The life of Rev. John S. Inskip : President of the National Association for the promotion of Holiness

Rev.John S Inskip

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The life

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THE LIFE OF

REV, JOHN S, INSKIP,

PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
FOR THE PROMOTION OF HOLINESS.

BY

w. Mcdonald akd john e. searles.

Bostoh, Mass.:
PUBLISHED BY McDONALD & GILL,
Office of the Christian Witness,
36 Bromfield Street.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1885,

by Mcdonald & gill,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.

i

CONTENTS.

PAGE

• CHAPTER I.
Parkntagk. — Bikth. — Eart.t Tears .... g

CHAPTER II.

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH-SHOP ... - 16

CHAPTER III.

The Young Circuit Rider ------ 32

CHAPTER IV.

Fbom thk Country to the City 46

CHAPTER V.

Westward. — Cincinnati ------ 62

CHAPTER VI.

Ix the Wk.st. — Sunshine and Shadows - 74
CHAPTER VII.

In the West. — Storm Gathering ----- 83
CHAPTER VIII.

Conflict and Victory

CHAPTER IX.

How Opposition Led to Promotion ----- 112
CHAPTER X.

Pastorate in the Metropolis 121

3

4 CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTER XI.

Army Chaplaincy -------- - 135

CHAPTER XII.
"Wholly, and Forever the Lord's" - - - 146

CHAPTER XIII.
Full Salvation in the Pastorate ----- 161

CHAPTER XIV.
National Camp-Meeting Movement Inaugurated* - 185

CHAPTER XV.

National Camp-Meetings ------- 196

CHAPTER XVI.
The Pastorate Closed ------- 212

CHAPTER XVII.

Evangelistic Work. — Across the Continent. — Sacra-
mento - 218

CHAPTER XVIII.
A .Great Victory at Santa Clara ----- 241

CHAPTER XTX.

Tabebnaclk Meetings in San Francisco and Salt

Lake City --------- - 253

CHAPTER XX

In Labors Mohk Abundant ------ 273

CHAPTER XXI.
The Editor and Evangelist ------ 299

CHAPTER XXII.
Around the World. — England ----- 30s

CHAPTER XXIII.
Around the World. — Orient ------ 326

CHAPTER XXIV.
The End Cometh, and the Triumph - 350

PREFACE.

In compiling the life of Rev. John S. Inskip, we have
done little more than tell, in the plainest and most sim-
ple manner, the story of his eventful and useful career.
In doing this, our chief difficulty has been in sufficiently
compressing the material at our disposal into such lim-
its as to bring the volume within the means of the
masses who revere his memory, and would esteem it a
great pleasure to possess his " Life." To compass this
end, we have been obliged — very reluctantly — to pre-
sent a very meagre, and we fear, unsatisfactory account
of the National Camp-meetings conducted by Mr. Inskip.
We have been obliged, also, to omit much in his letters
and journals, which, for spirituality and interest, equal
anything to be found in these pages.

No attempt has been made at elegance in style, be-
lieving that the plain, unvarnished facts of the good
man's life would be much more acceptable to pious
readers. The most remarkable events in his life are of
so recent date, and so fresh in the memory of thousands,
that any other than the simplest statement of them
would be regarded as an attempt to make of them more
than the facts would justify. We are persuaded that

7

8

PREFACE.

no one who knew Mr. Inskip will charge us with over-
drawing the picture. His life was eventful, and much
of it reads like a romance ; but it is the romance of her-
culean effort and well-earned success, in the face of
strongly pronounced opposition.

The authors have divided their labor. Mr. Searles
has written of Mr. Inskip's " army life," and the evan-
gelistic trip to the Pacific Coast and Salt Lake, and his
pastoral labors in the New York East Conference, prior
to the time he entered into the experience of perfect
love.

We can but trust that the book will be read with
spiritual profit by thousands. Many will be stirred by
it to a better and holier life. If this should be the case,
the subject will rejoice in his heaven of bliss, and the
authors will be made glad during their brief earthly so-
journ. They have done the best they were able to dc
amidst pressing duties and enfeebled health, to furnish
a volume worthy of the subject. They have drawn no
portraiture of his character, but left the reader to pon-
der the simple fact of his life.

W. McDonald,
J. E. Searles.

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

CHAPTER I.

PARENTAGE. — BIRTH. — EARLY YEARS.

" We have higher authority than that of human evidence,"
says the author of the Life of Jeremy Taylor, " for asserting
that the Church of Christ is firmly founded upon a rock.
When assaulted either by infidelity on the one side, or hy-
pocrisy on the other ; when obscured by superstition, or
persecuted by force, its Divine Protector has successively
demonstrated the truth of His Word, that ' wisdom is justi-
fied of her children.' At such times of need, ' sons of the
prophets ' arose, endued with such power of mind, animated
with such grace, and armed with such weapons of erudition,
as to render them invincible to their present enemies, and
the admiration of succeeding times."

There have been marked periods of revival in the Church,
alternated, unhappily, by periods of spiritual declension.
When darkness has covered the earth, and thick darkness
the people, God has ever had His agents ready — made ready
by a deep, conscious enduement of spiritual power, for the
work of calling the people back to the life from which they
had fallen.

The agents whom God employs for special work, are
marked men, — men who seem, by special enduement, to be

9

10

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

leaders ; and who at once, by their superior adaptation, com-
mand public attention, and take their place, by general con-
sent, in the front ranks. Such a character was the subject
of the following memoir.

Rev. John S. Iuskip was born Aug. 10, 1816, in Huntin-
den, a small but historic town in England, situated on the
north bank of the River Ouse, about seventeen miles north-
west from Cambridge, and renowned in history as the birth-
place of Oliver Cromwell. In the vicinity are Brampton
Park and Hinchinbrook House, the ancient residence of the
Cromwell family. Here Oliver, with his youthful bride,
Elizabeth, daughter of Sir James Boucher, of Essex, resorted
in order that he might mend his ways, and lead a regular
and virtuous life.

Edward Inskip, the father of John, was born in Bedford-
shire, England, July 1, 17S8. He early removed to Huntin-
den, where in 1S10, he was married to Martha Swanel, a
native of that town, born April 15, 1794.

Of his ancestors, Mr. John S. Inskip says : " So far as I am
informed, I am happy to say, they were without rank or
title. They belonged to the honest yeomanry of their day.
There were among them several who took the impress of
their character from their neighbor, Oliver Cromwell. On
political and church questions, they were ' reformers.' One
of my uncles, who obtained some political celebrity, died in
the act of making a speech, at a reform meeting. They
were all ■' Dissenters.' "

Mr. Edward Inskip was reared in this town of Dissenters,
imbibing their principles and spirit. At the age of eigh-
teen, he professed faith in Christ, and for a time seemed to
be a sincere servant of God. But this religious interest did
not long continue. The cares of the world, the company of
the gay and thoughtless, with the influence of the unholy
example of some of the ministers of the Establishment,

PARENTAGE AND BIRTH.

11

which came under his observation, dampened his zeal, and
induced an utter distaste for religion in all its forms.

Mr. Inskip naturally became skeptical in his views, and
with his wife and only daughter, sought a home in France,
hoping to receive a fortune in that infidel land. But finding
business prospects very unpromising, he was under the ne-
cessity of returning to England. He finally concluded to
seek a home in America. Leaving John, then but four
years of age, with a relative, the family embarked for the
new world, landing in New York some time in the month of
September, 1820. They proceeded immediately to Phila-
delphia; but in consequence of the prevalence of the yellow
fever in that city, they concluded to go to Wilmington,
Del., where they resided for some years. The following
year, John joined the anxious parents, having crossed the
Atlantic in a ship, in care of some friend.

There were born unto Edward and Martha Inskip, fourteen
children, — three sons, and eleven daughters, seven of whom
dieil in infancy, including two sons, leaving John the only
male survivor. Of that large family, only three survive at
this writing (1884) : Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, of San Francis-
co ; Mrs. Martha S. Draper, and Mrs. Anna Laws, both of
Cincinnati, Ohio. Those who have departed, so far as we
are able to learn, have died in hope of a better life.

John S. Inskip, though coming to America at the early
age of five years, always retained a vivid recollection of
two things connected with the voyage — seasickness, and
the "figure-head" of the ship, representing a female form.
The first gave him a horrible idea of sea-life ; and the
second he could but regard as a spirit, placed there to keep
them from danger. He says : " It induced in me a belief in
spirits, and imparted an interest in the supernatural, which
lingers with me still." It seemed to absorb his thought.
He could not resist the inclination, at every favorable op-

12

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

portunity, to make his way forward and peep through any
opening which he could find, and gaze with admiration upon
that graceful female form. .

The name of the vessel in which he crossed the Atlantic,
was Elector. They entered the port of Philadelphia;
but, without going on shore, proceeded immediately to Wil-
mington, on board a steamboat which plied between the two
cities. This was the first steamboat that John had ever
seen, and in his youthful eyes it was a huge, a wonderful
affair.

In the transfer from the ship to the steamer, in a yawl,
by some mismanagement, the boat came near being swamped,
and he lost. It was only by the most dexterous efforts of the
strong oarsmen that he was saved from death. The father,
beholding the great peril, and the almost miraculous escape
of his son, sat down and wept, while othe. 3 exclaimed,
" Thank God, they are safe ! "

This introduction into the then " borough " of Wilming-
ton, was, to his youthful mind, an important event. The
thing which most attracted his attention, and which he ever
after remembered, was a " big wood-pile," the like of which
he had never witnessed before.

Prosperity, for a time, attended the father. His worldly
matters were in the most hopeful condition ; success attend-
ing every enterprise in which he engaged.

John was at once put to school, and seems to have re-
ceived his full share of corporeal discipline. " We certainly
got of this sort of thing," he says, " all that we wanted, if
we did not get all that we needed." He was not a vicious
boy, but very full of fun — so full that he could not " keep in,"
and because he could not restrain the outflow, it was thought
proper to drive it out by the use of the rod. Speaking, in
after life, of this sort of correction, he says : " The various
cruel and unreasonable modes of torture resorted to on the

EARLY TEARS.

13

part of some enraged schoolmasters, in the way of birch
exercises, or, by 'keeping in," while he endeavored to
gratify his revenge by tantalizingly striving to split a ruler
on the open hand, bruising or wearing out a bunch of ' rat-
tan ' on a tender part of the body, so outraged our sense of
propriety at that time, that more than once, we have needed to
pray for special grace, to feel precisely right in reference to
theBe ' old sores.' Some of my instructors were Quakers, and
some were Presbyterians. The cool and quiet manner in
which the one class performed the functions of their office,
was only excelled by the other, in that they seemed to do
it prayerfully." This being quietly, deliberately, and prayer-
fully chastised and punished after the style of those times,
was never pleasantly remembered by our friend, even in
mature life.

The father became more and more skeptical in his re-
ligious views ; as well he might, for Wilmington, at that
time, was, to some extent, a centre for free-thinking, and of
free-thinkers. Distinguished infidel lecturers visited the
town to enlighten the people on religious subjects. The
Hicksite division of the society of Friends occurring about
that time, created no little bitterness among them. Mr.
Inskip naturally took sides with the rationalistic wing,
which aided in pushing him further away and landing him
into confirmed infidelity, or, as nearly confirmed as this
class of doubters usually ate. At times he felt the force of
truth. Under an affecting appeal made to him by a clergy-
man of the town, he shed tears, and tacitly acknowledged
that he was in the wrong. Once when he was sick, and
thought to be nigh unto death, a female of the society of
Friends called to see and commune with him. She said,
" Edward, how is it with thee in regard to religious mat-
ters ? " " Oh," he responded, " all is dark ! I go, I know
not whither 1 Whether there is a hereafter or not, I can-

14

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

not tell. Awful doubt ! Tremendous suspense ! " And yet,
on his recovery, he added to his doubts, and continued to
make vigorous efforts to reconcile his opinions with what he
called " sober ideas of God."

The mother, who still retained a reverential regard for
he sacred Scriptures, was accustomed to gather her children
about her, especially on the Sabbath day, and have them
read the Bible, and learn the Lord's Prayer, etc. Sabbath
afternoon, while her husband was absent with his infidel
associates, was the time she selected for this service. On
the husband's approach, all was abandoned, as he would not
allow, if he could prevent it, the Bible to be read in his
house.

At one time John had a great desire to attend the Sab-
bath school, and asked permission of his mother to do so.
She replied that she would ask his father, but feared he
would not allow it. "When asked, he would not consent.
This caused John much regret and many tears.

About this time, Martha, one of the daughters, became
deeply interested in the subject of religion, under the
ministry of a Baptist clergyman of the town, and soon after
professed conversion. She was naturally gay and worldly ;
and she well knew that should she become a professed Chris-
tian, she would be frowned upon by the world, and, worse
than all, by her affectionate, but deluded father. Notwith-
tanding all these hindrances, she resolved to become a fol-
lower of Christ. The father, hearing of her purpose and
profession, with all the impious rage with which an utter
contempt of sacred things inflames a soul, said : " What ! a
daughter of mine visit such a place ! She become religious !
No, never ! " Addressing her, he said : " If you do, Miss,
you must know the consequences. You shall dwell no
longer under my roof. I will disown you forever." At
this, her heart was filled with deepest anguish, and she shed

EABLY YEARS.

15

many tears, but remained firm in her purpose, resolving to
follow the Lord Jesus, if to do so she must forsake home,
father, and all. He does not seem, in her case, to have
executed his threat. She subsequently became the wife of
a Baptist deacon, and, as her brother said, " There was no
such thing as turning her aside."

CHAPTER II.

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH SHOP.

Reverses in business forced Mr. Inskip to leave Wil-
mington. He removed to East Bradford, Chester Co.,
Pennsylvania, a rich and beautiful section of the Keystone
State. Here he was employed in buying and selling cattle.
The business of a drover not only took him from home
much of the time, but into rough and irreligious company,
where his infidel tendencies became more and more con-
firmed, and his opposition to religious truth and those who
professed it, more bitter and unrelenting. John, being
much of his time with his father, imbibed his sentiments, so
far as a boy of fourteen could understand them, and argued
for infidelity with all his natural impetuosity. But the
conversion of his sister, and of a day laborer on his father's
farm, a most desperate character, made a deep impression
upon his mind. He became persuaded that there must be
something supernatural in the religion of Jesus. And no
sooner did he become convinced of the truth of religion,
than his whole soul seemed eager to' know the experience.
Swearing, to which he had been, as he says, " most horribly
addicted," he determined to abandon, and was never after
heard to utter an oath. He had not attended church for
some two years, but he resolved that he would go the fol-
lowing Sabbath. And before the holy day arrived, he says,
a I never counted days and hours with such intense anxiety

1G

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH SHOP. 17

as I did those of the remaining part of that week." But
the Sabbath arrived, and he, with a sad heart, turned his
steps towards the little Methodist Church in Marshalton.
On that day Rev. J. S. Taylor preached. He so far entered
into the spirit of the meeting as to "feel quite happy."
Four years later he writes, " I am ofttimes led to believe
that then and there I experienced some of the love of
Christ; but for want of instruction I lost my enjoyment,
and was not able to regain it until the eventful moment
when I received the unclouded witness of the Spirit."

" Up to this time," he says, " I had made no disclosure of
the exercises of my mind to any human being, except an
Irish laborer who lived with my father. One Sabbath
evening as I was returning from meeting, I said to him :
' Robert, I have been very wicked, but I intend to try to do
better.' ' Och, mon,' said he, ' ye are nae sae bad.' ' 0 yes,
Robert, I have been h great sinner.' " He tells us that he
"still attended the means of grace," until he "saw the
exceeding sinfulness of sin." He even had a " strong in-
clination to become a member of the Methodist Society,
but was deterred from the course by the enemy of souls,"
who suggested that he was "too young," and that there
" was time enough yet."

Sabbath afternoon, April 10, 1832, while listening to an
impressive sermon preached in the meeting-house at
Marshalton, by Rev. Levi Scott, afterwards Bishop Scott,
from Luke xiv. 18 — "And they all with one consent began
to make excuse," — he was led to feel more profoundly his
need of Christ than ever before. The preacher searched all
hearts. " The remark which rested with the greatest weight
upon my mind," he says, " was the following : ' There is a
little boy here who says that he is too young.' These words
seemed to say, ' Thou art the one to whom the word of this
salvation is sent.' I went home with a determination that

18

LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSKIP.

I would come out on the Lord's side." In the evening he
returned to hear Rev. J. S. Taylor, and on his way fell in
company with a pious but greatly persecuted lady, who in-
vited him to remain until the close of the prayer-meeting.
He did not reach the church until after the preacher had
commenced his sermon. Following the sermon was the
"second meeting." Of this there are before me two
accounts written by Mr. Inskip. We give the substance of
both : 11 At the commencement of the prayer-meeting an
invitation was given for the mourners to come forward.
My heart was ready to break. I said to the lad who was
with me, 'Tom, I am going forward.' 'No, don't, John,' he
said. ' Yes, I will,' I replied. He then seemed to use some
force to deter me, and seeing this I broke away from him
and rushed through the crowd, and with the rest of the
penitents asked an interest in the prayers of God's people ;
and in less than one hour my soul was happy in a Saviour's
pardoning love. One of the brethren asked me if I thought
that the Lord had blessed me. I replied, ' Yes, I feel that
the Lord has comforted my soul.' He then asked me if I
would get up and tell the people what the Lord had done
for me. I answered him in the affirmative, and arose and
told my tale of joy. That night I joined the church, though
I was fully persuaded that my father would be much dis-
pleased with me for so doing."

In another account he gives some details which do not
appear in the first. While kneeling at the " mourner's
bench " two friends came to him to give him instruction
and encouragement — one, "Joseph Burton, a man of years,
and known as a most earnest and devout Christian ; and class-
leader." Mr. Inskip says : " As we waited, the old class-
leader knelt by my side and said, ' My lad, dost thou believe
in the Lord Jesus Christ ? ' My response was, yes. He
then inquired, ' Dost thou believe that the Lord Jesus

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH GIIOP. 19

Christ is able to save thee?' Without hesitation I an-
swered, yes. With increased emphasis he said, 'Dost thou
believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is willing to save thee ? "
My reply was, yes. Becoming more earnest in his manner
he asked, 'Dost thou believe He is able and willing to save
thee now ? ' My answer was ready and emphatic, yes. In
the most kind and solemn manner he said, ' Dost thou, my
lad, believe that the Lord Jesus Christ does save thee now ? '
I answered yes, and in an instant was on my feet, surprised,
but saved."

This was the beginning of not only a new life with our
young friend, but of the most trying tests of loyalty to
Jesus. He was well assured that his father would oppose
him, and likely expel him from his house. He says, " I
told the lady with whom I went to the meeting, that I knew
I must leave my parents' roof, and made arrangements with
her to stay in her family a few days while I might be seek-
ing a place in which I could learn a trade."

He reached his home late at night, to find the family, as
he supposed, all asleep. He retired, and slept sweetly, till
morning, when he arose, he tells us, " with a light heart," not-
withstanding the prospect of a storm near at hand. At the
breakfast table, the father said, " John, what made you stay
so late at the meeting, last night?" His only answer was,
that he " wished to see it all out." Nothing more was
said on the subject, at that time.

He joined the church as a probationer, on the night of
his conversion, but did not communicate the fact to his
mother until the following Thursday evening. He then
told her frankly that he had joined the Methodists. " Well,
indeed," she said, "I am very sorry, as all your religion
will be over in a few days. You are too young ; and you
have not weighed the matter seriously." But his sister
Martha, who was at home on a visit, encouraged him.

20

I LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

" John," she said, " watch and pray, and no doubt you will
be able to hold out to the end." His mother remarked, that
she could not tell what his father might say about it when
he learned that he had joined the Methodists. "But I
felt," he says, " that the grace of God would be sufficient
for me." The mother communicated the gloomy tidings to
her husband, that his only son had become a Methodist.
He seemed greatly surprised and afflicted, but said nothing
to John in reference to it for several months. So the lad's
expectations of being cast out, were not realized.

" I soon began," he says, " to feel that it was my duty to
exhort sinners to flee from the wrath to come, which I did,
now and then, and with some success." He seems to have
been a Boanerges from the beginning. He attended meet-
ings on all occasions, and did much earnest praying and ex-
horting.

One or two instances will illustrate the spirit with which
he and others labored, and the power which attended their
efforts. " Rev. J. B. Ayers had preached one of his charac-
teristic sermons," says Mr. Inskip, " in which he gave rum-
selling a terrible scathing. He urged us to pray that God
would, in some way, deliver the neighborhood from the
awful and destructive abomination. One of the very worst
kind of taverns was kept close to the church. Frequently
the proprietor would encourage the young men to drink to
intoxication. Then they would come to our meetings, and
some times greatly disturb and annoy us. We were admon-
ished to pray that he might be awakened and converted, or
that God, in some way, would destroy his capability for
mischief. The appeal was a powerful one, and produced on
my mind a wonderful impression. I seemed to be entirely
absorbed with the sentiment and aim of the sermon, and es-
pecially with the proposition to pray. Stimulated by the
appeal, I knelt down, and so did all the people. An unusual

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH SHOP. 21

sense of the presence of God pervaded the congregation. I
remember only a small portion of the prayer I was led to
offer. After referring to the wrongs we had endured, and
the terrible damage that was being done by the rum-seller,
I cried out to God to undertake for us. That was a common
mode of giving expression to any special earnestness of soul
that might come upon us. So I proceeded to pray, '0
Lord, undertake for us, and make bare Thy holy arm !
Take hold of this man who is destroying all about him.
We beseech Thee, 0 God, to awaken and convert him ; but
if he will not consent to this, break him up, or kill him.'
The responses to the prayer were amazing. It was a time
of wonderful power. That prayer was heard and answered.
In a manner we cannot stop to detail, the Almighty over-
whelmed this man's business. He was sold out by the
sheriff, and died a death of utter horror and despair. Swift
and fearful vengeance does sometimes overtake the wicked
in their mad career."

Another instance of persistent prayer will be read with
interest. He describes the conversion of one Morgan
Massey, on this wise : —

" There was a saddler's shop on the highway near our home,
kept by one Titus Gheen, who became greatly exercised
concerning his soul. I had been in the habit of going into
a corn-field near by, to pray, and sometimes my private de-
votions took a more boisterous and public form, than my
more matured judgment would approve. In one instance he
overheard me, and asked the privilege of accompanying me
the next time I might go there ; a proposition to which I
readily assented. Profane persons who passed by, over-
heard us, as we wept and prayed together. It was soon re-
ported all over the country that 'John Inskip had taken
Titus Gheen into the corn-field, and put the bars up, and the
devil couldn't get in.' Whether or not all the report was

22

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

correct and true, I can't stop to inquire, but I do know, in
the affair that occurred in the saddler's shop, the Evil One was
excluded, and completely overcome. Morgan Massey callt-d
about the noon hour, and I was having a pleasant social
season with the saddler and his family. He said, ' John,
I am in great trouble. The devil has been pursuing me all
day. I began to pray in the house, and he was there. Then
I went away out into the woods, and knelt down and tried
to pray, but could not, for the devil was there. Now I have
come here to know what to do, for I am in great distress,
and can't stand it much longer.' I responded, the Lord will
help you, and bless you. Deeming him, as well as the other
man, greatly in earnest, I closed the door, and said to the sad-
dler's wife and sister, who were Christians, and who had
just come in, ' We are about to pray for these two men, and
if you wish to join me in doing this, we will lock the door
and it shall never be opened again until these men are con-
verted. They looked with astonishment as I proceeded to-
ward the door, and turned the key. I commenced singing
' Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,' and then invited them
to come to the altar, extemporized for the occasion out of
two 'saddlers' horses,' or work-benches, at hand. They
came forward and knelt down, and I prayed and sang until
far on in the afternoon, the wife and sister taking their
turns. The saddler ultimately came out wonderfully clear,
and declared that God had saved him. The other continued
to agonize and struggle, and finally, seemed to be without
hope. I exhausted my fund of information and expedients
for the encouragement of the seeker, but all was of no avail.
I sang and prayed and wept and called on the Almighty for
help. But no help seemed to be at hand, and sinking down
into a state of utter despair, he ceased to pray. As I looked
at the probabilities of the case, the prospect for a good
long stay in that saddler's shop, was becoming more assured

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH SHOP. 23

than was desirable. As I sat musing and inquiring what
next to do, Massey lifted up his face, and with an expres-
sion of awful determination, exclaimed, '0 Lord, if you
will bless me, I'll join meeting ! ' To join the Methodist
Church there and then, meant something, a good deal more
than it does now. With him it was the last struggle — the
final test of earnestness and fidelity. He had scarcely fin-
ished the declaration before he commenced clapping his
hands, and shouted, 1 Glory, glory, glory to God, I'm saved ! '
More persons than he, shouted ; yea, verily, ' shouted a great
shout,' as the Scriptures have it. He 'joined meeting,' and
has continued steadfast unto this day. He is one of the
class-leaders at the Grove."

He describes a Sunday-school anniversary in which he
and others took part, which differed essentially from many
of a more modern type. He says, " We had no platform,
no instruments of music, no particular adorning or dressing
for the occasion. All of us were too religious for anything
of that kind. The people came in great crowds, and all
seemed wonderfully interested. There was much prayer in
our preparation. Our 'pieces' were pretty much all poetic.
Billy Elliot spoke the hymn commencing,

'There is a land of pleasure,
Where streams of joy forever roll.'

It was a very exciting address. The people wept and
shouted for joy. Matty Arlett spoke a poem on the judg-
ment, taken from an old Methodist magazine, and we were
all moved to the very depths of our being. God was with
us in great power. The work of conversion went fouward
with increasing interest and power on account of this cele-
bration. It was a real 'means of grace' to old and young.
In fact, there" were no old or young people among us. We
were all old and all young. The patriarchs among us looked

24

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

with deepest interest and affection upon the junior members
of the flock. It was a true home for us all. It mattered not
whether we were at camp-meeting, in the ordinary church
congregation, or at Sabbath-school, all was alike spiritual
and truly religious. I don't expect to see another such a
a band in this vale of tears."

In the spring of 1833, the Inskip family removed to
another part of Chester County, known as Goshen. Here
John united with the Grove M. E. Church by letter, and at
once entered into active service. This church seems to
have been blessed with an active, earnest company of godly
men and women. Speaking of them, Mr. Inskip says : " The
Grove contained a host of, young men, who were accustomed
to hold prayer-meetings, and in various ways labor for the
good of souls." He received, from this church, license to
exhort, and right royally did he exercise the gift.

About this time he attended his first camp-meeting, which
was held in " Squire " McCurdy's woods. The company
* gathered at Bro. Hill's residence, and started loDg before
daybreak, with a ' big wagon,' and a first-class Chester
County team of horses." The tent, furniture, baggage, and
some of the sisters, were crowded into the wagon, and the
strong and more healthy ones walked. "The entire ex-
pense," he says, " was less than one dollar each for the
trip." This was camp-meeting fifty years ago. He repre-
sents it as a "wonderful meeting." It was a rough neigh-
borhood, aud people of the " baser sort " came in crowds.
Among the persons converted at this meeting was John
McColley, a noted pugilist, who became an active helper,
and accompanied Billy Elliot — afterwards, Rev. William
Elliot — and our youthful exhorter, on many an adventurous
trip to save souls. The trio, McColley, Elliot, and Inskip,
made a strong prayer-meeting band, and they went wherever
there was an open door, and men to be saved.

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH SHOP. 25

Though the country was thickly settled, there was not a
Methodist, nor a professor of religion, within a mile of his
father's house ; and the subject of religion was seldom ever
mentioned. The nearest class-meeting was nearly three
miles away, and though he was obliged to walk, his place
was seldom vacant. He felt the necessity of being punctual
in all his religious duties, lest the enemy get the advantage
of him.

Mr. McColley and John Inskip commenced holding
prayer-meecings in a small house, which, he says, was not
more than fifteen feet square. " The people came out in
great numbers to hear what these babblers had to say." As
many as could do so, crowded into the house, to whom these
youthful exhorters declared the counsel of God. Six per-
sons were converted, which aroused the spirit of evil. The
owner of the house informed the lady who occupied it, that
unless she " cleaned those Methodists out," she must vacate
the house. She was a poor, dependent widow, and for her
sake they withdrew, and were without a place of worship. It
was then that they betook themselves to prayer for Divine
help. A place of worship they greatly needed, and they
firmly believed that in some way God would answer their
prayers.

We give the history of their success in Mr. Inskip's own
words : " On the farm belonging to our family, was a black-
smith shop. It had been used as such for over fifty years.
It stood immediately on the highway, and was presented to
my mind, as a suitable place for meetings. At once we com-
menced praying to God, that my infidel father might be in-
duced to allow us to use the smith-shop for religious pur-
poses. After asking, for days together, Divine aid and
guidance, I went, with much of anxious feeling, and made
known my request. My father was incensed, and would
have spurned me away ; but he feared to do this, and

20

LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSKIP.

simply responded, " I will talk to your mother about it."
Of course I knew that meant success. So I prayed more
and more fervently. When alone, the old gentleman said
to mother, 'My dear, John wants the smith-shop, to hold
meetings in. What do you think of it?' She promptly
responded, ' Let him have it, by all means. If he don't get
something to keep him home, he will kill himself running
about to hold meetings elsewhere.' That settled the ques-
tion, and in due course of time, I received a favorable
answer to my request. I at once commenced preparatory
operations. These I joyfully pursued, for weeks, alone, and
at length succeeded in getting matters into shape, to war-
rant the circulation of notice through the neighborhood of
an opening service. I wrote, and nailed up on trees and
gate-posts, in prominent position, the following placard:
' There will be meeting in Inskip's blacksmith shop this
evening, at early candle-light.' A great crowd gathered.
Watson, Brown, Few, McColley, Elliot, Johns, and many
others, were there. Good slab seats had been provided,
which a neighbor kindly made for the occasion. The
earth floor was covered with tan, and this, with some six
inches of the purest, best rye-straw that ever grew. The place
was heated with an old-fashioned large ten-plate stove.
Light was obtained from ' dipped candles,' stuck on the
black walls, relieved by a bountiful use of the white-wash
brush. It was a great meeting. I was as happy as if I
had succeeded in building a cathedral. I lived to see eighty
souls converted in this place."

The father, in granting the use of the shop, imposed one
condition. They were not to hold their meetings after
nine o'clock at night.

This was late in the fall of 1833, and they continued
their meetings during the winter without any special mani-
festations of grace. In the following spring of 1834, a

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH SHOP. 27

society was organized, consisting of thirteen members.
Jolin McColley was appointed leader. Soon after the
organization of the society, a very gracious revival of re-
ligion broke out among the people in the neighborhood,
extending to all classes. Among the subjects of this
revival were two of Mr. Inskip's sisters.

" On hearing of the conversion of my sisters," says Mr.
Inskip, " the wrath of my father was so great that he
seemed like one quite beside himself. My mother retired
into her room to weep over her misfortunes. ' Ah me ! ' she
cried out, ' I thought that as my daughters were growing up
to womanhood, they would in a short time become an honor
and a comfort to me ; but now all is over ; they have gone
after those silly Methodists, and are ruined forever. Oh,
wretched woman that I am ; my fond hopes all blasted, and
I must spend the remnant of my days on earth in misery.' "

The father, on learning the facts in the case, resolved
upon desperate measures. He conferred with some of his
j infidel friends as to what he had better do, but found
that they could not agree as to the best measures to be
adopted to rid the neighborhood of the pernicious influence
which the meetings at the blacksmith shop were exerting.
An elderly lady said to him, " Edward, thee had as well let
them alone. They will do as they please, anyhow. They
have got my daughter, and I don't know how to help it."
But this counsel only increased his wrath, and made him,
if possible, more determined than ever to put an end to it.
Addressing John, he said, " This thing has gone too far, and
must now stop. You were not satisfied with beiDg a fool
yourself, and disgracing your own character, but you must
draw your innocent sisters into the same snare, and you
have thereby brought a lasting stigma upon their reputa-
tion. What ! my daughters become Methodists ? Why, it
is the heaviest curse that could have come upon me ! " " My

28

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

parents then went into a room by themselves," says John,
" in order to determine as to the best plan by which to ex-
tricate their daughters from the dilemma into which they
Lad been decoyed. The result of their deliberation was as
follows : My sisters were to be locked up in a room, and not
allowed to attend the Methodist meetings any more. The
meetings in the blacksmith shop were to be discontinued.
My father was to go around and get the neighbors to sign a
request that there should be no more Methodist meetings in
the neighborhood. Lastly, I, their only son, was to have
my clothes packed up, and be banished from my parents'
roof."

When the final decision was made known to John, his
only response was, " Father, by the grace of God, I'll save
my soul." The father meant what he said, and so did the
son. They parted for the night — the son to sleep sweetly,
and the father to find little or no rest.

Morning came, and with it no change in father or son.
Before leaving, John retired to the barn to pray that this
sin might not be laid to his father's charge. His father
happened to overhear him pleading for the salvation of his
erring, deluded parent, and became so enraged as to express
the wish that the barn might take fire and burn his son and
all that the barn contained.

This was a trying hour for a boy of sixteen ; but he
passed through it bravely. He says, " Before I left I en-
couraged my sisters to maintain their integrity, and not to
fear." He turned his back upon his infidel home, and his
face towards the wide, wide world, trusting alone in Jesus.
"As soon as I got out of sight of my home, and realized
that I had the honor of suffering for Christ, there came
upon my spirit a jubilee of gladness and victory no words
can express. I wept and shouted, and sang that beautiful
song, —

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH SHOP. 29

" ' O, how happy are they
Who their Saviour obey,
And have laid up their treasures above,' &c.

" I was full of music and full of joy. No hour of all my
life had been more crowded with the real bliss of God's
salvation. There was not a tinge of sadness, not a solitary-
moment of regret. On and on I went, singing and re-
joicing in the Lord. As I went along the road, an elderly
lady, connected with the society of Friends, saw me coming,
and hearing my song, at once seemed to know something
unusual had occurred, and said to me, ' John, what's the
matter ? where's thee going ? ' My answer was, ' Oh,
nothing. Father has driven me away, and I am going to
Brother Hill's, my class-leader, to ask his advice. Glory to
God, I'm turned out for Christ's sake ! ' Then, starting on
my journey, I continued singing, —

" ' Jesus all the day long,
Is my joy and my song,
O that all His salvation might see,' " &c.

That song, and that journey, will be remembered forever.

