rnia 
 1
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 
 BOOK 
 
 '
 
 
 //
 
 Faithfully yours, 
 
 For the whole wide world, 
 
 MRS. M. W. KNAPP.
 
 DIARY LETTERS 
 
 A Missionay Trip through the 
 West Indies and to South America 
 
 MRS. M. W. KNAPP 
 
 "Lift up your epes and loofy on the fields,- 
 for they are white already to harvest" 
 
 GOD'S REVIVALIST OFFICE 
 
 Ringgold, Young and Channing Streets 
 
 CINCINNATI, OHIO
 
 PREFACE 
 
 These simple, homey, Diary Letters have been written 
 under many difficulties on trains, in depots,- aboard steamers, 
 sloops, sailing vessels, on the seashore, by roadsides, with 
 many interruptions, often sent off without correction. When 
 one day Brother Finch startled me with the request that they 
 be put in book form, I was reluctant even to consider it r but 
 after much prayer and reflection, I decided if God could use 
 them to awaken His people to a deeper interest in His work 
 in these islands and the neglected continent of South America, 
 that I would consent. So the Letters have been corrected, 
 revised, and illustrated. 
 
 I am greatly indebted to Brother Finch, whose untiring 
 kindness in traveling over the entire field, and valuable infor- 
 mation, with that of the other missionaries, has helped to make 
 these diaries possible and interesting. 
 
 If, through the reading, some are led to give their lives to 
 the field, and -others their means to carry on the work, I shall 
 feel abundantly repaid. The proceeds of the sale go to the 
 work in the West Indies and South America. 
 
 We are grateful beyond expression to the REVIVALIST 
 Family, and friends everywhere, whose prayers lifted and 
 carried us through so graciously. 
 
 To our Heavenly Father, whose beautiful care, protection, 
 strength and guidance enabled us to carry out the trip and 
 return, be the glory and praise forever. 
 
 MRS. M. W. KNAPP.
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 Leave Taking 15 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Three Blessed Services 23 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Faith Tested 34 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Faith Triumphant 45 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 En Route 57 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Among "The Islands" 69 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 Among "The Islands," continued 88 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 Beautiful Barbadoes 1 00 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Victory at the Outstations 1 20 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 The Neglected Continent of South America 144 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Trinidad . 168
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 Folk Lore 1 96 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 Nevis ; 205 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 Cocoanuts 230 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 Saba, Antigua, Berbuda 244 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 "Home Sweet Home" 270 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 A Cry from Over the Sea . 299
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1 Mrs. M. W. Knapp Frontispiece 
 
 2 The Party of Twelve 55 
 
 3 Steamer Guiana 63 
 
 4 Women with Trays 75 
 
 5 Harbor at St. Kitts 79 
 
 6 Mission, Antigue 85 
 
 7 St. Pierre before the Eruption 95 
 
 8 Royal Palms, Barbados 1 05 
 
 9 Harvesting the Sugarcane 109 
 
 1 New Church at Barbados 113 
 
 1 1 Church at Georgetown 1 49 
 
 12 New Church at Unity 1 55 
 
 13 "Cottage" Church 159 
 
 1 4 Church at Perth 1 63 
 
 15. Mrs. Knapp, and an Indian Mother 185 
 
 1 6 Rev. R. G. Finch, Mrs. Knapp, and Indian Mother 
 
 and Family 203 
 
 1 7 Rev. O. L. King and Nevis 207 
 
 18 Off for Nevis 211 
 
 1 9 Mission at Nevis 215 
 
 20 Brown's Hill 219 
 
 21 Gingerland 223 
 
 22 Native Mode of Washing 227 
 
 23 Castles 231 
 
 24 Under the Cocoanuts 235 
 
 25 Landing at Saba 241
 
 26 Leverock, Saba 247 
 
 27 Church at Saba 25 1 
 
 28 Mrs. Knapp in Saba's "Carriage," a Dutch Officer 
 
 and Native Women 255 
 
 29 Girls at Saba with Mrs. Knapp 259 
 
 30 Harbor at Saba 263 
 
 31 Old Road Bay, St. Kills 267 
 
 32 A Nalive Home 275 
 
 33 New Church at Barbuda at Dedication 279 
 
 34 Waiting for the Light 297
 
 DEDICATION 
 
 To Him who gave His life a ransom for many: To 
 the millions in South America and the West Indies who 
 still sit in "darkness and the shadow of death," who do 
 not know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He 
 hath sent, this book is prayerfully dedicated. 
 
 THE AUTHOR 
 October, 1918
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 When Sister Knapp's Diary Letters began appearing in 
 the REVIVALIST, we did not realize how all-embracing they 
 would come to be, and how in a sense they would form a 
 handbook or manual of the Islands and missionary work 
 among them and South America, but as they were published 
 from week to week, we began to realize how God could use 
 them in permanent form. 
 
 When we first spoke of the matter, Sister Knapp strenu- 
 ously objected, as the letters had been written for the paper 
 only, but finally we persuaded her that God could use them 
 in book form. With this thought in view, Sister Knapp 
 finally consented, and now, as the book goes out, it is freighted 
 by prayer, and with the expectation that God will use it, not 
 only to bless the West Indies and the work in South America, 
 but make it a Messenger to arouse the real missionary spirit 
 in every saint for every field. 
 
 Then these Diary Letters give us information of the mis- 
 sionaries, their different fields, and show how God plans, goes 
 before, protects, and answers prayer today, just as much as 
 He did for the children of Israel long ago. 
 
 One of the most interesting things was to see how the native 
 folk looked at, touched, sang, prayed for and thanked God 
 for Sister Knapp. They called her the "Sweet Lady," "Smil- 
 ing Lady," "Pleasant Lady," and some " the Jolly Lady." 
 jolly meaning fat. 
 
 One precious little saint could not keep her hands off Sister 
 Knapp.
 
 They would do everything in their power to make her 
 comfortable, and show their thanks and appreciation for her 
 godly words and presence. 
 
 The men who carried her up the cliffs at Saba did it as 
 carefully as if she were an angel. 
 
 In church one night a woman prayed for every missionary 
 by name, except Sister Knapp, until it seemed she had for- 
 gotten her, when just at the close she prayed specially for 
 "The Mother" Then a volume of prayer burst from the 
 whole church, with Amens from every corner. (They hadi 
 heard Brother Slater speak of her being as "a mother" to 
 the students as God's Bible School.) 
 
 Sister Knapp traveled on steamers, automobiles, street cars, 
 buggies, old eastern railroads, steam launches, schooners, sloops, 
 open sail boats and row boats; in peril by land and by sea, 
 in strong winds and calms, smooth seas and rough; was tossed 
 and pitched by great waves until almost paralyzed with fear; 
 slept on beds with springs and with none, in chairs on the deck 
 of a schooner and a sloop; was bitten by flees, bugs and mos- 
 quitoes. It was not flowery beds of ease. However, with 
 a cheerful spirit, she fully enjoyed all the pleasant, and pa- 
 t ently endured the unpleasant. All this to bless and encourage 
 the missionaries, native workers and saints, and to give you 
 information concerning this great GOLDEN DOOR, wide 
 open for full salvation missionary work. 
 
 We believe this trip will mean more for the spreading of 
 holiness than any yet taken. Sister Knapp has now looked 
 upon the field "white unto harvest," and returns to you with 
 a burdened heart, determined to help carry out our Lord's 
 commission found in Matthew 9:38: 
 
 "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will 
 send forth laborers into his harvest." 
 
 All for Jesus, R. C. FlNCH.
 
 GOD SPEED THE MISSIONARIES 
 REV. JOHN F. KNAPP 
 
 (Written for the Farewell Service of tlie 
 out-going missionaries to the West Indies, 
 at God's Bible School, December 1917.) 
 
 God speed His soldiers to be foremost in the fight; 
 Push fearless and courageous in the battle for the right; 
 Oh, cheer and light their pathway in the depths of heathen 
 night. 
 
 Cod speed His soldiers on! 
 
 God speed His workers as they take the Foreign Road, 
 To live the Gospel story, to bear the Savior's load; 
 Oh, break the way before them in the fire and in the flood; 
 God speed His workers on! 
 
 God speed His preachers o'er the far and res/ess tide; 
 They have a mighty message of a Savior crucified- 
 To bring the world redemption was the cause for which He 
 died. 
 
 God speed His preachers on! 
 
 God speed His heralds who His precious message bear, 
 Of love and full salvation freely with the world to share, 
 To guide and guard and keep them, burden all our hearts in 
 prayer. 
 
 God speed His heralds on!
 
 CHAPTER I 
 LEAVE TAKING 
 
 Saturday, December 29 
 
 This morning we have again left one of the most precious 
 spots on earth to us, with its tender associations more dear 
 than ever. 
 
 How consciously real God dwells there, and how restful 
 He is making hearts as we leave all in His wonderful care. 
 
 Between 6 and 7 A. M. we went to Chapel services, added 
 a few words of testimony, and received the farewell handshakes 
 and tokens of the students and workers. Their faces and 
 voices were full of tender love and prayer. We received so 
 many "God bless you's," and assurances of prayer, that we 
 are truly blessed through and through. In fact, we seem to 
 be literally borne on prayer. Everything about the trip has 
 been so committed that God seems to have gone ahead as an 
 advance agent, and we feel strengthened, encouraged, uplifted, 
 girded, fortressed, shielded, surrounded, and the only way 
 we know how to express it, as we told the students, is, "Shut 
 in with God." 
 
 "Shut in with God in. the secret place, 
 There in the Spirit beholding His face, 
 Gaining new power to run in the race, 
 I love to be shut in with God." 
 
 There is a deep, deep rest in my spirit, with nothing to 
 mar, and a peace and quietness that is indescribable! There 
 seems to be one solid plank of prayer all the way through, 
 and such safety in going with God. He is truly our refuge. 
 
 15
 
 Brother and Sister Standley and family, with Lucy, saw 
 me to the depot, and on board train. Each need has been 
 thought of, and there is no lack. We so clearly recognized 
 God's leadings that not a tear was shed, only a few heart 
 tugs. How beautiful the grace of God to match every 
 occasion! Baby Bessie preferred to go along, but even she 
 did not cry when carried off. And so we parted from our 
 little darling. 
 
 It is a beautiful day, the world wrapped in a mantle of 
 fresh snow, but we are singing, 
 
 "Whiter than snow, the beautiful snow, 
 
 I'll tell the world wherever I go, 
 
 That Jesus has washed me whiter than snow." 
 
 The weeks and days of preparation and other work have 
 been so strenuous that we have felt quite worn, and the day 
 of perfect quiet on the train is a luxury. We have often 
 wondered why the missionaries were always so rushed to the 
 last, but we understand now, for in spite of every forethought 
 and planning to have at least two weeks free, we had only 
 a portion of one day. We have a feeling of sympathy for 
 the missionaries we never experienced before. 
 
 Our first farewell was at the Bible School. It was a 
 gracious all-day service, fruitful in the deepening of missionary 
 interest, and in a financial way. The whole day was packed 
 full of blessing! Other reporters will tell you of this. 
 
 We want to write you in a most informal way, just as 
 if writing home, anticipating all your questions, informing 
 you of all you desire to know, looking at everything through 
 your eyes, and as much as possible, making you feel you 
 were along. 
 
 "What is the object of your trip?" 
 
 "To visit each Mission Station, inspect the work, encourage 
 the missionaries, and give those at home a clearer insight into 
 
 16
 
 the needs and privileges of that branch of the great harvest 
 field." 
 
 "How long do you expect to remain?" 
 
 "We do not know how long the Lord will lead, but it is the 
 desire of our hearts to be back in Cincinnati by April 1 ." 
 
 Brother Finch is planning the meetings, and thinks it can 
 be made in that length of time. We feel clear it is all the 
 time we can give away from the School. Our temporary 
 absence places an extra burden on the others who are now 
 overloaded. 
 
 It is almost worth a trip to cheer the missionaries. Brother 
 Slater writes: "Are you really coming, or is it someone's 
 dream? It is almost to good to be true." Sister Blyden ferls 
 she could almost swim to the steamer to get us, and the others 
 are equally glad. 
 
 WlLKlNSBURG, PA., December 31 
 
 Arrived at Pittsburg Saturday night, three hours late, but 
 like Pollvanna, we were "so glad" it was not six hours, and 
 that we did not have to ride on the Sabbath. Eastern time 
 is one hour ahead, and was 9:30, too late to make the de- 
 sired connection and reach the evening meeting. It was bitterly 
 cold, and we, a stranger in a strange city, but we had not 
 an ounce of care, and to our delight, when we walked into 
 the station, there was Brother Mitchell who had jumped onto 
 an in-coming Wilkinsburg train to meet us, and between 1 1 
 and 1 2 we were safe in a warm bed, in a kind home. 
 
 The other missionaries had preceded us here, having first 
 held a service at Huntington, W. Va. They report a most 
 blessed time with Brother Woods and his flock. Pastor 
 Moberly and his people planned a Missionary Convention 
 from Friday to Sunday, and from results, are more than satis- 
 fied. This is a missionary church, supporting eighteen native 
 
 17
 
 missionaries, and helping on all lines. They take up an 
 offering for missions every quarter, try to have some missionary 
 present, and keep the fire burning. The people are trained 
 to give, and it comes without effort or begging. 
 
 Brother and Sister King, with Brother Finch, held the 
 Friday night service. Brother Schoombie on Saturday night, 
 and the people were blessed and edified. There was an all- 
 day service on the Sabbath, with a well-filled house in the 
 afternoon and at night, all taking part more or less. Brothers 
 Finch, Schoombie and King gave ringing, burning messages 
 that stirred the people, while Sister King and the writer, in 
 our quieter ways, helped on with song, etc. We never met 
 a more sympathetic, responsive audience. It was one great 
 day, brimful of interest. The pastor and people were jubilant 
 over the offering. They place these offerings as the Lord leads 
 them, and expect to remember the West Indies generously. 
 Brother Finch was made rejoicingly happy over the gift of a 
 sidecar motorcycle for South America, a clarionet and violin, 
 and Sister King with a beautiful guitar. We left these good 
 people this morning, happy in giving our best. They could 
 not say enough in appreciation of these Spirit-filled missionaries. 
 
 It is still cold, but Pittsburg does not feel the pinch from 
 cold as our Western States do, though we saw one church 
 with this sign on it: "Church closed; no heat." Mononga- 
 hela River is frozen over and we saw barges loaded with tons 
 of coal between its frozen banks. 
 
 Our next stop was at McKeesport, about eighteen miles 
 from Pittsburg. This, as well as Pittsburg, is a city of hills, 
 and it was an interesting sight to see the party climbing one 
 of these steep hills through the snow and ice, loaded with 
 grips, suit cases and musical instruments. We were warmly 
 welcomed by the Neffs, whose two daughters and one son 
 were at School. How delightful and restful to be in this 
 
 18
 
 dear home! We sleep, rest, and enjoy their fellowship, until 
 time for evening service. It is to be a Watch Night service 
 which begins at 8 o'clock. This is one of the Apostolic 
 churches of Pennsylvania, of which Brother Saneholtz is pas- 
 tor. They gave us a royal welcome, and we each spoke, 
 and the time was well taken up until 12. There was a 
 double quartet, two solos by the Neff sisters, while the party 
 sang, "The Master's Call." This is also a missionary church, 
 supporting two workers. A good-sized audience remained to 
 the close, and as the old year was dying, a number of souls 
 came to the altar. They are starting a revival, with a burden 
 for this city of 45,000. It was a pleasure to meet seven or 
 eight old students here. Brother and Sister Green (Helen 
 Ryan), of the Nazarene Church, are not far away. 
 
 Tired? We are all feeling the loss of sleep, and are also 
 realizing the answer to the prayers of those who are holding 
 us close to God, and we feel renewed in strength as these 
 strenuous days go by. He does prove "As thy days so shall 
 thy strength be." 
 
 January 1, 1918 
 
 Happy New Year to our big REVIVALIST Family! We 
 say goodby to the Old Year. It has been good to us. How 
 we have learned to know God through the special ex Ira trial 
 and discipline it has brought. 
 
 "I see not a step before me 
 
 As I tread another year, 
 But the past is still in God's keeping, 
 
 The future His mercy shall clear; 
 And what looks dark in the distance, 
 
 Will brighten as I draw near." 
 
 The past has been beautiful in Him, and the future is 
 glorious as we look ahead, resting and trusting alone in God. 
 
 19
 
 January 2 
 
 We retired at 1 :30 A. M. yesterday, and were off at 10 
 o'clock to reach Johnstown on our next stop. After a few 
 exciting delays, and thankful for a late train, we were off at 
 12:30, with no time for dinner. We were to havr a meeting 
 with Brother McGarvey. He is pastor of the Christian Mis- 
 sionary Alliance Church, and is building up a good work. 
 The REVIVALIST Family from Connemaugh and other places, 
 came to meet us. Brother McGarvey and wife were students 
 at the Bible School sixteen years ago, and it was a genuine 
 pleasure to break bread in their home, and hold a service with 
 them. This was a precious time. How the faces shone as 
 the needs were presented, and messages given in song, etc. 
 It was like home to be there. 
 
 As trains are delayed, and for fear of not making con- 
 nection at Baltimore for Denton, if we waited until morning, 
 we are on a night train, leaving at 12. These lines are 
 penned at 2 A. M. with windows frozen white, a snow outside, 
 and the train crowded. No berths could be secured. 
 
 January 2, 9 A. M. (N earing Baltimore.') 
 
 As we were making our last entry last night, two unoccupied 
 berths were reported to us and we hastened to secure a little 
 sleep. We had not been warm all day, and' discovering only 
 one blanket, we hastily rang for the porter and asked for 
 more covering. "Sorry, ma'am, all taken." We did not 
 dare undress, so got in, shoes and all. It took us sometime 
 to get warm enough to sleep, but finally had a few hours 
 real rest, and are praising God for this, Owing to a mis- 
 understanding, we all had walked two miles out of our way 
 looking for the parsonage and church. As we were trudging 
 along almost single file, with fingers tingling and ears feeling 
 an unpleasant sensation, some boys passed, calling out, "Ho, 
 
 20
 
 a whole orchestra itself!" Another tramp, and we found our 
 home. We are telling you these things so you will see all 
 sides, and not think we are getting along "on flowery beds 
 of ease." We were all day in reaching our destination at 
 Johnstown, with mistakes and delays, but amply repaid with 
 the blessing the people received. We have been tested before 
 and are a happy company. We are going to any incon- 
 venience to make appointments and not disappoint those looking 
 for us. 
 
 We borrowed Anna Mae Neff to go with us as far as 
 Johnstown. She was a great blessing in song. She feels 
 the desire to go with such an intensity that, had she her pass- 
 port, we might easily have induced her to accompany us. 
 
 Must hurry this first letter off to Cincinnati. It has been 
 largely written on moving trains. 
 
 21
 
 '-* 
 
 PRAYER 
 
 The weary ones had rest, the sad had joy 
 That day, and wondered "How?" 
 
 A plowman, singing at his work, had prayed 
 "Lord, help them now!" 
 
 in foreign lands they wondered "How?" 
 Their simple word had power? 
 At home, the Christians two or three had met 
 To pray an hour! 
 
 Yes, we are always wondering, wondering "How?' 
 
 Because we do not see 
 Someone, unknown perhaps, and far away 
 
 On bended fanee! 
 
 22
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 THREE BLESSED SERVICES 
 
 BALTIMORE, January 2 
 
 We were scheduled to arrive here at 8 o'clock, but instead 
 it was 1 1 . Inquiring about the boat and the time of leaving, 
 we found to our surprise that the Chesapeake Bay was frozen 
 over and no boats running. We had not supposed such a 
 large body of water would freeze, but so it was, and many 
 were having a frolicsome time skating upon it. 
 
 The question was, What were we to do? It looks as if 
 we have extra difficulties to overcome at every turn. The 
 agent said there was no way to get to Denton that night, but 
 we insist we must be there. After much inquiry we found 
 we could go in a round-about way, which was much better 
 than not going at all. In going we had planned on securing 
 a room in a hotel and getting some sleep, but arriving at 1 1 , 
 there was only time to eat a light lunch and at the same time 
 get what rest we could in a crowded depot, write a letter, 
 and off at 1 :55. We telegraphed the pastor and committed 
 all to God. 
 
 One very pleasant surprise at Baltimore was the meeting 
 with Rev. A. C. Zepp, who was also waiting for a train. 
 His glowing testimony of freedom from care and joy in the 
 Lord was an inspiration. His book, which will shortly come 
 from the press, "The Lordship of Jesus," will unquestionably 
 be a blessing and help in the establishment of the holiness 
 people. 
 
 23
 
 DENTON, MD., January 3 
 
 We arrived here about 7 o'clock last night. Our train 
 was so crowded that many stood up. We were compelled 
 for sometime to stand in the vestibule, where it snowed on us, 
 and snow under our feet, but finally we wormed ourselves 
 inside the train. Sister King and myself were standing in 
 the aisle trying to hold our balance in the swaying train, 
 when such a weariness came over our fagged and tired bodies 
 that we looked up and said, "Lord, Thou knowest how tired 
 we are; if it pleases Thee, let someone offer us a seat," and 
 instantly two men arose and offered us their places. "Thou 
 thinkest, Lord, of me." Our hearts were filled with gratitude, 
 and we realized afresh such a sweet sense of His care. We 
 were compelled to change trains, and again we secured seats, 
 but there was no fire and we were chilled through and through. 
 The windows of the car were frozen over, and although cold 
 and completely tired out, we were a happy company, finding 
 something continually to be thankful for. After leaving the 
 train, we were supposed to take an auto-bus for an eight- 
 mile ride across country, but the 'bus was so crowded that 
 an extra auto was put on the line. We crowded in with 
 grips, violin, guitars, etc., and before we could get much 
 colder or suffer greater inconvenience, we arrived in Denton. 
 The kind friends there released us from the night service, and 
 after refreshments we retired. Our hostess had a long block 
 of wood, heated well, in each bed, and how we did enjoy 
 the warmth! Did you ever hear of heating a bed by the 
 wood process? Between warm blankets, lying on a feather- 
 bed, and our improvised heater, we surely found the warmest 
 place we had had in two days, and how good it was ! Thank 
 God, He has kept us, and none of us are sick. 
 
 24
 
 January 4 
 
 It is a bright, beautiful, sunshiny winter's day. A fresh 
 fall of snow. After our night's rest, we feel like new people, 
 and are ready for the day. They laughingly tell us it is 
 warmer, but the thermometer still registers below zero. How- 
 ever, we have not a care, as the longest end of our journey 
 in the cold weather is over. This is the Mid-winter Con- 
 vention of Maryland and the Eastern District of the 
 Apostolic Holiness Church. The brethren kindly gave 
 the Missionary party both the morning and afternoon 
 services. Brother Olsen, one of our old B : ble School 
 boys, is the District Superintendent, while the pastor in whose 
 church the convention is held, Brother Helsby, and his wife, 
 and some eight or nine others, have been students at the School, 
 too, so we feel especially at home. How graciously they 
 welcomed us, and how we enjoy being here! Brothers 
 Schoombie and Finch had the morning service, Brother Finch 
 giving a synopsis of the work in the West Indies and South 
 America. He especially mentioned the Mission Stations and 
 the places visited where we hope, in the future, to be able 
 to open stations. These talks are always very interesting, 
 and we hope in our letters, as we visit from one point to 
 another, to give you a glimpse and as broad a glimpse as 
 possible, of each place as we see it in reality. Brother Finch 
 told the friends here of the need of a mimeograph, tires for 
 the Ford, and a pony, and they gave the money for the first 
 two, giving us in cash nearly $200. Praise God! Although 
 the audiences were splendid, they were not what would have 
 been had the weather moderated some. For miles around 
 the people had planned to be present, coming in their autos, 
 etc., but the auto radiators were frozen, the roads almost 
 impassable, and thus many were hindered. How sorry we 
 were to have them miss the day of good things! 
 
 25
 
 P. M. Early in the afternoon Brothers Schoombie and 
 Finch left us, Brother Finch to return to Cincinnati for his 
 family, as it is too much for Sister Finch to travel alone to 
 New York with the five children. Brother Schoombie was 
 to see the British Ambassador at Washington, as he has not 
 yet been given permission to leave America. (Brother Schoom- 
 bie is under the jurisdiction of the British Ambassador, as 
 he has never taken out naturalization papers in America, and 
 it looks as if he will not be allowed to leave this country, 
 unless he goes directly to Africa.) Although these brethren 
 were gone, yet there was no lagging in the interest of the 
 afternoon meeting. Brother King poured out his soul, and 
 God did bless. He is anointed of the Lord, and the people 
 hear him gladly. The writer sang the farewell song, adding 
 a few words which were kindly received. Sister King, who 
 is an able stenographer and bookkeeper, calls herself the 
 "gap filler." She has a blessed testimony of the Lord's lead- 
 ings, but in this service let the others take the time. As I 
 said before, the morning and afternoon were given to the 
 missionary party, but I do not want to forget the night meeting. 
 The service opened with a precious testimony meeting, and 
 then we three sang, "The New Jerusalem." Before we 
 closed the people were so blessed they could not contain them- 
 selves, and there was such rejoicing that we were unable to 
 hear each other sing. Let us give you one verse and get 
 blessed yourself: 
 
 "I hear the golden harps of God, the land appears in view, 
 The land from which I never more shall roam; 
 
 I see the King of Glory, whose grace has brought me through, 
 Hallelujah! almost home." 
 
 It was truly refreshing to see those tried saints get their cup 
 of joy to overflowing. You have watched little children in 
 perfect glee over some good thing coming to them. Well, 
 
 26
 
 those big children had a glimpse of that City just ahead, 
 and they gave way to hilarious joy over the prospect. Surely 
 the "joy of the Lord" is the strength of His people. 
 
 "Oh, the children of the Lord have a right to shout and sing, 
 For the way is growing bright, and our souls are on the wing, 
 We are going by and by, to the palace of the King. 
 Glory to God! Hallelujah!" 
 
 Brother King gave the story of his conversion and entire 
 sanctification. We feel sure the friends here sanction and 
 amen the Foreign Missionary Board in sending out this 
 young couple. We closed this glad day, feeling that it was 
 good to be here. 
 
 WILMINGTON, DEL., January 5 
 
 On our way here we had a warm train with plenty of 
 room. When the conductor came for our tickets, we asked 
 what time we would reach Wilmington, but were told, "Do 
 not know; every train today is from twenty minutes to four 
 hours late." The trouble would be when we changed cars, 
 but to our delight, when we got off of the first train our 
 other train was there waiting, and this called for an extra 
 note of praise from us all. We had committed our time of 
 arrival to Him, so we had a little love feast. We arrived in 
 Wilmington in time for a hot supper at Brother and Sister 
 Dougherty's, where we found Brother Schoombie, having 
 returned from Washington. He reported that he would not 
 be allowed to go with us, and also understood that our per- 
 mission to leave the country would not be granted until the 
 British Ambassador heard from the Governor of the Islands, 
 permitting us to land there. How did we feel in the face of 
 these apparently insurmountable difficulties? Not a care! 
 Our faith is in God who controls the universe. Of course 
 you wonder why this permission was not attended to before 
 
 27
 
 we left Cincinnati, but before we knew that this was a neces- 
 sity, our passage on the steamer had been engaged, and the 
 appointments for meetings made. We could only apply for 
 American passports three weeks before the date of sailing, 
 and this permission from the British Ambassador had to be 
 obtained after that, and although we hurried it through as 
 fast as possible, we did not receive same. But the Lord 
 had so clearly and definitely led in every detail that we felt 
 we were to go ahead with all the pre-arranged meetings, and 
 so started, and have been blessed every step of the way. 
 After hearing Brother Schoombie's report, we wired Brother 
 Finch, urging him to secure said permission as quickly as 
 possible, and then went right ahead with the meetings, trusting 
 God for the outcome. Our meeting here is in the Sunday 
 Breakfast Mission. This Mission is open the year around, 
 and doing a splendid work for God. They gave us a gen- 
 erous offering. Sister Dougherty is one of our first teachers 
 in the Bible School, but now has a home of her own, and 
 three lovely children. It is always a rest to us to visit Brother 
 and Sister Dougherty. Brother Schoombie left us at 9:30 
 for Northville, N. Y. The intense cold has tied up, to a 
 great extent, the traffic and train service, and the suffering 
 is intense. Wilmington is the center of ammunition plants 
 and shipbuilding, .one plant alone employing 15,000 men. 
 People far removed can scarcely realize the magnitude of 
 the war as those living in these Eastern States can. It has 
 never come home to me so closely as now. God grant it shall 
 soon be over. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, January 7 
 
 Here we are back from Glassboro, N. J. On leaving Wil- 
 mington, to reach Glassboro, we took two trains, a subway, 
 a ferry crossing the beautiful Delaware, and then an electric 
 
 28
 
 car. The river was gorged with ice, and we could hear the 
 ferryboat crunching and plowing through. Iceboats have cut 
 a passage, or the ferry would not be able to cross the river at 
 all. While en route, we saw perhaps a dozen children, boys 
 and girls, each with a sack, picking up lumps of coal along 
 the track. They even crawled under standing trains to get 
 a stray lump. Our train coming here was packed, and we 
 had no seats. We prayed, and again the Lord answered. 
 One of our soldier boys arose and offered us his place. The 
 friends at Glassboro had planned three services, holding the 
 regular meeting missionary services in the afternoon. Here 
 as elsewhere, we found old students, and were most kindly 
 entertained in the home of Sister Anna Hunter. Some of 
 the friends came twenty-five or thirty miles in their autos to 
 the meeting, and the Lord blessed as we sang and gave His 
 messages. At Glassboro we found our letters from home, 
 and how good it was to hear from that loved place. "Home- 
 sick?" Not a bit, as we have learned in "whatsoever state 
 we are, therewith to be content," but we should have been 
 more than delighted to have called up Cincinnati and talked 
 as long as we felt like it; but our faith and rest in God was 
 intensified, and the satisfaction deepened that we were in 
 His will, and this held us steady and unmoved. In getting 
 into the depot at Philadelphia, we stepped on to some moving 
 stairs, and were borne clear to the top without any effort 
 whatever on our part^ all we had to do was to stay on the 
 stairs. How like the promises! When we trust in Him we 
 are lifted up to unthought-of heights. While here we tried 
 to call up Brother William Shelor and give him greeting; 
 also, Brother and Sister Bona Fleming, who are assisting 
 Brother Shelor in a meeting, but as they had no telephone 
 we contented ourselves with a postal. 
 
 29
 
 NEW YORK, January 7 
 
 The Home where we have always stayed while in New 
 York was crowded, so we took rooms in another Home nearer 
 the denot and pier. We called uo the s'eamsrr'n office and 
 learned that our steamer would sail on Wednesday. It has 
 rained, sleeted, and ice is everywhere, so that it is very hard 
 to get around. There is very little heat in our rooms, and 
 we are cold most of the time. There is much suffering in 
 New York. One little baby froze to death in its crib, while 
 a chauffeur was frozen sitting in the car waiting for some one. 
 On our arrival in New York we expected to have a telegram 
 from Brother Finch as to their arrival, but found nothing. 
 "Let not your heart be troubled." When He giveth quietness, 
 who then can make trouble? Brother Schoombie arrived 
 from Northville, reporting a blessed time in the missionary 
 meetings there. - He had gone 300 miles north of New York, 
 and told of snow and ice everywhere. Although our hearts 
 are grieved over the reports of suffering and death, yet we 
 do praise God that He is keeping us well under all conditions. 
 The coal situation has been alleviated some, although when 
 writing this letter, fifty-four schools are still unopened. So 
 many of the gas pipes bursted that many of the people have 
 had to go back to our great grandparents' method of lighting 
 candles. New York is a great cosmopolitan city, and is 
 now claiming a population of five million. The foreign ele- 
 ment is tremendous Russians, Poles, Qreeks, Italians, Scan- 
 dinavians, Germans, Austrians, Persians, in fact, people of 
 every clime. We were on a streetcar yesterday, the con- 
 ductor of which was a foreign woman.;. the restaurant whe-e 
 we ate our supper was manned by a Greek, and at one 
 time during our stay here we met so many foreigners that we 
 actually became lonesome for an American, and found our- 
 selves peering into the faces of the passers-by to find one. 
 
 30
 
 NEW YORK, January 8 
 
 The Parima, the ship on which we were booked to sail, 
 has been delayed a day, and possibly longer. We consider 
 this providential, as we have not our permits yet to land in 
 the Islands. We went to meet two of the trains from Cin- 
 cinnati, but the Finch family were not on either, and no 
 word from them. Brother and Sister King spent the day 
 shopping, getting the mimeograph, supplies, etc. 
 
 JANUARY 9 
 
 Awakening at 4:30, before anyone in the place was astir, 
 we looked definitely to the Lord, and He encouraged our 
 hearts, gaAe us so blessedly the following: 
 
 ' ' When Israel out of bondage came, 
 
 The sea before them lay. 
 The Lord reached down His mighty hand, 
 
 And rolled the sea away. 
 "Then forward still, 'tis Jehovah's will, 
 
 As the billows dash and spray, 
 With a conqueror's tread we will push ahead, 
 
 He'll roll the sea away." 
 
 This was Amanda Smith's battlecry, and it has a new glory 
 in it for us today. Brother and Sister Finch and family, 
 with Siiiter King's mother, Mrs. DeCamp, arrived th ; s morn- 
 ing. They had stopped at Washington to have a personal 
 interview with the British Ambassador. The promise was, 
 we might go on if a cablegram was received from the Gov- 
 ernor of the Islands giving his consent for our entrance; so we 
 are patiently waiting. Brother and Sister Finch were tempted 
 to feel that it was presumption to come on without this per- 
 mission, but God lifted the pressure, and they had the assur- 
 ance they would go through, but we may not be able to go 
 on this vessel. If we miss our steamer, the Parima, we can 
 get away in ten days on another ship, as the permits will 
 
 31
 
 surely be here by that time. We all met in a precious prayer- 
 meeting and spread the whole matter out before God, and 
 then definitely committed it to Him. We are now so com- 
 mitted that we haven't a care. If it is His will for us to 
 go on the Parima, we shall sail by that steamer; if not, we 
 are glad to have His will. We have no will of our own in 
 the matter are simply trusting Him. In that prayer-meeting 
 He gave us, "Wait thou only upon God: for my expectation 
 is from him. Stand still and see the salvation of God," so 
 we are a quiet, waiting company, full of praise for His clear 
 and blessed leadings thus far. If we should record all the 
 experiences we have passed through in the last few days, they 
 would make a book. 
 
 The Parima has been delayed another day. The brethren 
 went to consult the British Consul here, but he insists that 
 we must have the permits before leaving. It is evident that 
 our Heavenly Father is not pleased to have us sail on the 
 Parima. For various reasons, we desired greatly to be off, 
 but He knows. How finite our vision! 
 
 January 1 1 
 
 Our word from the Lord is, "Be still, and know that I am 
 God." "Stand still," "be still," right in the face of delay, 
 delay beyond our control. What a lesson to learn? Can 
 He mark 100 after the lesson? We are sure He has, and 
 it is a joy to know that the lesson is learned, and that we 
 are absolutely keeping still. Not a question to ask, not a 
 complaint to make, not a murmur in our hearts. Interro- 
 gations are all silent. We are steady, holding still. 
 
 The Parima sailed today without us. Would you like 
 to have a peep at our party when it was a settled fact that 
 we were not to sail on her? On memory's walls we will carry 
 
 32
 
 a mental picture of each face. Here is a glimpse. Brother 
 King went aboard into the dining room where a table was 
 set for twelve (just our number) , gathered up the mail at 
 the plates, quietly walked back across the gangway to shore, 
 saying, "I have to go." Aren't you sorry for him? We 
 are a quiet, subdued company, but with perfect confidence 
 in God that He has us in His great fatherly care, so we are 
 waiting, expecting the permissions, and planning to sail the 23d. 
 
 "In our Father's blessed keeping 
 
 We are happy, safe and free, 
 While His eye is on the sparrow, 
 
 We shall not forgotten be." 
 
 33
 
 CHAPTER III 
 FAITH IN TESTING 
 
 NEW YORK, January 12 
 
 Just mailed the second Diary Letter. This morning the 
 steamer Koruna arrived from the West Indies and will leave 
 again for that port within ten days. Will we sail on her? 
 "My times are in Thy hands." None of us could get a 
 clear assurance that we were to leave on the Parlma, nor do 
 we now know the Lord's mind as -to the Koruna. While 
 Brother Finch was in Washington, having the interview with 
 the British Ambassador, we sensed something in the distance, 
 and felt he was passing through something unusual, even 
 though we knew nothing of his whereabouts. 
 
 Up to that time our spirits had been light and free regard- 
 ing the sailing January 9, but at that hour there came a heavy 
 feeling, something like a sled dragging over dry ground. 
 
 This burden and pressure did not lift, and we knew there 
 was a hitch and delay coming. When Brother Finch arrived 
 in New York we understood it all. Such times as these our 
 faith grows, for there is absolutely nothing in sight. We 
 must just simply trust and wait. "I will bring the blind by a 
 way that they know not, I will lead them in paths 
 that they have not known; I will make darkness light before 
 them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do 
 unto them, and not forsake them." Hallelujah! "O the depth 
 
 34
 
 of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. 
 How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past 
 finding out." We are trusting, waiting, and encouraged 
 in Him. For a few hours we were much perplexed. The 
 question was, if there should be a long delay, were we to 
 return to Cincinnati and not make the trip at this time? 
 for it seemed we could only give the months planned to this 
 trip, and we did want to be off quickly. We were given, 
 "Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is 
 the way, walk ye in it." After prayer we felt His "way" 
 was to go on with the party. What a comfort to know that 
 the Lord will guide in just the right way and at the right 
 time ! Even though we may not be able to return April 1 , 
 or until May 1 , or possibly in time for the Camp, yet we 
 are satisfied He will clearly lead. 
 
 "To the over guiding will 
 
 My own I gladly yield, 
 And while my little craft outstands, 
 
 I sail with orders sealed; 
 Sometime, I know not when nor how, 
 
 All things will be revealed, 
 And until then content am I 
 
 To sail with orders sealed. ' ' 
 
 How are we spending the time in New York? Writing 
 letters, attending to little matters of business, and then, too, 
 New York has many points of interest. 
 
 NEW YORK, January 14 
 
 On Saturady evning we attended a Mission service not a 
 square away. After a blessed message on "Waiting on God," 
 there were some bright testimonies and music. Brother Finch 
 was much blessed in giving a ringing testimony, which edified 
 the people, and at the close they gathered around him. * On 
 
 35
 
 Sabbath morning eight of us went to hear Dr. Simpson. The 
 temperature had dropped below zero, but it was a bright, 
 clear winter's morning, and although we walked a mile, yet 
 we enjoyed every step of it. The sermon was on the prophecy 
 concerning the restoration of Jerusalem (Luke 21). It was 
 a most powerful address, and it was a treat to hear Dr. Simp- 
 son. We are much encouraged in God today. He is sa real 
 to our hearts. 
 
 ' ' " "X ''.* ;* .* 
 
 NEW YORK, Monday evening, January 14 
 
 Have been here one week. When we knew we were not 
 to sail at the time expected, the thought of expense for board, 
 etc., in New York, was a burden, but God took care of the 
 week. A wealthy Christian woman who heard the mis- 
 sionaries speak, paid all the bills. Hallelujah! We were 
 filled with gratitude for this touch of His care. Surely, He 
 daily "loadeth us with benefits." Up to this time we have 
 all been together, but today we had to separate. Brother 
 Schoombie left on Saturday to engage in work until we are 
 ready to go. The rooms Brother Finch's family occupied 
 were engaged before our coming, so he secured rooms in 
 Brooklyn, and left us this morning before dinner. The pres- 
 ence of the children had been such a source of joy, and helped 
 to make up to us for the absence of the eight down at the 
 Bible School. We felt we would miss them sorely, but the 
 Lord has cared for that, and there is no vacancy. "Thou 
 remainest." The Kings have moved to the fifth floor of the 
 same building, and we, out of a large front room to a tiny 
 one on the first floor, a room so dark that we must dress by 
 gaslight. There is only a pipe to keep the room warm, too ; 
 but again we are reminded of the admonition, "Be content 
 with such things as ye have, for He hath said, I will never 
 leave thee nor forsake thee." 
 
 36
 
 Brother Finch wrote the British Ambassador today to find 
 if a reply has come to our applications sent by mail to the 
 West Indies, some time ago. 
 
 A .'great new difficulty has arisen that .threatened to give 
 us much care, but at once came the promise, "Let not your 
 hearts be troubled," and this burden was instantly committed 
 to Him We may tell you of it later. 
 
 NEW YORK, January 15 
 
 We took lunch and spent the afternoon with one of the 
 subscribers in New Jersey. This friend has taken the RE- 
 VIVALIST thirteen years, and wanted to meet us personally. 
 What a joy to meet those here and there who are part of 
 the grrat Family! We went to New Jersey through the 
 Hudson Tubes, descending three long flights of stairs below 
 ground, then entered the electric train, and then through the 
 Tu'be a pitch black tunnel one mile below the Hudson River, 
 we are told. It takes six minutes under the river, and the 
 Tubes ,ire seven miles long. The Hudson has not been so 
 hijgh in twenty-five years. Trucks and heavily loaded wagons 
 are not allowed on the ferries until the tide lowers it. Sixteen 
 y;ars ago today Sisters Finney and Rodway (nee Ferle) 
 sailed lor Africa, and Brother Moulton for the West Ind'es. 
 We were privileged to be here then, and to wave them off. 
 
 NEW YORK, January 16 
 
 In company with Sister Lyle, one of the old Bible School 
 students, we spent a few hours at Nyack, the Christian Mis- 
 sionary Alliance School. It is most beautifully situated on 
 the hills overlooking the Hudson. Brother Finch had pre- 
 ceded us on the early train. We were mcst graciously 
 welcomed, and shown every courtesy by Mr. and Mrs. Turn- 
 bull, the superintendents, taken through the buildings, class 
 
 37
 
 rooms, chapel, dining rooms, and met some of the students and 
 teachers. Having known Mrs. Turnbull in her girlhood, it was 
 a special pleasure to meet her again. One of our pleasant mem- 
 ories will be the visit to Nyack. Crossing the ferry at 9:30, the 
 river gorged with, ice, ithe boat fairly rocked as the ice floated 
 against it. 
 
 NEW YORK, January 1 7 
 
 For two days there seenw to have been a battle in the 
 heavenlies over us and our going on. How real it was, and 
 how keenly we felt it. The enemy tried to put us to con- 
 fusion, but let it be known that God was on hand. Unknown 
 to us personally, Brother, Finch was go : ng through the very 
 same test. No need to tell us there is not a devil there is, 
 and a mighty one, but he is a conquered foe. Hallelujah! 
 The Spirit wonderfully and blessedly helped us. "For in 
 quietness and confidence shall be your strength." "Their 
 strength is to sit still," and we obeyed. After this battle 
 with the enemy came a telegram from Cincinnati, "The 
 Ambassador will cable the West Indies for permits." We 
 knew something had happened. We look for a definite answer 
 very soon. Sister King and I attended a Parlor meeting in a 
 home on Madiscn Square, near Fifth Avenue. Th.s was in a 
 busy and interesting part of the city. There is perfect soul 
 rest after the terrible storm that fairly lashed our souls. No 
 vessel at sea was ever more powerfully moved than we with 
 the powers of darkness that threatened to engulf us, but we 
 found that, 
 
 "We have an anchor that keeps the soul, 
 Steadfast and sure, while the billows roll, 
 Fastened to the Bock that cannot move, 
 Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love." 
 
 38
 
 We are like a little dove, hiding safe and sure from the 
 storm. We feel the decision has been made, and that we 
 are to go on. Brother Finch came over with his reply from 
 the Ambassador, stating that he had cabled for the permits 
 for all the party. This was encouraging. Previously he had 
 not consented to let all the party go. Letters from home 
 greatly cheered us. They sent a special delivery to make 
 us feel the delay was of God. The Steamer Company re- 
 fused to hold places on the Koruna longer than 1 o'clock, 
 and as the answer had not arrived by that time, we had to 
 give up our places. But there is no burden about it. God's 
 purpose will be worked out. "In your patience possess ye 
 your souls." 
 
