find six who had any experience; they were discouraged. Even the minister had no hope of it being built up again. The Baptists were strong there, and there was contention between the churches. A good many of the brethren advised me not to go; but I thought as it was such a hard place, work was needed there worse than anywhere else. I claimed victory before the walls fell. The night I commenced there were only two members present, though the house was crowded. I spoke from the text, "I am doing a great work, I cannot come down." I talked principally to the church. I told them that we were brothers and sisters in Christ, and all were engaged in putting up a building for the Lord, and that each one had a part in the building.
I invited them to come out and help; that it was not only their privilege, but God commanded them to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty; for we had a great battle to fight and needed every soldier. God has said, "Cursed are ye that come not up to the help of the Lord against the mighty." The churches all came out, and we could not tell a Baptist from a Brethren. Brother B., the Baptist minister, came out and offered to do all he could. Many of them came out in a good experience. Two came to the altar and were converted, and we were all bound together in bonds of love, which I hope will last through Eternity No one seemed to think the church could be built up. They would say, "If any good is done here it is more than I expect." They had no faith; I could not depend upon them at all. The third day two old men about sixty years old came to the altar for the first time in their lives, and were converted; and one young man came out, and they went right to work. Seeing is believing. This fired up the members, and we had a glorious time. The house was filled to overflowing every night. The meeting lasted sixteen days. Fifty-five came to the altar, and I think nearly all were brightly converted.
On Sabbath morning I could not find a message. When I got to the church the house was full, and still I had no text. As I stepped to the porch a brother asked me if I would preach a funeral sermon at the hour of preaching, and if so the procession would be there in a little while. I studied a moment. I thought it was all of the Lord, and I said I would. But I had never preached a funeral sermon. Oh, how I looked to God to guide me to his glory. I knew if God did not speak through me I
