afternoon and evening Holiness Meetings were grand. Scores of men and women came out and surrendered their all to Jesus.
On Sunday we had Belmanbooth with us. He did us good service. Circus packed full every time. At the seven o'clock Knee-drill we had a good company present. Three came out for Salvation. The presence of God was with us all through the day. In the evening every inch of standing room was taken up. Right out to the outer doors a great crowd of anxious people stood on tiptoe to get a look in at the old Circus, and to catch a stray word.
Thirty-four came out boldly for pardon. We wound up with shouts of joy, and went home believing for still greater things.
Monday night, had a glorious meeting; eleven more got free from the chains of sin.
We have had a wedding here of a couple who had been living together unmarried for fourteen years. They came to the Circus one night, and the Spirit of God showed them the sin they were living in. They were married as soon as possible, came out to the penitent-form, knelt side by side, and gave their hearts to God. Now it is quite a picture to see their happy faces in the meeting.
Oh, thank God for picking up such stray sheep! May God help us to go on gathering in such as these. There is plenty of room for it in Bristol. Plenty of sin and misery here. God help us to put the wrong right. FANNY SMART
From, "The War Cry," page 2, 24th November 1881.
Bristol I
Having decided to pay a visit to my old friends Capt. Smart - and Lieutenant Colburn, now stationed at Bristol I., and also to have a week's go in for God and souls, I left Newcastle by the 10.5 train on Wednesday morning, and arrived at Bristol a little after eight o'clock. I went on to the Circus at once, and I found the great building crowded in every part, and Capt. Smart in full swing, and the meeting full of real "Hallelujah go." I received a hearty welcome from my old Captain, and it was not long before she had me up to speak to the people. At the close of the meeting, twelve souls weary of sin and the service of the devil went into the fountain and got blessedly saved.
On Thursday night, open-air service at the Horse Fair; we found a vast crowd assembled to hear the Word of Life, and after a few good solid testimonies, we fell into line, ready to march. Just before the word of command was given, I observed a crowd of people ahead of us forming into line, and getting ready to march also. I said to the Officers, who are these on before? "Oh. said the « These are the tonhe that on
Sent from my "Oh," said they, "These are the roughs that go ahead of us." And as soon as the word was given, off they went, in proper marching fashion. A young man who was leading and walking backwards, was donned in a Lassie's bonnet,. bordered with a white frill, and another was carrying a long pole with a cocoa mat dangling at the top. This mongrel procession marched at the head of us all the way to the Circus. I thought as I watched them that I would give something to have a procession like this marching with us at Newcastle. Inside, the building was crowded again, and twelve more souls out for Salvation.
We commenced on Sunday morning, at seven o'clock, with Knee-drill; 400 present, and a glorious time. At a quarter to ten, we met at Ashley Road End, had a good open-air and splendid march. Circus crowded again; two souls.
Met again at a quarter to two, in the Horse Fair: grand open-air, and one of the most brilliant processions I have seen. The roughs were there in full force both men and women and we came in for a goodly share of sand and mud, but the brave Soldiers of this Corps are not so easily daunted, but, amid all opposition, forced their way bravely on, sweeping everything before them, arriving at the Circus, found it full; had a glorious meeting and ten souls.
The night meeting baffles all description. The place was crowded to its utmost capacity by half-past flve o'clock; there could not be less than 2,000 people. Every inch of standing room was occupied, and, when we arrived, about six o'clock, we could not get near the entrance, and were glad to get in by a small side door, wend our way through, under the galleries, to the platform: Many hundreds of people had to go away, who could not possibly get in. The meeting was the best that ever I attended. The people sat and listened so intently, that you could almost have heard a pin fall in any part of the building, and the tears were seen coursing their way down the cheeks of many a weary, worn sinner, and, at the close, over twenty came weeping their way to the Cross, and went away rejoicing.
The Captain and Lieutenants here have the hearts of the people, who are willing to render willing obedience to all their commands, and the work cannot help but go on.
There are here a lot of the finest fellows I ever saw, and the lasses also are up to their eyes in the fray, and are determined to do any amount of fighting. The Lord bless Bristol; it was a blessed thing when God sent The Salvation Army to rescue her sons and daughters from the devil. And this has already been effected in the case of thousands. I bade then all goodbye, and left them on Monday noon, fully convinced that they all meant to go in to the utmost, and never rest until they have all Bristol at the feet of Jesus.
J MADDISON, Treasurer, Newcastle Corps.
From, "The War Cry," page 1, 1st December 1881.
