Defeats of the Devil: As Seen in the Life of James M. Taylor

THE WORKS OF JAMES MILBURN TAYLOR

Defeats of the Devil

DEFEATS OF THE DEVIL

AS SEEN IN THE LIFE OF JAMES M. TAYLOR

BY EVANGELIST JAMES M.TAYLOR

First Fruits Press

Wilmore, KY c2025

ISBN: 9781648172991

Defeats of the Devil: as seen in the life of James M. Taylor

James M. Taylor

First Fruits Press, ©2025

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Taylor, James M. (James Milburn), 1873-

Defeats of the Devil : as seen in the life of James M. Taylor [electronic resource]/ by evangelist James M. Taylor. – Wilmore, Kentucky : First Fruits Press, ©2025.

Reprint. Previously published: Knoxville, Tenn. : James M. Taylor, [1898]

1 online resource 162 pages ; 21 cm.

ISBN: 9781648172984 (paperback)

ISBN: 9781648172991 (uPDF)

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OCLC: 1538597132

1. Taylor, James M. (James Milburn), 1873- 2. Evangelists--United States-Biography. 3. Methodist Episcopal Church--Clergy--Biography. I. Title. BV3785.T78 2025eb 922.7

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0EFEAT5°FTHEDEVIL

•

LIFE OF JAMES M. TAYLOR, A YOUTH, SCHOOL-BOY, EVANGELIST.

Two YEAltS AND A HALF ON CUMBERLAND PLATEAU

•.. BY ..•

EVANGELIST JAMES M. TAYLOR,

..Author of"Courting," "Ruth," r'Doing His Will or Going to Hell/' etc.

DEDICATION.

Lovingly dedicated to my precious Father and Mother, whose earnest prayers and godly examples followed me from the family altar through my life of sin until March 23, 1895 when the great defeat of the devil was had in my salvation, and have stood by me, as few parents ever stand by a child in my early evangelistic work, while I have been trying tv get a foothold. Their affectionate son, JAMES MILBURN TAYLOR.

PREFACE.

My Saviour knows that my only purpose in sending forth the following pages is that He may be honored.

I have been asked by many to have my life published, but I refused as I had only been saved for two or three years, and was so young.

On December 20, 1897, while on the train between Knoxville and Oakdale, Tenn., about 10 P. :r,r.,in prayer, the Lord rolled upon me the work of preparing this book for the press. I found bitter opposition in my heart, because I knew it would cause many unkind things to be said, but I was unable to close my eyes in sleep before I promised Him that the work should begin at once. I was compelled to write it or not do the will of my God, therefore, I refer my reader to Matt. 7: 21, for my reasons for writing it.

It is my earnest prayer that this little volume may in some way help other boys, for there are few who know more about the discouragements to the young man than I. There are also few who know more than I of the allurements set up before the young man to draw him from God and mother.

Although I am only twenty-four years of age ( will probably be twenty-five by the time this is out), I have learned much about sin, but during the last three years of that time my Saviour has taught me something of His wonderful love.

I don't speak of my life of sin that I may advertise ti:J.edevil, but that I may advertise the Lord's remedies.

Reader, for any help derived from this book in "Defeating the Devil," give praise to my Jesus.

J.111:.T.

SoME';RSeT, KY., July 11, 1898.

CHAPTER XI. ...........................

December 24, 1895-March 18, 1896.

Page 68.

Christmas Dinner-Second Revival at Paint Rock-The Man's Jaws Flew Out of Joint-Introduced to Helenwood-Second Meeting at Rugby Road-Revival at New River-Revival at HuntsvilleInfidel Lynched.

CHAPTER XII. .......................... Page 86.

March 18, 1896-July 4, 1896.

With Dr. Carradine at Greenville-Revival at Young's-Revival at Helenwood-A Few Days at New River-Second Work at Huntsville.

CHAPTER XIII ......................... Page 104.

July 4, 1896-December 19, 1896.

A Wonderful Fourth-Revivals at Rugby Road, Glen Mary, Burnville and Jamestown-Egg Pelted-Returned to Greenville-Tentmeeting at Bibee-Newport and Witt's Foundry-At Home with Nervous Prostration-Emory Gap and Harriman Meetings.

CHAPTER XIV .........................

Page 122.

December 19, 1896-April 27, 1897.

Watch Night Services at Harriman-Revivals at Coal Hill and Robins-Nowhere to Spend the Night-Meeting at Strunk's Lane, Ky., and Paris, Tenn.-With Evangelist Strouse at GreenvilleHarrodsburg, Ky .-Revival at Greenwood and Barren Fork, Ky.Arbor-meeting at Rugby Road, Tenn.-Wood's Chapel.

CHAPTER xv .......................... Page 143.

September 21, 1897-January 27, 1898.

Attended Conference at Athens, Tenn.-Glorious Revival at Somerset, Ky.-Burrville Meeting-Graysville, in Seventh Day Adventists Church-Revival at Rockwood-Spent Christmas al Home.

CHAPTER XVI. ........................ Page 161.

January 28, 1898-March 23, 1898.

Revival at 'l'aylor's Chapel-Work in the East Main Street M. E. Church-Returned to My Old Home-Revival in Friends Church at Maryville, Tenn.

CHAPTER I.

MY ANCESTRY-POOR, BUT RELIGIOUS.

My parents were poor, but religious. I have never known a time when there was not a family altar in my father's home. I was the oldest child, and the only son of my parents. Those who knew me better and longer than I knew myself all say I was a very bad boy, and the least to be said was that I was a mischievous boy. I was always ready to play pranks at the expense of the '' otker fellow."

My parents could not afford to give me a long rope, bnt had to keep me close, for if I got an inch I was said to take a mile. My parents were determined to raise me for the Lord, and bent their energies that way. Their energies were principally prayer and the hickory. I received a great deal of the latter, but never a lick too many.

I carry the reader back for a few pages to my ancestry, in which I know of no spot on either side of which I am ashamed. My grandparents, nncles, and annts are all professed Christians, and, I trust, are saved. Those who have passed over into eternity-several uncles, aunts, and three grandparents-so far as I have been able to find, left glowing testimonies in regard to the fnture.

My grandfather on my father's side, George Taylor, was born in Virginia. He then moved to Washington County, East Tennessee, where he married my grandmother, Sarah Chapman. He lived within eight miles of Jonesboro until my father, Benjamin Cornelins Taylor, was eight years of age. He then moved to Blount County, Tennessee, ten miles south of Maryville, where he located. About eight years later he died A TRIUMPHANT DEATH, on July 6 or 7, 1867.

Defeats of the Devil.

This left my father, a lad of sixteen summers, the oldest boy in the family. His only brother at home, Hugh Johnson, was only seven or eight years of age. My father was one of three boys and seven girls, making ten children of his own mother. His father, having been married before this, was the father of twenty children. My father was left with his widowed mother, little brother, and fatherless sisters to face the fierce winds of trials and troubles. As Wesley, the father of Methodism, said: " The best of all, God is with us."

His mother had Jesus, many of the sisters had Jesus, and my father had given bis heart to the Lord in this year of the shipwreck of the family. My father proved himself a hero of the trial, as he had been raised to work. My grandmother survived my grandfather twenty-seven years, and saw all her children happily converted; then she went to join the father and children who had gone on, to await the happy arrival of the remaining members of the broken circle.

On October 17, 1872, THE YEAR MY FATHER BEGAN PREACHING, he was married to Sophia Louticia Taylor. My mother was a Taylor, and from the same county, yet they were not related. Her parents were natives of Blount County, East Tennessee. They were also religious, very earnest and consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church, located at Six Mile. My mother was also converted at the age of sixteen. She was the oldest of eleven children, consequently must fill a place of care. Her father, James C. Taylor, Esq., was a hard-working man, and a man of considerable property----<:ounted a good citizen. She was twenty-five years of age when married. As mentioned, they were married on October 17, 1872, and went to housekeeping on December 16, 1872. They moved into a small, one-roomed log house, which my father had prepared on his mother's farm. They had very little furniture and fixtures. My father hired Cooper Bomgard-

A Child and Youth at Home. 9

ner to make their table (which I preserve), and paid him $1.25 in eatables. He carried it home, one and one-fourth miles, on his back; but, best of all, they each had a Bible. That night they began married life and housekeeping by havingfami(y prayers-thank God.

On Jnly 27, 1873, while in this same little home, they had born unto them their first child, whom they named James Milburn Taylor. This boy's life is the one we are to search out, and in which we shall find some very dark pictures.

CHAPTER II.

A CHILD AND YOUTH AT HOME.

I was always a SELF-WILI,ED child, wanting my way about everything, and if I failed to get it I let somebody find out about it. I never found the secret of being freed from that until about April 20, 1895.

The first thing in my life, written on my memory, was when I was two years of age. My parents were moving from the place where they began keeping house, about onehalf mile down the valley to another house, where my father bought and built. The wagon going over a rough place caused the broom to fall out, and the wheel ran over the handle and broke it. They went on as though they would leave it. I cried and plead for the broom until they picked it up. By relating the following little incidents, I wonld only expose the negative to the eye of the reader, that he might see how crooked the stick, and what must be done to shape an instrument from which God might have praises. If I speak of some incident which calls to the memory of some unsaved one a dark scene in which we both engaged, I want to say to that one, '' Come thou with us, and we will do thee good."

10

Defeats of lite Devil.

I think I can remember qnilts being hnng np in the new house to make it comfortable, as it was near Christmas and the house had immense holes not daubed.

It was while in this house that the first impression was made by a minister of the gospel-the circuit rider-on my young mind. This was made by an old minister-UNCLE JIMMIE LAWSON-who rode the Maryville Circuit. He was a tall, square-built man, had a voice that made the youth think of something similar to Gabriel's trnmpet; and, when he got turned loose just right, he preached as if hell was hot, Jesus was love, and he was in earnest. Then it was that back in these districts they had the old-time prayer and class-meetings, and the Christians would shout.

I remember a little suit I wore to church about this time. It consisted of a little fancy coat, with bright buttons and red ribbon bows on shoulders, sleeves, and other places. About this time I remember a pair of "Sunday shoes," with brass protectors on the toes. I remember they were girls' shoes. My school days began while here.

Other incidents will show the adventurous disposition which you will find all through my life; which disposition, if converted to God, may be used to glorify Him, but if used by the devil, leads to ruin in a hurry.

One day while mother was out milking (her sister with her), I went to the fence; it was covered wi_th frost, making the rails very slick. I climbed upon the top, and as I was leaning over the fence I said, "Aunt Sis, this is the way I get over the fence;" abont that time I was picked up off the rail, for which act I carry the scar, about which I have been questioned so often, marking the right eye. I was never fond of the milking-place after that, especially if I was to feed the cows.

My father, one day while cleaning off a little meadow which had grown up with bushes, laid down his ax. I wanted to imitate father. I took np the ax, and placing my

A Child and Youth at Home. 11

foot between two shrubs which made a fork near the ground, I struck, and the blow took effect on my foot. At another time I fell off the end of a high porch, and was picked np by mother without apparent life. On another occasion, when a child, while sick, my grandmother crossed my hands and was closing my eyes, when I caught my breath again; this was repeated, my hands being crossed at two different times, and my eyes were being closed for dead, but the Lord brought me back.

Another incident. While my father lived at Clover Hill I was trying to kill a snake with an old ax, when it flew off the handle and came down on my head, edge foremost. I had on a heavy hat, but the physician said it marked my sknll, coming very near killing me.

At least two other times I was at the point of changing worlds, but somehow my life was preserved.

All the devils in hell can't make me believe but what my heavenly Father has kept me for a special work; I don't mean some great work, but I do believe in His infinite wisdom He has kept me for something. I don't believe I have performed that work yet, but believe it is beyond the date of Jan, 1, 1898.

The devil has done his best to get me, bnt the hand of the Lord has interfered. I believe there have been battles fought by the captains of the hosts of the lower regions and the captains of the armies of Israel over my life, as well as my son!, and I believe the combat is continuing.

I left the adventurous part, so I return. On one Sabbath, when I was about five years old, my grandfather and grandmother had gone to church, and I was to stay with the children. Those much older than myself put me upon the comb of a two-story house. When the parents came home, I was upon the comb of the house making fun for those below.

On another occasion one of my uncles went to do my

12

Defeats ef /l,e Devil.

father's "feeding." He pnt me on one of the horses, and began boasting of me as a fine rider, and then started the horse to rnn; I held on nntil he ran nnder the shed and knocked me off with the shed-log.

There are many things about which I wonld love to speak, which I think would be enjoyed by some, but the space allotted to this small volume will not admit the same.

Another little incident took place while Willie Ruble (the son of Rev. J. A. Rnble, an old Methodist preacher, who traveled the circnit where we lived) was visiting with me. We took ropes and an old yoke and went to the field where my father had several head of cattle. We caught two young oxen, yoked them np, and started to drive them, when the yoke fell off and they tore loose from us and took off np the hill-Willie and I after them. They getting the start of us, we could not easily catch them, and before we canght them they had pulled against each other (we had their tails tied together) until oue of them-the red one I think it was-pulled the "bush" off of the white one's tail.

A rather amusing little incident took place when I was between two and three years of age. Our family physician, passing the honse, had several hounds following him. Being fond of dogs at that time, and not knowing the origin of the dog family, I called, "Ma, where do people get dogs?" "They raise them, Jimmie," was the answer. "When I get big I am going to raise me a patch of dogs, ma," was my reply.

CHAPTER III.

SCHOOL-BOY.

I ought to know much more than I do, but I don't. I began going to school when about four years of a6 e. The school teacher boarded at my father's home, and one day my mother wanted to go to church, and I gness I was not much of a church boy. The teacher, Miss Abbie Hook, whose home was a few miles east of Maryville, too.: me with her to school. This is a thing practiced by mothers to-day to such an excess that children are being ruined. In order that they may be pushed out of the way of mother without hiring a nurse, they are sent off to school among ungodly scholars, and ofttimes to an ungodly teacher, to be taught for eternity and trained for hell. Oh, mothers," train UJ:1your children in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it." Prov. 22: 6.

The next year I started in to make a full scholar, but, like many, the new soon wore off, and so I concluded one morning I would go back home before I reached the school· house. Unlike many parents, when the teacher could nqt manage me, my mother picked me up as soon as I got home, and took me to the school-house, and told the teacher to keep me there. For several years I never missed a lesson, but was there every day. When the teacher would whip me, I was afraid to tell it at home to try to get sympathy. My parents always stood by the teacher, because they knew how easily a child could be ruined by the parents petting the children. I also remember with a fond remembrance the teacher who opened school with prayer.

Onf Friday, when we were to have speaking, I had a speech which started off something like the following: "Ephraim, come to your fadder, sir. Habint I raised you better than to play wid dat po white trash? If you

De; !s (Jj the Devil.

don't stay in off the street and stop dat playin wid dem po white trash, I'll break your head wid a brick bat, sir.''

Then I threw an eraser as though I would strike a boy, and probably might have been more careful than I was, but I strnck a boy on the hand, and the order of the exercises had to be suspended while the tears were wiped away. The larger boys, some of whom were my uncles, soon found that Jimmie (the name I went by and haven't lost yet in some quarters) could be led to play most any little prank, so I had plenty of "tutors.'' At play-time, on one occasion, my youngest uncle, Charley, who has always been a great comrade of mine, and I had some little trouble; and the teacher had ns stand on the floor on one foot at a time; then, before the whole school, she made us kiss each other. I think at this time the offense had been that he and I ate haws, and kept the seed in our mouths, and made them pop on our jaw teeth, and when the teacher would look around at us we were most earnestly engaged in study, with a bent form over our book. Some one, wanting to see the other side of the performance, gave the teacher the needed information.

On another occasion, my nncle and I had misbehaved, and the teacher compelled ns to stay in at recess, but like some church members with their pastors, as soon as the teacher turned her back, we slipped out at the door and climbed around the side of the house with our feet on the base-board, holding to the slats; then we could vow to the informed teacher that our feet had not touched the ground since her departure.

When I was abont nine years old my father moved to a farm which he had bonght, five miles from Maryville, Tenn. This changed my place of attending school. I now mnst attend school at Carpenter's Camp Ground. The people in many respects were precious good people. I was a poor

boy, and I gness I didn't dress like many of them, and then I wasn't "one of them." Like many communities, they were banded together, and, like Jericho, they would close their gates and none would go in or out-have nothing to do with any one else. But I will not comment here, will jnst say, I had to take the abuse, the blows, the ridicule they gave me, because "I couldn't help myself." To tell the teacher was simply to get the more after he had been told, and he was generally "one of them."

They had an unpleasant nick-name for me, and I have had older boys than myself, and younger boys backed by older ones, step up behind me and kick me their best, and I knew Letter than to open my mouth, because I knew I was away from hqme. I remember on one occasion, the teacher was a woman, and she, when L. C. Honk's opponent was passing, had her students yell like wild people for that drunkard, who was allowed to speak at the church, which is now closed against holiness preaching.

There have been many changes since those days, some for which my poor heart goes up to God continually in praise, bnt many of which are not of the same kind or wrought by the same unseen hand.

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal. 6: 7.

One rather amusing incident, which was not amusing by any means at that time, was that a widow lady, who lived between the school-house and where my father lived, had a pet sheep which had been ruined, and would "butt" a person when he could get to them. My sister Lanra (two years younger than I) and I would meet with this sheep on our way to and from school, in a muddy lane. I knew some one had to receive a blgw before the enemy contd be dismissed, so I called to ,;rtv sister Laura, get over the fence qnick " and a.bout that time my enemy laid me down

in the mud, and stepped off to look at me. As long as I would lie still he kept back, but if I tried to arise he came, as much as to say," I won't let my prey go."

My father, when I was about twelve or thirteen, moved to Clover Hill, where he had a store. I entered school at that place. Here I began writing notes to girls, and many amusing incidents took place. One night a neighbor gave the young people a social. I was invited, and was to bring a girl. My father was not in harmony with this kind of work, although it was church people that gave it. He missed me at home, and he went to the social, too, and I was sorry to see him. By the persuasion of older boys he allowed me to remain and take "my girl" home, but w&; very frank to tell me on my retnrn that if I should repeat it he would bring me home before I took my girl home.

When about sixteen years old my father sent me to Maryville, 'I'enn., to attend school. I went to the Quaker school, but here my brain began growing wild about the girls. I went the next year to Maryville College, where I continued in school for several years. I shall give a more full history of my college days under another head. I will just say, " Parents, beware of sending your most trustworthy child off to school." '!'here is nothing like mother's care for her boy after dark. I learned many things that make me say,'' Mothers, be sure you know in whose care your daughters are intrusted, if you allow them to leave home to attend school.''

For the love of heaven and purity don't trust them by themselves, and thereby lay a snare for the devil to drag them down. I know precious daughters who left college in a worse state than they entered. Be careful 'Xhat liberties you allow your daughter, althouish she is pure and has no bad nature, and you•ir1laW 1t Tlie1~ are friends who put on a good outward appearance, who l:tavo !Ml! in their hearts. 'I'hey.~it tb ,he churc:t1 a<1d cobtm,e p;ans by which they

Soda! Life, Sin, and Salvalz'on. 17 may perform some hellish undertaking that will result inwhat?

I speak more along this line in ''Courting, or Society Goats Disrobed."

CHAPTER IV.

SOCIAL LIFE, SIN, AND SALVATION.

My college life, although in a school run by a Christian facnlty, was ruinous to me spiritually. Among the students, as a rule, you could see no difference until the college meeting, then they had the " dress parade." After this the boys and girls who were Christians were with the others most of the time. Their way of finding you was to have entertainments, socials, ball games and dramas, etc. In some, who were studying for the ministry I saw some very unbecoming things. These things chilled me. Boys who would work in the revival could talk about nothing but the girls after the revival. Th us I drifted in to sin.

Again I want to cry out in behalf of the youug people on their way to ruin. Mothers, watch your children; trust them in Jesus' arms, but in the care of no one else. How sorry I have been for mothers and daughters, when the daughter was left to decide about the hour of retiring, and then she, yet innocent, left the honr to the honor of him who loved(?) her. No, he who hated her. Young woman, have yon ever sat up later than 9:30 o'clock with a yonng man?

Mother, have yon given yonr danghter the privilege of sitting up until 12, 2 or 4? You say I know the young man. Yes, but I· know him better than you do. I make this assertion, there isn't one out of ten young men who contend to sit up later than 9:30 or 10 o'clock who do it for

18 Defeats of the Devil.

any good. I have had many young men who were great Leaguers and Endeavorers, to boast to me of certain things, when they were as mealy-mouthed as you please when about the girls and old folks. I visited, during this time, places of sin and iniquity with members of the church. I have been at these places, not just in the same company, but at the same time when those who preach the gospel were there. And they are still held up by the church.

I began attending the theater regularly, and then dancing, one of the greatest pieces of machinery the devil has for dragging poor girls down to ruin. I think it can properly be called "the devil's hog-pen." I helped in some plays or dramas as an amateur; and I was associated with some from other towns, who were professionals. I learned something of what goes on behind the curtain, something of the character of many of those who are supported by the money and presence of church people, many of them preachers.

A little incident worthy of notice, I speak of here. One play we gave in the interest of an industrial home. Some of the language and performance, as with all theatrical work, was not suited to spiritual things. One sister increased my confidence in her religion by refusing to accept the funds for the support of the home. However, the officers of the church which owned this hall, which is fitted up and used for theatrical purposes, willingly received the funds. Sinner as I was, I admired that principle in a Christian, that would not accept the devil's money to support the cause of God, but hated the principle in the officers, who accepted the money for church purposes.

I have been in the saloon where the girls were after a play was over. What do you mean, my dear brother or sister, by supporting such things? But during all this time Jesus was pleading with me by day and by night. My mother was also praying and pleading for my soul.

Social Life, Sin, and Salvation.

There was always a craving in my heart for something else.

Once far from God and heaven I roamed, My heart was sad and bleeding; Life's turbid sea, it dashed and foamed, And Christ with me was pleading. I would not heed my Saviour's voice, Nor list to mother's pleading; Though often urged to make the choice, I turned away unheeding.

Then come! behold dark Calvary, And yield yourself to Jesus, And He will wash you, make you free, Praise God! from sin He frees us.

But now I do His blessed will, And follow where He leads me, And He my hungry soul doth :fill, The bread of life He feeds me.

LUTHER R. ROBINSON.

When my parents made me know I had to do anything, I was generally veryobedient. My parents were very strict, therefore I was restrained and held back for some time, bnt I gradnally began disobedience to parents, etc.

I had great faith in the God of my father and mother, and always tried to show due reverence to the same God. It hurt me to have others handle bad language, although I drifted into the same some years later. I remember on one occasion my father took a hired hand out to the back of the barn, after he had used rough talk before me, and said, " Brownlow, you have never heard me use talk like that before Jimmie, have you?" He said he had not. "Well," said my father, "I can't let you work for me unless you stop the same.''

My parents taught me to honor the house of God, and to kneel in prayer, and if I failed to do it they always told me how bad it was to show no more honor to God. When

very small, while showing myself master of the occasion by running over the church during the services, the preacher, Rev. Thomas Walker, stopped and said," Jimmie, go to your father." Jnst at this jnncture I turned to him and pointed my finger up to his face and said in a broken whisper, "Hush!" This saved me the trouble of going to my father, for he took possession of Jimmie and carried him out of the honse and gave him a genteel spanking, which medicine should be nsed by more parents for this same complaint, which is very common to-day.

Under this head I might mention the following, which took place at the Sabbath-school at Christy Hill, where I attended: Bro. Henry Blevins, who was an excellent singer, was elected Superintendent, and Old Uncle Joe Kegley, the old spiritual father of the co=unity, was then appointed assistant. Bro. Blevins would read his lesson, and then call on Bro. Kegley to lead in prayer. My father spoke to Uncle Joe about it one day. He said he would see about it, so on the following Sunday Bro. Blevins read the lesson and then said, "Bro. Kegley, lead us in prayer." Uncle Joe was a Dutchman; he looked np and said in his flat way of speaking, "Pray yourself, sir." Bro. Blevins called on another to pray, but then arose crying, and said if they wonld come back the next Sunday he would try to pray; from that day until this he has been a faithful servant of the Most High, and prays when opportunity is offered. To get the cider out of the apples they must be pressed; so with us ofttimes.

Jnst before camp-meeting, the year I was saved (about September 20, 1887), I was with one of my father's hands in the fodder-field, and as we worked away we talked about eternity, about dying, not being prepared, etc., until we decided to seek religion when the meeting.came on. My folks generally camped. I remember about a young man coming to our camp to eat dinner. My mother had muffin-pans

Social Life, Sin, and Salvati,n. 21

to bake cakes in, bnt often baked com bread in them, as she had done this day. After thanks had been returned, my father passed the corn bread to this young man. He thanked my father and said he didn't care for any at present; but, when dinner was over, the boy, having taken it for cakes, reached over in a sly way, and slipped two of them into his pocket. It is always better to let everything come in season. This was like a sinner excusing himself about accepting salvation now, and waiting until the end of life, and then finding that the cake has turned to corn bread.

Well 1 when the meeting came on my parents were there, and I was there to attend the meeting for several days. I had been nnder conviction and at the altar for several days. So on this day (which I think was near September 20), Andy Best and myself were out in the afternoon talking until about dark; and on the fence, just below the church, we agreed to go to the altar as soon as the call was made, so as to show the Lord we were in earnest about it. We went and took seats in the left or north-west side of the church, and as soon as the call to the altar was made we both went. Andy beat me a little in finding J esns, but I followed in two or three minutes. I felt the load of guilt lift from my heart just as really as if a heavy weight had been removed, and a deep calm peace filled my soul. Many of the boys were saved at this meeting, and we had a prayer-meeting organized for the boys, which we continued for several weeks. But one by one they dropped off, until Andy Best and myself were all the ones left the last night, and we met in the shed; this ended the meetings, which was a very bad thing. I walked two and one-half miles to the meeting.

I here insert my experience, which I have had printed in tract form, and have scattered 6,000 of them: When I was about fourteen years old I was convicted of my sins; and, at the altar at an old camp-ground, after confessing my sins to the good Lord, and asking Him, He raised

Defeats o.f the Devil.

the burden off my heart, and I knew tbe past was all blotted out, and I was a child of God. I lived a consistent Christian for some time; but as my parents at that time lived in the country, I had to leave home to attend college. This took me away from parental care, and the world was presented to me in a more charming manner.

It was only a short time until I found '' self" was leading out after different things, as it had previously done in regard to anger. In a short time I found a great warfare going on in my members, one principle contending for the right, and the other for the wrong. (Rom. 7: 23.) This grew more fierce, and I tried to keep it under subjection. I would get cold and know I was not right, but when the revivals would be held I would get warmed up.

After a revival held in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Maryville, Tenn., my determination was deepened. I expected to do my whole duty for the Lord, as I felt He had a special work He was calling me to. But to my surprise the meetings had not closed two weeks before I felt that same ''self'' leading out after certain sins I had formed habits for, but I wouldn't yield. The conflict grew hotter, and I kept praying; but I didn't know what to pray for, as I knew my sins were all forgiven, or at least I got them forgiven every night. I found myself at my yard-gate, halted by that evil principle drawing one way, and the life of Christ, which I knew I had in me, leading the other way. "The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." (Rom. 8: 7.) I still felt the hand of the Lord on me, leading me to the vineyard; but I knew I couldn't be a successful servant in this condition. When no one but God knew of it, I spent most of three days in my room praying that I might have peace. One day, after months of struggles of this kind, I went to a friend-a good Christian boy in the Y. M. C. A. rooms-and, with tears in my eyes, I told him my spiritual

Social Life, Sin, and Salvation. 23

condition, thinking I would get help, but to my surprise I found he was in the same condition, and he said I would have to fight it out until death. I told him I conld not do that, and that, though I knew I was a Christian, I did not have all that the Bible promised, for it promised "perfect peace" and also promised that "my joy might be full." (I John 15: 11.)

As I found no comfort I turned away sad, and went to an old Methodist preacher, whom I had always had confidence in, and knew was a good man. I told him my condition, and told him I was not enjoying religion, and that it was a warfare and a struggle, and asked him in what way I could get relief. He said I had "better take something for my system; that a physical ailment would hurt us spiritually." A,, I knew this was not the kind of medicine I needed, I turned away and drifted deeper and deeper in sin, until Dr. Godbey and others came to Maryville to conduct a series of holiness meetings. I attended the meetings regularly, and listened to the sermons attentively, although I was a sinner. Yet there were those I had looked to as model Christians who laughed and talked to me about the "holiness cranks." I told them that those preachers were preaching that the Lord could do for us just what I needed done for me, to keep me from getting back where I was, and that wa::;taking out of us that "proneness to sin;" so, by the stndy of God's word, and by talking to those who had the sweet experienct,, I found that, if I had my sins forgiven and that old fountain of sin removed, I could live a Christian life without that warfare in my experience.