It was his purpose to apprentice himself to learn some
useful trade, but God had other and nobler work for him.
He returned the following day to have a final understanding
of matters, and procure the few clothes which belonged to
him. " But lo ! " he says, " what a change ! I beheld a
great deal of tenderness and seriousness in the counte-
nances of my parents. The storm of rage and unnatural
grief had passed away, and a pleasing, thoughtful calm had
taken its place. With a heavenly smile, and with eyes full
of heavenly joy, my sisters informed me that they had
heard father say to mother that he intended to lead a new
life." But nothing seems to have passed between them of
special note until, " in the evening, with considerable agi-

30

LIFE OF JOHN S. mSKIP.

tation, the father said, ' John, we must have prayers in the
family ; I will read and you must pray.' " He read the
fifty-third chapter of Isaiah, and while reading became so
much affected that he was obliged to stop and give vent to
his feelings in profuse weeping. John prayed, as might be
expected, with great faith and fervor.

"We continued our family devotions," says John, "for
several days before my father found any relief. His dis-
tress of mind finally became so great that I thought it was
necessary to send for Bro. McColley and his wife, in order
to hold a private prayer-meeting for his special benefit.
Bro. McColley came, according to iequest. As soon as he
came, my father introduced the subject of religion, and in a
little while said, ' We ought to have some prayers.' Bro.
McColley then went to prayer, and prayed very fervently.
He then called upon me to pray, which I accordingly did.
After I had closed, my father said, ' Now I will try and
pray.' His prayers were answered, and the man who had
been an accomplished and persevering opponent of Chris-
tianity for many years, was then and there made a new
creature in Christ Jesus, and felt the blessedness of revealed
religion."

To say that the company felt inexpressible joy, would be
saying as little as could be said. John and the two sisters
could scarcely contain themselves, so great was their joy at
the change in the father. But the mother was in deeper
trouble than ever. She saw her husband and children
happy in a sense of God's pardoning love, and yet felt no
hope or peace of soul. She was yet a stranger to God.
But she importuned God to save her, until a few nights
later, about twelve o'clock, she fancied she heard the Lord
speak to her in an audible voice, saying, " Come, and let us
reason together ; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall
be white as snow; and though they be red like crimson,

CONVERSION, AND THE BLACKSMITH SHOP. 31

they shall be as wool." That moment her burden left her,
and she received the witness of her acceptance with Christ.
The next morning, during family worship, she confessed the
change which she had experienced during the previous
night.

These conversions revolutionized the household. The
parents became members of the Methodist Church. The
father became a class-leader and licensed exhorter, and the
mother became one of those quiet but regular Methodists,
whose experience was uniform, and whose whole life was a
loving exemplification of the power of grace.

The work continued to go forward in the blacksmith
shop — which they named " Mount Joy " — until there
were more than sixty members in the society. The old
shop was soon converted into a neat little meeting-house,
and became one of the regular appointments on Radner
Circuit.

CHAPTER III.

THE YOUNG CIRCUIT RIDER.

Mr. Inskip seems to have been early impressed with a
Divine call to the work of the Gospel ministry. His edu-
cation had been only such as could be secured in those
times in the common schools. His father, now that he had
become a Christian, anxious to give his son every advan-
tage possible to fit him for his life work, arranged to send
him to college. Mr. Inskip gives no account of his connec-
tion with Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., and yet it is
evident that he spent some time there, but how long, we
have no means of determining. The following letter, written
to those whom he loved at one time much better than he
loved his own parents, throws some light upon this subject.
Mr. Burton was the old class-leader who directed him to
Jesus when he was earnestly seeking the Lord. The letter
is as follows : —

"Carlisle, Cum. Co., Pa., Jan. 81, 1835.

" My dear Father and Mother in the Gospel of Christ, — I am now
seated for the purpose of communicating a few lines which I have
not the least doubt will afford you a measure of comfort and consola-
tion while traveling in the way of the kingdom. You did at one
time appear to me as my only true parents in the world. When I was
at your house, and then alone, I felt at home. My soul always re-
joiced to come and stay with you. Thank God, although I have been
separated from you for some time, yet still I feel that principle of
love towards you, that I trust will never be destroyed either in this
world, or in the world to come. Although you do not now seem the
32

THE YOUNG CIRCUIT RIDER.

33

only parents I have in the world (as my riatural parents are now con-
verted), yet still I love you the same. You have been a great blessing
to my soul. May God reward you for your kindness to me. I thank
God that I am still trying to serve my Master, and do His will.

" While I am adding to my literary knowledge, my prayer still is,
Lord, increase my knowledge of Thy way and of my own heart. I
have for some length of time been struggling after holiness of heart.
Last night, in the time of family worship, after prayers my room-mate
went up stairs and commenced prayer in secret to God. I quickly
followed him, and I commenced struggling after the blessing of sanc-
tification. I began to conclude that I never should be better prepared
to receive this blessing than at the present moment. My faith began
to increase, and I laid hold on the promise of God, and my poor soul
emerged into the liberty of the Gospel. I am now enabled to say,
•The blood of Jesus cleanseth me from all unrighteousness.' I now
feel I have that hope which maketh not ashamed. Glory be to God!
I know that at this m,oment, while I am writing, that I enjoy this
inestimable blessing. I feel it in my soul. Oh ! glory be to my God !
Help to praise the Lord for what He has done for my soul. We have
good meetings in Carlisle at present. I think that seven or eight
souls have been soundly converted to God. The work has commenced
among the students of the college. All around in this region of the
country the Lord is reviving His work in a powerful manner. Oh
that God would speak with His awakening voice in the neighborhood
of Marshalton! It is still dear to me. You have no need of any dis-
couragement, for the Lord of hosts is your friend. The reason of my
writing this letter is, that by humble profession in the fear of God, I
may not be so easily overcome by the enemy. I will now conclude
with asking you to pray for me that I may be enabled to do the whole
will of my Master. And may God bless and save you eternally, for
His mercy's sake. Amen.

" John S. Inskip, to J. S. Burton.

"P. S — Remember me to Brother Mills and Brother S. Quimby.
Although I suppose that brother has only just received my last letter.
Do, please, write to me as soon as possible. I shall be much pleased
to hear from you all. Remember me to Brother Parrish and all
inquiring friends."

This letter reveals two important facts in Mr. Inskip's

34

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

life, — first, that he was, for a time, a student in Dickin-
son College ; and secondly, that at this early period in his
life he experienced the blessing of heart purity.

It does not appear that he remained long in college. It
is doubtful if he was there so long as a single year. His
father's financial circumstances, it is presumed, would not
allow of a longer stay.

So soon as he left college, the work of the ministry was
again pressed upon his attention. It was understood at
that time, that whoever entered upon this important work
must be conscious of a Divine call. For months previous,
he had been engaged in calling sinners to repentance. He
now felt that his whole life should be devoted to this work.
In this decision, he was not influenced by mercenary
motives, for such motives did not often exist in those times.
He who became a Methodist preacher, went forth "without
purse or scrip," and seldom with " two coats ; " feeling " woe
is me, if I preach not the Gospel."

That the church might discern the fitness of candidates
for the work of the ministry, they were first licensed to
" exhort." He who was not a successful " exhorter," would
never, in the estimation of the church of those times, be-
come a successful preacher. So, by the advice of the class
of which he was a member, and which he had been the
main instrument in raising up, he was duly licensed to ex-
hort. If in this relation he evinced "gifts, grace, and
usefulness," he would be advanced to a higher grade — that
of a " local preacher."

Before receiving license to preach, it was necessary, in
order that the official brethren might be able to judge cor-
rectly of the candidate's abilities and promise, that he
preach what were called "trial sermons," at different ap-
pointments on the circuit. Having passed this ordeal, he
was recommended in due form to the quarterly conference

THE YOUNG CIRCUIT RIDER.

35

for license to preach. He says, " Bev. John Potts was the
presiding elder of the district, and Rev. J. Edwards and
Kev. R. E. Morrison were the circuit preachers. These
three kindly took supervision of my matters ; and sustained
and directed by them, I commenced my ministerial life."

Mr. Inskip's license bears date of May 23, 1835, and is
signed by J. Potts, presiding elder, and S. Ayars, secretary.

No sooner had our young exhorter received license to
preach, than a field of labor was opened to him, which he
eagerly embraced as from the Lord. It was the common
custom, in those times, for young preachers to travel for one
year, at least, under the presiding elder. Before being
formally introduced to his circuit work, and before his " fit-
out" was secured, he attended a quarterly meeting at a
place called Coventry, of which he gives the following
amusing account : —

"Brother William Elliot, as a special friend, proposed to
accompany me to the quarterly meeting. We had an event-
ful journey, the most romantic part of which was a novel
mode of travel, to which the exigencies of the case reduced
us. It must be remembered this trip was taken before we
were regularly 'fitted out" for the itinerancy. We bor-
rowed a horse in one place, and a 'gig' in another. The
' gig ' was ancient, and the horse was ' balky.' But we
went along quite comfortably, and employed our time in
talking of the kingdom of God in us, and singing the songs
of Zion. We were, indeed, having a delightful time, when
at the foot of a long hill, the horse stood still, sullenly still.
A gentle reminder that we had not yet reached our ' stop-
ping place,' seemed to make no impression whatever, except
to induce the horse to go first on one side of the road, and
then to the other, with a general inclination to go back-
wards. This suggested the idea of 'backing up' the hill.
So we, practicing a little guile, made an impression that we

36

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

wanted the horse to go the other way. In attempting this
stroke of policy, we succeeded in doing two things. We
got up the hill, and cured the horse of all propensity to
'back.' Horses, like men, may sometimes 'be filled with
their own ways.' At any rate, this horse didn't want to
back up hill any more.

" On arriving at the quarterly meeting, I was surprised and
almost overwhelmed, to be invited and urged to preach. I
can't remember the text. It was, however, a wild time.
The preacher was scared, really scared out of all command
of his thoughts or feelings. The people looked on with
wonder, and throughout the service there was a decidedly
good state of feeling. But the preacher sat down, amid the
shouts and tears of the people, completely exhausted, and
was about as much alarmed as a 'runaway horse.' It was
the most desperate 'double quick' movement I ever made.
My utterance was rapid, and from the beginning to the end
of that thirty-five minutes' operation, I rushed ahead with a
speed which startles me even at this remote period I am
amazed that I did not break down before I fully started on
my career. In regard to this rapid, rushiug movement, I
had a few bad examples, which may have had some influence
upon me. But I attribute the whole to the fact that I was
frightened. It was an unfortunate habit, which liugered
with me for years, but I was finally relieved of it entirely,
by the good counsel and kind co-operation of a local
preacher."

There was needed, on the Springfield Circuit, Philadel-
phia Conference, a third preacher. " The circuit," he tells
us, "was located mainly in Chester County, but included
portions of the counties of Lancaster and Berks." He
was tendered the position, and ordered to report for duty to
the preacher in charge, Bev. Win. Torbert, who resided at
Springfield, the leading village on the circuit. " My good

THE YOUNG CIRCUIT RIDER.

37

mother, with characteristic anxiety, inquired of the elder :
'Where will my son board ? ' He good-naturedly replied :
'Among the people.' I was accordingly supplied with a
good horse and all the needed equipments, prominent among
which were a good pair of ' saddle bags ' and a set of
' overalls.' The morning I left home was an eventful one.^
As I mounted my good steed, and everything was properly
arranged for starting, a thrill of holy joy came in upon my
soul, which has never since entirely departed. I felt fully
assured T was thus answering to the call of God. My
redeemed father stood by my side, and as I paused a mo-
ment to adjust my equipments, with tearful eye he looked
up, and taking me by the hand, with great emotion ex-
claimed : ' God bless you, my son ! ' The mother and
sisters had given me their parting blessing, and as I broko
away, my weeping father waved another 'good-by.' The
neighbors were at hand, and all seemed to participate in the
excitement and interest of the occasion. As I moved on
my way, and the distance between me and home increased,
I became sober and thoughtful, but not sad or despondent.
What visions of the unknown future came into my mind, I
cannot tell. I only remember that my heart and mind
were filled with the idea that at last I had become an
itinerant preacher, and henceforth would be a homeless
sojourner in this vale of tears. There was an inspiration
and enthusiasm awakened within me that made my heart
beat with hallowing emotions. A consciousness of complete
and eternal dedication to the work of God, lifted me above
all fear and care. I was peaceful and triumphant as I rode
along, and could truthfully say : —

" ' His only righteousness I show,
His saving truth proclaim;
"lis all my business here below,
To cry — behold the Lamb I

38

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Happy if with my latest breath

I may but gasp His name,
Preach Him to all, and cry in death,

Behold! behold the Lamb!' "

Eev. Wm. Torbert was preacher-in-charge. Rev. Allen
John was the "junior," and our young itinerant the
" supply."

The preacher in charge of the new circuit, was a man in
advanced life ; the " junior " was a young man ; and though
slow of speech, it seems that he and the " supply " affili-
ated finely, and worked harmoniously. Their first extra
"three-days meeting" was held by the young men at
Churchtown, a very wicked village, where very strong
prejudices existed against the Methodists. There being no
church or other proper place for holding such a meeting,
they were offered a lar^e room in the " tavern," which they
gladly accepted. The landlord was kind and attentive, and
offered them every reasonable facility. The bar-room
patrons were notified that there was a " meeting " in the
house, and that if they cared to do so, they could attend.
All concerned, it seems, acted in good faith, and the ser-
vices proceeded with the utmost decorum. At each service
seekers were invited to an altar extemporized for the
purpose. A goodly number were converted. Mr. Inskip
gives an account of the closing services: —

"We had a glorious love-feast on Sunday morning, and
preaching throughout the day. The culmination of things
was reached at night. The 'ball-room' was packed, yes,
we may truly say, packed with people. Sinners came to
the altar seeking God. Among the rest was the daughter
of an elderly widow lady. The intelligence was soon con-
veyed to the mother that her daughter had gone forward for
prayers. In the wildest manner possible she rushed out of
her house, and ran through the street and passed into the

THE YOUNG CIRCUIT RIDER.

39

' ball-room,' frantically crying out, ' I want my daughter !
give me my daughter!' &c. I endeavored to quiet her, but
it was a vain endeavor, and gesticulating in the most violent
manner she added, ' I will have my daughter ! she is my
daughter, and I will have her ! ' She proceeded to carry her
threat into execution. By a sudden inspiration we saw our
opportunity, and directed one of the brethren to lock the
(ioor. This done, we appealed to all present to pray for
this misguided woman. All knelt and cried mightily to
God in her behalf. She stood a few moments, and seemed
stricken with terror. She made her way to the door and
endeavored to get out, but could not. The people kept on
praying for her, and some made the most startling appeals
to her concerning her wickedness and peril. She again
made the effort to get out of the room, and cried out at the
top of her voice, ' Let me out ! let me out ! I don't want my
daughter ! let me out ! ' The door was unlocked and she
hurried home. The daughter remained and was saved."

Cm one part of the circuit but few of the people could
speak English. They very generally spoke German, or, as
it was called, Pennsylvania Dutch. Mr. Inskip says : —

" In one instance a clerical friend suggested to me that I
ought to learn the German language. He averred that it
was full of thunder and lightning. Enamored with his de-
scription, I procured a grammar, and commenced the study
of the German. Another literary friend, happening t<j
notice what I was doing, said, jokingly, ' That will be of no
use to you. The people hereabouts use Pennsylvania
Dutch, and all you need to do to learn that is simply to put
a hot potato in your mouth, and try to talk English.' It
was a mistake to perpetrate such a joke, for it was attended
by consequences which I now deeply regret. I abandoned
the study of that language, missed my opportunity, and it
has never returned."

40

LIFE OF JOHN a. INSE1P.

At Morgantown, a very pleasant appointment on the cir-
cuit, they had great success. " The work of God," he says,
" broke out wondrously. We had some truly awful seasons
of awakening and converting power." " Preachers then went
into the pulpit burdened with a message concerning the
doom of the wicked, and the judgment of the great day,
and spoke to the people in a language which seemed like a
'fiery blast.' We were fully persuaded that the people
would be forever damned, if they did not get converted.
In one instance, I remember to have portrayed the fearful
depths of woe, and a young man, prominent, and well-known,
arose, and hurried out of the congregation. I called out to
him as he left, ' Stop, sinner, the worst is over, wait and
hear the balance of our story.' He simply replied, ' I'll see
you again.' I proceeded, and finished my discourse. In
the prayer-meeting that followed, there was a time long to
be remembered. A large number were converted. At the
close of the services, our friend, who had left in a pet, re-
turned in a rage. Rushing toward me, and shaking his fist
nearer to my face than was agreeable or becoming, he wrath-
f ully inquired, 1 What business had you to insult me ? ' I
mildly answered, 'You, dear sir, are mistaken. No insult
has been given to you.' ' Yes,' he cried, ' there has. You
menaced me, and called me a sinner.' I responded, 'There
was no insult designed. You have insulted us, and insulted
God's house. But get down on your knees, and we will
pray for you." The people, with great unanimity and
earnestness, joined in prayer, and implored Divine mercy
and forgiveness. The poor fellow stood his ground but a
few moments, and fled. He could not endure to be prayed for
any more than he could bear to be called a sinner. His as-
sociates laughed at him, and he never had courage to look
me in the face again. The work went forward, and in the
midst of much opposition, the truth triumphed, and God
was glorified."

THE YOUNG CIRCUIT RIDER.

41

In this manner the work went on during the year. A
large number were converted in different parts of the cir-
cuit, and at the close of the year he received a recommen-
dation for admission into the "regular work." This recom-
mendation was given by both the Springfield and Radnor
Circuits.

The conference met that year in Philadelphia. He was
duly admitted to the conference on trial, and was appointed
to Cecil Circuit, with Rev. Edward Kennard, preacher in
charge. Like all young preachers, he had a most profound
interest in the reading of the appointments.

"When the bishop 'read out' the appointments on the
occasion referred to, of the two hundred preachers who re-
ceived them, except the presiding elders, who had aided in
making them, scarcely a man had even an 'inkling' of
where he was to be sent. There had been no previous 4 ne-
gotiations ' between the preacher and the people. A week
and more they had waited and prayed that God might direct
in their appointments, and when they were announced, with
tearful eye and trembling heart, they received them as from
the Lord. There was a huge crowd present that night, and
everybody seemed to partake of the interest of the hour.
The bishop had proceeded a long distance in ' reading oui,'
when he said, ' Cecil, Edward Kennard, John S. Inskip.'
How much I was startled I cannot tell. I was in the midst
of my amazement, endeavoring to realize my situation, when
a brother of benign countenance, with characteristic frank-
ness and warmth, grasped my hand, and said, 'Brother
John, it seems you and I are to be colleagues this confer-
ence year.' It was Brother Kennard, as honest and true
and devoted a man as I have ever met."

Cecil Circuit was considered, at that time, a small circuit,
including New Castle, Newark, Newport, Christiana, Salem,
Flint Hill, Gliff's, Cherry Hill, and Union. There was no

42

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

home prepared for the young preacher, and the stewards
had no money with which to provide one. The whole cir-
cuit was a home, and the preacher's home was wherever
night overtook him.

Mr. Inskip was not the man to continue long in this mode
of life. He sighed for a home, and for a partner who
should share his joys and his trials. It happened that the
General Conference, about this time, removed the restrictions
upon young preachers getting married until they had
travelled for a certain number of years. As no one can tell
the story as well as Mr. Inskip, we shall allow him to relate
the circumstances of his marriage. It was an event which
had much to do with his happiness and usefulness, and one
to which he often referred with manifest delight. In fact,
no one could be in his company very long without being
convinced that he was supremely satisfied.

In describing this important event, he says : —
" Father Ryder called my attention to this fact, and
facetiously observed, ' John, you can hunt a colleague when-
ever you wish.' True, he did not use exactly these words.
He really said, 'you can get married when you wish.' I
think the good old man supposed he was conveying some
information I had not in possession. But he was mistaken,
for a fact in which I was so deeply interested, could not
very well have occurred without coming to my notice before
he named it. In the conversation that ensued, the veteran
took occasion to say, ' I advise all young ministers to get
married.' I understood the remark to be directed to me,
and considered, and afterwards interpreted it to be the
advice I was directed by the Discipline to seek of the ' older
brethren.' Nor was this the only case that happened that
year. But the others did not interest me as much as my
own.

" I have ever been a firm believer in the sentiment, that

TEE YOUNG CIRCUIT RIDER.

43

there's a Divinity above who shapes our destiny, and directs
our steps. 'Matches are made in heaven,' was a motto in
use formerly, and perhaps was more true then than it is
now. I fully believed it at the time, and as it appertained
to myself, I have never since doubted it for one moment.
In carrying out the Divine purpose, in matters of this sort,
suitable and appropriate agencies are used. These, in this
case, were all at hand. First of all there must needs be
the two susceptible parties. They were there. Then there
needed also a third party, to make the necessary introduc-
tion to each other, of those most interested. This part of
the service was well performed, by a ministerial friend, Rev.
P. Coombe, to whom I have been under obligations ever
since. Forty years' experience has confirmed the convic-
tions produced ' on sight' As soon as it was proper I
communicated to the young lady, who was the ' party of
the other part,' my serious intentions in regard to a change
of relation in life. After due, but not tardy consideration,
she returned a favorable response to my proposition, and,
according to 'the laws of the commonwealth,' and the
usages of the church, we were joined in the fellowship of
true wedlock, Nov. 1, 1836. The step was approved by
most of the brethren, but not by all. It was difficult to
submit to the new order of things, and there was quite a
breeze at conference over the matter. One of the brethren
asked the question, 'Did you confer with the brethren ? '
I responded in the affirmative. In a discontented tone of
voice an old veteran said, 'Yes, I suppose you did, with
George Hagany, a boy, like yourself.' There was consider-
able of merriment over the affair ; but, notwithstanding a
few murmured, I came out of the contest grandly and con-
sciously victorious. It was about this time that Rev.
George Wiltshire made his celebrated speech before the
conference in regard to another young man, who had

44

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

offended iD like manner with myself ; that is, he had married
the first year of his ministry. Bro. Wiltshire was an old
bachelor. As the question of the young man's continuance
on trial was pending, and after much animated speaking,
' pro and con,' he arose, and as usual when he attempted to
speak, the eye of the whole conference was upon him. He
said : ' Mr. President, I think, sir, the young man did
exactly right, sir. He has only, sir, done that for which he
has the warrant of our articles of religion, and the Word of
God. I think, sir, that he is to be commended, not cen-
sured, for what he has done. Why, sir, what is a man
without a wife ? I say, he's no man at all, sir. I declare,
I often wish there was but one single man in the confer-
ence, and that's myself, and God knows, sir, I often wish
I was not single.' By this time the conference was in an
uproar of laughter, and without a dissenting vote, the young
man was continued. Thus ended and passed away the
period of discriminating in favor of unmarried men for the
work of the ministry. There may be a few exceptional cases,
but I incline to the opinion of Brother Wiltshire, and
think marriage is an important, if not an essential qualifi-
cation for the ministerial office. I recommend to all young
ministers in this matter to do as I did."

The bride was Miss Martha J. Foster, of Cecil County,
Md. She was one of a family of twelve children. Three
died in infancy, and of the other nine, seven, with the
parents, have been called to their reward. A brother, F.
A. Foster, and Mrs. Inskip, are all that remain. Mrs.
Inskip was converted in her tenth year at a camp-meeting
near Elkton, Md. She immediately united with the M. E.
Church, under the ministry of Rev. Wm. Cooper, still a
member of the Philadelphia Conference, and has remained
an active member to this day. She was but seventeen
years of age when she became the wife of John S. Inskip.

THE YOUNG CIRCUIT RIDER.

45

He was accustomed to say that to her, under God, more
than to any one else, he owed his ministerial success, as well
as his domestic bliss. Never were two hearts more closely
united, and never did two labor more harmoniously in the
cause of God. He was ever unhappy in her absence, and
ever fully satisfied and contented when she was present.
His journals abound with references to his " blue days " in
the absence of his wife.

Hereafter the two must be considered as a unit. The
life of the one is the life of the other, and their labors and
successes must be regarded as inseparable.

CHAPTER IV.

FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE OITT.

Mr. Inskip remained but one year on the Cecil Circuit.
The following year, 1837, he was appointed to Nottingham
Circuit, with Rev. Samuel Grace, preacher in charge, of
whom he speaks as a man of " most marvellous success."
" There was nothing in his manner, personal appearance, or
preaching, which would seem likely to influence people.
But somehow, wherever he went, and often in places long
known as unproductive fields, he was favored with revivals
of religion."

The success which attended their labors on this circuit is
described as very great. " Seasons of refreshing were en-
joyed at every appointment, resulting in the conversion, in
all, of more than three hundred souls." Mr. Grace, being a
bachelor, and the "junior" married, the latter occupied the
parsonage — a farm-house, large enough to have accommo-
dated twenty persons. The farm contained about seventy
acres, with a large orchard, a convenient barn, and plenty
of wood, to be had for the labor of cutting it, all for a rent
of thirty dollars. He represents that they " lived in won-
derful abundance." The salary was not large, but their
"wauts were more than supplied."

He describes an old-time quarterly meeting, held on this
circuit, thus : "We had a quarterly meeting in the neigh-
borhood. This was something more than an occasion for

46

FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY.

47

the presiding elder to call together a corporal's guard of
official members, and ask, ' are there any complaints or ap-
peals ? Are there any> applications for license to preach ? '
&c, &c. It was a great event on a circuit to have such a
preacher as David Dailey, the presiding elder, make a visit,
and preach Saturday, and Sunday morning, hold a love-feast,
and hear the other preachers Saturday, and Sunday night, so
that he could tell, from personal knowledge, whether they
were the ' right men in the right place.' A quarterly meet-
ing was an occurrence talked of and looked forward to with
interest over all the circuit. The leading and zealous men
and women from all the appointments attended. There
were very few large houses, but any quantity of large
hearts. Where the people and their teams could be accommo-
dated, was truly a marvel. In this instance, at the parson-
age, a ' field bed ' was prepared in each room, and over a
score of people were well cared for, and comfortably enter-
tained. A field bed means a lot of good clean straw put
down on the floor, extending the entire length of the room,
and properly secured in form and position by such covering
as could be obtained Large numbers could thus be com-
fortably accommodated. In this instance, however, there
was not much use for beds. Some were wonderfully blest
at the meeting, and after our return home, most of the
night was spent in songs and shouts of victory.

" There are some folks we know who would travel a thou-
sand miles to get to another such a quarterly meeting. The
preaching, the quarterly conference on Saturday afternoon,
the Saturday night, the great crowd on Sunday, the hurry
to get to the love-feast before the ' doors were closed,' the
shouts of victory, the mighty effort of the elder in the
morning sermon, and the baptism that continued all the
day, as they now come up in my menory, lead me to wish I
could be there once more. Thank God I was there then."

48

LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSKIP.

The conference of 1833, met in Wilmington, Del., when
Mr. Inskip was ordained deacon, by Bishop Waugh, and re-
turned to the Nottingham Circuit, with Mr. Grace. Large
accessions were made to the church this year, but nothing
of special note has been left or recorded, except, that during
the two years on that circuit, more than five hundred souls
were converted.

In 1839, he was appointed preacher in charge at Easton
Pa. Of his work here, he says : "This being my first ex-
perience as preacher in charge, I felt some embarrassment,
but the Lord helped me, and the brethren were very kind."
It was this year that Mr. Inskip suffered from an attack of
small-pox, which well nigh ended his mortal life. But
through the mercy of God he recovered. Mrs. Inskip suf-
tered from the same terrible disease.

In 1840 the Conference was held in Philadelphia, where
he was ordained elder, by Bishop Waugh, and was returned
to Easton Circuit. During his stay in this charge, more
than one hundred souls were converted.

In 1841, he was appointed to the Western Church, city of
Philadelphia. Here he found a hard field, and judging from
his own account, not a very successful pastorate. Mrs. In-
skip being ill most of the year, was quite sufficient to
cause him great anxiety and sorrow. Owing to Mrs. Inskip's
impaired health, he asked to be removed, at the end of the
year, and requested that he might have a country appoint-
ment, with a view to benefiting his wife's health.

In 1842 and 1843, he was stationed in Kensington, then
a suburban appointment. Here he had extraordinary suc-
cess, witnessing the conversion of more than three hundred
souls. He frequently preached three times in the church
on the Sabbath, and once in the open air, besides holding
services of some kind almost every evening in the week.
The religious interest was very deep ; whole families were

FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY.

49

converted, and the church was crowded — multitudes some-
times going away unable to gain admittance. In 1844, his
appointment was Salem, in the west jrn part of Philadelphia.
He remained in this charge but one year. His success was
not as great as it had been in his former charge.

It was duriug this year that the agitation of the slavery
question, in which he, in subsequent years, took so promi-
nent a part, first occupied his thought. He seems not to
have been very strong in his opposition to the system at
this time. On the twenty-ninth of April he says, " I spent
a half hour at the Baptist Triennial Convention. Great
excitement on the subject of slavery. This, it seems to me,
is more a question of civil polity than of theology or
morality. It is true that all political questions have a
connection, more or less direct, with both morality and re-
ligion. And yet because of their decided political and civil
character and bearing, they should never be discussed by
the church as questions of ecclesiastical polity. Conse-
quently, I have always felt averse to the discussion of
slavery by ecclesiastical bodies. Yet, since it has been
admitted into the various assemblies of the church, it
appears to me that discussion must be the result. At our
General Conference, I seriously fear that the agitation of
this subject will end in disastrous consequences. May the
Lord over-rule all for good."

These would be regarded as moderate views on the slavery
question, and present a marked contrast with his attitude
on the subject during its subsequent agitation.

It was during the month of May of this year, that the
Catholics and Protestants of Philadelphia had their bloody
altercation. The Catholics had managed to secure the
expulsion of the Bible from the public schools. This
sacrilegious act had aroused the Protestant portion of the
citizens. Meetings were called to protest against it, and

50

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

exciting speeches were made. The first meeting held was
in Mr. Inskip's church, which seems to have early drawn
him into the strife. He entered into the matter with all
the ardor of his impetuous nature, and, as might be ex-
pected, became very greatly excited. " We have had," he
says, "an awful week (May 11). In the disturbance be-
tween the Protestants and Roman Catholics, fourteen of
the former were killed, and nearly forty were wounded
The excitement has been fearful. The city is now under
martial law. The Roman Catholic churches are all guarded
by the military, and a large body of volunteer police con-
stantly patrol the streets at night. There most certainly
will be another outbreak before long. Vengeance is not yet
fully satisfied. The amount of property destroyed by the
mob will amount to $150,000, an 1 may run up to $200,000,
including churches and private property. But how, when,
and where, this matter will end, God alone knows. Oh,
may He guide and bless us ! " It seems that there was no
farther outbreak, though the excitement continued for" some
time. About this time he speaks of his own inner life
thus : —

"Remained in the house all day. Felt very gloomy.'
This doubtless is my own fault. I do not take sufficient
interest, nor act with due promptness, in the discharge of
my private duties. May the Lord help me to love Him
more, then I shall be able to serve Him better."

Again he says, " Had I more of the peace of God in my
heart, the turbulence of feeling which I greatly deplore,
would cease. Oh, that I could but see this and act accord-
ingly ! May the Lord help me." " I want," he says again,
"to feel more and more of the spirit of the work in which I
am engaged. My mind and heart continue to feel the bad
effects of excitement."

The General Conference then in session in New York,

FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY.

51

was one of the most exciting, as well as the most important,
ever held by the M. E. Church. The news from that body,
and the probable rupture of the church, were matters to
which almost daily reference is made in his journals. The
rupture in the church which he is sure will come, " would
never have come upon us," he says, " had not abolition
arisen among us." This, with the bloody conflict between
the Papists and Protestants of Philadelphia, would naturally
have a tendency to keep such a mind as Mr. Inskip's in a
state of intense excitement. He entered his pulpit full of
the subject, and preached on the state of the country and
the church from Rev. xii. 12 : " The devil has come down
in great wrath," &c, — and wonders what the end will be.
He is almost sure that church and state are to become
chaotic. " The press," he says, " is teeming with exciting
intelligence from all quarters. This, verily, is the age of
excitement. And what the consequences of this state of
things will be, no one can divine."

This excitement he regards as detrimental to his piety.
He says : " The undue excitement to which I have been
subjected for near three months, has resulted in conse-
quences not so pleasant. I am completely jaded out. I
need some rest of mind — some days of undisturbed tran-
quility. This, however, cannot easily be found by one of
my constituted habits in the midst of such a strife as now
prevails in this city. Sometimes I am ready to exclaim,
£ Oh for a lodge in some vast wilderness ! ' And yet an
abundance of Divine peace would make all things right.
Indeed, here, perhaps, lies the difficulty. I do not possess
as much of God's love as it is my privilege to enjoy.
Circumstances in Philadelphia suggest a forcible objection
to the sentiments of Selkirk, who, in the solitude and lone-
liness of his situation, says, —

52

LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSKIP.

" ' Better dwell in the midst of alarms,
Than reign in this horrible place.'

" I think, had he been here at this period of tumult, he
would have transposed the sentence, and entirely changed
the sentiment."

He still feels the need, above all things, of a revival of
the work of the Lord in his own soul. " The responsibility
of my station requires me to be a more boly and a more
active Christian." This state of things, and this state of
mind, fully explain the absence of any general revival.
" My mind," he says, " for some time past has been com-
pletely mastered by the great excitement which has pre-
vailed in this city. This has had no beneficial effect upon
my religious enjoyment. Indeed, I fear it has done me,
and many others, considerable injury."

The Millerite excitement had troubled the churches of
Philadelphia, and some had been led into great extrava-
gances. Mr. Inskip and Rev. Mr. Hagany visited a family
of deluded ones. " In consequence of a conviction that the
Lord Jesus would soon make His appearance," he says, " the
man had closed his store and placed a small placard on
the window-shutter, with this inscription: 'This store is
closed until tlie coming of the King of kings, which will
take place on the twenty-third of October.' We did not find
him in. His wife, however, was there, and a more distressed
looking object I have not seen. Indeed, she looked more like
a maniac than anything else. Such are the lamentable con-
sequences of an effort to ' be wise above that which is
written.' This man had been a most excellent member of
St. George's Church, but had been crazed by a belief in
the immediate second coming of the Lord."

Mrs. Inskip, being sick, accidentally took an over-dose of
laudanum, which came nigh ending her mortal life. It was

iTROM THE COUNTRY ^0 THE CITY.

53

only "after hours of great toil and anxiety," he says, " that
we succeeded in rescuing her from the jaws of death."
This was to him a day of the greatest trouble he had ever
seen.

As the year drew to a close, as is common, the matter of
appointments interested him, as well as others. He became
greatly disgusted at the course pursued by some preachers,
in regard to the matter. " Many are inquiring," he says,
' who will be our next preacher ? ' Among the preachers
it is frequently asked, ' Where do you expect to go ? ' All,
however, seem desirous of making the impression, that they
are seeking Divine direction. But in matters of this sort,
I fear there is far more human than Divine agency. I do
most sincerely pray that God may deliver us all from selfish
and impure motives, that in all things we may seek the
glory of God and the good of the church. But it is an easy
matter to be deceived. My own heart, likely, is as full of
selfishness as any other. Oh, for a clean heart ! "

'My labors at Salem will soon close," he says, "and al-
though I have been very unfaithful, the Lord has not for-
saken me. Praise His name ! "

The conference for 1845 was held in Milford, commencing
April 2, and closing on the tenth. Mr. Inskip received
an appointment to Germantown, which was in all respects
satisfactory to him.