 NEW YORK, January 19 
 
 A beautiful snow has fallen and the earth is white again. 
 Brother Finch has had to give up his rooms in Brooklyn, but 
 has secured a little home in Nyack, almost given him, for this 
 month. It is out in the country. The children were beginning 
 to feel the close confinement, and the Lord opened the way 
 for this home about an hour's ride ou,t. We had lunch 
 today with Sister Lyle, then we together called on another 
 former student, Mamie Reisiger, who lives in the same neigh- 
 borhood. This was our first introduction to a New York 
 apartment house, nine stories high. The four-room apartments 
 are perfect in arrangements. The rents alone would keep 
 a small family. The man owning the two buildings made 
 
 two millions of dollars in five years, we are told. 
 
 ni-] 
 NEW YORK, January 21 
 
 Another cold wave. Enough hee.t is really a luxury; 
 even people with plenty of means cannot buy coal, while 380 
 vessels are waiting on coal, cannot leave until they get it. 
 
 39
 
 This is "Garfield Day," a holiday, the first Monday that 
 the stores, shops and factories have closed. A short walk 
 brought us to the Methodist Book Concern, where we learned 
 of the residence of Mrs. James Taylor, then called her up 
 by telephone, and made an appointment to see her. While 
 talking, she told us of Brother Joseph Smith and Brother 
 and Sister Walter Malone holding a Convention at Brooklyn, 
 in Brother Norberry's church. We attended both the morning 
 and afternoon services, and were most cordially welcomed. 
 Brother Smith gave a blessed message on receiving trie Holy 
 Spirit. How good it was to know that He possessed us ! 
 That morning we met a man who stopped and asked us the 
 way to the church. In talking he told us he was no\v a prison 
 evangelist, but had graduated from "Sing Sing," the New York 
 penitentiary, and gave us his experience of how God had so 
 wonderfully redeemed him from an awful life of sin. Asking 
 our names, he inquired if we knew of a Knapp who was the 
 author of "Christ Crowned Within." How real was his 
 pleasure on finding out who we were. Mrs. Jennie Fowler 
 Willing had given him the book after his conversion, and 
 God had made it a great blessing. Brother Malone, in the 
 afternoon service, gave a most instructive talk on, the "Signs 
 of the Times," illustrating the sermon with a chart 
 on the Second Coming. How many signs of His Coming 
 we have! The dawning of that morning is just upon us. 
 Brother Finch gave two messages in the chapel of the School 
 at Nyack, and was greatly blessed and used of God. He 
 says he never enjoyed greater freedom, and the Lord blessed 
 the people, too. In one of the services there were eleven or 
 more at the altar as seekers, and most of these really prayed 
 through. 
 
 40
 
 January 23 
 
 Our heavy sweater arrived from Cincinnati today. It 
 received an enthusiastic welcome. Cold? Aren't you? 
 
 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common 
 to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be 
 tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation 
 also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 
 It is quite a common occurrence with us now to be cold. 
 For two days we had been so chilled we questioned as to 
 how we were to spend two weeks more in New York in that 
 temperature, and a real longing came for a change of rooms. 
 Note the Father's tender care. Our rooms had also been 
 engaged before our coming, so that when the guests for whom 
 they were reserved arrived, we were notified to move, and 
 quicklv found a large, light room, with gas heater, hot and 
 cold water, and every convenience, and very little difference 
 in price. We cannot describe how grateful we are to God. 
 What a luxury to be thoroughly warm! We have an added 
 sympathy and tenderness for the poor. We can understand 
 something of their sufferings during this bitter cold weather. 
 
 We have perfect rest over our waiting, feeling that the 
 permits will come in God's own time. Baby Daniel Finch 
 is quite ill, but we are trusting God for him. A heavy snow 
 storm is on, and an army of men and women are out piling 
 the snow in great heaps, and drawing it away in wagons. 
 With Sister King we went and sang "The New Jerusalem" 
 and other songs to one of the sweetest old ladies we have 
 ever met, a real saintly soul over seventy years of age. After 
 hearing her testimony, we felt girded and strengthened. Surely 
 no infidel could stand before God's keeping power as demon- 
 strated in her heart and life. She is living on the Border 
 Land, joyous and triumphant. We visited another home, 
 so desolate, because of His absence, and we ask you to pray 
 
 41
 
 for this home. Do not forget them, for God will hear and 
 answer. Have received some tender remembrances, for which 
 we praise God. Surely, "He giveth us richly all things to 
 enjoy," and H!s loving kindness, ch, hew great! 
 
 42
 
 HOLDING THE ROPE 
 
 Down beneath the mighty ocean, 
 
 Divers plunge for treasures rare, 
 But men hold the ropes above them, 
 
 So they breathe the upper air; 
 Seeking pearls of richest value, 
 
 Braver hearts have dared to go; 
 But our hands must every moment 
 
 Hold the ropes that reach below. 
 
 So amid the heathen darkness 
 
 There are heroes, true and brave, 
 Shrinking not from death or danger, 
 
 Bearing all to help and save. 
 But the cry "Oh, do not leave us 
 
 'Mid these dreadful depths to drown. 
 Let us feel your prayers around us; 
 
 Hold the ropes as we go down." 
 
 Who can understand the darkness 
 
 Of those realms of sin and death? 
 E'en the very air is tainted 
 
 With the dragon's scorching breath. 
 But across the wildest billows, 
 
 Love can reach to distant lands, 
 Underneath the darkest surges 
 
 Prayer can hold a brother's hands. 
 
 Was it only for your brother 
 
 Jesus spake His last commands? 
 Is there naught for you to suffer 
 
 For these lost and Christless lands? 
 If you cannot go to save them, 
 
 There are those whom you can send; 
 And, with loving hearts to help them, 
 
 Hold the ropes while they descend. 
 
 Hold the ropes with hands more loyal; 
 
 Pray with faith and hope more strong; 
 Love that never fails upholds them 
 
 Through their night of dark so long. 
 Lay your treasures on the altar; 
 
 Let us give our children too; 
 There's a part for every helper 
 
 And the Lord has need of you. 
 
 Hold the ropes. 'Tis a brother crying 
 He has plunged beneath the wave; 
 
 He has gone, 'mid lost and dying; 
 
 He has gone to help and save. Anon. 
 
 43
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 FAITH TRIUMPHANT 
 
 NEW YORK, January 24 
 
 Just five years ago today, and Sister Joy (nee Ina Knapp) 
 sailed for Africa. 
 
 Cause for rejoicing! A telegram from Brother Standley 
 at 1 2 o'clock, announcing the granting of the permits for 
 the whole party. Hallelujah! "O that men would praise 
 the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to 
 the children of men." We shout for }cy. Can understand 
 in a measure how Miriam felt when she took the timbrel and 
 led the people, for He did really roll our sea away. "This 
 is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." Shall 
 we tell you why? We were I old by members of two Mis- 
 sionary Boards here that it would be four months before we 
 could secure the permits. One missionary of & large organi- 
 zation has been working since last June, and has just received 
 hers, while other missionaries have been entreating for even 
 a longer time than that. But our eyes were upon the Lord, 
 from whence cometh our help, and He hath triumphed glori- 
 ously. Were we surprised at the permits? Not at all. Faith 
 is restful, and we were looking for the answer this ven; day. 
 Oh, the ministry of prayer and intercession, how rare! We 
 have felt the weight of hundreds of prayers every step of the 
 way, and such a wonderful quietness is in all our lives. Surely 
 those who stay by the stuff shall share in the reward. 
 Through all these delays and testings we have been so kept 
 
 45
 
 that it Was almost as if we had been given an anaesthetic. 
 No doubt, many who expected us on the seas at this time, 
 have prayed and asked the Lord to keep us from seasickness, 
 and from the perils of the deep. We have been deeply con- 
 scious of these prayers, and we have felt God is going to 
 answer them. 
 
 Another test: Right after the telegram announcing the 
 permissions, comes the news that Brother Finch's children 
 have the measles. They have had them once quite enough. 
 Methinks We hear some one say, "What next?" It is just 
 something else to trust over. We drew a card from our 
 portfolio to Write the Bible School for prayer when, as 
 if someone whispered in our ear, came the promise, "Before 
 they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I 
 will hear." The card was laid aside. It is attended to. 
 We can now see the wisdom of Brother Finch having taken 
 them to an isolated home, for no doubt had they been in 
 rooms in the city they would have been hurried to the city 
 hospital. We are thus providentially hindered from going 
 on the Koruna, which sails today, two days late. 
 
 Will the children's illness hinder us from going on the 
 Guiana P We are steadfastly believing to go. "None of 
 these things move me." We wrote a card to Brother Schoom- 
 bie, telling him that permission was granted for him to go 
 with us, one to Sister Blyden and Brother Beirnes, telling of 
 our sailing February 2. How we all rejoiced when it was 
 finally settled. It is such a delight to have it all taken 
 care of. 
 
 NEW YORK, January 25 
 
 The report comes that little Daniel is very sick high fever 
 and diptheritic symptoms. Our promise for this is, "He shall 
 not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in 
 
 46
 
 the Lord." We are not afraid. We went to the Steamship 
 Company's office and found that the vessel had just room 
 for a party of twelve, and we are that party in time, thank 
 God! The Guiana is unloading sugar. Do you desire some? 
 Possibly you are getting more now than a pound a week. 
 The office of the British Consul called up at 8 o'clock, to 
 inform us that the permits were in their possession, and we 
 were free to go. Thank God, the enemy is defeated! 
 
 As we are in walking distance of the Salvation Army 
 headquarters, we attended the Friday night holiness meeting. 
 They have there one hundred Cadets in training,, and these 
 took an active part in the service. It was a real Army one 
 much crowded in in two hours. In March the Salvation 
 Army Cadets are to be sent out, twelve of them, young 
 women, going to France. 
 
 NEW YORK, January 26 
 
 Last night the weather greatly moderated. Brother Finch 
 reports that Daniel and all the other children are very much 
 better. Just what we expected. Brother and Sister Fmch 
 had prayed the greater part of one night, and they felt that 
 God heard and rebuked the disease, and you who know 
 Brother Finch can understand how he can tell I heir experi- 
 ences. He said he was ready to telegraph the Eiibie School 
 to pray in haste for the children, when the Lord said to 
 h.m, "Can't you trust me? Can't I answer pour prayers?" 
 and He is answering. Needless to say, he did not send 
 the telegram. Friends had been so kind to them, bringing 
 fresh eggs, canned fruit, and other things, but both Brother 
 and Sister Finch are much worn. However, they are looking 
 forward to February 2. 
 
 47
 
 We all went today to the British Consul's office and were, 
 without delay, given our American Passports with the British 
 permits attached. As the office is down town, we walked 
 around some, especially on Broadway, with its high buildings. 
 Here is the famous Wall Street, of which we have heard so 
 much for past years. We looked down the narrow street, 
 hemmed in on each side by such high buildings that we could 
 scarcely look up and see the sky, and we felt a keen interest, 
 knowing what great financial transactions take place there. 
 This is Old New York, built so long ago that it seems 
 foreign, with the streets so narrow. As we stood and watched 
 the throngs passing up and down, it was, indeed, a sight. 
 There was Trinity Episcopal Church, open all day, a cem- 
 etery, years old, on each, side. How strange in such a 
 crowded part of the city, yet they are burying people there 
 yet Expressing surprise at this, the sexton told us they were 
 locking the caskets now in vaults. They opened one casket 
 recently, 150 years old, and found just three tiny piles of 
 ashes. We have been to New York a great many times, 
 but have never seen so much of the city before, and this has 
 been a real pleasure. We have not seen so many horses in 
 years. They are using them here in preference to the trucks. 
 As the horses are not sharp shod, it is a very common thing 
 to see a horse down and a whole lot of wagons and cars 
 held until it gets up again. 
 
 We do not know what is before us for the few remaining 
 davs before we board the Guiana, but we are trusting in 
 Him, and our spirits are above the clouds. 
 
 JANUARY 28 
 
 Another blizzard, and a great snow storm. It seems 
 strange : but it looks as if each Sabbath is bitterly cold. We 
 went again to the Nazarene service, and they reported a week 
 
 48
 
 of victory. Brother Smith gave two of his characteristic ser- 
 mons on "Perfect Love." We received a special delivery 
 from Brother Schoombie this morning. He fears that the 
 British permit of entrance is not sufficient for him. 1 hen, 
 too, is afraid he cannot get ready by February 2. having 
 given up the thought of being able to go just at this time. It 
 does look impossible to get his box, trunk, etc., here on time; 
 but we leave it with God, with whom all things are possible. 
 In the evening we attended Dr. Haldeman's Church. His 
 subject was, "Who is the Antichrist?" His description of 
 the present times and what must follow, was so awful that 
 we turned away in horror, yet rejoiced that we were ready 
 for whatsoever comes. Dr. Haldeman is receiving many 
 threatening letters, but is preaching on fearlessly. William 
 J. Bryan spoke in two of the churches yesterday. He spoke 
 of our "wheatless and meatless" days, and asked, "Why not 
 'beerless' days?" and we could not help but questioning with 
 him, why not? We called on Sister James Taylor, in Brook 
 lyn, today, and had a pleasant interview. Sister Taylor is 
 trusting God to heal her of injuries received in a fa;! so we 
 want the whole REVIVALIST Family to pray for her. Brother 
 Taylor is on a trip to India. 
 
 A few days back we told you of a new difficulty that 
 had come up, when the Lord gave us the promise. "Let not 
 your heart be troubled." The agent called us up, quite 
 disturbed by our delay, not sailing on the Parlma, and indi- 
 cated that we might have to stand at least part of v.hat they 
 considered a loss to them on our fares $600. Our Father 
 knew we had done our best, so we committed it all to Him. 
 When we saw him again last week, he left us with ^he distinct 
 impression that there would be quite an additional expense. 
 I wish you could 'have seen our sober faces, but our case 
 was committed definitely to God, and we refused to carry 
 
 49
 
 the burden. Today we called at the office again and God 
 had undertaken, for the manner of our friend was completely 
 changed. He made no mention whatever of the big expense 
 and the extra charge, etc., so we w 11 only be compelled to pay 
 thirty-eight dollars difference for all our party, and in a much 
 better vessel, larger and nicer in every particular. There was 
 a shout in our hearts, but we felt that was not the time or 
 place to let it out. "A time to keep silence, and a time to 
 speak" (Eccl. 3:7). When we got into the hall, however, 
 we had a time of rejoicing. Brother Finch said, "I just 
 felt like throwing back my head and giving one of those big 
 whoops like Brother Lew Standley does." We are learning 
 the beautiful lesson of taking Him at His Word, and trusting 
 in simple faith. Visiting the British Consul's office to inquire 
 more carefully as to Brother Schoombie's going, the Engl sh 
 Secretary informed us that he could take care of Brother 
 Schoombie's case without referring it again to Washington. 
 We had all been drawn to him from the first, as he had taken 
 so much interest in the party, and had taken so much time to 
 aid us in every way possible. On bidding him goodby, he 
 said, to our joy, "I should like to be in that same work," and 
 then explained to us of his call and intention of some day 
 going as a missionary to Africa. What a blessing to know him 
 and what a joy to meet him and to encourage him to go with 
 God. 
 
 On our return to our rooms we found two letters from hcme, 
 and how we did enjoy them. It was just a bit like being there. 
 All of us are jubilant tonight, for faith is lost in sight. But 
 faith was good when there was no light. 
 
 JANUARY 29 
 
 It is good today to see the sun, after two days of a raging 
 snow storm. We are putting in a heavy day, trying to get 
 
 50
 
 all our writing ahead, as the last days will be crowded full. 
 A telegram from Brother Schoombie tells us he will be in on 
 Thursday, but is still skeptical about being able to go. The 
 Consul, however, says it is all right. Today we had two 
 letters from home. Two REVIVALIST friends sent us $25. 
 This is a blessing, and provides for the extra expense here. 
 God is verifying His promise, "My God shall supply all 
 your need." Brother and Sister Standley both feel we are 
 to make the trip as originally planned, and not to leave out 
 any island, as we had been thinking of doing since the delay. 
 "I will watch to see what He will say unto me" (Hab. 2:1 ). 
 It looks as if the Lord is giving us a winter rest in New York. 
 When Sister King was getting packed up ready for the de- 
 parture, pressed to the very limit with overwork, she said, 
 "Oh, if I only could have a month's rest before I start!" 
 Did the Lord delay the whole party to rest His tired child? 
 It almost looks so. "Are not five sparrows sold for two 
 farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?" 
 
 JANUARY 30 
 
 We had a thaw yesterday, but the streets froze again in 
 the night, and are very icy. On almost every corner a horse 
 is down. Some have broken their limbs. A few have had 
 to be shot. It is so pitiable to see them strain as they go. 
 Brother King helped one up that the officer desired to shoot. 
 
 There is an epidemic of measles in the city, but the Health 
 Officer has released the Finch children; said he trusted them 
 to keep the law, so here we are released in time for the em- 
 barking. "Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who 
 only doeth wondrous things." 
 
 JANUARY 3 1 
 
 A glad note of praise is in order. Brother Schoombie 
 came, and on seeing the Consul, the passport was granted. 
 
 51
 
 What had taken four months of effort was accomplished 
 within two hours. He has been working on his for four 
 months, as he is a British subject. Brother Schoombie is so 
 surprised, but the rest of us are not. What a lesson to be 
 learned! If every seeking soul would turn aside from his 
 own wavs and go directly to the One source of help, how 
 quickly they would get it. There is a short cut through to 
 God. "If ve seek me ye shall find me when ye shall search 
 for me with all your heart." We are all so rejoiced over 
 this victory. Everything now is in readiness, baggage trans- 
 ferred, and we plan on leaving. The vessel sails on time at 
 noon, as far as we can ascertain. 
 
 FEBRUARY 1 
 
 We are glad to say goodby to January. The vessel expects 
 to sail noon, sharp, tomorrow, and we are in perfect rest over 
 everything. 
 
 NEW YORK, February 2 
 
 A glad day to us all. "For this day is the Scripture ful- 
 filled in your ears." Fourteen years ago we accompanied a 
 party of missionaries to New York, and in answer to prayer, 
 a beautiful autoharp was given us, with this promise, "I will 
 sing praise to thee among the nations" (Psalm 108, 3d verse). 
 We have marked in our Bible "December, 1903." How 
 patiently we have waited these years for this hour to come. 
 We are off to our first nation, and believe that it is part of 
 our life's work and God's plan to visit them all, going as 
 He leads. The knowledge of His will concerning this visit 
 was never made public until the farewell service in the Taber- 
 nacle in Cincinnati, and now we give it to you to encourage 
 some reader whom the Lord has given a call, and everything 
 is pressing against you. Be encouraged, hold steadfast. When 
 
 52
 
 everything seems to fail, still hold on, and if you are true to 
 God, that call will come to pass. 
 
 Here we are, Pier 47. You who have followed us thus 
 far in your thoughts and prayers, will rejoice with us, and we 
 believe will share in our joy. It truly looks as if God 
 wanted us to have the largest vessel on the line, and held us 
 to take the best. After the month's delay of testing (I have 
 only given you a glimpse) , we feel His joy overwhelming 
 us, and that He is taking pleasure in His people. The only 
 Scripture that expresses this He gave us: "The Lord thy 
 God in the midst of thee is mighty. He will save. He will 
 rejoice over thee with joy; He will joy over thee with singing." 
 Can you not feel it? 
 
 "Joy, joy, joy, 
 For my heart is singing, 
 Jy> jy> Jy> the de\il can't destroy." 
 
 We do trust we have given you what you have desired to 
 know so far, for He has greatly blessed, and we have tried to 
 tell you His leadings. Backed by the united prayers of God's 
 people, and Doctor Godbey's beautiful benediction resting 
 upon the party, we are bles:ed, indeed. Personally, he said 
 to us when leaving the School: "I may not be here when 
 you return; I may be in Heaven, and if so, I will hunt up 
 Brother Knapp and tell him you have become young enough 
 to go as a missionary." 
 
 Everything is excitement; baggage arriving, passengers on 
 hand, passports being examined, but we have sought a quiet 
 corner to pen these lines. "The set time has come." We 
 are off for the West Indies and South America. Our next 
 letter will be written on board the vessel. 
 
 53
 
 ' ' We must say farewell, for our paths divide, 
 On the shore you stand while we cross the tide, 
 But for those who go and for those who stay, 
 There 's the Lord 's own presence from day to day. 
 
 Farewell, f arwqll, it must be well, 
 
 We are safe in His blessed keeping, 
 As' forth we go His fields to sow, 
 ...j . * We s,hall meet at the time of reaping." 
 
 On board Guiana, 1 1 :1 5. Hallelujah! Even part of 
 Brother Schoombie's baggage has just come. Will sail in one 
 hour. Gocdby, dear friends, we are off for a warmer clime. 
 
 54
 
 CHAPTER V 
 EN ROUTE 
 
 SATURDAY, February 2 
 
 "The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are ab- 
 sent one from another." 
 
 Here we are in New York Harbor, aboard the Steamship 
 Guiana, waiting for the signal to leave. The gangplank is 
 lifted, and all is in readiness. It is the most beautiful, clear 
 day, but very cold 14 degrees below zero. All the party 
 are well, and marvelously blessed of God. Brother Finch 
 said he was as happy as a child; indeed, so happy he did not 
 know what to do with himself, and Brother Finch's expression 
 declared all our feelings. The past month has been one of 
 heaviness, and many times, manifold temptation, but the heavi- 
 ness has lifted, our hearts an: singing, our spirits are above 
 the clouds. We are leaving in God's time, on God's errand, 
 on the vessel of His choosing, and we are satisfied completely 
 satisfied with His plan. We felt that only one thing more 
 could have made our joy inexpressible; some way we wanted 
 flowers, when, behold! as we gathered at the table in the 
 dining room we found the most beautiful hothouse roses. 
 Thus God gave us not only our necessities, but the desire of 
 our heart, and we were a band praising Him, and having a 
 joyous time. Sister Lyle, who lias been exceedingly kind to 
 us while in New York, came to see us off, but was only 
 allowed to stand at the entrance of the pier, as no visitors 
 were permitted on board the ship. 
 
 57
 
 The Custom House officers did their work most thoroughly. 
 They looked carefully, not only through our wearing apparel, 
 trunks, etc., but even through our Bibles, and read the chil- 
 dren's letters. One of them remarked, "It is a pity we can't 
 take the word of just such folks as you." They were busy 
 for a long time, as there was so much baggage, and they 
 went through every piece faithfully. Sister King was not 
 allowed to take the films for her camera, and the kodak was 
 kept by the Purser. Lunch was served on board at 2 o'clock. 
 
 We are so delighted with every appointment of the steamer. 
 Sister King, her mother and myself have one stateroom, wh'le 
 Brothers King, Schoombie and little Paul have another, and 
 Brother and Sister Finch and the other children still two others. 
 This is a far better steamer than the one we booked on. We 
 feel perfectly at home, but even so have we felt everywhere 
 we have been in the last month. More and more the following 
 lines are impressed on our hearts: 
 
 " What matters where on earth we dwell, 
 On mountain top or in the dell, *:-,- |. 
 
 In cottage or in mansion fair; 
 Where Jesus is, 'tis Heaven there." 
 
 4:30 P.M. 
 
 We are off at last. We had had a great desire to have 
 the vessel leave in the day time, that we might look at the 
 the Statue of Liberty, see Ellis Island, etc. We pass them 
 all, also Staten Island. The little tugs have lined up with 
 our vessel, and how they do interest us! They are towing 
 us out now into deep water, and with such ease. The great 
 steamer moves majestically, but the little tugs are really doing 
 the work. A few minutes ago we passed through the Nar- 
 rows, with forts on each side. It is getting dark. The eve- 
 ning is coming on apace. The lights of the city are growing 
 dim, but the great rays from the lighthouses are casting their 
 
 58
 
 beams athwart the waters, and we feel safe in our Father's 
 keeping. As we retire, all the lights are turned out, blinds 
 closed. The pilot who guided the ship through the Narrows 
 leaves us at Sandy Hook. Thank God, our Heavenly Pilot 
 is going to go with us all the way, and we have no care. We 
 can safely trust Him, not only through "The Narrows," but 
 through the sunshine and storms as well. Neither have we 
 any fear of an alien enemy. Our trust and dependence is 
 in Him, and He has promised to see us through. 
 
 7:45 P. M. 
 
 'We are out on the ocean sailing 
 Far beyond the tide." 
 
 We can feel the great swells of the sua, but our vessel is 
 riding them with perfect ease, and how good it is to know that 
 we are on God's errand at last. We have no bu den. Our 
 loved ones at the "Mount of Blessings," and the g eat REVI- 
 VALIST Family, are praying for us, and we are committed abso- 
 lutely to H m. At 8 o'clock we retire, as the day has been full 
 to the limit, and we are all very tired, but we retire singing, 
 
 "Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee, 
 Thou blest Eock of Ages, I'm 
 Hiding in Thee." 
 
 SUNDAY, February 3 
 
 How many times in the past have we given missionaries the 
 1 2 1 st Psalm, and now the whole party are trusting these 
 promises, and oh, how safe and secure we feel! The swells 
 are very heavy, and while we feel them intensely, Brother 
 Finch declares it is the smoothest sea he has ever been on. 
 We are away out from the coast now nothing but a vast 
 expanse of water. The weather is decidedly milder, and we 
 
 59
 
 are enjoying ourselves thoroughly. In the music room Sister 
 King and the Finch children are singing some of our Bible 
 School hymns, and how beautiful tl.e music sounds as it rings 
 through the ship! 
 
 We have just met one of the Wireless operators, a young 
 man of twenty-five. He gives us the news of the world by 
 wireless each morning. Asking him about himself, he told 
 us his father and mother had been missionaries in Central 
 America, and that he' himself was saved. He had been 
 around the world, and while in the war zone, recently, the 
 vessel was torpedoed and went down in three minutes. He 
 was among the survivors, and that experience of facing instant 
 death brought him to his senses, and he immediately yielded 
 to God, and found Jesus as his Savior. After many years 
 of wandering, the prayers of that father and mother were 
 finally answered. Oh, take courage, you who have loved 
 ones away from God; you who have been waiting and praying 
 and looking to Him He is faithful, and He will answer! 
 
 We are now 287 miles out from New York, and all 
 passengers aboard were called to the music room and given 
 tickets for the lifeboats to be used in the event of accident. 
 Life preservers are also in each room, and we have been 
 instructed how to put them on, but we are not expecting to 
 use either the life preservers or our ticket to the lifeboat. 
 None of our party as yet has been seasick, and we are getting 
 somewhat accustomed to the motion of the boat. Every 
 moment is full of keen interest. Today we sighted a schooner, 
 but not another vessel of any kind. Although this is the 
 Sabbath, there were no services aboard, but everything has 
 been quiet, in keeping with Sunday. 
 
 TUESDAY, February 5 
 
 After closing our entry for Sabbath evening, we were not 
 able to write until now. We felt so well, could walk with 
 
 60
 
 such ease, had lost the top-heavy feeling, and was greatly 
 enjoying our first day out; the air was like April at home; 
 passengers were promenading the deck, when suddenly the 
 sea began to get choppy and heavy, and within an hour there 
 was a great change. At 6 o'clock we went to the dining 
 room for dinner. 
 
 Someone remarked that we were looking deadly pale, 
 while some of the other passengers were feeling strange and 
 dizzy. We had scarcely been seated at the table when we 
 turned so ill. We had to give up our breakfast and lunch 
 before leaving the dining room, and if it had not been for 
 help we would probably have fallen headlong downstairs. 
 When we reached our stateroom we found Sister King also 
 deathly sick, and we learned that all the Finch family were 
 in bed, with Brother King saying, "It's coming on." The 
 only one of our party immune was Brother Schoombie. He 
 went from one room to another, aiding all he could, and 
 making himself generally useful. However, he teased us, 
 calling all such "brave missionaries." He really did not spare 
 us. We called Kim "the Invincible," and felt he ought to 
 be sick at least ten minutes. 
 
 The children at home have a beautiful child's book called 
 "Pollyanna" the story of a girl who. always found some- 
 thing to be "glad" about. While we were at our worst, had 
 given up all we had and more, too, it seemed, the thought 
 of Pollyanna suddenly sprang into our mind, and with the 
 awful seasickness gripping us we wondered if she could find 
 anything to be glad about that minute and, sure enough, we 
 did. We had been told repeatedly that people get so sick 
 they are afraid they will die, then so much worse they fear 
 they will not die, and as we did not reach that extreme point 
 we did find something to be "glad" about. 
 
 61
 
 As we lay on our back, the vessel pitched and tossed in the 
 heavy sea. First we seemed to suddenly drop into a great 
 trough, then so high on the billows, then a sudden drop again. 
 What a shaking up we had! It had rained for hours, and 
 we were passing through a terrific storm, but the cress currents 
 were causing the trouble and seasickness now. They told us 
 that we should be out of the Gulf Stream by morning, and 
 we looked forward to that, but, alas! the stcrm grew wo v se, 
 and how we longed for Jesus to say, "Peace, be still." " All 
 we could do was to lie on our bed and pray, as the stcrm 
 continued all day and through the night, seeming to grow 
 worse and worse. The waves were rolling from twenty to 
 f fty feet h : h, dashing ever the lower and upper decks. The 
 steamer would go so far over one side as to d'p water, and 
 then immediately she would dip on the ether side, but through 
 it all God l:ept us in peace and victory. Twice the ship 
 had such a heavy shaking up, and made such a terrrc lungs 
 that the <lsh:s and everything moveable came down to the 
 floor with a craeh, and there was great fear and constarnat on 
 among the passengers. The captain told us this was the wo:st 
 storm he had seen in years, and in all his traveling on the 
 Atlantic, it was the second time he had been compelled to 
 strap the plates on the table. Even he himself was seis'ck, 
 and there were very few on board who were not. This will 
 give you a little idea of what we have been going through 
 for some hours now. 
 
 Today we all came on deck, and I am writing, but in 
 great weakness. While talking over the question of seas'ck- 
 ness, Brother Finch told us, as we were going to the field 
 on an inspection tour, we ought to have every experience the 
 missionaries pass through, and seasickness to some of them is 
 always a great trial. Brother Finch himself has never been 
 able to be kept from seasickness. God does not change our 
 
 62
 
 
 D 
 
 o 
 
 Ofi 
 
 -
 
 environments. When crossing a continent, we know there are 
 hills and mountains to be climbed, rivers and lakes to be 
 crossed, and we do not expect them to be changed. But 
 there was one comfort through it all. Our captain kept the 
 vessel sighted toward our destination. He did not stop for 
 the smooth places. While the storm was at its worst, and 
 the ship lunging and plunging, we were still headed for our 
 port in the West Indies. When we started; Brother Finch 
 could not pray through as to the weather conditions. He 
 knew we were going to cross the Gulf Stream, which is always 
 more or less rough and, at this time of the year, very stormy. 
 After writing the above little human essay, lying in our 
 steamer chair, we were suddenly stopped, and for hours after- 
 ward suffered such prolonged nausea that it drove us to our 
 loving God. We looked at the sea, but did not see it. We 
 heard people talking all about us, but knew nothing of what 
 was said. There were tears in our eyes, and an unbroken 
 cry in our heart, and that cry went to the heart of God, and 
 He heard us. We asked Him that even though we must 
 go through and desired to go through what other mission- 
 aries passed, had we not suffered enough to understand? Was 
 not the lesson learned? Had we not gotten that which He 
 would have us to get to pass on to others? Would He not 
 now hear and deliver us, and let us glory in the God who 
 hears and answers prayer? But this prayer, this great heart 
 cry was not for ourself alone; we prayed for all the mis- 
 sionary party, and not only for the one present with us, but 
 those who would be going out in the future. Somehow we 
 felt like we wanted to take in everyone of His children who 
 would ever cross the seas. The hours of suffering totally 
 unfitted us for reading, writing, or duties of any kind what- 
 ever. All we could do was to lie still and pray. We felt 
 we must be delivered from seasickness to finish the trip, and 
 
 65
 
 visions of sloops, sailing vessels, row boats, etc., with the 
 dreaded small island visits, came before us, and we knew 
 if we were weakened each time as now, with little strength 
 left, our visit would be a failure. God alone could help, 
 and He did. 
 
 "Jesus has you on His -heart, -'V- 
 Jesus has you on His heart; 
 He knows and waits to share 
 The burdens you must bear, 
 Jesus has you on His heart. '' 
 
 We truly know now from experience what some of the 
 missionaries pass through, and will- be able to pray for them 
 as we never have. 
 
 This is a small vessel compared to the transatlantic liners; 
 carries one hundred passengers, and is of 7,000 tonnage. 
 While I am writing this, our latitude is 26:32 north, longi- 
 tude 66:9 west. Now this is a problem for the children: 
 Where are we? See if you can figure it out. Yesterday we 
 were off the coast of South Carolina, and since then have 
 gone about 240 miles. The ship only makes about eleven 
 knots an hour, and one knot is a mile, but during the storm 
 we made less than a mile an hour. The ship is painted all 
 black to keep it from being a target for the enemy. Do 
 you ask, are we afraid of submarines? We surely are not. 
 Just before leaving Cincinnati, the steamship agent there wrote 
 us a most beautiful letter. He had been in the Missionary 
 Farewell Meeting on Sunday, and in the letter he expressed 
 surprise that anyone could think of trouble coming to us. 
 He wrote, "The missionaries of God's Bible School are as safe 
 on board the steamer with a hundred German submarines 
 around it, as a Daniel in the lion's den." 
 
 We have another lesson for the REVIVALIST children who 
 are studying geography. Look up the question of the Gulf 
 
 66
 
 Stream and the cross currents, and then you will understand 
 what made us all seasick. In the old geography, the ones 
 we had when I was a girl, there was a picture of these cross 
 currents under the water. 
 
 The sick people all look so white and pinched, especially 
 the children, who have lost their rosy color. It is such a 
 comfort to have the whole missionary party again on deck, 
 and we never tire of the children. Shall we introduce you 
 to them? Catherine, eleven; Esther, nine; Paul, seven; 
 Naomi, five; Daniel, three and a half. Daniel is the pet of 
 all the passengers. The children are full of love, life, fun 
 and mischief. All the little folks expect to be missionaries 
 as Father and Mother are, when they grow up, so we want 
 the REVIVALIST Family to remember and pray for them. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, February 6 
 
 Being on deck in the open sea air all day yesterday made 
 us sleepy, and last night we had the best rest we have known 
 since leaving New York. The sea was heavy, but we slept 
 so soundly we knew nothing of it. It is very calm today, 
 and the air is delightful. All the passengers Went down to 
 breakfast, and we enjoyed being together again. The dining 
 room is large, airy and pleasant, with two long tables in the 
 center and small ones on the sides. Every hour of the day 
 and night the bell on the bridge rings, and there is a change of 
 officers on the look-out. We have seen plenty of flying fish. 
 They usually fly in schools of a dozen or more, and the fish 
 are about the size of our trout. One made a mistake yester- 
 day, and flew up on the deck, striking a passenger on the 
 back, but he captured him, and brought him around for all 
 to see, and then threw him back to his home in the ocean. He 
 was as frightened and quivering as a young bird out of the 
 nest. 
 
 67
 
 THURSDAY, February 7 
 
 God taketh care of His own. We have just learned of 
 the fate of the Parima and Koruna. Both ships encountered 
 terrific storms, and were disabled, the Parima especially so. 
 It will be sometime before she can leave the dock. No 
 wonder our Heavenly Father held us a month in New York. 
 He knew what was before those two vessels, and spared us. 
 
 Today the air is warm and balmy, and the sea compara- 
 tively calm. We are crossing over where the ocean is said 
 to be five miles deep. The temperature is 70 degrees. We 
 are all happy, contented and looking forward to our arrival 
 at port.
 
 CHATPER VI 
 
 '" 1 ' ' 
 AMONG THE ISLANDS" 
 
 FRIDAY, February 8 
 
 Hallelujah! We are nearing St. Thomas. Four miles off 
 we can see Porto Rico. Brother Finch knocked on the door 
 of our stateroom early this morning and said, "Put on summer 
 clothes Tropics today!" The ocean is the smoothest that 
 it has been since last Sunday, and all recovering from their 
 attack of seasickness but the writer; we feel so exhausted and 
 heart weak. This is an experience where we are determined 
 to look to God to do something supernatural. As the trip 
 is planned, it will mean sailing vessels, sloops, schooners, 
 late hours and hardships of various kinds; we must be at our 
 best physically, to carry out our part of the trip. We are 
 looking definitely to Him. 
 
 We are now about 1 ,440 miles from New York. There 
 are among the passengers aboard, three Catholic priests, going 
 out as missionaries to a little island. Seven more are to fol- 
 low on the next steamer. Think of it! Ten priests to one 
 small island, while the saints of God have but one lone mis- 
 sionary on one large island. It is time the soldiers of Jesus 
 Christ were getting awake to their duty. We are having 
 real summer weather. It seems almost like a dream, after 
 having left New York and the bitter, intense cold there. 
 
 Here we are at St. Thomas. The ship docked about an hour 
 ago, and the scene spread out before us is indescribable 
 most beautiful and tropical. St. Thomas is one of the islands 
 
 69
 
 belonging to the United States, and our great American flag 
 is proudly floating from many a flag pole and high building. 
 It is called "the city of three hills." Palm trees line the 
 road, while good, substantial-looking houses are built on the 
 slopes of the hills clear to the crown. We were signalled 
 from shore this morning, so that when we arrived all kinds of 
 little craft, steam launches, sail boats, and row boats, came 
 hurriedly out to meet us. First, the pilot came on board and 
 took the vessel into port. Then the harbor master allowed 
 no one else to come on until he had received the boat. Then 
 appeared a launch flying the flag of the Police Department, 
 and this little boat v/as guarded by two United States soldiers 
 and a policeman. Then came a steam launch to take off 
 the three Catholic priests. Trunks were taken down and 
 carried away in boats one-half mile to the city. What a 
 sight! The harbor crowded with these small crafts coming 
 and going, a number of passengers leaving, confusion and 
 pleasant excitement everywhere. One boat came near us with 
 four boys and some men in it, and these boys would dive for 
 a copper or nickel thrown from the decks. The lads were 
 just as black as coal, and had on only a bare covering. How 
 they would dive and scramble, and never fail to receive the 
 nickel or penny, either, coming up with it in their teeth. Two 
 great derricks were immediately put to work, and the freight 
 was lifted first to one side to a barge, and then to the other 
 side to the wharf house on the shore. For hours the freight 
 workers were unloading. Out near the shore is the guard 
 ship; and on our right, the wreck of a steamer recently de- 
 stroyed in a hurricane. 
 
 About four o'clock three of us got into a carriage plenty 
 of them, as well as boats, to take one around and were 
 taken all through the three little towns. Everything was so 
 strange and new, and full of real interest. Little tiny houses, 
 
 70
 
 small as a pantry in the United States, and yet a family 
 crowded in there, and keeping house, was not an unusual sight. 
 The island is only thirteen miles around, and yet has a popu- 
 lation of 1 1 ,000. Our guide told us that there was a funeral 
 every day, and sometimes four and five in one day. Dear 
 little black babies up to three years of age, absolutely nude, 
 were to be seen everywhere. The people talk Spanish, English 
 and French. There were no wagons, only two-wheeled carts, 
 and donkeys and small ponies, and these donkies and ponies 
 looked tired and overworked. 
 
 How very interesting were the stores and the market places! 
 Small articles for sale were displayed at almost every doorstep, 
 sometimes a handful of peanuts tied up in a little bundle ; some- 
 times sugarcane; sometimes three or four eggs; limes, toma- 
 toes, small oranges, homemade candy, cocoanuts, just bits 
 of each, and the same things in the market, too. Brother Finch, 
 accustomed to the needs of these dear people, was a real mis- 
 sionary, talking first with the driver, then with one and another 
 whom he met, about their souls. Stopping at one tiny house, 
 a blind sister was called out. She had gone totally 
 blind in one night, but was full of praise to God because 
 He had saved her and wonderfully sanctified her. She said 
 if she had not God, she would be grieving her life 
 away; but her face shone with the glory of the Lord, and 
 her voice was full of joy. What a refreshing to soul and 
 spirit to hear her testify! While here we received a cable 
 from Brother Will Biernes, saying, "Stop at St. Kitts. Brother 
 Coone dead." Startling? Yes, more than startling! "I 
 was dumb with silence because thou did'st it." Brother Finch 
 was greatly moved, as Brother Coone was one of the valued 
 workers, a brother much beloved in the Lord. How much 
 he seemed needed there in the work! and no one to take his 
 
 71
 
 place. "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways 
 past finding out!" 
 
 SATURDAY, February 9 
 
 We have had the most wonderful day, one of the beautiful 
 times the Lord lets come to us occasionally. The ship reached 
 St. Croix at 6:30 this morning. Going on deck to see the 
 harbor we found two ladies' in a big row boat waiting to take 
 us ashore. When Rev. J. W. Mahew, the superintendent of 
 this work here, learned of our proposed trip, he wrote us, 
 asking us to stop over and have a service with his people. 
 This we consented to do, and all arrangements were made 
 accordingly. When the Parima arrived, however, and we 
 were not aboard, and not one word of explanation, he wrote 
 a letter which was handed us in St. Thomas, and asked that 
 if we were aboard this vessel, to cable the time of our arrival 
 (it takes very little to cable from one island to another). 
 This Brother Finch did, and the word was circulated all around. 
 We went in the boat, which was manned by the first convert of 
 the work, a hearty fisherman, abounding in good cheer and 
 greeting. The harbor is more beautiful here than at St. 
 Thomas, large and wide, with level fields sloping back from 
 the sea. 
 
 Sister Hurt, an English missionary here, and another 
 worker, were the friends who came aboard to meet us, and 
 they helped to make the day beautiful. Two autos met the 
 boat on landing, a Ford and an Overland, and these took 
 us to one of the members of the Mission, where they served us 
 breakfast. It was the first food that tasted natural since our 
 attack of seasickness, and we ate with a relish. This Sister 
 where we were entertained had the bakery here, and this 
 bakery has been in operation over sixty years. Her sister had 
 it from the time she was fifteen years old up to six months ago, 
 
 72
 
 when she died, at the age of eighty-seven. She had given 
 her life a noble sacrifice for the maintenance of her mother 
 and five sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. The 
 oven is out in the yard, and is built of cement. The fire is 
 made first inside of the oven, and when it is just exactly 
 hot enough, the fire and the ashes are swept entirely out, 
 and the bread put in. They make the bread just as we do, 
 but they let it rise on grape leaves instead of in tins or in 
 pans, and when the bread comes out, it is nice and brown 
 and appetizing. They make tiny loaves, too, and sell them 
 for one cent each. They said the children want a loaf for 
 themselves. 
 
 It was not long after breakfast when Brother Mahew 
 arrived, and after showing us the Mission home and the chapel, 
 which were most pleasantly located, we were off for a fifteen- 
 mile ride to Christiansted on. the other end of the island, where 
 the headquarters of the work is. We had lunch at Brother 
 Mahew's, served so courteously and kindly by Sister Mahew. 
 Here we found Sister Ina Armstrong, who was a 
 student for two years in the Bible School twelve 
 years ago. It was such a pleasure to meet het. Edith 
 Yewell, another one of our old students, has spent five faithful 
 years here, and is highly spoken of. Mr. Armstrong brought 
 us in his Overland through the most picturesque and beautiful 
 scenery imaginable through hills and valleys, with the blue 
 sea in the distance. We passed plantation after plantation, 
 and on the roads, precious black people carrying their burdens 
 on their heads. The roads were lined with palm and cocoa- 
 nut trees, while the fine cement houses were built on the hill- 
 sides overlooking the sea. The principal products are cane, 
 cotton and corn, the sugar factories taking the place of the 
 old mills. The sugarcane stands in the field two years be- 
 fore it is used. The sugar is coarse, and has to be sent to 
 
 73
 
 the United States for refining. Brother Mahew has a good 
 work. He has been established here now three years. 
 
 About I :30 o'clock we went to the market place, the center 
 of the town, for an open air meeting. The judge had given 
 this permission the day before. Here about a hundred mem- 
 bers of the Mission and possibly two hundred other listeners, 
 gathered to hear the missionaries, some of the members of the 
 Mission showing their appreciation of our coming by walking 
 great distances to be present. How beautiful that crowd of 
 black saints looked, and how our souls feasted as we heard 
 them sing and give their testimonies! Brother Finch prayed, 
 and then he, with Brother Schoombie and Brother King, spoke 
 as the Lord led. During this service we were compelled to 
 sit in the auto, as we were too weak to take any part in the 
 meeting. As we sat there watching the crowd and praying 
 for the service, we noticed one woman carrying a heavy tray 
 of cakes on top of her head, while another had clothes tied 
 together holding bottles of some sweet drink; still another little 
 girl carried a tray of home-made candy, and another a tray 
 of bread; another had a tray of mangoes, bananas, etc. 
 The natives carry these trays all the time, using their head 
 instead of a cart. 
 