I went on in sin until January, 1895, when, at a meeting in my home town, it seemed that all my sins were turned loose on me at once. With many friends aronnd me praying for me, I found myself prostrate on the floor crying aloud for mercy, but unwilling to give up my chosen profession which I was preparing myself for. I could not find

Defeats of the Devil.

rest. I went home with a friend that night, who prayed and talked with me until about 1 o'clock in the morning. I then retired, but without rest. I realized the presence of the devil in the bed with me. I wrestled with him the rest of the night, but when morning came conviction left me, and I was afraid, never to return. I went away from home in a few months to spend some days in another town, and one night, while walking along the street after being out engaging in sin, to my surprise the Lord seemed to speak as plainly as if in an audible tone, and told me He had followed me for a long time, and with deep conviction, and now, if I did not yield all to Him in a week I would be in hell. I certainly believe I would. It seemed that hell opened before me. I wished for "feeling" but did not have it; so I was not long taking God at His word, and confessed my sins and believed Him. (I John 1: 9.) I got on the train and went home, and on my way from the depot to my home I stopped at my pastor's door (a sweetly-sanctified member of the Holston Conference), and told him I had the harness on, and was ready to do any work he had for me to do. I then attended the first weekly holiness meeting, and gave in my experience as one seeking sanctification. They prayed with me and instrncted me. I went back again the next week for the same purpose, and after prayer at the hall, I started for home in company with a brother. We stopped on the street, and he gave me some of God's promises. In I Thess. 4: 3, I found it was God's will for me to be sanctified, and in John 17: 17, I found Jesus prayed for me to be sanctified. In I John 1: 7, I found the blood cleansed from all sin. I also found," in Matt. 23: 19, that the altar sanctified the gift. (Heb. 13: 10-13.) I found Jesus was the altar. (Rom. 12: 1.) I found I was the gift, and that it was my reasonable service to put myself on the altar for God. Well, I found I was all on the altar, to be used by God. I then looked up to heaven and took

Social

Life, Sin, and Salvation.

Him at His word. I had no peculiar feelings, but just rested on His promises and trusted for the fire to come. On the next day I felt the fire kindling, and my whole being was aglow with heavenly fire, and since then I've had feeling enough to satisfy many.

Dear reader, have you all on the altar?-time, money, talent, reputation, etc. If so, believe God's promises and the fire will fall. It is nearly eighteen months since that night, and I feel that same fire in my soul. During that time the Lord has been good to me. Dnring the past ten or twelve months He has blessed my humble efforts to the salvation of about one thousand souls.

Dear reader, have you these warrings within? Is your joy full? Is your peace perfect? God promises it to yon. Young people, I love you, for I was only a boy myself. Have yon a warfare in the service of God? Is it a pleasure to do the will of the Lord? Is it hard to keep away from the ball-room? from the theater? from the card-table? from the saloon? to give np society in different ways? Have yon inclinations, dispositions, or tendencies to follow after these things, while at the same time yon don't want to, and know it 1:o be wrong? These can't come from a clean heart, can they? I John 1: 9: He will '' cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Matt. 5: 6: He will fill nswith "righteousness." Then these things will not be there.

I have learned since writing the experience, which I have had published, that, on the night I was saved when away from home, my mother could not sleep, but got out of bed and prayed for me until the burden rolled away, and and then she went to sleep with an easy heart. I was in a very dangerous place that night.

CHAPTER V.

LEF'l' TO CARE FOR SELF AND PARENTS.

My father, although a poor boy when married, by hard work, economic living and good management, bought and P.aidfor a good fann of about one hundred acres, within five miles of Maryville. He also put improvements on it, but during this time he lost his health. The physician said he could not live more than one year, and would never be able to do any work again; but my father turned it over to the Lord and is to-day preaching the gospel. He has had many hundred souls saved since that time. He disposed of a part of his farm and went into mercantile business at Clover Hill, where he conducted a successful business for two years.

My father, being a very poor scholar, secured a man for book-keeper and manager of his business. After continuing in this way for more than two years, my father found the amount of his investment was gone.

Thus I was thrown on my own responsibility. I want to tell this in order to show other poor boys, or any who may be left to meet the winds of life, how the Lord, wbo cares for and clothes the "lily and marks the sparrow's fall," cared for me, and how He will for you.

I write this alone for Jesus, and want every chapter to help some poor soul.

My father afterwards mortgaged his farm for money to enter business at the same place again, in which he prospered for two or three years. About sunrise, February 12, 1890, his store caught fire and burned to the ground. $250 or $300 was rescued, almost everything was burned. My father then made an assignment of what he had left, which was divided among his creditors, but of course failed to pay near all. I have had him tell me different times (when grieving over the debts he could not pay), "If I could settle

what I owe I would sell my last horse and cow, if I could only be free from debt." This left our family in a bad condition financially. My father had gone from $4,000 or $5,000 to nothing.

He then came to me, while I was in school at Maryville College (I was then about 17 or 18 years old), and said, "I see, Jimmie, I will never be able to do anything for you. I had hoped to give you a good education, and have considerable money for you, but now I can't, so if you find where you can do anything for yourself, yon have my consent to do it." I resolved (I was then religious, had not back-slid) to be a lawyer and make money. My parents then moved to Maryville, where they ran a hotel. I continued in school for a while, then went into a patent bed-spring business with a man, who was a warm friend of my father and myself, Thomas Timmons. I had a very glib tongue, so made a success of it. I kept going to college at least five months each year and generally longer. Then I went into the same business on a larger scale. I bought eight other counties, and sold nearly all of them for an excellent profit, clearing a few hundred dollars on them; and there being nothing shoddy about the springs, the trade increased until I sold several hundred sets, at a profit of several hundred dollars. During this time my parents were crying mightily to God that He might tum me, and not allow me to make a lawyer out of myself. He answered their prayers. Glory!

HOW I CARED FOR MY PARENTS.

I saw my mother was gradually' failing, because of overwork. I knew my father was not in the work the Lord wanted him in, as he was not then so situated that he could devote all his time to the ministry. I saw God had prospered me in my undertaking, financially, for I knew it was He. Many times, while canvassing, I would start to a

Defeats

of the Devil.

man's house, or would see one just ahead of me, and I would pray in my buggy, and ofttimes get out and pray, "Dear Father, won't you please help me make a sale at that house?" and ofttimes have had those who have bluffed other agents welcome me, treat me kindly and buy from me. Remember this work was before I backslid, while I was trying to live right, and after I had been renewed (as I spoke of in the M. E. Church). I knew it was Christ-like to take care of my parents. I called them into the dimngroom one day, and told them I was going to rent a house, and I knew the Lord would help me in providing for the family, and paying the house-rent. They were slow about it, but agreed. I rented a house at $6 per month, and the Lord wonderfully helped me, although about this time I went back deep in sin. I continued to prosper financially. I managed to build an addition to John Smith's house, for which he gave me a title to a lot. I had traded springs for lumber, etc., also for work which the carpenters did. Then in a short time I purchased more lumber and other material for the hull of a house. I managed to get the greater part of my work done again for bed springs. Just as soon as my house was near enough completion to move my parents in (I had built it for this purpose) they moved.

A certain law firm tried to take it from me. They nsed some very undermining plans to do the work. This was after I had been reclaimed and sanctified. I laid it before the Lord. I told Him, " Dear Jesus, I have given this property to you, so it is no longer my property, but yours. I only wanted it for my parents and sisters to live in. Dear Jesus, please don't let wicked men take it from me." I trusted Him. I employed a lawyer, C. T. Cates, Sr., who was a father to me. I kept it almost daily before the Lord, while out trying to preach the gospel. The lawyers, who were trying to "hog" me out of it, took depositions, some

Left to Carefor Seif and Parents. 29

of them being from leading citizens. My attorney asked me if I had any witnesses I wanted to introduce. I told him I would give my own testimony.

The day rolled oh for my deposition to be taken. We went to the office. I kept the whole matter before the dear Lord. In taking my seat I did it with my heart going to Jesus, which I continued between all questions. During the questions I kept pleading with Him, in whose care I had placed myself and my property. I was asked questions which caused me to contradict what some leading citizens had said. When I was turned over for cross-examination, I asked the Lord, "Dear Jesus, please don't let the lawyer ask questions that will get me tangled up, but make him ask questions that will make it clearer and more favorable for me." I want to say, as the opposing lawyer himself knows, he never asked me one question that in any way threw a shadow, but brought things out clearer. I could hardly keep from shouting during the time. When we adjourned for dinner my opposing attorney, who had been a neighbor of my mother, said I just had to go home with him for dinner, which I did. While gone he said," Jimmie, the thing isn't going near like I thought it would, for if it continues as it is now I will lose it." We concluded that afternoon. I met him again in the post-office, when he called me to him and said, "Jimmie, do you want to know what I think about the case?" I told him I did. He said for me not to say anything, but that he knew he had lost the case. When court came on the case was called, depositions were read, and the Judge decided the case in my favor, without allowing the attorney for the plaintiff to speak. I insert here a letter from Mr. Cates, my attorney, concerning the decision:

"MARYVILLE,TENN., August 31, 1896.

"MR. JAS. M. TAYLOR-Dear Sir: Your law suit was finally tried and disposed of in your favor in J nly, and by

Defeats of the Devil.

the decree of the court your property is your own, and your character as an honest man maiutained. Now I desire to suggest to you that the fee for my services is dne, and knowing that I did my whole duty for you and in support of your claim, I feel that you will be ready to pay me. My fee in the matter is $50. Hoping to hear from you soon, "I remain yours truly, "C. T. CATES, SR."

Oh, how I do bless God for a God who will make all things work together for good to them that love Him. Although the devil may pounce upon His children, yet the Lord will cause an nnseen hand to move above; and money, talent, tricks or whatever you want, cannot withstand God. "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and be shall bring it to pass." Ps. 37: 5.

Before leaving this head of caring for self and parents, I will say in regard to preparing for law, that I read law for awhile, took book-keeping, type-writing, etc., and would have entered the bar, or at least would have tried to do so in a short time; but this bad to be surrendered, as I had to agree to do whatever the Lord wanted me to do, before He would give me what He had for me.

CHAPTER VI.

M"\?'CALL TO PR~ACH, AND WIIY AN ICVANG'SLIST.

The Lord called me to preach. I know it. I would have gone to hell if I had not gone to preaching. I would go to hell if I should quit. I don't believe in churches calling people to the ministry. I don't believe in colleges manufacturing preachers. Neither do I believe in men choosing It as a profession. I do believe in God, the great

My Call to Preack, and Wky An Evangelist. 31

manager of all the ministerial work, laying His hand on a man, and ordering him into the vineyard for the special work of preaching the. gospel. I don't believe God was ever so unreasonable as to call a man to preach, and expect that man to preach and never have people saved, and not be supported in the ministry. He says He will make us fishers of men, and He gave us an example by so filling the nets that they broke. Brother, are you catching any fish (men)? Peter said, "I go fishing," and the others said, "We go with you." They went and fished all night but caught nothing. Jesus came the next morning, and when He got with them and gave them orders where to cast their nets, the draught was greater than they could drag in. So it is to-day, men are saying." I go fishing" (I go to preach). The preaching is done and no results-none saved. Why is this?

When I was three or four years old I would go to the chimney corner anq hold meeting. I would call my mother to attend the services when I preached. One day an old lady was at my mother's house, and she came out to hear me preach, and said it was enough to make a person feel serious. When my father was not at home, I would not let them go to eating until some one would return thanks. I remember on another occasion, while at my grandfather's with several of my cousins, we were in the straw pen and I preached to them. One other time we were out in the woods beyond my grandfather's spring, and I got upon a hog-pen and preached to the other children and to the cattle. This continued through my entire life. I would get in a room with many young men and preach to them.

One thing which has done me good since I began preaching was a little incident which John A. Everette, a very dear friend of mine at Maryville., Tenn., related to me after I began preaching. He and I were out walking one Sabbath afternoon. While ont we talked abont our lives in different ways, and John told me that I said to him, after

32 Defeats of the Devil.

remaining silent for awhile: "John, I wlll have to give up law and go to preaching or I will go to hell," and it was only a few months until I was saved and began preaching. The first song I ever sang, which I sang when only about two years old, was :

My latest sun is sinking fast, My race is nearly run; My strongest trials now are past, My triumph has begun.

CHORUS.

Oh, come angel band, Come and around me stand; Oh, bear me away on your snowy wings To my immortal home.

I know I'm nearing the holy ranks Of friends and kindred dear ; For I brush the dews of Jordan's banks, The crossing must be near.

I've almost gained my heavenly home, My spirit loudly sings; Thy holy ones, behold they come! I hear the noise of wings.

At another time, while out with my uncle, Hugh Taylor, and my father, where they were clearing and preparing wood, I had my nucle make me a wooden tuning fork, and I sang and preached, trying to imitate Henry Blevins, a man who conducted meetings in the conntry. These things continned through my life. I went back into a back-slidden state because I felt the Lord wanted me to preach, but I declared I would not, for I said I wanted to make something out of myself, and did not propose to throw my life away. But I found that '' Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." Luke 9: 24. I had this standing before me when I came back to Him. When seeking sanctification it stood

in my way, and I could find no way of victory until I told the Lord I would give up law and preach the gospel. I started out to catch fish (sinners), or to go back to some other work, for I didn't go into it for money.

I also took this passage in a particular way: "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." Mark 10: 29, 30. The Lord has wonderfully made it true to me. Bless His name.

In a short time there was a tent meeting in the town, conducted by Charles Royster, evangelist. I helped in the meeting, but tried not to take a very conspicuous place, because I knew the people, many of them, would want me to prove myself, as I had fallen so often.

In a few days a meeting began at Louisville, Tenn. I was asked to go down, which I was glad to do; and I asked the Lord every day, when I would go to the church, if He wanted me to stay to give me an invitation to go somewhere for dinner and to sleep at night. Brother and Sister Anderson told me to make my home with them while at that place. I kept improving the time by much praying and studying the Bible.

I think the greatest surprise that ever came to me was when Bro. Royster, one day, called me up to him, and told me I must preach that day. It astonished me, and I told him I couldn't and wouldn't. I went back to my seat, but immediately felt badly, and that I had grieved the Spirit. I was so sorry I had not taken advantage of the first opportunity, and asked God to give me another. About this time Bro. Royster motioned for me again, and asked if I had changed my mind. I told him "Yes." I read the fourth

Defeats of the Devil.

chapter of John, and the power seemed to be present. The Lord gave me liberty. For the first time I tried to preach His word. I made the call to the altar and several came forward, many of whom were saved, some or all of them sanctified. He set His seal on my first efforts by giving me souls. He continued to use me here, and I talked again from the fifteenth of John.

I went from here back to Maryville. In a few days I felt the Lord would have me go to Happy Valley, across the Chilhowee Mountain from Maryville. I went (this will be given in full in my journal), leaving Maryville about 3 p. m. Lynn Hill, a minister of. the Friends' Church, was with me. I carried a pair of saddle-bags and a Bible. I walked nine miles to Montvale Springs, then climbed the mountain. When I reached the top the sun had set. I knelt down and prayed, and started off again for the end of my journey. I reached the place for which I started about 8p.m.

We stayed all night with my uncle, Caleb Carpenter. I told my aunt the next morning, as we went to milk, of my intention of holding a meeting. She tried to get me out of the notion of holding the meeting, by telling me of the different obstacles, such as the hay to be taken in, etc.; but I wasn't to be put off. I told her I knew the Lord had sent me there to hold a meeting, and I would not leave until I had done it. I told her I would preach that night. With my Bible under my arm I started down the valley, visiting the people, praying with them, and inviting them to the meeting. This was on Tuesday.

I saw one or two saved, and many broke down and wept as I talked to them of Jesus, and read out of the Book of all books. When they began to sing in the church, I was yet out of the house; and so I knelt down back of the church in the bushes, and prayed for the Lord to give me great power in preaching. I left my hat out there on a

brttsh-pile, and never missed it nntil after chnrch was out. I went in and preached with power sent down from on high. I did not know what I would preach from until I went in, and I think I was just about ready to preach before I knew. The Lord was with me.

When I was very small I had gone with my parents to visit this uncle, and we were all on the lower porch, which was several feet from the ground, and just below it was a large bunch of rosebriers. While I was leaning with my back against the banisters, I went through them and landed head foremost in the rose-bush. This meeting will be more fully spoken of in my journal.

I know the Lord called me to preach, for I conldn't get right with Him until I promised Him I would. I remember at oue time, while it was bearing heavily on my mind, I promised God if He would save :tne, and not compel me to preach, that I wonld make a good Epworth League worker, and give plenty of money to His cause, but I never found peace until I promised Him, " I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, over mountain, or plain, or sea, I'll be what you want me to be, dear Lord, I'll say what you want me to say." Promising Him this I had to include preaching, and when I did this He gave me that peace none know of but they who have it. I have been asked many times why I have taken the line of work I have instead of the pastorate. Because the Lord wanted me where I am. I know just as well as that I am called to preach that I was called to the evangelistic work, and that alone. When I felt the Lord pushing me into the field of labor, I never once had the pastorate before me. I felt He wanted me to go out and get people to accept Christ, where efforts were not being pnt forward. I have never yet felt Him leading me to sermonize, but to "preach the word" with power sent down from on high, and to direct my efforts in a way that would result in bringing souls to Christ. I began at once talking to

Defeats of the Devil,

people in their homes, and to boys when I met them about Jesus. I would hold and help hold prayer-meetings, where I saw many saved.

My journal will show I began as the Lord would open the way to preach and talk Jesus, yet I could not feel clear to think of anything except evangelistic work. My pastor, Rev. J. C. Wright, my father and others urged me to join the Conference. Other preachers nrged me to join. One Presiding Elder told me if I would. let those holiness cranks alone and stay away from them I would stand very well in the Cop.ference. He continued: ''We all believe in sane~ tification, but we, as a Conference, do not like those cranks, who are having tent meetings, which are hurting the church, and if you have anything to do with them you won't have any show with the Conference." I found he knew what he was talking about. I prepared my studies for the district Conference, stood a good examination, and got my license to pre~h.

The Conference was held at Sevierville, Tenn. They gave me recommendations to the Annual Conference for admittance on trial in the traveling connection, I went on in meetings, the Lord giving me good results. I prepared my Conference conrse of studies, but would tell my father and others that I did not feel it the will of the Lord for me to join the Conference. They said those impressions were not of the Lord, and that I could never amount to anything if I failed to join the Conference.

I want to say here that I believe in keeping in harmony with the chnrch as long as she is in harmony with J esns. I have tried to do this by organizing several chnrches, and receiving during the last two years from one to three hundred members on probation.

I was at Friendsville, Tenn., helping in a meeting on Sabbath night before the Conference, which was to begin on Wednesday. We closed the meetings; and, on going to my

My Call '" Preach, and Wky An Evangelist. 37 room, I prayed for some time, then retired. The decision, which was to be for a life-time, was bearing heavily on my mind. I told the Lord that He seemed to be leading one way, and my father, pastor, and friends another. I told Him I was so young, and had been so deep in sin, and had been a Christian so short a time, that I did not know what to do. I kept praying in bed. then the Scripture which tells the following in substance came to my mind: "When I put my sheep out, I go before them aud guide them with my eye."

Jokn 10: 4; Psalms 32: 8. I got out of bed on my knees, and asked the Lord, "Dea:. Jesus, please let me see your eye," and it seemed that the Lord said (I know He did, but not in an audible tone), "I will make it clear to you to-morrow." I rested ou this, and was confident He would show me. I went to Maryville on Monday, fully expecting Him to show me, before the day should pass, what to do. I was waiting patiently on the Lord, waiting in an expectant way. I went down town just before the office closed to get my mail, and they handed me a letter, which I insert here:

"Ar.MY, ScoTT Co., TENN., October 15, 1895.

"JAMES M. TAYI.OR-Dear Bro.: Yours from Friendsville at hand. Am very busy, no time to write. We need you, if only for a month, to get our C. E. thoroughly organized. Have <t plan for building the chapel; must have some one to take the matter in hand at once. God bless you, brother, and if His will, send you to us, if only for a seeson. If you can come directly following the Conference, do so by all means. If you need funds for transportation, write me.

(j Yours in the faith, GEO. R. WRIGHT."

I tore it open and read it in the office. As I read I shouted, for I knew it was from the Lord. I fully believed the T .ord wanted me to go to that place; but, being young

Defeats of Ike Devil.

in the cause, I wanted to consult older prophets, which I did. My father said the Lord would not lead in this way. I told Him I was sure it was of the Lord. I consulted another prophet, and told him of my letter, and my prayer, and told him I was not expecting to join the Conference. He made light of such an idea, and said, "You just must join." I was overruled, and went to Conference. As I entered my examinations I did not feel that I was going to join. As to the way Conference went off, I speak of it in my journal of October, 1895. I found that the Elder, who told me that I could not stand well with the Conference if I had anything to do with thos~ "holiness cranks," knew of what he spoke. When the intelligence was borne me in the basement of the church that I was not admitted, I shouted, and told my father and friends, who were grieving, that I knew the letter was of the Lord.

I was then plead with to go to the U.S. Grant University, at Chattanooga, Tenn., to the Theological School. I never believed this was of the Lord, but older preachers said I would never amount to anything if I did not. They believed in going by way of a Theological School, but I was inclined to accept Jesus' way, and go to Jerusalem and get the Holy Ghost. Luke 24: 49. Not wanting to do the wrong thing, I was won by their persuasion, which came from sincere hearts. I went at once, and found the Dean, Dr. Newcome, to be a noble, fatherly, pure old man. I had only been there a few weeks when (as my journal shows) I found I was where the Lord didn't want me. I would go to South Chattanooga and other places, and hold cottage prayer-meetings, and had several saved; but the unction, which I had when I went there, gradually began leaking ont, and ll'.y soul commenced grieving over it. I would lie stretched on the floor and cry to God, bnt I knew there was only one way to get deliverance, and that, to get into the field. I had been told that if I left the school the church

My Call to Preach, and W'hy An Evangelist. 39

would turn her back ou me. The step was one that meant much to me. I kept much in prayer. This was near Christmas, in 1895. One preacher, who was a student and also had a charge, told me if he should die in his present state he was sure of hell. This, and many other' things, made me feel that it was "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.'• Matt. 7: 21. Was I doitig His will? I knew Jesus had other work He wanted me to do. I called on the Dean and told him my condition, and that if I stayed there I wonld backslide. It was not that I expected to go into outward sins, bnt knew the Spirit was being withdrawn from me. He told me that he wanted to build the school np, but that his main object was to bnild up the kingdom, and if I felt that way to go at once and enter the work. He had me stay until after dinner, which time he spent in giving me experiences of his own, praying with me, etc., which did me much good.

I fasted and prayed, "Lord, if yon want me to go into the work of holding revivals, open the way and I will walk therein." This meant a great deal for me, for it was to me stepping ont into the dark; bnt I got so in earnest that I cried, "Lord, I won't wait for good places, but if yon will allow me I will go into the slums of the city, or back in some hollow and talk to those who have no one to tell them about Jesus." In less than three days there were more than three places opened to me.

Young people, you say you want to work for Jesus. Poor people, yon say yon want to work for J esns. Let the most unworthy of all His servants beg yon to step out, fall prostrate at His feet, and cry, "Lord, I'll go anywhere, just so I can get work," and He will open a way at once.

40

Defeats of the Devil.

I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea; I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord, I'll be what you want to be.

It may not be on the mountain's height, Or over the stormy sea; It may not be at the battle's front My Lord will have need of me.

But ifby a still, small voice He calls To paths that I do not know, I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, I'll go where you want me to go.

Perhaps to-day there are loving words Which Jesus would have me speak; There may be now in the paths of sin Some wanderer whom I should seek.

O Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide, Though dark and rugged the way, My voice shall echo Thy message sweet, I'll say what you want me to say.

There's surely somewhere a lowly place, In earth's harvest~fields so wide, Where I may labor through life's short day 1 For Jesus, the crucified.

SoJ trusting my all to Thy tender care, And knowing Thou lovest me, I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere, I'll be what you want to be, -By permission.

Thus I stepped out in the evangelistic field, God putting His seal of success in the salvation of souls on every effort, there being about 1,000 the first year, 1896, and about 1,200 the second year, which I am just now closing. My journal will show this more clearly. I know the Scripture is true, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." Eph. 4: 11. I know my call is to the evangelistic field, as clearly as I

How to Defeat the Devit.

know I am called to preach. I will tell you in the next chapter, my dear brother in the ministry, the secret to any $Ucces.sI have had in the vineyard while laboring for my master.

CHAPTER

VII.

HOW '.l"O DEFEAT THE DEVIL.

When the Lord said He would make "His ministers a fl=e of fire" (Heb. 1: 7), did He expect men to enter the ministfy and preach a whole year and even longer and have no one saYed? No. Why don't they have people saved? I have neve~ entered a town or community but what I found sinners wanting salvation. Why do preachers complain of hard-hearted $inners, if they are working for an Almighty God? Why do they preach sermons that never touch sin I Why take in members who don't claim to be regenerated I Why do they say certain towns and communities are so steeped in sin that there can not be a revival? Isn't the devil at the back of all sin? Isn't God almighty? Then is He not able to give a revival anywhere I Is there any faith manifested in a preacher saying, "I will try to have a revival?" I have never donbted since I have been saved that God is almighty. Therefore, I know when a preacher is not having sonls saved he is not where God wants him to be, neither is he what God wants him to be. God never made a mistake. It is very clearly seen that something is needed to make the ministry a success. I trust the following, which I have had printed in a small booklet, will help the reader to see that what is needed is the Holy Ghost:

Defeats of Ike Devil.

THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST.

WHitN RECEIVED, WHO BY 1 AND WHA'l' I'l' DOE;$.

It is claimed by many that tbe days of miracles, which accompanied the baptism "with the Holy Ghost" on the day of Pentecost, are past. It is also denied in the pulpit and the pew that the Holy Ghost comes into the soul of the believer and dwells there. It is also boldly proclaimed from pnlpit and pew that the baptism "with the Holy Ghost," as received on the day of Pentecost, was only for the one hundred and twenty believers, to usher in the Holy Ghost, and that it is not promised to the church to-day, and, therefore, need not be sought nor expected. It is claimed that no one experiences the same baptism to-day subsequent to regeneration.

I have even known Methodists-think of it-members of that church, which was cradled and nursed by the Holy Ghost, to make the above claims and assertions.

This is only a fulfillment of the Scriptures, that "in the last days . . men shall be lovers of their own selves, unholy, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." II Tim. 3: 1-5. It is my purpose, in this little book, God helping me,

First. To show by the Holy Bible-God's word and not man's-that the baptism ''with the Holy Ghost" was experienced on the day of Pentecost, and at other times and places by other people, and the same baptism is promised to all believers to-day.

Second. That it is the privilege of every believer, and God commands every believer to receive it, which command, if broken, will plunge that person into hell.

Third. That the Holy" Ghost purifies the heart of the

How lo Defeat

43 believer, and, on the condition of faith in God, gives him that "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 12: 14.

Having shown this, dear reader, will you not fall upon your face before God and cry mightily for this baptism? You can then be a power for God, and be used by Him in destroying sin, and winning precious souls for His service. First. We proceed to show that the Holy Ghost was received on the day of Pentecost by the one hundred and twenty followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Peter stood up in the midst of disciples, . . the nnmber of names together were about one hundred and twenty." Acts 1: 15. "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared nnto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2: 1-4. The baptism "with the Holy Ghost" -was experienced by other people at other times and places. In Acts 8: 5-12, we find Philip had been to Samaria, and had had some converts. After this the apostles at Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria,"Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: for as yet He was fallen on none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesns. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." Acts 8: 15-17. Can it be plainer? "They received the Holy Ghost." They did, or did not; if not, the word of God is not true. "Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar." Rom. 3: 4. In the tenth chapter of Acts, we find the case of Corne• !ins. Cornelius was a regenerated man, and living a pnre life before God. This is easily seen in a few passages of

Defeats of the Devil.

Scripture which I wiJl give you. He was just the orposite of a sinner-" a devout man." Acts 10: 2. A man cannot be devout, and, at the same time, have his back toward God. This man Hfeared God," and "prayed to God alway." A man working against God cannot pray to Him alway. God himself settles all questions concerning Cornelius by saying, "What God hath cleansed that call not thou unclean." Acts 10: 15. When God speaks let all men hold their peace. He was a jnst man, or justified. Acts 10: 22. Cornelius was fasting and praying (Acts 10: 30), when "an angel of God" appeared unto him, and said, "Cornelius thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God." Acts 10: 31. Yet God says, "The sacrifices of the wicked are abomination to the Lord." Prov. 15: 8. Fasting is very uncommon with sinners, anyway. "WhiJe Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them who heard the word." Acts 10: 44. They received the Holy Ghost as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost. Acts 10: 47. This fact is rehearsed and made yet clearer in Acts 11: 14--17. They were so in need of the Holy Ghost that the Lord picked up Peter, many miles away, and sent him to tell them about Him. Acts 10: 19, 20. Peter says they, Cornelius and the household, "Received the Holy Ghost" just as we did in the beginning; and that He purified their hearts, and He was received by faith. Acts 15: 8, 9. Therefore, the Holy Ghost has be~n received by others than those on the day of Pentecost. His work in the believer is not that of forgiving, hut that of cleansing or making pnre the believer's heart. Acts 15: 9. It is" the pure in heart " that see God. llfall. 5: 8. Is it not plain that the Holy Ghost has been received by believers since the day of Pentecost?