BRISTOL II
There being no report from this Station this last week or two, perhaps some of the readers of The War Cry have said, "What is the mutter at Bedminster." The fact is, there has been a great battle since we last wrote, and the devil has lost more than three hundred of his soldiers, a great many of whom were his best men, Hallelujah!
God grant that this great work may continue to roll on, and we believe it will, while the Lord has such faithful servants as the Officers and Soldiers of this Corps.
Last week we had a welcome Tea to Capt. Bamford, and her Lieutenant, and it was such a time as we never saw before in Bedminster. While hundreds were having a cup of tea inside, the rain was coming down outside. Had our Hall been four times as large, it would not contain the people that came to have
A Recognition Cup of tea. We feel sorry for this inconvenience, but we mean to ask the Lord to incline the hearts of those whom He has given plenty of this world's goods, to help us to make our Hall larger, so that by the time we have another tea, we shall be able to sit down altogether, and have another happy time.
We feel very glad for the wonderful workings of the Lord in Bedminster. One brother said on the platform, "he went into a public-house to sell God's Word, and the old woman said, 'My dear man, since that Salvation Army has been about, trade has been so bad I am afraid we shall have to go in the workhouse.'"
From, "The War Cry," page 2, 15th December 1881.
BRISTOL I
The sight of the Old Salvation Circus at half-past ten on New Year's Eve was indeed wonderful. In spite of the numerous Watch Night Services held all over the town, the Circus was full, and what a meeting. The greater part of those present had evidently come to meet with God, to deal personally with Him.
God met with us at the commencement of the meeting, and He led the Way all through. After some straight talk, the pool was opened, and ere many moments were gone, was crowded with anxious seekers after purity and pardon. God alone knows the transactions which took place in the hearts of those who thus sought Him, sufficient it was to know that He was there, ready to heal all who came to Him. Hallelujah! A few minutes before midnight, we all went down before the Lord and waited on Him in silence, whilst the Old Year glided away into the past, and the New Year opened up before us, The covenant was renewed; the consecration had been made; we are accepted. Our vows have been registered in Heaven. May we be ever faithful, as Thou art faithful. A song of praise, a closing prayer, and we part for a few hours, everybody wishing everybody else a Holy, Happy New Year.
At seven a.m., about 400 thirsty souls met together for another good long draught of the Water of Life: A precious time we had, everybody full of praise. A good beginning for the New Year. Oh Lord! may our lips be always full of praise, Amen.
Marches, morning and afternoon, splendid. Indoors morning, Holiness. Afternoon Free and Easy, splendid testimonies. The band went off in splendid style. Thank God for a real Salvation Band. God bless them. At the close two souls sought Salvation.
Evening, Circus packed: real Salvation Meeting: Holy Ghost seemed to thunder forth through every speaker, Lightning accompanied the thunder to many a heart, and twenty-five poor lost ones seeing their danger, fled from their evil ways and came to the Rock of Ages, and there found shelter and safety. Praise God.
Capt. Sowerby,
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882
BRISTOL II
The past week has been one of great blessing. Many came out at almost every meeting. A large number have also professed full Salvation. Some of the most degraded have been rescued, and are joyfully testifying to the change.
One tells, in touching words, what a slave to the devil he has been. He was only discharged from prison on the Tuesday, but the second day he met with our Soldiers, singing and speaking in the streets, The word went to his heart, and he came to our meeting, and now he rejoices in finding a Saviour, and a great one.
We concluded the Christmas holidays with a Night of Prayer on the 26th, which was a time of wonderful power, and will long be remembered by many. We had a similar meeting to end the Old, and commence the New Year. Numerous testimonies are being given of the great blessings received.
One says:—"I have been a local preacher for several years; when first converted, the Lord blessed me with forty souls in the neighbourhood of my home, but since then I have had no such results. Now I shall return to preach Sanctification and not rest until the whole village is saved."
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882.
BRISTOL III
St. Phillip's is still going ahead, Soldiers are going in for more hard work, and we mean St. Phillip's for Jesus. The past week has been a glorious one. We had a Watch Night Meeting: everyone seemed full of the Holy Ghost. Twelve o'clock we all went down before the Lord and consecrated ourselves afresh to God, and He came down and filled our souls to overflowing. Praise His holy name, it was good to be there. Some thought it ought to be more quiet and solemn, but we were dealing with God, everyone was asking God in their own way what they wanted, and, hallelujah! He gave them the desires of their hearts. They got so full they could not help praising Him aloud. Yes, and we will praise Him for what He has done, yet it is nothing to be compared with what He is going to do. Four precious souls came out for Salvation just at the new year dawned. Sunday, all day, was grand; wound up in the evening with nineteen out for Salvation,
Captain Clark.
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882.