 The vessel was to sail at 4 P. M., and knowing that auto 
 tires sometime give out, we hurried away. The temperature 
 was 76 degrees in the shade, and the auto return trip was 
 most pleasant. Brother Mahew accompanied us to the vessel, 
 and we enjoyed hearing his report of work among the lepers, 
 etc. Shortly after 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon, the Lord 
 began to touch me, and oh, what relief! The seasickness 
 almost seems as a nightmare, but today it is forgotten in the 
 change on shore. Methinks it. will be this way after all the 
 testings are over and we get Home on the heavenly shore. 
 
 74
 
 "When the last feeble step has been takeu, 
 
 And the gates of that city appear, 
 When the beautiful song of the angels 
 
 Floats out on my listening ear, 
 When all that now seems so mysterious 
 
 Will be bright and as clear as the day, 
 Then the toils of the road will seem nothing, 
 
 When I get to the end of the way." 
 
 We are trying our best to get a post card view of these 
 places so that when you visit the Cincinnati Camp (as we 
 do want you to be present there in June we can show them to 
 you. This will give you a better idea than our writing. 
 
 Sunset on the ocean ! What a sight ! Indescribable ! Too 
 much for the pen of this writer. Read what the poets say, 
 and then you will understand something of the glory and 
 effulgence. 
 
 While busy writing this morning, suddenly there appeared 
 before us a tall young man, dressed in white, with the Sal- 
 vation Army insignia. He was soliciting funds for the Salva- 
 tion Army work that is just opening here. We had nothing 
 but travelers' checks. However, the others gave him an offer- 
 ing, and this made up for our lack. 
 
 NEARING ST. KITTS, SUNDAY, February 10 
 
 We all arose early this morning in order to see the sun 
 rise over the harbor. It is 3:30 o'clock in Cincinnati, but 
 here the sun is peeping over the hills, and that beautiful, 
 wonderful green island lies spread out before us. Boats are 
 dotting the harbor everywhere. Oh, what a view for those 
 who appreciate God's handiwork! What a scene for those 
 who revel in His creations \ Over here we can see Nevis, 
 although it is twelve miles distant. The whole island seems 
 one great mass of shaded green. 
 
 77
 
 The ladder was lowered and the harbor master, in a row 
 boat manned by six sailors, came aboard. The harbor master 
 commands all the ships as they enter and leave these ports. 
 We can count twenty boats all headed this way, but they 
 are waiting until the harbor master permits them to come 
 closer and their passengers to come aboard. In one of the 
 boats is Brother Will Biernes. He stands up and shou'.s. 
 He is so changed that none of us recognized him at first. 
 Close to him is a large row boat containing fifty men, and 
 they scrambled up the rope ladder, tumbling over each other. 
 They are freight loaders, and have come on board to unload. 
 
 We expected to find Irene with Brother and Sister Biernes, 
 but found that she remained with Sister Coone at Antigua. 
 While here, we learned that Brother Coone died of typhoid 
 fever, but did not get any of the details. How glad Brother 
 Biernes was to see us, and we rejbiced to hear of the work. 
 This is the home of Brother Taylor, one of the students now 
 in the Bible School. This is the first time that we have been 
 able to walk the deck since a week ago today, and what a 
 comfort and joy. Praise God! He has surely touched us 
 physically. Brother Beirnes had breakfast with us, and in 
 conference and prayer, it was decided "to have Brother and 
 Sister King get off here and go to Nevis, as orginally 
 planned, and with trunks and baggage, they leave us at 11 
 o'clock. After the delay in New York, we had thought of 
 taking them on to Barbados, but Brother Coone's Home-going 
 changed everything. They left us with loving goodbys, 
 waving of handkerchiefs, and the "God bless yous" of the 
 rest of us. We shall miss them, for we have had happy and 
 blessed times together. 
 
 As Sister King was going down the ladder, she said play- 
 fully, "Be sure and put in the Diary Letter that we went 
 ashore in the boat named 'Victory,' " and we know they went 
 
 78
 
 H 
 C/}
 
 in victory, too. They are to go from here in a sailing vessel, 
 as their destination is twelve miles from this port, and the 
 steamers do not stop there. 
 
 We are to weigh anchor again at 12 o'clock. Passengers 
 are coming and going. First some get on at one stop, and then 
 others get off, so we are having a continual change. One of 
 the most interesting personages we have met is the sergeant 
 major. He comes on board following the harbor master, and 
 in a most masterful way, manages the loading and unloading 
 of the freight, the handling of passengers, etc. Keen, shrewd, 
 a trained reader of human nature, nothing seems to escape him. 
 He stands just at the head of the rope ladder and overlooks 
 everything. A sailing boat at one end of the ship is taking 
 off lumber. Something goes wrong. He rushes down the 
 deck, gives a command, in a way that excites the admiration 
 of everyone. He treats the black men very kindly, but firmly, 
 and they obey him instantly. He is a native, but has had this 
 position for twenty years. He stands at his post from six to 
 twelve hours. He told us that the Southern Cross 
 (a little sailing vessel), had been lost in one of the recent 
 storms, and while thev telegraphed everywhere, nothing had 
 been seen or heard of her or of the crew. The captain and 
 crew of this vessel had been so kind to all the missionaries, so 
 that Brother Finch feels the loss keenly. 
 
 ANTIGUA, Monday, February 1 1 
 
 At about 5:15 yesterday afternoon the Guiana dropped 
 anchor three miles out from shore in this harbor. A steam 
 launch meets the steamer here. Sisters Blyden and Coor.e 
 are at Antigua, and we look for them to meet us, though 
 not sure they are aware of our arrival. As the launch ap- 
 proaches we lean over the deck rail, watching for them. Sud- 
 denly someone cries out, "There she is!" and we all wave. 
 
 81
 
 We saw Irene waving back, then suddenly covered her face 
 and wept. Sister Coone and Wilma, their only child, are 
 with her. How bereaved these friends are! They are soon 
 on board, with loving arms around them, trying to comfort, 
 but only those who have passed through the depths of sorrow 
 can understand how inadequate words are at such a time. 
 They tell us Brother Coone was ill only nine days malignant 
 fever. At first the illness was not considered serious. He 
 had been drawn out to trust God, and had been so blessed in 
 doing it, both for himself and his people, that he had no 
 thought of calling a physician, and scarcely before anyone 
 could realize that he was ill, he had slipped Home. All 
 we can say is, God's ways are higher than ours. He was one 
 of the noblest of men. Brother Finch says his conscientious 
 care, not only for the souls of his black people, but for 
 f nances as well, made him one of the most valuable of workers. 
 Self-sacrificing, tender, capable in all that the word means, 
 everywhere, from the business class as well as in religious cir- 
 cles, we hear only the kindest expressions. We had looked 
 forward to this meeting, expecting to see him, but it will not 
 be long before we meet above the clouds. For, 
 
 "They are gathering homeward from every land, 
 One by one, one by one." 
 
 We are to remain a night and a day at Antigua, so we 
 land before 6 o'clock in order to be in time for the evening 
 service. Brother Finch must attend to some matters of busi- 
 ness, which is more necessary because of Brother Coone's 
 late departure. This harbor is not so beautiful as the two 
 preceding ones. It has more the appearance of a fort, but 
 has an attractiveness all its own. All the scenes of interest 
 were pointed out to us. 
 
 82
 
 I asked Irene how she knew we had arrived, and she told 
 us that at Sandy Island, about ten miles out from shore, is 
 a lighthouse, and when a ship reaches this island, they take 
 down three flags and put up one square red one at Rat Island, 
 which is nearer the town, and then all know the steamer has 
 arrived. This is a signal, and the launch immediately goes 
 out. This signal notifies the people, and when the launch 
 arrives the pier and shore are lined with those waiting to see 
 and meet the passengers. We were glad of the friendly 
 shelter of evening to hide us from the view of such a crowd 
 of spectators, but Irene told us that the whole island was 
 aware of our arrival. 
 
 We walked to the Mission, a splendid building. Above 
 the Mission is an apartment for the missionaries six or seven 
 rooms, light and airy. After lunch, we went below into the 
 Mission hall, and what a congregation! Irene presided at 
 the piano, and how precious to be in a service with her again. 
 The people here know how to sing. It was surely like home 
 to see "Mounting Up" song books. Brother Finch prayed, 
 and the presence of God was marvelously real. He had 
 prayed before the service until he was lifted above the loss 
 of Brother Coone, and was in a position to exhort the con- 
 gregation to look up and see God, and to go on with Him 
 as leader and teacher. Brother Schoombie followed Brother 
 Finch with a message on "Looking unto Jesus," and one 
 dear soul was blessedly sanctified. Here we slept on our first 
 "covered" bed. Down here the people do not have screens 
 for the windows, but around the bed, about three feet high, 
 they build a special frame- work, and then cover this with 
 mosquito netting. No one could realize how very welcome 
 the large, cool bed was to our tired bodies, especially after 
 the narrow quarters of the steamer. The missionary home 
 and chapel is in the heart of the city, and so of course there 
 
 83
 
 was much noise all night, and we were awakened quite often. 
 Sometime in the night a rooster or two crowed. All at once 
 it seemed as if every rooster on the island were crowing at the 
 same time. Such a chorus, but to us it was beautiful music. 
 We had been hearing the splashing of the great waves, the 
 lashing of the storm, and now what a change! About 3 
 o'clock in the morning, some twenty men gathered to move 
 a house that is located just across the street from the Mission 
 home, so you can understand we had little rest after that. 
 Here people cvvn their hcrr.es, but they have them on rented 
 ground squatters, we call them at home. If they like another 
 piece of ground or a better location than the one where they 
 have stopped, they just pick up the house, move it, and go 
 to the new location. They place the house on rollers, then 
 the leader starts off, "Billy John in Baltimore, A A A!" 
 and as he chants out this, each man responds, "A A A!" 
 Even if there are a hundred men, they chant that "A A 
 A" in perfect harmony, and at the same time give a long 
 pull, and this moves the house a little ways. They keep this 
 up until the house is moved to the ground chosen, all the time 
 the crowd increasing, until sometimes there are as many as 
 a hundred helping. Irene called us up to see it. They move 
 in the night so as not to block the streets in the daytime. It 
 was such a strange sight. 
 
 Brother Finch has had a long talk with Sister Coone and 
 Sister Blyden, and attended to some important business, while 
 Brother Schoombie went out to the steamer and brought Sister 
 Finch and the family ashore, as we are all to have dinner 
 here, leaving again at 4 P. M. We spent the morning writing, 
 and then had a shower bath in a little room built down in the 
 basement with a cement floor. What a treat, and how the 
 workers need these baths to keep them in health! The 
 weather here is like our hottest July days at home, but .there 
 
 84
 
 MISSION, ANTIGUA
 
 is a stiff breeze from the sea, so we do not realize how very 
 warm it is. 
 
 All the party are interested in the Diary Letter, and every 
 little bit one or another suggests something that ought to be 
 in it. We do desire that every REVIVALIST reader shall 
 enjoy reading these lines, as we enjoy penning them. We 
 shall mail this letter at Antigua, and we do ask your prayers 
 very specially. Sister Irene Blyden will soon return to Nevis, 
 he- 'slanel of wcrk, and we shall meet her in meetings there.
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 AMONG "TH& ISLANDS" Continued 
 
 TUESDAY, February 12 
 
 After having spent a most beautiful, restful day with Sister 
 Blyden and Sister Coone, we left the Mission house at 3:30 
 and are now at sea. Sister Coone was much comforted by 
 the visit, and both she and Irene enjoyed the Finch children. 
 We did not see much of the town or of the people here. We 
 expect to return again, and then will tell you some more. As 
 we returned to the vessel, the launch was crowded. The 
 captain, purser, physician, wireless operators, and many of 
 the passengers, like ourselves, had spent the day ashore, and 
 now we were all returning. 
 
 When we were leaving New York, two elderly friends 
 gave us a box for the children. They were to open it after 
 we had been out several days on the sea, and especially after 
 they were over the seasickness. How the children desired that 
 box! They could scarcely contain their curiosity. Daniel 
 was so happy when the time came to open it that he jumped 
 up and down till he tumbled clear over. And what do you 
 think the box contained? Little animal crackers, candies and 
 cards for each child. How the children enjoyed their presents, 
 and how gladly they shared them with the rest of us! How 
 little it takes to make a child happy I What insignificant 
 things (to us) seem to delight the heart of one of God's 
 1'ttle ones! How careful we ought to be to consider, them. 
 
 Now, I want to tell you another beautiful thing. Just 
 before we left New York, Sister Standley rushed to us a 
 
 88
 
 box containing a dressed dolly, and a whole extra outfit for 
 her. One of the little girls of the REVIVALIST Family had 
 fixed the dolly for a child in Japan, but as none of the 
 missionaries was going out at that time, she wrote the little 
 girl, then sent the dolly on to us; so I wrote her I would 
 hold it until we were all on board, and some day, when the 
 children were tired and needed somthing to divert their atten- 
 tion, I would bring it out. I told this to Sister Finch, but 
 she says that instead of the chilcfcen having it, we will give 
 it to some child down there in the Islands, who has never 
 had a doll. So, wh!le I was disappointed in not letting our 
 little folks nurse it and dress it, yet I want the child who 
 reads this letter to remember that her baby is being taken 
 care of and mothered by some little girl who has never had 
 a dolly of her own. I do hope that little girl will be pleased. 
 I had planned on having a Diary Letter sent each week, 
 but the ships are being taken off, and the mail service is slow, 
 so that we may be delayed. However, I will write them 
 weekly arid give you everything possible, so that when the 
 Diary Letters do come, you can follow our movements. 
 
 GUADALUPE, 11 A. M. 
 
 We anchored here this morning at 6:30. This is a French 
 harbor, and was discovered at the same time as Nova Scotia. 
 How run down and dilapidated the island looks. This is 
 because of a recent hurricane. We cannot find a thing at all 
 attractive about the place. Sugarcane is the principal prod- 
 uct, although -they raise beans which, when boiled, give the 
 pure vanilla extract. . At last I have tasted a sappedilla. 
 This sappedilla looks just like our sickle pears at home, only 
 is russet color, and unlike our pears in taste. The guava is 
 delicious. This island has 1 90,000 inhabitants, all Roman 
 Catholic. There are no other denominations working here. 
 
 89
 
 The harbor master, police, and all officers are French, and 
 as they talked French to us we could not understand. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, February 13 
 
 We remained here at Guadalupe over the night, as there 
 was so much freight aboard they could not unload in less 
 than a day, and a peep into the hold of the ship is one of 
 the sights of the ship. Really, this is a great warehouse afloat, 
 a warehouse of four floors. We have been carrying cement, 
 and have had on board 4,500 barrels. We left at 6:30, 
 but the winds were high and the swells heavy, and people 
 began to get seasick. This put a fear on us that we would 
 not again escape, but immediately we looked to the Lord, 
 and He gave the promise, "What time I am afraid, I will 
 trust in thee." And again the promise came, "He led them 
 on safely, without fear." Hallelujah! After three hours 
 of these high winds and heavy swells, the sea is calm, and 
 here we are, all on deck, praising the Lord for deliverance. 
 
 We have searched the Bible, trying to find something that 
 would fittingly describe this wonderful ocean. We surely 
 thought that David would burst forth somewhere in one of 
 his magnificent Psalms, describing God's great sea, but can 
 find nothing that exactly answers our desire. How can we 
 describe this great, restless, moving, never-ceasing, boundless, 
 wind-swept, wave-swelling ocean! We can only liken it to 
 God's great, fathomless, bottomless, boundless love love for 
 all mankind! Surely Doctor Godbey names it rightly when 
 he says the sea air and the sea bathing are parts of God's great 
 
 sanitarium. 
 
 i 
 
 THURSDAY, February 14 
 
 We reached Dominique at about 12 o'clock yesterday, 
 and remained until 3 A. M. today. As we could not anchor 
 
 90
 
 in close to the pier, the freight had to be sent in on boats, 
 and this took longer time in unloading. All of these islands 
 are volcanic. There are two craters here. Three hundred 
 and sixty-five little streams come from the mountains, and one 
 stream runs right through the center of the town, thus helping 
 to keep it sanitary. This, too, is a Roman Catholic island, 
 and although the population is 1 60,000, there is no Protestant, 
 no Full Salvation work here. Oh, that God would give 
 us workers and give us means! The need, the crying need 
 of consecrated men and women, and of consecrated money! 
 
 Now, here is a problem for the children: When we dropped 
 anchor, they told us we were in thirty-three fathoms of water. 
 How deep is that? 
 
 This is a long island and most beautiful. The hills and 
 mountains are always green, while the great harbor is the 
 largest we have entered. The island is famous for its fruits, 
 especially the limes the finest in the West Indies. The lime 
 oil is sent to the United States and England. Late in the 
 afternoon, when it was not quite so warm, Brother and Sister 
 Finch with us visited the Botanical Gardens, and they con- 
 stitute one of the most beautiful spots on earth. I cannot 
 describe it to you; I can only tell you that here are trees 
 and shrubbery of very tropical description. We tried to get 
 some pictures, but were only able to obtain *a few cards. 
 Here we find the tree that grows coffee beans, vanilla, cocoa- 
 nut and nutmeg. A friend kindly gave us a sample of 
 coffee and nutmeg beans. The nutmeg has a shell similar to 
 a walnut, and when it r pens, opens half way, and the red is, 
 indeed, a beautiful .sight. The governor of the island has 
 his home right in the gardens, so you can 'magine how beautiful 
 are his surroundings. 
 
 It is now 9:30, and we are at Martinique. Will be here 
 all day. A big transport, packed with troops, passed us a 
 
 91
 
 few minutes ago. We do not know her destination. The 
 islands have given thousands of their young men to the war, 
 so that laborers are scarce, and for this reason the ships are 
 a long time in loading and unloading freight.^ The harbor 
 here at Martinique is most beautiful. It is filled with 
 schooners. I have never seen so many, and they are nearly 
 all three-masted ones. 
 
 We have been watching a busy crowd of people on the 
 hillside in the distance. It is a quarry, and women are carry- 
 ing the stones to the place of building. Women seem to be 
 the beasts of burden everywhere we have been. They come 
 in processions, with their loads on their heads. God bless 
 every one of them, and help us to introduce them to the Bur- 
 den-bearer ! 
 
 We have had a nice talk with our wireless operator. He 
 tells us he feels out of place, that he ought to be preparing 
 for the ministry. Brother Finch also had an interview with 
 him, and gave him one of the Bible School catalogues. He 
 is considering entering the School, if he can be released from 
 this service, so do remember and especially pray for him. 
 
 Do I hear some of my good sisters (and brethren, too,) say, 
 "What do you have to eat?" Do not be embarassed, for 
 everyone l.kes to know that. Below we give you one menu 
 for the noonday lunch: 
 
 Olives Beef broth Pickled Onions 
 
 Baked fish Butter sauce 
 
 Pigs' feet Braised beef 
 
 Mashed or boiled potatoes 
 Roast beef Cold meats Bologna sausage 
 
 Lettuce 
 
 Cottage pudding Stewed apricots 
 
 Tea Coffee 
 
 92
 
 Sounds good, doesn't it? But with the odors and sights on 
 shipboard, and the fact that nearly everything is from cold 
 storage, one soon becomes sickened of the food and, in fact, 
 we positively loathed it at times. It is hard to explain, but 
 a simple meal on land is far preferable. We have enjoyed 
 and eaten many a meal in the farm homes in adjacent States 
 that we would not exchange for one of these. Do I hear 
 some over-tired housewife say, "Well, I wish I could sit 
 dcwn t.o one that I didn't have to plan for and cook"? Hew 
 we wish you could; but cheer up, if you are in your Father's 
 will, He will make a change for you, or give grace and 
 
 glory to be contented in your lot. 
 
 i " i 
 FRIDAY, February 15 
 
 An hour ago we left Martinique. The scheduled time 
 was 2 A. M., but we were delayed. Everything is still. The 
 sea is calm, and it is a wonderful morning. 
 
 Yesterday was an eventful day. A Frenchman, one of 
 the passengers on board, arranged to have a party of us see 
 Mt. Pelee, the volcano whose eruption, about twelve years 
 ago- destroyed the little city of St. Pierre, with its 35,000 
 inhabitants. We rode to the Martinique pier in a row boat, 
 through a choppy sea, but this is the only time we have known 
 it rough in a harbor. This is the largest city on any of the 
 islands that we have yet visited. It has a population of about 
 38,000. While the streets are narrow, they are laid out 
 evenly, and the houses and stores are just the same. They 
 are all built right close together. The Hotel de France and 
 post-office face the ocean. The hotel is surronded by a 
 beautiful park, and in the center of the park is a monument 
 of Josephine, wife of Napoleon. 
 
 We were supposed to go to Mt. Pelee at 10:30, but had 
 to wait, instead, until 1 P. M. Seated in a little outdoor 
 
 93
 
 summer house, we watched and studied the people. All 
 seemed to speak French, so that we could not understand what 
 they were saying and, truly, we felt like a stranger in a strange 
 land. We were especially impressed by a small launch which 
 came in from a near-by island, crowded with people and carry- 
 ing a large cargo. These folks passed us single file, the women 
 carrying the heaviest burdens -great baskets of bananas, 
 oranges, figs, vegetables, etc., barefooted, half-clad, with 
 red-colored turbans. Oh, what a sight! Two porkers were 
 led off. long, lank and lean, so strange looking we really 
 enquired what they were. We are sure our Indiana and Ken- 
 tucky farmers and their hogs would not recognize or tolerate 
 them on their premises. We wanted some oranges, and seeing 
 one of the colored women with a large tray, asked her how 
 much. Neither of us could understand what the other said, 
 and she seemed to feel that our looks betokened deception, 
 so giving up in despair, we went to a man who looked as if 
 he might understand us. Asking, "Do you speak English?" 
 he answered, "A little, madam." He explained the oranges 
 were one cent apiece. As my friend from the ship, who also 
 desired oranges, had only some English coins, the woman was 
 evidently suspicious of us, for both the man and woman talked 
 excitedly for some time, and before we could scarcely realize 
 what had transpired, he paid her, tipped h!s hat to us, and 
 was gone. We did not know what to think, but we knew 
 she was paid, and we had no opportunity to thank him for 
 so kindly treating us. 
 
 While we 'were eating our oranges in the summer house, 
 some of the party went to get lunch in the near-by hotel, but 
 what a laughing time we had afterward! The menu cards 
 were all in French, so that they did not know what to order. 
 Finally they decided to let the waiter bring everything, and 
 then they ate what they could. 
 
 94
 
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 en
 
 At 1 P. M. we were off in an Overland for a sixty-mile 
 ride around and near to the volcano. It was a wonderful 
 ride; the tropical foliage covering the sides of the mountains, 
 ferns, gorgeous trees all a mass of indescribable green. The 
 road was like a double "S," winding in and out and around, 
 until two of our passengers were so much frightened, and 
 one we thought would faint. They wanted the machine to 
 return to the city, as our chaffeur was French, and we were 
 absolutely helpless. Finally, with signs, Brother Finch made him 
 to understand that we wanted h m to go slower. The depths, 
 hundreds of feet below, as we looked over the edge of the 
 road down sheer precipices, were frightful to look at, and 
 going at the speed we were, it was no wonder some felt more 
 or less nervous. For miles we would not see a single house; 
 then suddenly we would come into a little village with bam- 
 boo houses and thatched roofs, banana groves, fig trees, and 
 heavily loaded orange trees. 
 
 We have here the continual showers like they had at 
 Guadalupe, and they keep the mountain slopes always fresh 
 and green. I wish I could describe to you the views as we 
 rounded the mountains. All along up this mountain road 
 there were little shrines, some as small as bird houses. These 
 were built in the earth. Then there were small images of 
 Christ, and images of Christ on the cross. How our hearts 
 went out to the people, as we thought of them bowing down 
 to these images and worshiping, not our Christ, but the god 
 they had heard of. How we longed to get them the message 
 of real salvation, and we do believe that God is going to give 
 us the opportunity, and not in the far future, either. We want 
 to stir up the REVIVALIST Family so that they will take the 
 burden of these islands on their hearts and help us to evan- 
 gelize them "in this generation." 
 
 97
 
 After an hour's upward climbing, we went down the other 
 side of the mountain till we reached St. Pierre. The ruins 
 of St. Pierre have been only partially rebuilt. This city was 
 called "The Second Paris," and was one of the most wicked 
 cities on earth. At the time of the awful disaster there were 
 thousands of barrels of molasses there, and this molasses was 
 to have been used in making whisky. There was a terrible 
 combustion. The fire broke out, and everything alive for miles 
 and miles around was killed. Even vessels at sea were utterly 
 destroyed. We got out of the machine for a few moments 
 and picked a stone from the ruins of the old church, gathered 
 some ferns from the lava and ashes, as we want these for the 
 cabinet at home. How dreadful it seemed to stand there and 
 realize that so short a time ago 35,000 people had been buried 
 alive. Right in a side street, near where we pulled a fern, 
 water gushed out of the earth, making one wonder if it is 
 safe to stay where such pressures struggle beneath. Five 
 thousand feet above our head the great crater lies open, 
 while steam constantly r.'ses from the top and oozes at the 
 sides. From what we saw and heard while there, the moral 
 condition of the people is the same as before the eruption. 
 This proves judgment does not change morals. It takes the 
 BLOOD OF JESUS nothing less. Do pray with us for 
 workers and funds to evangelize these fields before thousands 
 more are hurled into eternity without having had the light. 
 The natives are clearing away the ashes, putting roofs on the 
 old walls and re-populating the city rapidly. Four years ago 
 about five hundred people lived here, while we now found 
 the main street cleared of ashes the whole length, and a grow- 
 ing population of over two thousand people. Here, again, 
 we could not make the people understand us, but finally found 
 a man who could speak a little English. He would not take 
 our American money, but gave us some card views of the 
 
 98
 
 city before the catastrophe and afterward. When the volcano 
 erupted, this man was away from St. Pierre, and his whole 
 family were buried under the lava and ashes. He now has 
 another home, and the little tots tried to talk to us, but we 
 could not understand one word they said. However, every- 
 where we find there is one language understood, and that 
 language is known the world over a friendly smile. Then, 
 too, little children are the same. Give them a penny, and 
 their eyes dance and smile back at you. 
 
 The return trip was, indeed, delightful, and was specially 
 enlivened by two or three hard showers of rain, and one of 
 oranges. Making a short turn in the road, we saw two, or 
 three natives standing in front of a house, holding large stems 
 of oranges, and just as the machine got up to them, they threw 
 them to us. 
 
 When about three miles from the steamer, out in the sub- 
 urbs of the city, going at full speed, we suddenly heard a 
 harsh, grating sound and, looking back, saw one of our tires 
 bounding in the air. How thankful we were this did not 
 occur in the mountains! Only the work of a few minutes, 
 and the tire was repaired, and we were on board in time for 
 dinner at 6 o'clock. 
 
 99
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 BEAUTIFUL BARBADOS 
 
 ST. LUCIA, Friday, February 15 
 
 We arrived at St. Lucia at 2 P. M. This is by far the 
 most beautiful yet of all the harbors, totally different from any 
 of the others in appearance. As you enter, the land on both 
 sides nearly comes together. This land slopes upward, form- 
 ing hills and mountains on both sides, and they are cultivated 
 and strikingly beautiful. The Government House, fort, signal 
 station, lighthouse, soldiers' barracks, and large homes give 
 the slopes a very prosperous appearance, while the view is 
 superb. St. Lucia is famous for its picturesque appearance, 
 entering from the sea, but thousands upon thousands of precious 
 black people here need God. This is the last island at which 
 we stop before reaching Barbados. It is a coaling station 
 for all the vessels going to and fro. Even the African steamers 
 stop here for coal. This is one of the islands where Brother 
 Finch is so eager to open a Full Salvation Mission, and we 
 are asking God for the workers and the money. This, too, 
 is a Naval base for the British, and the island is strongly 
 fortified. What a privilege it would be to preach to the 
 Canadian soldiers here, as well as to the natives! Shall we 
 do it? Is there not some member of the REVIVALIST Family 
 who wants to open a Mission in St. Lucia? Is there not some 
 other member of the REVIVALIST Family who wants to regu- 
 larly support a worker here? Shall we do it? 
 
 100
 
 We were told to get our packing all ready, that by morning 
 we may not be able to pack counting on a rough sea tonight. 
 What a delight the past week has been tree from seasickness 
 and heart weakness! 
 
 We went out for a walk at 4 P. M., through the streets 
 of the town. As we* wanted to get some little items, we 
 visited one of the drygoods stores, and after a lengthy dis- 
 cussion, they finally produced what we could use. They told 
 us the price in English money. Then we asked, "What is 
 it in American money?" "Twenty-two cents, ma'am." Th.s 
 time we happened to have some English money. Then they 
 figured again, and said it was thirty-two cents a yard. We 
 did not know which was the right price, so we paid what 
 they asked. Before leaving our ship we had to get a permit 
 to land, 'and they told us not to go beyond the c ty 
 limits. Walking on to what we supposed were the gardens, 
 we were suddenly stopped by an officer, who asked to see our 
 permits, and told us we were going beyond the city limits. 
 Retracing our steps, we met our first funeral cortege, and 
 stopped to watch it pass. They told us that people here, if 
 they die in the morning, are buried the same afternoon, be- 
 cause of the heat. The hearse was such a crude affair, with 
 a black box on top of it, while the sides looked like the oven 
 doors of a gasoline stove, only larger. The casket seemed 
 to be made of pine wood, painted a peculiar yellow. The 
 poor little wreathes resting on the casket and on the outsides 
 of the hearse looked like our little blue and white wild flowers 
 at home ch, so pitifully poor! The mourners about twenty- 
 five of them walked. Suddenly the procession stopped; the 
 church bell was ringing, and the priests, with three black and 
 white-robed chanters, carrying candles in long, white glass 
 candlesticks, came out to meet the procession, and together 
 they went into the church. How we wanted to attend the 
 
 101
 
 service, but it was time to return to the ship and we had to 
 forbear. Sad! sad! Without God what desolation! Oh, 
 the need of the Gospel ! Oh, the need of these benighted ones ! 
 Baby Bessie Standley is two years old today. We took 
 her photo down to the breakfast table, and celebrated her 
 birthday that much anyway. How .we should like to toss 
 her up into the air just once! 
 
 SATURDAY, February 16 
 
 It is 4 A. M. We awakened at 3. To our surprise, we 
 are finding that nearly all the passengers are troubled the 
 same way sleepless. We are not averaging five hours a 
 night, while this past one has been, indeed, a wild one high 
 winds, great billows, rolling and tossing ship, but, thank God! 
 it is growing quieter now, and no one is sick. We spent the 
 evening on deck, and "Moonlight on the Water" describes 
 it more beautifully than we can put in words. The soft, shim- 
 mering rays athwart the waters, the peculiar brilliancy cf the 
 stars, the splashing of the waves, give a charm that we are 
 loath to leave. Surely, here "the heavens declare the glory 
 of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day 
 unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowl- 
 edge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is 
 not heard." Hallelujah! 
 
 BARBADOS, Saturday, A. M. 
 
 "They that go down to the sea in sh ps, that do business 
 in great waters, these see the works of the Lord and Hi's 
 wonders in the deep. 
 
 "For He commandeth and raiseth the stormy wind, which 
 lifteth up the waves thereof. 
 
 "They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to tha 
 depths; their soul is melted because of trouble. 
 
 102
 
 "They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, 
 and are at their wits end. (How true.) 
 
 "Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He 
 bringeth them out of their distresses. 
 
 "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof 
 are still. (He did.) 
 
 "Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth 
 them unto their desired haven." 
 
 We feel like saying with David this morning, "O that men 
 would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His won- 
 derful works to the children of men!" Here we are at Bar- 
 bados, safe, well and happy. We are all packed up and our 
 baggage on deck, ready and watching for the first glimpse 
 from the shore. We are expecting Brothers Slater and Beirnes 
 to come out to meet us. The harbor master, police and pilot 
 are all on board, our passports have been examined, and we 
 have the permission to land. About 7:45 the two brethren 
 came in sight, and what a glad waving of handkerchiefs ! 
 How graciously they welcomed us as Bible School "Mother." 
 They tell us it is almost too good to be true, to see us here, 
 and they can scarcely believe their eyes. God gave us favor 
 with the Customs officers. What a comfort! Brother Slater 
 has his Ford at the pier, and we are soon off through the city 
 of Bridgetown for Brother Beirnes' home. Sister Beirnes is 
 not looking at all well. We scarcely recognized her. How 
 much they need a change, and they want to return to the 
 homeland with us. They have been out here now five years, 
 and in this continuous hot climate, five years is a long time. 
 Sister Beirnes gave us such a nice dinner; it made us feel 
 like home. Then we took a run in the machine, out to see 
 Sister Slater and the children. The Slaters had to leave 
 Demarara, South America, as both were failing physically. 
 Demarara is malarial, and it means much for an American 
 
 103
 
 missionary to live there, but they are much better now, and 
 slowly gaining. They have a house by the sea. The water 
 laps their back steps when the tide is in, and all bathe twice 
 a day and are feeling the effects of the salt water. Even the 
 baby girl, only nine months old, likes the surf. 
 
 Before telling you of the city, the work, etc., we want to 
 tell you of some of the people we met on board the steamer. 
 There was one old couple between seventy-five and eighty, 
 but so delightful, happy and young in spirit that we all loved 
 them. They were called "Grandpa and Grandma" by all 
 our party. They impressed us so much that we asked for a 
 photo, that we might keep it. They are going to send us 
 one when they were children, and then a new one in their 
 old age. They live near Boston, and expect to return soon. 
 Both are Christians. Then, too, Mrs. Kate Douglas Wiggins 
 was on board, but her identity was not known until within 
 three days of land. She wanted seclusion and quiet. She is 
 the author of twenty books, among them a number for chil- 
 dren: "Mother Carey's Chickens," "Rebecca, of Sunny Brook 
 Farm," "The Bird's Christmas Carol," and others. While 
 sitting alone enjoying the moonlight, last night, she sought 
 an interview with us, and we want to share it with you. A 
 great lover of children, she had studied and watched the little 
 Finch family for the two weeks on board, and wanted to 
 express her respect and love for them. She said their lives 
 spoke louder than sermons, and her secretary told us later 
 that she had remarked after meeting Mrs. Finch, "There is a 
 'Mother Cary.' ' We want to drop this bunch of sweet violets 
 at Brother and Sister Finch's breakfast table weeks after we 
 are gone. She wanted their address, and expects to send 
 each of the children a book. She told us of her early struggles, 
 of her first article, its welcome, the check that followed, and 
 
 104
 
 ROYAL PALMS BARBADOS
 
 of her later life. How grateful we were for this visit from 
 such a busy and gifted woman. 
 
 Barbados has a population of 200,000 in an area of 
 1 62 square miles more people to the square mile than in 
 any other country except China. The harbor is beautiful. 
 The Trade Winds blow continually, and thus render the island 
 more healthy and generally cooler than the others. Bridge- 
 town is the port, and the island is called, "Little England." 
 There is only the Roman Catholic Church here, and it is an 
 ideal place to do missionary work. 
 
 BARBADOS, Monday, February 1 8 
 
 Are we really here? We have to stop and meditate to 
 realize it. Although it is like our hottest summer weather in 
 Cincinnati, yet we are not minding the heat much, and enjoying 
 our visit thoroughly. Sabbath dawned bright and clear. 
 Had a most precious prayermeeting Saturday night. After 
 praising God for our safe voyage, the work was all spread 
 out before Him, and He so united and blessed us that we 
 feel sure we are meeting His approval. The one concern of 
 the missionaries was that the people should see Jesus only, 
 not get their eyes on the missionaries. 
 
 About a ten-minute walk from the home brought us to the 
 new Tabernacle the Tabernacle about which you have read, 
 prayed for, and helped to build. We are delighted with the 
 building. It is splendidly built, showing care and planning; 
 has a seating capacity of about 425, with a side and front 
 entrance, and windows on each side. The seats are comfort- 
 able, and the building is lighted by electricity. Situated as 
 it is in the crowded section of the city, it is destined to prove 
 indeed a lighthouse whose rays shall reach many darkened 
 hearts. After a most splendid song service, led by Brother 
 Slater and his cornet, Brother Finch brought a precious message 
 
 107
 
 on "Worship." This was blessed to all, and at the altar call 
 five came seeking Jesus, and they gave clear testimony that 
 He met them. 
 
 In the evening about three hundred gathered for the welcome 
 service. There was a sprinkling of white people, but the large 
 majority of the congregation were natives. They had expected 
 us, and made preparation for our coming January on the 
 Parima, and had not -received the cable sent of our coming 
 now; and so, being in some uncertainty before they really 
 saw us, it was too late to advertize the meeting, and many 
 were disappointed, but those present gave us a most cordial 
 welcome. How they did shout, sing, amen, rejoice, wave 
 their handkerchiefs! Wh : le the welcome to the new mission- 
 aries and myself was, indeed, all that could be expected, yet 
 we were so pleased and interested to witness the welcome to 
 Brother Finch, their old tried friend and missionary. After 
 Brother Finch's message, Brother Slater exhorted, and there 
 was a precious altar service, with backsliders returning to God. 
 Thus we feel our first Sabbath in Barbados was owned of 
 Him. It is good to be here. 
 
 Brolh",r Finch has planned to visit all the country station? 
 this week, giving one night service to each place. Thus our- 
 days and evenings are crowded full. 
 
 Just before dinner two native sisters came in from the coun- 
 try, bringing their pastor, Brother Beirnes, a bag of potatoes 
 and other vegetables, saying, "God's children must be fed." 
 Knowing that such a crowd were here, they were moved to 
 help. God bless them for it! After supper, with Brothers 
 Finch, Beirnes and Slater, we were off to the first meeting at 
 the country station. This is called "Social Hall," and is five 
 miles out from the city; a most beautiful ride in the moonlight, 
 through fields of sugar cane, on past little villages and country 
 homes. 
 
 108
 
 D 
 
 en
 
 What an investment and blessing the Ford car is to this 
 work ! Surely God's people will never know what it has meant 
 to the missionaries and also the natives, as many of these out 
 stations would be difficult of access were it not for the car. 
 As we passed through the villages, Brother Slater would call 
 out m a loud, stentorian voice, "Come to the meeting down 
 at Social Hall!" and then, as we alighted from the car, he 
 gave a bugle call with the cornet (church bell). The church 
 was soon packed, people coming from village and hillsides. 
 
 As we were passing along the road, we continually heard 
 people say, "Goodnight." It amused us, and we finally in- 
 quired why they did this, when it was only 7 o'clock in the 
 evening, and found this is the usual salutation. They say 
 "Goodnight" as we say "Goodday." 
 
 BARBADOS, Monday, February 18 
 
 How shall we ever describe this first service at the out 
 stations! At 7:30 the hall was well filled, and the service 
 cpened with a most spirited song service. How those 
 dear black people can sing! They simply made the hall ring. 
 There are blessed saints here, and they sang in the spirit, 
 clapping their hands, and thus keeping time with the music. 
 As they sang one of their own songs, "The Reapers," we 
 laughed aloud with joy, and we can understand how some 
 of the students at the School feel when they give one of their 
 unutterable and uncontainable shouts. We felt exactly the 
 same wav. "Songs of Mounting Up, No. 2," is the new 
 song book, and that night it was introduced. The congrega- 
 tion soon mastered "Come and Dine," and how they sang it! 
 After being led in prayer by one of the members a prayer 
 that will linger with us for days to come, a prayer full of 
 pathos, gratitude and simplicity, thanking God for "bringing 
 the Fathers to us" (the missionaries) by request, Brother
 
 Slater and the writer sang, "The Bridal Procession," and how 
 intently the audience listened they wanted to catch every 
 word and then they joined in the chorus with a will. 
 
 It was only a short time after the song service began when 
 the hall was packed, with people standing outside at the 
 windows and crowding the door. We all spoke in this service, 
 and then Brother Finch gave a burning message on "How 
 Shall We Escape?" His soul was burdened, and he poured 
 it out as if he might never again have an opportunity to preach 
 to this people. Three came to the altar, and after prayer, 
 testified to being definitely blessed of God. This is a class 
 of forty-eight members just recently organized, and God is 
 in their midst. There is a benediction on our hearts as we 
 remember them and our service there. Amid "God bless 
 yous" and tender messages of welcome and of goodby, we 
 were off again for the home. As we were returning, Brother 
 Slater suggested that we go home with him. As their house 
 is close to the sea, thus we had a splendid night's rest, lulled 
 to sleep by the dashing breakers. This is their winter down 
 here, and the cold weather of the North has made some change 
 in the climate, for they tell us they have never before used 
 covering at night. However, the change from the heat of the 
 day is delightful, and we can appreciate it fully. One thing 
 surprised us much at Barbados, and that was, not to find 
 swarms of flies, as the homes have no screens, and everything 
 is wide open. There are not many mosquitoes yet, either, but 
 the friends tell us to wait, we will find mosquitoes in both 
 South America and Trinidad. 
 
 We have had our first taste of sugarcane the cane the 
 children talked so much about on the trip down. This cane 
 is in the form of long sticks that, remind us of cornstalks in 
 Ohio, and the people chew it, and it satisfies the desire for 
 candy. Rich and poor use these pieces of sugarcane, as a 
 
 112
 
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 stalk is sold for a penny. We were told that poor women 
 will go a whole day on the strength that they gain from two 
 cr three of these stalks. 
 
 Although a stranger in a strange land, we feel perfectly 
 at home, and adjusted to everything. All the missionaries are 
 taking interest in the Diary Letters. 
 
 Last night we had our second out-station meeting at a 
 place called "Workman." This station is farther away than 
 the service last night, but the roads are good, and with the 
 Ford car it was not difficult* of access. As Workman is 
 located high on the hills, the view was simply wonderful. 
 We have three painted announcements tacked on the car, one 
 on each side, and one on the back, and these announcements 
 read: "Holiness Convention in White Park Road, February 
 24 March 10. American Missionaries to assist." These 
 announcements are read by hundreds, attention is created every- 
 where the car passes. This is a week of prayer at the main 
 church in Barbados, and these out stations not only are places 
 where God is lifted up and souls find Him, but are a means 
 of advertizing the Convention at the main station. On the 
 way out to Workman we met wagon after wagon loaded with 
 cane and grass, the workers sitting on the cane, going home 
 from a day of labor, and what a picturesque sight it was! 
 "Man goeth forth unto his work, and to his labor, until the 
 evening." (Ps. 104:23.) 
 
 The Christians at Workman have a rented hall, paying 
 $1.44 a month for its use. After the cornet call, the congre- 
 gation soon gathered. The place was packed, and as many 
 more were standing on the outside. This was an entirely dif- 
 ferent meeting from the one on Monday night, but was mightily 
 owned of God. "Mounting Up, No. 2" was again introduced 
 as a new book, and after the song service, Scripture and 
 prayer, Brothers Slater and Finch sang a duet, "The Old 
 
 115
 
 Rugged Cross." This hymn was evidently new to the people, 
 but by the time the brethren had sung the chorus several times, 
 the congregation seemed to know it as well. These natives 
 learn the hymns so quickly it almost, makes one feel ashamed 
 of an American audience. Each worker again took part in 
 the service. Brothers Finch and Slater exhorting. Then 
 eighteen dear people gathered around the altar and table. It 
 was such a beautiful sight! After earnest prayer and seeking, 
 Brother Finch asked them to state briefly what they had re- 
 ceived, and we hastily penned* a few sentences: "I wanted 
 healing in my body, and I have it." "I praise God for an- 
 swered prayer. Have been longing for a meeting like this." 
 "He has reclaimed me." "Prayed four weeks to be sanctified, 
 and He has done it." "Praise God that the very root of sin 
 has been taken out." "I have asked Him to sanctify me 
 wholly, and I believe He has done it." "Praise Him for a 
 new touch on my soul. The old wine has been kept to the 
 last, and I have received it, I have received Him." These 
 people are hungry for an old-fashioned revival, and we believe 
 that it began last night. We were touched by the appreciation 
 of the coming missionaries. 
 
 At the close of the service, we were just ready to start 
 for home, when two of the black sisters present brought us a 
 bouquet of beautiful roses, and then a bunch of variegated 
 leaves. It was the best they had, and we appreciated the 
 offering. 
 