Tbe 0 same baptism is promised to all believers. Only one witness is necessary, that of Peter: H Ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, for the promise is unto yon, and to

your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord onr God shall call." Acts 2: 38, 39. I do not want to add a thing.

Can anything be clearer? "To all the Lord shall call." Has He called you, dear reader? The Bible is true or it is nottrue. If true, the same baptism "with the Holy Ghost" is promised to all believers, so to you. Peter ought to know, ought he not? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." II Tim. 3: 16. Why did God inspire Peter to make this bold declaration if it is not for "all" of God's children?

Second. That it is a command from God to every believer, which command, if broken, will plunge that person into hell. It is commanded by our Savionr and recorded in Luke 24: 49. The disciples were commanded by Jesus himself to seek until they received the promise of the Father, which promise, Peter says, is the baptism "with the Holy Ghost." Acts 2: 16. Jesus commanded theonehundredan._d twenty not to depart from Jerusalem, but wait there nntil they received this baptism" with the Holy Ghost," Acts 1: 4, telling them, in the eighth verse, they should "receive power after that" they received this same baptism. What! they should not preach the gospel until they received the baptism "with the Holy Ghost?"

To whom was the promise? Let Peter answer, "To all the Lord our God shall call." Acts 2: 39. Would God prepare something for "all" His children, as a preparation for work He has for them to do (Acts 1: 8), and forbid some to do this work without this preparation, and permit others to do the same work without .it? No, verily. "He is no respecter of persons." Rom. 2: 11. What He requires of one under certain given circumstances, He requires of 1 ' ALL '' under the same circumstances. Then I ask you, dear reader, are we freed from the command to " wait for the promise of the Father? "

But this is not all. With still more force and greater

46 Defeats ef the Devil.

clearness comes the declaration of James: "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

James 4: 17. When Jesus says the baptism" with the Holy Ghost" is" the promise of the Father," I must believe it is a good thing. When Peter says it is for "all the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2: 39), I must believe that takes me in, and I certainly know to receive it. Then when I see in Acts 1: 8, that Jesus says I shall receive power when I receive the Holy Ghost, I am forced to believe it to be good. James says I commit sin if I fail to do it, and !. find this command is binding on me. "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." I John 2: 4. "All liars shall have their portion in the lake !bat bnrneth with fire and brimstone."

Rev. 21 : 8, What will you do, dear reader? God offers us someth.1.ng. We must not reject it.

Third. That the Holy Ghost purifies the heart of the believer, and on the condition of faith in God, gives him that "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 12: 14.

We will proceed to show by the Holy Bible that those who received the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost were regenerated, as we have already shown in the case of Cornelius. "As many as received him [Jesus], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name." john 1: 12. Had the one hundred and twenty received Him and believed on Him? They were disciples. Acts 1: 15. No one will deny that they had after such testimony.

"When he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them on!, and to heal all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease." Matt. 10: 1. Does Jesus give such power as this to sinners? " Behold, I send yon forth as sheep in the midst of wolves." Matt. 10: 16. Do you find sinners anywhere

in the Bible likened unto sheep? " It is not ye that speak, but the spirit of yonr Father which speaketh in you." Matt. 10: 20. Do you find the Spirit of the Father in the sinner directing his conversation?

"He ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils." Mark 3: 14, 15. Can you think that Jesus ordained sinners, and sent them " forth to preach," and gave them power to " cast out devils?"

Would this not be a house divided against itself? Oh, surely they were sons of God and followers of Christ, and not followers of the devil?

After the seventy had been out on their mission for their Master they returned, telling the glorious results. Jesus then settles the question beyond any doubt. Hear Him: "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Luke 10: 20. Now what will you say, dear reader? Jesus says in plain words, "Your names are written in heaven.'' Have sinners their'' names written in heaven?" No. That is why we are working with them and praying for them. What then.

Again, they must be His followers, sons of God. Hear the Son of God speak again: " While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled." John 17: 12. Were they lost? Jesus says, "None of them is lost but the son of perdition."

Again, " They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17: 16. Was Jesus of the world? If not, He says they were not.

Surely no one who believes the Bible will rise in the face of these passages of Scripture and say they were not sons of God",regenerated people. At least a part of them were, and

if we find one was then we have proved onr point. Bnt Jesus says they need something more, and that is the baptism "with the Holy Ghost." We find they received it in Acts 2: 1-4. It came upon them suddenly. The outward manifestation of it is seen in their power with God over men, which had not been equaled up to that time. Remember Acts 1 : 8.

But what special work did this baptism do for those who received it? They were already His children-regenerated. Let God answer through Peter's lips, who is now on fire for God: "And God, who knoweth the hearts, bear them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did nnto us. And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." Acts 15: 8, 9. Then what was the work wrought in their hearts by the baptism "with the Holy Ghost?" God says it was heart purity, cleansing or purifying their hearts, and He also says it was received by faith. Jesus tells us, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matt. 5: 8. We find in Hebrews that "without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 12: 14. If heart purity prepares us to "see God," and we cannot see Him '' without holiness,'' and if the baptism '' with the Holy Ghost" gives us pure hearts, it must make us "holy." See Ezek. 20: 12, and Rom. 15: .16. Then if we reject-no, neglect-the work of God, which makes us pure, or holy 1 can we "see God?" Again, if regeneration had failed to give them pure hearts, and the baptism "with the Holy Ghost" was necessary to prepare them to see Him, can we see Him with less preparation?

Were the apostles or disciples regenerated? God's word being true they were certainly regenerated. They were first regenerated, and afterwards the baptism '' with the Holy Ghost" made them "pure in heart" by faith.

Dear reader, let me ask you, with God's servant of old, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"

Acts 19: 2. If you have not, let me exhort you, in Jesus' name, for the good of your soul, and the souls of those about you with whom you have no power--your father, mother, or loved one-to fly to Christ and wait before Him, with a complete consecration to God, until you receive the baptism "with the Holy Ghost." "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Acts 1: 8. Then as parent yon cau bring your children to God, or as child you can bring yonr parents to God. If yon are " minister, or in any way a worker for Christ, your services will not be in vain when ye receive the baptism "with the Holy Ghost," because He has said, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come." Your words will no longer be of no effect. They will be accompanied with an unction of the Holy Ghost, and will fall with power on those with whom you may plead.

Do you find a need of more power? If so, get the baptism "with the Holy Ghost." Then you will have the dynamo of power from heaven in you. Oh, my dear reader, get it and rescue your family. Get Him, the Holy Ghost, and be more fruitful for your Master. Get Him, so as to be a victor in your combats with the devil. Get Him, and help in this mighty battle in which souls are the spoils. The Holy Ghost is the mighty magazine of Almighty God. From Him our Captain expects us to draw our ammunition, so we will be thoroughly equipped for the battle, and come off the field victorious soldiers, and come before Him with triumph to His honor.

Dear reader, if you are in the battle without the Holy Ghost, get Him at once.. If you have not enlisted, do so at once. Get the baptism "with the Holy Ghost," aud in His name and in His strength we will let the devil know whose banner we are fighting under. Then we will be enabled to exclaim with Paul at the end, '' I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth

50 Defeats of the Devil,

there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing," II Tim. 4: 7, 8.

Dear reader, we are having to resort to entertainments, suppers, bazars, and other unscriptural means for :financiai support to raise salaries, to build churches, etc. The God we serve is no pauper, nor is He compelled to step out of His own holy work to get support. What, then? How are we to get the money? I answer, by first getting power, which is required and necessary in any movement; also get sufficient power to accomplish the work undertaken. How will we get such compelling power? Claim the promise of Jesus, "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Acts 1: 8.

How is it? Get the Holy Ghost himself, then we have almighty power sufficient for any holy, upright undertaking. Yet to draw crowds we resort to paid choirs without Jesus, fine churches, and pulpits filled with science, signs of the times, oratory, etc. God says, "Preach the word." II Tim. 4: 2. Jesus says, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." John 12: 32. Not draw to the sermon, preacher, or church, but to himself, Jesus. What! How will we solve the problem? We need power sufficient to draw the people from places of vice, such as the race-track, ball-room, theater, card-table, church entertainments, saloon, church socials, circuses, pool-rooms, etc. We want to draw them from these things to the church of God.

Dear reader, sufficient power will do this. Allow me to suggest the plan of Jesus, '' Ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you." Acts 1: 8. Then we have Almighty power, which is evidently sufficient. Still further, and of more importance, is this fact, we need power to bring the sinner to the Lord. He run~ over church mem-

-bership, wades out of water baptism, laughs at the feeble efforts of the church to save him, and goes down to hell. Is there a remedy? Certainly. Let me answer again, POWER. Power is what we need; then God's promises fall open, sinners bow to the word and are saved. This same power fits the Christian to labor for the Lord, leads the Christian into the promised Canaan of perfect love, and makes it possible for him to pray, to shout, to live, and to exhort sinners effectively, and to edify believers. Praise the Lord for the power of the Holy Ghost. God grant that you, my dear reader, may have the promise of the Father, "the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven." I Peter 1: 12.

JOURNAL OF EVANGELIST JAMES M.TAYLOR.

CHAPTER VIII.

:ENTRANCE INTO THE MINISTRY AND LICENSED TO PREACH.

Jur.v 22, 1895-AUGUST 25, 1895.

Monday,July 22.-I went to Happy Valley in company with Lynn D. Hill. This was my first trip to hold a meeting. I felt I must go or disobey the Lord. I had no conveyance, so I must walk. We started about 3 P. M. After withdrawing from the road in prayer many times, we reached the foot of Chilhowee Mountain, a distance of nine miles, just at dark. We went on to the top, a distance of two miles more. Here we had quite a season of prayer. Then we descended the mountain, aud went down the valley about one mile, making a distance of about fourteen miles. Stayed all night with Aunt Ann and Uncle Caleb Carpenter.

Tuesday, July 23.-Visited through the community, telling the people of the meeting to begin at night. I prayed in all the homes, and in some gardens where they were at work. I think I saw evidence of some being brought to Christ to-day. I preached at night, my first sermon in my first revival. I had conducted two services previously, at one time reading John 15 and talking, and at another time reading and commenting on John 14; but this was my first time to take a text and preach. The Lord graciously manifested himself in power.

Wednesday, July 24.-I preached to an attentive audience in the forenoon and at night.

Thursday,July 25.-I preached in the morning, and we had a wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The altar was :filledwith men and women prostrate, crying for mercy. Six or seven sanctified. Several accompanied me to my uncle's, where I was stopping, to inquire the way of peace. Some tried to raise an argument, especially a Campbellite sister, who believed more in water than in the blood, but I would not argue. My aunt, in great agony about her soul, left the house and went up a lane to a woodland near by, where she spent a short time in prayer. All present knew the result, as she came down the lane, with her bonnet in one hand and both hands in the air, praising God every jump that He had sanctified her.

Friday,July 26.-I preached in the morning and at night. Good services. I closed at night. Seven or eight have been sanctified and one converted, two or three reclaimed.

Saturday,July 27.-I had prayers at my uncle's before leaving, and he was sanctified. I told a cousin good-bye at the spring, where she was churning, and I left her shouting.

To-day is my twenty-second birthday. I arrived at Maryville on foot, about 12 o'clock, so hoarse I could hardly speak above a whisper. I started on Monday, held my first revival, and returned on Saturday of the same week, having

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 53 walked about twenty-eight miles, and dim bed the mountain twice. I accompanied Bro. R.R. Newby in the afternoon to Friendsville, where we enjoyed the hospitality of Sister Hackney, a widow lady, a minister of the Friends' church.

Sunday, July 28. -I attended services at the Friends' church, at Friendville, in the forenoon. Bro. Newby and I drove to Louisville, where I had been with Bro. Royster in a meeting, where I heard Old Father Daily. (During the present year, 1897, this good man passed into the joys of his Lord.) I attended the Christian Endeavor at night, where I met many friends, and the Lord healed my throat. He is my Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Keeper. We drove to Maryville after serviees. I stayed with Bro. Newby over night.

Monday, July 29.-I spent the week until Saturday at home alone with Jesus, praying, shouting, and preparing my Conferenc~ course of study. (I think it was on Monday that I accepted the Lord as my Healer, and He has miraculonsly healed me a number of times since.)

Saturday, Aug. 3.-I went with Dr. Garner to Christy Hill-my birthplace-to assist Bro. G. M. Stone, pastor of Maryville Circuit, in a revival. Here, where my first schooldays were spent, I preached at night to an attentive audience. Several asked our prayers for themselves.

Sunday, Aug. 4.-Bro. Stone preached in the forenoon. We moved the meeting to Bethel at night. Bro. Stone preached from I John 3: 9.

Monday, Aug. 5.-I preached in the morning from I Thess. 5: 23. Bro. Stone preached at night from Eph. 4: 30. Good interest. One sanctified.

Tuesday, Aug. 6.-It rained so that we had no meeting in the morning. I preached at night from Isa. 5: 3. The whole house was moved. One reclaimed, others seeking. I rode down to see my mother's parents. Spent several hours with them. This was the last time I saw my grand-

father. Am so glad I had prayer with him before leaving.

Friday, Aug. 9.-Had a good service in the morning. As Bro. Stone had to fill another appointment, and I had to prepare for District Conference, we closed the meeting. I was at the home of my nncle, Absalom Kagley, and at Bartley McGhee's, and visited many other old friends, John Tulloch and others. There were five sanctified, two reclaimed and converted, and I think much good gospel seed sown. I find kinfolks receive a relative one way when he is a sinner and they are religious. They receive him differently when he is converted, and quite differently yet when he is sanctified. Returned to my father's at Maryville in the afternoon. Found my father, mother, and little sister at home.

Saturday, Aug. 10,-I spent the day in studying. Attended the Epworth League at the M. E. church.

Sunday, Aug. 11.- I taught my old class of little boys for the last time; heard Bro. J. C. Wright preach; went to the poor-house in the afternoon with Bro. Newby; had a good service; came back to the Endeavor at the Friends' church; then went to hear Bro. Wright again at night.

Monday, Aug. 12.-I studied and made arrangements to go to Sevierville to District Conference; attended the Holiness band at night.

Tuesday, Aug. 13.-I arose about 3 o'clock, made all needed preparations, and started for Sevierville about 6:30. Ed Rowan accompanied me. I stopped with him at Mr. Andy Love's, where we were entertained very kindly by Bro. and Sister Love. Drove into Sevierville in the afternoon. It is a small country town, at a fork of a river. Bro. Rippetoe, the pastor, sent me to Bro. J. W. Andes', where I enjoyed the kindness of the dear Bro. and Sister while attending Conference.

Wednesday, Aug. 14.-I spent the day at Bro. Andes';

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 55 went iu bathing in the river in the forenoon; studied in the afternoon; went to church at night. T. B. Russell opened the Conference with a sermon from II Peter 1.

Thursday, Aug. 15.-Attended Conference, and heard the sermon in the forenoon; was examined in the after· noon. Rev. Ogle, whose fatherly love I will never forget, conducted the examinations. God bless and give the old father an abnndant entrance into the joys of his Lord. Attended the services at night.

Friday, Aug. 16.-Attended Conference during the day; committee reported on examination; my average was 90. In the afternoon I stood the public examination, and got through all right, received my license to preach, and recommendations to the Annual Conference. I opened the service at night with prayer at the request of the Presiding Elder, Rev. M. A. Rule.

Saturday, Aug. 17.-It was raining when I started home; arrived in Maryville about 3 P. M.; Lynn Hill took me to Carpenter's camp-ground at night; Bro. Stone preached; I stayed at Isaac Hannah's camp over night.

Sunday, Aug. 18.-Attended services day a,1d night. Bro. Johnston preached in the mornihg, Sister Johnston in the afternoon, and Bro. DePue at night.

Monday, Aug. 19.-I conducted the morning service. The Holy Ghost came in power. I did not preach but had an altar service. Bro. Stone preached at night from Rom. 12: 1, 2. He preached a convincing sermon. I was at Uncle Will Best's for dinner, and at Uncle Dave Taylor's over night.

Tuesday, Aug. 20.-Rev. Johnston preached in the morning. I returned to Maryville in the afternoon, and attended the devotional services of the King's Sons at night.

Thursday, Aug. 22.-Went with Sister Elizabeth Newby to the Blount County Sunday-school Convention at Big Springs.

&6 Defeats of the Devil.

Friday, Aug. 23.-Returned to Carpenter's camp-ground in company with Dr. Newcomb; had good services day and night.

Saturday, Aug. 24. -I conducted the afternoon service; had a good service; every one in the shed came to the altar; one sanctified and one converted; a good service at night.

Sunday, Aug. 25.-Had good services day and night; closed at night; I came to the home of Sister Ella Levering and spent the night. I am trying to put in every day for the Lord. Up to this time I have never received a penny, but I will preach with as much earnestness if I never receive anything.

CHAPTER IX.

WORK ON CUMBERI,AND PLATEAU AND IN SCO'l"l' COUNTY.

AUGUST26, 1895-SEPTEMBER 28, 1895.

Monday, Aug. 26.-When I reached home I found a letter from my father asking me to come at once to assist him in meetings on his work on the Cumberland Plateau. I went to Knoxville in the afternoon and spent the night there.

Tuesday, Aug. 27.-I took the train at 7:45 A, M. for Rugby Road. I arrived at 12 o'clock. Mr. Fred Lee was first to meet me, and took me at once to his little home, where I enjoyed a hearty dinner at the hands of his precious wife.

(Mrs. Lee was the first Christian I met on the Cumberland Plateau, and she proved to be one of the most noble Christian characters I have ever met. She told my mother, who was with her when she died, that she had never failed to get on her knees and pray before retiring since she had been converted. Tbis she kept up until she became too

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 57

weak to kneel, and then my mother had to move her chair up near the side of the bed, and she wonld lean over on the bed. She was a true Christian wife, although she failed to bring her husband, who is yet in sin, to Christ. She was a loving Christian mother, and saw her only babe go on to await her in the spirit world. She was a model Christian daughter, an example for all the family, and an honor to her precious father, Bro. George Todd.)

I preached at night from Lnke 18: 37, "Jesus of Nazaroth passeth by;" had a good service; seven saved, one of whom was Miss Lora Todd, a sister of Mrs. Lee. I went with my father to Mr. Crave Duncan's, and spent the night.

Wednesday, Aug. 28.-Father and I went to where my sister, Miss Laura Taylor, was teaching school. Took dinner at Bro. George Baker's. We went to meeting again at night. I preached from the text, "If God be for ns, who can be against us." Had a glorious service; four converted. I spent the night with Esquire Lewellyn.

Thursday, Aug. 29.-I took dinner with Sister Diamond; took supper with Bro. Huddleston; went to church and conducted the praise service; had a precious service; Grandpa Williams preached.

(This was my first acquaintance with this old veteran of the cross. I have learned to love him as a father since He is an old Methodist pioneer in this part of the country. I spent the night with Bro. George Todd, whom I have since found to be a friend as true as steel. I have found him to be a man who will stand for right no matter how close it may cut him. He is also a leading citizen of the county, therefore in a place where he can do much good, and I am satisfied he will wield his influence in that way.)

Friday, Aug. 30.-I spent the day at Bro. Will Todd's. He is another excellent Christian character, who always speaks what he thinks. We visited the Wolf Creek school, and I made the children a little talk. Went back to Rugby

58 Defeats of the Devil.

Road, and fasted and prayed. I conducted the praise meeting; had a glorious service. I spent the night with Henry Bunn, a gifted miner, who is called to preach, and will do much for his Master if he ever moves out into the vineyard• Saturday, Aug. 31.-I went with my sister Laura to Robbins to a teacher's meeting. Rev. J. A. Ruble, the Presiding Elder, preached at night. I spent the night with Bro. Steve Frogge.

Sunday, Sept. 1.-Bro. Ruble preached in the morning, and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. I took the sacrament with the preachers for the first time. My father preached at night; four converted. I stayed at Esquire LeweUyn's again at night. I found him and 'his companion to be two noble Christian characters.

Monday, Sept. 2.-I preached to the children from the text," Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth." Elder Ruble preached at night. I stayed at Fred Lee's over night. Had good services during the week.

Saturday, Sept. 7.-My father remained at Rugby Road to continue the meetings, which resulted in the salvation of about sixty souls. Forty-nine joined the M. E. church at that place. This was one of my father's appointments, where there were only seven or eight members when he went on the work. I went to Paint Rock, a mining camp at Almy, Te.nu., where I received a warm reception at the hands of Bro. and Sister George R. Wright. Bro. Wright is secretary of the mines and also book-keeper. (Knowing Bro. Wright, as I have since that time, in his home, in his office, and in the church, I think I can say he is one of lite best all-round men I ever met. He has the interest of the company at heart, and does it excellent service. He has the interest of the miners at heart, and will take money out of his own pocket to help them. If he sees good principles in a man, that man will never suffer as long as Bro. Wright can Intercede with the president, He is an

excellent financier, well acquainted with both coal and oil fields. Bnt over, back of, and under all this lies the interest of his church, to talk of whose interests he will throw down the most pressing work. He is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which he organized at this place. It will stir the soul of any who love the work of Christ to enter the church, and see seventy-five to one hundred children around him to learn of Jesus. He is also class leader, which office he fills well.)

When I reached the school-house at night, it was crowded. I made my way to the front, following Bro. Wright. Heard many remarks as I went up the aisle. Some were as follows: One little fellow addressing another said, "Is that the preacher?" The reply was," I guess it is." "Well," said the first, "he looks like a monkey." Bro. Wright, wanting to make the best of what he had on hand, commanded the boys, "Be still, and sing something." So I saw at once my looks wonld not carry me through, which was a blessing. Remember, I was a stranger, knew no one in the audience except Bro. Wright, and had only met him that day. So I went onto my knees and prayed, "Father, I see I am a failure. You mnst do the work if there is any done. Please help me to-night."

Thns I rolled out on His promises. I preached from Rom. 12: 1. The Lord gave me liberty in preaching His word. A large number came np weeping for prayer.

Sunday, Sept. 8.-I preached in the JllOrning; had a profitable service.

(Met many that day who afterward proved to be my friends. I wonld give names of some, bnt the space allotted to this little volnme does not permit.)

Preached again at night; good manifestations.

Monday, Sept. 9-The brethren hanled lumber and erected a shed, as the crowds were too large for the house. We had a precious service at 2:30, in which we dedicated

Defeats ef Ike Devil.

the place to Him from whom cometh" every good and every perfect gift." James 1: 17. I preached againatnight,after taking supper with Bro. Charley Poulston, who had been rescued from the thraldom of drink only a few weeks previous to this, in a meeting my father held. He has gone over into the Canaan of perfect love, and is doing great good for his Master. My father arrived to-day.

Thursday, Sept.12.-I conducted the services during the day. The work made a steady advance during the week.

Friday, Sept. 13.-Father preached in the morning. I had a children's meeting in the afternoon; had a glorious service at night; several saved, among them was a Sister James, whose face I shall never forget. It shone with heavenly rays. Many, both old and young, spoke of it as never having seen its equal before.

(She lived that life, kept those sunbeams, until she passed over with a triumphant entrance. My father had bnried her child on one of bis ronnds. On his next ronnd my father was visiting his members, and, calling on Sister James, found her in bed. She looked up with the same heavenly smile and said, "The Lord is so good. He always brings you at the right time." "Why, whattlo yon mean?" said my father. She answered, "He brought you last month just at the time to bury my child, and yon will preach my funeral before you leave," which he did on Monday, this being Saturday. On the same night when Sister James was saved-, Bro. Huse Hale, who is now a cornerstone in the church, was saved.)

Tuesday, Sept, 17.-I organized a Y. P. S. C. E.

Friday, Sept. 20.-'rhe work progressed during the week, my father conducting one service and I the next. We had a precious farewell service to-day, at 1:30 P. M., which was enjoyed by seventy-five or one htmdred in weeping, shouting, and praising God. I left at 3 P. M. for Rugby Road, where I spent the night with Father Lewellyn.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 61

Saturday, Sept. 21.-I went to Young's Schoolhouse, walking lfiost of the way. Preached at night; had a good service. I stayed at George Baker's over night. Bro. Baker is a poor man, a miner, but has been one of the main stays of the church, not only at this place, but also of the New River Circuit, for years. He pays "tithes," but does not stop with the tenth. He is an excellent Christian character.

Sunday, Sept. 22.-Preached again in the forenoon. Bro. and Sister Frogge brought conveyance for me to go to Rugby Road, where I preached in the afternoon. At night organized an Epworth League with twenty-five members. I spent the night at Bro. Frogge's.

Monday, Sept. 23.-I returned to Young's, where I preached at night; one saved.

Tuesday, Sept. 24.-The brethren built a shed to hold the meeting. Had prayer service in the afternoon; preached again at night; three saved. Took supper with Grandpa Johnnie Young; stayed at Bro. Baker's over night.

Wednesday, Sept. 25.-Had a prayer service in the afternoon. Took supper at Bro. Arnold Young's; preached at night; one saved.

Thursday, Sept. 26.-Had good services; went to Grandpa Billy Young's for supper; had a pleasant time with him and his wife. They are both old veterans of the cross. I enjoyed his conversations concerning his former life as a hunter, etc. I felt to-night after service the Lord would have me go to Maryville at once. Persuasions were used to keep me, but I felt I must go.

Friday, Sept. 27.-To return to Maryville is still bearing on my mind. My father and I started to the office. After praying on the way, I told my father I would get mail at the office showing me clearly what to do. On reaching the office, I found more than one letter calline- me to Maryville at once on business matters. We returned to Bro. Baker's,

82 Defeats ef the Devil.

got my grip, went to Rngby Road, where I got aboard the train at 4:16 P. M. Arrived at Knoxvi!le at night.

Saturday, Sept. 28.-Made my return to Maryville; found all well. While on this trip, at the meetings held at Rugby Road, there were many saved. I would like to mention among them Bro. and Sister Steve Frogge, Sister Diamond, and her little daughter Fannie, and Fred. Lee's daughter Cassie. The meeting at Paint Rock resulted in the salvation of about seventy-five. A large number of miners were saved, some in the mines. I went into the mines while there-was cordially received. While there I learned to love the miners, who have had since then a warm place in my heart. They are a hard-working, bighearted people. While here I first met Mitchell Cecil, a young man called to the ministry, of whom I speak further in my journal. It was on leaving this place that Sister Wright gave me a new hat, the first thing ever received by me as remuneration for work in the ministry. I also met while in Scott County Sheriff Good, whom I have found to be an estimable gentleman, as well as a worthy officer. A county should pride herself on having such an executive head.

(The reader wi!l find much more about the mountain work in the journal of 1896 and 1897.)

CHAPTER X.

S!lPTEMBER29, 1895-DECEMBER 23, 1895.

Sunday, Sept. 29.-I attended services at my own church at Maryville; heard Bro. Wright preach in the morning, and Bro. R. A. Parham at nightMonday, Sept. 30.-I went to Friendsville, Tenn., to

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 63

assist in a revival, where I met Bro. Cooley. These services resulted in much good-in the salvation of about forty-three souls.

Monday, Oct. 7.-We closed the meeting in the forenoon. I went to Maryville in the afternoon, and found the letter spoken of in the chapter, '' Why I Am An Evangelist." I attended a Holiness band meeting at night.

Wednesday, Oct. 9.-I went to Knoxville to attend the Annual Conference, where Bishop Goodell presided. I was as.signed a home with a brother in West Knoxville, the policeman in the West End, at No. 318 East Seventh street.

Under this head I have been asked to give particulars learned, both at Conference and since that time, and had ex• pected to do so, but do not feel clear that Jesus would do it; so I will -give Him the advantage of the doubt, and thereby bear unjust and unkind things at the hands ol those whom I had always taken as friends and spiritual advisers. Things will be much different on the judgment-day in many respects. I will just say I learned many things during this Conference, and have learned many more since, which I am very sorry I ever had to know.

I stood my examinations for admission on trial, but was opposed very bitterly. I do not speak of the Conference as a whole, but of leading ones of her number; but this did not make a "come~outer" of me. I organized three or four classes during the following year, one with forty-three members. I believe I have some firm friends in the Holston Conference. Failing to give particulars in regard to the Conference, takes out nearly one week of my journal. The greater part of this is spoken of under the head, " Why I Am An Evangelist.")

Wednesday, Oct. 16.-This found me on my way to U. S. Grant Theological School, Chattanooga, Tenn. This was a trip to "Tarshish" sure; and the "whale" came so

Defeats of the Devil.

near getting me, I cannot laugh at Jonah. I arrived in the night; was met by two brethren of the school; slept with dear Bro. Wells, an invalid, that night.

Thursday, Oct.17.-Dr. Newcomb showed me my rooms on the fifth floor. I took No.132 for my study, and No.136 for my bedroom; attended Thomas Sexton's revival at the U. B. church at night.

Friday, Oct. 18.-I entered some of my classes to-day; atten<led literary society at night, and had my name proposed for membership.