He entered upon the duties of his new field of labor with
great zeal and renewed consecration. Of the people of his
npw charge, he says : " They appear so frank and unpretend-
ing in their manners, that I think we shall find but little
difficulty in becoming acquainted with them." Mrs. In-
skip's health, which had been very poor, was materially
improved, and a door of usefulness seemed opened to them.
Indeed, he finds the " fields white for the harvest." " Dur-
ing the past year," he says, "I was exceedingly remiss in

54

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

pastoral visitation. But I sincerely hope and pray that
while here, and through all the future period of my minis-
terial labors, I will be more dilligent and faithful. Then, I
have no doubt, I will be more useful."

The Presbyterian and Lutheran ministers called upon
him, which deeply impressed him with the persuasion thit
in that place the watchmen were likely to see "eye to p,yp."

He was "tempted to believe that the people would n<>
appreciate his plain manner;" but concludes, "It is, per
haps, better that I feel a little dissatisfied, than be much
elated with my pulpit performances." He is greatly blessed,
but still feels his need of a pure heart. Speaking of a
prayer-meeting, he says : " Had a glorious time. I enjoyed
myself more than I have done at any time since my appoint-
ment here Oh, how good the Lord is ! My poor heart just
now overflows with gratitude to my heavenly Benefactor.
But there are roots of bitterness remaining within me that
I most earnestly wish removed. The Lord graut me a
clean heart, and renew within me a right spirit. I pray for
a 'single eye,' that my whole body may be full of light."

The following incident was related to him by a very godly ,
Christian lady : " Sister Clay, an aged and devout woman,
related to me the following interesting and forcible incident:
Her husband and family had emigrated to this country from
England, and left her at home until they might judge it
proper for her to come over. For two years she earnestly
sought God's direction as to what course she should pursue.
At length she felt fully persuaded that it was the will of
God that she should come to America. She accordingly
prepared for the voyage, and embarked the first favorable
opportunity. After they had been some weeks at sea, ;i
fearful storm arose, which split the mainmast and tore the
sails into ribbons. In the midst of the raging elements,
the captain passed by her, apparently in great agitation.

FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY.

55

She said to him, ' Captain, this is a great storm : but still I
fear not the consequences.' He replied, ' Madam, we are in
great danger.' To this she replied, 'No matter, for the
ship will not sink.' 'Why do you think so, madam?' in-
quired the captain. 'Because,' said she, ' my heavenly
Father directed me to go to America, and I have just been
praying to Him to save us ; and I know that no ship in
which I sail can sink.' She advised prayer. Prayer was
offered, and to the astonishment of all, in fifteen minutes
the storm had subsided, and after a little delay, they were
enabled to proceed joyfully on their way, confident that
they were under the protection of Him 'who rides upon the
stormy 'skies, and calms the roaring sea.' "

It was a common experience with Mr. Inskip to feel great-
ly depressed in spirit over sermons which he had preached.
His impulsive nature led him, when greatly excited, to utter
words which his more deliberate judgment disapproved, and
even • greatly regretted. He had been lamenting the low
state of the church, and became greatly moved in spirit.
He says : " Sunday, June 15, I preached in the morning
at Germantown, from 2 Peter i. 10, 11. Said some plain,
searching things. Felt much tempted after the work was
done — almost wished I could undo some parts of it." The
following day he says : " Unusually pressed in spirit and
tempted in reference to my sermon yesterday morning at
Germantown. Satan has been busy with me ever since I
preached it. And I fear he has succeeded, in a measure,
in depriving me of my peace and confidence." And yet he
found, as others have, that his fears were groundless, and
that God blessed the word.

On Thursday of the same week he writes : " I have
learned since Sabbath that my fears were altogether with-
out foundation. The impression made by the sermon was
generally just what I desired. I hope this will lead me

56

LIFE OF JOHX S. IFSKIP.

hereafter to do my duty faithfully and affectionately,
leaving the results with God. How often has my mind
been harrassed by such things, when I ought to have been
exulting in the Rock of my salvation. In the instance re-
ferred to, a few, of course, were displeased ; but the great
body of the people, including the most prominent members
of the church, responded with great satisfaction and zeal to
the course I pursued."

He finds occasion to reproach himself for his unfaithful-
ness. July 10 he says : " Went out after tea and made two
visits and five calls. At each place I spent some time, and
endeavored to make my conversation as edifying as I could.
How much I might do in this way. But my heart is not
filled with love as it should be. Too frequently I become
careless about my own moral improve :n nt. What a poor,
unworthy, and unfaithful creature I am ! I make many new
resolves, but oh, how few do I fully keep ! My mind, as I
advance in years, becomes more and more burdened with a
consciousness of my insufficiency. The responsibilities of
my station are fearful. May the Lord grant me grace
according to my day."

He finds himself " more and more nervous during a thun-
der storm. But this," he says, " is wrong. I am in the
hands of Him whose thunder makes me afraid ; and He is
my Father. Therefore I should say, —

" ' Away my unbelieving fear;

Fear shall in me no more have place.'

" The difficulty, however, is, my faith is too weak. I do
not cleave to my Master as I should. Oh that my heart
were open to receive my Saviour's glorious grace ! I could
write many bitter things against myself, but I forbear.
The Lord can see and understand the secrets of my soul.
May He come and take full possession of my heart. I

FROM TIIE COUNTRY TO THE CITY.

57

want to feel the witness of His spirit every day and hour.
This I need to qualify me for the work in which I am en-
gaged."

Ou the twenty-fifth of July of this year, the aged mother
of Mrs. Inskip passed to her reward from her home in North
East. Mr. Inskip makes the following brief record of her
character and end : " She suffered much, and lingered on
the shores of mortality until Friday, the twenty-fifth of
July, when she fell asleep in Jesus. She bore her suffer-
ings, which were excruciating, with Christian fortitude, and
without murmuring. She gave very satisfactory assurances
of her fitness for the abodes of bliss. And thus, after a
pilgrimage of about seventy -two years — fifty-seven of
which were spent in the bosom of the M. E. Church, her
happy spirit took its departure to heaven. We committed
her mortal remains to the grave the twenty-sixth ; a large
number of friends were present, and a suitable discourse
was delivered by the Rev. Joshua Humphries, the preacher
in charge of the circuit."

Mr. Inskip's parents had removed to Cincinnati, and
hearing of their illness, he, with Mrs. Inskip, two days after
the burial of the mother, started on a visit to them. On
the second of August they arrived, and found them in im-
proved health. After a few days of rest, he visited a camp-
meeting and preached twice, " and was favored with con-
siderable liberty and Divine influence." He preached sev-
eral times in the churches in Cincinnati, and was received
with great cordiality by the preachers. " Indeed," he says,
"I was never treated better in my life."

His kind reception by the preachers, and the fact that his
parents resided in Cincinnati, induced him to solicit from
Bishop Hamline a transfer to the Ohio Conference. Not
expecting an immediate reply to his application, he says :
" If I am transferred, I shall be much pleased ; if not, I shall
be perfectly satisfied."

58

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

On the twenty-fifth of August they started on their home-
ward trip, arriving in Germantown on the morning of the
thirty-first. For some time after his return he found his
" mind a good deal beclouded," and " but little inclined to
study." The subject of " popery has received no small
share of my attention," he says, " for some years," but he
now concludes " that the true policy is to meet the crisis by
insisting on, and enforcing, the peculiar doctrines and
usages of Protestantism, without any reference to popery.
I am persuaded that a great and general revival of piety
among us would do more for us than anything else." "We
have no doubt but in this Mr. Inskip judged wisely. Error
can meet logic with sophistry, but cannot stand in the pres-
ence of well directed gospel truth. And this idea Mr.
Inskip emphasized with great clearness, in the later years
of his life.

On the seventh of September, a very remarkable revival
commenced in his church at Germantown. It was the Sab-
bath. He preached from Eph. v. 14: "Awake thou that
sleepest," &c. "Two came to the altar," and the cry of the
people was, "0 Lord, revive Thy work!" On Monday
night u seven came forward for prayers, and two were con-
verted." Tuesday, "the Lord poured His Spirit upon the
people, and His word went home to the hearts of many.
Fourteen came forward, one or two were converted.
The cries of distress were so great among those seeking the
Lord,- that persons leading in prayer could be heard only
occasionally." He describes one " whose features were dis-
torted, and the whole system seemed convulsed with agony."
Among the most earnest was a young lady whose friends
were so much opposed to her seeking religion, that they
shut her out of doors the night before. Her parents came
to the church this evening, and the moth r, seeing the
daughter at the altar, rushed forward, determined to take

FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY. 59

her away. She was prevented from doing so, and a few
evenings after, this earnest seeker managed to get to the
prayer-meeting, where she was "powerfully converted."
Wednesday evening, " eleven came forward for prayers, and
seven or eight were converted," and the "time to favor
Zion," he believed had come. Thursday night, "thirteen
were at the altar, and six or seven converted." A man who
had greatly opposed his wife's seeking religion, was at the
altar the evening before and was converted, and on this
evening he came with his wife, and held the baby while she
went to the altar, and was soon made happy in the Saviour.
Six of the ten who were at the altar on the following even-
ing, were converted. Sunday was a great day in German-
town. Mr. Inskip preached from Gal. vi. 9 : " Let us not
be weary in well doing," &c. " I never witnessed a more
striking manifestation of the Divine power and glory.
Every heart seemed to be full, and there was one tremen-
dous and general burst of feeling." He received on proba-
tion twenty-seven. In the evening the altar was filled with
seekers, and " seven were converted." He concludes by say-
ing : " Upon the whole, this may be considered one of the best
Sabbaths I have ever known. Every one is moved. The
whole community is excited. Glory to God ! glory to
God ! "

The revival, it would seem, aroused considerable opposi-
tion. " The excitement," he says, " continues to spread,
and the devil is roaring mad. Several of the converts are
violently persecuted by their relatives. But in most in-
stances they stand firm. The work is of God, and woe to
the person who lifts his hand against it."

In the midst of such a revival, upon personal examination
he says : " I need more of the meek and humble spirit of a
true disciple of Jesus. There is too much pride and vain-
glory about me. The Lord grant me a warm heart and a

60

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

single eye. Oh for the fullness of the blessing of the gos-
pel of peace ! Of all men," he says, " a minister of the
gospel most needs the blessing of holiness. And yet, how-
few possess it ! I feel a strong inclination to be not only
cheerful, but trifling. Cheerfulness may easily be carried
into levity. At least, I have found this to be the case."

The revival continued with great power, until some
eighty were converted and added to the church. This was
one of his best revivals.

In December of this year, to use his own words, " I made
up my mind to make another attempt to abstain from the
use of tobacco. Whether or not I shall succeed, is exceed-
ingly doubtful." It would seem that he had made some
unsuccessful attempts, and his fears as to his succeeding
now were the sure helps to his fall.

The question of his transfer to the Cincinnati Conference
was now approaching a crisis. Rev. Dr. Sehon, the Bible
Agent of that section of the country, had united with the M.
E. Church South, and Dr. Strickland, the pastor of Ninth
Street Church, Cincinnati, had been elected to till his place,
leaving Ninth Street Church without a pastor. By request
of Dr. Strickland, Mr. Inskip addressed a letter to Bishop
Waugh. This letter is dated u Germautown, Pa., Dec. 18,
1845." In it he expresses a modest wish to be transferred,
and gives his reasons. He is informed that the " official
members of the Ninth Street Church, Cincinnati, haveunani-
imously requested the Bishop to transfer " him, and appoint
him " their pastor." Fearing that Bishop Waugh might
not receive his former letter, he addressed him a second in
these words : —

" Germantown, Pa., Dec. 22, 1845.
"Bishop Waugh, — Respected Brother, — This morning I received
intelligence from Cincinnati that leads me to write you again, fearing
that you may not have received my former letter. In that I stated all

FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY.

61

that perhaps is necessary. I would like to add, however, that inas-
much as the official brethren of the Ninth Street charge in Cincin-
nati, about thirty in number, have unanimously requested the Bishop
to transfer me ; and inasmuch as, in the event of the transfer being
delayed until our ensuing conference, this providential opening will
be closed, I most earnestly desire, if it can be done, to be transferred
to the Ohio Conference immediately. You will excuse me, I trust,
for evincing such an interest in the matter. It is a question of more
than ordinary importance to me. I have seen the presiding elder,
and with him think that arrangements for the appointments can be
made without any difficulty whatever. Please write at your earliest
convenience.

" I remain, as ever,

" Yours obediently in the Lord, J. S. Inskip."

By the advice of his presiding elder, he presented the
matter of his probable transfer to a meeting of his official
members, and according to his request, they passed a reso-
lution approving of the transfer, in which they say : " That
while we regret to part with Bro. Inskip as our preacher,
yet in view of all the circumstances, we cannot seriously
object, nor do we think that any important interest of the
church will suffer."

The Ninth Street Church in Cincinnati had asked for his
transfer; his own church and presiding elder had con-
sented to his leaving ; Bishops Morris and Hamline had
united in a request to Bishop Waugh to make the transfer ;
and nothing was wanting to complete the arrangement but
the official sanction of Bishop Waugh. This came in due
time. January 1, 1846, he received a letter from the Bishop
informing him of his transfer to the Ohio Conference. A
few days of selling off of goods, packing, hand-shaking, and
parting salutations, and he, with his family, were on their
way to the " Queen City " of the West, not knowing what
would befall them there.

CHAPTER V.

WESTWARD. — CINCINNATI.

Within six days from the time he received his transfer,
Mr. Inskip and family were on their way to their western
home. They spent several days among their friends in
North East. On a visit to one of his friends, Mr. Inskip
unexpectedly found assembled a large party of young and
thoughtless people. " For society of this kind," he says,
"I have but little relish. Hence, immediately after supper,
I left and was seen no more among them. These parties
are doing a vast amount of injury to the church. From the
opportunities I have had of judging, I am led to the con-
clusion that the church in this village, and throughout this
circuit, is far, very far behind what it was eight or ten
years ago. It is painful to witness the vanity, the worldly-
minded ness, the lukewarmness and the irreligious influences
which prevail." After preaching for Rev. Mr. Humphries,
he says : " It really seems as though there are not enough of
the living to bury the dead."

From North East they went to Baltimore, where Mr. In-
skip had a pleasant interview with Bishop Waugh. The
next day they crossed the mountains, encountering, between
Cumberland and Wheeling, a severe snow-storm. Not-
withstanding the rain, and hail, and snow, they plodded on
in the old stage-coach, until about eight o'clock the second
evening, when they arrived at Wheeling. But just as they

62

WESTWARD. — CINCINNATI.

03

"were about to retire for a quiet night's rest, the steamboat
arrived, and they were compelled to hasten on board, and
about midnight were on their way down the Ohio River.
Of the officers and others on board, Mr. Inskip speaks in
rather a disparaging tone. " All seem to be their own mas-
ters," he says : " The captain was formerly a member of the
Ohio Conference. The clerk is an exhorter in our church.
Steamboating, in the way things are here conducted, is very
poor business for Methodists, and especially so for Metho-
dist preachers." They were detained by the ice in the river
and the breaking of the wheel of the steamer; but on
Saturday, the twenty-fourth, at 11.30 a.m., they arrived at
Cincinnati, greatly rejoiced that they were permitted to
meet their parents and friends once more.

The following day, being Sunday, he preached his first
sermon as pastor of Ninth St. M. E. Church, from Rom.
viii. 24, 25 : " For we are saved by hope," etc. " The Lord
favored me with His blessed Spirit," he says, " and the peo-
ple seemed to enjoy themselves very much." His second
Sabbath was better than the first. He had great liberty in
preaching, and at night there were three at the altar, and
one converted.

A house was procured on Court St., and the matter of
settling and getting ready for housekeeping was commenced.
At the close of the week he says : " Such a week of labor
and perplexity we have never had before. Martha Jane is
almost ready to give up. The worst, however, is over, and
soon we shall be quite comfortable and happy, provided we
take care of the better part." The religious interest in his
church and Sunday-school perceptibly increased. He says :
'The official members appear in good spirits, and the entire
membership are alive." They organized the first infant de-
partment in the Sunday-school, west of the Alleghany
Mountains, of which Mrs. Inskip had charge. More or less

64

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

were converted, but no general revival seems to have broken
out. He has the complaint to make, that it is " hard work
to keep things in motion at Ninth St. The people have
been so little accustomed to anything in the way of a re-
vival, for a few years past, that they scarcely know how to
get along with the little excitement now prevailing. But
still they do full as well as could be expected under the
circumstances."

He finds his " own soul improving in the Divine life ; "
but concludes that he has " frequently lost sight of personal
piety in his concern for the salvation of others," — a matter
which all laborers for souls would do well to ponder.
Strength for service never comes, primarily, by what we do,
but by what we receive. We are "strengthened by His
Spirit with might in the inner man."

There were, in his church, some cases of marked conver-
sion. We record one. At a Friday-evening prayer-meet-
ing, April 10, matters, "for a time, seemed rather dull.
But it soon became manifest that the Lord was among the
people." "While we were calmly pursuing the way of
duty," says, Mr. Inskip "suddenly there was one of the
most remarkable displays of Divine power I ever felt or
witnessed. There were three at the altar, and among them
was one who had been there sevsral times before. She ap-
peared rather discouraged. But in relying upon Christ she
found Him to be a sufficient Saviour. And as her soul
passed from nature's night into the marvelous light of
the Gospel, every heart in the room caught the hallowed
flame, and there was one general simultaneous burst of
praise and glory to God."

The subject of a better spiritual state seemed to be con-
stantly pressed upon his mind. We doubt not that his rela-
tions to Bishop Hamline had much to do with calling his
attention to the subject. He says : " In the afternoon (May

WESTWARD. — CINCINNATI.

65

9) had a brief, but very profitable interview with Bishop
Hamline and his wife. They certainly are examples to the
flock of Christ under their care. But few men are doing
the M. E. Church as great service." A few days later, lie
writes : " In company with Bishop Hamline and others, we
took tea at father's. The Bishop made his visit the means
of promoting the spiritual welfare of all present. The en-
tire time was spent in religious conversation and prayer.
This, doubtless, is as it should be." He speaks of Bishop
Hamline's taking tea with him and preaching for him.

In the midst of these visitations of the good bishop, Mr.
Inskip says : " I feel my need of more religion. I have not
enjoyed myself as it is my duty and privilege. Yet I am,
I trust, now willing to give God all my heart. May He ac-
cept the humble offering, and fill me with all the life of love.
The part I occupy is one of fearful responsibility. I am,
in the providence of God, appointed to the oversight of the
flock of Christ. And all my labors will tend to weal or
woe. These thoughts make a deep impression upon my
mind. And when I view them in connection with my great
unfaithfulness, I feel that I am in no wise 'sufficient for
these things.' But my trust is in the Lord."

The same Sabbath that Bishop Hamline preaches for him,
he, himself, in the evening, preaches on Christian perfection.
" I trust," he says, " my labors were not in vain. There has
been, however, so much disputing about this matter, that I
fear but few either understand or believe it. And yet there
is no truth more clearly revealed, or more plainly enforced,
in the Scriptures. May my own heart feel its blessed influ-
ence! It is my sincere desire to know the true and right
way. I know it is both my privilege and duty to be much
better than I am."

66

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

THE MEXICAN WAK.

In the month of May, of 1846, the first news reached
Cincinnati of a war with Mexico. The intelligence pro-
duced great excitement. It was rumored that our troops
were entirely cut off. Conflicting opinions, with regard to
the justice of the war, were rife. One party insisted that
the American government had been exceedingly conciliatory
towards the Mexicans ; while the other maintained that we
had offered them every possible insult, and had evinced a
most intolerant and oppressive spirit, and consequently were
in the wrong. And Mr. Inskip frankly says : "The latter
is my opinion." He sees in the war only peril to our na-
tion, not that we were likely to be conquered by Mexico,
but that the Old World would take sides with Mexico, and
" we should be compelled to wage a bloody war for many
years to come." Had Henry Clay been president instead
of James K. Polk, in his judgment, these evils had not come.

Sunday, May 24. — " At night, preached at Ninth St., from
1 Pet. i. 7. Owing to the receipt of intelligence from the
seat of war, by which the whole community was thrown
into a perfect hurricane of commotion, the congregation was
small, and in a poor state for profitably hearing the Word
of the Lord. The roaring of the cannon, etc., created such
a state of feeling as must make every good man fear lest God
be against us and suffer us to be punished in the defeat of
our armies, or ensnared by their success. For there are
many of the more reflecting portion of our citizens who
view victory in this struggle a greater disaster than defeat.
Our national affairs have certainly come to a fearful crisis.
We are on the very threshold of ruin. And yet many of
our principal men are madly rushing onward, Jehu-like."
" All the talk," he says, " is about war, war, war ! And, what
is passing strange, many are exulting in the idea. And in-

WESTWARD. — CINCINNATI.

67

deed I find it exceedingly difficult amidst all this confusion
to keep my mind in a proper state."

It is not difficult to understand how a man of Mr.
Inskip's make-up would be likely to treat such a subject as
war, especially if he were opposed to it. He could not be
conservative on any subject. He must be for or against
and which ever way he went, it was with all his soul. Those
soul-harrowing doubts and forebodings as to the result of
the war with Mexico, were relieved somewhat by rays of
hope which now and then broke upon him. It might, after
all, open great and effectual doors for the dissemination of
the Gospel, as had been the case in the war between China
and Great Britain. " The same result may ensue in the
war between the United States and Mexico. And then
God may be preparing the way for the final and complete
triumphs of the Cross. Our trust and sufficiency are in
Him."

He prepared and preached a sermon, denouncing the war
in the severest terms, a fuller notice of which we will give
hereafter.

In the prosecution of his pastoral work he records many
incidents which our space will not permit us to transcribe.
As an example, we give the following : " I attended the
funeral of a man," he says, " who died under the following
distressing circumstances. His name was Minster, a me-
chanic. Some few days previous to his decease he met
with a slight accident, which, for the time, disabled him for
work. On returning to his work he observed to some one
or two persons, that his knee, from the effects of his late
fall, was very stiff. In farther conversation he remarked,
that he had had many falls in his life, and although in each
case he was exposed to imminent danger, he had uniformly
escaped with little or no injury, and that he had conse-
quently come to the conclusion that he should never die by a

68

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

fall. Just as he made this remark the convereation closed,
and he started on his way down stairs. The heel of his
boot caught on the edge of the first step, and he fell head-
long. In five minutes he was a dead man. Of his charac-
ter I know nothing ; but was informed that he was an up-
right, honest man." This shows the utter unreliability of
impressions.

Mr. Inskip seems to have been at this time an earnest
temperance advocate. The Sons of Temperance held an
anniversary in the city Aug. 1, and elected him their chap-
lain.

On the seventh of this month he attended a camp-meet-
ing. He speaks of Drs. Trimball, Wilson, Teft, Lowrey,
Strickland, Walker, White, and himself, preaching. He de-
scribes a sermon preached by a brother as follows : " At

night Bro. S preached. His sermon was little more

than a collection of absurdities and contradictions in refer-
ence to the second coming of the Redeemer. The effect
was as bad as it could well be. There was one general
murmur. I felt a great prompting to exhort, and solicited
the privilege of doing so. The Lord gave me unusual lib-
erty in my effort to counteract the sad influence which the
sermon had produced. I never witnessed a more clear,
Divine attestation of the truth. Thirty and upwards
were converted. During the meeting about seventy-five
were converted, and perhaps fifty joined the church on
probation."

At the close of this camp-meeting he proceeded to New
Albany, Ind., and attended a camp-meeting at the Knobs,
where about forty were converted. He preached one even-
ing in the Methodist Church in New Albany. Of the ser-
vice he says: "There was a fine congregation. Twenty
came forward for prayers. The Lord gave me a good
degree of liberty in preaching. There are flattering indica-

WESTWARD. — CINCINNATI.

GO

tions of a glorious revival of religion in this place. At the
camp-meeting and in this church I preached six times, and
exhorted three or four times."

Sunday, Aug. 30, was the last Sabbath of his first year in
Ninth Street. He preached from Heb. vii. 20-28, and " had
some liberty."

The year, on the whole, had been a pleasant one, but no
special revival had been witnessed, which was an occasion
of great sadness to the pastor. Souls had been converted
and added to the church, but nothing would satisfy him but
a general, sweeping work of God.

The conference met at Piqua. He describes it as the
" most pleasant and harmonious session he ever attended.
Every one seemed to be satisfied, and most were delighted."
Mr. Inskip was re-appointed to Ninth Street, Cincinnati.
On his return he enters into his work with his usual vows
of faithfulness. They abandon housekeeping for board-
ing, which gives him and Mrs. Inskip more leisure for
church work. " The purpose of my soul is," he writes, " to
spend and be spent in the service and to the praise of
God."

Ministers come in contact with all phases of human na-
ture, and with some that scarcely seem human. Returning
from a funeral with his " heart almost overwhelmed with
sympathy " in view of the "destitution and wretchedness "
which he witnessed, he met an aged man whom he addressed :
"Well, my old friend, how do you do?" "I am well,
thank God," he replied. "You must be quite old, I ob-
served. How old are you ? " "I am about ninety," he
answered. " The way now being opened I said to him, I
trust, my old friend, that you have made the necessary
preparation for death. He looked at me a moment, and
said, " Yes, thank God, I hope I have." He then paused
for a moment, as, I thought, overcome by his feelings.

70

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

While I was waiting for some additional remark, giving ex-
pression to Lis devout feelings, he looked at me with un-
common interest, and said, " Have you got a spare fip to
buy me some tobacco ? " Our conversation terminated,
and I gave him the amount, and quickly retired."

Mr. Inskip seems to be exceedingly dissatisfied with
his experience, and yet he renews his consecration, and pro-
poses to do better in the future. "I need more of the
Divine influence in my own heart. I look back upon the
early period of my religious experience, and fear that I do
not enjoy as much religion now as I did then. The multi-
plicity of cares connected with my position in the church,
have tended too frequently to fret my spirit, and sour my
disposition. I know this is by no means necessary. That
they have produced such a result in any instance is all my
own fault. May the Lord forgive and restore to me the
joy of His great salvation." Three days later he says :
" Unless I am greatly deceived, the Spirit of the Lord is
upon me and has revived my zeal for the Divine glory. It
is my purpose, by the help and blessing of God, to do more
labor in the Master's vineyard this year than I have done at
any time during my ministry." He decided to withdraw
from all political movements. " Some years ago," he says,
"I suffered myself to be too much interepted in politics. I
have concluded it will be just as well for me to let politics
alone altogether."

He resolved to " visit and pray with every member " of
his church. " And if I am only permitted to see a great
and glorious revival of religion in the charge, I shall be
abundantly thankful to my heavenly Father I never felt
more unworthy, a less inclination to trust in myself. My
confidence in God is strong. I often tremble at the idea of
my great responsibility. The destiny of immortal souls,
in a measure, is in my hands. I shall, in some de-

WESTWARD. — CINCINNATI.

71

gree, influence their condition for weal or woe to all eter-
nity."

Under the inspiration of these feelings he commences a
course of church visitation. The first day he " visits and
prays with ten families." The day following he visits and
prays with " fifteen," then with " ten," after that, " six,"
" five," " six," and so on. He cannot give over the struggle.
He says, " My heart is drawn out after God. I cannot give
up the struggle. I will, by the help of my blessed Master,
continue to labor and toil to cultivate Immanuel's lands."
Soon sinners came as seekers to the altar and were con-
verted.

His greatest difficulty was with his church. " We need,"
he says, " a revival in the church. If this point were se-
cured, it appears to me we would soon have a general out-
pouring of the Spirit. Many of my members are backsliding,
and many others have become confirmed apostates. I
tremble when I think of the condition of my church. May
the Lord undertake for us. Amen."

For a time the prospects for a revival seemed encourag-
ing, but the excitement incident to war, and other things,
prevented a general work. Shortly after we hear him
lamenting over the fact that out of a " membership of three
hundred and fifty, only about twenty " persons were found
at a prayer-meeting, with nothing to prevent their coming
except the want of a disposition. " It looks to me," he
says, " more like 'death in the pot' than anything I have
seen for many years. I have labored assiduously to wake
up a sufficient interest in these meetings, but it has been all
in vain." The following evening he had but about twenty-
five out to a preaching service, and five of them were from
another charge.

This state of things resulted in " a deep and prayerful
examination into the cause of such woful neglect." He at

72

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

once determined to make an effort in the name of the Lord
to obtain a revival of religion in his own soul, as well as
" among the brethren." Extra meetings were appointed,
which resulted in a few conversions. He finally concludes
that it is " almost impossible to obtain the right sort of feel-
ing at Ninth Street, and t'nat he must content himself with
going along at a sort of a snail's pace." He accuses himself
of having " too much of self and vain-glorying about " him,
and of " not possessing the humility and zeal becoming a
minister of the gospel of Christ." " Indeed, I come short
in everything. As I advance in life, my imperfections seem
to multiply rather than diminish." This is followed by the
prayer : " Oh, for a pure heart ! " " Oh, for holiness unto
the Lord ! " Notwithstanding these humbling views of
himself, he had seasons of refreshing, when he could say,
" The Lord was there to bless us. Glory be to His name !
I have not enjoyed myself better for a long time ! Praise
the Lord ! "

For many weeks Mrs. Inskip was very sick, and conse-
quently unable to attend the meetings, where her pres-
ence and labors were greatly needed. This was to her
husband cause of constant anxiety, adding greatly to
his sorrow. These home troubles, added to a spiritually
dead church, were not the most favorable circumstances
to increase the spiritual comfort of a man of Mr. Inskip's
temperament. He chafed under them, and did not regret
being relieved from them when the time came for a
change.

The Cincinnati Preachers' Meeting was organized Oct. 12,
1846, and Mr. Inskip was elected its first president, which
position he had the honor of holding while he remained in
the city. These meetings were held on Monday, a.m., at
such places as were weekly determined upon. The special
subject of interest considered in these weekly gatherings,

WESTWARD. — CINCINNATI.

73

was the "reports" which the preachers gave of the work
in their charges during the preceding week. They were
simple and generally, spiritual.

CHAPTER VI.

IN THE WEST. — SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS.

In 1847, the conference was held in Columbus, commenc-
ing September 1. Bishop Janes presided. The conference,
for some reason, was not as pleasant as had been the former
conference at Piqua. Some of the brethren said, " It was
the most unpleasant conference they had ever attended."
Mr. Inskip was stationed at Wesley Chapel, Dayton, an ap-
pointment entirely satisfactory to him and his family. He
returned to Cincinnati, and spent the Sabbath, heard Dr.
Pitman preach "a popular sermon" in the morning, and
Bishop Janes "a most excellent sermon" in the evening.
The following Sabbath, he was at Dayton, and "had a good
time preaching, morning and night." No sooner were they
settled in their new home, than a thief entered their dwell-
ing at night, and even into their sleeping room, where a
light was burning, and robbed Mr. Inskip of his coat, purse,
and seventeen dollars in money." "This," he says, "was
the first time I was ever robbed, and I hope it may be the
last."

His second Sabbath, in his new charge, was more hopeful
than the first. " At night," he says, " I preached from
' Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.'
There was a tremendous crowd present, and truly I was fa-
vored of the Lord. Many, I trust, were cut to the heart.

74

IN THE WEST. — SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS. 75

Eight joined, making in all, for the day, ten. To God be
all the glory. Several came to the altar for prayers."

Their church was found to be too small to hold the crowds
which flocked to hear the new preacher, and the necessity
i f building a new church, was considered, and at once deter-
mined upon. The entire oversight of the matter was com-
mitted to the pastor. He was to be solicitor, collector, and
paymaster, — more, he was really to build the house, and
pay for it. This work he readily undertook, and pressed it
to a grand consummation.

Before the work had fairly commenced, Mr. Inskip, unin-
tentionally, involved himself in what came near proving to
be a serious affair. While in Cincinnati, he had prepared
and delivered a discourse on the Mexican War, in which he
took strong grounds against the government, denouncing the
war, as he was capable of doing, in unmeasured terms.
This sermon he repeated in Dayton. He says (Nov. 21),
" Preached in the morning on the ' Signs of the times,' and
at night, upon 1 War.' In both instances I said many plain
things, and perhaps, in some instances, gave offense. This,
though exceedingly unpleasant, I cannot avoid."

The next day (Monday), he writes, " Much excitement
through the whole place, on account of my sermon on War."

On the following Thursday, he speaks of " the tremendous
excitement produced by my sermon on War."

The newspapers, which did not sympathize with Mr. In-
skip's views, opened a fearful cannonade upon him. Their
articles were headed, " Toryism in the pulpit." Language,
the most scurrilous and abusive, was employed. In a paper
entitled Western Empire, he was described as the "great Peter
Brush." It represented him as saying, that " all slain in the
battle-fields of Mexico are doomed to hell, and will awake
in unhonored darkness at the judgment day, and hopes that
no one will pretend that they have gone to heaven." He

76

LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSKIP.

is a "reverend stumper," a "zealot," "he would do for a
bushwhacking stumper in the outside townships, not having
brains enough to suit the. taste of his federal brethren in the
cities." This, and much more like it, was from the pen of
"A Hearer."

Mr. Inskip denied the charges made by " A Hearer," and
asked the Empire to publish his sermon in full, which they
refused to do. The sermon was published in the Dayton
Journal, accompanied by most scathiug editorial remarks
against the illiberalisin of the Empire. When the sermon
was published, it was found to coutain little of the objec-
tionable matter of which the Empire had complained, where
upon this unfair sheet accused the preacher of suppressing
the obnoxious passages, and that the sermon published, was
not the sermon preached. Mr. Iuskip, in a letter to the Jour-
nal, denied the charges made by the Empire, declaring in the
most positive manner, that the published sermon was the
sermon which he preached. The Journal defended Mr. In
skip against the abusive attack of the Empire, and thus the
matter came to an end. Still, it had its unfavorable effects
upon the preacher. He says, " I begin to be wearied out
with the excitement occasioned by my war sermon." Again,
he says, " Felt much fatigue with the excitement of the past
ten days. Hope, however, the worst is over."

The following Sabbath he had a fine congregation, morn
ing and evening. " At night, two came forward for prayers."
"I am fully persuaded," he says, "that if I commit noerroi
of conduct, the excitement my sermon on the ' War ' pro
duced, will turn out for the furtherance of the truth."

The war excitement subsiding, he enters upon his church
building scheme, with great zeal.