 All along the streets in the town, as we were returning, we 
 saw women sitting in front of little trays, each one lighted by 
 a candle. They hoped to have a belated customer. Nearly 
 all of these trays contained candy, sugarcane, oranges and 
 bananas. 
 
 There are no snakes on the islands, but there are lizards, 
 and they are just as common as our spiders at home. 
 
 116
 
 One thing of which I never tire here is the hucksters. When 
 we speak of a huckster we naturally think of a well filled 
 wagon going from house to house, the housewife choosing 
 what she desires, vegetables or fruit, and paying for same; 
 but here it is not so, the hucksters are women, and instead of 
 wagons these women have trays on their heads, and these 
 contain different things lettuce, or sugarcane, fish, fowls, 
 or bananas, or cocoa, peas, beans, pumpkins, and so on. All 
 day long they go from house to house, and at night sit on the 
 streets until quite late. The bread is delivered by a cart, a 
 small, covered vehicle. The loaves are small, and sell for 
 a penny. Everyone, rich and poor, wants a loaf, and they 
 eat it with a cup of coffee or cocoa for the morning meal. 
 A cook here is paid $3.00 a month, and this is considered 
 good wages. Hundreds of natives work all day in the fields 
 for 12 cents, but now is the harvest time, and they get 16 
 cents and all the sugarcane they desire to eat. There is noth- 
 ing that has so touched my heart as to see these black sisters 
 carrying such loads, carrying their trays of vegetables and 
 fruits, but when you think of these women carrying stones 
 and helping to load the ships with coal, it almost seems too 
 much. The wages paid are so small that a man cannot earn 
 enough to support a family, and so many women support 
 themselves by thus working. The people are very poor. Fuel 
 is expensive, and wood is sold by the pound, or 100 pounds 
 for 72 cents. 
 
 We have had our first ride on a Barbadian streetcar, a 
 small car holding about twenty-five people, and drawn by 
 mules. You can go one mile for one cent. They do not 
 have long runs, and the mules rest quite frequently. As the 
 Government controls the car service, the mules are well cared 
 for. They have here a splendid watering system for the whole 
 island. It has cost the Government a million dollars, so their 
 
 117
 
 watering places for horses and mules are ever so often. All 
 the farm work is done by hoes and forks. There is scarcely 
 a plow on the island, and a man or woman hoes or digs 200 
 hills, for the planting of sugarcane, for 12 cents. When a 
 plow is used there are from six to twelve oxen. 
 
 THURSDAY, February 21 
 
 Last evening I was too weary to go to the service, but was 
 almost sorry, as the other missionaries reported such a good 
 time. They had an open air service with a congregation of 
 150. But after a good night's rest, we are ready for to- 
 night's meeting. We are having some real missionary experi- 
 ences here. We thought that possibly we were becoming 
 acclimated, and for this reason slept but little, but one of the 
 missionaries told us they had not been rested in four years, 
 and another said he had not slept well for one year. The 
 continuous heat, with no changing, saps the energy and strength, 
 find for this reason it is more than necessary that the missionaries 
 have a change of climate are allowed to go back home at 
 least every five years. We have been two days and nights 
 now with Brother and Sister Slater, and how kind they have 
 been, giving us their room that we might have the sea air and 
 hear the wash of the great waves. The sea bathing is a perfect 
 delight, and we have afforded David and Flora Bell much 
 amusement. The Slater children have grown so fast, and 
 are so sturdy and well. 
 
 The mahogany tree is native here, and whole groves have 
 been pointed out to us. All the furniture is made of mahog- 
 any, and some of the pieces are very fine. This mahogany 
 is not sent away, but used largely on the island. There are 
 shops all over the city that make furniture, but it is all made 
 by hand, as there are no factories as at home. 
 
 118
 
 Night comes suddenly. We do not have the twilight as 
 we do in the North. About 6 P. M., we suddenly realize 
 that night is on hand, and daylight comes just as suddenly 
 about 6 A. M. We Americans miss the early morning and 
 the long evenings. The birds flit in and out of the house 
 all day long, and this is contantly to me a source of great 
 pleasure, and yet, at the same time, amazement. They seem 
 to have no fear whatever of the occupants of the home, but 
 the house is native to them as well as the air. 
 
 In company with Brother and Sister Beirnes, Brother Slater 
 and Brother Schoombie, we left home about 3 P. M., and had 
 a most delightful ride across the island, fourteen miles. We 
 had to cross the hills, and what a view! The valley spread 
 out before us, the waving grain fields, the marvelous greens! 
 Our Father has a beautiful world; and if it is so beautiful 
 now, when marred by sin, what shall it be when redeemed 
 back to God ! Our trip was to Crane's Hotel, a summer 
 resort on the seaside. There are people here from all over 
 the world. Right on the edge of the sea are great overhang- 
 ing rocks, and Sister Beirnes and myself walked out on the 
 ledge and sat down in a sheltered place, with the sea roaring 
 about us, to write a letter. Later, Brothers Beirnes and 
 Slater had a great swim in the heavy breakers, but we con- 
 tented ourselves by sitting in the sand and watching the wonder- 
 ful blue sea, of which we .never tire. The words of the hymn, 
 
 " Numberless as the sands on the seashore, 
 Numberless as the sands on the shore, 
 O what a sight 'twill be, when the ransomed host we see, 
 Numberless as the sands en the seashore." 
 
 rang in our hearts, and we praise God for the prospect. 
 
 19
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 VICTORY AT THE OUT STATIONS 
 
 Fefcruari; 21 
 
 While on this trip we went to Sam Lord's castle, the 
 home of a pirate who had this castle built for himself nearly 
 a hundred years ago. The story is told of him that he placed 
 1 ghts upon the bamboo trees, and captains of vessels, supposirr' 
 the lights to be those of a lighthouse, came in to shore and 
 were wrecked. He would take his aids, plunder the ships, 
 dispose of or leave the people to look out for themselves, or 
 be washed into the sea, as the case might be. The house 
 itself must have cost an enormous sum, built of solid mahogany, 
 with massive doors marvelously carved. Everything was 
 wonderful ! The house is unoccupied, only as tourists rent it 
 for a month or so at the time, paying forty dollars a month. 
 I am afraid, however, that we could never be able to sleep 
 in such a place, as we could always hear in imagination, the 
 cries of distress of those wrecked through his deception. We 
 were shown the rafters in the cellar that were taken from 
 some of the stranded vessels. We have been in homes that 
 seemed saturated with prayer, and there was a fragrance and 
 sweetness in the very atmosphere; but this house had, to us, 
 an odor of the Pit. We could almost feel the tortures and 
 heartaches that must have gone on in the years of the past, 
 and we were glad to get away from it. Oh, what a heritage 
 the saint or sinner leaves behind! May God help everyone 
 who reads these lines to shine for Him. 
 
 120
 
 These stops were on our way to "Rices," the fourth out- 
 station from Barbados. Here we met a good congregation 
 not as large as the other points, but it is harvest time, and 
 the people worked late, in the sugar mills and the fields. 
 After the songs and messages one dear soul came to the altar 
 for a clean heart, and she really found Jesus in His fullness. 
 She had taken the REVIVALIST and God has made the "Silent 
 Preacher" a great blessing to her. How wonderful it is to 
 meet, in such isolated places, those who are taking the paper! 
 Often it is their only preacher; and while God has marvelously 
 blessed it in the past, we feel He will bless it even more in 
 the days to come. 
 
 Although Rices is fourteen miles from Barbados, many 
 here are planning to spend the Sabbath at the head church, 
 and some expect to be there during the Convention. Brother 
 Blackman, the native preacher who has charge of this and 
 another out-station, is a godly man. Oh, what a joy to look 
 into these black faces, to tell them of Jesus the Jesus who 
 hears and answers prayers, the Jesus who can wash the black 
 heart white, and make and keep us conquerors. This service, 
 we feel, will count for God, and while we do not expect to 
 look into many of the faces again this side of the pearly gates, 
 yet we feel we shall meet some of them at that day. We 
 reach home about 1 o'clock. They tell us here that to lie 
 with the moon shining in your face will give you a cold, and 
 that no one ever thinks of staying out too long in the moon- 
 light. It is new to us, but the promise is, "The sun shall not 
 smite thee by day, nor the moon by night." 
 
 
 FRIDAY, February 22 
 
 Washington's birthday. If we were at home at the Bible 
 School, the children would be telling us of this day, and 
 calling our attention to Washington, the father of his country, 
 
 121
 
 but we feel like we are living in another world, we are so 
 isolated. Although we left New York only three weeks ago 
 tomorrow, yet we scarcely know what is going on, as the 
 information here, with the ships coming so far apart, is meager, 
 but we can trust God and know that everything is going well. 
 He gives us that assurance in our hearts. Some way we can 
 understand the joy of the missionaries when the home letters 
 come, as we never understood it before. 
 
 The Lord answered prayer and gave me the best night's 
 rest I have had in four weeks, and today I feel something 
 like myself. Thank God! "How excellent, is thy loving 
 kindness, O God. Therefore the children of men put their 
 trust under the shadow of thy wings." 
 
 Brother and Sister Beirnes have gone to get their pictures 
 taken for their passports. 
 
 This morning we visited the kitchen. We were desirous to 
 see the stove and manner of cooking. The kitchen floor is 
 made of brick the way most of the kitchens are floored on 
 this island. They use utensils made of clay, too. The "stove" 
 he~e is a small clay pot, not larger than our iron kettle at home. 
 There is a place for the charcoal, and underneath the ashes 
 fall through. They place the cooking utensils on the stove, 
 and can only cook one thing at a time. The charcoal and 
 wood both are very expensive. Charcoal now is $2.00 a 
 bag, while they prevously paid only 72 cents for one. Brother 
 Beirnes has made a makeshift oven, taking a box, lining it 
 with* zinc, and placing two sets of rods through the center. 
 The charcoal fire is placed 'in a vessel inside of the box, and 
 then everything is baked on the rods. The native people, as 
 you can imagine, do very little cooking, as they cannot afford 
 to buy the charcoal. 
 
 122
 
 SATURDAY, February 23 
 
 Yesterday at 4 P. M)., in company with the other mission- 
 aries, we started for Martin's Bay, the fifth country out- 
 station, fourteen miles across the island, in another direction 
 from the point where we have been holding meetings, through 
 great sugar plantations, with the most wonderful views of 
 tropical scenery. I wish it were possible to describe this to 
 you, but I have no language in which to make it known. I 
 can only tell you that it is wonderful beautiful beyond words. 
 On our way out we stopped at the St. John's Church, the 
 Anglican or Church of England. Its quaintness, age, sur- 
 roundings, moss-covered tombs, reminded us of the descriptions 
 of those we have read of in Old England. How interesting it 
 all was! On the handsome mahogany pulpit were beautifully 
 carved these words: "If any man will do His will, he sha!! 
 know of the doctrine." We all registered in the Visitors' 
 Register, then passed into the eld cemetery. This cemetery 
 contains the tombs of several families only, and these families 
 were each buried in a single tomb. They have shelves inside 
 of the tomb mausoleum, as we would call it here, and the 
 dead are placed on these shelves. Some of these tombs are 
 200 hundred years old. The church and cemetery are about 
 800 feet above the sea, with one of the most entrancing views 
 we have ever beheld. We were all enthusiasm, and Brother 
 Finch suggested, "Get out the Diary Letter and write now;" 
 but we felt rather inclined to sit and study the scene, for we 
 could never do it justice with pen or pencil. Palm trees a 
 hundred feet high, the great, rolling, restless sea in the dis- 
 tance breaking over the rocks with the roar and rumble .of a 
 hundred trains, the green valleys dotted with little homes here 
 and there, formed a panorama that shall never be forgotten. 
 It was like visiting fairy land, as we children used to call it. 
 We were blessed through and through, just sitting there and 
 
 123
 
 looking looking! We have never seen anything that brought 
 such intense restfulness, such quietness and pleasure. The 
 majesty, the beauty, the indescribableness of it all, makes rs 
 feel wholly unequal to even try to tell you of it. We only 
 wish it were possible for every REVIVALIST reader to make 
 the trip. The whole place seemed to sing to us of God, and 
 we could not wonder that the stars sang together at Creation's 
 dawn. Some way our hearts felt an appreciation of that 
 scene that we never knew before. Surely, "God is the King 
 of all the earth. Sing praises unto our King, sing praises!" 
 
 We were only on this height about twenty minutes, when 
 we began the descent into the valley, a deep, steep grade. 
 As we entered the home of the school teacher, a refined, Chris- 
 tian native young woman, Miss Elliott, who, with her sister, 
 lives in a cottage half a mile from the sea, we really felt that 
 we were in one of His homes. They had not expected us to 
 arrive so soon, but quickly got us a lunch of raisin bread, 
 cocoa and bananas. Cocoa is the drink of the whole island. 
 Miss Elliott had taken GOD'S REVIVALIST, although she is 
 not, at this time a subscriber, but she felt acquainted with us, 
 and expects to take the paper again. From the veranda which 
 surrounds the cottage, there in the moonlight, we watched the 
 great breakers, and listened to the lashings of the sea. They 
 tell us that this village is the home of Brother Goddard, who 
 was a student in the Bible School for three years, and who 
 is still in America. We regretted not seeing his aged mother. 
 She was not able to come to the service, and we did not feel 
 equal to climbing the hills to her home. 
 
 After a short rest here a steep hill, anpl then the little 
 Mission. The place was packed, with about 150 standing 
 on the outside. Brother Slater's cornet again called the con- 
 gregation together. The Spirit of the Lord was wonderfully 
 present, and gave much liberty. The missionaries were at 
 
 124
 
 their best. What a rejoicing time! These black saints get 
 blessed, and sing heartily, and are always ready for our 
 solo, or duet, or trio, or quartet "The Bridal Procession." 
 Some of the saints were so happy over being in the "bridal 
 procession" that they shouted and jumped for joy. Several 
 times we were not able to sing for the rejoicing. We have 
 been surprised at one thing in the island there is not as much 
 demonstration as one might expect to see, and as much as we 
 find among the colored people at home, but Brother Slater 
 told us that the people here are not given to demonstration. 
 They enjoy the presence of the Lord, but they show it in a 
 different way. However, tonight was an exception. Each 
 took part in the service and God wonderfully blessed. Brother 
 Finch is expecting to hold revival services in this place later. 
 The field is ripe. That nipht's service made us know the 
 opening is at hand. In about an hour we reach home. 
 
 Not accustomed to hearing our, "How do you do?" the 
 people are quite surprised, but on the other hand, it seems 
 impossible for us to get accustomed to saving "Goodn'ght." 
 It is very hot in the davtime, but the nights are cool. After 
 busily writing for three hours yesterday, we went for a little 
 walk, wearing a hat, but using no umbrella. However, we 
 had not walked more than ten minutes when we began to get 
 such a peculiar headache, burning in the face, and we knew 
 at once we had been out too long in the sun. CalHng m'ght'.ly 
 upon God, and promising if He would take ft away, we 
 would be more careful, He answered prayer. It seems so easy 
 to forget that we are not at home, and we have to say over 
 and over, "Lord, help us," and mean by that, to help us to 
 get accustomed to the difference between this climate and ours, 
 the difference between these surroundings and ours at home. 
 The natives are used to the sun, but even they wear a covering. 
 
 125
 
 An American, however, is very easily overcome, and the stroke 
 is even worse than the regular sunstroke. 
 
 This is Saturday nieht, and Brother Biernes accompanies us 
 to Roebuck Street, just a square away. The streets are filled 
 with people going to and fro. There are no sidewalks, and 
 we all walk in the streets. The little stores are crowded 
 with people buying something for the Sabbath. As we entered 
 one, they were weighing a penny's worth of wood, cut up like 
 kindling. In another store they were selling corn meal, in 
 another bottled molasses, and so on. All the stores are small. 
 Everywhere on the road were women with their trays, the 
 small lamps flickering in the moonlight. Here is a large tray 
 filled with cookies, buns, etc., one penny apiece, home-made 
 candy, etc., everything exposed to dust and germs. Another 
 wcman had a pan of sausages on a charcoal stove at her feet. 
 She was cooking them. If these dear people cannot have 
 meat through the week, they feel they must have a little bit 
 for Sunday. As we entered one shop, there was a rooster 
 on one shelf and a chicken on another. The man explained 
 that so many of the chickens had been stolen, that he is keep- 
 ing the rest inside until they have eaten them. We bought 
 seme bananas in order to make an excuse for our call. We 
 did so enjoy having this trip, as we would call it, through 
 the market. Everywhere Brother Biernes invited the people 
 to attend the services on the morrow. 
 
 MONDAY, February 25 
 
 '"Showers of blessings, 
 
 Showers of blessings we need; 
 
 "Mercy drops round us are falling, 
 
 But for the showers we plead. ' ' 
 
 It was a glorious Sabbath a full day, a wonderful time 
 of the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. The week of prayer 
 
 126
 
 has counted for God. The first service began at 1 1 o'clock, 
 and the presence of the Holy Spirit was very marked. We 
 felt and realized that He had come to bless His people. As 
 we sat looking over that audience, Brother Finch asked, 
 "Does this look like Missions pay?" "A hundred times! A 
 hundred times!" we answered, and we felt from that one 
 week passed visiting the out-stations and this one service, we 
 had witnessed enough to know that every cent -put into Mis- 
 sions pays, yes, pays a hundredfold, not only in this life, 
 but think of the reaping and the reward over there! All 
 through the audience we were able to pick out folks from 
 the country stations, and how good it was to see them! Among 
 these people from the out-stations were the local preachers. 
 They came to have their hearts blessed, and were not disap- 
 pointed. 
 
 Brother Finch brought the message, "We see Jesus," and 
 God marvelously used that message to awaken hearts. Some 
 eighteen or twenty answered to the altar call, and with strong 
 cryings and tears, sought God, and found Him to their heart's 
 satisfaction. One dear soul told us that amidst many trials 
 she had not been patient and sweet as she should have been, 
 but now God had cleansed her heart, and He was going to 
 hold her. There was such a look of rest, such a look of 
 calmness in her face that we felt that indeed and in truth, 
 the great God in Heaven had Himself stooped and spoken 
 to her heart. There is only one thing we can liken it to: on 
 a small scale, it was a service of the REVIVALIST Camp over 
 again. Our souls were watered and refreshed. 
 
 At 4 P. M., we had another meeting of the Brotherhood 
 some kind of an organization among men but today they 
 have invited all the women. By special invitation, Brother 
 Schoombie was asked to preach, Brother Slater to sing a solo, 
 and, with the writer, a duet. Brother Slater sang, "He Lifted 
 
 127
 
 Me," Brother Schoombie brought the message, "One Thing 
 Needful," then Brother Slater and 'myself sang, "The Open 
 Fountain." As we studied the audience, in many faces we 
 saw the light of God, and what an encouragement and in- 
 spiration. As he gave the message we felt that we could 
 leave the results with Him. The chairman, on behalf of the 
 Brotherhood, gave the writer a large bouquet of beautiful trop- 
 ical flowers. We appreciated the thoughtfulness, and the 
 opportunity of speaking of Jesus to an organization that is 
 not Christian. We felt it was, indeed, a privilege to bring 
 the message to those whom we could not otherwise reach. 
 
 After lunch, we go to evening service at the church. By 
 7 P. M. there was a great audience, and after a blessed song 
 service, Brother Slater brought the message of the hour. What 
 a burning hot exhortation: "Fight ye not against the God of 
 your fathers: for ye shall not prosper!" He was burdened, 
 and God used and blessed that message. The altar was filled, 
 and He answered to hearts. One dear soul felt she must 
 ask forgiveness of another who had grievously wronged her, 
 and it seemed more than she could possibly do; but she prom- 
 ised God if He would only answer to her heart, she would 
 ask that forgiveness today. We feel she will obey Him, and 
 we know He will bless her in the doing. Oh, how much it 
 means for a soul to obey! The revival is on. We feel 
 and recognize it. The workers are so burdened, and much 
 prayer is going up. The precious people are hungry, and 
 word comes from other points for the outpouring of the Holy 
 Spirit, as well as the home church. One of the native preach- 
 ers just wrote Brother Biernes: 
 
 "This is to let you know that since I heard from you, the 
 Lord has answered in giving a revival. Not only in the city 
 of Port of Spain, but right here in Chaguanas, we have re- 
 ceived a landslide from the Glory world, and souls are no 
 
 128
 
 more coming by the ones, but by threes and fours and fives. 
 Bless God, the interest is deepening! We never had such 
 crowds in the street meetings or indoors as we are having now. 
 A revival is on. Roman Catholics are coming home to God. 
 They are breaking away from idols to serve the true and 
 living God. The Roman Catechist says we are drawing away 
 many of their members; but it is the faithful Holy Spirit 
 through the truth of God. May the Lord bring Brother Finch 
 quickly! A church building is needed so badly here to house 
 those whom God is saving." 
 
 Praise God for such a report! We believe the money will 
 soon be on hand for that church building, and we expect to 
 visit this place and will report to you later. 
 
 There is one strikingly noticeable thing about the people 
 here: they bring their Bibles to church, and when the lesson 
 is read, the congregation follow the reader. How glad we 
 were to meet Brother Thornton's mother. This is Brother 
 Thornton's second year in the Bible School at Cincinnati, 
 and the mother was so eager to have a report from him. We 
 could only tell her good, and she was pleased. 
 
 On Saturday we read our first Diary Letter printed in the 
 December 31st issue of the REVIVALIST. We nave written 
 so much since that letter that we had almost forgotten what 
 was written. How interested the missionaries were to see 
 it, and how blessed we are in writing! We want every 
 REVIVALIST subscriber to consider these Diary Letters as 
 personal ones. 
 
 The photograph of the new church was taken today, and 
 we are sending it to you. Look at is carefully, for this is a 
 most blessed place, a place where Jesus is preached in all His 
 fullness. This church is a monument to answered prayer. 
 Brother Beirnes was so pressed in spirit over the need of a 
 building for the people, that he prayed day and night. God 
 
 129
 
 gave him the vision, the plan and the promise. By faith he 
 began the building. Then God put the burden on the home 
 folks. Brother Finch took it up, the Cincinnati Camp helped, 
 and from the time the burden came, it was less than six months 
 before the building was dedicated, although it is not all paid 
 for yet. The people hope to finish doing this by paying 
 twenty dollars per month. The cornerstone has inscribed on 
 it: "Dedicated August 7, 1917, unto Him who hath called 
 us unto holiness." Since we have been here, heard of its long- 
 felt need, and realized how helpless the missionaries were 
 without it, we are grateful beyond words that the building 
 is, indeed, a reality; and we feel each ore who gave and 
 helped to make it possible would agree with us, could they 
 be in the services, could they understand and feel the mighty 
 presence of God. Thank God for the building in Barbados! 
 
 As there is no meeting tonight, we are all going to Brother 
 Slater's this afternoon, and expect to have a plunge in the 
 sea. It is the first time the little Finch folks have had an 
 opportunity of going. They are, indeed, happy. Baby Dor- 
 othea Slater not yet nine months was dipped in the water, 
 and enjoyed it, seemingly, as much as the rest of us. She 
 splashed and laughed and shouted her delight in every way. 
 We found Sister Slater ill; another attack of malarial fever 
 and weak heart. Before leaving, we laid hands on her and 
 prayed, and the blessed Jesus drew near, as we asked Him 
 to heal the worn body. He consciously blessed her, and she 
 testified to it, and felt better immediately. He is the same 
 yesterday, today and forever. 
 
 As we were in the sitting room last evening a beggar 
 woman knocked at the door, and Brother Beirnes asked her 
 to come in, that we might see her. On her head was a large 
 bundle, dressed in rags; poor, emaciated, hollow-eyed such 
 a creature as you seldom see. She had with her a little boy 
 
 130
 
 who was in even worse condition than herself. What a 
 touching story she told us! She comes regularly to the mis- 
 sionaries, and they always help her. She knows on whom she 
 can depend, and does not hesitate to ask for help. One 
 merchant here helps between fifty and sixty of the poor every 
 Saturday. The maimed, the lame, the halt and the blind 
 come to him. 
 
 TUESDAY, February 26 
 
 While all the rest were at the main church Sunday night, 
 Brother and Sister Finch held a service at "Carrington Vil- 
 lage," one of the near appointments. He reports great free- 
 dom in preaching, a packed house, and six souls at the altar 
 who touched God. 
 
 Last night Brother Schoombie brought the message, "It is 
 time to seek the Lord." His three points were: The Uncer- 
 tainty of Time, the Brevity of Time, and the Duration of 
 Eternity. He was burdened, and God heard, and the altar 
 was again lined with seekers. There was rejoicing in Heaven 
 over some coming home. 
 
 Brother Finch relieved Brother Biernes as pastor, and has 
 installed Brother Slater. Brother Biernes will go to South 
 America and Trinidad with us. Have all booked to sail 
 March 6, on the only steamer going for some time; had to 
 take this or go on a schooner, and we do not want more than 
 is necessary of those. 
 
 TUESDAY, February 26 
 
 Constance, the girl who has done our laundry, brought it 
 back and with it some pretty red seeds and some other black 
 ones, in long-stemmed pods to take home. Another gave us 
 a calabash, and a woman in the neighborhood sent a dish of 
 tamarinds, the fruit like a date, but more tart. So kind of 
 them. We also had some fruit called "sour sop." 
 
 131
 
 We have had three good night's sleep, but last night very 
 little. When we cannot sleep, we pray. We had a wonder- 
 ful time. The Lord took an old text which never seemed to 
 have any special meaning before, and made it Life to us, 
 and there seemed to be a sermon, altar service and" love feast 
 altogether. We will never get over that night. 
 
 "Some through the water, some through the flood, 3 
 
 Some through the fire, but all through the Blood, 
 Some through great sorrow, but still with a song, 
 In the night seasons, and all the day long." 
 
 Someone truly says, "Unless each soul ran through life's 
 various discords and melodies, it would not, alas, know the 
 perfect symphony." 
 
 "God has His best things for the few 6 
 
 Who dare to stand the test; 
 God has His second choice for those 
 
 Who will not have the best." 
 
 We choose the best. 
 
 "My God, I want but Thee, 
 
 Thy life increase within me, until all but Thine shall cease; 
 And yet a deeper state I crave, 
 
 No more to see myself, however greatly blessed or filled, 
 But only Thee." 
 
 WEDNESDAY, February 27 
 
 We had a quiet, restful night. It grows warmer every day. 
 It had been announced that there would be a three-days' 
 service this week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 
 Some feared the people would not come, but there were fifty 
 present yesterday, and they all walked. One told us she had 
 come one mile, others two, and two and a half, another ten. 
 Think of it! In the hottest part of the day. Brothers Biernes, 
 Schoombie, and the writer each spoke, and one young man 
 was sanctified. The church is a ten minutes' walk from the 
 
 132
 
 home. We had a precious visit with one who shared the 
 walk back. There are many truly sanctified people here. A 
 splendid audience came Monday night, but a much larger 
 one last night. It was like a Sunday night crowd. The people 
 are hungry, and fill the church early. How they sing, "Come 
 and dine." They do not need any help. We can sit and 
 enjoy it. With Brother Slater we sang, "Yielded Life," to 
 their evident enjoyment. 
 
 Two other notable things have impressed us, outside of the 
 Bibles. No one enters the church and takes his seat without 
 kneeling, and they always fill up the front row seats and 
 leave the rear ones for late comers. How we wish their 
 example could be followed at home. Brother Finch brings 
 the message on, "The baptism with the Holy Ghost," eluci- 
 dating and emphasizing it with Scripture after Scripture. He 
 is free. The people are convicted, but it was a hard pull. 
 After holding on, however, ten came to the altar, and what 
 joy to see them pray through. 
 
 Brother Slater moves in from the house beside the sea, 
 four miles away, to this home, as he is pastor, and needs to be 
 near, while Brother and Sister Biernes go to the sea again 
 to gain some strength before they return home. The homes 
 are furnished, so all they have to do is to have trunks moved 
 with personal belongings. We have been at Brother Biernes' 
 and were shown much kindness. Sister Biernes has gathered 
 up a number of curios for us to take home, and will get 
 more. We feel indebted to her. 
 
 We are now with Brother and Sister Finch, and will 
 remain with them the rest of our stay. They are comfortably 
 situated in a five-room house, on a hill, in a suburban part 
 of the city. It is better for the children. 
 
 Another good morning audience. The presence of the 
 Holy Spirit is marked, and interest deepening. Brother Slater 
 
 133
 
 remarks in the opening that he feels "God has the meeting in 
 charge, and there is no strain." There was a good testimony 
 service, almost everyone testifying briefly, then Brother Finch 
 gave a Bible talk on sanctification, making it so plain that six 
 or seven came to the altar for their inheritance. 
 
 The days are gliding by, full of blessing. We cannot 
 get accustomed to not seeing a mail man come in once a day. 
 Four weeks tomorrow, and we have not seen him once. The 
 missionaries tell us they now sometimes wait weeks and weeks. 
 "In patience possess ye your souls." There is a boat coming 
 from New York next week, and we are all looking eagerly 
 for it. 
 
 Bridgetown is a city of 50,000, but is so far behind the 
 times, and so scattered it does not seem larger than 20,000. 
 It boasts of one train, and that looks like a child's plaything. 
 It runs only twenty-one miles. There are two or three stores 
 that makes us feel like we are at home. It is a curious, interest- 
 ing, old English town. To our knowledge, there is only one 
 American man here outside of the missionaries, and when one 
 meets one, there is a fellow sympathy ; so when Brother Finch 
 and the brethren called on the American Ambassador, placing 
 ourselves under his protection, there was genuine pleasure on 
 both sides. He was pleased to see them. Our passports have 
 been signed by the Governor of the islands, and we are at 
 liberty to go to South America. 
 
 We did not go to the meeting last night, but learned that 
 they had a most remarkable meeting, most powerful of all. 
 While the congregation sang, "Let all the people praise Thee," 
 the power fell on the audience, and glory filled the place. 
 Brother Schoombie brought the message, "What will you do 
 with Jesus, who is called the Christ?" 
 
 134
 
 FRIDAY, March 1 
 
 A beautiful summer day! A heavy rain has cooled the 
 atmosphere. 
 
 Brother Finch had the service yesterday morning, and his 
 message was on Christian Perfection. He is full of this 
 subject, and is giving the people his best. They had a good 
 altar service again. About 4 P. M. there was a heavy shower, 
 and they did not expect so many out, as the people largely go 
 barefoot, and are afraid of a disease, as the result of cold; 
 but there was only a slight change in the attendance, and 
 people in from the country appointments, too. Brother Slater 
 has the opening service, and asks for promises, and almost 
 two-thirds of the audience give a verse of Scripture, promise, 
 testimony, or exhortation. They were asked to give a prom- 
 ise, but seemed to give the expression of their heart. It was 
 profitable and enjoyable. They are well versed in Scripture, 
 and use it freely in testimony and prayer, making them rich, 
 for there is nothing so encouraging and uplifting as God's 
 Word. "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not 
 sin against thee." "Let us come before His presence with 
 thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms." 
 
 The presence of the Holy Spirit is more marked than in 
 any of the previous meetings, until one is constrained to say, 
 "This is a great Convention." Brother Finch brings the 
 message on the Second Coming, using the last verse in the 6th 
 chapter of First Thessaloians : The Model Church, the 
 Model Servant, the Model Brother, the Model Walk, then 
 the Day of Jehovah. We have never heard Brother Finch 
 more free and full of power as He gives this truth, nor do 
 we know anything that seems to bring more conviction on 
 hearts. The altar was well filled. We were attracted to a 
 young girl who was weeping and praying. Upon inquiry we 
 found she was so afraid she would be left behind, and wanted 
 
 135
 
 God to forgive her sins. After a long time of confessing and 
 praying, she was enabled to believe He did it. It was a 
 comfort to see the look of peace there. Others were blessed, 
 too. We were also encouraged to hear that one of the lawyers 
 at the "Brotherhood," on last Sabbath afternoon, was greatly 
 convicted under the truth presented, and stated he was going 
 to "save his soul." Pray for him. 
 
 SATURDAY, March 2 
 
 No meeting this morning, so for fear it may be our last 
 opportunity, we go down to the city and spend two hours 
 looking around. We wanted to find plenty of cards descrip- 
 tive of the various scenes we have looked upon, to bring to 
 you and others. We find two dozen. We were compelled to 
 search several stores for these. We stepped into a curio shop 
 and this is filled with all sorts of curios, from an alligator, 
 crocodile, turtle, bamboo tree, shells of all descriptions, to 
 the smallest article. A heavy shower came up and we had 
 to wait. Here was a store called "Self Help," on the order 
 of the Woman's Exchange at home, run by white people. 
 Dozens of English ladies were there while we waited. They 
 get fresh vegetables, jellies, fresh country butter, etc., outside 
 of the general kind. The only kind of jelly here is guava, 
 and sells for twenty cents a pint jar. It is very fine. We 
 get a small hand basket made of cabbage palm. It is brown 
 and white, of tough material, and will wear for years. A 
 young boy enters, and asks us to buy limes. We shake our 
 head. He insists, and before we know it, he puts eight in 
 our basket, looks so appeal'ngly at us, and we get out our 
 purse and pay him. The women enter With all kinds of 
 trays on the'r heads, trying to sell. They fill the st-eets w'th 
 their wares, and beg for a buyer. We find the post office, 
 send a parcel, and get some stamps. 
 
 136
 
 Right here is what is called "The Green," corresponding 
 to our "Fountain Square" a central meeting place for all 
 the street cars. When the city clock strikes ten, twelve, or 
 three, as the case may be, the cars all start at once. We 
 greatly enjoyed our two hours in this quaint old city, having 
 time to watch and study the sights. 
 
 Brother Biernes was the speaker last night, the first time 
 he has spoken in this convention, and the first time we have 
 heard him. After Brother Slater sings, "The Great Judgment 
 Morning," he speaks on "The Judgment," a strong, Scriptural 
 sermon. It had been "ironing day" among the people, and 
 there was a small audience. Everyone seems to be worn out, 
 and the service closes early. This morning before 8 o'clock, 
 Brother Slater takes us to a suffar estate called "Canewood." 
 This, with another, is owned by Brother Dear. He took us 
 to his second, and had the windmill put in operation so we 
 could see the process of grinding the cane. The wings of 
 the windmill are thirty-six feet long, and there are four of 
 them. What a sight it was. They can only be operated while 
 the wind is blowing, and when it does not they have to wait; 
 but that is not often. There are three great rollers, one ton 
 weight each, and the cane is fed between them, which crushes 
 out the juice. We helped to feed it. The juice is carried 
 through pipes into tanks, where it is strained and cooked into 
 syrup. They gave us all we could drink of the cane juice. 
 Most of this work, from the planting to this final process, is 
 done by women. They carry the cane in bundles, weighing 
 from fifty to seventy-five pounds, to the feeding place. Brother 
 Slater attempted to place one bundle in our arms, and we 
 dropped it at once. They make 1 ,800 gallons of syrup a 
 day. This making of syrup is from February to June, and 
 is the happiest time of the year for the natives. They can 
 have all the juice they want to drink, and all the cane to 
 
 137
 
 chew. We taste and see the syrup after it has gone through 
 every process and is ready for market. It has a fine flavor, 
 and we do not wonder that the people like it. Brother Dear 
 gives all his help two pints every week to carry home. The 
 syrup sells for forty cents per gallon, and is largely shipped 
 to Canada, etc. Brother Dear has been a great blessing to 
 the missionaries. God bless him! 
 
 This is Saturday night. On the way from New York, 
 Esther and Catherine told us so much of the "Saba" girls, 
 and tonight they came to see them. These girls are in service. 
 They walked four miles to and from, and brought two baskets 
 filled with presents: one dozen eggs, cabbage, two cucum- 
 bers, one jar of "guava" jelly, fifteen bananas, two grape- 
 fruit, two dozen cookies, five oranges, three tomatoes, a plate 
 of cooked fish, and a vegetable like squash. The children 
 are delighted, and they are equally pleased to see them happy. 
 "Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits." 
 Two of the girls are from the island of Saba. 
 
 SATURDAY, March 2 
 
 "Grandpa and Grandma" have not gone back to Boston 
 are going on the first steamer. They have been to see us, 
 and today had a large auto, and with two other passengers 
 of the Guiana, invited Catherine and Esther for a ride around 
 the island. They had a most delightful day. They have 
 been to the Convention both Sabbath mornings. They are 
 not free to ride the street cars on the Sabbath, so Brother 
 Slater brought them each time in his Ford. "Grandpa" gave 
 him five dollars for gasoline. They, with their daughter, have 
 entertained Billy Sunday in Boston. They are sincere Chris- 
 tians, and greatly enjoy the service, and gain blessing and 
 inspiration. They are so beautiful and kind in spirit that we 
 all love them. 
 
 138
 
 We have had our first taste of "curry," of which we have 
 heard so much from India missionaries. It is used here as 
 well as in all hot countries. We rather like it. It is a hot 
 powder put in gravy, and used over meat, fish, etc. We are 
 told it fits this climate. Eddoes is new, too, a vegetable like 
 carrots, only white. 
 
 SUNDAY, March 3 
 
 This is a beautiful Sabbath day, cool and pleasant. We 
 understood there would be little if ever any change in tem- 
 perature, and we are so pleased when it is cooler. Brother 
 Schoombie has secured license to run a Ford, and comes for 
 the family at ten. Only a few minutes ride, and we are 
 at the church. Praise Service was announced to be at ten, 
 and a large company assembled. "Enter into his gates with 
 thanksgivings, and his courts with praise. Be thankful unto 
 him, and bless his name." "Come and hear, all ye that fear 
 the Lord, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." 
 We had thought to take down some of these rich testimonies, 
 but we became so absorbed enjoying them we could not. It 
 was one of the sweetest services we were ever in, like one 
 of the testimony meetings in the last service of the Camp. 
 Surely those sweet notes of praise were like incense; and the 
 black faces of the speakers just shone. About every third 
 person started his testimony with a verse of song, and all 
 joined. 
 
 ' ' The Lamb, the Lamb, the bleeding Lamb, 
 I love the sound of Jesus' name, 
 It sets my spirit all aflame, 
 Glory to the bleeding Lamb!" 
 
 An old gray-haired lady from "Social Hall" started to sing, 
 
 city and from country we have gathered to this place, 
 To magnify Thy goodness, power, love, and boundless grace, 
 And tarry in the sunshine of the presence of Thy face, 
 To Thee be all the praise!" 
 
 139
 
 She had the freedom of a bird in midair, and blessed us. 
 Before it was over they danced before the Lord for very joy, 
 and then gave a glad wave offering. It was a blessed 
 occasion. With Brother Slater, we sang, "In the secret of 
 His presence," after which he brought the message from Psa. 
 84:1.1, "The Lord God is a sun and shield," a strong, help- 
 ful sermon, full of encouragement for the saint and conviction 
 to those not sanctified. He was blessed in the delivery, but 
 was hampered for lack of time. Many came to the altar. 
 The evening service was divided, Brother Finch preaching on 
 the New Birth, at the main church, and Brother Schoombie 
 at "Carrington Village." This is a splendid building, and 
 we own it. 
 
 In our two weeks' stay we have seen more than one hun- 
 dred and fifty bow at the altar as seekers. God has been 
 honored and His name glorified. How the people do thank 
 Him for this new church home, this "refuge," as they express 
 it. Many have felt like sheep without a shepherd, and the 
 long-felt need can hardly be estimated by us at home. The 
 work is more established, and they feel it has come to stay. 
 We hear expressions of satisfaction on every side. 
 
 MONDAY, March 4 
 
 This is our birthday. How old? Just guess. We are 
 telling no one, keeping ft a surprise, letting the Diary Letter 
 tell them weeks after we are gone. 
 
 We just cannot tell it. The tears fill our eyes as we think 
 of the love of these missionaries, and what they want to do, 
 if able. We can almost hear some of them say, "Now, 
 Sister Knapp, why didn't you let us know?" However, there 
 are birthday presents, for instead of receiving we are giving, 
 and you know "it is (always) more blessed to give than to 
 receive." Knowing that the two families have not eaten but- 
 
 140
 
 ter for nine months, or a year, we are sending the Beirnes and 
 Slater families a pound, also a pound of American cheese, 
 which is such a treat, and also a can of condensed milk. 
 We are so happy in doing this. We remember the Finch 
 family with a small treat, but knowing we all came so re- 
 cently from the States, we do not need the extras as the rest 
 of them. We did use to like "surprises," but have not prac- 
 ticed one in years, and this is a real enjoyment. This sweet 
 Scripture comes for us, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 
 neither hath it entered into the heart of man, the things which 
 God hath prepared for them that love Him." This is enough 
 for a birthday. 
 
 "He will silently plan for thee 
 Some wonderful surprise of love; 
 
 Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 
 But is kept for thee above." 
 
 TUESDAY, March 5 
 
 Yesterday P. M the missionaries all met for counsel and 
 prayer, talking over plans, providing for the needs and de- 
 velopment of the work. There was a blessed spirit of fellow- 
 ship and harmony. All seemed to see eye to eye, and we 
 are believing God to wonderfully lead in the future of the 
 work, and all are encouraged. 
 
 Sister Slater has had another relapse, and unless God heals, 
 it will be imperative for her to return home soon. The doc- 
 tor has told them she cannot live in a tropical climate. They 
 had hoped to remain one more year, while Brother Beirnes 
 is away, but may be compelled to go. Pray for them. 
 
 Last evening the meeting took on a new form. Had what 
 we often have at the School a platform meeting. We were 
 anxious to hear some of the native workers speak, and this 
 meeting was arranged, and more than met our expectations. 
 
 141
 
 There were five on the platform three women and two men. 
 We took our place in the large audience assembled. We 
 studied the faces before us, and knew what they were before 
 they uttered a word. Four of them, at least, revealed char- 
 acter and strength. The first, the Bible Woman employed 
 by the Church, spoke. Each one was allotted ten minutes. 
 Her subject was, "A Broken and a Contrite Heart." The 
 sinner must have it to get saved, the believer must have it to 
 be kept, the backslider must have it to come home. She 
 addresses all three classes, urging them to God. The second 
 talked to sinners. "In due time, Christ died for the ungodly." 
 The subject of the third was, "When I see the Blood." It 
 was a clear, sweet message on obedience and living under the 
 blood, where only there is safety. The fourth spoke on the 
 subject, "Behold the Lamb of God," taking us from the 
 birth of Jesus to His suffering and death, urging all to come 
 to Him. The last one took for a text, "Be filled with the 
 Spirit," urging the necessity of keeping filled, so that when 
 the missionaries left, the revival fire would never go out. He 
 did give truth. Speaking of the Convention and the blessing 
 it has been, he said, "It seems as if God had something from 
 eternity, and threw it over into our laps." We felt we would 
 like to have transported them to the Cincinnati Campmeeting 
 platform, and have had you to enjoy it. They were equal 
 to many of our best students in quoting Scripture, earnestness, 
 zeal, command of language and burden for souls. Here is 
 the church, the result of missionary effort, training her workers 
 and fitting them for places of responsibility and usefulness. 
 These were only a few there are many more. We commend 
 them to your earnest prayer. We are edified and blessed. 
 
 142
 
 WEDNESDAY, March 6 
 
 The Parima arrived early this A. M. We have been so 
 eager to hear from home that when we heard the vessel was 
 to be here today, we could hardly wait for the mail to come. 
 It amounted to almost hunger for food. Brothers Finch, 
 Schoombie and Slater went down to see about our passage, 
 and to bring home the mail. What do you think? There 
 was not a line, not even a REVIVALIST for any of us! Why, 
 we looked for half a mail sack, and held out our hands for 
 our big share. "No mail?" "Not a bit." It took us 
 sometime to catch our breath. Some of them were prepared, 
 and laughed heartily at us, and Brother Slater said he was 
 "tickled" over it, so we could get a good taste of what the 
 missionaries go through. What is the trouble? They tell 
 us the vessel loaded with one hundred sacks of mail preceded 
 the Parima, and has not come in yet, but may arrive any 
 day. You see we go on today, and the length of our stay in 
 South America and Trinidad is so uncertain, that it will not 
 be safe to forward mail, and it may be another month before 
 we get word from home. Can you not imagine how we 
 would like to call up on a long distance, and get a message 
 through? "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his 
 help, whose hope is in the Lord his God." 
 