Sunday, Oct. 20.-Attended Sabbath-school at Stone church and heard Dr. Cook preach; attended services at Mission Ridge at night, where Bro. J.M. York is pastor.

Tuesday, Oct. 22.-Entered school to-day; am to have Greek under Young, sacred history under Dr.'Newcomb, systematic theology under Dr. Ackerman, church history under Young, lectures once a week by Dr. Ackerman; joined a band in the university said to have been organized for the purpose of seeking and obtaining holiness; attended Bro. Loomis' mission at night.

Wednesday, Oct. 23 -Had a boil on my check, which pained me considerably, but attended my classes and recited the Greek alphabet for the first time. Some of the sisters very kindly put a poultice on my cheek.

Sunday, Oct. 27.-The students of the University were given a special service at the Stone church at 9:15 A. M.; heard Dr. Cook preach in the forenoon; went to Epworth chapel in the afternoon; heard Sexton's farewell sermon at night; Dr. Carter announced I would preach on the following Sabbath.

Tuesday, Oct. 29.-Attended my classes during the day; attended the holiness prayer-meeting at night; was elected president of the band of students.

Thursday, Oct. 31.-Went to the meeting of the Holiness Band at the Centenary church at night.

Frfday, Nov. 1.-Went to society at night, and was received as a member; was put on for an oration; went from !here to the Stone church to a preparatory meeting for the sacrament.

Saturday, Nov. 2.-Went to the street meeting of the Salvation Army at night.

Sunday, Nov. 3.-I fasted and prayed, preparing for the services at the U. B. church; went down at 11 A. M. and preached to an attentive audience; the Lord gave me power; preached at Alton Park at night.

Monday,Nov. 4.-Was unwell to-day; attended a funeral in South Chattanooga; conducted a cottage prayer-meeting in South Chattanooga at night.

Tuesday, Nov. 5.- Was in my classes as usual; conducted prayer service in the University at night; I must attend religious services and work for the Lord, or I will backslide.

Wednesday, Nov. 6.-Attended the State Sunday-school Convention; heard Dr. Hurlbut speak; went to the Salvation Army on the street; talked in their street meeting.

Thursday, Nov. 7.-We adjourned school to attend the Sunday-school Convention.

Friday, Nov. 8.-I received report and credentials as delegate from Scott County Snnday-schools, which I gave in; went to the Second Presbyterian church at the opening of the Y. P. S. C. E. Convention of the Chattanooga district; heard a lecture on citizenship.

Sunday, Nov. 10.-Attended services at the Stone church; was at Orange Grove in the afternoon, where I taught a class in a mission Sunday-school; went to Epworth chapel at night.

Tuesday, Nov. 12.-Attended prayer-meeting in the university, and then went to Orange Grove to help organize an Epworth League.

6 (I omit the journal of one month, as it continues without

66 Defeats of the Devil.

any special interest, and I think I can fill the space with more profitable material.)

Thursday, Dec. 12.-1 attended the Holiness meeting at the Centenary church, where I met Sister Ella Levering, who was strangely, but divinely, led to this place, I believe for no other purpose than as a messenger from my Heavenly Father to me. She immediately detected the fact that my experience was not so bright, and that I had not the unction I had when leaving Maryville. She spoke to me about it. I told her I had already noticed it. She urged me to pray earnestly over it, and wait on God for leading. This I was already doing. She and Bro. and Sister Loomis asked me to dine with them the next day.

Friday, Dec. 13.-I spent a great deal of last night in prayer; believe I am fully convinced that I am in the wrong place; went to Bro. Loomis' for dinner; we all talked and prayed over my experience, and as it seemed to be drying up on foot, I gave the case entirely into the hands of the Lord.

Monday, Dec. 16.-Was greatly under conviction to-day that I ought to leave school and go into active work; went back to Bro. Loomis' in the afternoon, and had a talk with Sisters Levering and Loomis. Then I went to South Chat_ tanooga, where I have regularly conducted a weekly prayerrneeting; but before going I went before God in prayer, and promised Him to be led by Him in doing just what He wanted me to do about leaving school, and going into the work. There was a social at the Stone chnrch at night, which I had expected to attend; but, after putting all into the hands of the Lord the way I had, I could not go to a thing of that kind. Had three conversions in my prayermeeting, and I was filled to the uttermost. Bless His name. As I turn toward the field of lahor, He continues His anoint. ing presence.

Tuesday, Dec. 17.-I remained very near the Lord, see-

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 67

ing plainer than ever that He would have me go back into the work. He wondrously preserved me from sin.

Wednesday, Dec. 18.-I am dwelling on the mountain. I am waiting for orders from the Lord as to what to do. Yesterday I felt I received the evidence that He would lead me. I asked Him if He wanted me to go into the work to give me openings. He gave me three urging calls. I went to the Salvation Army hall, and the captain asked me to preach. I did so with happy results.

Thursday, Dec. 19.-I arose in the morning happy in the Son of God, filled with His Spirit. I received a letter from home folks, urging me to come home to spend Christmas. I preached in the Loomis mission at night; one savedI retired with the sweet experience, saved and sanctified. The Lord is wondrously blessing me since I promised Him I would go into active work.

Saturday, Dec. 21.-I arose early and went to the depot, but missed my train about three minutes. I walked fast enough but did not start early enough. So with many who expect to go on the heavenly train, they may call loud enough, but not having called at the right time, the train will leave them if only three minutes late. I left on the 9:55 train, arrived at Oakdale about 3 or 4 P. M., stayed there until about 6 P. M., and then went to Harriman, where I am stopping with Rev. J.C. Wright, my former pastor, until Monday, as I will not ride on a Sunday train.

Sunday, Dec. 22.-1 worshiped with Bro. Wright, and received much soul food.

Monday, Dec. 23.-I went to the depot, but the train was late, as there had been a wreck below Harriman, killing one and wonnding several. I arrived at Rugby Road about noon, and went immediately to my father's, where I enjoyed a dinner prepared by my mother.

CHAPTER XI.

DECEMBER24, 1895-MARCH 18, 1896.

Tuesday, Dec, 24.-Spent the day at home; went to a Christmas tree at night, where I gave the address of welcome.

Wednesday, Dec. 25.-1 was expected to take dinner with Bro. George Baker, where I had been invited several weeks before. After going ont and praying at different times, I felt the Lord would not have me go there for dinner, but go to Paint Rock, Coal Camp, and begin a revival. This I did. The family tbonght very strange of it, and did not seem to think it was of the Lord, but I was determined to do the will of God. I was met at Oneida by several friends, the engineer, Mr. Wright, and many others. I found many friends at Paint Rock. Took dinner with Bro. George Wright, and pnt np a notice there wonld be services that night. There were several out; ·had a very profitable service, bnt so many have grown cold and backslidden.

Thursday, Dec. 26.-I preached at night from the text, "What is thy name." Gen. 32: 27.

(It made some of the people who had been in a "lnkewarm'' condition mad, and they sent for me the next day to tell me what they thonght of me.)

Saturday, Dec. 28.-This was the Baptists' regnlar preaching time. I bad a prayer-meeting at Bro. Poulston's on the line of scriptural holiness. The Baptist minister preached at night.

Sunday, Dec. 29.-The Baptist minister preached in the forenoon, and I, on sanctification, in the afternoon; several came to the altar seeking it. My father preached at night. Monday, Dec. 30.-I preached three times. It snowed to-day. My father returned home. I closed the meeting,

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 69

but they wanted me to remain for Christian Endeavor Tnesday night.

Tuesday, Dec. 31.-I had a heavy bnrden for souls at this place to-night. Instead of having a regular Christian Endeavor meeting, I preached, telling the Christians by the Bible their duties and privileges. About thirty came forward, consecrating themselves to the Lord for this special work, so we concluded to continue the meeting until Sabbath.

Sunday, Jan. 5.-Had a good morning service. I appointed six or seven cottage prayer-meetings for the afternoon, with different leaders; some conversions reported. The services at night were a grand success. About 10 or 11 o'clock I was called to pray for Will--, who was in great agony about his soul. _,:._fterleaving church he felt he ought to make a decision for Christ at once. Just at this time he opened his mouth, when his jaws flew out of joint, and he ~ould not close his mouth, but lay there suffering the agonies of hell. He could not talk, but motioned one hand up, the other down, and endeavoring to say "pr8-y" would say "ray;" and when I would ask him if he had any hope of his soul, he would shake his head and call again for us to pray ("ray"). All in the room were praying; two men were saved while praying for him. Several times he caught his breath, and I thought he was gone. I asked him, "Will, is it possible you are going to pass into eternity unprepared?" He nodded his head and turned his eyes heavenward with a wistful look. Then I fell on my knees, realizing the value of time as never before, and cried, ''Lord, spare him one minute that we may pray for him." The physician was summoned, who, after examining him, turned to me aud said," He needs spiritual help more than anything else." Finally his jaws were thrown back, being done he said "when I promised the Lord to do His will." Immediately he fell on his knees and said, '' Help me fix it now."

Defeats of the Devil.

After prayer the burden rolled away and he shouted God's praises. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess the Lord. Phil. 2: 10, 11.

Monday, Jan. 6.-Good services in the afternoon; two saved; three saved at night.

Tuesday, Jan. 7.-Excellent services all day. At the beginning things seemed cool, but we had a breakdown both services.

Wednesday, Jan. 8.-Good services. At night there were some agnostics present, who came up on the seat just behind the "mourner's bench." One of them, seated in front, kept looking back and smiling at the others. While the penitents were being instructed, he would make fun, and then look back and laugh with his chums. Seeing this was hurting the progress of the meeting, I fell on my knees and prayed, "Dear Father, please move them and let the work roll on." In only a minute or so the one in front moved back with the others, and then they all went out of the house. Oh, glory to God, if we would only believe it, we have a God who is almighty, can do all things, and, if taken hold of by faith, will let nothing stand in the way of the promotion of His cause.

Thursday,Jan. 9.-There was qnite a battle fought, but at the last the victory was turned to Israel's side; two saved, making about twenty-seven in all. On Wednesday, Sister George Sharp came to me, and gave me one dollar. I had come up here with thirty cents, not knowing how I would get back, or how to pay my laundry bill; but I kept taking it to the Lord, and He proved to me that truly He, "who marks the sparrow's fall aud clothes the lilies of the field," will care for a little one of His own. Glory! He knew whether I was trusting Hirn, and to-night Mart Wilson gave me another dollar. Sure," I have never seen the righteons forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Ps. 37: 25.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 71

Friday, Jan. 10.-'I'he work is a very deep one, and is deepening every service.

Saturday, Jan. 11.-We had precious services to-day. During the .day Jim Atkins, Mitchell Cecil, and I went out to ask the Lord's guidance for Bro. Jim Atkins, as he felt the Lord had work for him. He is an excellent singer. In prayer he promised the Lord to give Him his life, time, talents, etc. This he failed to do, but I believe if he had the Lord would have wonderfully used him. We had the best service at night we have had during the meetings; three saved, and nearly all the Christians were made happy in the love of God. If we live as we should, live to please our heavenly Father, we will be happy in His love all the while. I bless God that I know this by experience.

Sunday, Jan. 12.-We had a profitable service in the morning, and a precious service, enjoyed by all, at 2 P. M., when we closed the revival.

The miners took me to Helenwood, about five miles from there. Several went all the way, and quite a crowd went about one mile. God bless Paint Rock. I trust I may be permitted fo preach holiness with clearness, and so may many come over into Beulahland ere long.

We arrived at Helenwood about night. Grandpa Potter kindly threw his doors open and gave me a hearty welcome. I am to make my home with him and his dear old companion. I found a brother here holding a meeting, but he does not seem to arouse any interest. I fear many have church and money before them in such a way that Jesus cannot see them to bless their efforts.

(I have never asked a person to join the M. E. church unless it was the church of his choice. On the contrary, I have urged persons not to join it when it was not the church of their choice. Yet in the last two years-this December, 189r-r have taken hundreds of members into her fellow-

72 Defeats of the Devil.

ship. I have never asked for five cents in money, nor asked for a collection, publicly or privately, since I have been preaching. On the contrary, I have stopped people from taking collections, and refused money offered me. Yet I have received hundreds of dollars and never wanted for anything, but it came when I was compelled to have it, though I have been a poor boy all the time, dependent on God for support in my work.

"Lord, I care not for riches, Neither silver or gold, I would make sure of heaven, I would enter the fold."

I could learn nothing from the brother who was holding the meeting as to when he expected to clo5e, etc., but saw he would rather have my room than my presence. I kept my case before the throne. Went to hear him preach at night. I saw at once that his preaching would not faze that place, for it ,vas a place sunken in iniquity-a regular slaughter-pen for hell-having two saloons and only a very few inhabitants. The citizens seemed to think nothing of a man being killed, and I knew it would take the thunders, lightnings, and earthquakes of Mount Sinai to wake them up and check their revelry. Hot shot must come, and come in a way to hit, if any game was to be taken. At once my heart began going to Cod in prayer for a sweeping revival, that would make Heaven smile, and the devil mad, and all hell would find out about. I knew it would take something like this to stir up the old nests of sin in the place.

I find so many people afraid of offending some body, and they believe this, that, and the other preaching is too straight, etc. Brother, you cannot do anything to get the smiles of Heaven, but what you get the frowns and ill will of the devil. Yon cannot get the devil mad without his followers, some of them at least, being offended. For

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 73

Jesus' sake, shut your eyes to what people do, close your ears to what people say, and strike sin, hell, and the devil everywhere you cau find them. As long as things run smoothly the devil is not offended; but, as soon as you pass an insult in the face of hell, you will raise the devil sure. Until you do this, you have not won anything for Jesus. Now have you in any way harmed the cause of hell? Brother, "preach the word," talk of "the word," and live '' the word," and let the devil find out you are alive. Do not be like the boy who is said to have been praying, and said, "Dear Jesus, I thank you for all you have given me, etc., and Mr. Devil, I thank you for all you have given me." His mother, who wa-s bending over him, said, "Johnnie, Johnnie, what do you mean?" "Mamma," answered Johnnie, "if I should die before morning, I don't know into whose hands I would fall, and I want to be on good terms with both."

Reader, the more the devil hates you, and the worse enemies you have in hell, the better pleased Jesus Christ is, and the more attendants you have of the white-winged soldiers. I find the harder a man hits sin, and the closer he preaches, thereby searching out hidden sins, the more the devil hates him. I also find that to just the extent we do this our efforts are honored by the Lord. I find our Captain is looking for soldiers who fear nothing but offending Him, and will expose sin everywhere, even in high places, like John did, though they should lose their heads by it. Oh, how the Lord would honor the efforts of a person who would denounce sin, though he had to stand alone in the very face of hell.

Monday,Jan. 13.-Attended the service at 11 A. M. and again at night. Took dinner with Dan Chambers, the Regisistrar; had prayers with them; I found they were all unsaved.

Tuesday, Jan. 14.-Attended the services at 11 A. ll!., and at night preached; some came forward for prayer.

Wednesday, Jan. 15.-Attended the meeting hoth in the morning and at night. In the afternoon, at Grandpa Potter's, while talking and praying with their hired girl, she said Jesus pardoned her sins. I went off by myself in the woods, and, stretched on the ground, begged God to make an opening somewhere for me to work.

Thursday, Jan. 16.-Attended both services; visited, prayed, and talked to others about Jesus. He is blessing my efforts, although I have no way to preach but to go from house to house. There are none being saved at the church, but the precious Lord is saving souls in the prayer-meetings I hold at the houses. I feel He is giving me favor with at least some of the people. This, I beneve, He will let me use for Him later by allowing me to hold a meeting. Am still pleading with Him for an opening for work, but am using what openings I have. I know He led me away from school into the work, and wants me to continue in the regular evangelistic work, and, therefore, I know He will open the right doors at the proper time if I trust Him. This I will do, '' though He slay me.'' I am waiting "patiently on the Lord." I am standing still to " see the salvation of the Lord," which I know He will show unto me as soon as He finds I will not try to take things into my own hands. Then I know the orders will come from my Master," Go forward." I am ready to march any moment. Bless the Lord!

Friday,Jan.17.-Went to the church in the morning, and then to take dinner with Sister Smith, wife of the senator. I sang, read, and had prayers, which I believe resulted in much good. On going to the post-office, I received two letters and a card from Rugby Road, asking me to go there and begin a meeting on the next day. How I do praise God that He will not allow me to "delight" myself in Him, and He fail to give me the 1 ' desires of my heart." Ps. 37: 4. Several Paint Rock people came over at night to tell me good-bye.

Journal ef Evangelist James M. Taylor. 75

Saturday,Jan. 18.-Went to Rugby Road, preached at night, and stayed at my father's.

Sunday, Jan. 19.-Preached in the forenoon; had a prayer service in the afternoon; my father preached at night; I stayed at Bro. Frogge's.

(Here I made my home most of time while I was in the meeting.)

Wednesday,Jan. 22.-We had quite a breakdown; four converted; several others very penitent.

Thursday, Jan. 23.-My father was sick at night. I preached from the text, " Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal. 6: 7. Three saved, making about ten in all since the meetings commenced.

Friday,Jan. 24.-Several up for prayer, but the Christians are dead, almost. They have no fire. They need the Holy Ghost, and I see this is the only remedy for the case, I spent a great deal of the night in prayer-prayed until I felt the Lord would help us out of the place into which we had fallen.

Salurday,Jan. 25.-Had very good services, but the need is too plain not to be seen by a spiritual person.

Snnday, Jan. 26.-I asked the question, "How many love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?" After some delay an old brother rose, but said he must make some explanation. I was going to talk to them along the line of sanctification, or how to love the Lord in that way, but the pastor took the meeting out of my hands, being afraid I would say something that would hurt things. After the sermon everything was dead-no life, no spiritual power-so I was going to try another round, but was prohibited again, though in a Christ-like spirit. I was called on to pray, so prayed for the Lord to show the people that they must love Him in that way if they go to heaven, and for Him to show them that they could never love Him that way with carnality in their hearts, and that it would require

76 Defeats of the Devil.

sanctification to remove it. After the benediction I told them I could not stay any longer where I could not preach as the Lord showed me to preach, but pastor and people plead for me to remain.

Monday, Jan. 27.-Early this morning the pastor and several of his members came over to see me, having consulted as they went home. They said, "The thing is dead, and if preaching sanctification will revive it, let him preach it.'' So they told me to stay and preach sanctification, which I was glad to do, for I had prayed quite awhile in the night for the Lord to open up the way, and to bring my father, who was pastor, out clear on sanctification. I preached a clear doctrinal sermon on it in the morning serv· ice, and five or six came into the blessing. I preached again at night, and several more found the precious experience, and some were regenerated. The Lord will honor His word. I find the thing to remove a drift in a revival is to preach sanctification with power sent down from on high.

Tuesday, Jan. 28.-I preached both in the morning and at night on sanctification. Several came into the experi• ence, making about sixteen during the two days; and several have been converted.

ednesday,Jan. 29.-The interest is deepening. Three days ago, when I commenced preaching sanctification, there was almost no interest, and there had been only ten saved. Now there have been twenty-three regenerated and seventeen sanctified, making forty. Oh, brother, never fail to preach the whole gospel

Thursday,Jan. 30 -In the morning we had, I think, the most serious service I was ever in. Again at night we had a precious time.

Saturday, Feb. 1.-The interest is still deepening.

Sunday, Feb. 2 -We had a good forenoon service. In the afternoon seven other boys and myself went out into the woods to pray. I tried to impress them with the im-

Journal ef Evangelist James M. Taylor. 77

portance of asking for definite things, and believing for what they asked. Then we all agreed to ask our Heavenly Fatl;ier for the salvation of three souls at the night service, and for Him to strike some one down with conviction in the back of the house, as thei:e was much resentment by the unsaved. That night the power of God was wondrously manifested; five were powerfully saved. One young man was helped to the altar, being unable to walk by himself. After remaining there for some time, he grew desperate about his condition, and, rising from the mourner's bench, started for the door, but, reaching the back of the house, fell prostrate on the floor, having lost his power of locomotion and speech. A precious brother, who had made one of our number at the prayer service, taking in the scene, and realizing it was in answer to our prayers, said: ''It will be awful if the Lord answers our prayer and kills that fellow, to do it." Oh, how precious it is to serve the God of John, Peter, and David, and know "He is the same yesterday, to·day, and forever." Certainly we should want for nothing, when He will answer our prayers in such a wonderful way.

Monday, Feb. 3.-Several saved during the day. The meetings have proved a great victory; over sixty have been either sanctified or regenerated. Among them is my little sister, Alice Taylor; and both my father and my mother have come out clear in the experience of sanctification. I am greatly strengthened in faith myself, and feel much better equipped for the labor to which I am called.

Tuesday, Feb. 4.-I felt the Lord leading me to New River, a small station up the railroad about six miles. I was not acquainted there, had never been there, and knew no one who lived there, nor did I have an invitation, but knew, as "I went in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel," that He would make all necessary openings for me. I went on the train in the forenoon,

78 Defeats 1/f the Devil.

and inquired at once for Bro. Frank Buttram, whose name had been given me. I found his home; his wife, a woman of God, met me at the door. I introduced myself to her and said, "The Lord sent me here to hold a meeting. I believe some of you have been praying for me." She said, "Yes, I have been praying the Lord to send some one, and I believe He has sent you." I left my "grip'' there, and will make it my home during the meeting. I found Bro. and Sister Buttram to be excellent Christians. Sister Buttram has a childlike faith and trust in God. She has an excellent old mother, whom I met at Paint Rock, a Mrs. Hale.

I took dinner at Mr. Will Pickering's. He is an unsaved man, but an excellent gentleman. Saw Sister Amanda Carson, whom I had met at Paint Rock, Almy P. 0. She was here at her sister's. She remained and labored in the meeting. I had many discouragements in regard to the meeting, bnt had faith for it before I started for the place, and I knew it had to come. I found it to be a very "hard" place, as man says; almost all kinds of sin, "blind tigers," etc. There was a dance the first night of the meeting. I went up to the store about 2 or 3 P. M., and wrote a notice, and had it tacked on the door. I also went to the school where Prof. Owens was teaching, and had a meeting for 7:30 P. M. announced. I had a pretty good congregation at night.

Wednesday, Feb. 5.-Had a precious prayer service at Bro. Buttram's, and a large crowd at the church at night.

New River Meeting. -Seventy-five saved. From the very beginning the power of God was manifest. Conviction began seizing strong men, and they began calling for mercy. I made the acquaintance of many, especially yonng people, whom I learned to love very dearly. Among them was a young man, Will Cecil, who had gone deep into sin. I had

Jownal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 79 heard his cousin, Mitchell Cecil, pray for him scores of times; in fact, I think I never heard him pray at home, or in the church, but that he prayed for his "wicked cousin.H His Heavenly Father heard his cry, and Will came rushing_ to the altar the first call I made (February 8), and was gla rionsly saved. He turned then to make as valiant a soldiet for Jesus as he had for the devil, and was instrumental in leading many to Christ. There were many other young people.

It was here I met for the first time Aunt Charity Cecil, a noble Christian character, who, by her prayers and comforting words, has proved a great strength and encouragement to me while I have tried in my humble way to do what I could for my Master. She has never been married, but has raised six of her brothers' and sisters' children. Her honse has always been the house of the minister who stands for purity. I also met Grandma Duncan, who has been a pillar of the Church of God for many years. She was the mainstay in many respects in the church at this place. Every one had the greatest confidence in her profession.

On November 27, 1897, she was at the quarterly meeting at New River, held by Rev. Robertson. This was on Saturday night. She went to my sister Laura and asked abont me, and then to her brother, Bro. Moses Hurtt's, where my father, Rev. B. C. Taylor, spent the night. My father and Grandma talked about Jesus and His love until after 12 o'clock. Then all retired for the night, and she was a corpse on Sabbath, November 28, 1897. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."

My father preached her funeral at Helenwood on Monday, November, 29. He was assisted by Elder Roberson. Her daughter, Mrs. Pemberton, came to my father and Bro. Roberson after the services with two dollars, and said, '' I found this in the purse in which my mother always carried

80 Defeats of the Devil.

her money for the preachers, and know she expected to give it to you, so I want you to have It." 'I'he Lord give us more such mothers. Thus ended the days of one of the best citizens of the place. I would like to mention others who have warm places in my heart, but space will not permit.

On the last night I talked very plainly about some sins practiced in the place. One was the merchants sold goods on the Sabbath just about the same as through the week· I told them the officers of the place could not keep their oath, and allow snch things to be practiced. I also told them that it was the worst kind of theft-" stealing from God."

Some one said the sermon had cost me money, but I felt I could afford to stand for right, and condemn sin like that at the cost of money, if John conld condemn sin at the cost of his head.

Many of those saved during the revival were whiteheaded men and women. There were several families with only one member as an exception. The Barber family was saved-three young men and Miss Belle and their father. The boys, at least one of them, were strong friends of mine.

One day, while conducting the altar service, I found a young lady down at the altar, peeping through her hands at friends in the rear of the house. I knelt down before her and said, "I want you to leave this altar, and never return until you have some earnestness. This is not only sacrilegious, but unlady-like." Continuing I said, "There are people in hell who have done more for the salvation of their souls than you are doing, for the Bible says, "Many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." You are not seek~ ing; and your associates would be better off if you were gone, for you are going to hell, and leading them with you.I) Of course this made her mad, but I find there are people

who cannot be interested nntil they have straight talk which will show them where they are going.

After this, as she was returning home, I stepped out of the church door, where all could see me, and cried at the top of my voice, "Where will you spend eternity?" She told me later it seemed she would sink, and those words never left il.er ears. To be sure, she declared she would never come again '' to hear that thing preach," but she did. On her return to an afternoon service with her brother, one of the best Christian young men I know, I was speaking and shaking hands with the people before the service, and went to her and•said, "Gertie, how are you?" She said, "I am all right." As I passed on I said, "I don't believe a word of it." All this while I was keeping the road to the throne hot with prayer. She came hack to the altar, and sent for me, and said, "I am in earnest now sure enough. I want you to pray for me." She was saved. After this she wandered away but is now regenerated and sanctified, a living monument to the redemptive efficacy of the blood of Jesus. The young man I spoke of as getting up a dance at the beginning of the meeting was saved.

Thursday, Feb. 20.-I closed the meeting with a touching service in the afternoon. The Lord gave us, as the fruits of our labor, seventy-five souls. I went south on the evening train to my father's at Rugby Roat!. While passing from one coach to another, as the train crossed the New River bridge, my hat blew off. It was sent to me on the train the next day. Stayed at my father's over night.

Friday, Feb. 21.-I went to Elgin to the post-office, and heard of a sick man at Glen Mary, who was not expected to live Jong, and was unprepared to die. I went down two miles to see him; found him almost dead and about to starve, it seemed. On questioning him, L found he was anxious to 6

Defeats o.f the Devil.

know of his acceptance with Christ. After I had read, sung, and prayed with him, he felt the burden roll away, and shouted and praised God. I then prayed with his wife and boy, who were also saved. Returned to my father's, where I spent the night.

Saturday, Feb. 22.-I spent the day at home. Went to Wolf Creek to hear my father preach at night.

Sunday, Feb. 23.-Attended Sabbath-school and church at Rugby Road, and went back to Wolf Creek in the afternoon. My father preached again. I was very sick, left church, and went to my father's, and retired. I was seriously sick for some time, but feeling that Jesus had other work for me to do, and knowing He was fnlly able to restore me, I called on Him for restoration, and He healed me instantly. Bless His name!

Monday, Feb. 24.-I spent the time resting and in prayer. Thursday, Feb, 27.-I went to Paint Rock and secured several subscriptions for The Methodist, now The Pentecostal Herald. Had services with them, and remained until Saturday.

Saturday, Feb. 29.-Preached at 11 A. M., and, in the afternoon, went in a wagon over to Huntsville, the county seat of Scott County. There I found a room bad been prepared for me at the home of Bro. and Sister John Hurtt, who had been saved in my meeting at New River. (Here I made my bome·awhile,) Preached at night from "I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies oflsrael." I Sam. 17: 45.

Sunday, March 1.-Preached at 10:30 A. M. from fas. 4: 3, on "Praying Amiss." In the afternoon, at 2:30, I preached on "Abiding in the Lord." John 15: 1-10. At night, at 6:30, on "Quenching the Spirit." I Thess. 5: 19.

Monday, March 2.-11 A. M. I preached from I Kings 17: 8--17. Preached at night to a large audience. Text, Luke 11: 23, "He that gathereth not with me, scattereth."

Journal of EvangeNsl James M. Taylor. 83

Deep interest. I sat up, wrote, read, and prayed until very late.

Tuesday, Marek 3.-We had an excellent service in the morning. My father was there, and preached from, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation." Ps. 51: 12, 13. 'l'he interest was great. Preached at night to a large audience from, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." Gal. 6: 7. 'l'he interest is deepening. 'l'he Christians are greatly in earnest now. I find much work must be done with the church to get it in shape so that sinners can be saved.

Wednesday, Marek 4.-Preached from Josh. 6; everybody seemed moved. My father preached at night from the text, "One sinner destroyeth much good." Eccl. 9: 18.