BRISTOL IV
Hallelujah! it's getting better. We have had the best week we ever had. Souls out every night. Friday's Holiness Meeting better than ever; fourteen out for the blessing of a clean heart, and four for Salvation. One old lady said, "I felt as if I was in heaven. All my doubts I leave with Jesus; I felt as if I could fly right away."...
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882.
BRISTOL V
Sunday, New Year's Day, we opened fire at our fifth Station. Salvation Hall (formerly Salem Chapel). We began in true Army style by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year, and pointing out very definitely that true happiness was only to be found in Christ.
The Hall was nearly full at night. We had Brothers Cater and Everson with us, and the power of God was very manifest. Conviction all over the building; the Captain, with great earnestness, urged the people to forsake the rule of the devil and to come on the Lord's side, which was the best side. Seven souls came out for Salvation.
Monday, although very wet, we had a good time. The people are glad we are come. A gentleman came forward and gave a half sovereign. Two souls.
Tuesday and Wednesday good open-air meetings. Some wonderful testimonies inside. Sister Hurris was with us, and sang with great pathos,
"Beautiful Words of Life"
We believe there is a good future for us at this place.
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882.
BRISTOL I
Stll moving onward with steady steps we are gaining ground, Soldiers with untiring zeal are fighting splendidly; heart united to heart, clothed with the whole armour, Jesus in the midst, and leading us on, we are sure of victory. Hallelujah! Souls all Iast week, good houses, good marches, good all round.
Sunday, magnificent day, opened fire at seven a.m., and kept up a continual fire for over fourteen hours. Holiness meeting eleven a.m., God blessed us in a wonderful manner, light shone into the inmost recesses of our hearts, and many determined, on seeing the impuré condition, to have them cleansed, glory to God!
Afternoon, grand march, testimonies short and sharp, Soldiers lively and rejoicing. Oh! What transformations, "God alone the change hath wrought." With what eagerness they jump up one after the other, in their own homely language, to speak of the change.
"You are missing a treat!" said one.
"My work fell into the fire the other day, said a sister, "but I did not get vexed about it. I remembered the Lord was my Shepherd, and I should not want."
"I'm happy everywhere". It's better today than ever!" I never get tired of it!" "Mean to have more!' "The more I get the more I want! These and similar experiences flowed from hearts full of love for the Master,
A brother said, "Last Sunday, five of us who had all been poor degraded drunkards, were preaching Christ at Portishead". We wound up a grand meeting by giving praise to Him who had wrought such wonders.
Night, Circus jammed to its utmost capacity. The doorkeeper said, "We could fill you another Circus if you had one. Three of our best lads were to say farewell to Bristol, another having been called by the Lord to work in the great harvest-field. Oh! how the Holy Ghost did take hold of the people.
After the meeting was opened, a sister was the first to speak, and as she spoke of the love of Jesus, the people seemed riveted to their seats, and when she concluded they took a great long breath as if they had before been afraid of breaking the spell. When the three lads got up, the enthusiasm was at its height; they sang—
"Will you meet me at the fountain!" and then they spoke some burning words of exhortation and warning, melting many hearts. This meeting will remain riveted on many hearts who, that night. went away "almost persuaded. Twenty-five yielded to the invitation, and we believe got gloriously saved.
On Monday night eleven more bade good-bye to their old life of sin, and determined to lead a better life.
Bristol is "going up." All grades and classes are coming to Jesus, and our Soldiers here are full of determination that they shall come; God is with us, we are His Soldiers, He is leading us, and we are going to follow on, and by His help "We shall conquer all."
Ten thousand Hallelujahs for what He has already done, and ten thousand more for what He is going to do. Hallelujah!
Capt, T. S. Sowerby, A.D.C.
BRISTOL II.
God continues to bless us here. Holy Ghost power is with us in every meeting, and many are weeping their way to Jesus. Our Holiness meetings are greatly blessed, and scores may often be seen laying their all upon the altar. Our Soldiers work well in the open-air, and much power rests upon this part of our work. We are determined to fight on, and are believing that many a stronghold of the enemy will shortly be surrendered to Jesus, whose right it is to reign.
Capt. BAMFORD,
BRISTOL III.
Sunday, January 8th, good time in the morning Holiness Meeting. We commenced with a few testimonies on the blessing of a clean heart. Thirteen spoke, one came out for Salvation. Afternoon, Free-and-Easy, eighty-four spoke. Two souls ventured their all on the Lord.
Night, commenced at half-past six. Hall full. Capt. Clarke read part of the 13th chapter of St. Luke: then a few brothers, the Black Princess, and Captain spoke. Eleven souls plunged in the fountain, and washed their sins away. Wound up with fifty-two testimonies. Over 600 have professed to have been saved since opening.