 143
 
 CHAPTER X 
 THE NEGLECTED CONTINENT SOUTH AMERICA 
 
 WEDNESDAY, March 6; on Board Parima 
 
 We understood the Parima would go in dry dock for 
 repairs in New York longer than this, but here she is. In 
 the awful storm in which she was, all her lifeboats were swept 
 away. Of course they are now replaced. We are supposed 
 to get to Georgetown, S. A., by Friday morning, leaving here 
 at ten tonight. There has been a heavy gale all night and 
 today, and suppose there is a rough sea. We have been told 
 over and over that we will be seasick, but we are looking to 
 the Lord, wading through everything by prayer alone. What 
 a refuge is He! "I will cry unto God Most High, unto God 
 who performeth all things for me." 
 
 "Jesus, Savior, pilot me 
 Over life's tempestuous sea. 
 Unknown waves before me roll, 
 Hiding rock and treacherous shoal, 
 Chart and compass come- from Thee, 
 Jesus, Savior, Pilot me." 
 
 "As a mother stills her child 
 Thou canst hush the ocean wild; 
 Boisterous winds obey Thy will 
 When Thou sayest to them, 'Be still.' 
 Wond'rous Sovereign of the sea, 
 Jesus, Savior, Pilot me. ' ' 
 
 We bid the Finch family goodby; they shower us with kisses 
 and love. We stop to see Sister Slater, who is some better, 
 with whom we have prayer, and are off for the dock. A 
 
 144
 
 small boat takes us, trunks and baggage. We pass a sub- 
 marine chaser in harbor. The Parima is much smaller than 
 the Guiana, but. our staterooms are larger, and conveniences 
 are better. 
 
 THURSDAY, March 7 
 
 Had a very rough night. Our stateroom is an inside one 
 and we have not. had enough air, and that, with the tossing of 
 the vessel, has left us miserable. When we attempted to rise, 
 the beads of perspiration filled our eyes and we fell back, 
 limp and exhausted, though we had not the seasickness as 
 before. The stewardess hurried us on deck, where we re- 
 mained all day, the only woman passenger until late in the 
 evening. Almost everyone is sick. Only three or four ap- 
 peared all day, and it is such a quiet time. We were 
 prompted not to eat and so have not seen inside the dining 
 room; only taken a little orange juice and taste of cracker 
 or toast. 
 
 Now, Diary, what do you think has happened? Brother 
 Schoombie is seasick, the first time in eight years of travel. 
 He is so surprised, he hardly knows what to think. He teased 
 us all so much that it seemed he needed a taste. Don't you 
 think so? We really would not wish a dog to have more 
 than that. 
 
 FRIDAY, March 8 
 
 We land today. Oh, how glad we will be. One reason 
 why it is so rough, the vessel is so lightened of its cargo by 
 the time it reaches Barbados, that it hasn't enough to hold 
 it down. Brother Finch is still very sick, the worst he has 
 ever been. The rest are better. 
 
 1 P. M. We are nearing Georgetown. We are in the 
 Demarara River, and it is as muddy as the Ohio. The pilot 
 
 145
 
 came on board ah hour ago. How good it is to see land. 
 The stewardess tells us there was snow and ice in New York 
 when they left, the coal situation not much improved, gas 
 and oil supplies short, but that factories and stores are running 
 on Mondays. It was good to hear this much about our 
 native land. 
 
 We are almost in. We feel something like the song writer, 
 
 "Then sing, O sailor, sing, 
 Let joy each, heart elate; 
 The light has come, we are almost home, 
 We've sighted the Golden Gate." 
 
 Brother Beirnes spies several of the church people on the pier, 
 and soon they are on board to welcome the newcomers. We 
 get through the Customs without trouble. We are kindly 
 cared for at the home of Brother and Sister Craig, while 
 others are lodged at one home, and take their meals out. We 
 have a large, airy room, a good bed covered with mosquito 
 net. We are hardly accustomed to not seeing screens at the 
 doors and windows, but as everywhere, we are at home. The 
 birds, flies and mosquitoes fly in and out at will. This is the 
 rainy season, and it has poured for three days, and is damp 
 and chilly. This is the place for malaria fever, therefore we 
 are taking extreme precaution. 
 
 SATURDAY, March 9 
 
 We did not go to the first service, but retired early, and 
 had a good, long sleep, and feel better, although weak. From 
 our window we can see the tall cocoanut trees loaded with he 
 fruit. Georgetown is a city of 60,000, is more modern and 
 up-to-date than Bridgetown; wide streets, large hotels, beauti- 
 ful two and three story houses. The streets are drained by 
 canals running through the street centers, spanned by bridges 
 at the cross streets. Everywhere are tropical plants, some of 
 beautiful color and form. There are no plastered 
 
 146
 
 houses, but all are built like summer homes. South 
 America is a great couhtry, over seven million square miles. 
 The United States could be placed in Brazil alone. This is 
 almost as much a cosmopolitan city as New York; almost 
 every nation represented here, but the Chinese, Portuguese, 
 East Indians, and blacks are in the majority. Brother and 
 Sister Craig are Scotch. 
 
 We saw a very interesting class of little black girls this 
 morning. The "American lady" was quite a curiosity. We 
 were mutually interested. 
 
 It has poured for hours, and they have had a full week 
 of it. More than twenty-five inches in three days. 
 
 Our passports were taken from us yesterday, and today we 
 had to report at the Police Inspector's office, where we were 
 examined, and they were returned. 
 
 We all went to market. This is a great steel building, put 
 up by Americans. When we think of market, we associate 
 fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. ; but here you can buy everything, 
 from household furniture, clothing, jewelry, drugs, to all the 
 fruits and vegetables growing. What a strange, motley 
 crowd! There were stands and tables, etc., but much was 
 right in the floor, with the people squatting beside them, nearly 
 a block filled with Chinese, blacks, East Indians, Portuguese, 
 offerings their wares for sale. It was a great sight! 
 
 An East Indian woman, if married, wears a jewel in her 
 nose. We saw many others with their toes covered with 
 silver. They carry it there instead of in the banks. Others 
 have their arms and limbs covered with bracelets, ringlets, 
 etc. Sometimes they are murdered to get their money. We 
 saw some of the prettiest little girls; many of them are mar- 
 ried at the age of five and eight years. 
 
 We called at the Salvation Army headquarters, and the 
 Superintendent showed us the native shelter-house for men, 
 
 147
 
 an open place with long, bare tables the length of a cot. 
 Here thev sleep for one penny a night, with no covering. 
 They have a restaurant for natives, also one for white people. 
 An old man eighty years of age was sitting on a bench eating 
 his rice with his fingers. There are beggars everywhere, and 
 if one should respond to all the appeals, he would need a 
 bank account. 
 
 Coffee and rice are grown here. The best coffee is 20 
 cents a pound. Rice meal is now compulsory in some parts, 
 mixed with the wheat flour. We have eaten our first rice 
 bread. It is good. We have enjoyed some of the fruits, 
 the mango especially, more tart and juicy than the banana. 
 There are several varieties of bananas apple, fig, and red, 
 and one or two other kinds. These are very delicious, as 
 well as the apples, of which there are also several varieties. 
 
 The southern part of British Guiana is three degrees from 
 the Equator. There is no difference between the temperature 
 here and Barbados, although 400 miles south. 
 
 MONDAY, March 1 1 
 i\ - . - 
 
 Yesterday was a beautiful Sabbath. The rain is over. 
 
 We had one week of incessant down pour, which is very un- 
 usual, they tell us. The canals are full, and everything is 
 beautiful and green. 
 
 The morning service is at 11 o'clock. It will be held in 
 the church a few squares away. Th : s is also the fruit of 
 Brother Beirnes' labor, and after an absence of eighteen 
 months, he is gladly welcomed back for this brief time. The 
 church is another fine building, somewhat smaller than the one 
 at Barbados. He was instrumental in putting this building 
 up at the cost of $1,700. It is over two years old, and all 
 paid for. The homeland friends helped, but the people here 
 
 148
 
 finished, and have also helped at Barbados and other out 
 appointments. 
 
 Brother Slater followed Brother Beirnes, but has had to 
 leave the flock alone for the last two months. He had also 
 built up the work until now it is next to the strongest if not 
 the strongest in all the work. Brother Slater is greatly beloved, 
 and his work abides. 
 
 Brother Finch places Brother Schoombie as pastor, whom 
 he follows with his introductory sermon, preaching from the 
 most fitting subject, "Look Unto Jesus." It was a precious 
 occasion, and at the close the people gathered around to 
 greet the pastor and missionaries. We have one hundred and 
 twentv members. 
 
 We did not attend the evening service, but learn that 
 Brother Beirnes preached a powerful sermon to a full house. 
 Some good sister sent us two eggs as a gift, and this morning 
 a young girl came with a bunch of beautiful lilies. We recog- 
 nize these touches of love. 
 
 The Witness and Pentecostal Herald came this morning 
 to Brother Craig. It is good to see these old U. S. friends. 
 
 TUESDAY, March 12 
 
 Brother Finch is unable to secure a permit to preach. 
 Everyone outside of a British subject must have a permit to 
 do either religious or educational work in this colony. The 
 permit must come from the Imperial Government in London, 
 and will take some time. Both Brothers Schoombie and 
 Beirnes, being British subjects, can preach, and have it all 
 to do now. Brother Finch can only sing, testify and pray. 
 He will apply for a permit through the Government at Bar- 
 bados, when he returns home. This is a recent law. 
 
 We have our own church building, and are thankful that 
 we have been treated so courteously. Brother Schoombie is 
 
 151
 
 the only white missionary in this colony who is preaching full 
 salvation, that we know of. He has a wide field of useful- 
 ness. The church observes a day of fasting and prayer once 
 a month. Yesterday was one of those days. The building 
 was opened at 5 o'clock, and the people came and went all 
 day, as they had time; there were seekers, and many were 
 blessed throughout the day. 
 
 In the afternoon we were taken a ride to the Botanical 
 Gardens, a most beautiful park, far superior to any yet seen. 
 It is laid out and kept in perfect order. We then went on 
 to the sea wall. This wall is built for miles along the coast, 
 just like the dykes in Holland, to keep the sea out. This is 
 made and kept up at the expense of millions of dollars. This 
 country is S'x feet below sea level. Sometimes it breaks 
 through and damages thousands of acres of land. Every eve- 
 ning people ride out on the street cars to get the sea air from 
 the wall. There is no bathing beach here. Later Brother 
 and Sister Craig took us for a car ride through avenues of 
 palm trees, to the country, where we saw the sugar and rice 
 estates, little Indian villages, with their low houses, with 
 thatched and trash roofs. The managers of these estates hire 
 the East Indians for a certain period of years, and they must 
 abide by the contract. They build long sheds containing nine 
 rooms and a family occupies one room. What a life! They 
 have been brought over by the thousands from India (it is 
 stopped now) supposing they will make money, but they are 
 doomed to disappointment There are 1 20,000 here, and no 
 salvation work among them. Everywhere you turn, these 
 Hindus are to be seen. They are treated as the offscouring of 
 the earth. How my heart aches for these, my sisters, as I 
 am told of some of their hardships and sufferings. Oh, that 
 God would put His call on someone for these needy, neg- 
 lected, forsaken East Indian people! 
 
 152
 
 On Monday night a splendid audience greeted us at 7:15. 
 By request, we sang "The Opened Fountain," Brother 
 Knapp's experience in song. "He being dead yet speaketh," 
 and there is a satisfaction in singing it for him. 
 
 We are feeling better than we have in two Weeks, a 
 precious touch from the Lord. 
 
 The mosquitoes are very friendly all day long, and we will 
 soon be like a battle-scarred veteran, but as they cannot trouble 
 us at night, we can bear with them, and it is not half so bad 
 as we anticipated. 
 
 The houses all stand on posts, eight to twelve feet high, 
 with no wall around to make a cellar. We can sit in the 
 drawing room here, look down the street under several houses 
 beyond us. This is because of the dampness. The cisterns 
 are all above ground, with a faucet to draw the water filled 
 from the eaves of the houses. 
 
 Brother and Sister Craig have a meeting every Sunday 
 P. M., at the alms house, in the outskirts of the city. A few 
 of us accompanied them there. It was one of the sights we 
 can never forget. There are some really converted people 
 among them, and they evidently look forward to this weekly 
 meeting as a bright spot in their lives. Brother and Sister 
 Craig led the meeting, and called on each one to speak in 
 turn. Brother Finch spoke, and sang, "In the Rifted Rock." 
 Later we follow with, "Companionship with Jesus," telling 
 them how long He had been our companion, and because He 
 is, we are kept from being lonely, although 2,000 miles from 
 home. At the close of this interesting service, they sang the 
 Doxology. Now, friends, we have heard it sung by hundreds 
 of voices, led bv trained choirs, but never did it sound so sweet 
 as by that crowd of poor beings, under such environments, 
 surrounded by foul disease and death, nothing in life to look 
 forward to, only to end their lives there. "Praise Him all 
 
 153
 
 creatures here below!" Are we doing it? Are we half 
 thankful enough for Christian homes, training, and the land 
 of privileges? God help us! We go through ward after 
 ward in the hospitals, and here are some sights, some of which 
 would take away the appetite, and others that would wring a 
 heart of stone. They look pitifully and longingly at us, but 
 little we can do. A screen was closed around the bed of a 
 real old woman who was dying. She could not understand 
 us, and we could only look down and smile kindly. How 
 those eyes, almost closed to earth, looked into ours. An 
 unspoken prayer was wafted to the Throne, and there is" a 
 sweet rest as we think of her. The sight of two idiots made 
 us want to leave the room; two black boys, constantly moving, 
 with not a ray of intelligence. 
 
 ''Love lias a hem of the garment 
 
 Which touches the very dust; 
 It can reach the stains of the streets and lanes, 
 
 And because it can it must. 
 It dares not rest on the mountains, 
 
 It is bound to come to the vale, 
 For it cannot find its fulness of mind 
 
 Till it falls on the lives that fail." 
 
 They have here one of the finest Wireless Stations in the 
 world. It reminds me of the "Wireless" to the skies. 
 
 "I have a Power House, xip in the sky, 
 Down come its currents to me from on high; 
 Wires are running from it to my soul, 
 Waves from its batteries over me roll. 
 
 ' ' Are your wires all up to this house in the sky, 
 Do the currents come down to your soul from on high? 
 Oh, the peace and the joy that triumphantly roll 
 As the Spirit descends, 'tis filling my soul!" 
 
 After attending to some errands, we went over to the British 
 Museum, where we saw specimens of sea, animal and insect 
 
 154
 
 CO 
 
 H 
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 D 
 
 51 
 
 X 
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 OS 
 D 
 DC 
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 life, from the lion, boa-constrictor and jaguar, to the smalfest 
 insect named all from this Colony alone. Here is the llama 
 and other animals that we learned of in school. They feed 
 the boa with rats, every four to six weeks. We had said we 
 would like to see a great big snake, if it were running the 
 other way, but after hearing some real stories, we have decided 
 not to make the acquaintance of the reptile family. It would 
 take one days to carefully inspect and enjoy these wonderful 
 creations that God has made. How marvelously great is 
 our world, when we can see so much in one Colony. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, March 13 
 
 At 8 A. M we took an auto ride eighty miles round trip 
 up into the country, to see the three out-appointments, as we 
 will be unable to meet these workers in their regular services. 
 The first two are about fifteen miles out, and manned by a 
 very godly native pastor, of whom we have heard much, and 
 are not disappointed in him. To those in northern Michigan 
 who are supporting him, we are more than pleased to tell them 
 the money is well placed. He has a wife and five children, 
 all living in two tiny rooms, the walls papered with The 
 War Cry, Pentecostal Herald, Witness, etc. There were 
 only the bare necessities, and many of them lacking. Our 
 brother was a Government teacher, and has taught all his 
 children. This is a very godly family. As we looked at 
 this meagerly furnished home, we thought of our people at 
 home who knew so little of sacrifice, that we feel like crying 
 out, "Away with it, and begin again!" This place needs a 
 new church, and as the Government has given the land and 
 the material is on the ground, arrangements were made at 
 once to have it put up. [Finished and dedicated since we 
 returned hcme.] The little daughter brought a gift of 
 
 157
 
 a few eggs to the car. They all want to remember the mis- 
 sionaries in some way. We passed the next church "Cottage" 
 with a thatched roof, situated in a wild spot. They are all open 
 like a campmeeting building. We could see the one swinging 
 lamp in the center, the seats and small pulpit. Our native 
 brother is doing a good work in these two appointments, and 
 he has the confidence of the entire community. 
 
 On our way to the last, forty miles up, we stopped to see 
 one of the members who is employed on a cocoanut estate 
 of thousands of treees a sight of one's lifetime! A man 
 takes a long pole, brings down eight or nine cocoanuts, opens 
 them, and we all enjoy a delicious drink of the water. At 
 this stage they are called water-cocoanuts. This is consid- 
 ered the health drink of the colony. The nuts are soft. They 
 must remain on the tree for a year or more before they are 
 ready to be sent to us, as we buy them at home. On our 
 return, these dear people have for us three dry cocoanuts ready 
 for Parcel Post, a dozen eggs, and some cassava root. They 
 also are so pleased to remember us. 
 
 The next church "Perth" is larger, but an open structure, 
 with a long thatched roof. This building seats 200. It, with 
 the one previously mentioned, was paid for by a sister in the 
 United States, at a cost of $50 each, but these temporary 
 structures are giving way, and they need substantial ones in 
 their stead. This will take $250 for each. They have a 
 Sunday-school of 1 00, and this is the hope of the work. Here 
 in these two or three villages are 6,000 lost souls. Who is 
 responsible for their salvation? How can people lay up 
 treasure where moth and rust doth corrupt, and neglect these 
 poor lost sheep? For the last few days we have so felt the 
 pressure of heathenism around us, with these thousands having 
 no preacher, that we feel nearly prostrated under the burden. 
 It truly is a neglected continent. We do not wonder now 
 
 158
 
 COTTAGE
 
 that Brother Finch is continually asking for more men and 
 money. He has never exaggerated; in fact, it can hardly be 
 explained, the conditions are so dreadful. Someone remarked 
 that we might become hardened, but how awful that would be. 
 We want to keep a tender, open heart and conscience, and 
 always feel the weight and need. However, only under cir- 
 cumstances like the one bringing us, would we care to remain 
 forty-eight hours, unless we had such a clear, definite, ringing 
 call to the work that nothing would ever shake us. It would 
 take this to make one contented in such conditions that wear on 
 life, heart, brain and nerve. We would not want to picture 
 an easy life, but God has those who will bear the test. There 
 is need of those who have a clear, definite experience of entire 
 sanctification, and who have been tested, disciplined, and tried 
 to the limit. 
 
 To return to the ride: We went through beautiful stretches 
 of country, one or two landscape views that looked as if an 
 artist had laid them out. Thousands of cattle and sheep 
 grazing, but all in poor condition. There are canals every- 
 where, like roads, up and down a plantation, and they have 
 barges to gather u/p the crops, instead of wagons. There is 
 so much water everywhere that cattle were sometimes half 
 submerged, and many of them are lost. There are so many 
 fleas and insects that there is a cowbird which we saw drop 
 down upon one of the cows to eat the insects. It is an odd 
 sight. The cows seem to enjoy it like a horse does the curry- 
 comb. There are alligators by the hundreds in these waters. 
 People and cattle bathe in them. No wonder there is much 
 fever. Large vultures fly in the air. No one will kill one of 
 these birds. All along the country were miles of water lilies, 
 the beautiful white and delicate pink. In every village there 
 would be a white or colored flag raised up on a bean pole. 
 These are placed to keep away the evil spirits. There were 
 
 161
 
 great rice plantations that are largely under water, and large 
 rice factories. We pass by miles of sea wall, in all stages 
 and processes of construction. The sea has been making in- 
 roads, and the new wall is built farther back on the land. 
 The spring tide was in (comes in every fifteen days), and there 
 was great devastation for miles, like a flood along the Ohio, 
 the sea being over in the country, with water on either side 
 of the narrow road we were traveling. We were told to be back 
 by 3 P. M., when the tide returned, for if we were caught in 
 it, we would be held up three or four hours. We were back 
 before two, and the tide was rushing in. It promised to be a 
 thrilling experience to keep ahead, but, thank God! we went 
 through the two miles or more in safety. When the tide is 
 coming in, the rivers turn their course, and will carry a boat 
 a hundred miles. We are between the Orinoco and Amazon 
 rivers. 
 
 While on this trip, we stop at a Leper Asylum, with 400 
 inmates. It is so awful that our first sight of a half dozen 
 boys gave us a violent headache. These were only ten or 
 twelve years of age, but had faces like old men, swollen to 
 twice their size, full of sores. They all hid their poor hands. 
 As we were nearing one of the open kitchens, to our surprise, 
 we heard several voices singing, "Let all the people praise 
 Thee," and getting to where we could see the singers, we 
 stopped to look and listen. They were women with bright, 
 happy faces, singing and clapping their stubs of hands. How 
 wonderful it sounded! "Let all the people praise Thee!" 
 Are we doing it? How ashamed are we of our stinted praises. 
 The shock of seeing these lepers in their loathesome condition 
 was almost more than we could bear. Brother Beirnes and 
 others have preached here. The superintendent, matron, and 
 steward treated us kindly, and arranged for special services. 
 
 162
 
 PERTH
 
 Our workers are welcome to come here at any time. This is 
 an open door to get these poor people ready for Heaven. 
 
 Last evening there was a platform meeting at the church, 
 and four of the bright young people each gave a well pre- 
 pared address. God has His hand on them, and they, no 
 doubt, will be in service later on. Some of these want to 
 come to the Bible School. 
 
 THURSDAY, March 14 
 
 Early this morning we visited the grave of the lamented 
 and beloved Rev. C. O. Moulton, the superintendent of the 
 Christian Mission, whose tragic and untimely death brought 
 such sorrow to God's people and cause. At that time the 
 work was sweeping the islands, and the Anglican and Catholic 
 Churches were trembling with the strides of the holiness move- 
 ment. Trouble crept in of such a nature that Brother Moulton 
 died of a broken heart. One here, who was with him as he 
 went Home, heard him utter, among his last if not the very 
 last words, "Blessed are the undefiled." On the wooden 
 board at the head we found these words: "In loving memory 
 of Cyrus O. Moulton, born Yanken, W. Va., July 24, 1872. 
 Died in Georgetown, Demarara, S. A., January 27, 1909, 
 aged thirty-six years." (He was so young.) "Crucified with 
 Christ." How true! The grave is in a dilapidated condi- 
 tion, and as a tribute to the memory of this good man, we 
 personally are responsible for having a new railing placed 
 around the grave, the headstone freshly painted, the lettering 
 retouched, and a barrel of beautiful white shells placed upon 
 the grave. This is a custom here. There is real joy and 
 satisfaction in doing this for our brother whom we loved for 
 his works' sake. We picked some flowers off the grave, and 
 are sending them to Sister Moulton, who resides in the States. 
 On one side it is surrounded by palm trees, and nearby rows 
 
 165
 
 of tall Eucalyptus seem to stand guard. Quite close is the 
 resting place of Brother John Corrigan, a former loved student, 
 who assisted Brother Moulton. He joined the Church Tri- 
 umphant from here. They await the Resurrection, "until the 
 day break, and shadows flee away." 
 
 Our work is the outgrowth of his, and thousands will rise 
 up and call him blessed. God loved him and took him "from 
 the evil to come." There are twelve to fourteen funerals here 
 every day. The death rate is tremendous, caused largely by 
 fever. 
 
 166
 
 DO FOREIGN MISSIONS PAY? 
 
 MRS. D. C. EBY 
 
 Ask of the dawn that is breaking 
 
 O'er Eastern lands today; 
 Asl( f the souls that are waking 
 
 From the power of Satan's sway; 
 Asff of the long nights of sadness 
 
 That now are passing away 
 And changing to days of gladness 
 
 Do Foreign Missions pay? 
 
 Ask of the mountain lops shining, 
 
 Where each blessed Gospel ray 
 With soft, warm, rosy light glowing 
 
 Gives promise of coming Day; 
 Into the valleys 'tis gliding this light 
 
 Down to the shadows gray; 
 As it lifts the dark veil of night 
 
 Do Foreign Missions pay? 
 
 Ask of the transformation wrought 
 
 In Mission Homes today 
 On thousands of children, trained and taught 
 
 To walk in the Gospel Way; 
 Ask f the stream of fresh young lives 
 
 That is pouring forth alway 
 From the Mission Schools to the needy fields 
 
 Do Foreign Missions pay? 
 
 Ask one of the native converts, 
 
 In foreign lands today, 
 Whose dark eye glows with inward peace 
 
 As he kneels to God to pray; 
 Ask as he walks with the low Nazarene, 
 
 Along the Calvary Way, 
 His life current changed from the blackness of sin 
 
 Do Foreign Missions pay? 
 
 Selected. 
 167
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 TRINIDAD 
 
 ON BOARD STEAMER CENTELLES, Saturday, March 16 
 
 On our way to Trinidad. All came to the conclusion that 
 as we were not supposed to take any public part in the services 
 at Georgetown, it was best to go on, as this vessel was to 
 leave Thursday night, and there was no certainty of any other 
 until the 27th. We have visited all the out-appointments, 
 and understand the work. We saw both the Mission halls 
 in which the work first begun quite a contrast to the beautiful 
 little church. How little we can understand or appreciate the 
 pioneer work of Brothers Finch and Beirnes, who tramped 
 the streets, hunting for a place among strangers, sleeping as 
 best they could. Now here is a congregation of precious saints 
 whom we have learned to love during our short stay among 
 them. These dear people kept us all, with plenty of eggs, 
 fruits, and flowers. They presented us with a tin of cassava 
 bread to take home (made in thin round slices, larger than a 
 cookie), a glass of jelly, two cocoanuts, etc., and as the 
 steamer was about to leave, a beautiful bouquet of flowers 
 was brought us. These were placed upon the dining room 
 table and all the passengers enjoyed them. In commenting 
 on the flowers, we heard the captain remark that none of the 
 flowers in the tropics have perfume, nor do the birds sing. 
 They have beautiful plumage, but are silent. How very 
 inany people, who though beautiful in appearance, etc., have 
 
 168
 
 no fragrance to their lives, or songs to give. They have never 
 gone through God's mill of discipline of suffering and sor- 
 row, for 
 
 "Out of the presses of pain 
 
 Cometh the soul's best wine; 
 And the eyes that have shed no rain 
 
 Can shed but little shine." 
 
 The vessel left dock at six. We went out one-half mile 
 in the river to wait for the tide at 5 A. M. in the morning. 
 Seven or eight came to see us off. We bade South America 
 and these dear saints goodby. Brother Schoombie is very 
 brave. He shouted up from the pier, "First time I have been 
 left alone in a foreign land. Alone, yet not alone." He 
 has his heart and hands full, and has taken hold with a will. 
 We are sure he will make a success. 
 
 This is an English vessel, straight from London, returning 
 with a cargo of sugar. It has been a rough sea, so much so 
 that the dishes were strapped on, which did not have to be 
 done on the Parima. We came on board without a care 
 about seasickness and have been perfectly kept this time, though 
 shaken tremendously. Last night was one of the wildest nights 
 we have ever gone through. We could scarcely sleep. It 
 seemed like three nights in one. We were in the trough of 
 the sea, and with one movement our head would go away over, 
 and had there been an opening, we could easily have slipped 
 into the ocean head foremost. Then on the other side could 
 have gone feet foremost. This kept up all night long, and 
 one can readily imagine the effect. While it was the heaviest 
 and the dishes sliding on the table, we ate dinner with the 
 rest of them, with not a touch of nausea. Thanks be unto 
 God who is causing us to triumph! "In Thee, O Lord, do 
 I put my trust." We knew He heard our cry on the ocean 
 
 169
 
 four weeks ago, and others who have prayed since. Brother 
 Finch is very sick again. He must have help from God. 
 
 We left South America much better than when we entered. 
 God graciously kept us while in that fever district, with so 
 much rain, and mosquitoes to bring disease. The chief 
 steward is an Indian, the second steward a Spaniard, one 
 table steward an Indian, one wireless operator and Irishman, 
 and the other an Englishman. 
 
 We are nearing Trinidad, the island that lies in the mouth 
 of the Orinoco River, just off the coast of Venezuela, with 
 a population of 400,000. We are approaching it from the 
 windward side, which is very mountainous. To the right is 
 the island of Tobago. This is the island where Robinson 
 Crusoe was shipwrecked. 
 
 Trinidad is a great cocoa, sugarcane and rice producing 
 country. Port of Spain, the capital and harbor, is considered 
 the hottest city in the West Indies, as it lies to the leeward, 
 and the mountains break off the Trade Winds. Columbus 
 discovered this, and named it Port of Spain. In passing in, 
 we are so near the mainland of South America a stone can 
 be thrown to either the islands or to Venezuela. Our vessel 
 is also lightened of its load, and runs lightly. This is strictly 
 a Catholic island. Brother Finch made this his home for two 
 years, and traveled here to different points. Little Daniel was 
 born here. This is the greatest fruit island; tropical fruits 
 abound. 
 
 We had a most interesting interview with the captain. He 
 was sitting on one side of the deck, smoking his pipe, a 
 typical Englishman, and answered to the picture we have car- 
 ried from childhood of a captain of a vessel, the first one we 
 have seen; large, gray-haired, full, round face, bronzed by 
 the sea, kindly gray "eyes, gruff voice, a whole-hearted, genial 
 soul. He told us he had been traveling back and forth since 
 
 170
 
 the War began. This was an oil vessel, and valuable. They 
 were only fifteen days crossing the Atlantic, and did not 
 have as rough a time as we had last night. He is expecting 
 to return with 2,000 tons of sugar. They are allowed one- 
 half pound to a family in England. It is the brown crystal 
 sugar, which is really sweeter than the granulated. We were 
 given three pounds of this to take home. The dark 
 molasses sugar is now used for high .explosives. The young 
 Irish Wireless boy, a lad of nineteen, is on his first trip, and 
 was so bitten by the mosquitoes while in South America that 
 he looks worse than a person with a full-grown case of measles, 
 and his face and hands so swollen. 
 
 Land is in full sight for three hours or more. It is after 
 3, and we are nearing the Bocus, the Spanish name for enter- 
 ing this bay. We turn completely, and the view is beautiful; 
 little islands all along the way present a most charming sight 
 on either side. It is still ten miles to the city. We see a 
 small island with the penitentiary occupying the whole island. 
 1 he men work in a stone quarry ; are chained so they cannot 
 escape. What an illustration of what sin does. 
 
 "If you listen to the devil, 
 
 He will bring you to his level; 
 
 If you listen to the Spirit, 
 
 You will heavenly heights inherit. ' ' 
 
 SATURDAY, March 16; nearing Port of Spain. 
 
 Here comes a submarine chaser, headed our way. It is 
 a most interesting little craft, painted a light gray, small as 
 a steam launch an ornament to the sea. It comes leisurely 
 at first, then tears through the water, and we wonder why. 
 Suddenly it stops, and the captain steps to the side, calls up 
 through his megaphone, "Captain, did you see my flag?" 
 and our captain answers back, "Yes, I got mine up as soon 
 as I could." He evidently was not pleased that it was not 
 
 171
 
 up before. They drop back. There are a half dozen that 
 watch these waters. 
 
 The city of Port of Spain appears in the distance. It is 
 built alongside of the water, sloping back to the mountains, 
 which make a pretty background. There is only one vessel 
 in harbor, and that is ready to sail for South America. There 
 are usually a dozen or more, and now when one comes, it is 
 an interesting time for the city. We anchor three miles out. 
 Here are six row boats, each owner calling out the name or 
 number of hs bort eagerly soliciting passengers: "Oh, lady, 
 remember Victory!" "Oh, Missis, don't forget 29, the first 
 boat!" We shake our head, as we make no arrangements. 
 Some of them evidently remember Brother Finch, and they 
 call him "Reverend." The harbor master is soon on board, 
 our passports are examined and passed, and then there is a 
 scramble as all of these men pour in and beg for passengers. 
 It is like a riot, as there is no policeman, usually one ahead. 
 We finally get in a boat, trumks and all, and are off for a 
 three-mile ride. It is a rough sea, the waves threatening to 
 engulf us, but we are soon over. 
 
 As we came so unexpectedly, there was no time to write, 
 so no one was there to meet us. We have found comfortable 
 quarters for the Sabbath. We have written to our first M. E. 
 Pastor in Michigan, who, with the Superintendent of the Sun- 
 day-school, encouraged our first missionary attempts. The 
 church seemed to recognize something, and made us superin- 
 tendent of the missionary work. How little did they dream 
 that the timid girl they were encouraging would ever plant 
 foot on foreign soil. Even at this late day, how gratefully 
 we remember their sincere kindness and interest. God wants 
 yielded and adjusted lives. As someone has said, "Like Gid- 
 eon, our greatest handicap is often our strength, and our 
 greatest need to be reduced to such dimensions that there shall 
 
 172
 
 be room for God." Where are the reapers for these fields 
 white to the harvest? Oh, the ache in our heart over the poor, 
 neglected millions we left behind in South America! Will 
 it ever be eased? We can only bury it in the heart of God, 
 and wade through in prayer, as with everything else. 
 
 "To the millions living over the deep blue sea, 
 
 Send the light! Send the light! 
 To their cry of pity, dare we heedless be? 
 
 Send the light! Oh, send the light! 
 
 ' ' Send the light, the blessed Gospel light, 
 To the souls who are in gloom and night, 
 Souls are waiting, and the fields are white, 
 Send the light! Oh, send the light! 
 
 Brother Finch says that if he did not have a family, that 
 this is where he would want to give his life. "Lift up your eyes 
 and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest." 
 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall 
 be saved." "How, then, shall they call upon Him in whom 
 they have not believed? and how shall they hear without a 
 preacher? (God has some ready.) And how shall they 
 preach except they be sent? (Your part, beloved friends.) 
 As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that 
 preach the gospel of peace, that bring glad tidings of good 
 things!" It is all before you. What will you do about it? 
 The Indian boy said, "We want the Word of God preached." 
 "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Cod." 
 May God take this burden off our hearts, and place it on those 
 who will obey Him! 
 
 We have been wondering if the people who think "we 
 would like to travel as you are doing," would feel the same, 
 if they went through all the varied experiences amusing, 
 tiresome, and laborious. Our trunk has never been all un- 
 packed. We are living in it and our suitcase, and almost as 
 soon as we arrive at once place, make arrangements for the 
 
 173
 
 next. Usually at the last, pack all our belongings in haste, 
 until grip and hand-grips are more like a junk shop than any- 
 thing else. There are so many delays and irregularities one 
 cannot control, and we juist yield to circumstances and let 
 them come and go. This is missionary life. 
 
 PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD, Monday, March 18 
 
 We had really dreaded coming here on account of the heat, 
 but every time the Lord gets ahead of our fears, and "tem- 
 pers the wind to the shorn lamb." The weather is delightful. 
 It is- so cool at nights one needs extra covering. It is the 
 effect of the cold in the north, they tell us. There is a sap- 
 podilla, a pawpaw, and a lime tree in the yard, and every 
 time they give us a drink of lemonade (or rather, limeade), a 
 boy goes to the tree for a lime. We have never tasted such 
 oranges as they have here. We do not want to hurt Califor- 
 nia's feelings, but they are certainly superior to theirs; never 
 any frost here, and they are sunkissed, indeed. 
 
 On Saturday night Brother Finch hunted up our native 
 worker,, and he and his family, with the people who dropped 
 in, were so rejoiced to see him, they acted like children. It 
 was like seeing a much-beloved father. We have never wit- 
 nessed anything that has touched us more than their love and 
 joy on seeing him. He was here two years, and these people 
 are equally dear to him. 
 
 There is no white missionary here now, and the work is 
 not what it should be. Brother Finch is burdened to have 
 some one come at once. Here is a cry for help, as elsewhere. 
 He preached yesterday morning, to the comfort and 
 edification of the Christians, and last night to the unsaved. 
 There was a full house, and as many on the outside. On 
 the way to the Misson we stopped at a Hindu temple, a 
 small, criide affair. No one is allowed inside with their shoes 
 
 174
 
 on, so we stood at the door. The priest was just through 
 worshiping, and soon came to the door, at the "salaam" of 
 Brother Finch. He was almost nude, with long, black hair 
 and beard. He could not speak English. A crowd soon 
 gathered; one of them could interpret. He brought a picture 
 of his "god," and all around the little temple were pictures 
 of prophets. His pallet was on the floor in one corner, a 
 firepot in another, and it was more like a hovel than a temple. 
 These ignorant, superstitious people almost worship him, and 
 depend on him to pray them through. Oh, how darkened are 
 their minds! Further on was a large Catholic church, full 
 of worshipers. We stepped up, and a gowned usher invited 
 us in. He is a Hindu, speaks good English, and told us he 
 was the school teacher for the parish. Brother Finch asked 
 to have an interview some time, and he readily assented. We 
 passed through a village of thousands of these Hindu people. 
 Something must be done. This is as great and needy field as 
 South America. 
 
 "O where are the reapers, O who will come, 
 To share in the glory of the harvest home? 
 O who will help us to garner in, 
 The sheaves of good from the fields of sin?" 
 
 THURSDAY, March 19 
 
 We spent two hours shopping, trying to find some good, 
 Panama hats. We found them, very reasonable, also some 
 post cards, for the missionary album. It was a real pleasure 
 to go through the stores and streets. The public buildings, 
 parks, etc., are more beautiful and, on the whole, the city 
 more desirable and attractive than any yet visited. Returning, 
 we saw a funeral of one of the wardens of the prison. It 
 was after 4 o'clock when they were on their way to the church. 
 The procession was headed by all the policemen employed at 
 the prison, followed by the hearse, then a long line of men, 
 
 175
 
 friends, all dressed in long coats and stove-pipe hats. Then 
 came a hundred or more women, dressed in white, and the 
 carriages with flowers. All walk, even though it may be 
 miles. 
 
 Brother Hill, one of the subscribers to the REVIVALIST, 
 called on us. He used to be an agent when he lived in 
 South America, and spoke so much of the work in Cincinnati, 
 that we are sure he has followed up the work closely. He 
 had named his oldest son "Martin Wells," and today he 
 sent his car for our use, the chaffeur taking us first to their 
 country home, nine miles out, where we met the family, in- 
 cluding Martin Wells. We had prayer, and a pleasant call. 
 They gave us a half dozen cocoanuts, guavas and a pumpkin, 
 fresh from the vine. 
 
 We then went on to Chaguanas, the out-appointment, 
 reaching there at 1 o'clock. It was a most delightful ride 
 through great estates of cocoa and cane and orchards of limes. 
 Coffee is also raised here. A shower laid the dust and cooled 
 the air. The native worker and his wife were filled with joy 
 at seeing Brother Finch. Brother Patrick gave one leap, 
 throwing his arms around him, and their pleasure was beautiful, 
 laughing with glee and delight. They could hardly control 
 themselves the rest of the stay. When they parted before, it 
 was to meet at the "Rapture," and now God let them meet 
 on earth again. They have lived here five years, and God 
 has blessed their faithful efforts. This work has such a 
 footing now, and is so well established, that buildings are 
 an absolute necessity. Here is where they had a gracious 
 revival, and ten are ready for baptism one Indian and one 
 Catholic among the number. Here is a three-point circuit, 
 and all need their own church buildings. One has a cement 
 foundation laid, the present structure being a "wattle" build- 
 ing, the sides made of woven bamboo, and plastered over with 
 
 176
 
 mud. The roof is good, and can be used on the new one. 
 The owner of the ground is an Indian, and gives a life lease 
 as long as it is used for "Gospel purposes." Sseing him and 
 the son, they were asked, in case of his death, would it be 
 continued. The son readily assured us he would gladly grant 
 the lease. How beautiful to hear him say, "We want the 
 Word of God preached!" There is one denomination which 
 is educating them, and if we can come in with the light of 
 Full Salvation, what a harvest there will be! Do you not 
 see it? 
 
 This is in a section where there are thousands of souls 
 waiting for us. It will take $700 to put up the three build- 
 ings. Has God the ear of someone who will listen to His 
 voice? "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it." This has 
 all been gone over carefully with Brother Finch. We write 
 nothing on this line without his approval. He, with all these 
 missionaries, both American and native, are giving heart, 
 brain, nerves, life, all giving what no one in the homeland 
 can understand or appreciate, without being right here. Shall 
 we withhold from them the little we can give to lighten their 
 heavy burdens? Buildings are an absolute necessity here. In 
 the first place, we cannot have a cemetery or burial ground, 
 unless we have the church building. The churches here will 
 not allow us to bury in theirs, but as soon as we have a church 
 building, the government will allow land for the cemetery. 
 These dear native people have an aversion to being buried 
 in the potter's field, and hesitate about coming to a church 
 that has no burying place of its own. Second, they also have 
 an aversion to rented halls, and are made to believe by the 
 priest that the missionaries have not come to stay, but will 
 soon leave them. Third, the marriage question is one of the 
 most important of all. So many of the people have lived 
 together, raised families, and are not married, and before a 
 
 177
 
 marriage ceremony can be performed, there must be a church 
 building, licensed by the Government, and the couple to be 
 married must have their names announced three successive 
 Sundays in the congregation. This is called publishing the 
 "bans." The Gospel we preach shows the people that they 
 cannot live this way, and at the same time, we cannot marry 
 them without the buildings. They will not "license" rented 
 buildings. Will you help -us get them? 
 
 FRIDAY, March 22 
 
 We hoped to be off for Barbados on the same vessel that 
 brought us here, but it was filled with soldiers for England. 
 We even offered to sleep the one night in the steamer chairs 
 in the sitting room, but the captain refused to permit a lady 
 to come on board without a stateroom, so we are providen- 
 tially held here until April 2, unless some other vessel comes 
 which is not expected. How we would like to spend Easter 
 in Barbados! However, we had all prayed so definitely for 
 God to open or close the door, as it pleased Him, so we feel 
 satisfied He wants us here, and we have more than one indi- 
 cation that we are in His will. There is plenty to do. The 
 wife of the native preacher is very low with fever. Brothers 
 Finch and Biernes have been twice to pray with her. What 
 a loss her going would mean to her family! 
 
 This afternoon we spent two hours at an exhibit of all 
 the products of this island. It was an education of itself, 
 most instructive. Here were nine kinds of sugar made from 
 the sugarcane, "war bread," made of the meal from bananas, 
 cassava, dasheem and sweet potatoes. It is most palatable 
 and nutritious. Cocoanut butter is now made from the cocoa- 
 nut, selling at 50 cents per pound. It is becoming quite an 
 industry, and the uses made of the cocoanut is quite a story. 
 We want to write the REVIVALIST children about it. Most 
 
 178
 
 of the island's products were shown today, the great varieties 
 of fruits and vegetables being most bewildering. 
 
 PORT OF SPAIN, Saturday, March 23 
 
 Early this morning we took our first ride in the trains here, 
 and our first good sight of a passenger coach. They are 
 divided in first, second, and third classes. Very few ride in 
 the first half a coach filled with black leather cushioned 
 seats; otherwise, no better. The second class is like it, minus 
 the cushions. The third class coach is divided into compart- 
 ments, two long seats across the car, and closed in. The 
 poor crowd these. The coaches are smaller than our caboose, 
 with small windows. The engine is so small and odd, com- 
 pared to our wonderful mechanism. There was one freight 
 coach, and the freight seemed largely tied up in burlap bags. 
 When ready to start, the brakesman will call out, "Right! 
 right!" 
 
 We went through miles of jungle, where the snakes and 
 animals live plenty of monkeys, etc. The wildest of the 
 animals are in the mountains. Brother Beirnes tells us he 
 was entertained in a home where he could hear the monkeys 
 screeching at night. How we would like to see them! We 
 rode through beautiful estates of sugarcane, cocoa, and limes, 
 with Indian villages, of which we never tire. Then, on a 
 little steamer, we reach the vicinity of Pitch Lake. Pitch 
 Lake is one of the wonders of the world, the second only 
 of its kind, the other being in Venzuela. This pitch is shipped 
 all over the world. The industry is owned and run by an 
 American company, in the name of the English. It is fifty 
 miles from Port of Spain, on a high point overlooking the 
 beautiful blue waters of the bay. In recent years, they have 
 discovered oil. They have a refinery, and are now shipping 
 to the surrounding islands. This was formerly all jungle. 
 