Tkursday, Marek 5 -I preached at 2:30 P. M. from Ex. 23; had a good service. Preached at night from, "If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve." Josk. 24: 15. 'l'here were seven regenerated, making ten since the services began. Bless His precious name! He will never forsake those who prove true to Him. The interest continues to deepen each successive service, many being saved almost every service, many of them heads of families, some whole families, and some who had been very wicked, fighters, drunkards, gamblers, whoremongers, etc.

Thursday, March 12.-We had the best service, a gift from Him from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, we have had since we began. Eight were saved, all of whom were boys or young men. 'l'his makes about fortytwo.

Sunday, March 15.-We closed at night with good interest; about fifty saved while here. 'l'he Church of God has been wonderfully revived. I held the meeting in the Presbyterian church, and the pastor, Rev. Frank Marston, who had been a college boy with me, stood by me like a

Defeats of the Devil.

brave soldier. God bless and prosper him on his way. His church was greatly revived, some of the leading members, even officers of the church, were "born of the Spirit. n To show the interest this man of God had in the work, I insert the following card received from him:

"HUNTSVILLE,TENN., February 27, 1896.

'' Dear Bro. Ttrylor-This is to inform you that you are perfectly welcome to our church in which to hold revival services. I think it would be best to begin right away, say to-morrow night if. you can get here. Please let me know if yon cannot come. If yon can come, I will look for you to-morrow morning.

''Yours in Christ, FRANK MARSTON.,,

Here I met many whom I learned to love who have proved friends to me since. One who greatly impressed me was Rube Hurtt, a leading citizen, not only of the town, but of the county, a man of fine intellect, a great scheming politician, etc. He was reclaimed, and, as far as I can learn from reliable sources, is standing firm. There were several faithful workers in the meeting I would like to mention if space would permit. One, Sister Flora Henry, of Maryville, Tenn., who was here teaching, proved an efficient altar worker. Several, Sisters Sexton, Sister McDonald, whose honseisthe home of the preacher,Sister Jeffries and daughters proved hard workers. Sister Jeffries' son, LeRoy, was saved. He is one of the most talented young men I have ever met ou the Cumberland Plateau, one of the most eloquent boys I ever saw, and is no donbt called to the ministry. (See more about him in July, 1896.) I also saw while here Jim D. Blankenship, Scott County Trustee, who had a distillery. He was said to be a very immoral man, besides having the liquor hell he dealt with. He cursed and swore about the meeting, cursed the workers, tried to kill one of

journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 85

them who spoke to him while in a store; speaking of me, said he didn't want that "kinky-headed ----" to pray for him, etc. As I left the town, we drove by his still; and I, in an audible voice, invoked God's wrath and destruction 011 the "machinery of hell." I told those in the hack with me, I was going to pray God to destroy that thing, if He had to do it at the cost of life, or by sinking it. On July 3, 1897, Mr. Blankenship was shot.

While in this meeting, there was here in prison a man who claimed to disbelieve the Bible, and not to believe in God. He had been put in for murder, Some of the workers went to pray with him and others. In a few days he was taken out by a lynch mob, and, as they dragged him down the hiU to hang him, he is said to have said, "Give me time to pray, boys." They said, "You don't need to pray. You have no soul; you don't believe there is a God." "That will do to talk about, but it won't do to die by, boys; let me pray, boys.'' '' Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess."

While here, Judge Rodgers, the Circuit Judge, held his court at this place. He, being a noble Christian man (may ihe Lord give us more officials like that) told the jury and those present, while charging the jury, that he had tried for years to clear that docket of murder, etc., and that the only remedy he saw was for them to go to the meeting (referring to the revival), and get sin out of the way, etc. The meeting was surely a miracle. People wondered at it. I inquired for the secret, and found that for nearly a year, or even more, two old mothers had agreed to meet and pray once a week until a revival should sweep the place. Of course the Lord would delight in answering the prayers of such children. It is needless to say their children were saved.

CHAPTER XII.

MARCH 18, 1896-Jur,y 4, 1896.

Wdnesday, March 18.-I took the train at Rugby Road for Knoxville. I spent the night in Harriman with Lawyer B. Cecil's family. .My health was very bad.

Thursday, March 19.-I took dinner with Rev. J. C. Wright, D. D., my former pastor at Maryville. Then on to Knoxville, where my friend and old associate, James M. Cates, met me at the depot, and conducted me to his home on Magnolia Avenue, where I spent the night with Mr. Cates and his wife. They had been married only a short time. He and I had been great friends while I was in sin, and I think I never saw a more noble-spirited and biggerhearted boy than Jim is. He will stand by a friend as long as he has anything; and then, I believe, if they both had to starve, he would be willing to be a pillow on which the other might lie. He now works in the United States Pension office at Knoxville. I am praying for him that he may be won for Christ. I held prayers with them before retiring.

Saturday, March 21.-I spent most of the day with my friend, and started for Maryville, my old home, at 3:30 P. M., where I arrived about 4:30 P. M. I went to Captain Will Henry's to stop, where I was hospitably entertained. I find this a very religions home. They love, fear, and serve God. Sister Flora Henry and I went to the Christian Endeavor at the Presbyterian church at night.

Sunday, March 22. I went to the M. E. church to Sabbath-school. The class of little boys I taught while in .Maryville wanted me to teach them again, but I declined, as I had been absent so long. I remained for church, and heard Rev. L. S. Fuller preach a very able sermon; but he

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 87

laid it to the evangelists, charging them with coming in and taking all the money from the pastor, etc. 'I'he Lord bless the precious brother, and help him to get so deep in His love that he will be unable to see money. I took dinner with my friend, Willie Ruble, then spent the afternoon in prayer, etc., with Rev. R. R. Newby. We went to the Christian Endeavor at the Friend's church. I then went to the M. E. Church South, where Rev. Jackson preached. Monday, March 23.-I spent the day in town, attending to some business, and shaking hands with old friends. ('I'he chancery suit, spoken of in the first part of the book, in which parties were trying to take my little home from me, had to be attended to. My attoi;ney, C. 'I'. Cates, Sr., and 'I'homas Brown, of Brown & Culton, decided to have my deposition taken in the suit, which was done while I was in Maryville. I spoke in the chapter '' Left to Care for Self and Parents, n of how the Lord so wondrously stood with me.)

Friday, March 30.-I had paid out my money in settling up some old accounts, and was waiting for money by registered mail, but it had failed to come up to this day. I was expecting to go to Greenville, 'I'enn., to be in a meeting B. Carradine, D. D., was -to hold. I told the assistant postmaster, Mr. John A. Everette, of Carradine, and my desire to go. He had been a strong friend to me while I was in sin. I told him I was expecting mail to bring me money to go on. After distributing the mail he handed me mine, and said," There is no registered letter, but you wait for me and we will go over to dinner together." We started and he said, "You know you can get anything you want from me, and I want you to go and be with that man, for I know it will help you, and I want you to do the best you can."

Yet he is an unsaved boy. I will pray until the Lord answers my prayer and saves him. He gave me what money

88 Defeats of the Devil.

I needed, and then placed more in my hand, and said, "If you want more, say so." I returned the money. Willie Ruble, my old friend, drove me to Knoxville, where I took the train for Greenville.

The meeting had already begun when I arrived in Greenville. It was being held in the Southern Methodist church, of which Rev. J. D. McAllister was pastor. Bro. McAllister and his wife had worked faithfully with me while he was pastor in Maryville and I was a backslider. Since then I had not seen them. They had written me, telling me they felt the Lord would have me come. I failed to get the card; but, about the time they wrote, I felt the Lord would have me go; so, without an invitation, and without their knowing I was coming, I rolled in with faith in God.

When I got to the church, Dr. Carradine was preaching. The sermon filled my soul; and, when the call was made to the altar, I arose as one of the few who was professing the blessing of entire sanctification. When I arose, Bro. McAllister and wife saw me and beckoned for me. When I reached them, they fell on my neck as parents on the neck of a prodigal who had returned. I went to the parsonage and slept with Bro. McAllister. On reaching the parsonage, the Lord set His seal on my coming by allowing me to lead Miss Maud Crockette into the sweet experience of sanctification.

(I have since found her to be a noble Christian girl, growing in grace daily. I attended the services regularly, and listened to the sermons attentively, and found myself growing in grace and in knowledge, etc. The sermons did me much good, took me much deeper. I made my home with Bro. and Sister Charles Austin. They are both strong members of the Southern Methodist church, and have the fruits of the Spirit. Sister Austin received the experience of perfect love, and is not only clear in it, but has the Holy Ghost power. I think I never received kinder treatment any-

.Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 89

where than here. God bless the home and sanctify the hnsband is my daily prayer, and shall be until the prayer is answered.

It was also at this time that I first heard dear Dr. E. T· Rinehart sing for Jesus, who has since passed over where he sings with the angels and loved ones on the other side.)

Friday, April 3.-Last night Dr. Carradine preached his last sermon here, and to-day he boarded the train. It was a great surprise to me when, on Thursday evening, while there were persent at least eight or ten preachers, some white-headed (I was present also, sitting on the floor inside the railing), the pastor announced that Bro. Jimmie Taylor would continue the meetings. I spent much of the time Thursday night in prayer. I went to church at 9:30 A. M., and to my surprise there was a large congregation for morning. Many of them had wet eyes, having been to the depot to bid the evangelist farewell. I knelt and prayed, "Lord, I am Thy child-a weak one. Won't yon please show this people that although Dr. Carradine has gone, Jesus has not gone and left us. Please deliver the people into my hands." I fully expected to see it done, and began preaching from I Thes. 5: 23, 24, and as I preached the Holy Ghost fell on us. I was probably one-third through my sermon when different ones began to shout, and one predous sister arose and shouted. I waited until they were through, when I began again, and was about two-thirds through, when Sister McAllister and Sister Duncan arose. Others shonted, while these two came to the pulpit and took me, one by either hand. Power kept falling, so that I could preach no more, but told the congregation if they wanted the Lord to pardon their sins, or to sanctify their souls, to come to the.altar. Several rushed to the altar. We had a precious sertrice.

(From this on through the meeting the power kept falling. The Lord kept saving, until I think the number was

between eighty and a hnndred after Carradine left. It was during this meeting that I felt the Lord would have me entirely isolate myself from society. and keep myself with Him in prayer, not in the way of a "hermit," but to spend no time only as it was spent wholly for Him, no social hours, etc., but to keep myself while in revivals alone with God, not to visit.)

Friday. April 10.-To-day the Lord presses a decision on me about the isolation spoken of above. While on my knees, I promised my Master that I would be glad to do this if He would only give me the victory when I shonld, in His name, make an attack on the forts of the enemy. Then, with almost the strength to make the decision, I arose and walked out to the back of Greenville. While walking along the street, all alone, the Lord spoke to my inner being; and it was so plain that I was startled and stopped. He seemed to say to me, "Look up, and if you can conllt the stars of heaven you can count your seed, if you will make the required sacrifice." Gen. 15: 5. This I did, and from that moment felt a greater power and unction than I had ever known before.

(I am very sorry I have not kept this covenant as strictly as I should. Old and deep holiness preachers have tried to make me believe the devil wanted me to do this 1 that he might thus capture my social powers, and thereby tie my hands to a great extent; but in a very marked way I have observed the agreement between the Lord and myself. I find there are so many inroads for the devil in social life, that I feel it gives me an additional shield from sin. Since the time He made me the promise in Gen. 15: 5, I have several times looked np after night, and beholding the innumerable stars bedecking the "starry vault" above me1 I have been made to shout praises to my God. 'Ifis for the love of God and immortal souls that I thus sever myself from the world, for I believe He requires it of me, and I

Journal of Evangelist James ilf. Taylor, 91

believe that in answer to the same He makes the above promise, Gen 15: 5. While I believe He requires this of me, I do not say that He requires the same of all, as we are different members in one body.

I find two advantages in it: First, I was drawn into sin and to the devil through society, and that door is thereby closed. Second, the power I know He gives me; bless His name! I can sing:

"Nearer, my God, to Thee! Nearer to Thee, E'en though it be a cross That raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, to Thee ! "

I thus place myself before God in prayer and the study of His word.

"Oh! how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word, Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know,' thus saith the Lord."')

Wednesday, April 15.-I preached the closing sermon at night from the text, '' Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Gal. 5: 1. The Lord gave me power and clearness of thought. I have learned much in the past ten days about how to trust Him for the desires of my heart, and learned much about His word.

Saturday, April 18.-I felt the Lord leading me away from Greenville. • As Brother and Sister McAllister will remember, I did not feel clear as to where to go, bnt felt that He would have me leave on the sonth-bound train. "Arise, and go toward the south." Acts 8: 26. Therefore I bought a ticket to Knoxville. On arriving there I with-

Defeats of the Devil.

drew from the rush of the city for secret praye1 for a1rection.

Sunday, April 19.-l preached at 2:30 P. M. in the Holiness Hall on Broad Street; had a glorious meeting.

Monday, April 20.-I spent most of my time in my room reading and praying. I preached again in the Hall on Broad Street at night; only a few ont, but the efforts were blessed. One reclaimed.

Tuesday, April 21.-I spent the day again in prayer and the study of the "(ord. I prayed for the Lord to send many people out at night, and to send those who were interested; and, bless His name, He did it. To-night' we had a good congregation, deep conviction; several seeking sanctification and pardon, one reclaimed. He leads so gently.

Wednesday, April 22.-I again preached at night. The congregation was small, as it was prayer-meeting night, but interest good. I'm abiding in His boundless ocean of love.

Thursday, April 23.-This has been a very profitable day to me. I had been praying for the Lord to make me more humble, and to kill me '' deader'' to the world. He began on me in the morning in my room. It seemed the devils were filling the room all the morning, and just before noon the Lord brought something before me that was very hard for me to do.

A friend of mine, who was working in an office, had some months previous to this given me pens, etc., which had been given him for use in his office work. I thought nothing of it at the time and knew he did not, as he was a very honest and upright person; but on being alone I found myself unwilling to use the same, and from time to time had bought others. On thinking it over, I knew that those pens, erasers, holders, etc., which he had given me, and which were then lying in my grip, were only his to be used in his assigned labor, and not to be disposed ofin any way; for me to use them would be theft, taking that which I had

M. Taylor. 93

no right to, and for me to keep them was to deprive the one to whom they belonged of the nse of them. To-day I felt that the Lord would have me return them. I thought to mail them, to take them to the office and leave them, almost every way except the right way; but I found the desired peace could not be had without returning lhem in person to the one from whom I had received them, and telling him of my conviction in regard to the matter. This was hard for me to do. I knew he was far from fraud and such like, and I was afraid he would take this as questioning his integrity, but I felt the Lord would have me do it, that he might receive the lesson I had already been taught. After much prayer for His presence in the undertaking, I proceeded at once to do the will of my Lord, which I found very easy after I had decided to do it, as He was with me and gave me strength. I found nothing but smiles and pleasantness with my old friend, as he recognized what was right, and admired the same in the life of one he loved.

After doing this I felt considerably relieved, but the devil kept after me, and even tried to make me doubt my conversion. I was lyiug in my room at Brother Harrell's, full length on the floor, praying for deliverance, when all at once I remembered so clearly that the Lord is almighty. I struck the floor with my hands and said, "Devil, I will die before I will give np; I will trust the Lord." Thus I turned him over to the Lord, and it never takes Jesus long to drive the devil back to his den. I immediately arose and all was peace. My entire being was enveloped in glory. During the fierce struggle without, while the devil would have me doubt my conversion, I looked within my soul and found a calm peace. I trust that some young man or young woman who may read this, and who is now taking "business liberties," by having little turns done and giving the boy a cigar, candy, etc., may see that it is nothing less than petty theft and robbery in the sight of God.

Defeats of the Devil.

Oh, how many boys and girls go down by taking these so--called"business liberties" in the place where they work. It may begin by the clerk taking a piece of candy when weighing the same; using the pens, postage, and stationery; then taking a little candy on leaving the place of business; by smoking a cigar, then by placing one in the pocket for future use, :finally several; by having the shoes "shined," and giving the boot-black something out of the store, when the clerk would have been far from going to the drawer and taking a nickle. Thus it goes on until valuables are missing, money is short, the clerk is found guilty, all the result of having taken "business liberties."

Remember, Jesus looks at the principle involved, and not at the extent to which the crime has reached. The taking of a penny, or something to the value of a penny, is theft in His sight, jnst the same as taking a thousand dollars.

Reader, have you anything in your possession that Jesus would not have in His, under the same circumstances? Did you receive $2.00 when you should have received $1.50 or $1.75, but the clerk made a mistake in your favor, and you let it go and said, " It is his business? " You had better make it right or the devil is sure of you. Do you slip a little slate in your coal, when you think the weighrnan will not detect it? That is theft. Do you use a large screen, and thus let a certain amount of the coal go unweighed, but at the same time make coke out of it, or use it for steam Coal? If so, that is sly thieving. Stop at once, my brother, or you will land yonr soul in hell.

Reader, you may say "I made a good trade," "That was a bargain," and "I would never trade back," etc., and then go to chnrch and preach the gospel, pay your preacher and all that; bnt if you have taken more in valne than you gave in exchange for it, God surely looks on you as a thief, and down to hell you will go. Reader, prepare for eternity. We had a very profitable meeting at the hall at night,

Journal of Evanf{elist James M. Taylor. 95

then closed the series. I feel that good has been done which will be seen in eternity.

Wednesday, April 29.-I took the train at 8 A. M. for Rugby Road, where I arrived about 12 M. I went home with my father, where I could have the use of sulphur water. 1 felt this would be a great help to me.

Thursday, April 30.-My mother and sister returned from- Blount Connty, where they had been to attend my grandfather's fnneral.

Saturday, May 2.-I went to Robbins on the train to attend the Scott County Sunday-school Convention. I was on the program for an address at night. The subject assigned me was " Tennessee for Christ." I went to Bro. Will Todd's and spent the night.

Sunday, fi:fay 3.-I went down to my father's early in the morning, got my valise, and went to Young's Schoolhouse to begin a revival. I do not think it is the thing to take such trips if they can possibly be avoided, even by land, on the Sabbath day. I had felt for some time I ought to go there and hold a meeting. I preached at 11 A. M. from the text, " I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel." / Sam. 17: 45. Preached again at 3 P. M. from Joshua 6, and at 7:30 P. M. from Psalms 51: 1-5, showing the carnal mind or inbred sin in the heart. After the sermon I called on Bro. Sumner, a Congregational minister, who was present, to lead ill prayer; but he would not pray. The Lord gave me a deep spirit o·f prayer.

(This same man, a few days later, sent me a challenge to debate or to preach our views on sanctification together; but, knowing it was of the devil, I threw it aside, and worked for the salvation of souls.

After the brother failed to pray I called on him to pronounce the benediction, which he did. Afterwards he came to the place boasting that he was going to forever

bury sanctification. I think the little story of the boy who tried to cover up the sunshine with sand is very good and applicable here; the more sand he threw on the higher the sunshine grew.)

Wednesday, May 6.-This was a good day; fonr or five came out clear in the experience of entire sanctification. The interest at night was still good. The people are receiving the light, and closing their hearts against the truth. Many of them are staying away from church; some whom I least thought of doing anything against the work of God, and some who have unsav~d children are working against the meeting. They wanted me to begin preaching to sinners, but I look to headquarters for directions as to when, 4ow and what to preach. The Locd never fails to make His will clear and plain to me.

The meetings have been services of power; services, I am sure, ordered of the Lord; and I know there will be much fruit borne later from the good seed which has been sown.

(When I began the meeting I went to praying at once for Bro. and Sister Geo. Baker, where I was stopping, that the Lord might sanctify them and their daughter Maggie; after about two days I included their son Georgie, that he might be regenerated. This was the entire family; and, bless the good Lord, before I left I saw my prayers answered, and the family all on their way rejoicing.)

Tuesday, May 12.-I went over to my father's, near Rugby Road.

Thursday, May 14.-As I felt the Lord leading me to hold a meeting at Helenwood, Tenn., I wrote to individuals there with regard to it, inquiring about the house, etc.

Friday, May 15.-I received a card informing me that there would be no services in the church. I knew that by many I was not wanted there, as threats had been made by some that they would whip me, drive me from the town,

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 97

etc., if I ever came to the place. Different friends plead with me not to go, fearing for my life. The citizens of the town thonght little of seeing one or two men mnrdered at the same time, as the case has been many times. People traveling on the C. S. railroad know the place well, and have given it a very suggestive name-Hell-in-woods. My mother also plead with me not to go. I told her I was not going in my own name, but "In the name of the Lord of hosts; the God of the armies of Israel." I Sam. 17: 45. Therefore I feared no one but God, for He had told me, "Be not afraid of them that kill the body, but fear Hi:n, which !'fter He hath killed hath power to cast into hell."

Reader, please do not say that I took my life into my own hands and went to hold the meeting, for I pnt my life into the hands of my Heavenly Father, who gave it and to whom it belongs.

Saturday, May 16.-After spending a few pleasant hours with parents and sister, I boarded the train at Rugby Road at 11:35 A. M. I arrived at Helenwood at 12 M., and was conducted to Mr. Dan Chambers', where I was kindly given a room which had been prepared for me. (Mr. Chambers is not a Christian, but an outbroken sinner; yet he has the greatest respect for the gospel, and ministers of the same; neither was Mrs. Chambers at this time a Christian. While there were several Christian homes in the town, Mr. and Mrs. Chambers had sent Bro. Charles Poulston to the depot to tell me to come there and make it my home.)

I preached at night from the text, "I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel," and, calling for those who would take part in the revival 1 '.I found only two, one of whom took no part after the first service, so I was left to lean on the everlasting arm of Jesus.

Sunday, May 17.-I attended Sabbath-school, then the regular service of the Baptists; two of them preached . .,

Defeats of the Devil.

They made many remarks about me and the meeting I was to hold, speaking lightly of sanctification. I shouted through the service.

(These two brethre11 took their stand against the revival; and Reuben West, the elder brother, spoke bitterly about the work in the saloon, where he was often found, and elsewhere. Only a few months elapsed until he and another sinner were found drunk, and he prayed for. the other one until he pronounced him converted. Then they continued praying, vomiting, and singing.)

I preached at night to a good audience.

Tuesday, May 19.-1 preached at 10:30 A. M.; had a very profitable service. In the evening Bro. Poulston and I conducted two cottage prayer-meetings, which I find very profitable fuel on which to feed a revival. I preached again at 7:30 P. M.; several knelt for prayer.

Friday, May 22.-Services at 2:30 P. M. and 7:30 P. M. Eight converted during the day.

Thursday, May 28.-The interest is still growing. Four converted at night. Bro. Mitchel Cecil, whom I have been praying the Lord to send to us, came on the train; he is wielding a great influence for good.

Wednesday,June 3.-Profitable services during the day and at night. I preached a doctrinal sermon on sanctification. Others saved, making sixty in all. I organized an M. E. Church at this place, and appointed Bro. Elihu McDonald, who was saved during this meeting, as class leader.

Thursday, June 4.-We had a farewell service at 2:30 P. M., and I. left on the train for New River. I promised the Lord ont in the woods below Helenwood after I found I had almost no help, that, if He would give me victory there, I would never doubt him again, bnt wonld always trnst Him and go where He would lead me. He has certainly given me the victory, for the entire Christian community is moved, and sixty converted; some who were very

Journal ef Evangelist James M. Taylor. 99

hard drunkards and gamblers were saved. I also saw all bnt one of those who threatened to whip me and drive me from the town stand up and publicly declare that Jesus had saved them. Glory to God for victory, when we go in "His name."

I went to New River to spend a few days, as I feared some were drifting back, who had been saved in the last meeting at that place. I preached to a very good congregation at night. Good interest.

Friday,June 5.-Had a good service at 10:30 A. M.; another good one at 2:30 P. M. at Sister Addie Buttram's; then at the church at 7:30 P. M. There were persons seeking pardon and restoration at each of these services.

Sunday,June 7.-We had some of the best services today I ever attemj.ed. At 7:30 P. M. Willie Harmon was struck down with conviction, and lay prostrate for quite a while.

Monday,June 8.-The interest was good. After preachilig I earnestly exhorted the unsaved to decide for God. A large number of strong young men withstood to the last. I told them I was satisfied that only a few weeks would be required to show that some one there that night was sealing his destiny.

(It was only a few weeks until I received the following telegram: "New River, Tenn. Rev. James Taylor, Rugby Road, Tenn.: Willie is dead. Come up to-day. R. T. Barbour," announcing the death of Willie Barbour, one of the young men. On reaching the home of the deceased, the father met me on the porch with his heart breaking; he grasped my hand and after a pause said, "Willie thought so much of you, he would have fought for you; therefore we sent for you." In a few minutes the mother came and repeated what the father had said. I turned away and soliloquized, "My God, is that all I have got to preach the funeral on?'' I went to a neighbor sitting on the porch,

100 Defeats of the Devil.

and inquired about the death of the boy. I found he had died in a convulsion, the effect of smoking cigarettes. I was then conducted to the bedside of the afflicted sister, Miss Belle Barbour, who took me by the hand, then sank back with grief. I said, "Sister Belle, how is it wjth your soul? " She had been saved in my meeting. " It is all right with me; but, oh, Willie! he died as you left Wm!" Willie was truly a friend of mine, as were the rest of the family. I loved him but he had gone; he went under a vail. We know he is in the hands of a God too good to do wrong, too wise to err. He was a boy who won friends and was worthy of them; but had he present saving faith in Christ? " He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Prov. 29: 1.)

Tuesday, June 9.-I went to my father's at Rugby Road. I am suffering intense pain from a carbuncle under my arm. Wednesday, June 10.-I started to work up a "religious mass-meeting" for the Christians of Scott County, to be held on the Fourth of July at New River, for the purpose of preserving many who I feared would be lead away by dancing, etc., on that day.

Saturday, June 13.-I went to New River to attend the quarterly meeting held by the Presiding Elder, Rev. Roberson, on my father's work, the New River circuit. The Elder preached a soul-stirring sermon at 3 P. 11<., and my father preached at night.

Sunday, June 14.-At 9:30 A. 11<. the baptising began. There were twenty-three candidates for baptism, almost all of whoni had been saved in my meetings. After the Elder had baptized them, I had him baptise me by pouring; I had been sprinkled. Bnt searching the Scriptures in regard to the baptism "with the Holy Ghost," I found the Holy Ghost II was poured out upon them," and I knew water bapiism was only a symbol of that with the Holy Ghost, and

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 101

therefore it could not be by immersing, so I knelt in the river, and had him pour the water on me.

Wednesday, June 17.-Bro. Wright, of Paint Rock, wrote ont the program for the Fourth. I went to Sunbright to have it printed. I met the printer, Mr. F. H. Dunning, at the depot, and went at once with him to his office to make a contract about the printing. I then went to the Central House, where Bro. R. A. Parham, the Sunbright pastor, stops. I was taken to his room; we spent the time in a spiritual conversation until called to snpper.

Friday,June 19.-Aftermuch prayer I went on the local freight to Glenmary, where I put up posters for the Fourth of July meeting. I then took the same train for Rugby Road, where I stopped and took dinner, and told them I would preach there on Saturday night. I then went to my father's, one mile from there, and stayed all night.

Saturday, June 20.-I posted different towns up the road; returning I arrived at Rugby Road at 4:16 P. M., and went immediately to the woods and spent some time in prayer, then took my grip and Bible to the church, where I remained in prayer until night. We had a wonderfully good service. I spent the night with my mother and sister.

Sunday, June 21.-This was to be Children's Day at Wolf Creek. I went with my mother, and found the people had brought dinner, expecting some brother to preach at 2:30 P. M. He failed to come, so they plead with me to preach. It is. never merely a duty but always a privilege for me to preach, when I feel it the Lord's will, aud I felt that this was one of the times. I preached from the sufferings of Christ. The congregation was melted to tears. We then had an excellent testimony service.

Tuesday,June 23.-I went to New River to make more permanent arrangements about the grove. About 4 P. M. I felt the Lord would have me go to Paint Rock, a distance of about eight miles across the mountains. After much prayer

Defeats of the Devil.

I started afoot. The Lord gave me strength; I got there in time for preaching. Bro. Maxwell preached on the Second Coming of Christ; it was very instructive. I stayed with Bro. Charles Poulston at night.

Wednesday, June 24.-I went to Pine Knot, and then back to Helenwood, then in Bro. Hunt's hack to Huntsville, where I had an appointment to preach at night. I stopped with Bro. Reuben Hurtt, and learned there was a man preaching in the court-house; he had been there for two days, and had announced meeting for the night. He did it knowing of my appointment. I wished to show the right spirit, so, after much prayer and meditation, I decided to dismiss and urge the congregation to go to the other meeting. This we all did.

Thursday,June 25.-I heard Rev. Pickle Simer again at 10 A. M. (He proved later on not to be the right kind of a man.)

Sunday,June 28.-At night, at Aunt Charity Cecil's request, I talked to her and the three girls, Gertrude, Lizzie, and Laura, on the twentieth chapter of Revelation; the Lord gave me liberty in so doing. Oh! I find we can be preaching if not to large audiences; we can find a few who want to know about Jesus.