Private G. RADNEDGE, for Capt. Clarke,
From, "The War Cry," page 4, 19th January 1882.
BRISTOL I
We are making inroads into the devil's territory, and taking some of his followers captive every day. It is a real, undeniable fact that our ranks are swelling, and that a number of almost lost souls have of late been delivered from the bondage of sin, and been made free men in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!
"A few days ago", says "Gentleman Harry" as he is now called. "I got into such a passion, I took up a Bible and threw it into the fire and watched it burn, but now I thank God I'm saved. I used to have the devil in my heart, now I have got a new lodger, Jesus (we trust He will be a perpetual tenant) and He makes me happy all the day," "I'm a hawker" says he, and the devil often tells me I can't live without cheating: but, thank God, I can live honest anywhere and everywhere, and I mean to. He says to me "Harry" says he, "you ain't saved", but I just take him to the Cross, and I say, look there! and that settles him.''
The police tell us that their business is very slack nowadays. That whereas, on a Monday morning, they used to run into "teens" of cases at the Court, now they only have three or four. Hallelujah!
The other evening The Army, whilst sweeping past a butcher's shop, called forth a strong remark from the butcher, anything but complimentary. He was reproved in a manner he little expected, by the customer he was serving curtly remarking, "If it had not been for the Salvation Army I should not have been here buying your meat." "No!' strikes in a second woman. Who was waiting to be served, "Neither would I! shouldn't have wanted any butcher's meat if it hadn't been for The Army."
Some young factory girls, having got saved at our meetings, they began to look round to see what they could do for their new Master. They finally determined on having a mid-day Prayer Meeting. They took a room near the Factory, and, having consecrated it to the Lord, they (five of them) invited their fellow work-girls to come and soon the room was crowded, and many have given their hearts to Jesus. Thank God for this little effort for His sake. Oh! that many more would ask themselves the question, "What can I do?" The Master said, and says today. "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few." Go on my sisters, in your labour of love, and God will be your great reward.
The Circus, on Sunday, was reported "grand all day." Over forty souls sought the Saviour, and hundreds got a lift heavenwards. Oh! Lord, keep on lifting us up, and help us to lift somebody else. Amen!
Capt. Sowerby, A.D.C.
From, "The War Cry," page 2, 23rd February 1882.
(also, page 4, 2nd March 1882)
(also, page 2, 9th March 1882)
BRISTOL I
The gallant 150th are still at it—always at it. Some Armies go in for sham-fights, but the Salvation Army believe in real fighting, guns loaded right up to the mouth, no quarter, no surrender, victory or death! Hallelujah! Our marches are grand as we swing along. Band playing! Colours flying! People wondering! Devil trembling! and best of all, sinners getting saved, and the great Commander-in-Chief sending Hallelujah depatches, saying, "Well done!" It really is glory, Sinners are failing in every direction.
On the Horsefair, Thursday night, one stepped into the ring for Salvation. Another poor drunkard on Monday midday, same place, wanted Jesus; he was taken to the Circus, where the Lord made a cure of him. Another man, fifty years of age, came to our house asking to be pointed to Jesus, he soon found Him. Hallelujah! We mean to give the devil a hot time of it.
On Friday a wave of glory swept over the meeting, upwards of forty out for the blessing. Sunday, Circus packed. Hundreds wounded. Nineteen prisoners. Two at seven o'clock Knee-drill.
We have had some wonderful times at our mid-day meetings at various Factories. Wednesday, as we sung and told of Salvation to some 500 cotton hands, it was indeed Heaven, begun below. We believe in firing away morning, noon, and night. Our cry is, "Lord keep us well supplied with ammunition so that we can keep at it. Capt. FRANK SMITH.
BRISTOL II.
(Bedminster).
During the past week we have made some splendid captures. One day, while the Lieutenant were out visiting. God, by the Holy Spirit, through them, brought three into subjection to the Master's feet. At the same time a visitor called on the Captain and also fell into the fountain. While the meeting was going on inside on Sunday evening, a band of thirty Soldiers were outside telling the "old, old story:" One poor penitent was won to the Saviour. A Cottage Meeting was also held, which resulted in the Salvation of three souls.
Inside the Hall mightier things were being done, or, at least, more of the mighty works. After two hours hard fighting with the enemy, we counted up thirty-five slain of the Lord.
From, "The War Cry," page 2, 30th March 1882.
BRISTOL IV
...We have seen 434 weep their way to the feet of the world's redeemer since we opened fire here..
From, "The War Cry," page 2, 13th April, 1882.
The Pithay has been developed.