The contract between the building committee and the
builders for the new church, was arranged, and the work
progressed with commendable rapidity. The salvation of

IN THE WEST.— SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS. 77

souls, in the meantime, was not neglected. Special meet-
ings for prayer were appoiuted, and the presence of God
was with preacher and people. All seemed greatly anxious
to advance the kingdom of Jesus. At one of these prayer-
meetings (Jan. 23) he says, " In the afternoon we held a
prayer-meeting for the benefit of the church; and such a
time I never witnessed. I shall never forget it. My soul
was full of glory." The revival which followed was the
most fruitful of results of any he had enjoyed in his minis-
try. Nightly the altar was crowded with seekers of pardon,
and the joy of new-born souls gladdened the hearts of all.

A few extracts from his diary will give the reader an
idea of the work : —

Jan. 27. — " The house was perfectly crowded. There
were fourteen at the altar. How many were converted I
could not ascertain. But the Lord was nigh in mercy and
power."

Jan. 28. — "It is difficult to tell where this work will
stop. Fifteen joined on probation, and some twenty-two or
three were at the altar."

Jan. 30. — "I never saw a more awe-stricken assembly.
Over thirty came to the altar, and eight or ten were con-
verted. It was a time of glorious grace. Blessed be God."

Jan. 31. — "The people seemed to have access to the
mercy-seat. Near thirty came forward for prayers, and
quite a number were converted. The conversions were un-
usually clear and powerful. Bide on, blessed Jesus, con-
quering and to conquer ! My soul is full of glory."

Feb. 7. — " Twenty-two at the altar, and four converted.
Nine joined, and among them were some of the most re-
markable cases we have yet had. I sjem to desire just as
much as ever the conversion of sinners. I cannot rest
until the last sinner in Dayton shall be brought to God.
Blessed Bedeemer, still push onward the victories of the
cross ! "

78

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

This work continued into March, when it seemes to have
subsided. But from that time the work of building his
church appears to have occupied most of his time. The
corner-stone of the new edifice was laid April 10. His old
friend, Rev. W. Elliot, delivered the address. "The sing-
ing," he says, " was fine, but the collection was an entire
failure."

The church building gave him great solicitude. " Some-
times," he says, "I am almost ready to break down under
the burden of care and anxiety. And yet I know I ought
not to mourn or utter a word of complaint. I proffered my
services in the office I fill, and of course must willingly per-
form all its duties and bear all its burdens."

The year closed under the most favorable auspices.
There was a good state of religious interest in the church,
with the prospects of a still better, when they should occu-
py their new and beautiful edifice.

The conference met at Newark, Ohio, Sept. 27, 1848, and
Mr. Inskip was re-appointed to Wesley Chapel. He entered
upon the duties of his charge with his usual zeal. The new
church was not yet completed. And as it was erected on
the site of the old one, the society was obliged to worship
in a hall. The church was completed in due time, and
dedicated to the worship of God, amidst the rejoicing of
the people. Extra services were commenced, and protracted
lor several weeks. A revival of extraordinary power fol-
lowed, and large numbers were added to the church.

A new order of things was inaugurated in the newly-
dedicated church. Up to this time promiscuous sittings in
the Methodist churches in the West were unknown. In fact,
the practice was rare outside of New England.

So great an innovation could not be introduced into the
churches without more or less friction and excitement. Wo
shall see what came of it in this case.

IN THE WEST. — SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS. 79

At the first quarterly meeting, after the dedication of the
new church, the subject of promiscuous sittings which had
been adopted by this church, elicited a warm discussion.
The presiding elder, Rev. Geo. W. Walker, was decidedly
opposed to the practice, and frankly stated his views. Mr.
Inskip says : " During the day the elder seemed to be much
out of sorts. He bore unequivocal testimony to his disap-
probation of the present mode of seating the congregation,
as well as the manner of singing. I replied in as becoming
a manner as I could, and for so doing enjoy the approbation
of a good conscience, and the good feeling of the people."

A few days later, Mr. Inskip had a dream which made a
deep impression on his mind. "I dreamed that Bro.
Walker, the presiding elder of the district, was preaching
in the church to a very large congregation. Being detained
in some way, I did not get to the church until after the
services had commenced. As I entered the building I no-
ticed a crack in the tower, which upon close examination, I
discovered to be increasing every moment. And hearing a
noise, and perceiving a piece of timber which seemed de-
signed to support the wall, cracking and opening, I became
alarmed and hastened out of the building, and just made
my escape in time to see it fall. No one was injured.
After much trouble I found Bro. Walker, who, with a signi-
ficant sneer, seemed to exult in the loss we had sustained,
and looked upon it as a Divine judgment against us for our
promiscuous seating, choir singing, &c. And to add to my
mortification he reminded me that I must leave the station
and give place to someone else. The fact produced a great
sensation among the members. A meeting was called, and
the presiding elder was informed that no one could possibly
fill Bro. Iuskip's place, and hence at all hazards he would
be retained. During the excitement I awoke. My inter-
pretation of this is, we shall yet have perilous times about
our new church."

80

LIFE OF JOIIX S. IXSKIP.

On Thursday, May 15, 1849, Mr. Inskip, in connection
with Rev. S. D. Clayton, entered into a solemn pledge never
more to indulge in the use of tobacco. Here is the
pledge : —

"Dayton, O., May 15, 1S49.

" We, the undersigned, believing it to be our duty to discontinue
the use of tobacco in any way whatever, do hereby solemnly, and in
the fear of God; promise, and declare, that unless prescribed by a
judicious physician, as necessary to our health, we will use it no more
forever in any way.

"J. S. Inskip,
"S. D. Clayton."

The cholera, which had been making fearful ravages in
Cincinnati, had reached Dayton. The people were greatly
excited, and the gloom of death seemed to settle down upon
the town. The weather was oppressively hot, and no one
knew what a day would bring forth. On the twelfth of
August, Mr. Inskip came down with the cholera. Though
the attack was violent, " through%the mercy of God and the
kindness of attending friends," he says, "I passed the crisis
about six o'clock." But to his great alarm, in the evening
of the same day, his wife was attacked with the same
malady. The following day, Mr. Tnskip's sister, Mary Ann,
was taken in the same manner, and the three being down at
the same time, the house was well nigh a hospital. Well
might Mr. Inskip say : " Need grace for such an hour as
this." He seemed to be improving the following day ; but
it was only apparent, for the next day he was worse, and his
case seemed quite hopeless. But it pleased God to finally
restore them all.

Considerable anxiety was felt as the time approached for
the session of the annual conference, which was to be held
in Wesley Chapel, Dayton. The query in all minds was,
what action will the conference take on promiscuous sit-

IN THE WEST. — SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS. 81

tings ? It was evident that the conference would take some
action in relation to the matter, and that Mr. Inskip would
have to meet the issue. " My impression is," he says, " that
the conference will take ultra grounds on the question, and
we shall all have our hands full. The whole responsibility
of the matter will fall on me. I shall be compelled to meet
the issue, while the church, in a measure, will go clear. I
have seen so much deception and trickery in this region of
country, that I really have become heartily sick of the
whole concern. And but that I fear I would offend against
God and my friends, I would change my position without
any delay. However, I must wait the openings of Provi-
dence."

The quarterly conference of his church, at its last session,
passed unanimously the following paper : —

" Dayton, June 23, 1849.
" Whereas, in the kind providence of God, Bro. J. S. Inskip has
been sent among us, and stationed as pastor of Wesley Chapel charge,
and by his untiring zeal and firm perseverance, together with the co-
operation of his dear wife, our much-beloved sister, M. J. Inskip, has
caused to be erected a fine and commodious chapel for the worship of
God, and the accommodation of the congregation of the M. E. Church
in Dayton, and nearly paid for; and whereas, since occupying the new
house we have had very large and respectable congregations, with the
best of order, so that we can truly say, we worship God under our
own vine and fig-tree, with none to molest or make us afraid; there-
fore,

"Resolved, That Brc. J. S. and Sister M. J. Inskip have, by their
amiability, Christian deportment, and persuasive manners, endeared
themselves to the congregation, and have our entire approval of their
conduct, as also our warmest thanks for their labor of love in the
cause of their Master."

The conference opened Sept. 19. Bishop Morris presided.
To use the language of Mr. Inskip, " It passed off very

82

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

pleasantly. The action taken in reference to promiscuous
sittings was decisive, but prudent and mild ; indeed, en-
tirely satisfactory to almost all concerned ; especially so, as
it was understood generally to have no particular applica-
tion to Dayton." Whether this understanding of Mr.
Inskip was that of the conference generally, is open to
serious doubt. That he so understood it there can be no
question, but the subsequent action of the conference in his
case would indicate that they understood the matter differ-
ently.

The action of the conference was far more satisfactory
than Mr. Inskip had reason to expect.

CHAPTER VII.

IN THE WEST.— STORM GATHERING.

At the close of the conference, Mr. Inskip received an ap-
pointment to Urbana, which was entirely satisfactory to
him. From the very commencement of his ministry in this
charge there was promise of great success, and it is doubt-
ful if any year of his early ministry was more fruitful of
good. His heart, at times, was all aglow in love and praise.

" Oct. 24. — Fine society meeting. It was a most glorious
time. My soul was filled to overflowing with the joy of
God's salvation. I have not been as powerfully blessed for
months. Praise the Lord."

" Oct. 30. — I have commenced my labors here under the
most promising circumstances. The Lord, I am persuad-
ed, has given me favor with the people. May grace be given
me to use the influence I may thence derive, to His glory
and the good of the church."

Nothing occurred during the year that Mr. Inskip was
stationed at Urbana, of unusual interest, aside from a most
widespread and intensely interesting revival of the work of
God. It is doubtful if the town ever enjoyed a more re-
markable work of gr ice. Meetings were held by day and
night, and the " revival " was the theme of remark and in-
terest among all classes.

Nov. 7. — Mr Inskip says: "My faith increases every
time we meet together. The Lord, I believe, will revive

83

84

LIFE OF JOHX S. IXSKIP.

His work. My soul longs for a season of overwhelming
grace. The Lord hasten it."

He went among his people with an earnest desire to do

them good.

Nov. 9. — "My visits among the people are becoming more
an 1 more profitable to my own soul. I love to go out and
spend my time with them in religious conversation and
prayer. This, I find, is much better for them and me, than
the ordinary manner of visiting and whiling away an hour.
By this means, I have an opportunity of ascertaining the
spiritual state of my flock. I am encouraged to hope that
the Lord may revive His work. I would, it seems to me,
be enraptured to see believers sanctified, and sinners awak-
ened and converted. The Lord hasten the time when Zion's
gates shall be crowded with exultant converts, when scores
and hundreds shall enquire the way to the kingdom of
God. If my own feelings be any index of the true state of
things, " there is a better day coming.' Indeed, I hope and
believe it is at hand."

On the following Sunday he began to see evidences of the
coming salvation for which he had so ardently longed. He
says : " My soul was filled with salvation. I was favored
with great liberty and enjoyment in preaching morning and
night, and some twelve persons, or more, arose at night to
solicit an interest in the prayers of the church. The clouds
begin to move, — the morning dawns. Bless the Lord !"

On Tuesday night ten were at the altar, and three con-
verted ; and on Friday evening the same number. Sunday
was one of his poor days, but in the evening twelve were at
the altar, and five converted. But on Monday the cloud
lifted, and he reported : " Love-feast at night was a most
glorious time. Near thirty came forward for prayers, and
some eight or ten were converted. Sixteen joined on pro-
bation. It was indeed a time that will long be remembered."

Z2V TEE WEST. — STORM GATHERING.

85

Tuesday. — " Preached at night. Twenty-one or cwo came
forward and rive were converted."

Wednesday. — " Near twenty forward, five or six conver-
sions and four accessions. Truly the Lord was there. I
know not that I ever witnessed a more striking manifesta-
tion of Divine power. The work seems to be extending."

Sunday was a great day in Urbana. " I eudeavored to
preach at night. It was a day of unprecedented power and
mercy. Over thirty were at the altar. Twenty-eight joined
on probation. Verily, a second Pentecost has come upon
us."

Following a love-feast on Monday night, about sixty were
at the altar, and many were converted. The wife of a cer-
tain judge in the town became powerfully awakened, and
came to the altar seeking pardon, and so great was her dis-
tress, and so determined her purpose, that she would not
leave the place until converted. There she remained until
eleven o'clock at night, with only five to accompany her.
At last Mr. Inskip prayed, and it was such a prayer as he
has been heard to offer under peculiar circumstances.
Heaven and earth seemed to meet. The blessing came.
Mrs. Y. arose and said : " I have been seeking the Lord
for some time. I have found JVsus in the pardon of my
sins. Oh, how I love Jesus ! and how I love this mourner's
bencdi ! " And then turning towards her husband, who had
been an interested observer, said, " I love you, dear husband ;
I love you, dear father and mother ; I love you, dear brother
and sister Inskip: but I love this mourner's bench more than
you all. And if I could, I would take it up and carry it
through the streets of Urbana." Mr. H. gives up his
" brewery," and with his whole family is converted and be-
comes a consistent Christian.

" Friday, 30. — Held a love-feast at night. There were
some thirty-three or five forward for prayers,r— twelve con-

86

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

versions and ten accessions. Among those converted was
the most noted infidel in the place. It was generally con-
ceded that this is the best time we have had since the work
commenced. And to me it seems perfectly wonderful."

The infidel, to whom reference is here made, was attracted
to Mr. Inskip, and often came to hear him preach. In
private conversation he remarked, "I wish I was as happv
as you are, Mr. Inskip. I would give the world if I were.'-
" You can be as happy as I am," said Mr. Inskip. " How ? "
asked the skeptic. " By believing as I do," was the ready
response. " That is impossible, Mr. Inskip, I cannot, I am an
infidel." Mr. Inskip had never suspected this of his friend.

On the evening referred to, Mr. Inskip exhorted the peo-
ple with great force to seek God. Pausing, he said, " Per-
haps there is a man present who says, ' I do not believe in a
God.' Well," shouted Mr. I., " come and trust in the God
in whom I believe, and I pledge my faith that He will save
you." The infidel listened with a heart full of desire, and
at such an invitation, arose and bowed at the altar. As he
saw him coming up the aisle, Mr. Inskip felt almost alarmed
at his own statement. But his skeptical friend was there,
and he must meet the issue. He exhorted the people to
pray to God. and they earnestly prayed. Presently his
friend beckoned to him to come to him. As he knelt before
him, he said, " I have found it ! I have found it ! " " Found
what ? " inquired the greatly excited preacher. " I have
found that there is a God, and that the Scriptures are a
revelation from God, and that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God ! " " And," shouted Mr. Inskip, " He is your Saviour."
And instantly the infidel arose, saved by faith in Jesus
Christ.

Thursday, Dec. 6, Mr. Inskip says : " I was very sin-
gularly exercised during the meeting. It seemed to me the
Spirit was about to take His everlasting departure from

IN THE WEST. — STORM GATHERING. 87

severa] in the congregation. I never felt more distressed.
After much groaning in spirit, I named my fears to the
people. We then knelt in prayer, and spent some time in
silent invocation to God, that the Holy bp. tit might linger
for a season with the unconverted. There was a remarkable
answer to prayer. I felt it in my soul, and I shall not be
surprised if we see a great many more awakened and con-
verted. The Lord grant it may be even so ! It will be
awful if sinners permit this opportunity of mercy to pass
away unimproved. Indeed, if they should do this, it is to
be feared that ' mercy will be clean gone forever.' Hence,
it appears to me we should make every possible effort to
6ave them now. With many of them it will be ' now, or
never,' consequently I fear to close this meeting, although
our people are much fatigued and need rest. Indeed, I
ought to rest, myself ; and my family, especially my wife,
needs rest. But if I should close, my convictions are, many
souls will be left to work out their damnation with greediness.
Oh, how responsible is my position I How much I require
Divine direction ! May the Holy Spirit guide me aright ! "

On the following Sunday, he says : " Preached three
times ; favored with much liberty. It was a glorious day,
— the greatest, all things considered, I have ever seen. I
cannot tell when I have had such a season. Many, I trust,
it will be seen, were awakened. The work, it appears, is
breaking out afresh." But on the seventeenth of the month
it was judged advisable to suspend the extra services.

As the new year (1850) opened, the good work took a new
start. On the ninth of January, he writes : " It seems
that the tide of salvation is rising. I never was favored
with more enjoyment or greater success than I have had
in Urbana." There had been about one hundred and fifty
conversions, and when the Sabbath arrived for receiving
such of this company into full membership, as had been

88

LIFE OF JOHX S. IXSKIP.

accepted, it proved to be a day of great joy to the people.
After a stirring sermon by Mr. Inskip, the probationers —
one hundred and eleven — were called up. Every available
spot inside and outside the altar, as well as in the aisles,
was filled with the candidates. One who was present, says :
" The songs of praise and the shouts of joy surpassed any-
thing I had ever witnessed."

April 17, Mr. Inskip says : " Our prosperity here is abun-
dant cause of the most profound gratitude. Praise the Lord
for His goodness ! It seems to me I never can feel grateful
enough for these instances of loving-kindness." Expres-
sions of gratitude to God are often repeated, but never
without humbling views of his own unworthiness.

As the conference year drew towards a close, Mr. Inskip
becomes a little anxious, as well as a little unsettled, with
reference to his appointment. He was not certain but he
should return to the Philadelphia Conference. But " in so
weighty a matter," he writes, " I feel there is much re-
sponsibility. I would on no account be found out of the
path appointed by Providence." And yet, he admits that
his " mind is much exercised in regard to the matter."

There was a small, struggling church, in Springfield, 0.,
which had commenced the erection of a house of worship,
but were not able to finish. The walls were partly up, and
there seemed no way to complete it unless some such in-
domitable worker, as Mr. Inskip was known to be, could be
sent to them A strong case was made out ; and although
the Urbana church objected to his removal, it was judged
best to make the change. The conference met at Chillicothe,
and Mr. Inskip was appointed to the High St. Church,
Springfield.

In regard to this appointment, he says : " f trust this may
prove a great blessing to all concerned. I am persuaded it
will, provided I do my duty, and this I hope I may be able

IN THE WEST. — STORM GATHERING.

89

to do. I never felt more the need of the Divine help.
Indeed, I may say, I never enjoyed a more clear assurance
that the Lord will make bare His arm."

Of his first Sabbath, he writes : " Sunday, Oct. 6. —
Preached morning and evening. Favored with a good time
in both instances. The congregation was larger than I an-
ticipated. The singing was most excellent. The Sabbath-
school was quite promising in appearance. Altogether a
favorable impression was made upon our minds relative to
Springfield."

He enters into the church-building enterprise at once. A
meeting of the official members was called, and a "fir.st-rate,
enthusiastic time," it was. He expected, and indeed had, a
vast amount of trouble, but was much more successful in
the end than he or his people anticipated. " It will prove,"
he says, " a source of great perplexity and care, but this is
as I expected."

He made his first public effort to raise money for his
church on Sunday, the 20th. He says: "At the close of
the sermon, I introduced the subject of our new church. I
never more earnestly desired, or more sincerely prayed, for
help and direction from above. I felt, indeed, that a crisis
had come. And truly the Lord did help. Including five
hundred dollars I subscribed on behalf of the ladies, there
were some thirteen hundred and fifty dollars obtained for
the completion of the building. Everybody seemed to be
astonished and delighted. Praise the Lord ! "

The ladies held a public fair, from which they realized
some six hundred dollars, which greatly astonished the peo-
ple. Mrs. Inskip went among the people, and was remark-
ably successful in collecting money. All hands seemed to
enter into the plan, and all worked with a will.

He met with one man in his church, of whom he gives
the following account, which may be of some interest to the
reader : —

90

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

" Thursday, 31. — Spent a very pleasant afternoon at Bro.
M's. Quite favorably impressed with him and his family.
He is a local minister, and has been, I presume, a useful
man. He seems devoted to the interests of Methodism, and
is unusually liberal in his support of the church. Perhaps,
all things considered, he has subscribed as much, if not
more, than any other man, to our new church. He is, how-
ever, very eccentric. On a certain occasion, some years ago,
when on his way, afoot, to his appointment a few miles in
the country, being in a rather gloomy mood, he wrote as he
walked along the following lines, designed as his epitaph.
The whole was perfectly original, and was suggested at the
moment : —

" Here lies a man — a curious one:
No one can tell what good he's done,

Nor yet how much of evil;
Nor where his soul is — who can tell —
In heaven ahove, or low — in hell —

WitD God, or with the devil ?

" While living here, he oft would say-
That he must shortly turn to clay,

And quickly rot.
This thought would sometimes cross his brain,
That he perhaps might live again,
And maybe not.

" As sure as he in dust doth lie,
He died because he had to die;

But much against his will:
Had he got all that he desired,
This man would never have expired —

He had been living still."

There are some infidel doubts about this, but on the
whole, it is rather a meritorious and curious affair. "
Amidst his extraordinary labors, Mr. Inskip had times of

IN THE WEST. — STORM GATHERING. 91

sore trial and depression of spirits. Of one of these he
writes : —

" Sunday, 27. — I preached from ' Ought not Christ to
have suffered these things and to have entered into His
glory ? ' I left church more depressed than I have been
for a long, long time. It seemed to me I lost all command
of myself, and at once gave up to gloom, and despond-
ency. In the afternoon I met Bro. Old's class. There
were not many out, but we had a blessed time. My mind
was very much relieved. Indeed, I may say, I never felt a
more striking deliverance."

He became greatly encouraged by the prospects of a re-
vival. Sunday, Jan. 19, 1851, he writes : " I felt unusually
encouraged to look unto God for a revival of religion in my
own heart, and among the members of my church. The
same feeling continued all day. I was favored with much
freedom in discoursing upon the duty and encouragements
to prayer. It really seems to me that the ' set time to
favor Zion,' is come. My faith is strong. I hope to see a
great ingathering of souls."

" Wednesday, 22. — Begin to feel entirely at home. At
night we held a general class-meeting. It was certainly the
best meeting of the sort I ever attended. The indications
of a revival are very encouraging indeed. All our people
seem to have received a revival spirit. The heavens seem
ready to shower down upon us the power and riches of
Divine grace."

An example of the special presence and power of the
Holy Spirit occurred on Friday, the 24th of the month. He
says : " This has been one of the greatest days I have
ever seen. In the morning I went into the high school
and conducted the opening exercises. I then went into the
church and attended to some items of business, intending
to go subsequently into the country. As I passed along the

92

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

street I received a message from Bro. Howard, requesting
me immediately to repair to the high school. I went
without delay and found in one of the rooms of the institu-
tion such a scene as I never witnessed before. There were
over thirty of the young ladies and smaller children, weep-
iDg and crying aloud for mercy. The exercises of the in-
stitution were suspended. We held a meeting for the bene-
fit of the students in the afternoon. I presume, during the
day, there were some eighteen converted. At night we
held a society meeting. There were some eight or ten more
converted, making in all some thirty conversions during
the day. Twenty joined society. I never knew such a work.
To God be all the glory, — glory, glory in the highest ! My
soul is unspeakably happy."

From this manifestation of Divine power, the work spread
into the town. It was a time of great excitement. He
says : —

" Saturday, 25. — Providence seems to smile upon us in
every way. Blessed be the name of the Lord, for His good-
ness and loving kindness toward us. I never felt more
grateful. Both our spiritual and temporal affairs are in
such a prosperous state, that I know not where to begin
the praise of our heavenly Father. The excitement con-
tinues unabated. Indeed, it is on the increase rather than
otherwise. We had meeting both afternoon and night. In
each instance God was with us in great power. Some twelve
souls were happily converted, and among them were some
of the most striking instances of God's grace and power, I
have ever seen.

" Saturday, Feb. 1. — Our meetings have been going on
with increasing interest and power. I have never spent a
more happy and successful week. Truly the Lord has been
good and merciful to us ; up to last night we have had about
eighty-eight conversions, and seventy-seven accessions. To
God be all the glory ! "

IN TEE WEST. — STORM GATEERING.

93

For nearly two months, lie makes no entry in his journal,
and gives as a reason for it that he had been engaged in
writing a book, entitled, " Methodism Explained and De-
fended." "The work is now in press," he says (March 19),
" and will be out in a few weeks. It will produce consider-
able excitement, but it will do good, I hope." We shall
have occasion to refer to this book in another chapter.

Mrs. Inskip, about this time, took a journey East, having
two objects in view — the improvement of her health, which
had become more or less impaired, and the raising of funds
to furnish the new church.

If Mr. Inskip ever had the " blues " badly, it was when
his wife was absent. During her absence at this time they
came upon him.

" May 3. — Feel melancholy in consequence of my wife's
absence, I cannot tell why it is so, but it really seems to
me I cannot be happy unless I have her society. How
miserable I would be if she were taken from me."

To the absence of his wife was added his personal finan-
cial embarrassments. He writes : " Quite gloomy all day.
Indeed, I never felt so depressed in spirit concerning my
pecuniary embarrassments. The stinted support meted out
by our church for her ministers is by no means sufficient
for the supply of the ordinary wants of life ; much less
for the peculiar expenditures of a traveling preacher. I
meditated upon this subject until I became almost over-
whelmed. This, of course, was all wrong, and very foolish.
The Lord hitherto has opened my way, and will still direct
my steps."

He does not, however, recover from this feeling. On
the seventeenth of the same month, he says : " My mind
has been very much exercised for some time past in refer-
ence to my pecuniary matters. The limited support I have
received since my residence in this place, together with

94

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

numerous cares and responsibilities of the new church, has
so entirely dispirited me, that I cannot tell what to do.
Despite anything I do, the difficulty to my own mind be-
comes constantly greater and more perplexing, and some-
times is so very discouraging that I am ready to give up.
This, however, is a suggestion of the adversary which I
pray I may have grace to resist."

Monday, 23, he further writes : " During all the day, much
depressed in spirit concerning pecuniary matters. This, I
fear, will yet be attended with much unpleasantness to my-
self and my dear family. I see no possible way for me to
continue in the work unless I am better supported. I sup-
pose the evil could be remedied if I could adopt a more
rigid system of economy ; but how I am to do this, I know
not. The truth is, I am almost shorn of my strength, and
which way to turn for help I know not. In the midst of
all I reproach myself with a cold heart."

Further, in the same vein, he says : " Mrs. Inskip has
not yet arrived; begin to feel very uneasy. Should any-
thing happen to her it will be a mournful circumstance.
The church will, in that event, cost me a price too great.
Sometimes I have felt very sorry that I did not resist the
proposition for her to leave, but I wanted to give her an
opportunity to see her friends, and hoped, also, that the
same time she might further the interests of the church."

He soon heard of her safe arrival in Cincinnati, and re-
joiced, in a day or two, to greet her, in improved health, at
their own home.

The following Sunday was to him a good day. " Indeed,
it was a day of precious and unusual religious enjoyment.
My own heart was materially improved and encouraged. I
have not felt so much in the spirit of revival and progress
for a long time."

The church was at last completed, and on the twenty-

IN THE WEST. — STORM GATHERING. 95

seventh of July, was dedicated to the worship of God.
The services passed off pleasantly. Messrs. Miley and
Strickland preached on this occasion. Mr. Inskip says:
" They made a fine impression." The congregations were
large, and the collection and subscriptions amounted to
nearly six hundred dollars.

It had been resolved by the trustees to introduce into the
new church the plan of " promiscuous sitting" ; by which is
meant, that male and female could occupy the same pew.
This was regarded as a great innovation in Western Metho-
dism, though it had been practiced in the East for many
years.

At a meeting of the trustees, in the absence of Mr. In-
skip, but not without his knowledge, they passed the follow-
ing preamble and resolutions, upon this subject : —

" Whereas, It has been ascertained that a large number of the mem-
bers of the church and congregation connected with the High Street
M. E. Church, desire to adopt the custom of families sitting together,
during the seasons of public worship, and

" Whereas, In the judgment of the Board, those among us who de-
sire so to do, should be permitted to enjoy a privilege allowed to con-
gregations of the M. E. Church elsewhere ; and

" Whereas, Further, we are fully persuaded, that the adoption of
said custom, will promote the interests of Methodism in this city,
therefore,

" 1. Resolved, That hereafter, those of the members of our church
and congregation, who may be inclined to sit with their families, are
hereby authorized to occupy seats, according to such method of choice
as may be mutually agreed upon, and that for the use of the pews or
seats thus chosen, no charge or tax shall be made.

"2. Resolved, That in adopting the foregoing preamble and reso-
lutions, it is the sense of the Board that no one is required contrary
to his own preference to sit with his family, and that all of our mem-
bers who desire it, may sit according to the custom they have hereto-
fore observed.

"3. Resolved, That the foregoing be read on Sabbath morning
next, in the public congregation.
" Springfield, Ohio, July 17, 1851."

96

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

These resolutions were read from the pulpit on the
following Sunday. Of this action, Mr. Inskip says :
" Learning that they contemplated acting upon the question
of ' promiscuous sitting,' I deemed it advisable and proper
for me to be absent. After I left, the board, by a vote of
six to one, determined to adopt this system. So the Rubicon
has been passed. The war has fairly commenced. What
the end will be I cannot tell."

The adoption of this plan of "promiscuous sitting," was
the cause of very great excitement in the community.
Many in the church stoutly opposed it, regarding it as the
beginning of an innovation which would prove the utter
overthrow of Methodism. Both parties were honest in
their convictions, and both meant the best interests of the
church.

" Excitement concerning 1 promiscuous sitting,' " he says,
" very great. To me it is the strangest thing under the
sun, that a body of Christians should make so much ado
about so small a matter. It is a lamentable instance of
consummate folly, to which even sincere Christians may be
led, in contending about things of little moment. It is
enough to make the heart of an intelligently pious man
weep."

In the midst of this excitement, he addressed his people
on the subject of the success of Methodism in the town,
and explained to them the advantages, yea, the absolute ne-
cessity, of union. " Despite," he says, " my views of the
action of the Ohio Conference (meaning their action at
Dayton, two years before), I deem it my duty to direct the
attention of the church thereto, and advise the members of
my charge to take a course, which will not in the least, for
the present, conflict therewith. In doing this, I shall need
all the wisdom and caution possible for me to obtain. Oh,
may the Lord aid and direct me I "

IN THE WEST. —STORM GATHERING.

07

In this state of things the conference year closed. The
following chapter carries Mr. Inskip through the stormiest
period of his ministerial life.

CHAPTEE VIII.

CONFLICT AND VICTORY.

We desire, in as brief a manner as possible, to record the
peculiar events, which had more to do in bringing Mr. In-
skip prominently before the church, and giving him an
honorable position among his brethren, than any other acta
of his early ministerial life. It not only opened his way
to a wider field of usefulness than he had ever enjoyed, but
it changed the whole economy of the church, in regard to
an important practice.

Mr. Inskip seems to have been impelled by a conviction
that he was doing what would, in all time to come, be of
incalculable importance to the church. He could see neither
reason nor advantage in men and women being compelled
to sit apart in the house of God. He firmly believed that
the practice was a hindrance to Methodism, and ought to be
abandoned. Those who differed from him and opposed his
views, — and they constituted the great majority of his con-
ference, — were fully persuaded that they were doing God's
service. They were impressed that no greater calamity
could befall the Methodist Church, than for males and fe-
males to occupy the same pew in the house of God, or what
was familiarly known as " family sittings." Some, it was
alleged, went so far as to aver that such a state of things
would turn the house of God into a "house of assigna-
tion." At this distance from the scene, one can scarcely

CONFLICT AND VICTORY.

99

make it seem possible that such sentiments could have been
entertained, or that any special objection to the custom
could have existed. But we all know how difficult it has
ever been to change long-established customs. This is wise,
for were it otherwise, good customs might easily be dis-
placed by bad ones.

In order that the reader may understand the action of
the conference in Mr. Inskip's case, it is necessary that we
trace briefly the history of this movement.

In 1843, the members of Ninth St. Church, Cincinnati,
proposed to introduce family sittings into their congrega-
tion. A very large number of the members favored the
plan, in order to accommodate those who desired to sit with
their families. The measure, however, meeting with so
much opposition, was for the time abandoned.

In 1847, several meetings were held by laymen, to see
what could be done to secure the erection of a pewed Method-
ist church in the city. This movement in Cincinnati, in
connection with a rumor that such a church was to be
erected in Dayton, where Mr. Inskip was pastor, induced
the Ohio Conference to pass, by a very large majority, some
most stringent resolutions on the subject. The second reso-
lution read as follows : —

" That any member of this conference who will aid, counsel, or in
any way encourage the building of a pewed church in this conference,
is aiding, counselling, or encouraging the breach of a plain rule of
discipline, and will be held responsible to this body for his conduct."

In case such a church is erected, they " respectfully "
request the Bishop " not to appoint any preacher to serve
them."

A few months subsequent to the passage of these resolu-
tions, there was organized in Cincinnati a pewed-church
society, and several thousand dollars were subscribed for the

100

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

purpose of building such a church. This was finally, as a
peace measure, abandoned. In 1^48, the new church in Day-
ton was dedicated, which was the first church in the confer-
ence in which families were allowed to sit together. About
the same time a similar movement was attempted in Wesley
Chapel, Cincinnati. A goodly number of the members made
application to the trustees for permission to occupy the
church in this manner during public services. Though a
majority of the trustees favored the plan, such was the op-
position to it, that it was determined to waive the question
for the time being. In the meantime the conference held
its session in Dayton, where the subject of promiscuous
sittings was introduced, and referred to a committee of five.
Their report was readily adopted, the second resolution
reading as follows : —

" Resolved, That the preachers of the Ohio Conference are expected
and required to use all their personal and pastoral influence, if need
be, to secure the observance in all our churches of the rule, ' Let the
men and women s:». »r»-'

In Cincinnati the conflict continued. The brethren at
Wesley Chapel desiring { he change, finding that there was
no probability of accompli ;hing their purpose there, in order
to avoid difficulty, took their church letters and united with
the Ninth Street charge. About this time a society was
formed of members from the different Methodist churches
in the city, denominated " Union Chapel." This society
purchased " Grace Church," repaired it, and dedicated it to
the service of Almighty God. A large Sunday-school
and congregation were collected, and an application was
made to the bishop for a pastor. In view of the action < f
the conference, the request of the church was not granted.

In 1850, " Union Chapel " petitioned the annual confer-
ence, held that year in Chillicothe, to repeal or modify their

CONFLICT AND VICTORY.

101

action, as it was believed that the conference had tran-
scended its legitimate authority by embarrassing the action
of the episcopacy. The petition or memorial was signed
by nearly seventy official members of the M. E. Church in
Cincinnati, exclusive of those connected with " Union
Chapel."

When this document came before the conference, it was
referred to a committee of five without reading. The com-
mittee was unable to agree, and two reports were presented,
and the minority was adopted, refusing the petition.