Monday,June 29.-I felt the Lord would have me go to Huntsville, and see about a meeting for the week of the Normal, which was to begin that day. Years prev:ions to this they had spent the nights in having sociables, etc., which I find to be detrimental to the spiritual welfare of the young. Many young Christians had plead with me for several weeks to have the meeting. I had it announced to begin on Tuesday at 7 :30 r. M., then returned to my father's at Rugby Road.

Tuesday June 30.-I returned to Huntsville and preached at 7:30 P. M. Several young ladies got mad about the singing,

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 103

Wednesday, July 1.-The opposition is the greatest I ever sa ;,. When I spoke to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, who claimed to be a Christian, he said he did not think it best to have the meeting, as the young people were accustomed to having sociables. I fear the precious man has not saving faith in the dear Lord. On speaking with Bro. Dan Jeffers, a leader in the Presbyterian Church, about holding the meeting in the Academy, where the Normal was to be held, he said he could not grant permission to use the house for anything except educational purposes; but he allowed them to have sociables when they desired. Great as the opposition is, I will see victory in His name before I stop, God being my helper. I went to church at 7:30 P. M., and found the devil had charge of things, and was running them to suit himself. The organist and singers were mad. I started a song without the organ. I spoke to one young sister, who was in a fit of passion, and talked to me very badly. In about one minute the Spirit fell on me in such power I was compelled to shout aloud, and told them, if the Lord was to bid me, I would hold a camp-meeting by myself in the vestibule of hell. We sang and then I prayed and the Lord kept filling me. I then preached from Luke 11: 23, "He that gathereth not with me scattereth." It seemed for awhile that the devil would hold the victory in his own grasp, but the walls of sin and darkness fell, and the victory, a glorious one, was the Lord's. To Him be all the honor, for He gave it.

Thursday, July 2.-The unsaved part of the Normal were stirred up about having a sociable, and put out notices, and had it announced for to•night; but the true Christians worked hard for the meeting; some fasted and prayed. There came a hard storm just before night, but there was a good crowd at church.

I find things here .as elsewhere in a fearful plight; the world and church going arm in arm.

CHAPTER XlII.

JULY 4, 1896-DECEMBER 19, 1896.

Saturday,ju!y 4.-1 fasted at breakfast, praying for the meeting. I walked to Helenwood to meet the special train for New River; found the train loaded, as was also the train from the South. At 9 A. M., when the last train arrived, it looked very much like rain; but we went to the grove, where seats and a platform had been prepared, largely at the expense of Bro. Mose Hurtt, a precious man of GOO, who was saved in the meeting I held at this place.

We had prayer, the Scripture lesson, and a few songs, when we saw the rain coming, and started for the church, a distance of more than half a Il.1ile.

Enough arrived there to pack the church, and we began the services. The Holy Ghost took the lead; in a few 111in· utes shouts were heard in the rear of the house, where they were standing, and then in the front, and then like a mighty ocean wave the shouting rolled from one end of the house to the other. Until 1:10 P. M. I could do nothing with the congregation. I climbed upon the stand and shouted and praised God.

At the house we had prayer and ate dinner, after which we immediately began worship again with the same spirit we had before noon, and held till 3:45 P. M. There were old preachers and young ones there 1 some from other States, and all joined in the chorus that this was the best service they ever saw. I continued my fast at noon to show that it was not a good time I was after, as to dinners and gatherings, bnt spiritual good. Glory to God for victory in His name. I came to Huntsville in the afternoon, and preached at night.

Monday, July 6.-At 7:30 P. M. I tried to show hy the

Journal o.f Evangelist .fames M. Taylor. 105

Bible the need of a second work of grace to remove the carnal mind, and several came up seeking thi~ deliverance.

Tuesday,.fuly 7.-I spent the day in my room fasting and praying. There was another sociable at the Academy at night, but the congregation at the church was a very good one. I preached sanctification; found two or three enjoying the blessing; several forward, and two of the most consecrated Christian sisters of the town received the blessing, Sister McDonald and Sister Sexton. The interest is deepening. Glory for victory! I am all alone in this fight so far as man is concerned.

"Not by human power or might, Victory in the name of the Lord, Can our foes be put to flight, Victory in the name of the Lord."

I am leaning on the everlasting arms.

Wednesday, .fuly 8.-I spent the day in my room studying and praying. There was a little show at night in the Academy, where we were not allowed to hold the meeting. We had a gracious service; Sister Gamble had been wonderfully torn up since I preached a sermon on "sinning religion." After the service she seemed clear in the experience of sanctification. We had a very profitable service.

ThursdayJuly 9.-Again I spent a day in prayer and study. I am having to hold on by faith, and do more knee work, and more of it by myself in this meeting than ever before. Had a good service at 7:30 P. M.

Saturday, July 11.- I heard Rev. Chambers preach at the court-house. We met at 7:30 P. M.; had prayer, song, and testimony meeting, and dismissed for the Baptist meeting at the court-house, as H was their regular time, and I do hate division, one church or congregation fighting another. Oh! let ns be one in Christ, fight sin, and not one another.

106

Defeats of the Devil,

Knowing that Bro. Chambers was an opposer of sanctification or living without sin, I prayed earnestly for the Lord not to allow him to preach against sanctification. On entering the court-house, he made the assertion that he had "searched the Bible and never found a character that had lived without sin." Immediately I dropped my head, and lifted my heart in prayer to God, that He might close his mouth against such false assertions, and He wondrously answered my prayer. The brother made no more similar assertions, but spoke many times of the blood cleansing from all sin, etc. I do praise God for answering prayer.

Tuesday, July 14.-Several Baptist ministers who are attending court were at the service at night, and raised serious objections to the salvation that keeps from sin. Some of them take their regular dram. The congregation was large; after the service, without consulting me, Rev. Coburn announced that one George Cecil and others would preach in the court-house the next night.

Thursday, July 16.-As I did not want strife, I closed the services, and let the precious Baptist brother continue without opposition.

During this meeting several leading Christians received the experience of entire sanctification, while some used their influence against the revival. Young Bro. Leroy Jeffres saw the light, and told me he needed it in his own experience; but his mother, who had always shown herself a precious woman of God, took her stand against the meeting and opposed sanctification. Leroy failed to seek until he found; and only a few months elapsed before he was deeper in sin, probably, than ever before. Oh! that mothers might clear their own skirts, and not take a stand that may be in the way of a child. Oh! mothers, do not fight holiness. God is holy. Never object to a thing that is good, or it may prejudice your children against the work of God.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 107

Friday, Ju£v 17.-I went to Helenwood and took the train for Rugby Road, where I was to begin a meeting. I preached at night.

Sunday,July 19.-I preached in the morning to an attentive audience; at night preached to a packed house; five or six sanctified.

Thursday, July 23.-Received a telegram early in the morning from Bro. Barbour, at New River, announcing the death of his son, Willie. (To this I have already referred.) I attended the funeral. We laid his body to rest in the cemetery at Annt Charity Cecil's.

Sunday, July 26.-We had a basket meeting; a gracious service it was indeed.

Monday,July 27.-This was my twenty-third birth-day. In my sermon the Lord led me to speak of tobacco, the filthy weed; by so doing soma were offended, and I was left without an invitation to dinner. I spent the time in the church feasting on the hidden manna. I will stand by the right, though all men forsake me.

"Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee; Naked, poor, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be,

Perish every fond ambition, All I've sought, and hoped, and known; Yet how rich is my condition, God and heaven are still my own.

Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Savior, too; Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like man, untrue;

And, while Thou shalt smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might, Foes may hate, and friends may shun me; Show Thy face, and all is bright."

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Defeats ef the Devil.

l'his was the most precious birthday dinner I ever had, and I am sure it will be remembered the longest. Interesting services at night. Several were saved, among them Emma and Myrtie Webb.

Tuesday,July 28.-I closed at 7:30 P. M., and announced a meeting to begin at Glenmary, Saturday, August 1.

Wednesday,July 29.-I wrote many letters· and cards to people asking their prayers for the meeting at Glenm1lry; •1>entthe night with my parents.

Friday,July 31.-Spent the day in reading and prayer, which must precede a successful revival. I went on the train to Glemnary, where I had no home promised me. Bro. Hardgroove took me to his home for supper. On reaching the house, I went on my knees, and asked my Heavenly Father to make 1.his my home while at this place; and, while I was meditating and praying, Bro. and Sister Hardgroove informed me that this would be my home while in this town.

(It was a home. They left nothing nndone to make things pleasant for me while I was there. I shall never forget their little one, because of her love for J~sus, although only a child. Oh! the difference I find in children as I enter different homes. The lives of some parents, I find, are swallowed up in the one desire that the children may enter good society, fare snmptnously, and have elegant homes. Some, I find, raise their children like raising mule colts; get what service they can out of them, tum them loose, and let them go to the devil. Here and there may be found a few, who, bless God, "train up a child in the way he should go;" so that "when he is old he will not depart from it." Prov. 22: 6. Their Jives are swallowed up in the one desire that their children may be raised for God.)

Some had said that no one would come ant to the meetings, as this was a very wicked town, but the house was packed the first service.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 109

Sunday, August 2.-I preached on the Sufferings of Christ. I did not call mourners, but five were saved; the most I have ever had for the second service of a meeting.

Monday, August 3.-I fasted and prayed in the morning, and was sent for to visit a drunken husband, who had abused his wife on Sabbath. I prayed with him, and he wept bitterly, while his wife and little ones knelt around him, on the bare floor of a drunkard's home. He promised to attend the service at 10 A. M., which he did. We had a good service. An excellent service at 7:30 P. M.; several saved. The drunken husband was saved before he reached the church.

Tuesday, August 4.-Good services during the day; nine saved.

Wednesday, August 5.-Good services; the house was packed and attentive listeners crowded about windows and doors; eight saved.

Thursday, August 6.-This was the day for electing county officers. I saw many professed Christians do earnest labor on the election grounds, who did very little if anything in the altar service that night. Many hardened sinners were struck with deep conviction; one of this number was Bro. Fox Burchette, a father, who had come to church through curiosity, but was wondrously saved a few services later. (He has made a true "soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb.") Ten saved during the day.

Tuesday, August 11.-0n account of a carbuncle on my arm I was not able to be out of bed during the day. Just at dark Mr. John Redmon, whose wife had been saved, called for me at the door, his face all aglow. He had been saved while at his work. I arose from my bed and preached at night. Six saved during the day.

Wednesday, August 12. -Good services; seventy-one saved since the meeting began.

110

Defeats of the Devil.

Thursday, August 13.-I spent a pleasant day at Bro. Davison Webb's. Preached to a packed house at night. One saved, and thirty-four joined the M. E. church, which we organized here. This makes seventy-two in about a week, whom the Lord has saved at this place. When I reached the place things were very dark. The people said we could have uo revival, but I knew my Heavenly Father was almighty, and he proved it to the people. I have grown much stronger in the Lord during this meeting.

Friday, August 14.-I went to Rugby Road; spent a pleasant day at my father's.

Monday, August 17.-I have suffered intense pain with boils since Saturday.

Tuesday, August 18.-Bro. Webb (who has since proved a very dear friend to me, with his family) furnished me conveyance to Mt. Vernon, Burrville Post-office. I was taken to Bro. Davis's, where I found Bro. and Sister Davis and the precious grandmother to be true followers of the" lowly Nazarine." I was invited here by the pastor, Rev. R. A. Parham, a former associate of mine. I find him to be a true man of God, ready to use his every effort for good. Preached at night from, "Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." Ex. 14: 13.

Wednesday, August 19.-Had a precious service at 10:30 A. M. Ten or eleven were saved. At 3 P. M. several of us went to Bro. Tobias Peters's, where we had a precious service with his invalid daughter, and Grandma Wright. The Holy Spirit fell on us, and all in the room wept and shouted. At 7:30 P. M. five were saved, making fifteen the first day.

Thursday, August 20. I ordered two dollars worth of leaflets, "May Christians Sin?" This is the first thing I have ever written. I preached sanctification at 11 A. M. Took dinner with Rev. Clark Peters, an old Methodist preacher, who lives at this place.

Jtmrnal oj Evangelist James M. Taylor. J.11

Friday, August 21.-I spent some time writing on my experience, preparing it for the press. Had a profitable service at 10:30 A. M. Some were saved. At 7 :30 P. M. the fire fell, and seven were saved. '.!'his makes thirty in three days.

Saturday, August 22.-Good morning service. I took dinner with Bro. Johnson; he and his wife have the blessing of entire sanctification. I held prayers with them and with Bro. Stuart before returning to church. Nine saved at night; most of the1n young men.

Sunday, August 23.-Had a basket meeting; many saved during the day; more than fifty in the five days.

Monday, August 24.-We had a farewell service at night. Eight or teu joined the M. E. church.

Tuesday, August 25.-After much prayer, I felt it the Lord's will that I should go to Jamestown, Frentres Co., to hold a revival. '.!'his is said to be a place where sin doth abound, saloons, etc. Bro.Johnson very kindly volunteered to take me in his wagon to Jamestown. We started at 7:30 A. M., arrived at 1 P. M. I found a home with Sister Donaldson. I had the meeting announced at the academy, and notices put up.

Wednesday, August 26.-I spent most of the day visiting and praying with the people. I opened the services at 7 :30 P. M. by singing the doxology, and then had prayer; then sang " How firm a foundation;" had an interesting service. I found very little encouragement in the town; in fact I found that they did not want a meeting. '.!'his is a stronghold of the devil, and he don't want to surrender it. One saved during the day.

Thursday, August 27.-Had a street service at 6 A. M. '.l'ook dinner at Sheriff Livington's. Received 1,300 leaflets, " May Christians Sin?"

At 7:30 P. M. the Lord was with me in preaching. The entire audience was under deep conviction; two came for•

i12

Defeats of the Devil.

ward; many wept bitterly all over the house. I borrowed. lamps and procured oil in the afternoon.

Friday, August 28. -I arose about 3 A. M. and prayed until 6 A. M.; then had another street service. Bro. Par• ham, of the Sunbright circuit, arrived in time for the 11:30 A. M. service. Deep conviction.

From 12 M. to about 4 P. M. was about as dark a time as I ever went through. At this time my faith began reaching up. Several came forward at night; six saved. The Mar• shal of the town, Ero. Collins, was the first saved. (He was also sanctified during the meetine, by reading a small book I handed him.)

Saturday, August 29.-I arose early and began praying. The devil has -many opposing forts here, bnt I'll stand the storm and hold on by faith until the walls fall. There was a dirty circus here to-day. The devil is doing all that is possible in opposing the meeting. I realize that where the opposition is greatest, work is needed most.

This being quarterly meeting occasion, Elder Roberson Neached at 11 A. M. He preached an edifying sermon. After one hour of prayer I preached at 7 :30 P. M. The Lord gave me· liberty and power. Some forward for prayer.

Sunday, August 30.-Bro. Roberson preached at 11 A. M. a sermon I shall not soon forget; it helped me so much. At 3 P. M. he administered the sacrament of the Lord's Snpper. At 7 :30 P. M. I preached; several came to the altar for prayer; two mothers, one with a babe in her arms. Two mothers and one father were converted.

Thursday, Sept. 3 -I suffered intense pain from a large boil; but I felt that if Job could trust with them all over him I could trust with this one. I fasted and prayed.

Friday, Sept. 4.-I slept very little last night, as I spent the time in prayer, Monday, Sept. 7.-I was physically unable for the work, as I had several large boils on my neck and limbs. I was

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 113

sent for to pray with a young man, who one week previous to this cursed the meeting and cursed me. Immediately his heart began failing him, and he has been unwilling to be left alone since that time, and summoned medical aid; but to-day he confessed it was conviction, and asked me to pray for him. He made a bright profession, soon got out of bed, went to church at night, and testified to the saving power of Jesus. Some drunken men made their boasts during the day that they were going to chnrch drunk that night to break up the meeting; and for that purpose they came. I told them before the sermon that the Lord had sent me there, and it was his work, and all the devils in hell or drunken mobs on earth could not stop it until the Lord got ready for it to stop.

Tuesilay, Sept. 8.-I was unable to hold two services, so only held a night service. I preached on "Hell;" one or two saved. I received a letter from Sister McAllister, urging me to attend Dr. Carradine' s meeting at Greenville, which begins September 13. This I feel an opportunity to rest.

Wednesday, Sept. 9.-This has been a day of severe trials. I preached with greater power than ever up to this time. More than thirty gave their hands for prayers, while the Christians and sinners plead for the meeting to go on; but on account of my health I was compelled to close, as I was unable to preach any longer.

As I .returned from church a shower of eggs fell all about me; but

"Satan's arrows fly around me, And his fiery darts are thrown, But are powerless to harm me, For I never am alone.

It's a shield in every battle, Which the tempter cannot pierce, Though his legions sorely press me In their fury wild and fierce."

Not one touched me. &

Defeats of the Devil.

I received a letter from C. T. Cates, Sr., telling me that my case in chancery was decided in my favor, and his fee was $50.

I took the letter and spread it on the floor, and stretched myself on the floor with it, and prayed, " Father, this letter is to You. I gave You the property when I was sanctified; please give me the $50. Amen." I believed he would do it.

(In two days a man approached me, and, without my asking him, handed me a $100 bill, and said, "When you get this changed return $50 by registry." Thinking he was only giving me temporary aid, I said, "I'll give you a note for this.'' He said, ''°Idon't want your note; if I did not feel like giving it to you I would not have done it.'' My property needed some repairs. I did not have the money, but I prayed, (( Dear Father, cause the lawyer to take less than $50, so I can have some for repairing the house. Amen." I believed he would do it. I entered the office of'Mr. Cates and thanked him for his fatherly kindness, for he had shown such outside of his professional duty. Then, speaking of his fee, he said, "If you can pay me before you leave town the fee will only be $45." "Whatsoever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11: 24. There are some who will say there is nothing in that; but others, who live this precious life of faith and trust God for all, will know the reality of what I have spoken.)

Saturday, Sept. 12.-I went to Maryville, attended to some business, and returned to Knoxville; then boarded the train for Greenville, Tenn., where I arrived very late in the night. I stopped at the Mason House, where I suffered the rest of the night.

Sunday, Sept. 13.-I went to the opening service of the revival, which was held in a large tobacco warehouse. Rev. B. Carradine preached both morning and night. At night

Journal o.f Evangelist James M. Taylor. 115

dear Bro. Willis, M. D., took me home with him; and truly he, his wife and family, who are precious people of God, make it a home for me. I am finding the truth of the passage of Scripture, "There is no man that hath left house, Or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my sake and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, etc." Mark 10: 29, 30.

Sunday, Sept. 20.-This was a precious day to my soul. I conducted a prayer service from about 3 P. M. until night services began; twenty or thirty fasted and prayed. The meeting up to this date has been a fierce battle, but there have not been the visible results that had been hoped for. To-night the river of salvation broke loose.

Tuesday, Sept. 22.-This is the last day of the services. The 9 :30 A. M. service I think was the most soul-thrilling service I ever saw. I conducted another prayer service at 3 P. M. The 7:30 P. M. service was a grand one. The sermons and meeting in general have done me a wonderful amount of good.

I felt the Lord leading me to consecrate something to the distribution of holiness literature on the Cumberland Plateau. I therefore, on bended knees, promised Him to give eight-tenths of all I might receive, and to begin the first of October. I felt the Lord would give me $50 for this purpose during the month of October. (This He did.)

Saturday, Sept. 26.-As Bro. McAllister left for Bybee, Tenn., he asked me to preach for him on Sunday. I held a cottage prayer-meeting with a sick woman; three were saved.

Sunday, Sept. 27.-I preached at 11 A. M. for Bro. McAllister, at the M. E. Church, South; had a gracious service. There were several seeking pardon and sanctification. I then conducted another cottage prayer service; five were saved and one sanctified.

Defeats of the Devil.

Wednesday, Sept. 30.-I left Greenville on the 8:35 A, M. train for Morristown. I then bought a ticket for Newport; but, when I reached Rankin, I felt I must get off and go two and a half miles to Bybee, and conduct a tent meeting that had been begun there. I had received a letter asking me to do this. I preached at 7 P. M.; many at the altar; ten saved.

Thursday, Oct. 1.-This is the day I begin giving eighttenths of my income to the distribution of holiness literature. Had a wonderful service at night.

Saturday, Oct. 3.-I preached at 10:30 A. M. and at 7 P. M. There were from fifty to seventy-five at the altar during the senrices; many saved.

Sunday, Oct. 4.-I preached three times to fifteen hundred or two thousand people. More than fifty at the altar in the morning, and one hundred at night. There were seventy either regenerated or sanctified. I was compelled to close on account of my health.

JIIonday, Oct. 5.-Bro. Kirk took me to Newport, where I received from an unknown person a $36 diamond ring, and a solid gold one, for the promotion of my literature work. At 5:15 P. M. I boarded the train for Morristown, expecting to go to Knoxville; but, when we reached Witt's Foundry, I walked to the car door and heard my name called, and found it was my father with his niece, Miss Lncy Taylor. He had arrived there on another train, and was watching for me. I was very glad to meet my consin, whom I had never seen before. We stopped with the family of my uncle, James Taylor, over night. I enjoyed hearing my father and my aunt talk. My father preached that night. We all attended the services. I think I never enjoyed a visit with relatives more than this short one.

Tuesday, Oct. 6.-We procured a one-horse wagon as conveyance to Morristown, where my father and I boarded the train for Knoxville; at 3:30 P, M. we took the train for Maryville, where we stopped at the Sam Houston Inn.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 117

Wednesday, Oct. 7.-At 10:35 A. M. my father and I started in a buggy for my grandmother's-my mother's mother-where we arrived at 12:15 P. M. This was my first visit here since the death of my grandfather. We spent a few hours in very precious conversation with my dear old grandmother, and enjoyed dinner with her; then after a precious season of prayer we started for Maryville. I spent the night with Bro. J. T. Sexton, the Blacksmith Evangelist.

"Thursday, Oct. 8.-I took the train at 6:45 A. M., via Knoxville and Harriman, to Rugby Road.

Friday, Oct. 9.-Sister Felkin, a noble Christian character, a strong member of the M. E. church at Rugby Road, was buried to-day. I am praying much for the, distribution of holiness literature in this field, in which I know the Lord is going to help me.

Sunday, Oct. 18.-Several came in to see me, making "Sunday visits," something I do not approve of; but I talked religion to them. Early in the morning, 'Bro. Will Todd came in, and said, "Bro. Webb is to meet me here at 1:00 P. M., but I found I could not come at that time, so I came this morning, and have brought you a present that your friends of Scott County have given you." He then handed me an elegant, durable watch. I had been praying for about eight months for a watch, but the Lord gave me a much better one than I expected.

There had been some money put in it that was raised by a "box supper," a piece of the devil's machinery I hate like I hate hell. It is a scheme of the devil to get the children of God to go in as partners with him. I hate to see the people of God drumming sinners for money, and using trickery and schemes to raise money for a God that owns the universe, thereby proclaiming to the unbeliever that our God is a pauper, and also making of the house of God a house of merchandise rather than a house of prayer.

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Defeats of the Devil

I accepted the watch, and immediately resorted to the woods, where I consecrated it to my Heavenly Father, who had given it to me, and implored God's blessing on the precious people of Scott County.

Monday, Oct. 19.-I am on fire to get back into the evangelistic field .

.Saturday, Oct. 24.-The devil got into some of the leaders in the church at Rugby Road, and caused them to have a box supper. This must be of the devil, for I never knew of any good coming from one, as a soul saved, or one strengthened, and I have known of much evil.

One incident worth relating: While at Helenwood, where several scores of souls were saved, one sister, superintend~ ent of the pabbath-school, said, "I can't bear to hear Mr. Taylor preach; he scares me and makes me nervous;" but, when the meeting was over, she got up a box supper to procure means for a minister to come on Sunday trains and preach for them. She got many of the young converts to participate. The result was a fray in which several shots were fired in the church, and one young man was forced to leave the country on account of it.

Some people get nervous where souls are being saved, if they get the old-time religion, but can endure a great deal for the devil.

The promoters of the box suppers at Rugby Road are members of the church, who have never failed at different revivals to oppose the work of soul-saving. Are box suppers of the Lord? No, they are of the devil; and he never had a better altar to call Christians to, to make converts to himself, than a box supper, a church entertainment, or a college sociable. I am sorry for a professing Christian who opens such a thing with prayer, thus trying to stretch a sheep skin over the old goat.

Monday, Oct. 26.-I was forced to lay aside all books. I

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 119 then started out on foot to save railroad fare, scattering literature.

Wednesday, Oct. 28.-I attended the funeral of Mrs. Mary: Buttram, a gray-headed mother of eight children. She hai spent her life in sin, and, if saved, it was only a few daJ before her death. Just before dying, she called her childrc around her bed-most of them were sinners-and ask«. them to pray for her, telling them she had never heard them pray. They could have looked back and said, "Mother, we never heard you pray." I never saw a more touching burial service.

Saturday, Oct. 31.-Bro. George Todd gave me a beautiful lot, a nice building spot, at Rugby Road.

Wednesday, Nov. 18.-I went to New River. Ou returning I found mail from Rev. J. D. McAllister, asking me to come to Emory Gap and help him in a meeting.

Thursday, Nov. 19.-About 3:45 P. M. I took the train for Emory Gap, where I arrived near 5 P. M. I found Bro. and Sister McAllister at Dr. Williams'. They were just as I had left them at Greenville, filled with the Holy Ghost. I preached at night; a good service.

Monday, Nov. 23.-I preached at 11 A. M.; we had a glorious service; every one in the house was broken down; Bro. McAllister preached at night; this was a rich day; the Lord is blessing farael! I am finding this wonderful salvation to be much deeper than I expected.

Tuesday, Nov. 24.-The work continues to deepen. Several of us spent most of the night at the church in a prayer service. We were all greatly filled; and Bro. Williams, M. D., had the most wonderful experience I ever saw a man receive.

(I prayed two prayers during the night for the Lord to anoint some to preach, which anointing I believe Dn Williams received, as his life for more than a year has shown.)

120

Defeats of the Devil.

Thursday, Nov, 26.-In the morning we had a special thanksgiving service; closed at night. There were forty or fifty saved or sanctified during the meeting.

Friday, Nov. 27.-Bro. Smith very kindly furnished us conveyance in a wagon to Harriman, where Bro. McAllister is pastor of the M. E. Church, South.

Saturday, Nov. 28.-Rev. J. C. Wright, D. D., pastor of the M. E. Church, and a thoroughly cpnsecrated man of God, came this morning, and told me he wanted me to begin a revival in his church on Sabbath night. He had it announced in the daily papers.

Sunday, Nov. 29.-I am getting nearer the Lord, and praying daily that I may be so filled with the Spirit that I will be a constant rebuke to sin wherever it is found; and an inspiration to all who are trying to live for God. I preached the opening sermon to a very small congregation at 7 P. M. I find very little Holy Ghost religion here. Harriman is a "boom town,'' mostly made up of people who know very little about heart-felt religion. They believe in "doing religion," and want as little of that as possible. I find many leading members have never been regenerated; others, not only in this church but in other churches, who practice fraud, etc.

Monday, Nov. 30.-This finishes one more month's work for my Master; it has not been as profitable as I would like, but I have been enabled to lead many souls to Him. I have been lead much nearer; my faith is much stronger. Had a prayer service at 10:30 A. M. I preached at 7 P. M.; very little interest; things are very cold, but the pastor, Bro. Wright, bless the Lord, is out and out for God. I am leaning on the strong and tried arm of Jesus. I find the worldly spirit must be crushed out of the church by God, or the church will be crushed out of the hands of Jesns by the devil.

Sunday, Dec. 6.-Bro. Wright preached at 11 A. M.; I

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 121 preached at 7 P. M. to a packed house; some saved, making about twenty-five.

Monday, Dec. 7.-I preached at night from, "Honor thy father and mother." Eph. 6: 2. Several saved.

Friday, Dec. 11.-'l'he congregation wa~ smaller to-night than usual, as there was an entertainment and church sociable at the Congregational church. Many of the leading members of the M. E. Church, most of the choir, some who had been asking prayers for their nnsaved parents and friends, went to the entertainment. I don't believe the Lord will bless the singing of snch people. I'd rather not have any music.

I don't want one sinner bleating around over another, and I believe that people who attend such places are not children of God, for we can't conceive of finding Jesus in such a place. He tells us, "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Rom. 8: 9. We had a glorious service.

Saturday, Dec. 12.-Between sixty and seventy have been saved.

Sunday, Dec. 13.-Bro. Wright preached at 11 A. M. Several joined the M. E. Church, but there were none called to the altar. I don't like that. I want the altar thrown open every service.

Monday, Dec. 14.-We had a good service at 10:30 A. M., and at the 7 P. M. service I went to Bro. Wright before I preached, and told him I felt the work was done.

Tuesday, Dec. 15.-Bro. Wright wanted services at least for to-day; fairly good interest. I felt I must close. A Rev. Vincent from the North was there, and it was announced that he would preach the following day.