 179
 
 The Americans have so cleared the land, and sowed grass, 
 that it is now perfectly sanitary, or as nearly so as can be 
 made in these lands. What looked like home was to see the 
 homes screened. The reason screens are not used freely, is 
 because they rust so. On the outside of the doors are these 
 signs: "Close one door before opening the next." "Kill 
 the mosquito." They are considered a carrier of deadly dis- 
 ease, and are fought here and in Panama. It is a credit to 
 the United States, the work the Americans have done here, 
 and the industries they have opened up. We were heartily 
 welcomed, shown every courtesy, and given a good lunch at 
 the hotel. They were glad to see American faces. One of 
 the Americans employed by the company kindly took us 
 down to the lake. In the language of another, we give you 
 this description: "It is very weird, conveying with it an irre- 
 sistible suggestion of hell. Carrying with it a strong, sulphur- 
 ous smell, possessing an air of feverish desolation not far re- 
 moved from the abomination spoken of by the prophet. Im- 
 agine a swamp lying stretched out upon a plateau, on the crest 
 of a hill; here and there some coarse, half-dead vegetation, or 
 a solitary cocoanut palm dropping its leaves with a dissipated 
 air. All around is stifling smell and sweltering heat. Above, 
 tropical sun at its worst; below, the burning, black, blistering 
 pitch. Everything is black, and for the eye, there is no relief. 
 The glaring sun denies it, the burning, smelling mass beneath 
 our feet knows it not. The trees and shrubs speak only in 
 despair." This was, indeed, "The land of deserts and of 
 pits, and of the shadow of death, where no man dwelt." The 
 black pitch is carried one mile away from the lake to the 
 vessel, on an endless cable leading down to the pier. There 
 are numberless buckets, holding nearly a ton, gliding to and 
 fro over this cable. It is quite a sight, and as they near the 
 pier, they are seized, and quickly inverted, and the contents 
 
 180
 
 put into the hold, with a noise like a rock hurled from a height. 
 These ships carry this to every part of the world. 
 
 It is easy to believe this lake is an extinct volcano, because 
 in spite of the fact that thousands of tons of pitch are being 
 taken, it is rising all the time, and around the edges there 
 are numberless holes where it is oozing out. However, we 
 found, while walking across the lake, the pitch was solid 
 enough to hold us up, but when we stopped, we at once 
 began sinking. It gave a dizzy feeling, and we were glad 
 to get off. They had been shipping from here over thirty 
 years, the revenue bringing the Government two hundred thou- 
 sand dollars yearly. In the great oil fields surrounding this 
 lake there was one well, flowing thousands of barrels yearly, 
 that has not flowed a drop of oil since three weeks ago, when 
 an earthquake shook this island. "In his hands are the deep 
 places of the earth." 
 
 SUNDAY, March 24 
 
 A baptismal service was held this morning about five miles 
 in the country, with eighteen candidates, the converts of both 
 the city and country appointments. Both of the native pastors 
 were there with their people, many of them walking the five 
 miles in and out. The service was held among the foot hills 
 beside a cool, running mountain stream, surrounded by a lux- 
 urant growth of bamboo trees. They are like our weeping 
 willow, making it a cool place, and one of the prettiest spots 
 of nature. Probably seventy-five people had gathered on the 
 banks of the little stream, while on the knolls and hillsides 
 were others to witness the ceremony. On the opposite side, a 
 group of Indians sat upon the rocks. The bright sunshine, 
 blue sky and fleecy clouds, made it altogether a picturesque 
 scene, one we will long remember, and for the sweet presence 
 of the Holy Spirit. Two or three songs were sung. Brother 
 
 181
 
 Tucker prayed, then Brother Beirnes read and commented on 
 Mark 1 :4. He showed the need of true repentance and 
 change of heart, without which baptism will avail nothing. 
 The two pastors each spoke briefly. Then Brother Finch, 
 leading each one into the water, inquiring of them their true 
 state of grace, baptized them one by one. There were two 
 converted Catholics and, to our joy, one Indian man among 
 them. Just before baptizing him, Brother Finch laid his hand 
 on his head and prayed that he might be a blessing to his 
 people. Pray for Abraham H. 
 
 To us it was a beautiful and unique occasion something 
 we had never witnessed before. A real desire came to us to 
 walk in and be baptized ourself. Brought up a Methodist, 
 baptized in infancy, we are supposed to be satisfied; but 
 somehow we feel we have missed a blessing in not having it 
 done when we realized what it meant after we "believed." 
 
 PORT OF SPAIN, Wednesday, March 27 
 
 We are enjoying the stay here. It is very hot during the 
 daytime, but cool at night, and we have not suffered from 
 the heat, and have been kept from insects, etc., that we looked 
 for here and in South America. Brother Finch has been 
 preaching to our people in St. James, where they have rented 
 a hall. Last night he preached on the text, "If a man die 
 shall he live again?" He had the great joy of seeing a back- 
 slider come home to God; a young man with a beautiful tenor 
 voice, who used to help him in all the open-air services. After 
 he had prayed through, begging for mercy, he stood and 
 sang, "I'll live for Him who died for me," giving a ringing 
 testimony that he did not just believe, but "nen>" God had 
 restored the backslider. There surely was joy on earth as 
 well as in Heaven. Others were at the altar and were blessed. 
 Brother Beirnes preached a stirring sermon Sunday night. 
 
 182
 
 This >oung man, with another of promise, blessedly sanctified 
 and established, have abundantly paid us for the delay here, 
 if there were none else. The native pastor's wife is much 
 better. He is a godly man, and much beloved by his flock. 
 We hear there are ten fat letters at Barbados, and we are 
 looking for them today on a vessel from there. 
 
 We visited the Leper Asylum yesterday, on the outskirts 
 of the city. They have 500 inmates, black and Indian people, 
 and more entering every day. They have a beautiful location 
 on the hillside under the shelter of the mountains. We were 
 taken through a woman's ward, then one containing little 
 girls from five to sixteen years of age. The sight of them 
 was too much, and we asked to leave. Think of your child, 
 disfigured, swollen, hideous, until even they hid their faces 
 from us! Oh, the awful picture, and to be there for life, 
 enduring a slow death! 
 
 "Over and over; yes, deeper and deeper, 
 
 My heart is pierced through with life's sorrowing cry." 
 
 CHAGUANAS, Thursday, March 28 
 
 We came out here last night. Were here only a few hours 
 before, and the people wanted to have preaching services. 
 How intensely appreciative they are. They are to have "Mount- 
 ing Up, No. 2," as their new song book, so with Brother 
 Finch we sang, "The Old Rugged Cross," "The Pilot," and 
 others, which were entirely new to them, but to our great sur- 
 prise they sang after us, word for word. The hall was 
 filled, and people standing all around, and in the streets. 
 Brother Finch was filled with his subject: "Receiving the Holy 
 Ghost," and six or seven earnest seekers were at the altar. 
 One of these was a converted Catholic woman who had been 
 one of the most wicked and notorious characters of this village 
 drank, cursed, and fought the magistrate. When she went 
 
 183
 
 to church, always carried her knife in her waist and thought 
 it nothing to stab people at any time. She was so wicked 
 that her Catholic mother wept for joy when she was saved, 
 and begged our workers to keep praying and working for her. 
 After she was saved, the first time she testified in the open-air 
 service, the street was black with people. They shouted as 
 she exhorted them to give up their sins. The sergeant of 
 the police force came to her and rejoiced over her salvation, 
 and said he would watch her. Others gave her money, and 
 told her if she would keep true, they would help her. She 
 was baptized last Sunday. Pray for this trophy of redeeming 
 grace. The preaching of the Gospel has not lost its power. 
 Hallelujah! 
 
 The Mission home is in the back of the hall, and so sur- 
 rounded by cocoanut trees that the big palm leaves sweep the 
 roof, and it sounds like rain. 
 
 We had a taste of real missionary life. We slept on a 
 West Indian bed, which consisted of thin, cocoanut fibre mat- 
 tress with straight boards for springs. One must be a sound 
 sleeper not to be disturbed by some of the following noises, 
 kept up all night: mosquitoes around the bed, bats by the 
 dozen over our heads in the building, while dogs, cats, don- 
 keys, roosters and Indians kept up ther noise in turn, and 
 sometimes all together. However, our native pastor and wife, 
 with the saints at this place, made up with true native hos- 
 pitality, made our stay one to be remembered. While 
 here we secured a lot, and started the Chaguanas church build- 
 ing. Brother Beirnes, understanding carpentry, and having 
 experience in building four other churches, is working on this. 
 We felt it best to do this before his leaving for America. We 
 had enough money to buy the frame, which cost $73.50, so 
 by faith we have gone ahead. The people of the village were 
 so glad to have it started, even East Indians offering their 
 
 184
 
 MRS. KNAPP AND AN INDIAN MOTHER
 
 assistance. One road inspector said he would help, and others 
 have promised also. Their limited wages make their offerings 
 small. 
 
 Four years ago the work on Trinidad was in a flourishing 
 condition. Five Missions were in operation, crowds were 
 attending, and revivals were on. But all this was in rented 
 halls, owned largely by Catholics. Could holiness churches 
 have been erected then, a great work could have been estab- 
 lished. The enemy saw his opportunity, and got behind the 
 owners. Some of them made the workers leave, others raised 
 the rent until we could not pay it, and some regular supports 
 for workers were cut off. This was such a blow that but 
 two of the missions survived, but we have three now. How- 
 ever, many souls that are now scattered will be regathered, if 
 we can get substantial buildings and the needed missionaries 
 at once. When the work was at, its best, one of the halls was 
 in "Hell's Kitchen," on one of the most notorious streets, in 
 one of the most wicked spots on earth. Here the people of 
 almost all nationalities walk the streets most of the night, buy- 
 ing and selling, smoking and drinking, carousing and living 
 in lust and sin. God was blessing the work in this district. 
 Scores sought God at the altars harlots, drunkards and Sod- 
 omites and many prayed through. Brother Finch says this 
 was his first experience in seeing a Sodomite at the altar. One 
 of the things the people talk of today is the early morning 
 street marches. The whole church gathering at 5 o'clock, 
 marching three or four abreast through the most thickly settled 
 district of the city, singing Gospel songs ,and occasionally 
 stopping at a street corner to pray, testify and exhort. As 
 they went, their numbers would increase. People have con- 
 fessed since, that when they heard the singing so early in the 
 morning, before daylight, they rushed from the house, thinking 
 the end had come. On Sunday night, one hour before service, 
 
 187
 
 they would march around several blocks, singing and holding 
 open-air service, and the crowd outside of the church would be 
 as large as the one inside. Pray with us that God will give 
 us the money and misssionaries that these means of grace may 
 be revived and kept up until Jesus comes. We are looking 
 forward to even greater times. 
 
 FRIDAY, March 29 
 
 We returned to the city this morning. It is Good Friday, 
 and holiday here. Not a store is open, and only passenger 
 trains run. Streets are deserted, and all is more quiet than on 
 the Sabbath. The island is largely Catholic, and all go to 
 church. The men dress in black, the women in white, but 
 with a black ribbon. Their main food today is salmon, sweet 
 oil, a salad of watercress and lettuce. Near the depot was 
 the largest Catholic church, and we stepped into it for a few 
 moments. The place was filled with worshipers, dressed in 
 Easter clothing, all kneeling and reading their prayer-books. 
 The Bishop sat on the pulpit, and three or 'four people dressed 
 him in a special garb. He read, sang and prayed, but no 
 one could understand it, as it was all in Latin. They went 
 through one form after another, and we left with aching hearts 
 over the duped, deceived and humbugged people. On the 
 walk home, we passsed the Anglican church (Church of Eng- 
 land), and it is so like the Catholic. They are almost the 
 same; they went through so much form. What a need there 
 is for a strong holiness church where the way of salvation is 
 made plain. We are expecting to see it brought to pass. We 
 went to see a lot centrally located, and hope to secure this, 
 and later have a good church building. We are going ahead 
 like we expect God and His people are back of us. We 
 count on you. 
 
 188
 
 Our ten letters were not forwarded, so we must patiently 
 wait another week. We are quite accustomed to it now, and 
 taking that with other things as part of missionary life. Brother 
 Finch preached to the saints last night, and there was a full 
 altar again. The woman referred to was there, and greatly 
 blessed. She is following hard after God, and He will lead 
 her and the others into clear light. As the testimonies were 
 given, it was very evident that a real work was done in more 
 than one heart. How refreshing! They enjoyed some more 
 new songs. About 4 P. M. an Indian masquerade began. We 
 saw them start their procession, a half-dozen men singing and 
 beating instruments. Quite a crowd followed. At night we 
 could hear them. 
 
 Brother Beirnes took us to the main street, where they were 
 seated on an old rug in a store. Here they had played and 
 sang for hours, and possibly all night. It was both weird and 
 hideous. The priest was the leader, with cymbal, drum and 
 another instrument. They made the village know they were 
 there. There was no music in their loud singing, though they 
 sang in one accord, sometimes rising to almost frenzy. Poor, 
 deluded beings! They marched by the hall while Brother 
 Finch was preaching, but he adroitly held the attention of the 
 people, and there was no lack of interest. This morning at 
 5 o'clock the Hindu priest awakened the people with his 
 prayer, sounding more like a bawling of an animal than the 
 voice of a human being. This he does the year around. With 
 all these sights and sounds, we truly feel we are in a heathen 
 country. 
 
 SATURDAY, March 30 
 
 Last night Brother Finch held another platform meeting 
 here, all the native workers (four of them), giving short ser- 
 mons, while two of the wives testified. It was the best held 
 
 189
 
 ; et. We are enthusiastic and delighted, and feel like shouting 
 back to the homeland people, "Missions pay! Missions pap/" 
 For freedom, utterance, sermonizing and unction, these brethren 
 are among the best, and not to be ashamed of. This is 
 not to the discredit of those spoken of in other places, for these 
 men, with the exception of one, have had more experience. 
 A crowd was there, and the altar filled. This hall is not large 
 enough to hold the people. 
 
 This has been a busy day. Yesterday was a holiday. 
 Stores closed today at noon. Monday is another holiday, and 
 as we sail early Tuesday morning, everything had to be at- 
 tended to this morning. One of the business men, a cocoa 
 manufacturer, said if we would call at his place, he would 
 give us samples of the cocoa bean, etc., to take home. He 
 took us through his new factory, where we saw the process 
 of making the cocoa into powdered form; also the chocolate 
 into sticks, and their newest product candy chocolate bars. 
 It was most interesting. This is something entirely new and 
 promises them quite a revenue. We appreciated the samples 
 of candy, chocolate sticks, beans, and coca butter, etc., besides 
 eating all we cared for. 
 
 One of the young men attending the Mission years ago, was 
 to be married today at 2, at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, 
 and invited us to be present As it was but a few squares 
 away, we went. It was a double wedding and the bridal 
 party were at the altar as we entered. The two brides were 
 dressed in white, with veils and wreaths. This is a city of 
 roses, and they were in great profusion. It was a pretty scene. 
 The ceremony was brief, all read from a book. We only 
 expected to go to the church, but some of the friends urged 
 us to go to the reception at the home, and gave us seats in 
 the carriages at the door. There was a crowd to welcome 
 the bride. We were all seated in the dining room, at the 
 
 190
 
 wedding table, which was loaded with the feast. The center 
 of attraction was the wedding cake, a pyramid, eighteen inches 
 high, white frosting, trimmed with silver, with a bouquet to 
 crdwn it. A wedding is made much of here, and is a joyful 
 occasion. We were made welcome guests, and the delight 
 of many was very evident in seeing and greeting Brother Finch, 
 as he was again among old friends. He returned thanks with 
 great freedom and blessing. He is very partial to the song, 
 "Come and Dine," and as we were seated at the table, he 
 burst out with, 
 
 "Come and dine, the Master calleth, Come and dine, 
 You may feast at Jesus' table all the time; 
 He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, 
 To the hungry calleth now, Come and dine." , 
 
 And as we sang the last verse, 
 
 ' ' Soon the Lamb will take His bride, to be ever at His side, 
 
 All the host of Heaven will assembled be; 
 Oh, 'twill be a glorious sight, all the saints in spotless white, 
 
 And with Jesus they will feast eternally. ' ' 
 
 the Holy Spirit fell on the company, and there were tears, 
 laughter, shouts of rejoicing and clapping of hands. Jesus 
 was in the midst, and He blessed hearts. It was like camp- 
 meeting. It is a custom here to have their weddings at Easter 
 time. We saw three other bridal parties. They all take a 
 ride around the city after the reception. We closed the day 
 by going to an East Indian village, and had our photo taken 
 with a mother and her children. 
 
 EASTER MORNING, March 31 
 
 The bells are ringing out the glad story; flowers and sun- 
 shine usher in a beautiful day. He is risen indeed! 
 
 "Welcome happy morning! age to age shall say, 
 .Hell today is vanquished; Heaven is won today! 
 Lo! the Dead is living, God is evermore, 
 Him their true Creator, all His works adore!" 
 
 191
 
 "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all 
 men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead 
 and become the first fruits of them that slept." 
 
 On of the native workers gave a blessed Easter message 
 thii morning, and after administering the Lord's Supper in 
 the evening, Brother Finch preached to a crowded house. 
 Brother Beirnes was also greatly blessed at Chaguanas. 
 
 MONDAY, April 1 
 
 We are packed up ready to sail again. Before we left the 
 States, a good brother in Wisconsin sent in $ 1 00, and wrote 
 us that we could place this where it was most needed on the 
 field. After much prayer, deliberation and consultation with 
 Brother Finch, we have decided to use it in the repair of the 
 "Wattle" church, at the Junction on the Chaguanas circuit. 
 What pleasure this has given us! When the members of the 
 church are through with their cane harvest, they will do most 
 of the work, with the native pastor to oversee it. The bride- 
 groom sent us some wedding cake today to take with us. 
 
 APRIIL 2 
 
 We had a farewell service last night, before we are half 
 over the field. But as Brother Beirnes is leaving for home, 
 and we the island, it was thought appropriate to hold a fare- 
 well service. It was very touching. The native pastor, in a 
 few beautiful opening remarks, made us feel the welcome and 
 appreciation our visit had given them, and the joy they had 
 in seeing Brother Beirnes have a well-earned rest and change. 
 Brother Beirnes followed in a most fitting and appropriate 
 talk on, "Occupy till I come," urging the people to stand true 
 and be ready when He comes, knowing that they could meet 
 then, if not again on earth. How they love and appreciate 
 these shepherds who have come to them! We followed with 
 
 192
 
 a farewell song, and a few words, assuring them we felt we 
 were returning to be a home missionary in stirring up the 
 people to see the needs of the field. After we have been in 
 a place, we become interested in and love the people until 
 there is greater heartache on leaving them thin when we left 
 the homeland. How keenly we felt this as we looked on some 
 of their faces, no doubt for the last time. The people crowded 
 up to shake hands, and what blessings they did give us ! Here 
 was a crowd of boys, standing at the window, all wanting to 
 bid us goodby, even they saying, like all the rest, "A safe 
 passage." Brother Finch, alert to every opportunity, suddenly 
 asked if there were not spme who wanted the missionary party 
 to pray for them, and several hands went up, among them the 
 hand of a beautiful Indian girl, who had come up to b'd us 
 goodby. We had studied her sad face. She, with three 
 others, knelt at the altar. We learned then that she had been 
 a trusted worker, had had a wonderful experience, but in the 
 hour of temptation had sinned, and thought no one loved 
 her or cared for her. With weeping, confession, and deep 
 repentance, she came back to the Lord, and He freely forgave 
 and restored her. "Neither do I comdemn thee: go and 
 sin no more." What a story of suffering, anguish, remorse 
 and shame had been hers, as she told us her story! Truly 
 there is no peace for the backslider. How we wish we could 
 give you her testimony, word for word, as she poured out the 
 sorrow of her life, but we were so intensely interested, we 
 forgot to write. Pray for this restored child of the people 
 for whom our hearts are burdened. Brothers Finch and 
 Beirnes are so full of joy at her return to God, they felt it 
 paid for the trip to the West Indies. 
 
 "Ring the bells of Heaven, there is joy today, 
 For the wanderer now is reconciled; 
 
 See the Father meets him out upon the way, 
 Welcoming His weary, wandering child." 
 
 193
 
 We all feel something of the joy which is akin to Heaven. 
 May some wanderers come home as they read these lines. 
 ON BOARD STEAMER CHALEUR, Monday, April 2, 11 A. M. 
 
 On the Royal Mail. We are off for Barbados. Just left 
 
 the dear people on the pier behind. Such a benediction rests 
 upon our hearts as we think of them. Some eight or nine 
 came to see us off. A beautiful bouquet of roses was given 
 for the voyage at the last moment. A dear old woman came 
 with two dozen oranges. One of the beautiful pictures we 
 will carry on memory's walls will be- these faces as they 
 smiled and waved the goodbys. We tenderly commit them 
 to God. 
 
 "Blest be the tie that binds 
 
 Our hearts m Christian love; 
 The fellowship of kindred minds 
 
 Is like to that above." 
 
 We came in unannounced and unwelcomed. How changed 
 the scene! A steam launch carries us the three miles to the 
 steamer. An unspoken prayer finds its way to God for the 
 island of Trinidad, that all that is on the heart of Brother 
 Finch may be realized. We have no church building of our 
 own in the great city of Port of Spain, with its 60,000 souls. 
 We have just one rented hall and it is in a distant East Indian 
 suburb. The crying need is a church building of our own, 
 centrally located, where the scattered sheep who love the 
 doctrine as taught by the missionaries can be gathered. We 
 tried to negotiate for a beautiful lot that is for sale, but could 
 not, for lack of funds. Brother Finch expects to return in 
 the course of a few months, and hopes by that time to be able 
 to buy and build. Brothers Coone, George and Will Beirnes 
 have all spent some time here, giving their best. There is no 
 missionary here now, and no place that needs one more. 
 
 194
 
 BARBADOS, Tuesday, April 3 
 
 We reached here at 6 A. M., and are still in the harbor, 
 waiting for the Harbor Master to come. We were kept from 
 seasickness, thank God! Brother Finch stayed on deck all 
 night. He was not as sick as usual, which is encouraging. 
 Brother Slater is here to meet us, and we are off and soon 
 at the Finch home with a joyous welcome. Here we find 
 fifteen letters from the States. "As cold water is to a thirsty 
 soul so is good news from a far country." How good they 
 are after their long delay! What news they contain, some 
 glad, some sad, etc. My aged mother has had a stroke of 
 paralysis, and may be in glory now. If it pleases God, I 
 trust to see her again. What I am, I owe to her faithful 
 prayers. This, with all else, is definitely committed to a 
 loving Heavenly Father, who is faithful to comfort and keep. 
 This is just another phase of missionary life. 
 
 195
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 FOLK LORE AND POPULAR SUPERSTITION 
 
 We also want to give you something of the lore of the 
 countries and have copied some from a book on "Trinidad." 
 This is a fair description of the popular superstition of the 
 peasantry of the islands. 
 
 In treating of the folk lore of any country, one is sure 
 to find upon close examination that most of it bears a strong 
 family resemblance to that of some other country, and men 
 who have made a profound study of the subject have come to 
 the conclusion that the folk lore of all races was derived 
 originally from one common stock and goes to prove the 
 Biblical assertion that God made of one blood all nations 
 to dwell upon the face of the earth. 
 
 Ghosts, of course, stand at the head of the list. These 
 are firmly believed in by our Trinidad peasantry, and many 
 and various are the sayings as to how you are to act when 
 you meet with them and what precautions you ought to take 
 against them. 
 
 First, you are told that when a corpse is leaving the house, 
 the water in which it has been bathed must be thrown out 
 after it, or else the ghost will haunt the house. For the same 
 reason it must be carried out feet foremost, for, however much 
 we may have loved the person while living, after he dies we 
 have no desire for his company. Ghosts, it seems, are often 
 with us, only we cannot see them. If, however, anyone hun- 
 
 196
 
 gers after the excitement of seeing ghosts, it is said that a 
 little of the humor of the eye of a white horse put into one's 
 own eye, will impart the questionable gift! 
 
 Country folk warn you that, if accosted at night by a 
 solitary traveler and asked a light from your cigar, you must 
 not accede to the request without first making the sign of 
 the cross, as the solitary one may be a ghost, in which case 
 it will immediately disappear! They also say that it is not 
 wise to call any person's name loudly in a lonely place, as 
 there may be ghosts about, who may catch the name, and, 
 by repeating it continually, cause the owner of it to pine 
 away and die. It is necessary, however, for the ghost to get 
 your real name in order to harm you; hence it is that almost 
 all of the country folk have nicknames for everyday use, and 
 keep their real patronymic for state occasions only christenings, 
 marriages, sales, etc.). A countryman may have been chris- 
 tened by his godfather and godmother Theophilus Adolphus 
 Smith, but he will probably be known by his friends and 
 acquaintances as "Mistah Sonny," and any bailiff or tax 
 collector who may want to serve him with a writ or notice 
 will scarcely discover him under that appellation. If, how- 
 ever, he goes to a doctor for a prescription, he will give him 
 his real name; for he considers that as a kind of obeah? 
 and since it is held that the acquisition of the real name is 
 necessary to work obeah successfully upon any one, so also the 
 real name is necessary if the doctor's prescription is to do any 
 good. 
 
 After dark you are cautioned not to stand in a doorway 
 in such a way as would prevent another person from passing 
 through; for there may be a ghost that wants to pass 
 through, and it may touch you, when you will feel a sudden 
 sickness in the region of the stomach, and your head will 
 swell to four or five times its usual size! Since "jumbies" 
 
 197
 
 (the local appellation for ghosts) are able to enter through 
 closed doors, it is strange that they should be so particular 
 about room in going through doorways ! 
 
 When eating, if a titbit falls from your fork to the ground, 
 leave it there, as it is some "jumbie" who wants it, and if 
 you should pick it up and eat it, you would get sick. They 
 are also particular to always leave a little of anything they 
 drink in the bottom of the glass and spill it on the ground 
 as a libation to the "jumbies." Besides the usual "jumbie," 
 there is said to be a dwarf specimen called "Duaine" in the 
 Creole patois, which is supposed to be the ghost of babies 
 who have died before they were christened. They haunt 
 lonely places in the night and utter plaintive cries, like those 
 of a lost child. Should some compassionate traveler be in- 
 duced to seek to ascertain the nature of those cries, he is 
 lured farther and farther by its receding into the woods, 
 until he tumbles into some pool and, as he sinks under the 
 foetid waters, he hears the diabolical laugh of the "Duaine" 
 as it goes off to seek another victim. These little folk must 
 have learnt a lot of wickedness during the short time they 
 sojourned in this world! 
 
 There is another specimen of ghost called a "Diabless" 
 (meaning she-devil). They are supposed to be human beings 
 who, by dealings with the Evil One, have acquired the power 
 of changing themselves at will into any animal which they 
 wish to simulate, and to increase or diminish in size. Thus, 
 belated travelers have given accounts of meeting a woman 
 on the road, of ordinary dimensions; but, hearing the person 
 following them, the traveler has looked back and been sur- 
 prised to observe that she has grown several inches since he 
 passed her! Instinctively he quickens his steps to get out of 
 the vicinity of this lusus naturae, but she quickens her steps, 
 too, and is evidently bent upon overtaking him. After cov- 
 
 198
 
 ering a lot of ground in quick time, he again casts a glance 
 at his unwelcome companion, and observes with horror that 
 she has added another cubit to her stature, and is bidding 
 fair to rival Goliath of Gath. With his hair on end he takes 
 to his heels and rushes home, still pursued by the ever-growing 
 "Diableness," until he reaches his house and slams the door 
 after him; the creature peeps in with fiery eyes through the 
 skylight, utters a strident "Hah! hah! hah!" and with the 
 remark "Ou lini bonheur" (you are lucky) , disappears, leav- 
 ing the traveler in a limp and exhausted condition. 
 
 Another species of diabolic hybrid is the "Soucoyan," 
 which is firmly believed in by our peasantry. This creature is 
 a man or woman who has the power of taking his or her skin 
 off (just as we take off our shirts) , acquiring by this per- 
 formance the ability to fly in the air, like Macbeth's witches, 
 to go through keyholes, and such like uncanny proceedings. 
 The "Soucoyan's" ideal of bliss is a hearty draught of blood 
 sucked from the hitman heart; so, having divested itself of its 
 skin at midnight (it can't perform this operation before 12 
 midnight, or after dawn), it hides the skin under a mortar, 
 then rises into the air, appearing to the eyes of any one who 
 happens to be abroad at that witching time like a great ball 
 of fire, and with a shrill screech, enters the house of the 
 unfortunate it has selected for its victim (through the keyhole 
 or under the door), and coolly proceeds to suck the blood 
 from its heart. The victim is meanwhile cast into a deep sleep. 
 Before daybreak it flies back to the mortar and reinvests itself 
 in its skin. Why it should use a mortar especially to hide 
 its skin under I am unable to say; but it suffices that "all 
 the 'Soucoyan' skins which have been discovered (?) have 
 been found under mortars." Let me add ju$t here, as old 
 Herodotus used to do: "This I have never seen myself, but 
 I was told so." 
 
 199
 
 The way to protect yourself from the unwelcome visitations 
 of a "Soucoyan" (if you suspect that one has cast its eye 
 upon you) is to scatter rice around your bed as, strange to 
 say, by a wise dispensation of providence, the creature is 
 compelled to stop and pick up the rice grains one by one 
 before it can begin its bloody meal, so if you are liberal 
 enough in rice the dawn will break before it can accomplish 
 the task, and it will be obliged to fly away in search of its 
 skin very much disgusted, no doubt, at being unfairly de- 
 prived of its meal. Persons who are subject to the visitations 
 of the "Soucoyan" gradually pine away and die from utter de- 
 bility. The recipe for catching a "Soucoyan" is, when one is 
 seen flying through the air, to search diligently under all the 
 mortars that are about, and if you find the skin, sprinkle it well 
 on the under side with fine table salt, then possess your soul in 
 patience until the owner comes back and hastily dons it, 
 when the smarting of the salt enlre chair et peau will cause him 
 or her to yell with pain and jump about, and thus betray itself 
 in the sight of all men, when roasting over a slow fire is 
 recommended as a suitable wind-up! 
 
 Another recipe for balking the attentions of a "Soucoyan" 
 is to draw a circle with chalk on the floor around your bed, 
 which they are unable to cross, for some reason unknown. 
 Any old woman who is grumpy and unsociable in a village, 
 and further has the white of her eyes red, is generally sus- 
 pected of being a "Soucoyan." The red eye is held to be 
 an infallible sign. It may be that the Violent contortions 
 necessary to "peel" themselves is the cause of the bloodshot 
 eyes. 
 
 The "DJabless" is credited with the power of changing 
 itself into the shape of various animals, most often a black pig 
 or white goat, and performing the same feat of suddenly 
 increasing its stature to an immense size, apparently with the 
 
 200
 
 sole object of frightening people into fits. It is certainly a 
 more reasonable thing to have dealings with than the heartless 
 "Duaine" or bloody "Soucoyan," as its prime amusement 
 seems to be coarse horseplay. 
 
 The belief in buried treasure is very common in Trinidad, 
 and there is always some ghostly being in connection with it, 
 and it is explained that the connection comes thus: In the 
 Spanish days of the occupation of Trinidad, there were no 
 banks, and wealthy men consigned their silver and gold to 
 the bosom of Mother Earth whenever they took a far journey, 
 or there was an alarm of an enemy in the offing. The rich 
 man made his slave dig a hole in a suitable place, where he 
 deposited his valuables, and in order that he might not divulge 
 his secret to anyone, the cruel Spaniard simply knocked him 
 on the head; hence the ghost of the murdered slave became 
 the guardian of the treasure, and will allow no one to dig 
 it qp until he or she promises to expend some of the money 
 in having masses said for the repose of its soul. This spirit 
 is said to seek out persons who will be likely to "act on the 
 square," and in a dream indicates the place where the cache 
 is, and promises to give it to the lucky one if the promise of 
 masses is faithfully kept. Should some other person get 
 wind of the treasure, and attempt to dig it up, the spirit will 
 cause it to sink ten, twenty, or thirty feet into the earth, so 
 as to frustrate their designs, bringing it up again to the surface 
 when the right person comes for it. Should the favored one, 
 however, play the ghost false, and not expend the stipulated 
 amount in masses (as is very likely), it is averred that the 
 money never does him any good and serves him right! Lots 
 of people can be found who will give you veracious accounts 
 of persons who have suddenly become wealthy by having 
 buried money given to them by the spirits, but I have never 
 
 201
 
 met one person who would plead guilty to the soft impeach- 
 ment, owing probably to their extreme modesty. 
 
 Of course the belief in the influence of the evil eye flourishes 
 vigorously among both town and country folk. It is known 
 locally as "Mai Jo" (a corruption of the Spanish Mai de ojo 
 i. e., evil of the eye). The evil eye is credited with a lot 
 of damage to cultivation which a botanist would attribute to 
 blight, fungus, etc.; and the rural agriculturalist, instead of 
 studying horticulture, seeks for protection for his fields of 
 beans, potatoes, etc., by planting on his border fence a certain 
 inedible bean called horse-bean, which is credited with being 
 an effective protection for growing crops against the evil eye. 
 Fruit trees in the towns are protected by having a rusty nail 
 driven into their trunks, while business people protect their 
 shops by nailing a rusty horseshoe upon their doors. The 
 protection for infants (who, it is asserted, are very subject to 
 evil eye) is to tie a string of jet beads on their wrists; a little 
 silver or gold cross in addition greatly strengthens the charm. 
 
 The belief in luck is also very strong and there are numer- 
 ous recipes for securing it. Hucksters carry a "pheg" of 
 garlic sn their purses to bring good luck. The seed of the 
 quassia tree is called "good-luck seed,' and is also carried in 
 the purse or pocket; but a bit of rope with which someone has 
 been hanged is considered as the most powerful luck-bringer ! 
 You may sometimes see a huckster in the morning call a little 
 boy to take the money of her first sale from a female customer 
 and hand it to her. That is because her first child was a 
 boy, and she therefore has no luck with females. 
 
 202
 
 REV. R. G. FINCH, MRS. KNAPP WITH AN INDIAN 
 MOTHER AND FAMILY
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 NEVIS 
 
 BARBADOS, Saturday, April 6 
 
 It is good to be at "home" a few days. I am taking 
 dinner with both the Beirnes and Slater families; a nice visit 
 with each. Sister Slater is better. Brother Beirnes has 
 booked to sail April the 25th. The Finch children are de- 
 lighting in their father's presence. What a sacrifice it is for 
 him to be gone weeks at a time, only few can appreciate 
 
 We spent an hour in Brother Moulton's last home, just 
 outside the city a quiet, restful spot. The present owner 
 gave the use of the house to Brother Finch for six months or 
 more, when he was out before. 
 
 Have just received a letter from Brother Miller, one of 
 the ten boys who went to Japan. What a treat to hear from 
 one of them! He writes, "This finds me back on the dear 
 old 'Mount of Blessings.' I have traveled 46,000 miles in 
 my life, but never run across a place so precious as this dear 
 old Hilltop." 
 
 We sail tonight at 1 o'clock for Nevis, the first Northern 
 Island. 
 
 SUNDAY, April 7 
 
 We are on board the Guiana, our old friend and home 
 for two weeks. It is good to get back. Th's is the best of 
 all the vessels we have sailed on. On the others we were 
 
 205
 
 favored with a stateroom to ourselves, this time it is so crowded 
 tourists returning to New York that we have as com- 
 panion a sweet old lady, and we have to take the upper berth, 
 "upstairs," we call it; have a ladder to get up, tut slept fairly 
 well. 
 
 Brother Finch is not sick at this time, nor are we. It is 
 cause for rejoicing. A rough sea last night, but the ship is 
 so heavily loaded with 3,000 hogsheads of molasses, that it 
 is sailing smoothly. Children, how many gallons are there? 
 Our baggage was sent to the wharf in the afternoon, and when 
 we came at seven o'clock, a crowd of men were watching it 
 like vultures, and as the auto appeared they gathered around, 
 begging for the opportunity to take the baggage aboard the 
 vessel, and there was such excitement that two officers had to 
 dispel them. It was pitiful, for we knew back of it was the 
 crying need of each one to earn the money they could make. 
 
 We are at St. Lucia. Right before us in the harbor is a 
 French man-of-war, bristling with guns, with a thousand men 
 on board. This is the first we have seen, and has one of 
 the greatest wireless systems there is. They carry cows to 
 supply milk. We could see the cows looking out of their sheds 
 on the upper deck. They have the best accommodations. 
 
 Our wireless young man hunted us up and we had an 
 interesting interview. He would like to prepare for the min- 
 istry, but is serving the Government while the war lasts. He 
 would enjoy going direct to the Bible School. Keep praying 
 for him.- While in Georgetown he says Brother Schoombie 
 came out to the ship to see him. The governor of St. Lucia 
 sent a most wonderful bouquet of roses to the vessel. They 
 are placed in the center of the dining room, where we can all 
 enjoy them. 
 
 We are very grateful for the kind'words coming to us from 
 those who are enjoying the Diary. 
 
 206
 
 J 
 6 
 
 UJ 
 
 o:
 
 WEDNESDAY, April 9 
 
 We passed Martinique, Dominique and Guadalupe. We 
 only stop at some places for mail, but remained at Dominique 
 all day yesterday, taking on cargo. 1 ,500 bbls. of limes 
 were brought out by small row boats. In some parts they 
 will not allow the large barges. We spent the day writing. 
 The trip has been very pleasant We have not only been 
 kept from seasickness, but for the first time we have been 
 perfectly normal and natural, free from any miserable top- 
 heavy, unpleasant feelings. It is a great relief and cause for 
 extreme thankfulness. The worst is yet to come when we go 
 on sailing vessels between the islands, where steamers do 
 not go. 
 
 After 4 P. M. yesterday our wireless friend was on duty 
 and invited us to his little station on top deck. It was a little 
 room filled with wireless apparatus. He said at times he 
 could send messages as far as New York, and had had one 
 call, "Save," O Save." 
 
 We went over to see the "deckers," those who travel on 
 deck in the extreme end of the vessel, the stern. We go 
 down the ladder through the freight department and up an- 
 other ladder. Here was a motley crowd three boys who 
 were just brought on as prisoners, seventeen, eighteen and 
 twenty-five years of age. Two had stolen money and clothes, 
 the other had taken cocoanuts. The sentence of the older 
 one is eighteen months, the others some less. Brother Finch 
 talked to them on "The way of the transgressor is hard." 
 They admitted they had not gained anything. Two insane 
 men and two women were in the charge of an officer. One 
 woman was tied, but the rest were harmless. 
 
 There were at least thirty people in a small space of 1 0x20 
 fset. They had the r boxes, bags, baskets, and tied-up bun- 
 dles. A few had steamer chairs, but the most had to rest 
 
 209
 
 on their baggage, on the floor, or any way they could. They 
 go this way sometimes for days. Brother Finch and other 
 missionaries have gone this way many times. 
 
 We have just stopped at Antigua and Irene came on to 
 go with us. How good it is to have her. She is like a tonic. 
 She has been with Sister Coone since Brother Coone's death. 
 She will be with us on these islands. We are passing Nevis 
 now. The large vessels do not stop here, so we go around 
 to St. Kitts, and take a sailing vessel and ride eleven miles 
 back. Irene says we have left all the beauties behind, com- 
 paring this with the other islands, but it has a beauty all its 
 own. "Ben Nevis," the highest mountain, rises 5,000 feet, 
 and the clouds are nearly always resting on the top. What 
 a sight! We are passing by the back of the island and can 
 see "Gingerland," one of the out-stations. The little town 
 Charleston, is right down on the beach, while the fields stretch 
 back to the mountains, plantations of cane, with their smoke- 
 stacks and factories standing out in bold relief, the little homes 
 dotting the hillside here and there. It is a beautiful sight. 
 
 NEVIS, Wednesday, April 10 
 
 Reached the island of St. Kitts about 3 P. M. Brother 
 King came out in a row boat to meet us, and we were soon 
 landed, passed customs and the usual regime. We posted 
 letters, bought some cards and saw a little of the pretty towns. 
 This is the most beautiful island in the West Indies; the view 
 from the steamer cannot be described. We tried to find a 
 postal view, giving a fair description of it, but they all failed. 
 We had our first ride in the sailboat going the eleven miles 
 across, and can see one island from another. 
 
 Not seasick at all; no one was. Praise God! the trip 
 was much better than we expected. They tell us it was a 
 good sea and wind, and we went over in one hour and a half. 
 
 210
 
 Id 
 2 
 
 ai 
 o 
 u 
 
 u. 
 u. 
 
 o
 
 Sister King, Will Beirnes and wife, and others were at the 
 landing to meet us, and we are soon at the Mission Home, a 
 large, substantial stone building. Sister Blyden received a 
 hearty welcome home. 
 
 As we walked through the streets, all the stores were 
 closed and we asked why. They close at 4 P. M. every day, 
 which is the custom here. Last night was the regular prayer- 
 meeting and we all attended. The hall was nicely filled, 
 and they heartily welcomed us all. Brother Finch talked from 
 "All things work together for good," and we also spoke a 
 few words. We almost have to pinch ourself to believe we 
 are really at Nevis. After years of correspondence, and love 
 and interest in the place and people, we are at last privileged 
 to be here. Irene has been their pastor for eight years, and 
 a wonderful work has been accomplished. They have about 
 one hundred members here in Charleston, the main church. 
 One of the interesting characters is a young man called "Sam- 
 my." One of the workers of St. Croix told me what Irene 
 had to take to wake him up. He was full of mischief. One 
 night while sitting in the back of the hall, he was worse than 
 usual. The song service was progressing and she tried to get 
 his eye, but failed, so she walked deliberately down the aisle, 
 took a switch, and gave him such a whipping that he was 
 perfectly quiet, and some time later he was blessedly con- 
 verted and sanctified, and is now a helper on the mission place. 
 The people consider it her privilege to rebuke, exhort and 
 punish, if necessary, as well as preach and lead them to Jesus. 
 We are told that mothers with naughty children will bring 
 them to her to be corrected or punished. She is greatly loved 
 here, and respected by everyone, both white and black. 
 
 We have one of the best locations and buildings in the 
 West Indies. It is 90 feet long, 20 feet wide, and two stories 
 high, with a three-foot stone wall and a hurricane roof. The 
 
 213
 
 roof alone would cost today what we gave for the whole 
 property. It was built by slave labor over a hundred years 
 ago. We have been told that it would cost $ 1 0,000 to 
 build it today, and we paid only $456. As soon as it was 
 purchased, Brothers Finch and Coone began at once to con- 
 vert it into a Church and Mission Home. The front end of 
 the building was made into the church building, well lighted 
 and ventilated, accommodating two hundred and fifty people, 
 while the rest of the building was made into a comfortable 
 Mission Home, consisting of four bedrooms, dining and sitting 
 room, storeroom and kitchen. Besides this we have a nice,- 
 large garden and immense cistern. . 
 
 We want to tell you of the glad preparations for the party 
 of missionaries when they thought we were coming on the 
 Parima in January. The Mission House was cleaned and an 
 extra house with cots and beds arranged. Beautiful bouquets 
 were placed in every room, Mission Hall, etc. One of the 
 young men made the word "Welcome," and placed it at the 
 entrance, decorating it with flowers. Everything was thrown 
 wide open, a supper was prepared, and all was in perfect 
 readiness. A crowd of our people gathered at the dock wait- 
 ing to receive us. Irene had gone to St. Kitts for us, and on 
 her return they saw the empty boat, and begged for an ex- 
 planation. She did not know why we were not on the Parima, 
 and walked through the crowd as disappointed as they were. 
 Preparations were made all along the line. We thought you 
 would enjoy this glimpse of the love of the people. 
 
 THURSDAY, April 1 1 
 
 Last evening we attended service at Brown's Hill, the near- 
 est country appointment, two and one-half miles out. Sister 
 King drives the little pony with a two-seated buggy and the 
 rest walk. The ride is beautiful in the cool of the evening, 
 
 214
 
 NEVIS
 
 with the mountain in full view. Here we find a neat little 
 chapel with a seating capacity of 150, and a Sunday-school 
 of ninety, in a flourishing condition. This is the result of 
 having a church building, with sanctified workers. This build- 
 ing is the gift of the Union Gospel Church, at Wilkinsburg, 
 Pa. Oh, that God may stir up other churches to follow their 
 example! We have a native pastor here who, with his own 
 hands, helped to put up the building, and now has planted a 
 vegetable garden of cassava for flour, yams, eddoes and sweet 
 potatoes. 
 