The brethren of " Union Chapel " agreed that they would
neither " rent nor sell " the pews in their church, until the
question should be settled by the General Conference, and
that they would deed it to the Methodist Church in accord-
ance with the provisions of the Discipline. Whereupon the
presiding bishop announced, that in view of the fact that
the society had waived the question of rented pews, and
agreed to deed the church, etc., that the way was open for a
preacher to be sent to them. This decision of the bishop
produced very great excitement in the conference. Various
resolutions were passed, which we have not space nor incli-
nation to insert here. In view of this state of things, the
bishop finally declined making an appointment to " Union
Chapel."

The following year the High Street charge, Springfield,
Mr. Inskip pastor, completed their new house of worship,
and according to the original purpose of the trustees, intro-
duced the custom of " family sittings," At the following,
annual conference, holding its session in Springfield, there
was, as might naturally be expected, no little excitement
over the innovation.

It was insisted that at the time, or after the passage of
the resolutions before referred to, Mr. Inskip, in some way
declared " that now, knowing the views of the conference

102

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

on the subject of pews and family sittings, he would en-
deavor to conform his administration to the expressed
wishes of the conference." This Mr. Inskip denied, saying]
he did not so understand the matter. At Springfield the
same thing had been repeated.

Added to this offense of aiding in the introduction of
family sittings in the church, Mr. Inskip had, in the mean-
time, written a book, which was regarded as not only an
attack upon Methodism, but a " contumacious treatment of
the conference." The book was entitled " Methodism
Explained and Defended."

The work was divided into fifteen chapters, as follows :
" Hints to the Reader ; " " John Wesley ; " " Methodism ; "
" Methodism in America ; " " Doctrines of Methodism ; "
" Discipline of Methodism ; " " Episcopacy ; " " Presiding
Elders ; " " Itinerancy ; " " Local Preachers ; " " Officiality ; "
" The Laity ; " " Methodism Aggressive ; " " Methodism
Progressive ; " " Results and Prospects."

In the chapter on " Discipline," he comes to the pew
question, discussing it in its disciplinary aspects. He
claimed that the language of the Discipline respecting free
seats, could not be regarded in the light of an unbending
law, but simply advisory, as there was no penalty attached
to its violation. The practice having prevailed, and always
unrebuked by any official action except that of the Ohio
Conference, which was not a legislative body, the laity had
the right to judge for themselves when they could or could not
follow the disciplinary advice. No objection was urged to
free seats, and no preference is given to pews ; he simply
showed that the hitter could not be regarded as an innova-
tion upon Methodism.

The Christian Advocate, in noticing the book, said : " The
discussions of the author are managed in a good temper, and
with no little ability, and are entitled to a patient considera-
tion."

CONFLICT AND VICTORY.

103

The Northern Christian Advocate said : " Mr. Inskip de-
serves the thanks of the public for this able and interesting
work. He speaks of our economy with freedom, and with a
clear understanding of its peculiarities. Sound judgment and
thorough discrimination are everywhere apparent through-
out the volume."

Zion's Herald said : " It discriminates well the essential and
incidental in our system ; its style is ready, pertinent, and
not unfrequently eloquent, and its arrangement and execu-
tion perspicuous and luminous."

The book created no little excitement in the West. The
local secular press very generally commended it.

The Conference assembled in Springfield. Bishop Morris
presided. The business of the conference progressed with
usual harmony, until Friday of the second week of the ses-
sion. When Mr. Inskip's name was called, in the examina-
tion of character, Rev. G. Moody arose and said : " I have
somewhat against my brother," and proceeded to read a
preamble and resolutions, condemning his course. Mr. In-
skip objected, saying, that if there was anything to be
alleged against the passage of his character, he desired that
it might be made out in the form of a complaint. Mr. Moody
was compelled to prepare his bill of charges, which he did,
and presented them in due form. Mr. Inskip was charged
with,

1. " The violation of your solemn pledge made to the
conference at its session in Dayton.

2 " Contumacious treatment of said conference, and the
publication of obnoxious matter or doctrine contained in your
book entitled, ' Methodism Explained and Defended, and
Dedicated to the Ministers and Members of the M. E.
Church.' "

The evidence was presented, and Dr. Moody, on the
part of the prosecution, addressed the conference, mak-

104

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

ing a strong plea against Mr. Inskip. Some who were
present were surprised at the apparent determination on the
part of the prosecutor to convict the accused. But when it
is remembered that Mr. Moody firmly believed that the
introduction of " family sittings " was a wicked prostitution
of the Church of God, it is not very surprising that he
rallied all his great strength to convict the " prisoner at the
bar."

Mr. Inskip, it is said, made a most masterly defence.
But the majority were not prepared to listen, as they had
already prejudged the case. There is no doubt but that
the conference were just as ready to convict the accused be-
fore as after they had heard the evidence. Mr. Inskip was
found " guilty of the charges." It is doubtful if there was ever
greater excitement in the Ohio Conference, than during that
trial. Every member was in his place ; the galleries were
densely packed with interested spectators, and the whole
community seemed to be in a fever.

The conference had convicted Mr. Inskip of grave offences,
but what were they to do with him ? This seemed a more
difficult question than anything which had yet come before
them. Rev. J. Young offered the following resolution : —

" Besolved, That in the judgment of this conference, Bro. Inskip
is censurable, and that he be, and hereby is, censured."

It was moved to strike out the word "censured," and in-
sert the word " admonished." The original motion, however,
was withdrawn, and Rev. G. W. Walker offered the follow-
ing:—

''Resolved, That it is with heartfelt sorrow that we feel called upon
to disapprove of Bro. Inskip's course."

The first resolution, offered by Mr. Young, was entirely
consistent with the action of the conference. But the con-

CONFLICT AND VICTORY.

105

ference was not willing to face the legitimate results of its
action. They conscientiously believed that Mr. Inskip was
not guilty of the charges which they had, by their vote, con
victed him of.

The second resolution was opposed, as being inconsistent.
One member remarked, that it was much like " skinning a
man," and then telling him, "we are sorry for it."

Rev. J. G. Mitchell offered a substitute for Mr. Walker's
resolution, which was passed by the conference : —

"Besolved, That, with Bro. Inskip' s explanation before them, the
conference do not judge him guilty of a wilful and wicked breach of
pledge ; but admonish him of his error, and pass his character."

It does not require deep discernment to see the manifest
discrepancy between this resolution and the charges which
had just been sustained, involving the moral character of
Mr. Inskip. If this resolution presented the true state of
the case, it should have been so stated in the charges ; for
the conference had just as much light on the subject before
the vote to sustain the charges was taken, as it had when the
resolution was passed. If the resolution was true, the charges
were false.

Mr. Inskip gave notice of his intention to appeal from the
decision of the conference in his case, to the General Con-
ference to be held in Boston, the following May.

The conference concluded its session, and Mr. Inskip
found himself removed from the High Street Church,
Springfield, to Troy. This removal, under the circum-
stances, was regarde 1 as a penalty for the sin he had com-
mitted in advocating family sittings in churches.

The society to which they were sent was small, the church
edifice dilapidated, the salary only $250, with no other means
of support except their salary ; and their son on expense at
the boarding-school. It was a great affliction to both Mr. and

106

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Mrs. Inskip, for it had been done without consulting them,
and with no thought on their part that a change was to be
made. For a time, Mr. Inskip, as well he might be, was
strongly tempted to rebel. But his better judgment pre-
vailed, and he went to his charge to do the work of a Meth-
odist preacher ; and God vindicated his loyalty in the end.

His friends strongly sympathized with him, in what they
regarded as an infliction of punishment for an opinion.
The foil )wing resolutions express the feelings of the " Union
Ohapel Society " of Cincinnati : —

At a regular meeting of the official board of "Union Chapel So-
ciety," held at thoir church on Monday evening, October 6, 1851, the
following resolutions were passed by unanimous vote: —

"Resolved, That the society at Union Chapel are under lasting
obligations to Rev. John S. Inskip, of the Ohio Annual Conference, for
the firm, liberal, and Christian course he has pursued, in the face of a
oitter opposition on the question of family sittings in our churches, in
which this society is so deeply interested. s

"Resolved, That we tender to Bro. Inskip our hearty thanks for
his able and efficient support of the principles for which we are con-
tending,— even at the sacrifice of his personal popularity with the
majority of his conference.

" Resolved, That we sympathise with Bro. Inskip and his excellent
wife, in being removed from a charge at the end of the first year (al-
though the members wished, and the board of stewards asked, for his
return), to gratify, as we think, the desire to punish him, by a major-
ity of his conference.

"Resolved, That we should have been much gratified to have had
the efficient labors of Brother and Sister Inskip at Union Chapel, the
present year; but acquiesce in their decision to abide the direction of
the bishop, and take tho appointment allotted them.

"Resolved, That these resolutions be er'ered upon our minutes-
and that the secretary be directed to transmi. a copy of them to Bn^
Inskip, with ihe assurances of our confidence in him as a minister of
our holy religion, and high appreciation of his efforts in our behalf,
and our abiding interest in his future welfare.

"Signed in behalf of tho official board of Union Chapel Society.

"Cornelius More, Prest.
" J. II. Burton, Secy."

CONFLICT AND VICTORY.

107

The people received them with open arms, and aided them
to the extent of their ability. It was suggested to Mrs. lu-
skip that she could open a school, and by that means, aid
not only io supporting themselves, but in keeping the ir sou
at school. The official members, being consulted by Mr.
Inskip, consented to the arrangement. A room was rented,
circulars were sent out, and in a little time a prosperous
school was in operation.

There had been no revival in the town for a long time.
Mr. Inskip resolved to make the most of his situation, and
entered into the work of soul-saving, with his usual energy.
He preached as he only could preach, and visited from house
to house. A revival of universal power commenced. The
old church, which for years had been filled mainly with
vacant pews, was now crowded to its utmost capacity, and
sinners thronged the altar as seekers of pardon.

A few days before leaving for Boston to attend the Gen-
eral Conference, he writes : —

Monday, 29. — <; The Lord has favored me with unusual suc-
cess in this place. Near three hundred have been converted
and added to the church. Among them are many who
promise much usefulness. I have not before seen such a
work. To God be all the glory ! Oh, it is to me, in view
of many special circumstances, abundant cause of gratitude
and joy. I cannot express the feelings I often have in ref-
erence to this matter. Surely the Lord is good, and His
mercy endureth forever."

He is not without his fears as to what the action of the
General Conference might be in his case. His personal
feelings are expressed in the following record which he
made at the time : " The obsolete rule in regard to separate
sittings, pews, etc., will either be excluded, or be so modi-
fied as to leave the matter entirely to the discretion of the
people. The effect of this within the bounds of the Ohio

108

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Conference, I cannot tell. The reaction against the former
ultraisni of the conference, I fear, will be very great, and in
many cases a change will take place, without much advan-
tage to the cause of Methodism. The strife of contending
parties may become so violent, in some instances, as to do
much injury. For all these things the majority of the Ohio
Conference will be held responsible. Had they taken the
course urged by the minority, all difficulty would have been
avoided. They, however, chose another course, and with
unyielding pertinacity, carried it out; consequently, what-
ever evil results may follow, will be charged upon them.
Still, however, we must hope in the Lord."

On the first of May, 1852, the General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, commenced its session in the
Bromfield Street Church, Boston. Mr. Inskip appeared to
prosecute his appeal. His wife, who knew him — his weak-
ness and strength — better than anybody else, wrote to hifn
a letter, in which she says : " By the time this reaches you,
I suppose your case will be before the conference. All I
have to say, is, be very guarded. I am anxious for you to
succeed. I want you to deliver your address in such a man-
ner as to do you much credit. Manifest a Christian spirit.
It matters not what is done or said, keep cool, — pray for
grace to be given you. You will not lose anything by being
kind and affectionate. But at the same time, I would add,
be as firm to your purpose as the Rock of Gibraltar. Do not
give one inch. If I ever thought you would be like some I
could name — afraid to speak out your sentiments — I really
would be ashamed to own you. But I thank God, you
are not one of this kind. All things will work together
for your good, if you will only continue in the same spirit
that you have manifested from the beginning. I want you

to have great success, and beat , but I want you to do it

in a gentlemanly way."

CONFLICT AND VICTORY.

109

It must be admitted that this letter is written in a most
excellent spirit, and could but be moulding in its influence.

It was not until the twelfth day of the session that the
appeal was reached. On motion of Dr. Elliott, the appeal,
which had been assigned for that day, was taken up.

Dr. Slicer doubted the propriety of entertaining the
appeal, and moved that it be not entertained.

Mr. Winner agreed with Dr. Slicer.

Dr. Bangs argued that Mr. Inskip was entitled to an ap-
peal.

Dr. Cartwright insisted that the appeal should not be
heard.

Mr. Mattison thought the brother was entitled to be heard.
Mr. Comfort and Dr. B. F. Teft made earnest speeches in
favor of the appeal being heard.

Jacob Young, of the Ohio Conference, hoped the confer-
ence would hear Bro. Inskip.

Dr. Hodgson made an argument in favor of entertaining
the appeal, which settled the question.

It was finally voted that the appeal be heard.

Mr. Inskip was called upon to present the grounds of his
appeal. The writer has often heard him say, that for a few
moments he felt as if he should die. His heart came into
his throat, and he did not know that he would be able to
speak. Then he collected his thoughts, and said to himself
I know more about this case than all this body of men, and
I will tell them what I know. From that moment his fears
subsided, he became calm and self-possessed.

It was an hour of deep interest. The church, which then
contained large galleries, was filled to its utmost capacity to
listen to the man who had created so much stir in the West.
The writer sat in the galleries, where we had a fine oppor-
tunity to see and hear him. No one who was present will
ever forget that defence. It continued through two sessions

110

LIFE OF JOUX S. IXSKIP.

of the conference. The people listened with rapt atten-
tion to the end. The audience manifested their sympathy
with the sentiments of the speaker by loud applause, for
which Bishop Morris, who was in the chair, sharply re-
proved them, reminding them that they were not in a
theatre.

It would be interesting to the reader, we have no doubt,
to peruse that address. But the manuscript from' which it
was delivered lies before us, filling no less than seventy-
six closely-written pages of foolscap. It would make not
less than seventy-five pages of this book. He simply swept
the field. " Father Taylor," who listened to the address,
became greatly excited. He could not keep his seat, but
moved about like a caged lion. When Mr. Inskip closed,
the eloquent man of the sea handed him his chair, saying,
"Be seated, sir. You have buried those fellows so deep
that the sound of Gabriel's trumpet would not reach them
in a thousand years." The day was won. Inskip had
triumphed most grandly. He became the observed of all
observers.

Dr. Moody at once commenced his reply, and hour after
hour the giant of the West, for such he was, put forth all
his powers to retrieve the lost cause. He did well, but the
conference and the spectators were not in sympathy with
the speaker. He was followed by Rev. G. W . Walker, a
man of blessed memory, who, by his gentle and winning
words, and seeming disinclination to press unduly his oppo-
nent, drew many hearts to him. But he could not turn the
tide. Others spoke for and against, but all seemed to be of
little avail. John S. Inskip had captured the minds and
hearts of a majority of the conference ; and when the pleas
were ended, the conference voted to reverse the action of
the Ohio Conference, and the youthful reformer returned to
his western home gay as a lark, free as an eagle, and happy
as an angeL

CONFLICT AND VICTORY.

Ill

As soon as the action of the conference was known, Mr.
Inskip, scarcely stopping long enough to bid his friends
adieu, turned his face towards the West, and hastened to
report the result to one in whom he had more interest than
in all else, who was waiting and praying for his success and
coming. His feelings toward all connected with this matter
are well expressed in the following words : —

" Saturday, 29. — Great subject of conversation and rejoicing
among us, is my success at Boston. I cannot by any means
give utterance to the gratitude I feel to my Heavenly
Father, and all my numerous friends, for this triumph. I
have no disposition to exult over my discomfited opponents.
This, I trust, I shall always be careful to avoid. "

CHAPTER IX.

HOW OPPOSITION LED TO PROMOTION.

Such had been the feeling in the Ohio Conference towards
Mr. Inskip, that it was thought advisable, not only by him-
self, but by many of his friends, that he should take a trans-
fer to some eastern conference. And there were not
wanting openings in any number.

The Madison Street M. E. Church, connected with the
New York East Conference, gave him an urgent call to
become their pastor. Some church in the Troy Conference
had put in a similar claim. He was sure that he should be
transferred to some Eastern Conference. Jan. 1, 1852, he
says : —

Tuesday, 1. — " In view of my contemplated transfer to
some of the eastern conferences, of course I feel more or less
unsettled. A movement of such consequence must, to a
greater or less extent, excite the mind. Should it occur, I
hope it may be for the best. But if it do not occur, I shall
take it as an indication of Providence for us to remain, and
shall be perfectly content."

Four days later he received a letter from the stewards and
trustees of Madison Street Church, New York, from which
we make the following extract : —

"New York, May 31, 1852.

" Rev. and Dear Brother, — Having heard it intimated by several
parties, that it was probable you would be transferred to some one of
112

HOW OPPOSITION LED TO PROMOTION. 113

the eastern conferences, and having heard your talents and piety
highly spoken of by several of your brethren in the ministry, and
otbers of your acquaintance, we have thought if it suited your views
to be transferred to the New York East Conference, that your appoint-
ment as pastor of the Madison Street Church of this city, with which
we are connected as stewards and trustees, would be highly acceptable
to our membership and congregation. Not desiring to take any ac-
tion in the matter until having ascertained your views in relation to
transfer, we would feel obliged by your addressing a line in reply, to
Bro. Stephen Barker, No. 301 Grand Street, New York, informing us
whether it would meet your approval if we should make application
for you to the bishop at the ensuing term of the N. Y. East Confer-
ence, which, as you doubtless are aware, commences its session a
week or ten days from this ; before which we should much like to
hear from you.

(Signed) " SAsnjEL Watkins, Trustee.

" J. W. Barker, "

" Stephen Barker, Steward,

" John Elliot, " "

They encourage him by informing him that they have
paid their former pastors one thousand dollars a year, and
hope to do as well by him.

Mr. Inskip, regarding this as a providential call, re-
sponded, saying that he should " be happy to serve the
Madison Street congregation if the authorities of the church
so direct."

He received a letter in a few days from Mr. Barker, in-
forming him that the bishop would transfer him to the
Troy Conference, unless he co-operated with them in effect-
ing a change, and wishes him to telegraph John Elliot and
Bishops Waugh and Janes, his preference for Madison
Street Church. He at once did as he was asked to do, but
was of the opinion that he should go to Troy. He had fears
that his parents, who resided in Cincinnati, would be op-
posed to his removal East. But on the twelfth, he makes
the following record : —

114

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

."Keceived a long letter from father. He is decidedly in
favor of our being transferred East, and urges me to have
the matter consummated at all hazards. This is pleasant to
us, of course, for among the chief obstacles in the way of
our transfer, the feelings and views of our parents have
caused us more or less uneasiness, inasmuch as we have
always supposed them to be opposed to our removing from
this conference. The letter referred to has entirely relieved
our minds in this matter."

Two days later, a letter was received from Bishop
Janes, saying that it was the judgment of the bishop
that he should go to the Troy Conference. There was no
disposition on the part of Mr. Inskip to rebel. He received
the decision of the bishop with true Christian submission.

To this letter he makes the following response : —

" Troy, Ohio, June 14, 1852.

"Bishop Janes, — Dear Brother, — Tours of the 9th inst., was
duly received. Previous to its reception the friends at Madison St.,
New York, communicated with me, both by mail and telegraph, desir-
ing me to consent that they should make application for me to the
episcopacy, and to co-operate with them, and I, according to their wish,
immediately forwarded to you and Bishop Waugh, both a dispatch
and a letter, stating my views and feelings in relation to the matter.
At the time I wrote, I had no official information of the decision of
the episcopacy in my case. It had been currently reported, however,
by some means, that Troy Conference would be our destination.
This will explain why I felt at liberty to state somewhat freely my
f references, as well as those of my wife.

"Since then, having been informed by your letter of the judgment
of the bishops, I deem it proper to say that Mrs. Inskip and I most
cheerfully acquiesce therein. The difference in the case as presented
by direct communication from Madison St., and that rumored in rela-
tion to Troy Conference, was two-fold. First, we have quite a num-
ber of acquaintances in the N. Y. East Conference, and secondly,
the application was on the part of the people, whereas in regard to
Troy, we would be almost entire strangers, and no application had

SOW OPPOSITION LED TO PROMOTION.

115

been made for us by tbe people. In the abstract, the Troy Confer-
ence is in every way as desirable to us as tbe N. Y. East Conference,
and if upon further reflection, it has been determined that it will be
improper to accede to the proposition of the brethren in Madison St.,
and better to adhere to the original decision of the episcopacy, we.
shall be perfectly satisfied. The matter we leave with you entirely.
Shall be glad to hear from you again. Before closing, I would say,
unless it has been settled to consummate the arrangement with Madi-
son St., it seems to us it will be the order of Providence to go to the
Troy Conference. As to the conference territory, location, and all
similar considerations, no doubt that conference is among tbe very
best in the whole work ; and judging from the kind expressions from
the delegation from that body, I am sure we shall be very happy
there, and, I trust, useful too. These brethren won my esteem and
confidence, and I shall consider myself happy indeed to be associated
with them in the promotion of the Divine glory and the interests of
Methodism. My wife joins me in the kindest regards to you and
yours. Hoping soon to bear from you again, I remain, respectfully
and fraternally yours,

John S. Inskip.

"N. B. I presume there will be no difficulty in supplying our
place here. With two weeks notice, so far as we are concerned, we
can be ready to move at any time."

Next came a letter from Eev. E. H. Pilcher of the Michi-
gan Conference, urging him to take a transfer to that Con-
ference and be stationed in Detroit, as his successor. Of
these invitations he says : " It really does seem to us that
the persecutions to which I have been subjected are work-
ing out a very favorable result. But for these the people
referred to in the above communication would never have
heard of me, perhaps. This, indeed, would have been the
case elsewhere. I suppose the people of New York and
Troy never would have known anything about me, had I
not been brought into notice by the impolitic course of the
majority of the Ohio Conference."

He declines the invitation to be transferred to Michigan,
not seeing the path of duty in that direction. June 17, a

116

LIFE OF JOIIN S. INSKIP.

letter from Stephen Barker, informs him that after a hard,
but successful struggle, he is to. come to the New York East
Conference, that Madison St. Church is left to be supplied,
with the understanding that he is to be transferred and sta-
tioned there.

The following letter from Bishop Waugh settles the
matter : —

" MrDDLETOwx, Conn., June 18, 1852.
"Eev. J. S. Inskip, — Dear Brother, — Yours of the 11th inst, was
received last night. Madison St., New York, has been left to be sup-
plied, and you are relied on to supply it. It was understood, however,
by the brethren who waited on Bishop Janes, that the transfer woulf"
not take effect until after the next session of the Ohio Conference
As Bishop Janes will preside at your ensuing session, it of right be
longs to him to make the transfer. This is all I have time to com-
municate, and it is all that is necessary. Present my remembrance
to Sister Inskip. ,
"Yours affectionately,

" B. Waugh."

He received a letter from C. Moore, Cincinnati, urging
him to remain in the conference. "We want you at
' Union,' next year, and must have you." In view of what
had transpired, Mr. Inskip says : " We are very much com-
forted in the growing assurance of the interposition of
Providence on our behalf in reference to Madison St., New
York. Pray most devoutly that our appointment there may
be attended with the Divine blessing. We have been much
persecuted during our connection with the Ohio Conference,
yet the Lord has favored us with great success at every ap-
pointment. We are not filled with vain-glory on this
account, but are grateful, I trust. In humble dependence
upon the Divine favor, we will continue in the path of duty.
It would have been much more pleasant to us had we re-
ceived the hearty co-operation of the leading members of the
Ohio Conference, but for some reason this has been withheld,

EOW OPPOSITION LED TO PROMOTION.

117

and in many instances we have had to contend with direct
hostility from them. Nevertheless, the Lord has been with
us, and the God of Jacob has been our refuge. We have,
however, many very warm friends, with whom it is pain fid
to part. But I have no doubt it will be better, much better,
for all concerned, for us to change our position. May God
bless us all ! "

The brethren of the Ohio Conference are not to be con-
demned for contending for what they believed was right.
In the heat of the strife, neither party was able to correctly
judge the motives of the other. But in later years we re-
joice to know that victor and vanquished both viewed the
matter very differently.

Mr. Inskip received the following testimonial, which is
worthy of a place here : —

" Tkoy, Ohio, July 8, 1852.
"My Bear Brother Inskip, — Enclosed you will find a copy of a
complimentary letter, which I am authorized, by the Dayton District
Ministerial Association, to furnish you. I need not say that it affords
me the greatest pleasure to be the medium of such a testimonial of
regard from your fellow-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. May
the richest blessings of Heaven rest upon you and your estimable lady,
whose Christian and social qualities have enthroned you in our
hearts.

" Ever yours,

" W. P. Stbickland."

" Whereas, Our dearly-beloved brother, Rev. John S. Inskip, has
been called by the authorities of the church to the pastorship of the
Madison St. charge in the city of New York, and hence his relation
to the Cincinnati Conference, and consequently his relation to the
Dayton District Association, must terminate at the close of the pres-
ent conference year; and

" Whereas, Bro. Inskip has, from the organization of the Associa-
tion to the present time, taken the liveliest interest in all matters
pertaining thereto, and

" Whereas, His intelligence, urbanity, and high Christian and
ministerial character, have greatly endeared him to us, — therefore

118

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

"1. Resolved, That we sincerely regret the necessity, which, in
(he order of Providence, as connected with the economy of the
church, removes him from our midst.

" 2. Resolved, That we will ever cherish for our brother the warm-
est feelings of fraternal affection, and most devoutly pray that the
same success may crown his ministry, in the new field to which he is
called, as has attended it while in connection with us, and that God
may bless him and his family with all spiritual blessings in Christ
Jesus.

"Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions
be presented to Bro. Inskip, and that another be furnished for the
Western Christian Advocate, and that the Christian Advocate and
Journal be requested to publish the same.

" W. P. Strickland, Secy.
" William Herb, President."

When the church at Troy awoke to the fact that Mr.
Inskip was to leave them, they addressed a very touching
and stirring letter to Bishop James, imploring him not to
transfer their pastor from the conference, but allow him to
remain with them one year more. The letter gives a fuller
view of his work in Troy than any account we have met
with, therefore we give it in full : —

" Troy, July 13, 1S52.
" To Bishop Janes, — Dear Sir, — Having received intelligence
of the intended removal of Bro. J. S. Inskip from this station, at the
end of the conference year, we, the undersigned, including the official
body and a large proportion of the membership, known as ' Troy sta-
tion of the M. E. Church of the Ohio Annual Conference,' respectfully
represent to you, as one of the bishops beloved, that the removal of
Bro. Inskip from u?, at the end of this year, will not only be unex-
pected and painful to all in tnis place, but will have an unhappy and
withering effect on the interests of the church, and the entire com-
munity over which he has gained, and is now exercising, an influence
not to be calculated, and which no other minister has attained here.
This is not the uttering of mere feeling from favoritism, but a candid
conclusion drawn from some facts, which, whatever may be done in
this case, will stand very prominently in the history of this place and
neighborhood, and for years to come will be referred to by many with

HOW OPPOSITION LED TO PROMOTION. 119

great interest. For some time past ours has been a feeble society, —
hardly knowing whether we could respectably sustain ourselves as a
station. But God has visited us in mercy and grace. He has made
Bro. Inskip the means of bringing many into, and building up, the
church, in a very remarkable manner. During last winter a revival
of religion occurred here and in the adjacent country, under his min-
istry, which, all things considered, was without a parallel in the
Miami Valley for many years, and the prospect of his usefulness is
now more flattering than at any time before. Indeed, his large work
is just now fully before him, and could you know all the facts as they
are plainly before every one here, you would, we th!nk, say he should
remain one year longer. But after all we can say, you can have but a
partial idea of the deep mental affliction which the removal of Bro.
Inskip will give to this society. On yesterday, one hundred and forty
names were called to be received into full connection, and most of the
persons came around the altar, exhibiting in the house of the Lord a
scene of religious interest not often beheld in this region, but most
impressive and thrilling. But just at this time — (please consider it
closely) — hundreds of hearts were made sad by the thought that
their pastor was soon to be removed — removed at the most important
time in his work, — the time of giving strength and permanence to
the church, — made sad in a degree that would give mental exclama-
tion like this, ' Why must he leave us? He ought not to be removed!
Can't he be continued? '

"One thought additional, and we respectfully submit the whole
matter. Not only do we believe that the state of things here consti-
tutes an unusual demand for the services of Bro. Inskip one year more,
but that he is of that class of men who should remain in the western
country. The soundness of his physical constitution, and his intel-
lectual strength and moral vigor, give a remarkable adaptation to the
interests of the church in Ohio, where the population is so rapidly in-
creasing, and every improvement moving on with such great speed.

" Respectfully and affectionately requesting that Bro. John S.
Inskip may be returned to this station at the next annual conference,
we add no more.

" Signed by the members of this station.

" Samuel Johnson."

Mr. Inskip, learning what had been done, hastened to
disabuse the mind of the bishop in regard to the pressing

120

LIFE OF JOII1T S. IKSKIP.

claim of the Troy brethren, assuring him that the " brethren
are by no means factious, but act under the influence of
preference. They greatly over-rate the peculiarities of their
position ; nor are they to be blamed for so doing." He in-
forms the bishop that he has disposed of his furniture, and
has made every necessary arrangement to go to New York,
and is only waiting for the conference which is to be held
at Xenia.

The conference at last assembles, does its work, and
adjourns. John S. Inskip is transferred from the Ohio
Conference to the New York East, and stationed at Madison
Street Church, New York City. He was highly pleased
with the arrangement, and at once made ready to depart to
his new field of labor, where he was destined to spend the
most of his remaining ministerial life.

He was strongly attached to his Troy friends. He says :
"I feel more and more in reference to leaving them. It
seems to me I never had a greater number of ardent and
confiding friends than I have here. May the Lord abun-
dantly bless them and reward them for their kindness."

CHAPTER X.

PASTORATE IN THE METROPOLIS.

Mr. Inskip arrived in New York City on Sept. 25, 1852,
and was most heartily received at the home of Bro. James
Barker. The reception, also, that he and Mrs. Inskip met
from the officiary and membership of the Madison Street
Church, was most welcome and encouraging. He found the
people in the spirit of revival, and seemed himself to have
but one desire, — the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
The attendance at the regular church services soon began to
increase, while the love-feast occasions were seasons of great
rejoicing and spiritual power.

On Monday, Oct. 18, he attended a " family love-feast for
the whole church of New York and vicinity," at the Allen
Street Church, which had just been repainted and refur-
nished. Of this meeting, he writes: "I never witnessed
such a scene, nor heard such speaking and singing. The
house was filled to its utmost capacity. The speaking was
to the point, and without any interruption. It certainly
was a time long to be remembered."

The kindness of his own brethren, in providing for the
temporal comforts of himself and family in the parsonage,
is thus pleasantly and gratefully recorded : —

Oct. 22. — "It scarcely ever happens that a Methodist
preacher falls into such good hands. I feel grateful to my
brethren, and humbled before my Heavenly Father. Oh,

121

122

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

that God may continue to pour His Spirit upon the congre-
gation ! "

The adaptation of Bro. Inskip to the work of the Chris-
tian ministry, was often seen in the grouping of events, in
each of which he was perfectly at home. On Sunday eve-
ning, with a soul on fire, and the church crowded, he entered
the pulpit, and preached on the " Day of Judgment." After
the sermon, very many came forward to the altar, and were
converted, while the whole audience were deeply impressed
with the sermon they had heard. On the following evening,
though much fatigued with his Sabbath labors, we find him
with a large company of little children, in the pleasant home
of Bro. James Barker, holding a children's meeting.

While profoundly devoted to his own church work, he was
at the same time an observing " watchman on the walls of
Zion." Whatever interested his fellow-men, was of in-
terest to him, especially on the line of their moral and
spiritual welfare. Of the result of his observation, he
writes : " In this large and wicked city, there is a multitude
of corrupting influences at work. Theatres, balls, drinking
and gambling saloons, conspire to lead the unwary into paths
of error and crime. To meet the emergency thus created,
we need a general and overwhelming spirit of revival," and
for this great end he constantly prayed, and as earnestly
labored.

On Sunday evening, Nov. 28, Mr. Inskip preached on " The
Superiority and Pre-eminence of the Priesthood and Sacra-
fice of Christ," from Heb. vii. 20-25. After the sermon,
twelve came forward for prayers, eight professed to find
peace, and seven joined the church on probation. On the
following Tuesday evening, sixteen more came forward,
and many were converted.

So fully was his time occupied by the variety of calls
made upon him, it was with difficulty that he could devote

PASTORATE IN THE METROPOLIS.

123

regular hours for study. Dec. 22, he writes : " Since 1 came
to New York, I have had unusual freedom iu preaching, and
the Lord has given me ' favor with the people.' To main-
tain my position, I am compelled to devote much time, and
take great pains, in preparing my sermons. When laboring
within the bounds of the Ohio Conference, especially at Day-
ton and Springfield, my time was so much occupied with finan-
ciering, church-building, etc., that I neglected study, so far
as to lose my relish for it. At present, however, circum-
stances furnish a necessity, and habit, the love of study. I
think, also, that I am improving in spiritual enjoyments."

On Sunday morning, Dec. 26, Bro. Inskip exchanges with
Rev. Hart F. Pease, of Willett Street, and preached upon
the " Resurrection of Christ," and speaks of his theme as
" a delightful subject," and of himself as having had " much
freedom in preaching." At his post again in Madison Street,
in the afternoon, he preached upon the text, " The weapons
of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to
the pulling down of strongholds." The day closed, with a
sermon in the evening, from the text, " Without controversy,
great is the mystery of godliness ; " and no wonder that in
recording the experiences of that Sabbath, he writes : " On
the whole, I scarcely ever had such a day during my time
here. The Lord has done much for me. I have been con-
stantly and abundantly aided by His Spirit. Duty seems
delight. Praise the Lord, 0 my soul ! "

In tracing the life of Bro. Inskip, especially at this period,
he seems so full of hope, and his labors crowned with such
success — scarcely any meetings being held without some
conversions, — that it is almost surprising, and possibly a
comfort to those of his brethren whose lot seems to lie along
the low-lands of life, to find that even he had his moments
of discouragement ; yet he, like others, had sometimes to
think of himself as only another " prophet by the brook."

124

LIFE OF JOHN S WSKIP.

On Tuesday, Jan. 4, 1853, after recording a precious watch
meeting, which closed the old year, crowned with the happy
conversion of eight souls, he writes : " Weather cloudy and
cold, slight fall of snow, commenced freezing in the evening.
Preached at night ; hard tug ; my mind very much becloud-
ed; faith severely tested; tolerable congregation. No one
came to the altar."