Wednesday, Dec. 16.-I went to the church at 10:30 A. M., but found neither Bro. Wright nor Bro. Vincent present; so I conducted the service. I remained in Harriman for the night service. Bro. Vincent preached; used new methods,

Defeats ef the Devil.

which may be better than the ones I use; but I find he, like many others, has drifted away from the "Old Methodistic" mourners' be'nch and knock-down conviction way, and has the later method of "hold up your hand." There have been between eighty and one-hundred saved since we began.

Thursday, Dec. 17.-I took the train at 8:35 A. M. for Rugby Road, where I arrived at 10 A. M.

CHAPTER XIV.

DECEMBER27,

1896-APRII, 26, 1897.

Sunday, Dec. 27.-I attended Sabbath-school at Rngby Road. This was my father's regular appointment. Old Father Lewellyn, who has been a stay in the M. E. Church at this place, was not able to attend services. My father, his pastor 1 went down and had quite a conversation with him. He found him in good spirits, looking forward to better things, and growing in grace. He was happy in the anticipation of a watch-night service Thursday night. Between 2 and 3 P. M., laying his Bible down, his heart failed him, and he passed away without a word. "We will lay down the Bible and go home."

(Since Father Lewellyn, Sister Felkin, and later Sister Lee have passed away the church at this point has not been what it was.)

Tuesday, Dec. 29.-I attended the funeral of A. R. Lewellyn. The Free Masons buried him; my father preached the funeral sermon. Sorne o( the Free Masons who officiated in putting away the remains of this old '' soldier of the cross" take their liquor regularly.

Thursday, Dec. 31.-This is the closing day of the old year, 1896. I have learned much of the Lord this year. He has lead me in a wonderful way. I find many places

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 123

where I could have worked for Him, and have failed. It is my prayer, 0 God, that I may profit the next year by the jailures of this year.

I boarded the train for Harriman, where it was announced that I would conduct a watch-night meeting in the M. E. Church, South. I go because I feel I need the strength it may bring me. I took supper with Bro. McAllister. We went up to the church about 8 P. M.

9:30 P. M. I am receiving much strength; my determinations are deeper than ever before. 11 P. M. The Lord is filling me. 12 o'clock. The old year, 1896, now passes into eternity. I greet the new year, 1897, with the prayer, "0 Lord, give me twelve hundred souls as fruits of my labor during 1897." During 1896 He gave me about one thousand. I take for my watchword as I enter upon this year, "Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Just at this hour I lead in prayer, asking God's blessing on the new year of all present, and especially on my own new year. I am determined to live closer to the Lord. Farewell, 1896.

Friday,Jan. 1, 1897.-I have entered on this year with my eyes fixed on the Lord; I enter on my knees; I expect to live in a spirit of prayer.

I spent most of the day with Bro. and Sister Staples. I attended a service at Bro. McAllister's church; spent the night with Bro. Staples. The carriage came for me before we were through eating breakfast, bnt I waited to have prayers before I started. I took the train for Rugby Road, feeling the Lord leading me to Coal Hill for a meeting. I spent mnch of the day in prayer for guidance.

Sunday, Jan. 3.-I went to Sabbath-school at Rugby Road; attended League at 7 P. M. I announced the meeting for Coal Hill.

Monday, Jan. 4.-I went early to Coal Hill, put up some notices of the meeting, and visited from house to house. I

held a prayer service at the church at 7 P. 111., closing abont 11 P. M. Several got mad because I held so late. I spent the night at Bro. Burchett' s.

Tuesday,Jan. 5.-Services at 10 A. M. There were two or three grown persons out, and several little children; the congregation at night was larger.

Wednesday, Jan. 6.-Good services at 10 A. M. The house was pretty well filled at 7 P. M. I tried in my sermon to see how much I could uncover sin in the lives of the church people.

Saturday,Jan. 9.-I am giving away Testaments to all children who will read them. I went home for a little while, as my folks were out of coal when I left them, but I found that the Lord had sent them a car load with the freight prepaid.

Tuesday, Jan. 12.-Had a profitable service at 10:80. At 7 P. M, I preached again to a packed house; fifteen or twenty at the altar; four or five saved.

Saturday, Jan. 16.-I received such a blessing to-day as never before. Many persons will remember it. About thirty-five saved up to this time.

Monday.Jan. 18.-I went to Glenmary, and there boarded the train for Rugby Road, where I received one hundred Testaments by express; went in the afternoon to Bro. Davison Webb's, where I spent the night.

Saturday, Jan. 23.-I prepared to go to Louisville, Ky., to attend Dr. Carradine's meeting; but there was a wreck south which delayed the train, so I must have gone part of the way on Sunday, which I could not do. After prayer I felt led to go to Harriman. I found Bro. McAllister out of town, and no one to fill his pulpit on Sunday.

Sunday,Jan. 24.-I preached at 11 A. M.; I attended the M. E. Church at 7 P. M.; stayed at Bro. McAllister's over night.

Monday, Jan. 25.-I took dinner with Bro. and Sister

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 125 Staples; I stayed up until after 3 A. M. praying; the Lord wonderfqlly blessed me.

Tuesday, Jan. 26.-I continued in prayer and self-examination, which resulted in my having to write several let~ ters; but I am still praying that He may let me down deep in His boundless ocean of love.

Tuesday, Feb. 2.-I felt the Lord would have me go to Kingston, where Bros. Parham and Hill had been preaching for several days; arrived about 12 M.; stopped with Bro. and Sister Allison; preached at night; three saved.

Wednesday, Feb. 3.-I preached at 3 P. M. and 7:30 P. M.; two saved during the day.

Thursday, Feb. 4.-I returned to Harriman, and found W. W. Hopper, Evangelist, of Meridian, Miss., at Bro. McAllister's. I find him to be a sweetly sanctified man of God.

Sunday, Feb. 7.-I heard Bro. Hopper at 11 A. M. and 7 P. M. He is a grand preacher and a man of great power.

Tuesday, Feb. 9 -The services are proving a great good to my souj.

Friday, Feb. 12.-I have prayed once all night, and twice until midnight since the meeting began.

Wednesday, Feb. 17.-L. M. Lasley, Evangelist, arrived at 11:35 A. M. I find he is also a true follower of the lowly Nazarene. Had a good service at 1:30 P. M ; Bro. Hopper preached; at 7 P. M. Bro. Lasley preached; conviction was deep.

Sunday, Feb. 21.-Bro. Lasley preached at 11 A. M. I preached at 3 P. M., and Bro. Lasley at night. I received the witness that we would have victory. The altar call was made, and we dismissed without any results, but I told those who so desired to remain, and we would have an after service. Several came forward and five were saved. Glory! I am having prayers answered in a marvelous way. My hat was taken away from the church. I asked the Lord to

De.feats o.f Ike Devil.

return it, and found it the next night where I had left it the night it was taken. Glory!

(During my stay in Harriman, I gave away thirty-five or forty Testaments, which I believe will do good in the vineyard.)

Saturday, Feb. 27.-I boarded the train with Bro. Lynn Hill, Evangelist, for Robbins, Tenn. I find Bro. Hill to be one of the most energetic workers in the vineyard I ever saw. He talked to the passengers; and, wh~n we wonld roll into a station, he would get off and speak to one and even more about their souls before the train would pull out.

We found a very cool reception at Robbins. I found no place to stop, and then I tried to hire board and failed. In the afternoon I took my Bible and went to the woods, where I read and prayed as long as I could stand the cold. I found no objection to our using the house at night, so I built a fire, raug the bell, and the Lord was with us. I dismissed; all went off and left us there in a strange town; but, good for us, my parents lived only two or three miles from there. We borrowed a lantern from a brother, and went to my father's for lodging. My mother was pleased to see me when I arrived about 10 P. M. She gave me lunch and a good bed. Oh! how much I see in that passage of Scripture, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."

Psalms 27: 10. For if they take ns np when all others forsake ns, what must be the goodness of God.

Sunday, Feb. 28.-I preached at 11 A. M. to a small audience. We fasted, prayed, and visited during the day. I have been asking the Lord for a room near the church, and, through the kindness of several brick-yard men, some of whom are sinners, I was given a room within three doors of the church, at Bro. Goff's. Although the Lord tests and tries us, He will not forsake us. "He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone."

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 127

(I found Bro. Goff to be a man of God; and his companion, who has since passed over the river, I found to be a sweet-spirited Christian, affectionate wife, and loving ~other. She received the blessing of entire sanctification one day while we were eating dinner. When I last saw her she was bright in the experience. She now knows more clearly than ever before that "without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 12: 14.)

At 7 P. M. the house was full; good interest. Bro. Hill spends most of his time in visiting. I preached at 7 P. M.; the house was crowded; many wept aloud from conviction.

Wednesday, March 3.-Abont 4 P. M., while in the woods praying, I received the gift of faith that five would be saved at night, although there had been none at the altar previous to this. The Lord allowed me to preach with power that night. Several rushed to the altar; three were saved; and I called ont, " There will be two more, for the Lord has promised me." But the Lord surprised me; there were five more, making eight in a few minutes. Others were weeping over the house.

Saturday, March 6.-I had announced service for 9:80

A. 111. There were only two little boys present besides Bro. Hill and myself, but I felt the Lord had given me a message before I went there, therefore I preached from I John 1, and called for an altar service. The two little boys came to the altar, weeping bitterly, and were both powerfully converted. I believe at least one of them will be a minister of the gospel. On leaving the chnrch Bro. Hill said, " Bro. Jimmie, I got light on that Scripture I have always wanted. I find it is our place to look to Jesus for the message, and give it regardless of what the surroundings may be. Had a profitable children's service at 2:80 P. M., and an interesting service at 7 P. 111.

Su~day, March 7.-At 11 A. M. I preached sanctification

Defeats of the Devil.

from Psalm 51: 1-5; had a profitable awakening service. We had services again at 2:30 P. M. Sister George Heap's daughters, and others who had been saved at my meeting al Coal Hill, were present. I was made lo praise God when I saw they were growing brighter. One saved at night; a packed house.

Monday, March 8.-Had a profitable little service at 3 P. M. I preached sanctification from I Thes. 5: 14--24. Several forward seekin·g pardon and sanctification. I preached about Juda9 at night.

Saturday, March 13.-To-night bronght a deep sorrow, accompanied with shame, to a family who had bitterly opposed the meeting. It will not do to oppose God's work.

Sunday, March 14.--I preached at 11 A. M., and Bro. Hill preached in the afternoon at the brick-yard. Not so many out at night as before, on account of the trial of the person who caused the sorrow the night before; but there were five saved, four of them were wives. This makes near fifty ..

Tuesday, March 16.-I feel the Lord has lifted the bnrden.for this place. More than fifty have been either regenerated or sanctified.

Wednesday, Marek 17.-I had several profitable com• munications with some hungry souls, to whom I gave literature, before we left for Rugby Road, where I conducted prayer-meeting al night.

Thursday, March 18.-Spenl the night at Bro. Webb's; talked sanctification until late; found their souls hungry for it.

Friday, March 19.-Bro. Webb sent me on his horse to Young's School-house, where I wanted to strengthen those who had received the blessing of entire sanctification. It had been a very rainy day, but just slacked long enough for me to get there. When I arrived at Bro. George Baker's, I

Journal .()f Evangelist James M. Taylor. 129

found that Sister Baker had been praying that the rain might stop so that I might get there.

Sunday, Marek 21.-We had basket dinner. My father preached at 11 A. l\L I preached at 2 and 7 P. M. On Saturday night previous to this, some who bitterly opposed sanctification fired a large number of shots around the church to try to break the meeting.

Wednesday, March 24.-Several are receiving the blessing of sanctification. The opposition is great. Christian parents, Who are opposing the meeting, have wicked children, who are proving a disgrace to them. Parents cannot fight God and "Train up a child in the way he should go."

Thursday, April 1.-I preached the last sermon of the meeting, warning them of trials, etc. While here dynamite was put under the house, but I told them I was going to preach, for I knew the devil and his dynamite were not too strong for my God.

Friday, April 2.-I bad prayers with several who came in for books and Testaments at noon. I found "little George," Sister Baker's son, very serious. Afier dinner he entered my room and talked very seriously, and asked -me to pray for him. He received sanctification by faith, and as he arose to his feet the Holy Ghost fell on him; he shouted all over the house. Sister Viola Young, a trne follower of the cross, a worthy young woman, rendered efficient service during the meeting, and seemed to be greatly strengthened.

Tuesday, April 6.-I went to Helenwood, put np notices, and had it announced at school that I would preach the next night.

Wedneeday. April 7.-I saw Miss Rivulet Murray and Mr. Thomson, of Harriman, who wanted me to perform their marriage ceremony, but, as I am not ordained, I could not do it. I preached at night on sanctification.

Thursday, April 8.-I spent the day at Bro. Elihu McDonald's. Had an interesting service at night. 9

130 Defeats of the Devil.

Friday, April 9.-I preached again at night; saw one of the saloons close while here, and the other one will in a few days.

Saturday, April 10.-I took the train for Strnnk's Lane, Ky., where I felt the Lord would have me hold a revival. Bro. Jim Goad met me at the station with little May, the girl they are raising. I find this a place of iniquity, "blind tigers,'' etc. They sell whiskey on Sunday, shoot, and fight. There have been several attempts made to have a revival here; but one sister, who has lived here for years. said she had never known more than two persons to be saved here. I went in the name of the Lord, expecting victory, and had faith for the same. Had services at night.

Sunday, April 11.-I preached at 11 A. M. to a small audience. I preached again at 7 P. M. to a good congregation. I am making my home with Bro. and Sister Goad, and find them to be trne followers of the lowly Nazarine.

Thursday, April• 15.-Sister Goad and Sister Freeman visited the homes of the town and prayed in them. I told them about noon I had faith for the salvation of three souls which would be saved at night. I preached to a large audience at 7 P. M.; made my first call to the mourners bench, and three were saved.

Saturday, April 24.-Some sinners asked for the meet· ing to continue, but I felt the Lord was willing for me to leave. I thank Him for saving more than twenty souls here.

I boarded the train for Rugby Road. When I reached the station, I found to my surprise that Samuel H. Tulloch, an old associate of mine, whom I had not seen since I was saved, was visiting our family. Our meeting was a very happy one. He seemed pleased with the change in my life, although he is a sinner.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor, 131

Sunday, April 25.-Went to Rugby Road to Sabbathschoof, and filled my father's appointment in the afternoon. The Lord gave me liberty in preaching. I then went to Bro. George Todd's to see his daughter, Mrs. Alice Lee, who was very sick. I prayed for her; found she had a bright hope.

CHAPTER XV.

APRII, 26, 1897-SEPTEMBER 21, 1897.

Monday, April 26.-Father Williams and his wife, with other friends, spent the day with me. I felt the Lord leading me to Danville, Ky., where Bro. L. M. Lasley, Evangelist, had begun a revival. I wired him, asking about the interest, etc. He answered, but only answered my questions. I felt I must go, but did not want to go without an invitation.

Tuesday, April27.-I arose undecided, but withdrew to a private room, and laid it all before the Lord, and He made it clear for me to go. When I decided to go, the Holy Ghost fell on me in great power.

I boarded the train for Danville, Ky., and prayed to my Heavenly Father to send some one to the depot to meet me, and provide me a home, if it was His will for me to remain there. I found Bro. Lasley and Bro. B. Holmes at the depot, each with a carriage for me; and dear Bro. Holmes had secured a home for me. I attended the afternoon service at 3 P. M. at the opera house, where the meeting was in progress. If was a good service, as was the one at 7:30 P.M.

Thursday, April 29.-Several holiness people came in from other places, and we had a glorious street service in the morning.

Defeats of the Devil.

Tuesday, May 11.-Bro. Lasley had made arrangements for us to go a few miles in the country to spend a few hours with the family of Bro. Chew. They came for us in a carriage, but I did not feel it was right to go, as I feel it is not the Lord's will for me to visit during revivals. I feel I must keep myself alone with God during battles of this kind. Many saved at night, making one hnndred and twenty during the meeting.

Wednesday, May 12.-There were twenty-three saved during this day. After the evening service Bro. Lasley and I went to Wood's grocery and restaurant for prayer; and, near midnight, four young men were saved there.

Thursday, May 13.-The Lord gave victory of about twenty more souls to-day. Four more saved at Bro. Wood's store, near 12 o'clock at night.

Monday, May 17.-Had a glorions service for the young converts at 3 P. M. At 7:30 P. M. the house was packed. Many have been turned away from the opera house during the services, unable to find standing room. Bro. Lasley preached a clear sermon to those who had received the experience of sanctification. There were twelve or fourteen saved here at the last service, making about two hundred and fifteen in all, that we know of.

Tuesday, May 18.-I prayed yesterday for a hat; had faith that the Lord would give me one. To-day a Jew sent for me, and gave me a nice hat. God bless the precious man! Bro. Lasley and I started by private conveyance, at 10:30 A. M., for Stanford, Ky., where we arrived about 12 M, We went to see Sister Mary McAfee, the toll-gate keeper, who led Bro. W. W. Hopper, of Meridian, Miss., into the blessing of entire sanctification; we had prayer. We attended prayer-meeting at the Southern Methodist Church at night.

Thursday, May 20. - We took the train for Paris, Tenn.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 133

Friday, May 21.-We went early in the morning to see Sister Williams, who had written for ns to come to Paris. (We then met Bro. William Wynns, who gave us royal entertainment during the meeting. Bro. Wynns is a true man of God, and has his money consecrated. He bore the e,cpense of the meeting which cost him at least a hundred dollars.)

We had a service at the tent at 7:30 P. M. Monday, May 31.-Attended services at 10 A. M.; had a precious season; several saved; others sanctified. Old grandmother Wynns placed her arms around me, and asked a benediction upon me, before I left the tent grounds. I found her to be a precious old mother in Israel.

Tuesday,June 1.-I started at 8:30 A. M. for Greeneville. I arrived at Greeneville at 2:27 P. M. and went to Dr. Willis', where I found a hearty welcome. I attended services at 7:30 P. M., and heard Evangelist Strouse, the father of Evangelist Clarence Strouse, of Virginia.

Wednesday,June 2.-I attended services at 10 A. M. and 7:30 P. M. The fire is beginning to fall. Bro. Strouse does as clear and strong preaching as I ever heard. He certainly makes it " Holiness or Hell." He gives the Bible alone.

Tuesday,June 8.-I wrote my booklet "Little Nuggets." This was children's day in the revival. I ain satisfied two or three dozen were truly saved, Thursday,June 10.-The meeting closed with the morning service, The victory was more than one hundred souls, I received a telegram from Bro. Lasley to meet him in Kentucky and go to work, so I bade the brethren farewell, Tuesday,June 15.-I went to Danville, Ky., where I met many friends and joined Bro, Lasley.

IVednesday,June 16.-We went by private conveyance to Harrodsburg, Ky., and then three and one-half miles to Oakland, Ky.

Defeats of the Devil.

Sunday.June 20.-We had a basket-meeting. Bro. Lasley preached at 3 P. M, and again at 7:30 P. M. The day bas brought me nearer God.

Tuesday, June 22.-Wrote a leaflet and sent to the press1 " Do Christians Keep the Commandments?'' I retnrned to Harrodsburg. Bro. Lasley preached at the court house.

Wednesday, June 30.-I spent the day in prayer and study. I was invited out for dinner, but felt I must spend the time in prayer.

Thursday, July 1.-I started for Greenwood, Ky., on the 10:45 A. M, train. While in Harrodsburg I made Bro. John Vanarsdell's my home. I arrived safely at Greenwood, and went to Bro. Shout's, where I will make my home.

Friday_ July 2.-I fasted and prayed for the meeting; had the opening service at 3 P. M.; a good crowd out at 7:30 P. M.; I preached.

Saturday, July 3.-We had three services. The men cleaned off a place in the grove and sealj':d it. Although it was hot, I preached three times. Some workers came from Somerset, Mrs. Pearson and her children and Miss Belle Laymance.

Saturday, July 10.-I preached from John 15. Bro. Willie Laymance and others, from Somerset, seemed to be helped with the service. I found Bro. Laymance to be out and out for God. Oh, that we had more young men like this. He, like myself. had been deep in sin. I preached at night on consecration, but talked a great deal on confession. This struck the key-note. There were many confessions made at church, and many at night and the following day, as there was strife in the camp over a sh

Monday,July 12.-I preached at night about the Road to Heaven; strong men, one minister and wife, and others, rushed to the altar; ten or twelve saved. This makes about sixty-five during the meeting.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 135

Tuesday,July 13.-1 preached at 3 P. M. and 7:30 P. M. Closed the meeting after seeing about seventy souls blessed.

Thursday, July 15.-1 left on the train at 2:35 P. M. for Barron Fork, Ky. I arrived near 4 P. M.; services at 7:30 P. M.

Friday,July 16.-1 preached at 3 P. M. and 7:30 P. M.

Fourteen at the altar and eight sanctified.

Saturday, July 17.-1 preached three times; profitable services. I <tm making my home with Bro. and Sister John Borrows; only the two in the family, both people of God; a pleasant home it is.

Sunday,July 18.-I preached three times to-day, once to the colored people. Had large congregations all day. I found many of the colored people to be precious people of God. I enjoyed preaching to them, because they prayed for me and gave me an eager ear.

Tuesday, J,;ly 20.-1 preached three times; am able to preach only once a day standing; am compelled the other times to preach sitting. Several husbands and wives saved at night, making forty-five or fifty. We closed with victory perched on the'' Blood-stained Banner." Here I have met many whose names I would like to mention, but space will not permit.

Wednesday, July 21.-1 went to Flat Rock, where I took the train. I went to Gennwood and waited for the southbound train, on which I went to Rugby Road. I found the family enjoying tolerably good health. I went to prayermeeting at Rugby Road at night; found things very cold. The spiritual condition of this community is not what it ought to be. I have walked over one mile through the mud and rain, when at home, to attend prayer-meeting at this place, and found no one there but myself. There must be days of sorrow and darkness ahead of such people.

Thursday, July 22.-1 decided to hold an arbor meeting at Rugby Road, beginning July 30, at 3 P. M.

136

Defeats of the Devil.

Friday, July 23.-I wrote to several persons asking their prayers for the meeting.

Sunday,July 25.-I find I will have very little assistance from this place in the meeting. Cooperation can easily be had for picnics, box suppers, entertainments, etc., but anything spiritual raises the devil. But I bless God, as Lorenzo Dow said, '' I can raise the devil.''

Tuesday, July 27.-This is my birthday. I am determined to live true to the Lord.

Fnilay, July 30.-At 2:30 P. M. the services began; at 4 P. M. six or eight workers from other places arrived; we had a profitable service.

Saturday, July 31.-I gave three Bible readings.

Sunday, Aug. 1.-At 9 A. M. we had a profitable prayer service; at 11 A. M. I preached. I had to preach as though I was preaching to outlaws. At 2 P. M. the Lord rolled it on me to preach from "For this cause God Shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.'' I/Thess. 2: 11, 12. The power was great. I was compelled to sit and preach part of the time. When through preaching I called for a song. After singing a few verses 1 I arose and said, '' I have preached the funeral of some immortal soul." Consternation seized the people; they began to weep all over the arbor. I then said, "All who want the Lord to sanctify you or pardon your sins, come and give me your hand." I think more than one hundred came rushing to the altar, and waited to give me their hands. During this time the Holy Ghost fell on us, and many began shouting. Truly the Lord honored His work. I have promised the Lord never to tell any more touching incidents, death~bed scenes, etc., in sermons, but to preach the Word, asking Him to open the same to me. (The work continued through the week in this waystrong opposition, but great power. I preached three times

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 137 each day, near one hour each sermon; on Sundays I preached four times.)

Monday, Aug. 9.-There were thirty-two saved and sanctified during the day.

Tuesday, Aug. 10.-I closed the meeting with the 7 :30 P. M. service with over one hnndred blessed, and the altar crowded.

(One man, who had claimed. not to believe the Bible, was gloriously saved and sanctified; also his wife, son, and daughter.

Talking with me one day he said, "I am going to get Mr. Charlie to look throngh my books, and those that will do for my children to read I will lay in one pile, and those that will not do for my children to read I will lay in another pile, then I will pnt Bob Ingersoll on top of them and have a pretty bonfire.")

Wednesday, Aug. 11.-I went to Almy, the Paint Rock coal camp; hired conveyance from Helenwood; had services at7:30P. M.

Sunday, Aug. 15.-I preached at 11 A. M., at 2, 4, and 7 P. M. We had children's services, in which I am satisfied at least forty or fifty were saved. I gave them sixty copies of my booklet for children, and promised them each a Testament. Many saved at night. Old citizens said this was the best day they ever saw in Paint Rock.

Tuesday, Aug. 17.-We had a service at 9:30 A. M., in which about fifteen were saved, making between eighty and one hnndred during this meeting. People were saved at almost all hours of the night. I walked to Helenwood and took the train for Rngby Road, where I spent a pleasant night with my parents.

Wednesday, Aug. 18.-I went to Harriman not knowing why, only that the Lord directed me to go; found when I got there that it was to help some who were faltering. He can and will direct onr steps if we will allow Him. Ps. 37.

Defeats of the Devil.

Sunday, Aug. 22.-I went down and talked with Bro. Wright and wife early in the morning, and suggested <:hildren's services in his church in the afternoon; had his hearty cooperation. I heard Bro. Wright preach at 11 A. M., and saw Lawyer Staples and wife, who had been saved in my meeting, taken into full membership; also Jennie Foster, a consecrated young woman. I attended the class-meeting after preaching, and held the children's meeting at 2:30 P. M. It proved a grand success, not only with the children, but with the older ones. I handed out more than twentyfive of my booklets.

Monday, Aug. 23.-I attended services at Emory Gap at night; Bro. Suddath preached. Since my last visit at Emory Gap I find some have grown stronger, while others have faltered by the way. They have built a Methodist church. Wednesday, Aug. 25.-1 preached at 11 A. M., and again with power at night. One sister from Harriman was sanctified.

Thursday, Aug. 26.-From about 1 A. M. until day I had a most wonderful experience. I had spent a great deal of time inprayerbeforeretiring. Fora season of probably one hour I was completely prostrated under the power of the Holy Ghost, and was unable to call Bro. Williams who was in an adjoining room. One wave of glory after another rolled through my being, and I lay praising God, unable to move. Then the experience seemed to change. I realized where I was. I knew I was awake, and was sensible of the experience I was having, but was lost to all things about me. Just at this time it seemed my body was sinking through solid fire, and the fire permeating my limbs, my body, my entire being. I was conscious of the burning in my flesh. I felt it, and still I seemed to be sinking in the flames, yet the burning sensation was an exhilarating one, peculiar to itself. To have shouted aloud would have been a relief, the power was so great.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 139

Dr. Godbey has well said that the experience of sanctification is a low state of grace. Sanctification is just crossing the river into Canaan. Then it is we have all·the country to explore ; the walled cities to take, and kings to destroy. Too many, we fear, stop at the experience of purity, and think there are no more remarkable blessings for them. If God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or even think, He can certainly enlarge our experience every day. I find I am never so interested in the salvation of the world, as when I am receiving great and special annointings in my own heart. We would not turn the eye ot our reader from Christ to His blessings, but would insist that the blessings come when the eye is on the blesser. Why should we be continually telling the world about the blessings we received years ago, when pardoned or sanctified, when the Lord would have us tell of one received today. We find it is the individual who is in constant touch with Jesus, and receiving fresh blessings every day, who is being used most in this great work.

We believe if all professors of entire sanctification were as close to the Lord every day, as they were when they received the experience the world would be- shaken for God in twelve months as it has never been before.

"The mercy of God is an ocean divine, A boundless and fathomless flood ; Launch out in the deep, cut away the shore-line, And be lost in the fullness of God.

"Launch out into the deep, Oh, let the shore-line go; Lauuch out, launch out in the ocean divine, Out where the full tides flow.

Defeats of the Devil.

"Oh, let us launch out on this ocean so broad, Where the :floodsof salvation o'erflow; Oh, let us be lost in the mercy of God, Till the depths of His fullness we know."

"But many, alas! only stand on the shore, And gaze on the ocean so wide ; They De'\;er have ventured its depths to explore~ Or to launch on the fathomless tide.

"And others just venture away from the land, And linger so near to the shore, That the surf and the slime that beat on the strand, Dash o'er them in floods evennore.

Friday, Aug. 27.-1 returned to Harriman and spent the night with Bro. McAllister.

Saturday, Aug. 28.-Bro. E. M. Woods came in his buggy for me to hold a meeting at Woods' Chapel, a church he had mostly built. Bro. J. C. Wright and I were to hold the meeting. I find Bro. Woods and his wife to be spiritual. '!'hey are striving for more of God's love-" Hungering and thirsting after riihteousness."

Sunday, Aug. 29.-I preached to a small congregation at 10:30 A. M., and handed out several dozen of my "Experience." Had a prayer service at 3 P. M. I preached at 7:30 to an attentive congregation. I am scattering many tracts, which I find is doing much good.

Monday, Aug. 30.-I preached at 11 A. M. to a small congregation; several ont at night. I asked how many had ptayer for the services. Three held up their hands. I told them I would not preach for Christians who would not pray, therefore did not preach at night. Some sinners broke down 1 weeping; at least one gloriously saved.