 We have had such an eventful day that we wonder if we 
 can portray it to you as it all happened. We have come to 
 the ocean before sunrise to be perfectly alone, leaving the 
 sleeping household, and the scene before us is so beautiful it 
 is hard to write at all. As far as the eye can see, there is 
 one vast expanse of water, the sea perfectly tranquil, the 
 waves quietly lapping the rocks at our feet Across the horizon 
 are numerous fishing boats, two just passing a large sailing 
 boat and a smaller one. To the right, under a row of palm 
 trees, are two fishermen getting their nets and boats ready. 
 To the left is the pier with other boats leaving. A lone 
 woman is walking the beach. In the distance we can see 
 the island of St. Kitts, with its green, fertile hills. The sea 
 gulls are flying before us, just tipping their wings in the blue 
 sea, one taking a plunge. Two horses have been led out for 
 their morning bath. A shower has cooled the atmosphere, and 
 across the waters we see a rainbow in the sky. The clouds 
 are tinted with touches of the sunrise, and altogether it is a 
 most perfect morning. 
 
 About 1 o'clock yesterday we started out in an auto for 
 a ride around the island, twenty miles, to see all our country 
 appointments (only five machines on the island). Our party 
 consisted of Brother Finch, Sisters Blyden, King and ths 
 
 217
 
 writer. The population of the island is 1 3,000, and we are 
 told that there are only fifteen white persons on it. The prin- 
 cipal productions are sugarcane and cotton. It is mountainous; 
 one ridge through the entire island, "Ben Nevis" towering 
 above all, this being the crater. We pass by the cemetery 
 and see "Blyden's Gate." Some of you have heard of this. 
 
 Before we had our church buildings, as we have explained 
 in a former "letter," our people had no burying place, but as 
 soon as we got the building and were recognized, they imme- 
 diately granted a space in the cemetery with a separate gate. 
 Six people are waiting the resurrection in this spot. 
 
 We pass through this country for two and one-half miles, 
 until we reach Brown J~Iill, a little village where we held the 
 meeting last night, but wanted to see the church in daylight, 
 too. Brother Finch is delighted with it. There is a fine 
 cement wall and steps leading up to the entrance, and a stone 
 walk all around the church, with a small space neatly laid 
 out for plants and shrubbery in front (this being a volcanic 
 island, rocks abound). Sister King snaps us with her camera 
 as we stand on the steps. Many of these brethren are fisher- 
 men, and they brought the Mission Home a bountiful supply 
 of fish for our supper last night. We secured two sugarcane 
 and were refreshed the rest of the ride. If you have not 
 tasted sugarcane you have missed something. It is harvest time 
 here and we see the men and women with oxen all busy gath- 
 ering it. 
 
 Our next stop is "Gingerland," a larger town than Charles- 
 ton. Here is such a tiny building, well seated and lighted, 
 but too small for the crowds. Sister King snaps us with this 
 building and some of the children who have gathered around. 
 Brother Finch sent $450 for the Gingerland Church, given 
 by the saints in America. If Brother Coone had lived, this 
 church would have been up by this time. However, at present 
 
 218
 
 BROWN'S HILL
 
 prices, this amount will not build it. One good sister hands 
 Sister Blyden some ripe tomatoes. Everywhere we go "Miss 
 Blyden" (as they respectfully call her), is recognized, and 
 greeted with smiles of welcome. It is very evident that she 
 is a much-beloved friend and teacher. This is her stamping 
 ground, and no itinerant preacher has done more. In her early 
 days when she was strong, she would take a band of her con- 
 verts, tramp two, four, six and eight miles a day to these 
 country villages and hold a rousing street meeting. She kept 
 this up for years until the Lord, through some of His willing 
 servants, supplied her with a horse and carriage. This stren- 
 uous work has told on her and her health is not robust now. 
 Pray that this remarkable handmaiden may be kept for the 
 work of this needy island. 
 
 On we go to our next stop. We have two or three ex- 
 citing encounters that liven up the trip. Turning a sharp 
 corner at the brow of a hill, we come suddenly upon a boy 
 on a horse. The toot of the auto frightens both, the boy 
 drops off, rolls down the embankment, while the horse goes 
 down the hill with head up, tail flying, while half a dozen 
 women in the field near by nearly double themselves with 
 laughter. The horse is ahead of us for a half mile, then 
 suddenly turns into a yard, its home. We haven't time to see 
 if the boy follows. A little dog narrowly escapes being run 
 over. Just a mile or so farther on, a lad is only a moment 
 late, to escape almost instant death, as he came racing out 
 of a yard next to a high embankment hiding us from his view, 
 and the auto was going at too high speed to stop suddenly. 
 How thankful we are to God that his life was spared! We 
 speed on. It is like a hot July day at home, but there is 
 a delightful sea breeze, the deep blue sea is never out of sight. 
 How we wish the children could have seen the baby donkey 
 by the roadside with its. fluffy, plump body, long ears and meek 
 
 221
 
 face; and two tiny kids with their goat mother! It was 
 enough to make a child eager with delight. This is a rocky 
 island, and there are plenty of nest stone fences enclosing 
 the fields. We pass by Pond Hill, Morning Star, and Brick 
 Hill, all villages needing the Gospel. 
 
 Our next stop is "Castles," where there is another small 
 building wholly inadequate to the needs. It is enough to 
 make you want to put one up at once. Who will respond? 
 We have the only salvation work on this island. It is a 
 great field and with Sister Blyden to take care of it, it is a 
 safe investment. "Grandma Woodley," one of the oldest 
 followers here, comes along, and we take her on the steps 
 and she appears in the picture. How grateful these dear 
 people are for a visit from the missionaries. We hurry on as 
 it is long past noon. Give us the little Ford any time for 
 speed, but this time we have had three blowouts poor tires. 
 Once we stopped right at the church where Lord Nelson was 
 married. This fact, and that Alexander Hamilton, one of 
 our own statesmen, was born here, is proudly told by the inhab- 
 itants. At another place, a crowd of children, more than 
 two dozen, came running down the hill from the schoolhouse. 
 They all stop to see the tire mended and pumped. The twenty- 
 four little black faces are an interesting sight. They kindly 
 sing for us their national anthem: 
 
 God save our gracious king, 
 Long live our noble king, 
 
 God save our king! 
 Send him victorious, 
 Happy and glorious, 
 Long to reign over us, 
 
 God save the king. 
 
 This has the same tune as our "America," which we sang to 
 them. Every little boy gave a most graceful courtesy, as he 
 came, touching his forehead and cap. The whole crowd 
 
 222
 
 GlNGERLAND, NEVIS
 
 waved a pretty goodby. We passed cotton fields in bloom, 
 and the flowers looked like beautiful yellow roses. They are 
 going to get us samples of it in all its stages of growth. Right 
 by one of these fields we suddenly came upon a woman leading 
 a cow. The unexpected appearance of an auto frightened the 
 cow and she leaped up into the field, and the horror on the 
 face of the poor woman was a picture. It really seemed we 
 frightened everything; for we recall animals leaping across 
 ditches, people hugging the wall or fence corner, children 
 scurrying up the hill, peeping out with scared looks, etc. To 
 cap the climax we saw three monkeys, one leisurely crossing 
 the road ahead of us and two others in the bushes. They live 
 in the mountains and had come down to steal yams and sweet 
 potatoes from the garden. We assure you there was some 
 excitement then. The auto stopped and we all had a good 
 look at them. They were as large as a child three years 
 old. They went scampering up the mountain. They come in 
 companies to steal ; there is usually one as a lookout to warn 
 the others of danger. Sometimes he plays a trick and lets them 
 get caught, or in trouble. Sister Blyden had never seen one, 
 so she felt this was a special. 
 
 Our last interesting experience on the ride was to see 
 women doing their washing in a mountain stream, standing in 
 the water. In a clump of bushes a donkey was tied, while 
 to the right was a stone bridge. We have wanted to see this 
 ever since we came down he^e, and to give our sisters a de- 
 scription of the way the washing is done. The clothes are 
 well soaped first, and washed on large stones, by rubbing 
 them back and forth as on a washboard. Sometimes a small 
 stone or cob is used to rub them with, too, and they often 
 beat them on the stones. After the garments are washed, 
 they lay them on the rocks and bushes to bleach. The next 
 day they rinse and d v y them. The following day they starch 
 
 225
 
 them, then on Thursday and Friday they iron and deliver them. 
 We were told before coming we must allow one week for our 
 washing. They never use hot or even warm water, for either 
 clothes or dishes, for fear of taking cold. There are no tubs; 
 it is all done in the stream. We asked how the dirty, greasy 
 clothes became clean without hot water. They depend on the 
 soap, sun and bleaching. We wonder what our mothers and 
 grandmothers would think of this mode of washing. However, 
 the clothes are beautifully white and clean, so we have no 
 word of complaint. On the ironing days the women seldom 
 go out to meeting for fear of taking cold, especially if it rains. 
 
 We reached home, had dinner at 2 o'clock, resting two 
 hours, and then we all went to the ocean for a bath and 
 plunge. We were taught to float. Think of the luxury of 
 lying on your back in the water with arms under your head, 
 with the relaxation and ease of lying on your bed. It is 
 delightful ! 
 
 After a good service in the Hall, we all met in the sitting 
 room at 9:30 for Sister Blyden's Christmas. What, Christ- 
 mas in April! Yes, that is just what we mean. Different 
 friends from the States had given us gifts for her, and this 
 seemed the first fitting opportunity to present them. We 
 vraDoed each one un and marked on- ft the name of the giver, 
 filled her long stocking, tied it to the center table, and placed 
 'he rest under it. We hardly know how to describe the scene 
 that followed, but wished with all our hearts that those who 
 had given could have been there and they would have been 
 amply repaid. Dear Irene sat right down on the floor, untied 
 the stocking, acting for all the world like a little child filled 
 with hilarious joy. She put the stocking around her neck 
 and danced with glee, then as she took out the box of candy, 
 a box of hickory nuts, two oranges and a five dollar bill 
 wrapped in several pieces and pressed clear down in the toe, 
 
 226
 
 CQ 
 
 
 
 C3Q 
 
 I 
 
 I
 
 there was another dance. Her joy knew no bounds, and the 
 rest of us laughed until the tears came, sharing her joy. The 
 Word says, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice," and this 
 was one of those times. The five dollars was given by a 
 Methodist minister and his wife in Ohio. There was a beauti- 
 ful dress pattern, a box of Christmas cookies, one of nuts 
 from Florida, a fruit dish, .two pounds of tea and six silver 
 knives and forks from a student from Minnesota. Our only 
 regret was there wasn't a dozen more gifts. It was one of 
 those rare and happy times. Those who gave will read 
 these lines, but can never know how they blessed His dear 
 child. 
 
 Seven P. M. We have been wonderfully blessed all day. 
 Our burden for finances left us like mist before the rising sun, 
 and we had felt as though we were sailing in mid-air, so free 
 has been our spirit. Something has happened today. God 
 has touched someone and the money is coming. We cannot 
 pray any more for it. Hallelujah! In conversation with 
 Brother Finch we find he received the same uplift and exactly 
 at the same moment. What a refreshing it has been! We 
 leave for Saba tomorrow. 
 
 229
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 COCOANUTS 
 
 Of all the products we became acquainted with, none inter- 
 ested us more than the cocoanut. Just to pick one up casually 
 as we do at home, one can hardly realize its real worth or 
 the uses that are made of it. Making a careful study and 
 much inquiry, we want to share it with you. 
 
 We were in several estates of hundreds of acres. The 
 trees are set from twenty to thirty feet apart, and from one to 
 four miles back from the coast, as they depend on the salt 
 water. They grow from a small tree of three feet to those 
 one hundred feet high. Think of a grove of 1,447 acres! 
 We talked with a planter who was manager of this estate, 
 and who kindly gave us many of the facts collected 
 
 The trees may blossom at three and five years, and may 
 yield a bunch of nuts at seven years, and continue to yield 
 as. its age increases until it reaches its full maturity, eighteen 
 to twenty years, when its yield is twelve bunches, or one 
 bunch for every month. The tree may be in blossom and at 
 the same time, have one bunch of nuts ripe and re^idy to be 
 gathered, and others developing, as each month's growth is 
 seen. It is a pretty sight to see the fruit, twelve bunches on 
 one tree, beginning with a bunch of tiny nuts, each month's 
 bunch a little larger, with the beautiful yellow blossoms at the 
 lop, and the great palm leaves falling gracefully to the ground. 
 They are supposed to yield on an average of one nur. a day. 
 
 230
 
 Only a few years ago the export from one is' and alone was 
 s little less than one million. 
 
 Our idea of the use of the nut is largely for cakes, pies, 
 pudding and candies, but it is surprising to know of all its 
 uses. Since the United States has failed to export enough 
 butter and lard to the Islands, they have had to fall back 
 on their own resources. Since the War the nuts have been 
 much more appreciated locally. Cocoanut butter, which has 
 been a chemical curiosity for sometime, has now become an 
 article of commerce. Many families are makng their own 
 cooking and table oil and cooking and table butter. Some 
 make it at the table every day. The following are some of 
 its special uses: brushes, fiber for mattresses, ropes, mats, 
 cocoa matting, upholstering, strong bags, oil for cooking, hair 
 dressing, cooking butter, table butter, table oil, jelly, candy, 
 pies, cakes, pudding and cocoanut milk. A cream made from 
 the fresh cccoanut is a delicacy when used with jams and 
 jellies. Tallow soaps are made from the refuse. After 
 extracting the cream, the refuse is used in making splendid 
 feed for poultry, while that from the oil, made for commercial 
 purposes, is known as cocoanut meal, and is used for making 
 mashes for horses and cattle. The water from a nut four 
 to nine months, makes a most delicious drink, and we are 
 told that some v kind of a beverage is made from the young 
 blossoms. The shell, together with the husk, is used for fuel 
 purposes, and when lit it flames and burns like crude oil. The 
 branches, when dropped, are used by the peasants for roofing 
 their huts, while the trunks from a dead palm is used for 
 posts or barbications. At certain seasons the United States 
 calls for "copra." This is the kernel of the nut extracted 
 from the shell, and is either sun-stsam or hot-air dried and 
 exported. 
 
 233
 
 At present the Islands are shipping all the shells they can 
 handle to the United States War Department. The extract 
 from them is used to counteract the gas used in the war, 
 and it is estimated that one ton of shells saves the lives of ten 
 men. 
 
 The missionaries at Nevis were churning their own butter, 
 ten small cocoanuts making two pounds. The nut is grated, 
 and the milk squeezed through a cloth (they were expecting 
 a machine to do this) and allowed to rise, as other milk. 
 The cream stood from Saturday to Monday, and then was 
 churned as ordinary butter. (With the buttermilk corn 
 bread was made.) The imported butter is beyond the reach 
 of so many, and this is a good substitute. 
 
 While there we visited a large cocoanut estate, and had 
 the above picture taken under one tree, with Brother Finch, 
 the keeper, and a little boy. The lad climbed one of the 
 tallest, cutting down seven or eight nuts, giving all a delicious 
 drink. These are only nine months old, and at that stage the 
 nut is soft, containing more water, and is called "water co- 
 coanut. 
 
 We had thought of bringing out some of the strong, beauti- 
 ful points of likeness between the great palm trees and a real 
 saint of God, but after reading Doctor Watson on "Palm 
 Tree Saints," we decided to use it, as it is so rich, and fits 
 the subject precisely. Reader, let Him make you a palm 
 tree saint. 
 
 PALM TREE SAINTS 
 
 It is evident from Scripture that all the different animals 
 are types of diversified human characters, and that also the 
 various trees, bushes and shrubs are symbols of dicerent sorts 
 of people, and their various stages of character. In the Bible, 
 there are frequent allusions to strong oaks, olive trees, palm 
 
 234
 
 if %l - / 
 
 - 
 
 M > 
 
 >.'*& 
 
 m 
 
 \ m 
 
 UNDER THE COCOANUT
 
 trees and other species of trees, as types not only of Christ, 
 but of His people. And it is evident there is a close analogy 
 between the different qualities of these trees and the various 
 virtues and graces of God's servants. 
 
 We read in the Psalms that the "righteous shall flourish like 
 the palm tree," and again that the "Blessed man is like a 
 tree (and evidently it means a palm tree) planted by the 
 rivers of water." When I was traveling in Jamaica, where 
 I saw hundreds and thousand of cocoanut palm trees, and one 
 never tires of seeing them, I was forcibly reminded of the 
 imagery set forth in Scripture between the cocoanut palm and 
 the devout child of God. Let us notice some points of likeness. 
 
 1 . The palm tree succeeds best along the seacoasts, and 
 the margins of rivers, where it can get an abundance of water. 
 This is a true picture of a saint planted in the love of God, 
 and in constant touch with the abiding Comforter, for the 
 Holy Spirit, in His constant flow through the humble soul, 
 acts upon the faculties of the mind and the attributes of the 
 heart and will, just as a flowing river operates on the roots 
 of a palm tree. There are chemical properties in the air and 
 in the earth which are essential to the growth of the trees 
 and their fruit fulness, but it is especially the action of Water 
 that gathers up these chemical properties and imparts them to 
 Spirit, when He has perfect access to the hidden roots of the 
 soul, imparts all the virtues of Jesus and the love of the Father 
 and the vital forces of Scriptures producing there, by the 
 highest and strongest form of holy charatcer to God's people. 
 Sometimes the palm tree is found growing in deserts, but 
 always where subterranean springs are running near the sur- 
 face, and in these instances, such clusters of palms form those 
 refreshing oases, which are so acceptable to the traveler. In 
 like manner there are great deserts in the moral and spiritual 
 conditions of mankind, and amid these dreary wastes, where 
 
 237
 
 the people forget God, the true saint sends the roots of his 
 prayers down into the hidden fountains of God, and by the 
 Holy Spirit draws up constant verdure and fruitfulness for 
 thirsty and perishing souls. 
 
 2. The palm tree is an evergreen, which typifies the constant 
 freshness of a true spiritual life. There are many varieties 
 of trees such as apple, peach and pear, which are deciduous, 
 and shed their foliage at the approach of winter. All of these 
 set forth a certain degree of Christianity, but the highest 
 types of spirituality selected from Scripture are set forth by 
 those evergreen trees, such as the orange, olive, cocoanut and 
 date palm. David expressly mentions this quality of unfading 
 green as belonging to the saint by saying not only that he is 
 like a tree planted by rivers of water, but that "his leaf also 
 shall not wither," or as the margin reads, shall not fade. 
 
 There are deciduous Christians, and in fact a large majority 
 of Christians live a deciduous life, in which the sweet, fresh 
 verdue of grace comes and goes with various seasons of their 
 lives, and only a few of God's creatures are so thoroughly 
 rooted by the river of the Holy Spirit, as to have an ever- 
 green life, and manifest that sweet, gentle, cheerful child-like 
 freshness and verdure of soul, which makes presence like a 
 refreshing shade on a hot day. It requires a supernatural 
 stream running constantly down from the eternal freshness of 
 God through the human heart to keep all the affections and 
 thoughts verdant and fragrant. Every thing human will fade. 
 All flesh-born love, human youth, school-boy sprightliness, 
 mental science, theological zeal, pulpit eloquence, artistic sing- 
 ing and everything that does not flow out from the Holy 
 Spirit will wither, but a soul that is established in constant 
 prayer and fellowship with God is perennial. 
 
 3. The palm tree has its life hidden in the center and not 
 on the surface, as other trees. The palm has no bark, and 
 
 238
 
 so it can never be killed by girdling it. Most trees have a 
 bark, under which the sap flows, and they grow by an increase 
 of the layers of wood put on every year just under the bark, 
 and hence, if the bark is pulled off the tree dies. This 
 girdling represents the life which is yet natural, which can be 
 seriously damaged by outward circumstance, or persecutions, 
 disaster, neglect or ill usage. 
 
 We constantly meet people who live on the surface, and 
 know hardly anything of being hidden in a supernatural way 
 with Christ, but all their religious experieces are easily affected 
 by outward circumstances, such as large or small congregations, 
 an eloquent or simple preacher, a live or dull prayer-meeting, 
 good or bad treatment, or a little piece of persecution, and 
 such things that belong to the outward from of life. The 
 palm tree, drawing its life up through the center, especially 
 represents the soul whose life is not dependent upon outward 
 circumstances, but is thoroughly supernaturalized and hid in 
 God. Just as long as a palm tree has enough of its heart left 
 to convey water from its roots to its boughs it will live, though 
 it be cut all around and terribly mangled by the ax. And 
 to a soul that is thoroughly purified and in constant fellowship 
 with the Holy Spirit can endure trials, bad treatment, neglect, 
 persecutions, ostracism and every sort of calamities in this 
 world, just as long as its inner heart is in ubroken fellowship 
 with the Triune God. This explains why it is that the palm 
 tree never grows in size like other trees, by making addition 
 to the outside of its diameter, but it only grows upward by 
 adding year by year fresh joints on top. Hence the palm 
 tree ten years old will have as much thickness in its trunk as 
 a tree a hundred years old, which beautifully illustrates that 
 the true saint does not grow by spreading himself outward in 
 the world, but upward toward Heaven, and making constant 
 additions to his spiritual attitude. 
 
 239
 
 4. The palm tree, and more especially the cocoanut palm, 
 is a constant fruit bearer, blooming every month and always 
 having a cluster of fruit at the top from one year old in age 
 down to the fresh blossom. This corresponds with the Bible 
 statement that the Tree of Life yields her fruit every month. 
 Every Bible reader must have been struck with the way the 
 number twelve is used, such as the twelve manner of fruit, 
 and the fruit, ripening every month in the twelve months of 
 the year, and then the number twelve being multiplied by itself 
 making one hundred and forty-four. It is a singular fact that 
 the cocoanut palm will average twelve units every time it 
 blooms, that come to maturity so that it yields twelve units 
 for each month, or one hundred and forty- four for the year, 
 which makes it harmonize precisely with the Scriptural numbers 
 in many places. It is supposed by many that the number 
 one hundred and forty-four sets forth a special company of 
 saints, who will compose the Bride of Christ, and it would 
 seem that those servants which make up that chosen company 
 are all of them, palm-tree saints, having all the foregoing 
 qualities of the palm tree. 
 
 There is no tree on earth of such constant fruitfulness as 
 the cocoanut palm, and hence it pre-eminently typifies the most 
 fruitful believers, who are not only saved and purged from 
 inward sin, but so filled with the life of God as to have the 
 fecundity of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 5. The attractive beauty of the palm tree is another dis- 
 tiguishing quality. 
 
 It has no limbs, but long, graceful, strong leaves that stretch 
 out from the top, with a beauty and grace and glistening green, 
 which makes it an object of beauty and majesty unapproached 
 by any other tree. In this respect it sets forth the true Heav- 
 enly dignity, loftiness, gracefulness and perpetual charm of a 
 deeply spiritual life. The saints who get a vision of the 
 
 240
 
 eternal beauty of God, and bathe their minds constantly in 
 the attractive Imht of the Divine perfections of Him, are those 
 who in a special way manifest the true charm of a holy life. 
 
 It is true that it takes the spiritual eye to see the real 
 beauty of a holy life, yet even the dim eyes of the people of 
 the world can detect a strange loftiness and calmness of heav- 
 enly independence in a holy life, which looks to them some- 
 what like a spiritual palm tree, waving its lofty foliage in the 
 breeze, and presenting a picture against the sunset skies never 
 to be forgotten. Added to all these qualities the palm tree is 
 long lived, and at the end of a hundred years will yield as 
 beautiful foliage, and as fine fruit as in its younger years, 
 thus confirming the Word of God, that the palm-tree saints 
 will bring forth fruit in old age. 
 
 243
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 SABA ANTIGUA BERBUDA 
 
 ON BOARD THE ROBERT C. HARRIS, Saturday, April 1 3 
 
 We are in the harbor of St. Kitts, on board a two-masted 
 schooner bound for Saba. The Panma is here on its way 
 to Barbados. It is a beautiful evening, and we are to ride 
 all night. It is after six. We left Nevis at 9 A. M. and came 
 over in a small, open sailing vessel, and the weather was made 
 more pleasant today with a good shower. One is always 
 supposed to be armed with a raincoat and umbrella; so we 
 escaped a wetting. When the cloud rests on top of Ben 
 Nevis the fishermen say, "Ben has his cap on," and they look 
 for a good wind. When the cloud lifts they say, "Ben has 
 his cap off," and there is a calm, and when this is the case 
 it takes six or seven hours to go ?. distance that could be cov- 
 ered in two. 
 
 Saturday is called "Beggar Day" at Nevis. More than 
 twenty-five were at the Mission early this A. M. These are 
 the very poor who are unable to work, and go from place to 
 place; the blind, the halt, the maimed, the sick; all ages, from 
 little children to real old men and women. It is quite b 
 spectacle to see them. It is a custom here to feed them, 
 giving a penny, bread, or food of some kind. One day 
 there were no pennies, so they baked a corn cake for each. 
 Sister Blyden used to bake a small loaf of bread every Friday, 
 but does not do so as much as formerly. 
 
 244
 
 There is a small cabin on this schooner like a cubby hole, 
 with two bunks in it, but so little air that we have decided 
 to sleep on the open deck in steamer chairs. We had been 
 told so much about the trip to Saba that we naturally dreaded 
 it more than all the others. There is usually a rough sea 
 and no one escapes seasickness, we were told. While resting 
 this afternoon, we overheard some one say, "I'm sorry for 
 Mrs. Knapp." An unusually heavy sea and on hearing so 
 so many remarkes, we went to prayer, telling God we 
 placed Him beside all these unfavorable cinditions and 
 such a calm came over us, and a deep assurance took pos- 
 session that we felt God would be Master on board and 
 we expected to "be kept. More than thirty years ago, we had 
 one ride on Lake Michigan in a sail boat that so filled us 
 with horror that it was our first and last; but now we are 
 providentially placed where we must go or not see the work. 
 
 SABA 
 
 We have been through a "brand-new" experience, but do 
 not know that we would care to have it repeated. Here we 
 are, safe and sound, and have much to praise God for. 
 We have been saying everything was "Interesting," but we 
 could add quite a bit more it was "intensely thrilling." We 
 saw the sun set, and the new moon rise on the water, brighten- 
 ing the long night a few hours, and disappear. In the early 
 morning hours the Southern Cross was to be seen, while the 
 morning star shone beautifully. Its beams slanting on the 
 water were like the moon. We have never slept under such 
 beautiful, starry heavens. We enjoyed repeating the 19th 
 Psalm: "There is no speech nor language where their voice 
 is not heard." Chairs were placed beside the rail of the 
 vessel there was no room otherwise. By mistake, the trunks 
 containing steamer blankets and pillows were placed in the 
 
 243
 
 small hold and the cargo of flour on top, so we were all 
 without sufficient covering, and before daylight were cold. 
 Ben Nevis must have taken off his cap after we started, for 
 by 9:30 we were only ten miles from St. Kitts, but a heavy, 
 rough sea soon came up, and the rocking was equal to that 
 of any steamer; in fact, it seemed worse as we were so close 
 to the edge. We could see the tossing billows all the time, 
 and while we slept some, it seemed we had one eye open 
 watching them. Though we were told repeatedly there was 
 no danger, sometimes it was hard to believe that we might 
 not slide over. Once our chair gave a lurch and about 3 
 A. M. the big sail broke loose, beyond the control of the sailors, 
 and caused some excitement. We were tossed to and fro, 
 up and down on the heavy billows; this gave us a nervous 
 shock. Both Sister Blyden and Brother King sprang to the 
 rescue and helped to pull it in, but we went a mile or more out 
 of our way before it was under control. Dear, precious Irene 
 lay beside us on top of the deck, never sleeping all night, 
 keeping faithful watch. We never made a move but her 
 hand was outstretched upon our chair to assure us all was 
 well. How like a mother watching her child! There were 
 about twelve people accommodated in a space of a few square 
 yards. It was a vessel of small tonnage (30 tons). About 
 daylight we could see the outline of the Island of Saba, 
 standing out distinct and alone. How welcome the sight after 
 our long night! 1,500 feet high we could see St. John, the 
 first village. At one time there was a harbor village where 
 the boats landed, but a great landslide of rocks and lava 
 completely destroyed it, and there is nothing there but a 
 . wharfhouse. While 4,000 people live on this island, they 
 are up hundreds of feet from sea level. The water is so deep 
 our vessel does not even .anchor, so when the little boat comes 
 out to get us, both are tossing. There are no long steps to 
 
 246
 
 u 
 o 
 os 
 u 
 
 UJ
 
 go down easily, but we simply drop and shiver. We see a 
 crowd of people on the wharf as the news has gone up, and 
 they are coming one by one, running down the mountain. The 
 waves are so wild, tide coming in, too, that the white breakers 
 are dashing over the rocks; this is where we must land. We 
 cover our face and hide in Sister Blyden's lap. It is a wild 
 ride. We hear the men shouting as we go over one wave 
 after another, when suddenly the boat is swept on to bare 
 ground and a dozen men spring and pull it up out of the 
 angry waters. Sister Blyden keeps reminding us, "This is 
 interesting," and we have to take our lesson. "So He bring- 
 eth them into their desired haven." Praise the Lord! This 
 is such a rocky beach that only one small boat can go and 
 come in at a time. We sit down on a rock and watch them 
 bring in the baggage. We were blessedly kept from sea- 
 sickness. 
 
 Brother and Sister Will Beirnes and family have come 
 with us to take charge of the work. Two boats are busy 
 taking everything in. Sister Blyden superintends the carrying 
 of it to the top. We see a woman with a trunk on her head 
 going up, a boy with three steamer chairs, a man with a 
 trunk and suitcase, another with a mattress, and thus it is all 
 carried to our destination. The mountains .are so close to 
 the water's edge, one has to go up to see the road to the top, 
 rocky steps, curves and climbs. How did we ascend? By 
 the only "carriage" Saba affords, no vehicles of any kind, 
 not even a wheelbarrow. We were placed in a chair with 
 one pole on each side, and two men carried us up, while 
 Brothers Finch, King and Sister Blyden walked, bringing up 
 the rear, sometimes helping. They puffed and perspired, car- 
 rying 1 75 pounds, and we were sorry for them. They stopped 
 occasionally to rest. Brother Finch told us before leaving 
 U. S. we would lose twenty pounds at least, as everyone 
 
 249
 
 else does, and we looked forward to that, but someone must 
 have prayed that we would not lose our appetite in this new 
 climate, and be able to eat the food their prayers are an- 
 swered and to our dismay, we have to watch to keep from 
 gaining. The men carry us one mile and then return for 
 Sister Beirnes, and we walk another half mile to the Mission 
 Home. The mountains are covered with all kinds of beautiful 
 variety of cactus and stubby green trees. We feasted on 
 this new scenery; every turn brought new beauties. The sun 
 came up over the mountains and the scene was glorious, but 
 what shall we say when we reach the top? We are 800 
 feet above the sea level, the sea in the distance. The Mission 
 Home is beautifully situated and one can't look out from any 
 direction without seeing the mountains towering above one 
 hundreds of feet. The sight is wonderful. We are enthusi- 
 astically carried away with it. We can imagine we are in 
 Switzerland; it is most picturesque. The houses, here and 
 there up the mountain sides, are well built, painted white, with 
 red roofs, and look like pretty summer houses. This is a 
 Dutch island and the flag of Holland waves over us. We 
 are in the little town of Levereock, nestling down in the crater 
 of this mountain. This is surely one of the beauty spots of 
 the world. It is semi-tropical, but has had frosts. The climate 
 is delightful. This is Irene's home and we received no warmer 
 welcome anywhere than from her dear old mother. Here 
 is where she was converted and where she ran up and down 
 the mountain-sides first telling the story of Jesus "at Jeru- 
 salem." Here is where Brother Moulton lived two years 
 writing his book, "Exploits in the Tropics." From here Irene 
 came to God's Bible School, and you know the rest. There 
 is no industry here; the men are sailors and the Sabans are 
 known the world over as the best; those who are left, farm 
 the mountainsides for potatoes and onions and other vegetables, 
 
 250
 
 CQ 
 
 DC 
 O 
 OS 
 
 I 
 U
 
 carry the freight, as lumber, flour and sugar, up from the 
 wharf. They have never seen a plow in Saba. Goats, cows, 
 and some sheep graze on the mountainsides and look like 
 specks. They kill a beef once a week, but always take orders 
 for the whole, so nothing is lost. There are no springs or 
 wells; all have to depend on cisterns for drinking or washing 
 purposes. The island is only three miles long and two wide. 
 It is also so rocky that cisterns and. walls made of stone abound 
 and make a neat appearance. The women try to earn a 
 living, too, by making and selling drawn-thread work. 
 
 There is hardly a family here but has a son, brother, hus- 
 band or some relative in the war zone. On our arrival the 
 friends had a nice breakfast of eggs, bread, butter, fruits and 
 cocoa ready, also dinner of mountain goat, potatoes, etc., 
 and are bountifully caring for us. 
 
 TUESDAY, April 16 
 
 This is a Roman Catholic island and here, as on Nevis, 
 we have the only full-salvation work. .We have had no 
 settled worker here for over a year and the people have 
 begged so for one that it was heavy on our hearts, and it 
 was decided to send Brother Schoombie here, but being a 
 British subject, they would not grant him a passport for this 
 place. The Lord laid it on Brother Will Beirnes' heart to 
 come here, and we are all so satisfied and blessed in his com- 
 ing. He has visited this island two or three times; won his 
 way into the hearts of the people, and they gladly welcome 
 him as their pastor. It is hard to reach Saba. It is more 
 isolated and has been sadly neglected. There are more white 
 people on this island than on any other in the West Indies, 
 and it seems more like America. We only remain here a few 
 days and are holding services twice a day, Brothers Finch 
 and King preaching alternately. The hall is packed nightly 
 
 253
 
 and crowds are on the outside. The Governor attended last 
 night and reported that he enjoyed the service; also two of 
 the four Dutch soldiers who are stationed here. Sister Blyden 
 presides at the organ and helps with us as opportunity offers. 
 Brothers Finch and Beirnes went to the town of Windward 
 on the other side of the island to hold a service, climbing the 
 mountain, taking turns on a borrowed pony. Steps have been 
 cut out of the rocks and the ponies go up and down as easily 
 as a person. We watched them from the Mission Home, 
 and as they went up and up they looked like specks, but 
 we could see their handkerchiefs as they waved them back. 
 
 TUESDAY, April 16; p. M. 
 
 Today we had one of the trips of our life, going over the 
 mountain to see the town of Windward, four miles round 
 trip. Of course we could not climb the mountain, so we had 
 to go 'in Saba's "Carriage," with Brothers Finch, King and 
 Sister Blyden accompanying us. We reveled in the wonder- 
 ful scenery, towering mountains with the clouds on top, great 
 rocks and boulders overhanging our path, the steep sides cov- 
 ered with bare stones, others with shrubbery and trees, dozens 
 of goats, sheep and cattle grazing, and the deep blue sea 
 on all sides. Wherever there were places to be tilled, there 
 were gardens, banana groves, roses, flowers, and places of 
 most romantic beauty. The people walk back and forth be- 
 tween the towns, usually barefoot; and they greet us with 
 true native courtesy. The town of Windward is a most beau- 
 tiful spot. It is up much higher and receives more of the 
 wind and is cooler. Our little chapel here is 12x15 feet, 
 entirely too small to meet the needs. We made a few calls, 
 sang, prayed and returned home in time for dinner, feeling like 
 we had been to Switzerland and the Alps. 
 
 254
 
 WEDNESDAY, April 1 7 
 
 The meetings have been growing in interest and are well 
 attended. The people are so appreciative of our coming and 
 so grateful to have Brother Beirnes remain. Brothers Finch 
 and King have had great liberty in preaching. Today we 
 met about forty children, and had a precious children's meet- 
 ing, and we believe many of them found Jesus. Sister 
 Blyden assisted us in song and prayer, and then we went 
 down the mountain to her home where she was born and 
 reared. She is from a family of eleven children. The five 
 brothers are all sailors and are away from home. Five sisters 
 live around home. Times are very hard here, and there is 
 much suffering and anxiety among the people. Even those 
 having a little money can scarcely get flour and food, as only 
 a small amount is brought here. One woman was buried 
 yesterday whose death was caused by lack of food. Potatoes 
 are $8.00 per bbl. here, but crops are poor because of lack- 
 of rain. We have been without bread here, so can understand 
 their suffering in a measure. 
 
 We leave tomorrow. We remain long enough in one place 
 to become attached to the people, and then tear ourself away. 
 It seems to us that this is one of the best mission stations we 
 have, as ours is the only church on the island, except the An- 
 glican and the Catholic. We now have the respect of both 
 the high and the low, the Governor and some of the govern- 
 ment officials attending the church. We have two points 
 outside of the main station, with a membership of over fifty, 
 and now that we have a missionary here in the heart of the 
 community, the work can develop rapidly. This is another 
 field where we must have a suitable church building as soon 
 as possible, as the one now used is over one hundred years old, 
 and so small that not one-t-hird of the people can be accom- 
 
 257
 
 modated; during these meetings, the windows, doors, yard and 
 stone wall being crowded, both at the day and the night 
 services. This building, with the large lot on which it stands, 
 is already paid for, and the building can easily be converted 
 into a Mission Home ; while there is room on the lot for a 
 good church edifice besides. This once done, our work is 
 establihsed. as the people by the hundreds are persuaded we 
 are preaching the truth. Brother Finch preached the closing 
 sermon to a great crowd. His subject was "Worship." One 
 old man and his wife took his face between their hands and 
 blessed him for the message. Their joy and gratitude is very 
 touching, and to the last they shared with us what they had; 
 bringing milk, eggs, fruit, etc., to the home. One of the last 
 gifts was a parcel of potatoes sewed up in cloth, and this 
 we brought along with us. They brought beautiful roses; 
 followed the party down the mountainside; people came out 
 of their homes along the way and bade us goodby, while a 
 crowd went down to the landing, and the last thing we heard, 
 as our boat was carried over the breakers was the song, "God 
 be with you till we meet again"; and as we waved them 
 goodby we thought of the words of Paul on his way to Jeru- 
 salem, and of the people whom he left, "Sorrowing most of 
 all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face 
 no more, and thep accompanied him into the ship." Many, 
 if not all, of these people we shall never see again on earth. 
 
 ST. KITTS, Friday, April 1 9 
 
 We left Saba yesterday at 9 A. M., riding all day and all 
 night to cover forty miles. Had we an auto or train as in 
 U. S., we could have made it in an hour and a half. We 
 were on the sloop Anna, and this was even much slower than 
 the schooner that brought us. As Paul said, "The wind was 
 contrary," and they had to "tack" back and forth, and were 
 
 258
 
 g 
 
 s 
 
 CO 
 
 c3
 
 all day making eighteen miles, sometimes almost coming back 
 to the point of starting. There was nothing to do but to lie 
 patiently in the steamer chairs, to watch the sea and the rolling, 
 tumbling vessel as it went up and down on the tossing billows. 
 Over and over, all day long the deck was washed, as the 
 water poured over it, and splashed into our faces, and we 
 could brush the salt off after the water dried. We forbear 
 telling of the em'barkment, the strain and shock, lest we weary 
 you, but we felt helpless and weak for hours. We ate dry 
 bread and crackers, with hard boiled eggs, with unutterably 
 grateful hearts. One prayer has been, "Feed me with food 
 convenient for me," and we always have had more than what 
 is promised. Seasick? Of course not; we didn't expect to 
 be. Faith is the victorv. We have now gone the hardest 
 trip of all, and are believing we are through with it. Don't 
 forget to give God all the glory, for it is He and He alone, 
 who has done it. We left St. Stacia after 8 o'clqck P. M., 
 the only stop that is made. All of us settled down for the 
 night, with raincoats, blankets and pillows, and expected to 
 get some sleep, the new moon and stars shining down upon us. 
 A shower came up, umbrellas were raised, but the wind almost 
 took them away. This kept up more or less all night, and 
 we were all wet and chilled, but caught snatches of sleep in 
 between. Did you ever see a rainbow in the night? There 
 it was, a beautiful sight, stretching across the sky at midnight. 
 Someone may ask, "Why didn't you go below in the bunk?" 
 There were so many there who were seasick, and with the 
 close, foul air, and dozens of rats and roaches, we preferred 
 the open deck and fresh air. Wouldn't you? Brother Finch 
 has been so sick at other times that he let the rats run over 
 him and could not lift a finger, nor care. The long night 
 finally passed, and we reached here at daybreak, but had to 
 wait one hour for the harbor master to come but and permit 
 
 261
 
 us to land. This done we weres soon on shore, with bedrag- 
 gled, wet clothes and shoes, blistered faces and hands from 
 sun and wind, worn bodies, looking like we had been through 
 a siege. In remembering the missionaries don't forget that 
 there is a wear and tear on clothes as well as nerves. We 
 find a welcome home, a hot breakfast and a resting place 
 for the day. We are trying to picture to you the real life of 
 the missionary in all its bearings. We are glad for a taste 
 of their trials and hardships as well as their joys. This is the 
 hardest trip of all, but the memory of those dear saints at 
 Saba, made so happy by our coming, pays us double for all 
 we have gone through, and we are full of real rejoicing. We 
 heard Brother Finch say that sometimes it takes him weeks 
 to get over one of these trips. We want to burden you in 
 prayer for him, for remember, this is no easy task, but it is 
 cheerfully done for Jesus' sake. As superintendent, he must 
 frequently visit all the mission stations, and needs the prayers 
 and co-operation of God's people. These side trips have all 
 been made in th eCarribean Sea. 
 
 CHARLESTON, NEVIS, Saturday, April 20 
 
 Reached here at 5:35 lat night, but had to remain in St. 
 Kitts all day, as we could not get a sailing vessel until 4 P. M. 
 The wind was good, and we came over in one hour and thirty- 
 five minutes. How good to get back, after an absence of one 
 week. 
 
 Sister King, as "gap-filler," preached on Sabbath to a 
 crowded house and kept up the services. We have no definite 
 idea yet when we can leave for home, but will know soon. 
 We have two more islands to visit. 
 
 "NEVIS, Sunday Morning, April 21 
 
 The day of good things opened at five A. M., when the 
 people gathered for an early prayermeeting. How they pray! 
 
 262
 
 Service opened again at 1 1 o'clock, with singing, "I am on 
 the Rock," "Abiding," and other songs from "Mounting 
 Up." When these dear people get blessed, they rise to their 
 feet, raise their hands, or clap both of them, singing with up- 
 turned faces; sometimes there are a dozen on their feet, and 
 it blesses our soul. Sister Blyden has plowed deep, and there 
 is a good, solid work here. A splendid audience greeted us 
 today, one hundred or more. Sister Blyden gives a stirring 
 exhortation and talk. Brother Finch follows, and the altar 
 is soon filled. There was much weeping and praying, and 
 we believe some found God. We did not leave the hall until 
 nearly 2 o'clock. Last evening there was no service; we all 
 gathered in the sitting room while Brother Finch read to us 
 from the unabridged life of Rev. Hudson Taylor, founder of 
 the China Inland Mission. What testings and trials he had to 
 endure, and what insurmo.untable difficulties he had to over- 
 come! It was a luxury to relax, and have nothing to do but 
 rest and listen. 
 
 MONDAY, April 22 
 
 We had a precious meeting last night, after an unctious 
 song service when many took their liberty, walking the floor, 
 praising God. With Sister Blyden we sang, "Who is he that 
 overcometh by the blood of the Lamb?" we asking thes ques- 
 tion, she giving the answer, both joining in the chorus. Brother 
 Finch preached with liberty, "Blessed are the undefiled." It 
 will bear fruit. Brother and Sister King drove to Castles for 
 a service there. 
 
 TUESDAY, April 23 
 
 "Sammy" told us when the nets were being brought in, 
 and we hastened to the beach. What a sight! The great fish- 
 net stretching nearly a half block long was being drawn in 
 
 265
 
 by the fishermen, while hundreds of leaping, squirming fish 
 were trying to regain their liberty. They beat against trie net 
 in vain and were not on land but a few moments until they 
 were dead. Crowded around were dozens of men, women 
 and children, with baskets, buying of these to sell again. It 
 was most interesting and we thought of Jesus when the dis- 
 ciples brought the great draught of fishes to land and the net 
 did not break. There were three hauls today, and thousands 
 of fish were caught. Sister Blyden bought some of these 
 and we ate them for supper. 
 