Soon, however, the mental clouds passed away, and his
heart was cheered and faith strengthened by the conversion
of many ; indeed, his peace of mind seemed only secured as
he saw souls brought to Christ.

A note in his diary, Jan. 22, is worthy of insertion here,
as showing not only his own, but the conviction of others,
upon the subject of which he writes : " The people of New
York have been accustomed, during the season of extra
meetings, to send abroad for popular preachers. The excite-
ment such produces, passes away with them, and a reaction
ensues which is often disastrous to the interests of the
church. The work now in progress among us, having oc-
curred in connection with our regular services, promises to
be permanent."

On Tuesday evening, Feb. 22, he accepted an invitation to
spend the evening at Bro. 's house. A large com-
pany had assembled, and, to his great surprise, found among
the amusements, that dancing was introduced ; upon which
he writes : " I immediately, with my family, withdrew from
the company, and would at once have returned home, but for
the interference of Bro. and others, at whose solicita-
tion I consented to remain until after supper. No blessing
was asked at the table, and the whole was a thoroughly irre-
J i^ious affair. What we are to come to, if our people continue
to ape the world of fashion, I cannot tell. I am not very
iigid in my views, — not as much, perhaps, as I should be, —
yet I cannot but deplore this tenden?y to folly and dissipa-

PASTORATE IN THE METROPOLIS.

125

tion. The Lord enabled me, I trust, to act firmly and dis-
creetly."

Much of the following spring and early summer were
occupied in church repairs and improvements. On Monday,
Aug. 8, Bro. Inskip, with others, started for the Northport
Camp-meeting, of which he writes as follows : —

Saturday 13. — Returned from camp-meeting. The Lord
was pleased to reveal Himself in a wonderful manner ; such
displays of mercy and power I never witnessed. About two
hundred and fifty obtained peace in believing, many were
sanctified, and both preachers and people were abundantly
blessed of the Lord. My own soul was filled with the love
of God. My wife was also richly rewarded ; indeed, all who
were there seemed to be filled with rapturous awe."

On Tuesday, Sept. 6, he again writes : " On Monday last,
in company with a number of our members, went to the
Sing-Sing Camp-meeting, and returned home the following
Saturday. About one hundred and fifty were converted,
numbers experienced a ' deeper work of grace,' and I have
reason to count myself one of the happy number. This gra-
cious work was wrought in my heart, after the meeting closed,
while engaged with a company of others in singing. I never
can forget that moment. My peace since then has been un-
interrupted. On Sunday, I preached with unusual satisfac-
tion and comfort, and during the day, at least seventeen
were converted."

Wednesday, he writes : " My religious experience has
been greatly improved since my return from camp-meeting.
1 endeavor now to live one day at a time. I find this a
happy manner of life. I am looking for some trial of my
f aith. How or when it may come, I know not : but come
when it may, I have no doubt the grace of God will be suffi-
cient for me. My earnest prayer is, that I may be enabled
to live in this ' good and right way.' "

126

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

Friday, 9, he adds: "I seem to walk in 'green pastures.'
I certainly have at last found the ' Land of Beulah,' a region
of light and joy."

One week later, he says : " My attention, for some tim^
past, has been directed to the importance of deep piety, a-*
a qualification for the duties of the ministerial office. I am
fully persuaded that without this, all other qualifications
must fail."

And on the next day adds : Sept. 15 : "I begin to feel very
different in regard to this peculiar feature of Methodism.
It seems to me now, nothing is so interesting as the narration
of Christian experience. I never had such a continuation
of joy and peace."

Nov. 10. — In recording the spirit of revival in his church,
he thus alludes to himself : " My own soul shares largely
in this blessed feast. Frequently, in times past, I have gone
through a revival, and felt but a limited amount of religious
comfort. But ever since I came to Madison Street, and es-
pecially within the last two months, my heart has been
filled with the presence of God. Oh, how much I am in-
debted to my Heavenly Father ! Everything goes on pleas-
antly with me, and I can truly say, ' Heaven is on earth
begun.' All my duties are performed with great cheerful-
ness, and the ' light of God's countenance ' shines continually
m my pathway."

The annual conference having convened in May, 1854, in
the Jane Street M. E. Church, New York, Bro. Inskip notes
the services of the closing Sabbath of his pastorate in
Madison Street : —

May 14. — " At night I delivered my ' valedictory.' The
congregation was very large. Many of the people, as well
as myself, seemed to regret that the hour of parting had
come. I thank God, however, for His goodness toward us.
The people have treated us with marked kindness and atten-

PASTORATE IN THE METROPOLIS.

127

tion. Our labors have been abundantly successful. To God
be all the glory. May He direct us to another field."

It was uncertain where Bro. Inskip would be stationed the
next year; but at the close of the conference, on Friday,
May 26, he writes : " We received our appointment, a little
before ten o'clock, and were profoundly astonished when we
learned that we were appointed to Fleet Street, Brooklyn.
Our minds had never looked in this direction, nor had the
brethren from this congregation even thought of us coming
to them. However, we trust it is all of the Lord, and desire
to go to them in the ' fulness of the blessing of the Gospel
of peace.' During the next week, a social meeting was held
by the church, appointed for the purpose of becoming ac-
quainted with the 4 new minister and his wife.' "

The conference year, at Fleet Street, was filled with many
pleasant incidents, and many were converted and added to
the church through his ministry. It was also a year of
great excitement in the cities of New York and Brooklyn,
between the Protestant and Boman Catholic populations.
Mr. Inskip for a while filled the place of editor of the True
Freeman, besides delivering many lectures on the side of
Protestant liberty. In his church relations he formed many
pleasant associations.

At the conference of 1855, held in Danbury, Conn., Bro.
Inskip was appointed to the Centenary Church, Brooklyn, a
ehange of appointment which seems to have been pleasing
to him, and on June 5, he writes : " We are comfortably lo-
cated in our new home. From present indications, we shall
be much pleased with this people ; " and again, on June 13 :
" From every quarter we have the most encouraging indica-
tions. I begin to feel the revival spirit. Since I came to
this charge, the Lord has abundantly blessed my poor soul.
Oh, that He may give me a ' single eye,' and great success."

During the month of August, he attended camp-meetings

128

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

at Sing-Sing, and at Northport, L. L In the latter place he
heard a sermon by Rev. J. B. Merwin, to which he alludes
as follows : " Bro. Merwiu preached one of the best sermons
I have heard for many years. It is seldom we hear so
much Gospel in one sermon. At night, I endeavored to
preach on the 'General Judgment.' A number came for-
ward for prayers, and several were converted." Returning
to his charge in Brooklyn, his labors were crowned with
great success.

The excitement concerning the spread of Roman Catholi-
cism continuing, he took a deep interest in whatever per-
tained to the spread of the principles of Protestantism. In
Newark, and Newburg, as well as New York and Brooklyn,
vast crowds attended his public addresses. During the
month of October, 1856, when General Fremont was nomi-
nated for the presidency, Mr. Inskip found himself in some
doubt as to the course he should pursue in the coming elec-
tion, and so outlines the dilemma in which he finds himself:
" Great excitement in regard to the approaching presidential
election. I scarcely know whom I shall vote for. Mr. Fre-
mont is the candidate of the Republican party, whose
' principles and platform ' I most cordially approve. But it
is rumored that he is or has been a Roman Catholic. If this
should prove to be true, I cannot vote for him."

After a two years' pastorate, at the Centenary M. E.
Church, he was appointed to the DeKalb Avenue M. E.
Church, Brooklyn, and he at once entered upon his duties
there, with an enlarged desire and prayer for success in his
ministerial labors. Finding the church finances, as well as
the spiritual life of the church, in a depressed state, resulted
in much anxiety and depression in his own mind. During
the summer, however, he attended several camp-meetings,
taking an active part in them, at all of which he says : " I
was powerfully blessed," after which the work of revival

PASTORATE IN THE METROPOLIS. 129

developed in his church. Very many were converted, and
the general prospects of the church became brighter and
more hopeful. Near the close of his one year's labor in De-
Kalb Ave., he writes : —

Feb. 20, 1858. — " We have been graciously favored with a
revival of religion. Over one hundred and twenty souls
have been hopefully converted to God. Our members have
greatly improved in religious experience, and our numerical
strength has more than doubled. At present we have a
most encouraging prospect. To God be all the praise !

On Thursday, May 22, 1858, Mr. Inskip was appointed
pastor of the Cherry Street M. E. Church, New York City,
and preaching the following Sabbath, " was greatly favored
of the Lord." Almost at once, God graciously owned and
blessed his labors — few meetings occurring without conver-
sions taking place. This happy condition of the work, Mr.
Inskip chiefly attributed to the comparatively large attend-
ance at the class-meetings ; and in a note upon this, he
records his own long-settled convictions, that " a Methodist
Church regular at class-meetings, is certain to prosper."
He continued thus happy in his labors, until a shadow un-
expectedly came upon his heart and home, by the death of
his much-beloved and only son. A note in his diary tells
of the favorable business prospects and the happy home of
this loved son, and the high respect in which he was held
by all who knew him ; when suddenly the cloud gathered,
and death took him away. On March 1, Mr. Inskip makes
this sad record : " We buried him on Thursday. A large
number of sympathizing friends were in attendance. He
rests in peace. We are afflicted, but we are also comforted.
The joys of Christian hope sustained him in the trying hour,
and he has gone to the realm of bliss. We would not bring
him bick to this world of sorrow. We will rather go on,
and endeavor to meet him in our Father's home on high."

130

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIF.

Among the most pronounced anti-slavery men of that
time, Mr. Inskip stood with the foremost. During the
month of September, 1859, the question of slavery had been
freely discussed at the New York Preachers' Meeting, and
during the following month, some twenty-one or two spent
the day with him at the parsonage. What then transpired,
is not recorded, but the brethren are alluded to as " all of
the right stamp, and generally confident of success at the
ensuing conference," which was to convene the next spring
at Stamford, Conn. The anticipated conflict is outlined by
Mr. Inskip, as follows : —

" Oct. 7. — There is a deeply laid scheme of the enemy to
disturb our peace. Some of our ministers and laymen, have
been induced to form an association, the professed object of
which is to prevent all action, looking to a change of our
'General Rule' on the subject of slavery. It is contem-
plated by this association, to introduce the subject for con-
sideration in our several churches. The agitation that must
ensue, will be, of course, very violent. I shall use my best
endeavor to prevent it. My views are well known to the
world. I am a thorough abolitionist, yet I most seriously
deprecate the introduction of the subject among our lay-
brethren. Our opponents will see their mistake, but not, I
fear, until it will be too late to remedy it."

Oct. 12, he adds : " It begins to require some effort to re-
sist the controversial spirit, upon the question of slavery.
It is my most earnest prayer, that I may be preserved from
undue excitement. I don't want anything to divert my at-
tention from the great work to which I am called."

When events are reviewed from the distance, their outline
is the more easily traced ; but in their very midst, Bro. In-
skip seems to have caught the prophetic meaning of their
significance, for on Oct. 19th he writes: "Great excitement
all over the country, produced by an outbreak at Harper's

PASTORATE IN THE METROPOLIS. 1"!

Ferry, Va., headed by a certain mm nann d Brown. It
seems that he has been influenced by a spirit of revenge ;
however, there are indications that he sought the freedom of
the slaves. This method of securing the abolition of slav-
ery, is not only treasonable, but likewise impracticable. No
doubt the time will come — indeed it may now be upon us — —
when violence and bloodshed will follow as the legitimate
result of the fearful wrongs of slavery. Jefferson might
well say, ' I tremble for my country, when I think God is
just.' The retributions of Providence may mete out to the
slaveholders a fearful recompense. Every right-minded
Christian and patrioc, must regret all such measures. We
may, however, regret many things that we cannot prevent."

Having received an urgent invitation from the brethren
of Ninth Street M. E. Church, he became their pastor at the
ensuing conference, May, 1860. Notwithstanding his fears
of great excitement, he afterwards speaks of the conference
session as " a delightful time," and of his new appointment
as "highly satisfactory to us." Among the early intima-
tions of a successful year, he writes of a social visit on the
part of the " stewards and leaders " to the Sunday-school
teachers' meeting, after which all went to the parsonage,
and Mr. Inskip writes : " Our prospects for a good time are
very encouraging. It seems to me, that I will endeavor to
make this the best year of my life. The Lord aiding me, I
will do more for His praise and glory than ever. Oh for
grace, to make a full consecration to God ! "

That he was very happy in his new charge, in both preach-
ing and pastoral visitation, is frequently alluded to by him
in his diary. But beyond this, he often alludes to his deep
interest in the great question of the hour, and on May 11th
writes : " Went to Cooper Institute, and heard speeches by
prominent anti-slavery men. Came away with the impres-
sion that 'Methodist anti-slaveryism ' is a very feeble

132

LIFE OF JOHN 8. INSKIP.

affair. We are far — very far — behind these men in the advo-
cacy of the right. I hear nothing special from the General
Conference ; presume that upon the slavery question they
will do little or nothing, except to make a great noise."

In his own religious experience, there was at this time a
marked improvement. He expresses himself as beginning
to feel as in former years, in preparation for his pulpit
labors. "I trust," he writes, "that the Lord will continue
to bless me. Life is so short and uncertain, that I must
improve every opportunity for doing good. The work of a
minister of the Gospel is really a privilege, as well as a
duty. The multitudes around us who are in the broad road
to ruin, should excite us all to most earnest and diligent
efforts. The attention of the church must be directed more,
to this matter, or we shall have the ' blood of souls ' upon
us."

The steamship Great Eastern, being in New York harbor,
about two thousand persons made an excursion in her to
Cape May, Mr. Inskip being among the number. The ex-
cursionists returned after an absence of three days, and al-
though the trip was much enjoyed by him, after his return
he writes: "Very much fatigued. Such sport is very
laboi ious. There is nothing so delightful as to keep steadily
on in the regular duties of life. The recreative seasons are
apt to leave unpleasant influences, and injure our souls."

August 10, 1SC0, was the anniversary of his birth, and is
observed with the reflection: "To-day, I enter upon the
forty-fifth year of my age. Time is fearfully rapid in its
flight. It appears but a short period since I was a boy in
the city of Wilmington ; but how many changes have been
wrought since then. More than twenty-five years I have
been endeavoring to preach the Gospel, and I never loved
the work more than I do now. 1 would consecrate the re-
maining part of my time here below, to God."

PASTORATE IN THE METROPOLIS.

133

During the summer of 1860, Mr. Inskip visited the camp-
meetings at Sing-Sing, Falls Village, and Paulings, on the
Harlem R. R., at each of which he preached, and from
which he usually returned to his Sabbath services in Ninth
Street, where he speaks of " the power of God visiting the
people, and many conversions taking place as ihe result."

The nomination and election of Mr. Lincoln to the presi-
dency of the United States, occurring in the fall and winter
of 1860-61, was attended with great excitement, both North
and South, and the war of the rebellion was ushered in.
During all these stirring events, Mr. Inskip took a deep in-
terest in public affairs, and especially in the maintenance of
the authority of the national government. At the confer-
ence of 1861, he was returned for a second year to the
pastorate of the Ninth Street M. E. Church, and after a brief
reference to this, he writes": "The war has commenced, and
the sensation that has followed cannot be described. No
language can convey an adequate idea of the movement
among all classes of citizens. The whole North seemed in-
stantly to spring to arms. Hundreds of thousands of men
seem ready to respond to the call of the president ; and we
are now in the midst of preparations for the mighty struggle.
The South will not recede, and the North cannot. We shall
put into the struggle the whole power of the North — all
our men and money — for the support of the government.
We hope to be victorious. What then will follow, we can-
not tell. Slavery, however, will be destroyed." *

After Mr. Inskip's return, in enfeebled health, from his
chaplaincy in the army, he spent some time at the home of
his father, in Brooklyn. On Aug. 20, 1862, he writes : " I
experience some difficulty, in resuming my relation to civil
life. It appears strange, yet I hope soon to find it perfectly

* An account of Mr. Inskip in the Army, we have reserved for a separate
chapter, which is to follow.

134

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

natural. I deem it a great privilege to go to the ' house of
prayer ' and either hear or preach the Gospel." During the
succeeding months, he occupied his time, either in preaching
or in public addresses in the interests of loyalty to the gov-
ernment, and on the first day of January, 1863, was espe-
cially strengthened in his faith in the final triumph of the
Union Army, by the issuing of Mr. Lincoln's emancipation
proclamation. Prior to this act of the pr. sident, Mr. Inskip
held the conviction that not until a death-blow had been
given to this great national evil, would the tide of battle
turn in favor of the Union cause ; but after this, he looked
upon the triumph of the national cause, and the return of
peace, as only a question of time.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, 18G3, his venerable and Christian-
father died in great peace, aged seventy-five years.

At the annual session of N. Y. East Conference, of 1863,
Mr. Inskip was appointed pastor of the church at Birming-
ham, Conn., to which place he had been previously
invited. Arriving at the place of his new charge, he was
first made welcome at the hospitable home of Bro. Cheese-
man and family, and afterwards by the whole church. Glad
to return to the regular work of the pastorate, he entered
upon its duties with great zeal and earnestness. He at once
adopted a systematic course of study and pastoral visitation,
an 1 endeavored to adapt himself to the more staid habits of the
New Euglanders, which were somewhat different from those
to which he had been for years accustomed. After laboring
here for one year, during which time many were converted,
and the church maintained a good spiritual condition, he
was invited to the pastorate of the South Third Street M. E.
Church in Brooklyn, which invitation he accepted, and
where God seemed to open up for him a field of enlarged
usefulness, attended with an experience which was, doubt-
less, the greatest event in his life.

CHAPTER XI.

ARMY CHAPLAINCY.

To patriotic men, especially men of high-blood born, there
is a strange fascination in the perils and exciting vicissitudes
of military service. But while Mr. Inskip was a patriot of
the most pronounced type and character, possessing a nature
strong with lightning forces, he entered the army as a
minister of the Lord Jesus, with no animosity towards the
South ; but in his great soul of sympathy he felt that the
men who were ready to lay down their lives for their coun-
try's cause, had a just claim upon his most earnest labors
for their spiritual welfare

Mr. Inskip was constitutionally and religiously opposed
to slavery. Soon after his marriage, through his and his
wife's influence, her mother (of Maryland) was induced to
make provision for freeing her slaves. In later years, when-
ever the question was up in his conference for discussion,
he was always on the side of the weak and the oppressed. It
is very evident, therefore, that he comprehended the nature
of the conflict between the North and the South, as involv-
ing this vexed question ; for it was asserted by Mr. Stephens,
the political genius of Georgia, to be "the chief corner-
stone of the New Republic." To him it was like a vision.
When the first gun, fired on Fort Sumpter, awoke the nation
from its slumbers, the leaders of the confederacy regarded
it as the signal of their triumph and the funeral knell of

135

136

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

the Union ; but he interpreted it as the announcement of a
new era of enlarged freedom, and of a more permanent
peace throughout the broad realm of our national inheri-
tance.

Mr. Inskip's feelings, and the motives that prompted him
to accept the chaplaincy of the Fourteenth Brooklyn Eegi-
ment, are intimated in a letter written to his father, from
Washington, D. C, May 22, 1861, as follows : —

" Bear Father, — We are just about starting to go to our encanp-
ment, and I embrace the opportunity to write a few lines to you. I
have been strangely and wonderfully favored of the Lord.

" Tbe novelty of my position is very great , almost too great, indeed,
for me to realize. Yet I am conscious of being in the line of duty.
God is with me, and graciously favors me with His presence and blessr
ings. I expect to win many stars for my crown of glorification in the
kingdom of heaven. No motive influenced me in this movement bat
an earnest desire to do good. I have made great sacrifices in coming
here. But sacrifice in these times is glory 1"

After reaching Camp Wool, near Washington, a letter writ-
ten to his wife, May 25, expresses his feelings and motives
more fully in going to the war. He says : —

"My Bear Wife, — After leaving you at Jersey City, I felt for a
time sad enough. It was really a season of the most pungent grief.
It was not until then tbat I fully realized our temporary separation.
We have so long and so pleasantly toiled together, that I scarcely
know how to act in my isolated condition. Yet I felt assured of
Divine aid, and deemed it a privilege to make the sacrifice for the
cause of my country and the glory of God. Of the fitness and pro-
priety of my course, I bave never had one moment's doubt or hesita-
tion. My mind in this respect is as clear as the light of noon-day.
I have a steady, peaceful sense of the presence and blessing of God."

After speaking of the route of the regiment from New
York to Philadelphia as a continued ovation, and at other
places (excepting a few that need not be mentioned), he

ARMY CHAPLAINCY.

137

mentions the first dress parade on Pennsylvania Avenue,
which attracted great attention, and won for the regiment
universal applause.

In a vein of pleasantry he wrote : —

" I wish you could have seen the officers mess at their first supper.
It was about half-past eight iu the evening when some thirty of us,
weary and hungry, sat down to our homely repast. The moon was
shining brightly upon us, as we took our tin plates and cups in hand ;
but amid the clatter of knives and dishes, and the hearty mirth and
jollity of the moment, there were occasional pauses of deep thought-
fulness. A glance around suggested that the brave, war-clad heroes
were thinking of home and loved ones far, far away These pauses
were protracted and long enough to hear angels whisper — " Remember
the star-spangled banner, and vow it shall wave o'er the land of the
free and the home of the brave." Again the work of the moment
would be resumed ; and again the pause, and solemn reflection would
return. What strange extremes that half hour included !"

Thus after speaking of the peculiarities of camp-life, he
closes his letter by a statement that the regiment is a happy
and united band, bound together by high patriotic sentiment
and brotherly love.

It may not only be a matter of interest, but it may also
give a fuller view of his purpose in taking his position as a
chaplain in the army, by giving some extracts from a letter
written from Camp Wool to the Ninth St. Church, New
York City, of which he was pastor. May 28, 1861, he
writes as follows : —

" My Dear Friends and Brethren, — By a strange providence I
have been called to the field of strife. My business is to preach the
Gospel of peace to mankind, and to induce men to love each other,
and to do good even to their enemies. To accomplish such a work,
at a great sacrifice, I have come hither. What a work it is ! I pre-
sumed it to be important, before an opportunity occurred for me to
judge of it by present observation. Now that I am here and the
whole matter is plainly presented to my mind, I really cannot tell how

138

LIFE OF JOHN S. IKSEIP.

I am burdened with the magnitude of the enterprise. The thousands
who have come here prepared ' to do or die ' for the honor of their
country's flag and the constitution and laws of the land, should most
certainly be cared for. Whoever else may be neglected, those noble
souls must be cared for.

" You will, however, naturally expect a detail of my circumstances
and operations. No opportunity has occurred for any definite religi-
ous movement until we reached our encampment. Prayer-meetings
have been held in many of the tents. Sometimes you could, without
much effort, conceive yourself at a camp-meeting. Prayer and praise
may sometimes be heard in almost every direction. For such an ex-
hibition of moral courage as is implied in this, great determination is
required. Of course the men who thus hold up the banner of the
cross, are in the minority. Surrounded as they are, it is a striking
demonstration of the high tone of moral sentiment by which they are
governed, that they stand up for Jesus. In the ordinary congrega-
tions of Christian worshippers at home, men may readily acknowledge -
Christ ; but here, when there is so much to distract and annoy, only
those who have the root of the matter in them can muster courage
to be on ' the Lord's side.' Such persons need a leader and a guide.
God has called me to this work. May I have grace to perform it.

" Our first Sabbath service was held in a grove contiguous to our
camp. The troops were formed into a hollow square ; the flag and
officers in the centre. All joined in singing,

• Blow ye the trumpet, blow,
The gladly soleiun'sound,'

to the good old tune ' Lenox.' I never heard so sweet a sound.
Earnest prayer was offered up to God. All hearts seemed united in
one, when we came to the merey-s.eat and implored the Divine bless-
ing upon those we had left behind, the cause we had come to de-
fend, our country and the world."

Then he adds : —

"The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking from the 108th
Psalm and 13th verse, — 'Through God we shall do valiantly.' The
deep seriousness and general attention given by all present were truly
remaikable. The showy costume of the soldiers, the glitter of arms,
the waving flag of stars, the song of praise, and the almost oppressive
solemnity of the hour, rendered it an occasion never to be forgotten.

ARMY CHAPLAINCY.

139

The three who were with the Redeemer on the Mount of Transfigura-
tion, could not have felt holier joys than many felt who were present
and participated in the first public religious service of the Fourteenth
Regiment. In the afternoon we held a highly interesting prayer-
meeting ; all denominations of Christians were represented. The
day's labor resulted in a number of remarkable conversions."

Then, with the spirit of a prophet, he proceeds to say : —

" How long the war will last, I cannot tell. I will, however, ven-
ture to predict that it will not cease until the 'star-spangled banner'
shall wave in triumph o'er all the land, and everywhere, — North
and South, East and West, — this soul-inspiring symbol of our national
strength and glory, will be respected and sustained. When that good
time will come, I know not ; but it will come. The Lord hasten it I
There will be no peace till then. Pray for the soldiers, — especially
those under my care."

In his second letter to the same church, June 5, he
writes : —

"I have not had either time or disposition to go beyond the
immediate neighborhood of our encampment. All my interest is
centred here. My thoughts are occupied by the one fearful and
startling fact that we are at war ! What an awful truth is this !
Were the war conducted against a foreign nation it would be hard
enough. But we are here to fight our brethren !

" The exposure and perils incident to a campaign such as we have
entered upon, give great weight and responsibility to the relation I
have assumed. This responsibility sometimes almost overwhelms me.
The hundreds of souls committed to my charge must be faithfully
warned and earnestly taught the way of life. The opportunities for
doing this are not the most favorable. The intervals between the
times assigned to military duty are brief, but when they do occur, I
cheerfully embrace them to do what I can to promote the spiritual
welfare of these noble-hearted men. The officers of the regiment
appreciate the importance of promoting morality and religion ; and
they cheerfully give their countenance and co-operation to my
efforts."

On the eleventh of June he wrote: —

140

LIFE OF JOUN S. IWSKIP.

"You are at home, surrounded by all the endearments of domestic
bliss. I am in the midst of a company of armed men. You sit down
quietly in the sanctuary. I worship God with the instruments of
death on every hand. You listen to the sweet songs of Zion. I hear
the bowlings of the 'dogs of war.' In all, however, I am wonderfully
supported by the grace of God. My mind was never more peaceful.
My faith in the Almighty was never more firm. I am unspeakably
happy in the Rock of my salvation. I most truly deprecate the
calamity that has befallen our country. The storm cloud gathers with
feat fill aspect, and soon the dreadful work of death must begin. If
it please God to permit it, I most earnestly desire to follow the dying
warrior until bis noble soul shall pass away. As I have often said,
my mission is one of peace and kindness. I am here to heal rather
than to wound, — to make alive rather than to kill.

" It is a matter of gratitude to God that many of these high-souled
men are truly devoted Christians. The object of such in coming
here was not to slay and destroy, but to sustain the constitution and
laws. They are not so much the enemies of the South, as they are
the friends of good government. They do not hate their foes, but
rather love their country and its glorious flag of stars. To sustain
this symbol of our nat ional sovereignty and glory, no effort should
be spared, no sacrifice is too great."

On the twenty -fifth of June he wrote : —

"I would not exchange my position with any living man. I am
here where God has placed me. The glorious flag of our country
protects me, and a thousand true-hearted men stand ready to die that
its honor may be vindicated. No man ever felt more proud that he
could say, ' I am an American citizen,' than I do. The Lord continues
to bless me in the discharge of my duty. Every day brings fresh en-
couragement to further effort in my Master's cause. I am glad that
it is my privilege here to proclaim the glorious Gospel of Christ. I
pray constantly that our enemies may see the error of their ways,
and be converted into good and loyal patriots."

This little prayer reveals the true inwardness of the
man.

During the time of his active relation to the Fourteenth
Eegiment, no chaplain in the army was more devoted to the

ARMY CHAPLAINCY.

141

welfare of those under his spiritual supervision. No oppor-
tunity for religious services was neglected. Prayer-meet-
ings were held, and personal advice and admonition were
given on all suitable occasions. And for the greater en-
couragement and protection of the morals of the regiment,
he organized a society, designated " The Chapel Association
of the Fourteenth Kegiment of the New York State
Militia."

The object of this Association was as follows : " The
object of this society shall be the promotion of morality
and religion among its members, and to persuade others to
turn from the error of their ways."

We mention this association to show how, in every way,
Mr. Inskip labored to benefit the members of the regiment
under his charge. This association, together with a library
and tent, as a reading-room, with conveniences for writing,
to accommodate and encourage the soldiers, was a means of
diverting the attention of many from dissipating associations
and habits. Also, a large tent given by the Young Men's
Christian Association of Brooklyn, furnished with ample
accomodations for the meetings of the whole regiment,
was often the scene of wonderful displays of the power and
presence of God. Not infrequently the officers and their
staffs, from head-quarters, were present at the services.
Prayer meetings, temperance meetings, and concerts of in-
strumental and vocal music, were given, with recitations and
discussions, once a week, so that every evening was occu-
pied in these ways for the improvement and entertainment
of the regiment, and all others desiring to attend. But one of
the most interesting meetings of the week, was a meeting
for religious experience, in which all denominations partici-
pated. Mr. Inskip's journal shows, also, with what tender
solicitude he sympathized with the soldiers. Their Inn * and
heavy marches, their exposure to storms and cold, greatly

142

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

oppressed him. Though he was often drenched with rain,
and chilled with biting frosts, he seldom spoke of himself;
but his pity was excited for the men. It often occurs in his
diary : " Terrible rain-storm all day, — worse at night.
How much our men must suffer ! Poor fellows, I am very
sorry for them." His heart was tender as a woman's, and
his love poured out streams of pity, and inspired deeds of
kindness to all.

A few extracts from a letter respecting the battle at Bull
Run, may be of interest.

July 23, 1861, he wrote to his wife as follows : —

" Of course you have heard of our disaster. The struggle was a
fearful one, and many, very many, of our poor fellows, are now sleeping
that sleep from which there is no waking.

" The battle commenced on Sunday at about half-past eleven o'clock.
The roar of the artillery, and the discharge of musketry, was perfectly
terrific. We occupied as a hospital a good farm-house, which was con-
tiguous to the field, and being surrounded by beautiful shade trees, was
eminently well calculated for the purpose. The yellow flag was
hoisted in front of the house. Soon the fearful work began, and the
wounded men were brought in. It was a sad sight ; — one, indeed, I
hope never to see again.

" At first the Confederate forces gave way, and but for some singular
mismanagement we would have won the battle. We really had more
than half succeeded. But for some cause, I know not what, our suc-
cess was not followed up, and the fortune of the day turned against
us. A panic spread among our forces, and it was impossible to rally
hem. Our colonel was wounded and brought from the field on
a litter. I found him in a small house with a few of our regiment.
I proposed that the surgeon and I would remain and take care of
him ; but the suggestion was considered unadvisable. So he was
carried by our noble men about seven miles. We then got him into
an ambulance wagon. I continued with the ambulance for three or
four miles further, when we came to a bridge which was glutted by
men and teams crowding across, and which was also enfiladed by the en-
emies' artillery. As for myself, I saw it was of no use to wait to cross
the bridge, so, with many others, I forded the stream, and thus es-
caped to the other side, beyond the reach of the missiles of death.

ARMY CHAPLAINCY.

143

After resting a short time in the camp of the Garibaldi Guard, some
two miles further on, I gave God thanks for my single biscuit ami a
di ink of water, and said to myself, My wife is praying for me: I shall
get through. Though scarcely able to stand, I trudged along about
two miles more, and found to my dismay that the regiment had left.
I had then marched about forty miles that day, and saw at once I
must have help, or give up. Just then I saw one of the heavy wag-
ons belonging to the regiment, standing a little way ahead, which
had strangely got behind the rest. I hailed it, and got in and rode
the balance of the way. This deliverance, I firmly believe, was in
answer to prayer. Praise the Lord 1 We thought at first, that half
of our regiment had been killed or wounded ; for they were in the
thickest of the fight ! But seventy-five will doubtless cover the num-
ber of both the killed and wounded. Our camp is near Washington.
I have a great work here to do, by encouraging the men, and attend-
ing to the sick, and writing letters to the friends of the poor fellows
that fell upon the field of strife. Indeed, now is really the time for me
to be of essential service. A golden opportunity to do something for
the glory of God, is now before me."

Soon after the battle of Bull Bun, Mrs. Inskip having
heard that her husband had returned from that terrible con-
flict very much prostrated from the long and exhaustive
marches, hastened to join him near Washington, where the
regiment was encamped. His joyful surprise may be im-
agined, when entirely unexpected, her carriage drove into the
camp about nine o'clock in the evening, and she announced
herself at the door of his tent. But her coming proved a great
blessing to many poor sufferers. For the next day, as the
wounded men were brought in from the field, she, with her
husband, devoted herself to the work of caring for them and
for the sick.

Mrs. Inskip, at different times, and in different camps,
spent in all some nine months with her husband ; laboring
with him to promote, in every way, the temporal comfort
an 1 spiritual welfare of the regiment. She was especially
helpful in the religious services. Speaking of the wonderful

144

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

meetings held in chapel tent, she said : " I never, no, never,
shall forget one meeting where hundreds rose for prayers,
many of whom experienced the forgiveness of sins, and the
evidence of their acceptance with God."

"When orders came for the regiment to move, March 10th,
1862, Mrs. Inskip returned to Baltimore.

Mr. Inskip remained with the regiment, devoted to his
duties, after the engagement at Bull Run, until the follow-
ing spring, hoping for something more active and effective
in restoring peace to the nation, than marching and counter-
marching. His natural love of excitement, his ambition to
be doing, was provoked almost beyond endurance, by long
delays and continued suspense. Thus camp-life became
irksome and a weariness to him. At the same time, the
exposure to storms and climatic pressure, together with long
and heavy marches by night, as well as by day, made serious
inroads upon his general health. These facts appear in the
reasons assigned for his resignation presented July 14, 1862,
while in camp near Fredericksburg, Va. He says in his
communication to Lieut.-Col. Fowler commanding : —

" I am led to adopt this course for two reasons : First, my health
•will not justify me in making any further attempt to endure the
fatigue and exposure of camp life ; and secondly, the necessity of my
services at home, arising from the severe affliction of my aged father,
which refers to me certain important interests, that imperatively de-
mand my attention.

" Respectfully yours,

" J. S. Inskip,
Chaplain Uth T. S. if,"

A similar communication was forwarded to the Secretary
of War, accompanied by the recommendation of Col. Fowl-
er.

On the 22d of July he received the following honorable
discharge : —

ARMY CHAPLAINCY.