Journal o.f Evangelist James M. Taylor. 141

Wednesday, Sept. 1.-Had an interesting service at 11 A. M. I see we ought to preach sanctification. I find sanctification is the only equipment for a church.

Thursday, Sept. 2.-I preached at 11 A. M. Father Thomas Russell, an old Methodist preacher, arrived this afternoon. Father Russell was standing over my father when he was saved. They would have me preach at night. I had Bro. Wright, my spiritual father, and Father Russell, who had led Bro. Wright to accept the Lord, therefore my spiritual grandfather, to preach before; good results.

Saturday, Sept. 4.-Bro. Wright returned to Harriman. Father Russell preached at 11 A. M.; no sermon at night; altar crowded; eight or ten saved.

Sunday, Sept. 5.-We had a basket-meeting; several out from Harriman; Bro. Wright preached at 11 A. M.; I held a children's meeting in the afternoon; no sermon at night; several saved.

Monday, Sept. 6.-Early in the morning Bro. John McCart was preparing to go home, but found that his horse, with Bro. Woods' horses were not in the pasture field. They spent most of the morning hunting for them, but failed to find them. I went out to ·Bro. Woods' store just before church; and Bro. Woods said, "I will have to miss church to hunt the horses." I told him I believed it was the devil wanting to keep him away from the service, and that the Lord could bring the horses up. I then called all in the store to prayer. As we knelt I prayed, "Dear Father, we are hunting lost souls, they are of more value than all lost horses. Make us as much interested about the lost souls as the brothers are about the lost horses, and please bring up the lost horses, so we can all go to church. Lord, I believe You will do it. Amen." I then went to church. Just after I left they looked down the road and saw the horses coming. They shouted and came to church shouting

Defeats of the Devil.

Glory to God! if we "delight" ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the "desires of our hearts." Psalm 37: 4. Another thing of interest occurred yesterday. The young people were congregated in Bro. Woods' parlor, talking and laughing. I told some of the preachers I was going to break it up. I went into the parlor and told them we would have a prayer-meeting, as several of them were Christians. After singing several songs, I led in prayer. We sang again, and I called on six or eight to pray, but all refused. There were a few sinners in the room. I then prayed for the Lord to show those Christians how bad it looked for them to enjoy talking with those unsaved young men, and refnse to talk to Jesus. I then called for a praise service, which was also a failure. I began talking to them in a touching way, and they began weeping. I called for the unsaved to act, and found them anxious for salvation. Then during a season of prayer, every one prayed; one was saved and the others were saved at night.

Wednesday, Sept. 8.-Good services at 11 A. M. Rev. Spence, from Harriman, was present at night, and Bro. Wright thought best for him to preach, as he was an old minister; but I am satisfied it was not best. I find it will not do for visiting ministers to preach during revivals.

Friday, Sept.10.-Bro. George Chandler's little son, who is a mut~, caused a touching scene as he was instructed at the altar by his governess, and was sweetly saved.

Sunday, Sept. 12.-We had a basket-meeting, and I closed at night with the altar filled and a touching service.

Monday, Sept. 13.-After many farewells, and a touching farewell in Bro. Woods' parlor, I went to Harriman. Here I will stop with Bro. R. A. Parham for a few days.

Saturday, Sept. 18.-I went to Burrville, on the Cumberland Plateau, where I preached at night.

Sunday, Sept. 19.-Just after Sabbath-school I held a

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 143 children's service, which was a very touching one. Other interesting services at 3 P. M. and 7:30 P. M.

Munday, Sept. 20.-I held services to-day, although I knew my health was not equal to the undertaking. We had a touching service. I sold and gave away many books.

CHAPTER XV.

SEPTEMBER 21, 1897-JANUARY 27, 1898.

Tuesday, Sept. 21.-Bro. Sam Galloway furnished me conveyance in his buggy to Rugby Road, where I spent two or three hours with my mother. I then boarded the train for Athens to attend the Holston Conference. At Sunbright Bro. McKenles, a Southern Methodist preacher, boarded the train. Immediately I felt the devil was taking him away from his work. I found he was going home, as his health was bad. He asked me to pray for his health. I told him I would if he would promise to go back to his work if he was healed. This he promised. We then withdrew to the rear of the car. Kneeling, I prayed for him, and he was instantly healed of fever. Before arriving at Harriman he slipped a bill in my hand, which I afterward found to be five dollars. He stopped at Harriman and returned to his work.

Wednesday, Sept. 22.-I arrived at Athens early in the morning; look breakfast at the Matthews House. I was then given a home at Sister Keith's, who I found to be an old "soldier of the cross."

Thursday, Sept. 23.-Conference began with Bishop A11drews presiding. I spent the time while here, I trust, profitably. I talked and prayed with different ones.

Monday, Sept. 27.-Conference adjonrned. I started at 3 P. M. for Knoxville, where I spent the night and preached at the rescue mission. The devil is fearfully tempting me, but the Lord is wonderfully with me.

Defeats of the

Devit.

Wednesday, Sept. 29.-1 left Knoxville at 7 A. M. for Rugby Road, where l arriyed at 12 M. l attended prayermeeting at night.

Saturday, Oct. 2.-1 went to Paint Rock, where I w.as to have a children's service. I arrived about 1 P. M.; had good services at 3 P. M. and 7 P. M.

Sunday, Oct. 3.-The services were profitable; had a children's service at 3 P. M.; scventy~six children present; I gave them each a Testament on their promise to read them through.

Monday, Oct. 4.-We had a prayer-meeting at 9:30 A. M. This is a gloomy day. The president of the mines arrived yesterday and told the miners he saw no way of opening. (l prayed for the Lord to open the mines in some way, and had faith He would do it, which He did in a few weeks. l thank God that He can manage our temporal affairs.)

Tuesday, Oct. 5.-1 took the train at Helenwood for Rugby Road, where l found a check in the hands of the a1ent for my fare to Somerset, Ky.

Wednesday, Oct. 6.-1 packed my trunk and came to Somerset, Ky., to arrange for a meeting at this place. Bro. Willie Laymance met me at the depot, and sent me to Sister Pearson's, a Christian mother with Christian children. (I found a pleasant home here while at Somerset.) In the afternoon the Southern Methodist pastor, Bro. Hill, called. I found him on fire for God's cause. I attended prayer-meeting at his church at night.

Thursday, Oct. 14.-I met several workers at Bro. Curtis', and divided the town into sections, preparing to have prayer in all the homes before the revival began. We had a profitable prayer service at Bro. Haynes' at night; a father and mother saved.

Thursday, Oct. 21.-We opened the meeting in Johnston's Hall with a good congregation. I told them I would not tell any touching incidents, etc., but would" preach the

Journal ef Evangelist James M. Taylor. 145

Word," and if God did not answer by fire and save scores of sonls, I wonld admit that I had not preached the truth• Bro. Lnther R. Robinson is in charge of the music.

(The Lord has mysteriously led ns together. On account of the sickness of his wife, he was financially nnable to go off to hold a meeting. The Lord peculiarly led us to hold onr first meeting at his home. I find him to be a consesecrated boy, singing for God, giving the gospel in song with fire. The Lord has gracionsly blessed our labors since we have been together. I find his wife to be a consecrated woman and an efficient altar worker.)

Sunday, Oct. 24.-We had profitable services; also a street service on State street; one person converted and one sanctified on the street.

Thursday, Oct. 28. -This has been a day of agonizing prayer. I prayed abont three honrs before the sermon at night.

Friday, Nov. 5.-I preached on the second coming of Christ at night. The saints shouted and many sinners quaked.

Sunday, Nov. 7.-I preached at night from "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall sncldenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Prov. 29: 1. Nine were saved. A man was held to keep him from whipping me, but I did not connt him very blood-thirsty.

Tuesday, Nov. 9.-I closed the services at night with many at the altar of prayer. Many old citizens connt this the deepest work Somerset has ever had. I tried to uncover sin of all kinds-water regeneration, Roman Catholicism, drinking, gambling, theater-going, and secret sins of church members; near one hundred saved. I raised thirty-eight dollars in only a few minutes for rent of the hall.

Wednesday, Nov. 10.-Sister Pearson and her children I found to be friends such as I seldom meet.

Thursday, Nov. 11.-I spent the time until 1:35 P. M. 10

Defeats of the Devil.

praying with friends and packing my trunk. I sold or gave away forty or fifty dollars' worth of books and tracts; took more than thirty subscriptions for papers.

Bro. Robinson and wife and myself took the train for Sunbright. I preached at night; several forward for prayers.

Saturday, Nov. 13.-We went to Burrville and began at night. There has been much surface work at this place.

Sunday, Nov. 14.-I preached at 11 A. M., 4 P. M., and 6:30 P. M. I find many who were converted one year ago have fought sanctification and gone into sin.

Tuesday, Nov. 16.-Bro. McKenles, a promising young Methodist minister, received the Holy Ghost; others at night. The opposition is growing, but it encourages me as I believe the devil is uneasy.

Tuesday, Nov. 23.-Services were announced for 10:30 A. M. I reached the church at 11 A. M., when the song service should have been over, and only one person from the community was present. It was 11:30 A. M. or 12 M. before the people got there. After prayer I arose and told them-I would not preach to people that were so trifling, and pronounced the benediction. I preached the last sermon at night; left the altar crowded; about forty saved during the meeting.

U7ednesday, Nov. 24.--We were taken to Sunbright to meet the train, but were not expected until the next day at our next appointment, and were Unable to wire them; so Bro. and Sister Robinson remained in Sunbright. I started at 5 P. M. and walked eight miles to Rngby Road, expecting to attend prayer-meeting, and spend the night with my parents and sisters. I found a box supper had taken the place of the prayer-meeting. " My house shall be called the house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves." Jesus.

Thursday, Nov. 25. As this is Thanksgiving Day I made a talk at the church on that subject. I took the

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 147

south-bound train in the afternoon for Graysville, Tenn. Bro. and Sister Robinson joined me at Sunbright. They handed me mail which contained answers to several prayer& On opening it I shouted at the top of my voice. The passengers looked horrified, but when God fills me then I shout. We arrived at Graysville and conducted the first service that night.

Thursday, Dec. 2.-Tbe meetings were held in the Seventh-Day Adventists' Church. This is said to be their strongest point in the South. This is also said to be the first time they have allowed another sect to preach in their church; but they gave me a hearty welcome, and assisted in the services in prayer and song, while the Methodists fonght the meeting, and closed their chnrch against it. I found many of these Adventists to manifest the spirit of Christ. They have the fruits of the Spirit, and are beyond doubt regenerated people. They are very careful to observe the Sabbath, beginning Friday at snnset and continuing until Saturday at the sarne hour.

I tried to uncover sin in every way I knew how. As a result of this a stone was thrown through rny window and fell on my table. I closed to-night. Several have been saved. I left many at the altar. Bro. and Sister Scolds, Bro. McDonald, Sister Fox and others supported the meeting. God bless them.

Friday, Dec. 3.-I boarded the train for Rockwood, where Bro. J. C. Wright had written for me to join him. I found Bro. Wright at the depot waiting for me. He took me to a room at Col. Dale's. I am to take my meals with Bro. and Sister Tate. I took dinner with Bro. Wright at Hon. Asbury Wright's. Bro. Wright has been working faithfully here for orie week. The meeting is in the M. E. Church, of which Bro. B. M. Martin is pastor. I preached at night.

Saturday, Dec: 4.-Bro. Robinson and wife arrived to-

day. We had a profitable service at the furnace at the noon hour.

Sunday, Dec. 5.-I preached to a large audience; good interest; children's service in the afternoon; large audience at night.

(The interest increased during the week. Bro. Wright was absent two days on a trip to Jasper, Tenn., where he performed a marriage ceremony for his brother, Will D. Wright. We continued the services during the week at the furnace with increasing interest, preaching to more than two hundred.

The boss of the furnace very kindly showed Bro. Robinson and myself through and over the works. We also saw them taking the melted ore out of the furnace, which made me think of hell.)

Saturday, Dec. 11.-I preached at 7 :P. M., but my strength failed and I also lost my voice; then I walked back the aisle, holding to the benches, and continued to tell them of Jesus. The Lord honored the work. I was compelled to leave the church before the service was dismissed.. Nine saved.

Sunday, Dec. 12.-I was forced to stay in my room all day. I realize I am completely broken down.

Monday, Dec. 13.-I stayed in my room and began writing a book on, "Hell, A Place of Eternal Fire."

Wednesday, Dec. 15.-Late in the afternoon I prayed with a young woman at Sister Tate's; she was gloriously saved. The meeting closed at night. As I wanted my little booklet on " Sin " printed at once, I started for Knoxville.

Thursday, Dec. 16.-I arrived at Knoxville about 10 A. M., and stopped with Bro. R. A. Parham, pastor of the East Main Street church.

Sunday, Dec. 19.-Bro. Parham preached at 11 A. M. I preached at 7 P. M.; had a warrn, soul-stirring service. The people and pastor want me to hold a meeting in this chnrch.

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 149

Monday, Dec. 20.-At 8 P. M. I had prayers with a large number who came in to Bro. Parham's, and started for Rugby Road, via Oakdale, where I spend the night. Tonight on the train the Lord showed me to publish this volume.

Tuesday, Dec. 21.-I arrived at my father's at 9:30 A. M.; found Bro. Robinson, my singer, and his wife, who had arrived on Monday.

Friday, Dec. 24.-After spending several days in a very profitable and e;,joyable time in song and prayer, etc., Bro. Robinson and his wife left for Burnsides to spend Christmas.

Saturday, Dec. 25.-This day we commemorate the birth of onr Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It finds me nearer Him than one year ago. I spent the day with my father's family and others at Bro. Geo. Todd's, where we had a very profitable prayer service after dinner. Friends from Somerset remembered me very kindly with a Christmas box, worth about ten dollars. This day has shown me that we need to talk less about opportunities and improve the ones we have.

Friday, Dec. 31.-I spent the week with my parents. I conducted a watch-night service; only a few were present. Some were greatly blessed, just as the old year passed out into the realms of endless eternity, and the new year of 1898 dawned. The Spirit fell on me and I shouted the old year out and the new one in. My life during the year 1897 has not been as profitable as it might have been. I see opportunities left unimproved, where Jesus might have been honored. But my Master has allowed me to scatter about five hundred dollars worth of literature, and see about twelve hundred souls saved in my labors. I realize time is not waiting upon me. I am hastening on to eternity. I find the enemy is improving every opportunity. I have been brought much nearer to God in the past year, and feel better prepared to enter upon my life's work

Defeats of the Devit.

this year than ever before. I want to profit by failnres, and do more for my Master in bringing precious immortal souls out of sin into the marvelous light and liberty of Christ's love. I look back to-night over my Christian life, and find many times when I have walked in slippery places. Only the marvelous grace of God has kept me. Some scenes I now behold in my memory. As I look back upon them my very being shudders and my heart turns sick, as I see how near I came to falling a victim at the feet of the one I served' so long, the devil. Then as I behold how the strong arm of God's love about me, and the eye of mercy upon me, beholding my weakness and knowing my frailty, has held me, my heart goes up in praise and thanksgiving to Him, who will not "Suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape;" then I am made to cry, "Oh! for a closer walk with God."

Thursday, Jan. 6.-I received a thousand copies of my booklet on "Sin," which I believe will honor God. On Monday night, December 20, while going from Knoxville to Oakdale, I was meditating and praying, and the Lord rolled upon me the work of preparing this book, my Life and Joumal, for the press. I am now engaged in dictating my Life. I am unable to preach, or even write any length of time, as my health has completely failed me.

Monday,Jan. 17.-I accompanied my father to Huntsville, where he is conducting a meeting. I met many friends, whom I had not seen for over a year; had a precious season of prayer; stopped with Sister McDonald; visited other friends in that co=unity; talked to many privately about their souls. During this month I have written a booklet entitled "Courting, or Society Goats Disrobed."

CHAPTER XVII.

JANUARY28-MARCH 23, 1898.

Friday,Jan. 28.-I left home on the train for Clinton, Tenn., and spent the night in Harriman with Sister Godby. Before leaving home I was much in need of money for the trip, so I plead with my Heavenly Father to give me the needed finances for the journey I was to take for Him; as the hour for the train to leave was just about upon me, and the money had failed to come, I was tempted to borrow some; but again in prayer I said, 11 Lord, I will trust Thee.' 1 After taking my baggage to the depot I went to the postoffice to leave directions about my mail, and found a registered envelope for me. On opening it I found no letter, but a two-dollar bill. Bless the Lord!

Salurday,Jan. 29.-Bro. Joe Wallace met me at Clinton and took me to Arvell Taylor's, three miles east of Clinton. (Here l found a very pleasant home while conducting the meeting at Taylor's Chapel. Bro. and Sister Taylor I fonnd to be true followers of the lowly Nazarene. The only children at home during the meeting were Mattie, the oldest child, and Clara, the youngest. They also were earnest Christian workers.

I preached the first sermon at night, and found Bro. Durham, the pastor, on hand ready for the battle. I found the church here as well as elsewhere in a cold, backslidden state, no real vital Christianity. I continued twice each day to pour in the law, uncover sin, and unveil the cross until sinners began to call for mercy. This continued until a mighty outpouring of the Spirit was the result.

Many incidents I would love to recall for the reader, but I am having to leave much out, so that the book can be prepared at figures that will give it to my friends for fifty cents.)

Monday, Feb. 14.-I went to Knoxville on the evening train, and found Bro. R. A. Parham, pastor of the East Main Street M. E. Church, in a revival meeting.

Tuesday, Feb. 15.-Bro. Parham secured the consent of the Elder, who had been objecting because I preached holiness, for me to hold a revival.

Friday, Feb. 25.-The work continued ten days with increasing interest; near two hundred saved.

I insert below articles from Knoxville Daily Journal about the meeting:

"EVANGEI.IST TAYI.OR'S WORK-BIG REVIVAI. IN PROGRESSAT EAST MAIN STREET M. E. CHURCH.-Yesterday was a great day in the Taylor revival, over twenty souls being blessed. East Knoxville has never known snch a spiritual awakening. As usual the evangelist's Bible reading at 2 o'clock was a great treat to all present. The subject was 'The Fullness of Joy.' This service will doubtless be pleasantly remembered by all present. More than fifty have been saved during Mr. Taylor's week at this place. He has been prevailed npon to remain over to-day, and will speak at 2 P. M. on the 'Second Coming of Christ.'

'·Rev. R. A. Parham, the pastor, with his church and other Christians of the community, are rallying to the snp• port of the evangelist."

"REv. TAYI.OR'S REvrvA1.-Tnrs EvANGEI.IST SAYS No LAZYPERSONEVER GETS TO HEAVEN.-Another great day occnrred in the Taylor revival yesterday. Over twentyfive were saved, making a grand total of over seventy-five saved in eight days. Congregations are large both at the afternoon and night services. The Bible reading on the 'Second Coming of Christ' was clear, awakening, powerful, and resulted in the salvation of ten persons.

'' Evangelist Taylor says: 'I believe no lazy person ever gets to heaven.' So he takes the lead and the Christians

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 153

follow in successfnl and thorough work. The evangelist says: 'I am tired of this 'hold up your hand' and 'father's gone to glory and don't you want to go' religion, and I want those saved in my meetings to have 'know so salvation.' 1 Rev. James M. Taylor has consented to give East Knoxville two days more. Services to-day at 2 and 7:15 P. M."

"TAYLOR REVIVAL CLOSED-ENANGELIST ENTERED THE CHURCH THROUGH ONE OF THE WrNnows.-The Taylor revival has come to a close. In many respects it was remarkable.

" Long before the time for evening services the people began coming. The seats, aisles and pulpit of the Main Street church were soon lilied at1d the vestibules were packed with anxiously waiting hearts for the arrival of the evangelist, who, upon arrival, found hundreds were being turned away. Evangelist Taylor was forced to enter through a window, aided by a ladder.

"After a brief talk, the call was made for penitents and the altar was filled. Strong men bowed at the altar, wept and prayed and sonls were saved until nearly 11 o'clock. The number is unknown, but it is believed to run between thirty and forty during the day. This makes over one hundred and thirty saved in ten days.

"It will long be remembered by those who attended as an old time Methodist revival. The converts got religion and knew it while their faces showed a change had occurred. Several have already joined the church and many more will do so, as they were strongly urged to do by the evangelist, who bas no fight to make on churches, but goes from here to Maryville to begin a revival.''

Saturday, Feb. 26.-I went to Maryville, where I have had an engagement for some time, to begin a meeting in the Friends' Chnrcb of that place. I was met at the depot by

Defeats o.f the Devil.

the pastor, Rev. R.R. Newby, who brought me to his pleasant home, where I am to remain during the meeting. Maryville is where I was once in deep sin. This was a hard place to go, as I knew I did not have the sympathy of pastors and churches, as a rule, in the town; but, that no honest person and no child of God might be mistaken about the work, I circulated several hundred of the following leaflets, which I scatter everywhere I hold meetings now:

"How I COME,WHAT To Do AND WHAT I ExPECT. It is always owing to what a man's cause is what the results are. I come to represent no self-appointed cause, because 'I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.' I Sam. 18: 45.

"I am not here to build up some special church organization. I seek not the good will or opinion of man. I come neither to gain your money nor to gain a reputation. ' I come in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.'

"Since I come in His name and for Him, I expect the help of all who are His. He is Almighty, knows no failure, never lost a battle, and cannot be defeated. As I come in His name I will ' Preach the word.' II Tim. 4: 2. I come not to tell touching incidents, graveyard stories, death-bed scenes, or to play on your sympathies by speaking of your dead friends. Neither come I to use oratory nor to preach polished sermons. I have no commission to give my opin ions, ideas, or beliefs in regard to the doctrines of the Bible. I give none of these. I will ' Preach the word,' and we will test the preaching and the services like this: After I ' Preach the word,' ' The God that answereth by fire, let Him be God.' I Kings 18: 24. If sinners are saved and believers are sanctified, would it not be the truth to say, 'It is a truth of God and His work?' Upon this condition that souls are saved, we will say, 'It is of God,' and if souls are

Journal of Evangelist James M, Taylor. 155

not saved, then I will agree with you that I am wroug and I will preach no more. Should He answer by fire surely no one will dare to speak against the work, and thereby place their hand upon the ark-the work of the Lord.

'' Christians, I only ask your cooperation while I cling to ' the word ' and the ' fire falls.'

'Yours in Christ, JAMl!s M. TAYI.OR, "Author of' The Devouring Fire Library,' a collection of fiery tracts and booklets."

Sunday, Feb. 27.-The house was filled at the 10:30 A. M. service; several were in from the country. This was one of the greatest trials of my ministry, as I had to preach to those with whom I had engaged in sin, also to those who had led me to Christ; bnt the Lord was with me. I gave a Bible reading on prayer. We had another precions service at 2:30 P. M. The honse was packed at night, and many turned away. I preached on "The Baptism with the Holy Ghost; " many who were there through curiosity seemed surprised at the services.

Saturday, March 5.-We had services at 9:30 A. M. and 6:30 P. M. each day this week. The crowds were curiosity seekers, as a rule, so it made the services very hard on me; but, with much prayer, I pressed the battle to the gates- of the enemy. The fire began falling, after about two days, and continued to fall each day dnring the meeting.

Sunday, March 6.-We had a glorious sunrise service at 6 A. M.; about fifty were out. Many were in from the country at 10:30 A. M. Some young men from the College, who said as they left the church that they had come just for pastime, misbehaved at the morning service, and I reproved them, at which they seemed offended.

In the afternoon three of them, in company with the editor of The Maryville Times, came to my room to see me, and one of the College boys demanded an apology. I told

Defeats ef the Devil.

him I reproved him because he misbehaved, and therefore had no apology to make. He said as he left my room, after telling me I was no gentleman, etc., that probably he would see me on the street. I shout when I find I have the ill-will of the devil, for I do enjoy offending hel1, and this can never be done without the devil's colleagues on earth being roused.

!lfonday, !lfa,ch 7.- I see that this place, with its boasted morality, churchanily, and lack of spiritual power, needs hell fire preached instead of sanctification as a doctrine at the present. They are fighting sanctification, when many of them know nothing of salvation only that they have said they believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that they were going to try to live better. The devil himself has beat that, for he" believed and trembled." Then a very great per cent. of the others have backslidden in heart, if not in life; by applying the ruler, the Bible, this is found to be true; ,o I have decided to take Mt. Sinai as my pulpit, and let the ,hunderings and lightnings of the law roll forth.

Tuesday, !lfarch 8.-I preached from John 3: 7, "Ye must be born again," and tried by the help of the Lord to show the work of hell in the sham professions of the present day. The devil got furious over the service.

Wednesday, !lfarch 9.-This was red-letter day. I received a letter mailed in Maryville, addressed with red ink and written with red ink; which I insert here:

"MARYVIItLE,TENN., March 7, 1898.

"REV. JAMES M. TAYLOR-Dear Sir: After having listened to your sermons, which you stole from the Rev. Sam Jones, we, as the people of Maryville, have come to the conclusion that you must leave our little town at once.

"We know you, Jimmie, and know just what you are, and we therefore warn yon that as the word of your text ;eads, 'Ye shall reap what ye have sown,' and if you don't

Journal of Evangelist James M. Taylor. 157

leave here on or before Saturday, March 10, 1898, Jimmie, 'The Boy Evangelist,' shall reap what he has sown.

"Enclosed you will find a sample of what you will get if you do not leave at the appointed time [there was a piece of a willow twig enclosed.-TAvI,OR.], but this sample is nothing compared with what you are about to receive. If you comply with our request all is well with thee; but if you do not your life is in danger.

11 FROM ONE WHOM You SHAI,I. KNow."

I read it to Bro. Newby, and shouted because the devil was stirred in the town, and because he wanted me to leave, for I was sure it was not Jesus taking steps like that.

As many threats were made by church people, and much opposition was raised, I cannot say who wrote the letter. It was written as by a representative of the town, inch.1.ding preachers and all, and only one pastor, the Quaker, was siding with the meeting. I cannot say it was from some drunkard, or gambler, for I heard of much harder things being said by high church people.

If the work is of the devil, they should remember it is "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zech. 4: 6; so it seems that the Christians should pray for the Lord to stop the work. We are praying for the Lord to carry it on, and some unseen power is answering by fire, and more than forty souls have been either regenerated or sanctified. Certainly no one will attribnte that to the devil; so surely common sense will teach us that the opposer, though he may be a pastor or leading church man, is on the side of hell. Lawyer Lamon's wife was sanctified, she said, in the afternoon.

Wednesday, March 16.-We had services of great interest both in the morning and evening. I think the evening service was one of the most interesting we have had, but as I am very weak we were compelled to close. About sixty

Defeats of Ike Devil.

were blessed during the meeting, receiving-pardon or purity, and the work seemed to be a deep one. It was announced that I would preach again on Sabbath.

(The remainder of the week was spent very pleasantly visiting relatives in the country south of Maryville.)

Sunday, Marek 20.-We had precious services at 10:30 A. M. and 7 P. M.; this closed the work at Maryville.

Monday, Marek 2l -I went to Knoxville, where I was having tracts printed, and had some work to attend to.

Tuesday, Marek 22.-I joined my sister, Miss Laura Taylor, and my grandmother, Mrs. Katy Taylor, at the union depot, and we started at 8 P. M. for Rugby Road, via Oakdale, where we spent the night.

Wednesday, Marek 23. - We arrived at Rugby Road about 9:45 A. M. Three years ago to-day the Lord, for Christ's sake, forgave my sins. It has been three years of sunshine and peace.

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n heart Ji-Urity and enduement of power fo1· service. Ii cts. caeh:J ORDERFROMTHIS OFFICE. SPECIAL PRICES TO AGENTS.

James Milburn Taylor was born July 27, 1873 in Blount County in Eastern Tennessee. In 1887, at a camp-meetng, Taylor experienced salvaton and became involved in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In January of 1895 he had his sanctfcaton experience and became a part of the Holiness Movement as an actve evangelist. He preached throughout Tennessee and Kentucky through the early 1900s, while making Knoxville, Tennessee his main center of operatons. He became associated with William Godbey and other Holiness fgures, publishing a number of booklets independently for his ministry. Many of these were published by H.C. Morrison’s Pentecostal Publishing Company.

In the early 1900s Taylor was involved with the Interdenominatonal Missionary Prayer League and the Holiness Union of the South, which helped sponsor Taylor on an evangelistc tour of the West Indies in 1906 and 1907. This included St. Thomas, St. Croix, Dominica, Antgua, Barbados, the Britsh Guianas, and Surinam among other islands, making him one of the pioneer missionaries of the English-speaking Caribbean. In 1912, Taylor, along with S. W. Edwards of the Holiness Union of the South did an evangelistc tour of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Panama. This was one of the earliest Holiness missions to Central America. From January to June of 1914, Taylor did an evangelistc tour of South America including Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.

By 1917, Taylor had become the Secretary for Missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church Board of Foreign Missions and made missionary tours to Mexico and Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Burma, and the Philippines. In 1921 Taylor became president of Taylor University, a positon which he held for six months untl he lef under a scandal. Taylor then went on the Chautauqua circuit speaking about his many travels, at least tll 1926, before fnally disappearing from the pages of history.