 WEDNESDAY, April 24 
 
 How can we describe the meeting last night? It was an 
 unusual one, the regular right for "testimony." The saints 
 were full, and their cup of joy ran over. Brother Finch 
 talked on "The Second Coming," Sister King sang a song 
 about Heaven, and before the meeting was over we felt like 
 we had a foretaste of it, or part of it had dropped down in 
 our midst. A crowd of the "Gingerland" people had come 
 in a body, walking the four miles in the moonlight. It was 
 like a Sunday morning at Campmeeting, and the saints sang 
 jubilantly and testified with blessing and liberty. These pre- 
 cious black friends are full of music, and when you get a 
 crowd of spirit-filled singers together it 'is great, and we had 
 nothing to do but sit back and enjoy it. I wish we could 
 picture the scene while the audience sang a song we had never 
 heard: "I want to crown my blessed Savior, blessed Savior, 
 but I cannot until I make my peace with my Lord and my 
 God, with all my heart and with all my soul. I'll serve Him 
 while I live, I'll serve Him while I live, I'll praise Him in 
 the New Jerusalem." The unction of God came upon the 
 singers and the freedom in the spirit was a luxury to behold. 
 There were a dozen or more on their feet at once, praising 
 
 266
 
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 Him in their own unique way. Sister Blyden received her 
 share of blessing, dancing before the Lord and other jpyful 
 demonstrations. One sister especially attracted attention, there 
 was such a shine on her face, glory in her voice and freedom, 
 as she walked up and down praising the Lord, with the ease of 
 a bird in midair. In her testimony she told of being taken 
 to the hospital a few years ago by Brother Finch and Sister 
 Coone, with a loathsome disease, akin to leprosy; and when 
 she called on God and told Him if He would heal her, she 
 would serve Him forever, He answered prayer. This was 
 the first time Brother Finch had seen her since that time. 
 No wonder she was so full of rejoicing. She is our local 
 preacher at Gingerland and is so much used of the Lord. 
 We praise Him for this trophy of redeeming grace and His 
 miraculous healing power. The tide of testimony went on 
 until nearly 1 o'clock ; one brother was so blessed he was 
 prostrated. Sister Blyden has been a faithful pastor. There 
 is solid work here that rejoices our heart, and makes us glad 
 for the money spent that is bringing good returns. Those who 
 have her to support can feel their money is well invested. 
 
 All through the fields we have heard of a disease called 
 Elephantiasis, and here we have seen more cases than any- 
 where else. It is a disease which begins in the foot and limb, 
 causing them to swell and enlarge until the limb is as large 
 at the ankle as at the hip. It is all one can do to carry it 
 around. We saw an old man with both limbs so large that 
 he was an awful sight. There is a great deal of suffering at 
 first with the disease and many have their limbs cut off, and 
 we can see many one-legged people. It is one of the prevail- 
 ing diseases. 
 
 269
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 "HOME, SWEET HOME" 
 
 ST. KlTTS, Saturday, April 27 
 
 We came here yesterday morning, and are waiting for a 
 steamer to take us to Antigua. We were told it was due 
 today, but find it will notcom e until tomorrow. The agent 
 would not sell us tickets, informing us we could only secure 
 passage through the purser when ship arrived, as they were 
 full. This is the only one coming for ten days or more, and 
 will greatly hinder us in getting home to the Cincinnati Camp. 
 All sailings are now uncertain and limited. The two small 
 hotels were both full, and it was with difficulty that we found 
 lodging at all. There were no nets, and the mosquitoes 
 swarmed by the dozen, so they, with fleas, gnats and other 
 little pests made the night "exceedingly interesting." We 
 fought all night, having very little sleep, arising jaded, swol- 
 len and smarting with the fever and burning caused by the 
 bites. This is only a taste of what the missionaries have gone 
 through in previous years, and we do want to know something 
 of it. In the most of the islands now our missionaries have 
 their own rented homes, and do their best to properly care 
 for those who come, but here we have to rough it. Brother 
 Finch and other missionaries have gone weeks at a time, having 
 this kind of experiences, sleeping in hammocks, on top of 
 trunks, on decks of steamers, in chairs, fighting fleas, mos- 
 quitoes and all kinds of insects, not knowing what it was to 
 
 270
 
 have a good night's rest. In their lectures at home they say 
 but little of the dark side, but we want to give you a glimpse 
 of the strain, tension and hardships of this kind of life. Help 
 us in prayer that God will give good Mission Homes, where 
 missionaries can live sanitary and safe; so they can rest prop- 
 erly and their lives be prolonged. 
 
 The night before leaving Nevis, we had a farewell service. 
 Brother and Sister King are going to take up the work in 
 Antigua and we are leaving them. Songs and testimonies were 
 in order for each, while Brother Finch and Sister Blyden 
 followed. It was a precious service and we leave these new 
 found friends with their love and blessing. A crowd was at 
 the wharf to see us off. 
 
 ST. JOHNS, ANTIGUA, Monday, April 29 
 
 Reached here this morning at daybreak, after spending 
 three days at St. Kitts, leaving the whole party worn and 
 sick from loss of sleep, etc. There was nothing to do but 
 patiently endure it. Two meetings were held and God blessed. 
 All accommodations were taken on the Koruna, but the pursur 
 kindly permitted the party to sleep in steamer chairs on the 
 deck. The ocean was quiet; it was not cold, and only one 
 night's journey, so no one suffered in any way, and the freedom 
 from insect pests was a great relief. At the last, a business 
 man kindly offered the writer his place in the stateroom he 
 had paid for, so we occupied it with his wife. He slept on 
 deck, too. Only God can know how gratefully this was ac- 
 cepted. The Lord seemed to double up on the sleep, and we 
 have worked hard all day. 
 
 Here we found letters from home and the islands, the latter 
 from Brothers Slater, Beirnes and Schoombie, full of rejoicing. 
 Brother Beirnes writes of the miraculous deliverance of their 
 little daughter. She swallowed a berry, deadly poison, acting 
 
 271
 
 like carbolic acid. She became limp and like death. The 
 missionaries laid hands on her, prayed, and God wonderfully 
 delivered. Later Brother Beirnes took a berry to the drug- 
 gist and he told him what it was, and that he had known a 
 horse to die in two hours after eating one. Praise God for 
 this triumph of His power! We believe this calls for united 
 praise. Halleluiah! Brother Slater writes of the farewell 
 meeting with Brother and Sister Beirnes on April 22. 
 "Brother and Sister Beirnes had a most wonderful meeting 
 yesterday. People came from all points, the church was well 
 filled in the morning. We began at 10 o'clock and the tide 
 was higher than I have ever seen it since I have been in the 
 West Indies. The testimonies were wonderful. We had the 
 people march around for the offering, and they placed $55.73 
 on the table and raised it to $57.73 last night. Almost every- 
 body gave." Only those who know how little these people 
 have, can appreciate this splendid offering. Brother Beirnes 
 and family sailed April 28 on a direct line for New York. 
 They are expecting to locate in Lansing, Mich., for the year 
 they are on furlough. This is one of Brother Beirnes" last 
 pastorates and where he is greatly beloved. Pastor Wood 
 and his loyal people are planning on loaning and donating 
 enough furniture, etc., to make a home for them. What a 
 lovely touch of brotherly kindness to these servants! After 
 having been on the field we feel too much cannot be done for 
 any ambassador when he returns. 
 
 Brother Will Beirnes writes from Saba that God is giving 
 victory there and that he has found a suitable building for 
 the windward side of the island. All that is needed is the 
 money to convert it into a good Mission building and home. 
 Some of our best stations are in buildngs that were bought 
 ad then remodeled, much of ths bein gdone by the missionaries. 
 I am profoundly impressed with the labor of their hands as 
 
 272
 
 well as their spiritual work. Hundreds of dollars have been 
 saved to the missionary cause by their self-sacrificing labor. 
 We could not have had the splendid buildings at Antigua 
 and Nevis had it not been for the untiring work of Brother 
 Coone. Brother George Beirnes has also managed and helped 
 with his own hands the erection of four church buildings. 
 Some natives passing while he was on the last church in South 
 America, remarked that the white man was doing as much 
 as four of them could do. Just before leaving for Saba we 
 saw three mattresses, a table, vegetable safe, bookcase, and 
 other articles of furniture that Brother Will Beirnes had made 
 for his own use. These articles were too expensive to buy 
 ready made. Not only this, but they have kept the places 
 in repair. How necessary for missionaries to be all-round 
 workers. 
 
 Our native workers have nobly done" their part. I am grati- 
 fied and satisfied with the work and workers. From what 
 we have witnessed with our own eyes, we must say that we 
 believe missionary money has been wisely spent. Everywhere 
 we have gone we have seen the fruit of Brother James M. 
 Taylor's labors. 
 
 Brother Schoombie writes, "These are wonderful days to 
 my soul, my horizon is enlarging, my vision clearer, my heart 
 more tender, praise the Lord! Am having some wonderful 
 times. God is giving me messages for the people. Easter 
 Sunday twenty- four souls came forward for prayer. I don't 
 have time to get lonesome, my mind is clear, my body strong, 
 and it is easy to preach these days." He dedicated the church 
 on April 21 at Unity, the first out-station, where the Gov- 
 ernment had given the land. How glad we are for this! 
 These letters haye brought great cheer and blessing to Brother 
 Finch's heart. We are here in Antigua for a few days. Sis- 
 ter Coone's gracious welcome has been so appreciated. There 
 
 273
 
 is such a touch of home about the whole place that after our 
 three-days' seige we feel like we have found a bit of Heaven. 
 More about Antigua later. 
 
 BARBUDA, Wednesday, May ] 
 
 This is another eventful day. We feel more like heading 
 this Robinson Crusoe's Island, Tobago; for it is a lone island 
 by itself, and gave us this impression on seeing it. The coast 
 stretches out for miles along weary wastes of sand and 
 shrubbery, low and level, not a hill or tall tree in sight. It 
 made us think of Columbus' discovery of America, only there 
 were no Indians down on the coast to greet us not a living 
 soul, only one small hut and an old wreck of a fort. 
 
 We left Antigua at 5 A. M., and reached here at 11 A. M., 
 the same distance as to Saba, but good wind. Our vessel 
 was a small sloop and so short it hardly went sixteen feet 
 straight. Sister King's chair had to be strapped on deck. 
 She and Brother Finch fed the fishes. Sister King feels it 
 was worth five dollars to her, but we begged to be excused 
 every time. It was a rough voyage, but thank God, it was 
 short. The vessel anchored one-fourth mile from shore, and 
 we were taken in a little row boat. There was no wharf, 
 so we each had to be picked up and carried to land. Sister 
 King took a snapshot of the writer while she was being carried 
 through the breakers by a big sailor. Just imagine us! As 
 he felt our weight, he exclaimed, "Lord, have mercy on me!" 
 This afforded much amusement to the others. We coulu not 
 help ourself. We had had no breakfast, as we left so early, 
 so we sat down on the sand and ate crackers, cheese, eggs 
 and bananas. We were all hungry enough to have it taste 
 like a feast. If someone wants to give the missionaries a 
 Christmas present for such trips, send Brother Finch the money 
 for a two-quart "icy-hot" bottle. Some hot cocoa would 
 
 274
 
 have made it better tor the sick ones, for hard-boiled eggs 
 and dry bread are not always the best for weak stomachs 
 after such voyages. 
 
 The village is three miles from where we landed, and to 
 get there we had to cross a wide stretch of prairie. Ijt is 
 strictly a coral island ; the soil so thin above the coral rock 
 that no heavy timber or little else will grow. A jolt-wagon 
 belonging to the Government came to meet us, the only 
 American wagon we have seen in all these months, but in- 
 stead of hitching the team right, the ponies were hitched to 
 to a long pole ten feet from the wheels. However, we were 
 proud of our carriage and enjoyed that ride through the 
 shrubbery and prairie land with the spring odors of wild 
 flowers, just as much as if we were in an automobile. When 
 within a mile of the village we passed through a gate. Upon 
 inquiry as to the need of this fence, we were told it was to 
 protect the gardens from the wild animals and fowl which 
 inhabit the land deer, wild hogs, goats, cattle and ducks. 
 
 As we emerge in the open, we are greatly surprised at the 
 scene before us. The whole place presents the appearance 
 of a typical African village; and a business man coming 
 here with us for sponges, who has been in Africa and around 
 the world, told us it was so. Brother Finch thought it worth 
 coming to see. All the homes appeared to be thatch-covered, 
 and the people pure blacks like Africans. One of the Gov- 
 ernment houses was thrown open to us, and we were comfort- 
 ably cared for. We brought our own provisions rice, salmon, 
 potatoes, maccaroni, etc. and the good sisters prepared the 
 dinner at 4 o'clock. A planter on Antigua was a slave im- 
 porter, and as he procured more slaves than needed, he placed 
 them on this little island, and in this way he had plenty, and 
 when he wanted more help, came here for it. Some years 
 before our Civil War, England bought her slaves and set 
 
 277
 
 them free. They have only 800 to 900 people on the island 
 now, though it is as large as Antigua. The soil does not 
 produce much, the principle product being peanuts. They 
 raise cattle, donkeys, sheep, etc. There is not a store, market, 
 or a middle-man, and they depend on the men with sloops to 
 bring them flour, food, etc., and when they are unable to get 
 it, they surfer. This is one of the most peaceable people on 
 earth, living like one big family. Once a year they have 
 court, and the little petty cases are tried, if there be any. There 
 are no Catholics here, which makes it an easy field, with little 
 opposition. The missionaries were welcomed with open arms, 
 even the acting Governor telling us our stay was too short. 
 We were supposed to dedicate the new church, but it was not 
 completed. 
 
 At 4:30 we met the people here and had the picture taken. 
 About 300 assembled, saints and sinners. It means something 
 to have the missionaries come, and all alike were interested. 
 Brother Finch spoke briefly to the church, exhorting on various 
 lines. He also attended to much business. We were invited 
 into one of the native homes, and saw just how they live. 
 Some of them brought presents of the pretty pink shells which 
 abound here, a native broom to carry to the States; and still 
 another brought two turtles in a pretty basket. We took a 
 walk on the nearby beach, gathered^ a few shells, passed the 
 village well, and told those who were drawing water of the 
 Water of Life. 
 
 At 7 P. M. we gathered at the church for the evening 
 meeting. It was like a brush-arbor or campmeeting. Thert 
 were no seats, so the people brought their chairs, boxes, benches, 
 stools, etc. The children lay asleep all around. Lanterns 
 were hung on the unfinished posts, a pole was pushed into the 
 ground and a torchlight placed upon it. A table was used 
 for the pulpit, and the service began. Between 200 and 300 
 
 278
 
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 gathered, a crowd standing, among them officers. After a 
 lively song service, led by Sister King with her guitar, each 
 missionary spoke, sang, or took part. 
 
 The church when completed will be a good-sized one 
 30x40 feet. Forty-four rafters were given by the Government, 
 from wrecked vessels; lime is also given free. The sand for 
 the plaster is brought from the seashore. The slides are 
 wattle, the boughs of the wild tamerine are woven in, to 
 make it strong and firm. The plaster is then placed on this 
 both inside and out. One of the leading laymen has taken 
 charge of the building, giving his time free of charge. There 
 are about ninetv members, and more to come when the church 
 is completed and there is room. They now worship in a small 
 house. [Finished since we left] 
 
 ANTIGUA, Friday, May 3 
 
 We got up at 4 A. M. yesterday for the return trip, but 
 did not get off before 8:30. The crew were taking a pony 
 along, and had quite a bit of trouble getting it located on 
 the ship. It swam to the ship and then was 1'fted by block 
 and tackle out of the water, down into the hold. There was 
 good wind and we made the trip in less than five and a half 
 hours. The barometer showed light wind and the captain 
 said the weather was against us, but in answer to definite 
 prayer all was changed. The hours were packed so full that 
 we were all worn out, but after resting we attended service 
 last night, as it may be our last, for we leave on 'the first 
 steamer for Barbados to catch a fast one for New York. 
 Sister King sang feelingly, "Meet me there," and we talked 
 a little and sang. There is always a touch of the pathetic 
 in a farewell service, and as we have learned to lo\e these 
 dear people all over the field, there is a bond of sympathy 
 and love, yet as the coming of Jesus seems so nea-% it is easy 
 
 281
 
 to say goodby, for it won't be long before all the blood- 
 washed will be gathered Home. 
 
 This is one of the poorest islands in the West Indies; mary 
 of the people living in their huts eke out a bare existence. 
 Their suspicions and superstitions are almost equal to those in 
 Africa. One village within four miles of here is said to have 
 ninety-nine Obia doctors. Weird are the stories they can 
 tell, and incidents that have happened. There is no full- 
 salvation work on this island outside of our work. The 
 population is forty thousand. At one time Brother Coone 
 had thirteen preaching places, but towards the last he was too 
 worn out to keep them, but we still have the three regular 
 appointments, and now with a pony and rig we ask you to 
 pray that God will use Brother and Sister King to revive the 
 work. Our building here is worth $2,000, the hall below 
 seating 250, with the Mission Home above, containing six 
 rooms. There is also a nice, large yard, stable and wash- 
 house, with garden containing plum, pear, cocoanut and mango 
 trees. The hall is right in the thickly settled district. It is 
 not hard to have a good congregation here, for the hall is 
 often crowded, with many outside. 
 
 We visited Winthrop, the first out-appointment, this after- 
 . noon. It is four and a ,half miles out, where we have thirty- 
 five members and a good native pastor. Freetown is fifteen 
 miles away, at a lonely end of the island, with fourteen 
 members. 
 
 STEAMER CHALEUR, Monday, May 6 
 
 Left the friends at St. John, Antigua, Saturday. The 
 Kings are in charge of the work there and at Barbuda and 
 out-stations. Sisters Blyden and Coone were to return to 
 Nevis today. All business was attended to, and we left with 
 a feeling that we were through. One of our last errands was 
 
 282
 
 to walk out a mile or so to the cemetery and visit the grave 
 of Brother Coone, one of God's noblest men. He lies in one 
 of earth's beautiful spots. On the head of his tombstone 
 were the words of his testimony, "Jesus is my all in all." He 
 will go up when the trumpet calls. 
 
 We are enjoying the voyage down to Barbados a heavily 
 loaded vessel and a quiet sea. This is an English vessel 
 bound for Halifax, only stopping at a few of the islands. 
 The ship's doctor has told us more about the war than we 
 have learned in four weeks past. We feel like we have been 
 out of the world. 
 
 We have just been reading Brother Wimberly's "Behold, 
 the Morning Cometh," and just as we were in the chapter 
 where he referred to the awful eruption on Martinique, we 
 were passing the very island. The city of St. Pierre being 
 in s'ght with its thirty-five thousand buried beneath the lava* 
 It was so with the wicked, we wonder if any will be in the 
 rapture. 
 
 Our stateroom has been shared by a real old gray-haired 
 lady who has had her taste of sorrow. She was a Catholic 
 and spent much time on her knees with her cross, counting 
 beads. She was very seasick before leaving, and we had the 
 sweet opportunity of telling her of the One Mediator, the man 
 Christ Jesus. She received the message very kindly. 
 
 TUESDAY, May 7 
 
 Last n'ght we stopped at one of the islands to load coal. 
 We heard the engineer give the order for one hundred tons. 
 In all these travels we had never seen a vessel coaled, but 
 had heard Brother Finch say much about it when at home. 
 They placed fifty tons in one bunker and fifty in another 
 About fifty men hoisted the gangway to reach the deck of 
 the vessel, and then the procession began. Twenty-five black 
 
 283
 
 women, besides the men, all in single file, each carried a 
 basket containing a bushel on their heads, walking from the 
 coalshed across the yard, up the long gangway over the deck 
 to the bunker, where they tipped it down, and then walked 
 off with their baskets for another load. As they stepped upon 
 the deck each was given a ticket for which they collected one 
 cent. It was half-past nine when they began and the vessel 
 left at 4 A. M. When we asked one woman how much she 
 would earn, she replied, "Forty-five cents." They were of 
 all ages, young and old; a pitiful sight to us. We recalled 
 the old slave days. Some had physiques of the strongest men; 
 others small and unequal to the laborious task. Some of them 
 were members of the Salvation Ahmy, a mission, and one or 
 two churches. This is one of the hard ways they have of 
 earning their daily bread. 
 
 At this island there is a garrison of 200 Canadian soldiers. 
 Life is very dull for them. Quite a crowd of them came 
 aboard, and we had occasion to engage in conversation with 
 one of them, a young man of twenty-four, religiously inclined, 
 but far from God. There was supposed to be a Bible for 
 every soldier, but he knew of only four among the crowd, 
 and there were no religious meetings of any kind held for 
 them. We have been reading in the REVIVALIST since we 
 left, of the effort made of putting the paper into the hands 
 of soldiers, and felt that here is one of the best of opportuni- 
 ties. We talked to him of Jesus and what salvation could 
 do, and feel the seed has fallen into good ground. Pray for 
 this soldier boy, and the other two hundred. We have his 
 name and address and expect to send literature to them. 
 
 Mr. Stevenson, of the London Missionary Society, sta- 
 tioned in the South Sea Islands, is on board, and by accident 
 discovered us. His pleasure was real on meeting other mis- 
 sionaries. He had felt so alone and the meeting of someone 
 
 284
 
 of like faith was a source of mutual joy. He is filled with a 
 longing for the Lord's return and is daily looking for Him. 
 We have had some pleasant interviews. 
 
 BARBADOS, Wednesday, May 8 
 
 We reached here in safety yesterday afternoon, but were 
 held for an hour or more after we were anchored. Thirteen 
 "Stowaways" were in the hold who were trying to get to 
 Canada, but were discovered and brought back. Only ten 
 could be found at first and until they all were, no one was 
 allowed to leave. After a long search one more was found, 
 and the other confessed that two had sneaked oil at the last 
 stop. These eleven were lined up before the harbor master, 
 doctor and captain. Passengers crowded to see them, and 
 were an unwilling spectacle, guilty, captured and condemned. 
 It made us think of the judgment when all must give an account. 
 They are to be locked up in prison. 
 
 Brother and Sister Slater, with Sister Finch, came out to 
 get us and we were soon at home with a joyous, hilarious 
 welcome from the children. We had looked for mail, but not 
 one letter had come. This is another taste of missionary life. 
 There are so few vessels and so much uncertainty we could 
 not tell when we could get to New York. 
 
 FRIDAY, May 1 
 
 Brother Slater had booked us, conditionally, on a Brazilian 
 boat leaving the 20th, but on looking into it, Brother Finch 
 found not a soul on board who would be able to speak Eng- 
 lish, and refused to have us go on that. We heard the Gui- 
 ana was booked full, but on her arrival into port yesterday, 
 he secured passage, sailing the 14th. Our hearts are now 
 homeward bound. 
 
 285
 
 SATURDAY, Map 1 1 
 
 Yesterday afternoon we all went to see a good brother in 
 the country who has a circuit of three churches. The story 
 of his conversion is remarkable. He was a worldly church- 
 member and a business man, a successful planter, and was 
 called "The Sugar King" of Barbados. One day a native 
 lad came to see him for a subscription, and before leaving 
 said he could not go without saying something about his soul, 
 and quoted to him, "Without holiness no man shall see the 
 Lord." He was insulted and ordered him out, but he could 
 not get rid of the Holy Spirit so easily, for in this case, the 
 Word of God was "quick and powerful and sharper than a 
 two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of 
 soul and spirit and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents 
 of the heart." He was so convicted and pierced that for 
 three days he could do nothing but weep and pray in great 
 anguish of spirit. He told God he knew he was not holy, 
 and if without holiness no man could see God, then he was 
 on the way to hell, but he must see Him. The struggle went 
 on. One day, in great desperation, he locked himself in his 
 room and prayed until God wonderfully saved him. 
 
 Inside of two months he saw his great need of a clean 
 heart, and sought help from his pastor and others, but no one 
 could help him. Again, with his whole heart, he went straight 
 to God, the safest, surest and most direct way for any soul, 
 for, "If ye seek me, ye shall find me, when ye search for me 
 with all your heart." He was a large man of powerful 
 physique and the enemy told him he was too strong, that he 
 would have to be made weak or sick. In great distress he 
 told the Lord that he must be holy and if necessary .to strike 
 him white with leprosy, to make him holy at any cost. And 
 with such a prayer and consecration the marvelous, blessed 
 work was done in his soul. His wife followed him. They 
 
 286
 
 immediately left all, and have full)' walked with God from 
 that day to this. He has taught them to trust Him for their 
 health, and neither has touched medicine since. What a 
 joy to hear this testimony. This is another answer to the 
 question, "Do Missions pay?" He exhorted Brothers Finch 
 and Slater to enter every open door, that the Gospel we are 
 preaching is just what this island is needing. Do you say 
 Amen? There are so many of them that, we are almost be- 
 wildered because of the lack of money and missionaries. "Pray 
 ye that the Lord of the harvest may send more laborers into 
 his harvest." 
 
 We spent the night at Brother Slater's enjoying their hos- 
 pitality. In the morning he took us to "Lazaretta," the leper 
 asylum here, especially to see one of the members of the city 
 church. She is thirty-three years of age and has had a 
 crippled hand from childhood, also spots on her face. As 
 they have always remained the same the inspectors never 
 reported the case. Quite recently a new inspector came and 
 reported her, and she was sent as a leper case. Instead of 
 repining, she accepted the decision as God's appointment for 
 her and feels she is as clearly led there as any minister to 
 his charge. She has organized a Sunday-school, of thirty- 
 three members, three lepers have been converted, and the 
 superintendent and keepers are rejoicing over her work. She 
 is so full of triumph that we said on leaving, "That woman 
 has the blessing." Have you such grace as that? Do some 
 still ask, "Do missions pay?" Here is the answer. (A full 
 account of this leper will be put into tract form.) 
 
 MONDAY, May 1 3 
 
 We attended church yesterday both morning and evening. 
 Brother Finch preached at both services, with much power 
 and blessing. In the evening we bade the people farewell. 
 
 287
 
 We came to this church first, and bade them "Goodby" last. 
 Many came to shake hands, assuring us of their prayers, and 
 wishing us a "Safe voyage." Our heart was full of tender 
 memories, thinking of the love and kindness of the missionaries 
 and the people we have met in the past four months, knowing 
 that most of them we shall never see again here below. They 
 have found a warm place in our hearts, and we love to carry 
 them to a throne of grace. 
 
 We came, deeply interested in missions, but we go away 
 burdened with the needs of this portion of a whitened harvest 
 field. We have poured out our hearts to you on paper, and 
 we leave the results with God. We are more and more forci- 
 bly impressed that missions do pay and will in the years to 
 come, if Jesus tarries. 
 
 It has been good to have a few days' rest after the past 
 strenuous weeks. Trunks, suitcases and grips are packed, 
 ready for the last voyage. 
 
 ON BOARD GUIANA, Wednesday, May 15 
 
 We left yesterday at 4:30 P. M. We were tenderly com- 
 mitted to God at family prayers, by the Finch family, with 
 every need spread before Him. The last hours flew swiftly 
 by. Brother and Sister Finch with Brother and Sister Slater 
 saw us safely on board. We had to leave them and go on a 
 long journey alone for the first time. For five months we have 
 been with some of the missionaries continually. It was a new 
 and peculiar experience and we had to choke back some tears, 
 but after the little boat (with waving hats and handkerchiefs), 
 taking them to shore had disappeared, and the land was fast 
 receding from sight, the Holy Spirit was singing in our heart: 
 
 "There's a secret, precious secret, 
 
 God has whispered in my soul, 
 "Tis that He will ever keep me, 
 
 While eternal ages roll." 
 
 288
 
 "I will compass him about with songs of deliverance." We 
 drew nigh to Him and He drew nigh to us. 
 
 We are having an uneventful voyage, stopping an hour or 
 so at each island until we came here today expecting to 
 remain two days taking on a heavy cargo of sugar for the 
 States. As this is an American island, all passengers were 
 called on deck, lined up, and inspected and counted by the 
 doctor from shore. This is done for protection in New York. 
 The Police Commissioner, examining my passport for permis- 
 sion to land, noticed my birth place, looked up to tell me 
 that he was from the same city in Michigan. The pleasure 
 was mutual. 
 
 Brother Finch and some of the others feel that the Diary 
 Letters should be put into book form, and scattered in the 
 interest of the West India work, so we have been busy cor- 
 recting and preparing all we have seen of them in print. The 
 book will be well illustrated and some extra matter added. 
 We will be pleased for every reader who has helped and 
 followed us with his prayers to secure a copy. Price and 
 announcement of its being ready for circulation will follow 
 later. We promised the children a letter about the cocoanut 
 and its uses, but this will appear in the book, with a photo- 
 graph of the tree full of nuts, with Brother Finch and myself 
 under them. 
 
 The sunset last evening was indescribably glorious. We 
 thought of the city of Gold and the New Jerusalem. "And 
 the city was pure gold like unto clear glass." 
 
 "Oh, those beautiful streets of gold, 
 All its glories I shall behold; 
 How my heart will rejoice tomorrow, 
 When I walk up those streets of gold. ' ' 
 
 289
 
 SATURDAY, Mai; 18, St. Croix. 
 
 We spent a few hours on shore yesterday calling on Sister 
 Armstrong. Sister Hunt, the English missionary, came to 
 see us on board. They gave me a cake, fruit and shells. They 
 have carried on a cargo of 12,000 bags of sugar, each bag 
 containing 270 pounds. It is a relief to have the song of 
 the derrick cease. We took a peep into the hold, and the 
 bags were packed in like peas in a pod. Prof. Hplborn, 
 of Oxford College, England, is on board. He is one of the 
 survivors of the Lusitania and gave the story last night to the 
 passengers, of his own rescue and that of a little girl he was 
 instrumenetal in saving. It was thrilling. 
 
 SAN JUAN, PORTO Rico, Mai; 20 
 
 We came here yesterday morning for an extra cargo- of 
 sugar, and have taken oh altogether 33,000 bags, each con- 
 taining 270 pounds. Children, how many pounds does that 
 make? The U. S. will surely be a bit sweeter now. We 
 have come out of our regular course to get this. This is an 
 American city of 6,000. The harbor and buildings present 
 quite an American aspect. The land is low, with the hills 
 in the distance. It is one of the largest islands, and is beauti- 
 ful in appearance. Cocoanut and other trees line the shore, 
 while the rows of low, red-roofed Spanish houses stand out 
 in bold relief. The old Spanish fort is an interesting feature, 
 now floating the American flag. While there are a few 
 thousand Americans here, the majority are Spanish, and one 
 feels as if he is in a foreign land as much as in Port of Spain. 
 Since the U. S. has taken possession, it is open to the Gospel 
 and the strength of Catholicism has weakened. The Meth- 
 odists, Presbyterians, and Christian Missionary Alliance have 
 work here. We tried to find the church of the latter, but 
 were unsuccessful, so attended the Methodist Church. ' In the 
 
 290
 
 afternoon we had a most interesting interview with a Jew 
 and a Spaniard, both friendly to the Christ, and we believe 
 the seed fell on good ground. 
 
 We are now off for the last run for New York (five days' 
 voyage), and have been given tickets for the lifeboats, in 
 the case of need. 
 
 MAY 25 
 
 We expect to reach New York tonight. Everyone is ex- 
 pectant. We have left the tropics, and it is cold. We en- 
 countered a gale after leaving Porto Rico, and were in it 
 for sixty hours, and the sea was very rough for two days. The 
 waves came over the upper deck and the lower was under 
 water most of the time. The dishes were strapped on the 
 tables and many of the passengers were sick. We went to 
 the table three times a day, and were told that we were a 
 good sailor. We also saw a school of dolphin. They 
 leaped and gamboled in the water like young colts in a pas- 
 ture. 
 
 NEW YORK, May 26 
 
 Another promise has been verified: "He shall preserve thy 
 going out and thy coming in." Hallelujah! "Praise ye the 
 Lord." Last evening at 8 o'clock we went to the bow of 
 the boat to watch for land. About twenty miles in the dis- 
 tance we could see two lights. Later the lights on the New 
 Jersey shore beamed on us and a strong, double-cross flash- 
 light sent its rays across the waters. We walked the deck 
 watching for more. 
 
 ABOUT 9:30 
 
 We are getting close to shore, and the lights are on every 
 side. What a beautiful sight in the darkness! and what a 
 welcome to the traveler! We cannot help but contrast it 
 
 291
 
 with the case of a saint whose race is nearly run; whose gaze 
 is so centered on that heavenly City that it does not let go 
 until the gates open wide to receive him. 
 
 "I hear the golden harps of God, 
 
 The land appears in view; 
 
 The land from which I never more shall roam; 
 I see the King of glory, 
 
 Whose grace has brought me through; 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Almost home. 
 
 "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, 
 to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the 
 Lamb is the light thereof." 
 
 We anchored outside at the quarantine station for the 
 night, and in the morning every passenger passed before the 
 doctor for inspection. The harbor is full of interesting craft, 
 warships, transports, etc., flyng the flag of their respective 
 country. After numerous delays, we finally dock about 10 
 o'clock. Our coming was so uncertain, there was no one 
 among the crowd on shore to meet us, f although we intently 
 scanned the faces to see if there might be a famliar- one. We 
 think of the Other Shore, and remember: 
 
 "There'll be music, there'll be singing, 
 And throughout all Heaven ringing, 
 
 There'll be shouts of alleluias o'er and o'er; 
 But I know the first to meet me, 
 And with welcome smiles to greet me, 
 
 Will be Jesus, when I reach that blissful shore." 
 
 MONDAY, May 27 
 
 We secured a room at the Alliance Home, and late in the 
 afternoon our mail was brought to us, and we learned that 
 our dear mother is lingering on the borderland, held back by 
 prayer, waiting to see us. We wire them and Cincnnati of our 
 safe arrival. We will be off at 2 P. M. 
 
 We have felt out of the world for months. The news 
 has been so meager that now, hearing so much of the world's 
 
 292
 
 events, our brain hurts. New York is full of excitement, and 
 we are glad to be off. 
 
 TUESDAY, May 28 
 
 We are within four hours of home. Delightful prospect! 
 How good to see our native land! How we have feasted on 
 the beautiful, green fields, plowed ground, bountiful gardens, 
 etc. How God has blessed our country! As we have looked 
 out over the great acres of green, we have almost longed to 
 get out, lay our face on the grass and love it. Can anyone 
 understand our joy? Not unless you, too, have been away 
 in another land, and returned home to appreciate it. 
 
 "My native country, thee, 
 Land of the noble free, 
 
 Thy name I love; 
 I love thy rocks and rills, 
 Thy woods and templed hills, 
 My heart with rapture thrills, 
 
 LIKE THAT ABOVE." 
 
 We are on the "last mile of the way" of our journey, 
 and our heart is singing: 
 
 "When I've gone the last mile of the way, 
 i I shall rest at the close of the day; 
 And I know there are joys that await me, 
 When I've gone the last mile of the way." 
 
 CINCINNATI, May 30 
 
 "Home, home, sweet, sweet home, 
 Be it ever so humble, 
 There's no place like home." 
 
 Prayer has been answered and we have been brought, home 
 in safety. We were met at the station by Brother and Sister 
 Standley, and it seemed but a few moments until we were at 
 the School. The welcome from family, teachers, students 
 and workers was all that mortal could wish. As we entered 
 the dining room the following day, the students sang: 
 
 293
 
 "There's a welcome home, a welcome home, 
 A Christian's welcome home, hallelujah! 
 A welcome home, a welcome home, 
 A welcome home for you." 
 
 We are filled with gratitude for the gracious privilege of 
 visiting these mission fields, hearing and seeing for ourself, 
 meeting with the hundreds who have been redeemed, and 
 inspecting the great work that has been accomplished through 
 the devotion and self-sacrifice and arduous labors of the 
 precious missionaries who have and are giving their best to 
 Him there. In God we have reason to be proud of the young 
 men and women who have been His ambassadors in that part 
 of His needy vineyard. We bespeak for Brother Finch, the 
 able superintendent, whose burdens are many, and the band of 
 missionaries, the earnest, united, continuous prayers of His 
 people with their hearty co-operation. Then, together all will 
 share in the reward. 
 
 And now, dear friends, the time has come to say "Goodby" 
 for this time. We have enjoyed writing for you, and did 
 not dream of the delight and appreciation these letters afforded, 
 until we have been almost overcome with the expressions of 
 genuine pleasure with which they have been received. This 
 has blessed us beyond expression. God prompted the thought, 
 guided our pen, and to Him be the praise. We thank the 
 great Family for theT prayers. How keenly sensitive our 
 spirit was to them. We felt the answer. As we stated in 
 the first Diary Letter, we felt that we walked out on a plank 
 of prayer, and now we can say it extended clear to the West 
 Indies and back. We felt enveloped, folded and wrapped in 
 a mantle of prayer. You carried the burden, and we were 
 free. God clearly guided, even to the last voyage, and we 
 have a fresh proof of His care, for the day we reached New 
 York, five vessels went down and the one following us was 
 torpedoed and sunk. We came in just In time. We call on 
 
 294
 
 the whole Family to help us praise Him. Sometimes when 
 we cannot find words to express our thanks, we ask David to 
 help us out, and as we were reading the 150th Psalm, we 
 felt we wanted him to bring out the trumpet, the psaltery and 
 harp, the stringed instruments and organs, the timbrel, the cym- 
 bal and the high-sounding cymbals, and with all the stops 
 and swells out, let one mighty chorus of praise burst forth. 
 "O/j, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and 
 for his wonderfhl v>orfys to the children of men!" Hallelujah 
 to our God, who doeth wondrous things." 
 
 ' ' Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
 Praise Him all creatures here below, 
 Praise Him above ye heavenly host, 
 Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost." 
 
 295
 
 "STIR INTO A FLAME" 
 
 (2 Tim. 1 :6 R. V. Margin.) 
 
 "Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord / care not how, 
 But stir my heart in passion for the world; 
 
 Stir me to give, to go, but most to pray, 
 Stir till the blood-red banner be unfurled 
 
 O'er lands that still in heathen darkness lie 
 
 O'er deserts where no cross is lifted high. 
 
 Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord, till all my heart 
 Is filled with strong compassion for these souls; 
 
 Till Thy compelling "must" drives me (o pray. 
 Till Thy constraining love reach to the poles. 
 
 Far north and south, in burning deep desires, 
 
 Till east and west are caught in love's great fire. 
 
 Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord, till prayer is pain, 
 Till prayer is joy till prayer turns into praise; 
 
 Stir me till heart and will and mind yea, all 
 Is wholly thine to use through all the days; 
 
 Stir till I learn to pray "exceedingly," 
 
 Stir till I learn to wait expectantly. 
 
 Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord; Thy heart was stirred 
 By love's inlensest fire, till Thou didst give 
 
 Thine only Son, Thy best beloved One, 
 E'en to the dreadful cross, that I might live. 
 
 Stir me to give myself so bad? to thee, 
 
 That Thou canst give Thyself again through me. 
 
 Stir me, oh, stir me, Lord; for I can see 
 
 Thy glorious triumph day beg'n to b ec.}^; 
 
 The dawn already gilds the eastern sky; 
 Oh, Church of Christ, awaffe! awafye! 
 
 Oh, stir us, Lord, as herald of that day, 
 
 For night is past our King is on His wav. 
 
 Selected. 
 
 296
 
 'WAITING FOR THE LIGHT"
 
 CHAPTER 17 
 THE CRY FROM ACROSS THE SEA 
 
 REV. R. G. FINCH 
 
 In Ps. 60:12 we read, "Through God we shall do vali- 
 antly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies." 
 
 Whether in Africa, South America, or the United States, 
 we will have enemies to tread us down. 
 
 But God says, "He" will tread them down, so why do you 
 ask about the climate, fever, and the people, and then shake 
 your head if to say, "Not I!" Let's not go where needed, 
 but where needed most, and trust the promises which fail not. 
 While praying and meditating lately, I thought much of what 
 a leading evangelist said last year. He said he would like to 
 get into an unworked field and give his life developing same, 
 growing right with it. We believe God is back of such 
 thought, in this case, especially, and at once our mind carried 
 us to the great neglected colonies and islands and repubhcs 
 of South America. 
 
 Take the island of Trinidad, with 100,000 souls, just wait- 
 ing for a Spirit-filled man (with a consecrated life) to work. 
 
 First, in order to meet the needs, he must go to say, the 
 same as the French priests and nuns have. He must have 
 the field on his heart and mind, and pray, plan and do every- 
 thing in his power to establish Holiness meetings in every 
 village and city. This will take time, workers and money. 
 
 299
 
 Second, a good main station must be established in the 
 principal city, with a reliable, sanctified congregation. From 
 this congregation God will call workers; so, with a good assist- 
 ant to help at the main station, the pastor will now begin 
 opening up stations in nearby cities and placing native workers 
 in charge. To properly do this he must have a good riding 
 horse, a motorcycle or auto (according to roads, etc.). This 
 man, with his consecrated life, wisdom, faith, and the home- 
 land saints backing him, will slowly but surely spread holiness 
 until the 120,000 Hindus, thousands of Chinese, Portuguese, 
 French and Spanish will hear the truth right in their own 
 villages. 
 
 But, here is the staggering question: "Where are the men?" 
 The fields are there, filled with hungry, starving souls. The 
 printing presses are there to print papers and tracts. The horses, 
 mules, motorcycles and autos are there, to carry the men with 
 their messages to the lanes, highways, hedges, street corners, 
 villages and great cities. Ships loaded with machinery and 
 food visit every seaport city in the great neglected Southlands, 
 to carry the necessities of life. Business men go and stay, live 
 and get rich; but but where are the shepherds, the heralds 
 of Light and Life? A leading daily recently stated that, 
 "This is the Golden Age for the Youth." It told of the 
 pressing demand for stenographers, etc., and how scarce mes- 
 senger boys are. Good pay? Never better. Is this so, and 
 therefore so many caught by "A Golden Age," that God's 
 call is unheard and unheeded? 
 
 And if so many have such good positions and this is the 
 "Youths' Golden Age," surely the tithes and free-will offer- 
 ing should send out an army of missionaries and support them 
 there. It reminds us a bit of the following: 
 
 Near a cold, rough shore a ship is wrecked. The passen- 
 gers and crew flounder in the waves, screaming for help, amid 
 
 300
 
 floating wreckage, foam and cold wind, a mile from s'iore. 
 Upon the shore a woman falls and is rendered unconscious. 
 Fifteen strong, healthy, willing folks rush and hurry to help 
 her back to life. Some get cold water, some briiitf a stretcher, 
 some telephone the doctor, others shed a few tears of pity. 
 All at once it is announced, a ship has been wrecked and two 
 hundred lives are perishing, but not one of the fifteen is 
 called to help at the ship; they must first recover and make 
 safe and secure the poor woman. However, by this time one 
 man is halfway to the ship with his little boat, which carries 
 half a dozen. Oh, if he only had just one to steer, if nothing 
 else, while he rows! But not so; he battles the waves alone, 
 hears the cries of two hundred drowning victims, although he 
 can save but six. Perhaps any one of the fifteen was more 
 able to row the boat than the lonely oarsman, but he got up 
 and went. Just so in the home and foreign Gospel work. 
 Evangelists and pastors, counting converts in their meetings that 
 have been counted by several preachers in previous revivals 
 and campmeetings, while unevangelized millions are floundering 
 and perishing in the seas of Romanism, Hinduism and idol- 
 atry within one week's sail from our shore. A little handful 
 of missionaries are facing facts, gripping the oars and with 
 faces set like flint, are pulling for the struggling millions. They 
 realize it is but few they can reach; the number is too great; 
 however, they will do their best, even if there is not a helper 
 to steer the boat while they row. 
 
 Dear reader, do you hear the cry from the lost across 
 the seas? Are you among the fifteen working to revive one, 
 or are you helping the one oarsman face the waves, slorm and 
 wind, to rescue the two hundred? Are you consecrated for 
 God's vineyard? Have you told God so? Have you waited 
 
 301
 
 to hear from Him about your going and giving? Are you 
 making a sacrifice? Are you making your plans, or is God 
 doing it? 
 
 LET THERE BE LIGHT 
 Thou, whose almighty word 
 Chaos and darkness heard, 
 
 And took their flight; 
 Hear us, we humbly pray, 
 And where the Cospel day 
 Sheds not its glorious ray, 
 
 "Let there be light." 
 Thou, who didst come to bring 
 On Thy redeeming wing, 
 
 Healing and sight, 
 Health to the sick in mind, 
 Sight to the inly blind; 
 O now, to all mankind, 
 
 "Let there be light." 
 Spirit of truth and love, 
 Life-giving, holy Dove, 
 
 Speed forth Thy flight; 
 Move o'er the waters' face 
 By Thine almighty grace; 
 And in earth's darkest place, 
 
 "Let there be light." 
 Blessed and holy Three, 
 Glorious Trinity, 
 
 IVisdom, Love, Might, 
 Boundless as ocean s tide 
 Rolling in fullest pride, 
 O'er the world far and wide, 
 
 "Let there be light." John Marriott. 
 
 302
 
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