145

" Headquarters 3d Army Corps, Army of Virginia, 1
Warrenton, July 21, 1862. J

[Special Order No. 29.]

" The following named officer having tendered his resignation, is
herehy honorably discharged from military service of the United
States, to take effect from the date set opposite his name : Chaplain
J. S. Inskip, 14th Eegt., N. Y. S. M., July 21, 1862.

"By command Major Gen. McDowel.

"S. F. Bartow, A. A. General."

Thus closed the fourteen months' chaplaincy of Mr. In-
skip ; during which period his labors were incessant ; and
few, if any, were more successful in their spiritual work,
and none more esteemed and beloved.

CHAPTER XII.

"wholly and forever the lord's."

The subject of entire sanctification, as held and inculca-
ted by the Methodist Episcopal Church, early engaged Mr.
Inskip's thoughts. At the time of his ordination, he became
profoundly interested in the doctrine. When the solemn
questions were addressed to him and others, by the presid-
ing bishop, " Are you going on to perfection ? — do you
expect to be made perfect in love in this life ? — are you
groaning after it ? " — he could but feel, as an honest man,
standing before God and His church, that such questions
meant more than official holiness, or its mere observance as
a perfunctory duty. He assures us that at that time he
came very near to the reception of the great salvation. A
little encouragement from one who knew the deep things of
God, and had skill in directing an honest inquirer, might
have led him into the experience of that grace which would
have so moulded his subsequent life, as to have greatly in-
creased his power with God and usefulness with men. A
similar crisis occurred several times in his life, but alas,
these crises were allowed to pass without the conscious
reception of the blessing, leaving him still only on the
border of

" The land of rest from inbred sin,
The land of perfect holiness."

In two instances, according to his own statement, he did
receive the great blessing.

146

"WHOLLY AND FOHLYKH THE LUliD'U." 147

A variety of influences combined to modify his views on
some important aspects of the subject, more especially tne
experience. He firmly held the dogma, as a part of his
Methodistic creed. His denominational pride led him to
tenaciously contend for the doctrine, while he virtually dis-
carded the experience. The doctrine he found clearly
taught in all the standard authorities of his church, and
knowing it to be the central doctrine of Methodism, he was
constrained to protect and defend it on all suitable occa-
sions. Notwithstanding his acceptance of the doctrine, he
became exceedingly hostile to a profession of its experience.
This hostility did not develop itself iu the form of doubt or
skepticism simply, it assumed a more reprehensible form —
a deep-seated and unyielding prejudice, leading to the most
bitter and at times uncharitable criticisms upon those who
professed the experience, as well as the methods employed
for its promotion.

In a book written by him in 1851, entitled, as we have
before seen, "Methodism Explained and Defended," he
attempts a defense of the doctrine of holiness. It is
described as "that in which we teach the possibility of
man's attaining a state of grace in the present life, in which
be will be made free from sin."

Alter a few lines more of explanation, he proceeds to
describe the abuses of the doctrine by those who profess it.
Their " practical inconsistencies have given great occasion of
stumbling to others." They are " wild and deluded enthu-
siasts." They "possess all the pride, irritability, and
petulancy incident to persons of their temperament."
They " cannot endure contradiction." " In the most un-
charitable manner possible, they pass judgment upon
all who do not happen to be as they are." He finds
also, that there is great want of harmony " in the numerous
theories thai have been published."

148

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

" Whether such a state may or may not be obtained at the
time of justification ; whether instantaneous or progressive;
aud mauy other similar inquiries, which have been discussed
with unusual vehemency, are questions of but little conse-

queuce."

These crude and unscriptural views, as well as un-Metho-
distic teachings, plainly show that in his experience he
was far from the enjoyment of perfect love. His remem-
brance of this presentation of the subject, and his manner
of treating those who professed the experience, was, in
after life, the occasion of great humiliation before God and
his brethren. And when others spoke of him and his asso-
ciates in the same manner, he would often say, " Let us
bear with them, for we did the same thing." His only
relief was in the fact that he did it "ignorantly in unbelief."
Still he regarded the error a very grievous one. But God
graciously forgave all.

He seems to have entered into the experience of heart
purity at Dickinson College, in 1832, and also at Sing-Sing
Camp-meeting in 1853. These experiences, in later life, he
would have accepted as entire sanctification. We have no
doubt but that he so regarded them at the time.

He failed to confess frankly what God had done for
him ; he put his light under a bushel, and it went out, as
has been the case with thousands.

The experience of 1853 did not long continue. Changes
in pastorates, various forms of excitement, and a failure to
confess it, dissipated the sweet sense of "Beulah" life
which had charmed him so much, and for some twelve years
he says little or nothing upon the subject except to com-
plain of those who professed the experience.

But for nearly two years prior to the time it pleased God
to bestow on him this grace, he had been living, he tells us,
a more devout life than for many years before. His per-

"WHOLLY AND FOREVER THE LORD'S." 149

sonal religious state occupied more of his attention than
formerly, and he was seeking and receiving a deeper work
of grace.

On the thirteenth of April, 1864, Mr. Inskip received an
appointment from the New York East Conference, which
held its session that year in Hartford, Ct., to South Third
St., Brooklyn (E. D.). He seems from the beginning of his
pastorate in this church to be improving in his spiritual
state. Frequent references to his religious experience are
made in his journals of this period.

May 3, he says : " The Lord is favoring me with a good
state of mind. My heart is in the work. Oh that I may
have grace and strength to labor for my Master ! "

May 19, he says : " Had a profitable day in my study.
Seem finally to have come back fully to former ministerial
habits. These had been so seriously interfered with by my
operations as chaplain, that I feared for some time I would
never be able to resume them. However, through the
Divine blessing, I have at last got all right again. My
work is now interesting and pleasant. My heart is in it.
I really love to work for the Lord. Oh, may He grant me
success ! A wide and promising field is open before me. Oh
that I may labor efficiently and with a single eye ! " The
following evening, speaking of his prayer-meeting, he says :
"The Spirit of the Lord was evidently in our midst, and
all felt the place to be the ' house of God and the gate of
heaven.' " He speaks of his soul's being " much refreshed,"
the following Sabbath, while preaching on the " Pentecost."

June 1, he says : " Find the experience of some of the
dear old saints belonging to my class, very interesting and
profitable." He says of his prayer-meeting, June 10 : " Our
meetings all are so spiritual that we must certainly, ere
long, reap some fruit."

July 10, of his Sabbath services, he says • " I had a good

150

LIFE OF JOHN S. mSZIP.

day It kept getting better and better all day. The Lord
was with me in great mercy."

Referring subsequently to this period, he says : " During
my time at Birmingham, and especially during the five
months I had labored here, I was living closer to Christ
than I had done for many years. It has sometimes occurred
to me that during this period I might have been in a cer-
tain sense, ' preparing the way of the Lord.' If this, however,
were the case, I was not conscious of it. Upon the subject
of entire sanctification my prejudices were as strong as ever.
My mind was in the dark. I had no conviction — that is,
no special conviction. I was in no proper sense awakened
upon the subject, until within a few moments of the time
when I received the blessing."

It must not be forgotten that the country at that time
was passing through the greatest excitement ever before
known. Mr. Inskip had been in the army, and was deeply
interested in the movements of our troops. Gen. Grant was
at this time before Richmond. The country was vibratiug
between hope and despair, not knowing what a day would
bring forth. A man of Mr. Inskip's temperament would not
be likely to remain calm.

August 15, in company with his wife, he went to Sing-
Sing to attend the annual camp-meeting. Mrs. Inskip had
been seeking a higher and richer experience, and hoped
that God might lead her into the enjoyment of perfect love
at that far-famed religious resort. On Friday, the 19th,
she was Divinely assisted to claim the blessing, and by
faith rejoiced in its realization. It was a day of great joy
to her heart, and the beginning of a new life.

The intelligence of her experience soon reached her hus-
band, who, though not surprised, was, as he confessed,
" greatly afflicted and mortified." To the brother who com-
municated the fact to him, he returned an answer of the

•'WHOLLY AND FOREVER THE LORD'S." 151

most decided disapprobation. This, he confessed, only in
creased his embarrassment, and added to his disappointment.
Mr. Inskip had, for some reason, become greatly prejudiced
against the experience of holiness. He felt his need of
" more religion," a " deeper work of grace," and a " baptism
of the Spirit." But the idea of entire sanctification had
become repulsive to him.

On their return to Brooklyn, Mrs. Inskip gave a clear
and ringing testimony in the church at the public prayer-
meeting. One of the leading members of the church ap-
proved her testimony, and expressed the conviction that it
was what the whole church, not only needed, but should
seek at once. Mr. Inskip makes t he following record of the
meeting : " Glorious prayer-meeting at night. Looks as if
the Lord was about to do a great work among us. Mem-
bers came forward for prayers." He did his best to en-
courage the people to go on, but, as he often said, he did not
know where they were going. The impression made upon
Mr. Inskip's mind was such as to lead him to call upon God
for a larger measure of the Spirit, that he might the more
successfully lead souls to God. His whole soul seemed
stirred within him, and he became wonderfully quickened.
And yet he had not definitely determined to seek the bless-
ing of holiness. He seemed fully convinced that his wife's
experience was not only genuine, but in harmony with the
Word of God, and that, should he attain unto this grace,
his usefulness and enjoyment would be greatly increased.

Matters continued in this indefinite state until the follow-
ing Sabbath, Aug. 28. He was led to preach, much against
his feelings, from Heb. xii. 1: "Wherefore seeing we also
are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let
us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us," etc. He had unusual liberty, and his appeals
were uncommonly pointed and direct. He urged upon his

152

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

people the duty and importance of immediate and decisive
action. The culminating point was reached, and in the
most vehement manner he exclaimed: "Brethren, lay aside
every weight ! Do it now. You can do it now, and there-
fore should do it. It is your privilege, and therefore your
duty at this moment to make a consecration of your all to
God, and declare you will henceforth be wholly and forever
the Lord's ! " He sought to make this point very clear, and
emphasized it with increased earnestness. " Let us now lay
aside every weight," he said, " and the sin which doth so
easily beset us." He dwelt upon the thought ; and as he
continued to urge the admonition, a voice within said, " Do
it yourself." He paused a moment, and the admonition was
repeated, "Do it yourself, and do it now." Must he turn
away from his own teaching, and urge others to do what he
would not do himself? He could, consistently, do nothing
else but obey. He believed most fully in the correctness of
the views he had presented, and urged his people to adopt.
As an honest man he could not do otherwise than lead in
their practical observance. He was not long in deciding
what course to pursue. In the same earnest manner he
said : " Come, brethren, follow your pastor. I call Heaven
and earth to witness that I now declare I will be henceforth
wholly and forever the Lord's." Having gone so far as to
give himself to God in an " everlasting covenant," his faith
gathered strength, and "looking unto Jesus," he exclaimed
with unutterable rapture, "Jaw, 0 Lord! wholly and for-
ever thine ! " In this act of mingled consecration and faith,
the great work was accomplished, and he was then and
there divinely assured of its consummation. The bliss, the
peace, the triumph of that hour, he never lost sight of. It
was to him a new life.

He records in his journal : " My soul was indeed wonder-
fully blessed. I cannot tell when I was ever more filled

"WHOLLY AND FOREVER THE LORD'S." 153

with the Spirit." As yet he had not formulated the blessing
received. He only knew that he had given all, and that
God had come in and filled the human temple. Iu the even-
ing of that memorable day, he witnessed about twenty souls
at his altar seeking salvation, eight of whom found peace.
He says : " It was truly a wonderful time." He attended
the Preachers' Meeting the next day, but does not seem to
have found any special pleasure in it, or in the political
movements of the hour. " Matters of this sort," he says,
" do not so much interest me just now. My mind and heart
are absorbed in the great work of God which has com-
menced among us. This fills my soul with wondrous delight.
My mind, I trust, is in good condition to labor. I have
laid all upon the altar. The sacrifice through Jesus my
Advocate will be accepted. Praise the Lord ! "

Up to this time there had been no marked indications of
a revival among the people. But, as we have seen, the
same night after God had fully sanctified his soul, eight
persons were converted. The revival continued until more
than three hundred were converted, and a large number fully
sanctified, and a special meeting for the promotion of holi-
ness established and held weekly in the parsonage. The
change came upon him so suddenly, and in some respects
unexpectedly, that at first he did not seem to be able to
adjust himself to his new experience. He does not say that
God had perfected him in love, or sanctified him wholly.
"Wholly and forever the Lord's," seemed to, as indeed it
did, cover the whole ground. But his joy became so great,
and his peace so deep and abiding, and his heart so fille !
and fired with love, that he could not refrain. He s: fjl !
the company of the holy, and confesses the Lord Jesus as his
perfect Saviour.

A few extracts from his journal, will give the reader some
idea of his enraptured state of mind.

154

LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSEIP.

August 31. — " Oh, how my heart rejoices in the love of
Christ ! Of course I must look for severe assaults from the
euemy. But I feel unspeakable comfort in consecrating my-
self to the service of God and the duty of my calling."

Sept. 2. — " My soul is on fire. Praise the Lord ! " The
next day, he says: "Oh, how my soul does rejoice in the
Rock of my salvation ! " The following day, being the Sab-
bath, he writes: "My soul was filled with Divine love and
joy. Language can give no adequate idea of the raptures I
was permitted to feel. Fifteen found peace in believing."

On the ninth, he was " indisposed all day ; " and yet he
says: " My soul was truly blessed. Peace — sweet peace —
holy peace ! I have been happy and joyous before, but
never so peaceful. The sensation of triumph and exulta-
tion I have often felt, but I never knew so well the ' rest of
faith.' I love God's cause more and more. My whole heart
is in this work."

Sept. 13. — " Attended Dr. Palmer's meeting for the first
time, and wonderfully," he says, "did the Lord bless me
in bearing testimony to the great work wrought in me by
this grace. What peace and joy I felt!" The next day,
he called on Dr. and Mrs. Palmer to engage them to come
and hold meetings the following week in his church, for the
^Bpromotion of holiness. He describes the interview as of
the " most delightful and satisfactory character." He then
proceeds to say : " How the fire of Divine love burns in my
soul ! Such near access to God — such tranquil joy — I never
knew before. My soul has often been filled with transport,
but I never before had such peace. Oh, sweet peace ! Holy
calm ! How my heart is thrilled ! I wish I could put mf
experience into words. But language is too feeble for such
a use. Oh, why have I not long since attained this grace ?
Because I did not make the consecration. My mind had
long been prejudiced against the efforts made by a few

"WHOLLY AND FOREVER THE LORD'S." 155

godly brethren and sisters to keep this flame alive in our
church. I said not much against them, it is true. Indeed,
I could not. The doctrine I knew to be of God. But their
manner of promoting it was made to me, by the enemy, a
' stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.' It has pleased
God, however, to reveal His grace to me, and what I say, I
know by experience to be true. Two weeks ago last Sabbath
morning, preaching on ' Lay aside every weight and the sin,'
etc., I came to the point at which I urged my dear people to
say, ' Lord, from henceforth I will be wholly and only
Thine.' I importuned them to follow their pastor, and ad-
ded, 'I call Heaven and earth to witness that I will be
henceforth wholly the Lord's,' and finished the declaration
by exclaiming, 'I am, 0 Lord! wholly and forever Thine.'
The work was then done, because fully the Lord's. The
humble offering I made was accepted, and I was at once in-
troduced into a new life. Glory and honor to God forever !
I praise and magnify His mercy and power. ' He is all and
in all.' "

The following day he writes : " I went into all the classes
aud gave my testimony." He further says : " The Lord has
graciously enabled me all day to use faith at every point.
Oh, what a glorious thought, ' we are saved by grace through
faith ! ' By faith I came to the knowledge of this grace,
and by faith I continue. My faith fixes my attention on
the infinite merit of Christ — the righteousness of my
glorious Saviour. He is the 'Lamb of God that taketh
away the sin of the world.' Precious Lamb ! Glorious Re-
deemer ! My soul is filled with Thy love, and satisfied with
Thy presence."

On the sixteenth of September, he writes: "I will not, I
cannot, dishonor God by doubting. It seems to me I never
shall doubt again. I live by faith. Every moment I need,
and every moment I have, the merit of my Saviour's death."

156 LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

The following day he says : " I feel unspeakably happy, in
that my mind is in a state of perfect peace. The Word
shines with increasing brightness upon my pathway. I
have such a sense of the truth. Everything connected with
religion now appears to me so much more substautial and
true. Sometimes the adversary suggests, 'Suppose you
believe that Christ saves you and it turns out that you are
deceived ? ' But will He deceive ? He has said, ' Believe,
and thou shalt be saved.' I believe, — I am saved. That
is the uniform experience. I wonder everybody does not
at once become, a believer. But why should I wonder ?
How long I hesitated and doubted ! I must be ready to
make all allowance for those who halt and hold back. The
way, however, is so delightful ! Occasionally I find that
my will has much to do with my faith. I perceive more
than I ever did before the propriety of the chorus, ' I will
believe ! I do believe.' The will and the do — the determin-
ation and the act — are closely allied. What a man sin-
cerely and earnestly wills, that he is most likely soon to do.
Hence, if a mau can truthfully sing, 1 1 will believe,' in a
little time he can also sing, 1 1 do believe.' I live one day
at a time. I fully accredit the Divine promises. I believe
them all. The Lor 1 will make all things work together for
my good and His glory. I can trust Him — I do trust Him.
I can but rejoice for being a believer. I never saw such a
beauty in the way of faith. My utter unworthiness now
only leads me the more highly to prize the great merit of
the Redeemer. My feebleness and peril make me feel all
the stronger and more secure, in hiding myself behind the
cross. I am surprised that long ere this I did not come to
this glorious state. I would that all Christian ministers
felt as I do."

Thus, from day to day, he proceeds, more and more as-
sured of his salvation to the uttermost. Before this wonder-

"WHOLLY AND FOREVER THE LORD'S."

157

ful change, his journals teemed with war news. But now,
he seldom makes any reference to the fearful struggles
which were shaking the land from north to south. His
theme is salvation, and the wonderful deliverance which had
come to his soul, and his anxiety to see others saved. The
same is true in regard to politics. He says : " The world
seems to be a great deal excited on the subject of politics,
etc. Things of this kind, just now, interest me very little.
Matters of greater moment occupy my mind. So far as I
am concerned, at present, the world must look after itself.
Of course I am interested in the government of my country.
Our political institutions must be looked after and preserved.
Nevertheless, I do not feel myself particularly called to that
work. My business is of another character entirely. I am
called of God to proclaim a glorious Gospel and a glorious
Saviour. This business will occupy all my time, and call
out all my energies. The remainder of my life I propose to
use in crying, ' Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away
the sin of the world ! ' I deem it a mark of great favor and
wondrous mercy, that to me this grace is given, and I have
the honor of bearing the standard."

Mr. Inskip, for many years, had been an inveterate user
of tobacco. Few men, it is believed, used more. In refer-
ring to the practice, he used to say, that he used as much,
or more, than any other man of his time. Up to the time
of his entire sanctification, he had attempted in vain to
abandon it. Nor did the question of its abandonment
come to his mind until several days after the great change
occurred. Some twenty days after, he writes : " My mind
has been exercised in regard to the use of tobacco. I have
for many years been an inveterate smoker. I now feel dis-
posed to abandon the practice. My only difficulty relates to
the effects which may follow. My system has been so long
under the influence, that I fear giving it up all at once may

158

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

prove such a shock as will be difficult to bear. For Christ's
sake I can most cheerfully make the sacrifice. Praise the
Lord, He will direct me ! "

A few days later he says : " I believe the Lord has given
me the victory over tobacco. The inclination to use it as a
mere luxury has been entirely overcome. Indeed, in one or
two instances, in which I deemed it proper to use it med-
icinally, my system seemed disposed to reject rather than
enjoy it. I deem this a wonderful triumph. Of course I
must expect to be severely tried, yet I know I shall be
powerfully sustained. Divine grace will make ample pro-
vision for each and every emergency that may arise. I have,
indeed, given all to Christ. Praise the Lord ! " It is only
needful to say, that the appetite never returned, but the
practice became more and more offensive to him, until he
actually loathed it. He could not even endure the smell of
tobacco. Nothing but the power of grace could have so
changed a man's appetite after so many years of indulgence.

About two months later, he says : " Until I received the
blessing of perfect love, I did not deem it possible to live
without tobacco. But how easily I have laid it aside ! It
has cost me little or no effort, and certainly no suffering. I
have made the sacrifice with perfect ease. The reason of
this is, I have done it for Christ's sake. It was not so much
for health, for I could not perceive that it was to me a
damage in this respect. Nor did considerations of frugality
determine me. I looked at the influence it would have upon
the unconverted, and my brethren. I asked myself the
question, ' Can I consistently profess the blessing of sancti-
fication, and smoke?' My answer was, 'I cannot.' So I
made the sacrifice. And the pleasure afforded by the idea
that I have done it for Christ's sake, has far exceeded the
gratification its use afforded me."

His church was in a flame of revival. Sinners were being

"WHOLLY AND FOREVER THE LORD'S."

159

converted daily, and believers were entering into the experi-
ence of perfect love. He speaks of his members being " in
full pursuit of the great baptism," and of the " whole con-
gregation " being " under the influence " of the " overwhelm-
ing power" of the " Spirit of the Lord."

In meeting a few friends socially, he rejoiced greatly that
" the Lord enabled " him to keep himself " free from the
ordinary damaging influences of social intercourse."

At another time he says : " Took tea in company with a
number of friends, with Brj. W. Had a pleasant inter-
view. Endeavored to keep from the usual evils of social
communications. On such occasions we are apt to throw
off at least a measure of moral and religious influence, and
indulge in foolish jesting and unbecoming mirth. Such
things have a mournful influence upon the soul. I earnestly
prayed for the Lord to guide and control me, and He gra-
ciously answered my prayer. We spent a pleasant evening,
— had an agreeable talk — a warm, friendly time, and came
away happy and grateful."

Any one familiar with the mirthful, jesting spirit, in which
Mr. Inskip and others were accustomed to indulge when to-
gether, can fully appreciate the change indicated in the fore-
going extract.

At first, he was cautious in regard to professing the
experience. Such had been his prejudices against all testi-
mony of this kind, that his was given in general terms. He
was soon led to see the inconsistency of such withholding.
" I find it needful," he says, " to bear testimony regarding
the great work of grace in my heart. For a short time after
receiving this blessing, I was inclined to speak of it in
general terms, and rather avoided the use of definite terms
and modes of speech. Probably this was owing to certain
prejudices my mind had formed before I enjoyed the blessed
influences now reigning within. It, however, has been made

160

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

clear as ray duty on all proper occasions to tell the won-
drous story that the ' blood of our Lord Jesus Christ cleanseth
from all unrighteousness.' ' He sprinkles with clean water,'
and we certainly ought not to hesitate to own the fact, when
we know it is accomplished in us. Numerous objections
are urged against bearing testimony, but they may all be
urged with equal propriety against our testifying to the work
of justification. If it be right and expedient to own God's
grace in the one case, why not iu the other ? The case, to
my mind, is a very plain one. I hope the Lord will aid me
to declare the wondrous power of perfect love. It is true that
injudicious persons may in a boastful and unbecoming man-
ner speak of this blessing. But do not persons do this in
speaking of a lower state of religious experience ? We
must not on this account abandon the duty of speaking for
the Lord. We are to ' overcome by the blood of the Lamb
and the word of our testimony.' "

Few believed that the work would long continue. Some of
his ministerial associates urged him not to make any rash
promises, or pledge that he would never more use tobacco,
etc. "Poor Inskip," they said " he is a jovial, good-hearted
fellow : what a pity that he should have gone among those
holiness fanatics ! But he will be over it soon. It is a re-
ligious spasm." But these were false prophets. It was not
for a day, but for life.

For eight years, subsequent to the time God fully sancti-
fied his soul, Mr. Inskip kept a full journal, in which his
daily experience is minutely recorded. This journal cover?
many hundred pages. At the top of each page was printed
in large, beautiful letters, as those who are familiar with his
chirography, will understand, these words: "I am, 0 Lord,
wholly and forever Thine!" This was his daily thought,
and his daily declaration. He never forgot to repeat the
words which opened to him a new and higher life.

CHAPTER XIII.

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE.

A fire had been kindled in the soul of John S. Ihskip,
which could not be extinguished. He told his story of de-
liverance to his brethren of the New- York Preachers' Meet-
ing, producing a profound impression upon all. Everywhere
he proclaimed the great salvation. It very soon became
impressed upon his mind that God had called him to
special work, in the spread of scriptual holiness. He saw
clearly that its spread in the churches meant the salvation
of the world. He established a holiness meeting in his own
church, to which he refers frequently, as a meeting of un-
usual power. He says, September 29 : " Our meeting for
the promotion of holiness among believers was larger than
last week. An excellent feeling prevailed. My soul was
abundantly refreshed and edified. The importance of the
work before me is truly great. I must manfully meet my
responsibilities. The Lord has done wonders for me, and
also for my dear wife. We must, therefore, endeavor to do
all we can to promote His glory. This work I am confident
must spread in the church. The baptism of fire will become
general. It is needed for the conquest of the world. Our
relation to the movement here is such as will require us to
be firm and fearless. We must take up the cross and cheer-
fully bear the reproach of Christ. At all times and every-
where we must hold up the banner of salvation — salvation

161

162

LIFE OF JOHN 8. INSEIP.

complete and full. We may not expect that all will view
our movements with favor. Of course, the humble and
faithful will bid us God-speed, while the lukewarm and
formal professor will criticise and be offended. But no
matter, so that God is glorified." This feeling of personal
responsibility increased as the years passed away, and as
the work broadened.

Mr. Inskip was always ready for debate. He gloried
in a sort of a moral gladiatorial combat, and his sharp and
withering retorts were long remembered. The grace of en-
tire sanctifieation wrought in him a marked change in this
respect. He says : " I have pretty much lost all relish for
controversy or debate. I formerly enjoyed very much a
well-conducted debate, and relished full well a sharp reply or
a keen retort. But these edged tools are rather dangerous
weapons. Those who use them are sure to be wounded.
My interest in the ascendancy of truth and the prevalence
of righteousness, was never so great as it is at the present
time."

He became more and more interested in the necessity of
a holy church, and especially a holy ministry. We could
fill pages with extracts from his journals, like the following:
" Our people, in spirituality and power, at one time were in
advance of all others. I regret that we cannot say this
now, but that I rejoice at the advanced improvement others
have made. Praise the Lord for this ! But we ought to
have advanced, also. Instead of this, we have retrograded.
The declension among us in this respect has been too marked
to escape the attention of the most casual observer. It is
to be hoped that we will seek to restore the ' old land-marks.'
We must revive the old doctrine of Christian holiness.
However much this blessed truth has been abused, we must
again, and with renewed earnestness, press it upon the at-
tention of the people. The Lord will have a holy people

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE.

163

among men. Among our preachers the matter is attracting
attention. Oh, how much more could be done if we all
would come up to the standard of the Gospel, and live in
the enjoyment of the baptism of fire ! "

Notwithstanding the great joy, the deep peace, which like
a river filled his soul, he was not without his conflicts. He—
often speaks of assaults from Satan. October 21, he says :
" Satan insinuated that very likely I would soon be called
upon to endure some serious trial. For a brief space he
seemed very persistent in his purpose. But he soon yielded
when I brought my faith into exercise. I can expel him
better by leaning on Christ than in any other way. I can-
not successfully argue with the adversary. In an argument
he is more than a match for any of us. But when we use
our shield of faith, he can do us no harm."

Again he writes : "During the day I have been frequently
and sorely assaulted by the enemy. Yet I have not yielded,
but have had grace to resist him. Of course we must ex-
pect to ' fight if we would reign.' The cross and the crown
are. closely allied. "Whoever faithfully bears the one will
triumphantly wear the other. My temptations have been
rather general than definite in their character. That is to
say, I have not been allured by any particular enticement,
nor have I been pressed into any doubt of the genuineness
of the great work wrought in me. A sort of languor, or
rather, weariness and prostration, has come upon me. I at-
tribute this to the undue tax upon my strength, made by
the labors of the past few weeks. The wily foe seeing this,
has sought to annoy and distress me by a kind of restless-
ness and uneasiness. But remembering it is my privilege
to cast my burden on the Lord, I have done so, and I find
that He sustains me."

On visiting Greenwood, to observe the monument he had
erected over the remains of his departed son and father, and

164

LIFE OF JOHN 8. INSEIP.

beside which he now rests, he says : " Much pleased with
its appearance. Took mother and the 'boy ' with us. We
shall all soon rest in the tomb. I look upon the grave with-
out any unpleasant feeling. There is, of course, something
disagreeable in the thought of lying down in the dust. It
is, however, only the body that does this. The soul will,
after death, be with Jesus. We love life, but we are more
than willing to be ' absent from the body,' that we may ' be
present with the Lord.' The world has lost all its charms.
My leading and central aspiration is to be made like Christ.
I love to think of His merit, to meditate upon His character,
and to utter His name. The infinite fulness of Jesus has
made ample provision for all my need."

One is at a loss to know what to transcribe from his
journals, and what to omit. Every page glows with seraphic
rapture, — such expressions as, " Oh, praise the Lord that my
eyes have been opened, and that I have had a view of the
unseen — a glimpse of the invisible ! My work will soon
be accomplished." "Oh, how my soul exults in the fact
that I can now, from experience, proclaim a full salvation
and a perfect Saviour to all mankind!" "I here record it
to the honor and glory of God, that I am saved — thorough-
ly saved — saved from sin and filled with joy and peace.
My soul is on the wing for immortality." " My soul was
in a blissful state all day. Glory to God, I find this 'living
by faith ' a precious way," etc. Similar expressions appear
on every page of his journals.

The motive governing him in preaching the Gospel, seems
to have been greatly modified. " For some time past," he
says, " I have not had an opportunity for much pulpit prep-
aration. The Lord has strangely led me in this respect. In
several instances, when I have prepared to preach on certain
texts, just before going into the pulpit, or after getting there,
my mind has been drawn to some other topic, and I have

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE.

165

been constrained to use another, and perhaps entirely differ-
ent subject. My labors, nevertheless, have been wonderfully
blessed. The great object of preaching, is to lead men to
Christ. So far as I can do this, I deem myself successful.
Whatever else I do, I regard my work a failure, unless this
result be reached. I never saw such emptiness and worth-
lessness in the applause of men. I think I fully appreciate
the good opinion of my brethren ; but at the same time, as
a motive to action — as a reward of effort — human praise,
to my mind, is utterly valueless. For many years, I suspect,
I paid considerable deference to it. But now, higher
and nobler impulses prompt me. ' The love of Christ eon-
strains ' to labor for souls. It is a blessed constraint, and
equally blessed labor. Oh, it is delightful to work in such
a frame of mind ! Praise the Lord, there is nothing irksome
in my task. I am wonderfully helped — wonderfully, in-
deed. Frequently I am compelled to pause and ask myself
the question, Is all this a dream ? The revolution is so
complete, the change is so thorough, that I can scarcely re-
alize that I am the same person. Glory to God in the high-
est! My soul shall triumph in the Rock of my salvation."

He had reached a state of settled peace. His former
state had been one of change — now rejoicing, and now in
doubt and anxiety. On the second of December, he says :
"I do not have those seasons of barren coldness which
formerly marked my experience. The Lord has mercifully
saved me from all this sort of thing, and I am enabled to
press forward in the path of duty with increasing peace and

joy."

The revival in his church continued with unabated inter-
est. He speaks of " four," "five," "six," and even "ten,"
coming into the enjoyment of pardon, and large numbers
finding a " clean heart," from night to night. In the midst
of this work, he often utters the prayer, " Oh that the whole

166

LIFE OF JOUN S. INSKIP

membership may be baptized from on high, and that salva-
tion may cover the gates of Zion with praise!"

His views of consecration and faith were clear and scrip-
tural. The great work wrought in his heart drove all mist
from his intellect, and enabled him to see clearly the way of
faith. He quotes : " ' Therefore come out from among them,
and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing, and I will receive you, etc' ' Having therefore
these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from
all tilthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the
fear of God.' If we 'separate' oui selves, and 'touch not
the unclean thing,' we shall be received. When, therefore,
we have made the consecration, which must be complete,
embracing our little all, and which is an act involving a good
share of ' will force,' though it cannot be consummated with
out Divine aid, — yet when it has been done, it remains for
us to take God at His word — to believe the promise 'I will
receive you.' This being fully accredited, because God has
declared it in His Word, we shall go forward, ' perfecting
holiness in the fear of God.' The plan is so easy — we may
all so readily comply with the requirements upon which the
' wondrous grace ' is tendered to us, that it is passing strauge
that so few, comparatively, obtain it. It must be because
the subject is so little understood. Oh thac the Lord may
enable me to give my testimony distinctly and intelligently !
I pray that the Lord may make me bold and successful !
Oh for help and guidance from Him ! "

As he comes to the close of 1864, the year of jubilee to
his soul, he says : " In some respects this has been the hap-
piest year of my life. The fact that during this year, I be-
came wholly the Lord's, must ever render it a most import-
ant era. I have seen scores — yea, hundreds — converted.
The church has gained strength amazingly. Souls have
l>een sanctified, and in all respects it has been a prosperous

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE.

1G7

year. God has graciously preserved my life, bountifully
supplied all my wants, kindly supported me in every trial,
and dealt so mercifully with me, that I feel it alike a
duty and a pleasure to be humbly grateful. If the Lord
permits me to live through another year, I am resolved to
be more faithful and more diligent. I pray that I may be
able, through the aid of the Divine Spirit, to go forward,
increasing in wisdom, influence, and success. I earnestly
desire to be useful. Of late, this idea of being useful, has
brought me the most exquisite joy. It includes God's glory
aud man's happiness. Oh that I may be useful in uplifting
men to God ! "

In the experience of Mr. Inskip, we have a most striking
example of the power of Divine grace. A more impetuous
nature has seldom been possessed by mortal. No man was
more conscious of this fact, than himself. He says : " I
have most earnestly and long desired to bring my impetu-
ous disposition under control. Occasionally I have hoped I
had succeeded. But, unhappy experience soon discovered
to me my mistake. Now I see where my error lay. I de-
pended too much on my own strength, and had not the
proper measure of Divine influence. Now, ' I am fully the
Lord's.' Yes, I am ' wholly His.' I have consecrated all to
Him. I am not my own. I belong to Christ. I wait for
His Spirit to lead me. I submit to His control, and oh,
how pleasant to be thus controlled and led ! "

Mr. Inskip, as yet, had no conception of the work for
which God was evidently preparing him, and to which the
Lord, without doubt, specially called him — the work of
spreading Scriptural holiness over these lands, and all
lands.

Speaking of his meeting on the subject of holiness, and
of his own desire to help others into the light of full salva-
tion, he says : —

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LIFE OF JOIIX S. IZTSKIP.

" Thursday, Jan. 12. — Our meeting in the afternoon for
the promotion of holiness, was larger than any we have yet
held. The interest on this subject is evidently increasing.
Several new, and some of them, humanly speaking, impor-
tant cases, are developing. We have many — very many —
good brethren, who are much interested on the subject, yet
they cannot appreciate ' the shorter way.' The attainment
of such a state they believe to be possible, but this blissful
result they defer to a very late and indefinite period in
life. They cannot understand the ' way of faith.' For
these I most earnestly and devoutly pray. Oh, how I desire
to lead them to Jesus, that they may enter into the ' ful-
ness of the blessing of the gospel of peace ! ' Some such
persons were present at the meeting this afternoon. At
night, preached at Hanson Place, by special request of the
preacher, Bro. Woodruff. My remarks were directed to the
subject of all subjects most important to believers, the
"way of holiness." The Lord wonderfully blessed me in
giving my testimony to the truth that the blood of Jesus
cleanseth from all unrighteousness. One of the principal
difficulties in this whole matter, is its amazing simplicity.
Men are willing to do anything and everything except the
essential thing — ' Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and
thou shalt be saved.' Such is the Divine message to every
believer, as well as to every soul that is seeking pardon.
As we put on Christ, so must we walk in Him. To learn
how to proceed in this way, we have but to remember how we
started. We found the Saviour by faith at first, so must
we look after Him now. In answer to our faith He received
us into favor, and in like manner will respond when our
faith has reference to 'entire sanctihcation.' We are slow
to learn this fundamental truth. It seems to me that
during the remainder of my life I shall employ all my
energies in endeavors to set before the people the glorious

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE. 169

doctrine of ' salvation by faith.' I ain persuaded that this
doctrine will immensely increase the moral power of Chris-
tianity. The resources of the church of this age are very
great, yet in the absence of the 'gift of power' from on
high, these resources are frequently unavailing. What
mighty results might be achieved if believers generally
were filled with the Holy Ghost ! My spirit is stirred
within me, and sometimes I can hardly contain myself. It
seems I must go forth everywhere and proclaim the 'great
salvation.' The Lord, I think, has called me to arouse the
church on the subject. I begin to feel I am specially called
to such a work, so far as my duties to my charge will
allow. I shall embrace every opportunity to go forth and
proclaim ' full redemption ' through the blood of the
Lamb."

"Monday, Jan. 16. — Had an opportunity to-day to test the
strength of my principles, in regard to the nature and en-
joyment, of perfect love. I learned from Bro. Woodruff,
pastor of Hanson Place Church, that some very rough criti-
cisms were made by a member of his congregation, on me
personally, and on my sermon. They were of so offensive
a character, that ordinarily my feelings would have been
aroused, and I should have said some bitter things. But I
remembered that they said of my blessed Master, ' He hath
a devil.' Of course I must not complain when I am called
on to bear my cross. How cheerfully have I gone through
the day doing this. Every time the master has come into
my mind, I have prayed earnestly that God's blessing may
be poured upon him. I most earnestly and devoutly com-
mended him to the Divine mercy. I intend to pray for him
whenever his case shall come into my mind. In this whole
affair, so far as I am concerned, I have gained a complete
victory. My soul has gone forth in joyous and humble
thanksgivings to my Heavenly Father for the power of His

170

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

grace. Every now and then something transpires to show
me what a glorions and complete revolution this ' great
salvation ' has wrought within me. ' Glory to God in the
highest ! ' All my tempers, thoughts, words, and actions,
are sweetly controlled by Divine love. I now can indeed,
' love my enemies, aud do good to those who speak evil of
me.' The luxury of making sacrifices for Christ is truly
great."

Touching his failure to confess blessings formerly re-
ceived, he writes thus : —
"Friday, 20. — I can now recall many instances in which,
I fully believe, if 1 had come out and confessed Christ, I
would have had the testimony of the Spirit to the fact that
I was all the Lord's. But by prejudice I was robbed of the
advantages of the special seasons of Divine favor, and soon
relapsed into my ordinary state of experience. My present
experiences are so different from my former beclouded way,
that I often regret my failure at a much earlier period to
have my eyes opened. But thank God, ' I now see ! "'

He contrasts the present with the past thus : —
"Saturday, 21. — Religion has become with me a more real
and substantial verity than formerly. I used to be so much
in doubt. Some things were enveloped in a sort of cloud,
which at times very much obscured them. Now all is clear
and plain. My mind is disenthralled. I think I can truly
say now, I am a believer. I rejoice in believing. I feel the
joy of faith. I cannot get any farther along as to the doc-
trine, than that I am saved by grace through faith."

On Sunday, Jan. 29, 18G5, a great sorrow fell upon Mr.
Inskip. His mother, who had been fee'.de for some time,
but whose immediate departure he did not anticipate, was
suddenly called to her reward. He had just closed his Sab-
bath evening meeting, and was engaged in singing some
joyous hymns, when, as he relates, H a messenger came and

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE.

171

said to me, 'They want you at home — your mother is
dead.' I was never before so startled. Yet the Lord sus-
tained me. I hastened immediately to the house, and found
that mother was indeed gone. She died without a struggle
— peacefully falling asleep in Jesus."

Martha Swanel Inskip was born in Bedfordshire parish,
England, June 5, 1792. She was married to Edward S.
Inskip in her eighteenth year. She seems to have been a
woman of great force of character, and, in many respects,
the perfect antipodes of her husband. He was rash and im-
pulsive ; she, calm and collected. He rushed inconsiderately
into ruinous speculations ; she, with superior intuitive per-
ceptions, calmly warned him of peril, only to see her pre-
dictions fulfilled by the results. He used to say, " My wife
always knew better than I did. If I had only followed her
advice at all times, I should have been saved from all my
losses in business, and from many a trouble into which I
fell. She was always right."

Though Mrs. Inskip continued unacquainted with experi-
mental religion until late in life, and until after her hus-
band's conversion, she seems to have possessed all along a
most profound veneration for the Word of God, and the
observance of religious worship. She could ill endure her
husband's infidel life and unholy associations ; and her firm
but gentle deportment was a standing rebuke to their
godless insincerity. Yet she was not lacking in decision
when the occasion demanded it. On one occasion, her
husband informed her that Robert Dale Owen and Fanny
"Wright were invited to lecture before the " Literary "
(meaning, " infidel ") club, of which he (Mr. Inskip) was
president ; that they were to be his guests, and that he
wished her to prepare a good entertainment for them, and
to lodge them for the night. Very mildly, but very firmly,
she replied : "My dear, if you bring such people into your

172

LIFE OF JOHN S. IjSTSKIP.

house, you must entertain them yourself, I shall not have
anything to do with them, nor see them." In relating the
circumstance, he said: "I looked at her and saw that she
meant it, and so I had to succumb." The visitors were en-
tertained at the tavern.

She never allowed an infidel book to be placed in the
hands of her children, but ever kept before them the im-
portance of reading and obeying the Holy Bible. Notwith-
standing her strong desire to see her children trained in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord, she seems to have felt
great grief when they became Christians. It was not, how-
ever, so much her opposition to their becoming Christians,
as to their becoming Methodists. The Methodists, in those
times, were a people everywhere spoken against, and she,
with many others, from sheer ignorance of their character
and principles, had formed strong prejudices against them.

From the time that Mrs. Inskip became a Christian, to
the day when God took her, she never faltered in her faith, or
devotion to Jesus. She was never emotional, but her religious
convictions were deep and abiding. She became a Methodist
from conviction and choice, loving most ardently all the in-
stitutions of the church. Her last sickness was brief, and not
particularly distressing. She had a slight attack of erysipe-
las, which continued for a day or two. On Sunday, twenty-
ninth, she was so comfortable that her daughter, with whom
she. resided, left her in charge of her grand-daughter, while
she attended evening worship at the church. The grand-
daughter, during the evening, as she was accustomed to do,
read to her from the Scriptures. After a while she said,
" Belle, my dear, you need not read in the usual place to-
night. Read the fourteenth chapter of John. I like that
so much." She turned to the chapter and read, " Let not
your heart be troubled," etc. After listening to the reading,
she quietly laid herself down, and almost without the

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE. 173

antice of those in attendance, she calmly folded her hands
over her breast, and without a contortion of a feature, or
the whisper of a sigh, passed to her everlasting rest. She
was seventy-three years of age.

Mr. Inskip often made reference to his mother in terms
of greatest admiration. From all we are able to learn of
her character, she was worthy of his highest praise. He
was remarkably sustained by the grace of God, and seems
to have been filled with the spirit of praise.

Monday, Feb. 21. — "I was so filled with the Spirit that
as I walked through the streets I frequently was constrained
to call out, ' Glory to God ! ' For some time past I have
had some conflicts with the enemy, and occasionally they
have been so sharp as, in a measure, to modify my joyous
emotions. I cannot say that I regret this ; for although no
such intention was contemplated by the adversary, yet I
have been really benefitted by my trials. My propensity
to exultation, is so strong, that I need often to be sobered
by some test or trial. I am amazingly blessed in being able
to discern the intent of all my trials. I cannot call them
' blessings in disguise.' The blessing they bring is so obvious
and immediate that there is no ' disguise ' about it. I
had a blessed time at Dr. Palmer's meeting. My soul is
full of glory. We had truly a time of power and victory.
At night our ' experience meeting ' was well attended. The
Lord continued to bless, and my soul was overwhelmed with
rapture. Oh, how the streams of joy have come upon my
soul this day ! I cannot tell when such glorious manifesta-
tions have been made to me. I can say of a truth, my soul
is 'full of glory.' "

April 29. — Of the effect on the popular mind produced
by the assassination of Lincoln, he writes: "The great
excitement of the past two weeks has not been favorable to
religious enjoyment. So far, however, I have been wonder-

174

LIFE OF JOHN 8. INSKIP.

fully sustained. In ordinary circumstances I should have
been entirely carried away with the torrent of feeling. I
must admit that unusual vigilance has been required to pre
serve my mind in a peaceful frame. That in every instance
I have been entirely successful, I cannot claim. Perhap?
occasionally I have been surprised into a momentary impro
priety of feeling and expression; but not so much as fo?
any length of time to weaken my hold upon, or suspend mj
communion with my blessed Master."

On the eighth of May, Mr. Inskip was elected president
of the New York Preachers' Meeting, which position he
held with great credit to himself, and profit to the brethren.
It is doubtful if the meeting was ever more religious thaD
during the period of his presidency.

He is afflicted with drowsiness, which he fears is ominous
of something serious. He has an impression that his life
will have a sudden termination. But he rejoices that to
him, " sudden death will be sudden glory."

Monday, 15. — There was an earnest and somewhat pro
longed discussion in the preachers' meeting on the subject
of " Amusements." Of this matter he says : " Many of
our people are becoming, in this respect, strangely worldly.
It is lamentable to what an extent the follies of life find
countenance among professors of religion. It is easy to
discern the cause of the weakened moral energies of the
church. We are too vain and worldly. This matter did
not impress me till recently. Indeed, I formerly rather
sympathized with the careless spirit of many. But praise
the Lord, my soul has been lifted into a higher life. I see
things from an entirely different standpoint. What once
would have only excited a smile, now awakens solemn
anxiety. I am prompted to cry out, Oh, that the people
of God would become holy ! More than ever we at this
time need holiness in the church."

FULL SALVATION IN TEE PASTORATE. 175

Speaking of the holiness meeting at his church, he says :
"It did seem as if the 'gitt of power' had come upon all
present. Dr. Palmer and Mrs. Palmer, and Mrs. Hamline,
were present with us. It was truly a great privilege to hear
their testimonies. I am not at all inclined to ' man-worship ; '
but certainly these precious friends have merited the affec-
tionate confidence and esteem of all the churches. They
have labored long and faithfully to keep alive the flame of
holiness. When we were well-nigh asleep, they were at the
post of duty, earnestly defending the ' faith once delivered
to the saints.' They are even now having their reward in
what they behold around them. But their full recompense
will not come until this ' mortal shall have put on immor-
tality.' Then — but not till then — will be seen and appre-
ciated their extended labors and success."

This is a deserved tribute to worthy laborers in the vine-
yard of God.

He speaks of a wonderful baptism which came upon him
and his wife. " I felt it wherever I went, and whoever I
met my soul appeared drawn toward them by cords of love
and tenderness. I shall henceforth speak of this as the bap-
tism of love and tears. My dear wife shared my joy. God
is gracious to fulfil His promise, 1 Call upon me in the day
of trouble ; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.' "

In November of this year, Bishop Scott tendered to him
the superintendency of one of the missionary departments
in the South ; but after seriously considering the matter,
he came to the conclusion that he ought to decline, and
wrote to the Bishop to that effect.

On the twentieth of December, he received a private note
from Orlando McClain, of Green St., New York, informing
him that the official members of that society had passed a
unanimous resolve, asking for his appointment to that
church for the coming year. This would necessitate his

176 LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

removal, by transfer, from his conference. His term of
pastoral service at South Third Street was near its close.
It had been a time of great blessing to pastor and people,
and yet he complains that the people had not received the
truth as fully as they should.

Upon the opening of the new year, as he returns from the
watch-meeting, he makes the following record : —

CONSECRATION.

"Monday Jan. 1, 1366. — Upon returning from meeting, I feel that
before retiring to rest I must record my consecration. I am devoutly
thankful to God for His many mercies during the year that has
passed away. I praise ITim that He has enabled me to continue in
the way of faith. If spared, I intend to live nearer to Jesus. Afresh
I dedicate myself to the service of God. I give to Him my little all,
and solemnly declare that I am and will be forever the Lord's. All
my faculties and powers — my life, influence, substance, and reputa-
tion, I renewedly devote to God, and declare that henceforth I will
love and glorify Him forever. I will labor to promote His glory, and
trust in nim for grace to guide, comfort, and support me. I again,
and, if possible, in a fuller sense than ever, consecrate to Him all I
have and am. My wife, home, and all, I give to Thee, O Lord, to be
Thine. In testimony of which I hereunto affix my hand and seal, on
this the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-six.

[l. s.] " John S. Insktp."

In the latter part of the month, Mr. Inskip assisted Rev.
L. R. Dunn, of Newark, N. J., in some special religious ser-
vices in his church in that city. " The Lord wonderfully
blessed our humble endeavors," he says. " About fifty were
converted, and many of the church, including the pastor and
some of the leading members, were filled with the great
baptism.'' Dr. Dunn, from that time, became a special
advocate of full salvation.

Mr. Inskip's services were in great demand. The people
were anxious to see how a man of his known radical and im-

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE.

177

pulsive character, would appear in the garb of holiness ; how
a " meek and quiet spirit " would suit his fiery nature. He
was not without his trials on these lines. To these he often
refers with a subdued spirit. " For some time," he says,
"I have felt that exultant joy may not, as a prevailing form
of experience, be best for me. I need to learn patience and
resignation. My impetuous nature needs to be restrained.
For the past eighteen months I have been in circumstances
of peculiar trial. Sometimes I have been scarcely able to
discern the design of this. But now the matter begins to
develop more clearly. Every day, indeed, I can see more
and more the wisdom and goodness of God in permitting
some things to transpire. I discover, also, that my will is
more completely lost in the Divine will. I seem to be a
child, with everything to learn. When I consider my oppor-
tunities and privileges, I am surprised that I know so little
and have had such limited success. What I am and what I
have done, never appeared so insignificant and unimportant.
I experience no special comfort, only in looking to Jesus."

With these feelings he closed his labors at South Third
Street, and with the New York East Conference, for the
present.

Tuesday, April 19, 1866, his conference closed. "I felt
sad at the thought that my connection with the body must
soon terminate. Nevertheless, being fully assured of its
providential ordering, I was pleased to have appended to
my name in the list of appointments, the sentence, ' trans-
ferred to New York Conference.' This had been long
understood and settled by the authorities of the church. On
Friday, the thirteenth, I reported myself at Tarrytown to
the conference. The brethren received me with great
cordiality. As soon as my certificate of transfer was read,
the kindly feelings of the body became apparent. The
bishop (Ames) informed the conference that my transfer

178

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

had been made at his request, and he had requested it
because he deemed the interests of the work demanded it.
This announcement was received with the most decided
marks of approbation, and after passing a unanimous reso-
lution welcoming me as a ' fellow laborer,' the members
came around me and greeted me with the greatest warmth
and kindness. I have never had a more pleasant expression
of ' good will ' than this. Under the circumstances, it was
specially gratifying to my mind."

Tuesday morning the conference closed, and Mr. Inskip,
according to previous arrangements, was appointed to
Green Street. The Green Street Church was located in
what would be regarded a highly unfavorable neighborhood.
It was emphatically a "down-town" church. The house
was very large, and the society small, and constantly
diminishing, and everything indicated that Mr. Inskip had
a most unpromising field of labor. But he went trusting
alone in God. " If God will help and bless us, we shall
succeed. Praise His name ! it is not a matter of conjecture.
He has given us many ' exceeding great and precious prom-
ises.' "

The first Sabbath was a day of mercy. At night, after
preaching from " Behold, now is the accepted time," etc.,
the people responded to an invitation to come to the altar,
" and they all seemed to be in the Spirit."

On the following Monday he was re-elected to the presi-
dency of the preachers' meeting, of which he says : " I have
deemed it one of the greatest honors I have ever had from
my ministerial brethren, inasmuch as the meeting has
become so large and influential. That this should have
been continued, was certainly more than I had a right to
expect."

Mr. Inskip's pastorate at Green St. was marked by un-
usual manifestations of Divine power. He was not, how-

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE. 179

ever, without his trials. His health seemed more seriously
impaired than he supposed, which brought him into new
experiences, requiring new measures of grace. The brethren
of the church received them cordially, and were ready, he
says, " to take all our burdens from us." Moving, which
had greatly annoyed him in the past, seems not to have
perplexed him now. Everything had gone on in great
harmony.

Saturday, May 19. — "A most singular providence oc-
curred last night in regard to my sickness. We had been
talking of calling in a physician, and regretted that we knew
not whom to call, being among entire strangers. When
evening came yesterday, and I had written up my journal, I
was about to retire much oppressed, when in came Dr.
Palmer and his wife. A visit from angels would scarce
have surprised me more. We supposed they were hundreds
of miles away. They brought joy and gladness with them.
At once the doctor gave me medicine, and in a few moments
I felt decidedly better. I passed a comparatively comfort-
able night. Hence, when the doctor called this morning, he
found me so much better, that he did not deem it necessary
to prohibit me from filling my pulpit to-morrow. I have
no doubt I will need to be very careful in doing the work "
before me for the day. It is a difficult lesson to learn — to
be laid aside. I find no difficulty in being employed for
Christ. I must, however, at some time in my life, I pre-
sume, be laid aside. These seasons, therefore, have their
uses."

" The great lesson for me to learn," he says, " is patience.
I am, however, by no means a rapid learner."

He expresses his feelings about controversy : —
Monday, June 11. — " Our preachers' meeting was numer-
ously attended. The discussion was rather sharp and bitter,
I could not affiliate with its spirit and tone. My taste in

180

LIFE OF JOHN S. IKSKIP.

this respect has been completely changed. Formerly the
state of things present this morning would have been en-
joyed by me. Now my spirit is drawn in another direction
entirely. I do not like to associate with any one, or mingle
in any movement, by which the quiet of my soul is likely
to be disturbed. These heated controversies I cannot
relish. I would much prefer to hear the brethren tell how
they get along in the Divine life. I am more and more in-
terested in the subject of experimental religion. My soul
is sick of the strifes in which I once took so much pleasure,
and such an active part. It is my purpose to devote the
remainder of my short life to the all-important work of
spreading scriptural holiness among men.

He speaks thus of definite testimony : —

Friday, July 20. — "I find it exceedingly profitable to
make the subject of holiness a topic of conversation, as a
definite and distinct work. The method of generalization
is a snare. If I would keep up the tone of my experience,
I must be definite and clear in my testimony. Sometimes it
has been suggested to my mind that to avoid collision with
the prejudices of men, it would be better to use an accommo-
dated method of expression. This course, however, does
not conciliate those opposed to this doctrine, and involves
in difficulty and embarrassment those who take it. The
best way, because it honors God the most, is to come out
fully and proclaim the wondrous grace bestowed upon us.
The adversary would persuade us to do otherwise. May all
have courage to stand up for Jesus."

Mr. Inskip devoted much time to a careful study of the
doctrine of full salvation. He read all the books on the
subject which came in his way. His views were purely
Wesleyan, as will be seen by the following extract : —

Thursday, Feb. 7, 1867. — " Have been engaged for some
time past in looking over the ground of the doctrine of sal-

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE. 181

vation from all sin. It seems to me there are three points
of the utmost importance which should often be presented
to the people. First, it is needful to show that the work is
in addition to regeneration ; secondly, that it must be ob-
tained by faith ; and thirdly, when obtained, it should be
acknowledged. To an extent much greater than many im-
agine, the opinion gains among our people that ' sanctifica-
tion ' and 'regeneration' are synonymous terms, and when
men are converted they are completely sanctified. Others
think sanctification is the result of growth and development,
and that therefore time is required to obtain it. It is, how-
ever, the work of God, and may therefore be looked for at
any moment, and will be wrought the instant our faith ac-
credits the Divine promise. Then, still others allege that if
we obtain the blessing it is not necessary to make definite
avowal of it ; leaving it to our life and conduct to proclaim
our religious condition to the world. Of course our actions
must always be in accordance with our profession. Yet it
becomes the duty of us all to acknowledge the work of
grace in our hearts. This we should do as a debt of grati-
tude. Those who fail to do it, uniformly, like Mr. Fletcher,
lose the blessing. These points should therefore be frequent-
ly and earnestly pressed."

He considers the question of reputation. Hear him : " It
was suggested that while the people had greater confidence
in my piety, I had lost as a preacher. I don't think this is
true. But if it were true, I must remember that for my
welfare the blessed Saviour made himself of ' no reputa-
tion.' It may therefore be my lot to make such a sacrifice.
No matter how great the cost, I am resolved to be wholly
the Lord's. It is, of course, pleasant to have the smiles and
approval of men, and especially of good men. It may,
however, not be the best for me to be thus favored. I
cheerfully leave all to God. Still, I have an intense desire
to be useful."

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LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

It is known to all, that Mr. Inskip's usefulness, as the
result of his experience of perfect love, was greatly aug-
mented. In the spring of 1867, Mr. Inskip was reappointed
to Green St., and was re-elected president of the New York
Preachers' Meeting. He records a touching incident of the
death of a preacher at the conference, Rev. Mr. Brakie.
He was taken sick while at the conference, "and just as
the bishop was about to read the appointments, it was re-
ported that he was dying. Soon after, the intelligence came
that he had gone to his reward. A short time before he
departed, he said to a ministerial friend, 'I shall have this
year a city appointment, in the New Jerusalem.' Just be-
fore he ceased to breathe, he looked smilingly on his wife
and said, ' Come to Heaven.' These were his last words.
The sensation produced in the conference, and among the
congregation, cannot be described. I certainly never can
forget it. I trust it will be sanctified to our good."

It was during the month of April of this year, that the
subject of holiness camp-meeting, was first brought to his
mind by Rev. W. B. Osborn, an account of which will be
given more fully in the next chapter.

July 10, 1867, he enters upon his fifty-second year of life,
and on that day makes the following record : " This day I
enter upon my fifty-second year. It seems to me incredible
that I have come to this period of life. I want more than
ever to live, that I may work for God. Life is now chiefly
interesting because it affords an opportunity to do some-
thing in the vineyard of the Lord. I am sometimes in-
clined to deplore its brevity. Oh, how soon I must cease
to work and cease to live ! I feel like binding myself anew
to the altar, and consecrating afresh all my ransomed ener-
gies to the service of God and the salvation of men. The
last year has been one of exceeding great delight and suc-
cess. Praise the Lord, 0 my soul I I begin this new year

\

FULL SALVATION IN THE PASTORATE.

183

with a determination to be more than ever devoted to my
calling."

His second year in Green Street was in all respects equal
to the first. Revivals were a marked feature of the work.
It was during this year, that under a sermon which he
preached, Mrs. Amanda Smith, the world-renowned evan-
gelist, was brought into the experience of perfect love. No
one is able to estimate the far-reaching influence of that ex-
perience. It has been felt in four continents where she has
successfully proclaimed the power of Jesus to save to the
uttermost. If his ministry in Green Street had accom-
plished nothing more than the full salvation of this
" elect lady," it would yet have been a grand success.

The following document will show the high estimate
placed upon the labors of Mr. and Mrs. Inskip in Green
Street Church : —

" Green Street M. E. Church, New York, )
March 28, 1869. J

"Rev. John S. Insexp, — Bear Pastor, — In behalf of the congrega-
tion and by order of the quarterly conference of this church, the
undersigned are called upon to address you on the eve of your
departure for a new field of labor.

"It is now more than three years since the official members, by
unanimous action, applied for you as pastor, being fully persuaded
that in no other way could they be so well provided for as by the ser-
vices of yourself and your esteemed lady. And now that your first
full term of three years has come to a close, none can doubt the
wisdom of the choice then made. You were not invited to a splendid
church with a rich congregation, where you might spend your time
in ease, with fashionable society, but, on the contrary, you were in-
formed that it was a field for labor, where the poor needed the
Gospel, and where work — hard work — was to be done; and it has
not required a very close observer to perceive that you fully under-
stood the situation. And not only have you labored, but your
beloved wife has shown an energy and zeal in the work such as has
been displayed by no other pastor's wife in the history of our church.
Since you came to us, by your united efforts, under the blessing of

184

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Almighty (jod, our church has prospered against apparently adverse
circumstances; the membership has increased; the spiritual condition
of our peoplo has been raised to a higher standard ; hundreds of souls
have been converted to God, and our church is now in a healthy
spiritual state, with peace and harmony in every department, and all
financial obligations are fully met. Sister Inskip, in addition to her
other arduous labors, has taken a lively interest in the Sunday-school.
By her individual exertions, she has succeeded in organizing and keep-
ing in flourishing condition a Bible-class numbering nearly one
hundred members, a large proportion of whom she has had the satis-
faction of seeing happily converted, and many of them are now filling
positions of usefulness. And now that you are about to leave us for
a distant station, be assured that our earnest affections will follow
you, and that our prayers will continually ascend to our Heavenly
Father that His blessing may rest upon you and yours, and that He
will give you increased success in your great life-work, wherever your
lot may be cast. We do not understand that we are to see your
faces no more, but as your names will remain enrolled on our church
records, you will ever have a warm place in our hearts and a welcone
in our homes; and when life and its labors are ended, we hope to
join you in eternal companionship in our Father's home above.

Oblando D. McClain,
Charles S. Shkimpton,
Noah Wokball,

Committee"

CHAPTER XIV.

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETING MOVEMENT INAUGURATED.

The year 1867 must ever be regarded as an epoch in the
history of the subject of entire sanctification. It was the
inauguration of the National Camp-meeting movement. It
must be confessed that the need of such a revival was im-
perative.

We had just emerged from the most gigantic rebellion
which the world had ever witnessed, and the churches had
become greatly demoralized. War never fosters piety, and
in this case, the churches were weakened spiritually in
every part of the land. Many a good conscience was ship-
wrecked in seizing upon favorable opportunities to amass
wealth by unjustifiable means. A few of the true and the
tried still wept between the porch and the altar, and prayed
for the salvation of Israel. Camp-meetings, which had been
a great power in the Methodist Church, and in which tens
of thousands had been converted and sanctified, had so far
fallen into disrepute, that the church papers were earnestly
discussing the propriety of wholly abandoning them. The
bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in their Ad-
dress to the General Conference of 1864, speak mournfully
of the low state of spirituality. They say: "It becomes
us, dear brethren, to humble ourselves in the dust, in view of
our manifold sins, individual and national. We are yet, it
may be feared, a haughty and rebellious people, and God

185

186

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

will humble us. There can be no good reason to expect the
restoration of order and unity until we properly deplore our
sins, and turn to God with deep self-abasement and fervent
prayer. A gracious revival of religion, deep, pervading,
and permanent, is the great demand of our times. We beg
you, brethren, turn your most thoughtful and prayerful
attention to this demand. Let God, our Heavenly Father,
behold us in tears of contrition before His throne, pleading
night and day, through the Redeemer, for the outpouring
of the Holy Ghost upon the Church, the nation, and the
world. This is our only hope : let our faith command it,
and it shall be."

For several years prior to 1867, it was evident to all care-
ful observers that there was not only this sad declension in
spirituality in the churches, but that there was a growing
opposition to the subject of entire sanctification as a dis-
tinct experience. This opposition came from both pulpit and
pew, and was often met with at the local camp-meetings. The
opposition became at times so violent that in many places
the professors of this experience found little or no sympa-
thy or encouragement at these annual meetings. There
was a growing feeling among the friends of holiness, that
this ought not so to be. Eev. John A. Wood, an earnest
advocate of " perfect love," while on his way to a small
camp-meeting held at Red Bank, N. J., August, 1866,
expressed his feeling on the subject to Mrs. Harriet E.
Drake, of Wilkes Barre, Pa., insisting that a camp-meeting
for the special promotion of holiness ought to be held, where
they would not be subject to such annoyances. Mrs. Drake,
being in full sympathy with the idea, having recently en-
tered into the experience of perfect love, and opened her
house for a meeting on the subject, remarked to Bro. Wood,
that if he would start such a meeting, she would, if neces
san , pay half the expenses.

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS INAUGURATED. 187

During the carnp-meeting, Bro. Wood suggested the mat-
ter to Rev. W. B. Osborn, informing him also of Mrs.
Drake's proposal, in case such a meeting should be held.
Bro. Osborn revolved the suggestion over in his own mind,
until the project seemed not only feasible, but a necessity.
It was not until the following April, that he broached the
subject to Mr. Inskip. In his journal for April 16, we find
this record: "Bro. W. B. Osborn, of the New Jersey Con-
ference, spent the night with us. The evening was occupied
in talking over a proposition to hold a camp-meeting for
the special purpose of promoting the work of entire sancti-
fication. It strikes my mind with favor. It is a new idea,
yet it forcibly impresses me. The Lord direct in this
matter."

Mr. Inskip, subsequently, gives a fuller account of this
meeting. He says : u Bro. Osborn was so full of the mat-
ter that he could no longer contain himself. His mind was
so aroused and excited that he hastened to New York, and
coming to my study, said, with great emphasis, 'I feel that
God would have us hold a holiness camp-meeting ! ' His
manner of speaking gave the fullest assurance that he was
persuaded of the truth of his statement. To his impas-
sioned utterance he received a sympathetic and cordial
response. We knelt together, and in all godly sincerity,
implored Divine guidance and help. . We prayed, waited,
wept, and believed, and the heavenly glory came upon us.
It was to our minds no longer a question of doubt as to
whether we should hold a camp-meeting for the promotion
of holiness. As we arose from the mercy-seat, we took each
other by the hand, and pledged eternal fidelity to God and
holiness, and separated with the understanding that at the
contemplated camp-meeting there would, by the permission
of Providence, be at least two tents."

These were the first buddings of the National Camp-

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LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

meeting movement. Bro. Woods' suggestion needed Bro.
Osborn's sanguine and enthusiastic spirit to push it forward,
and Bro. Inskip's still greater enthusiasm and acknowledged
generalship to make it a grand success. The suggestion
was from above, and it fell into hearts well fitted for such a
work. A number of brethren, whose views were known to
be purely Wesleyan, were invited to meet and consider the
question. They did so, and at once issued a call for a
larger meeting, to be held in Philadelphia, June 13. In
this call, signed by thirteen ministers ; viz., A. E. Ballard,
P. E., H. M. Brown, R. V. Lawrence, W. B. Osborn, J. A.
Wood, B. M. Adams, Dr. Geo. C. M. Roberts, A. V. Street,
G. Hughes, J. S. Heisler, J. S. Inskip, A. Longacre, and A.
Cookman, they were careful to invite only such "ministers
and laymen," as were " favorable to holding a camp meeting,
the special object of which should be the promotion of the
work of entire sanctification." The holding of a camp-
meeting was no longer an open question. That had been
settled. The " call " was published in the church papers,
and, as might have been expected, attracted considerable
attention, and called forth more or less criticism. It was
looked upon by many, as schismatic in its spirit, and as
being certain to result in church division. The presiding
elder, who headed the list, was appealed to, in order to in-
duce him to withdraw his sanction ; but without success ;
while the lovers of holiness looked upon the " call," as a
voice from God to the church to " go forward."

Thursday morning, June 13, the brethren met at 1018
Arch St., Philadelphia, the " city of brotherly love." One
who was present, says : " It was an auspicious morning. A
holy atmosphere seemed to pervade the room. Every face
was bright, and every spirit joyous. Never did good men
grasp each others hands more warmly."

The venerable Dr. Geo. C. M. Roberts, of Baltimore, a

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS INAUGURATED. 189

man of blessed memory, was called to the chair, as presi-
dent of the meeting. Rev. John Thompson was elected
secretary. Their first business was prayer. The president,
Dr. Roberts, led in prayer. He is said to have " poured out
his soul in thankfulness that he was permitted to see that
favored hour. He was like a patriarch talking with God."

Rev. J. S. Inskip followed. "His voice was . tremulous
with emotion. His soul was feeling the mighty responsi-
bilities of the occasion. He besought the Lord not to carry
his servants up hence, unless His presence should go with
them." "For a time," writes Mr. Inskip, "the conscious-
ness of the revelations of the Divine glory were almost
overwhelming. It was a most extraordinary season, — one,
indeed, that will never, never be forgotten."

The president, in a few well-chosen words, stated the ob-
ject of the meeting, and declared his entire confidence in
the movement ; counselling all to commit the whole matter
to the God of holiness.

The venerable Anthony Atwood moved, " That we hold a
camp-meeting for the special work of promoting Christian
holiness." The motion was at once unanimously passed.

The place for holding the camp-meeting, which some
thought would be a difficult question to settle, by a singular
unanimity, was decided in favor of Vineland, N. J. In
this, as in all other matters, they were unanimous. It was
finally determined, on motion of Rev. John A. Wood, that
the meeting commence Wednesday, July 17, and close on
Friday, 26.

At this meeting they gave a name to the movement —
"The National Camp-meeting for the Promotion of Chris-
tian Holiness." The necessary committees were appointed,
and a " call," prepared by the Rev. Alfred Cookman, was
read, and ordered to be published. The call sets forth in
simple and impressive terms the nature and object of the
meeting, as follows : —

190

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

" A general camp-meeting of the friends of holiness, to be
held at Vineland, Cumberland County, N. J., will commence
Wednesday, July 17, and close Friday, 26th instant.

" We affectionately invite all, irrespective of denomina-
tional ties, interested in the subject of the higher Christian
life, to come together and spend a week in God's great
temple of nature. While we shall not cease to labor for
the conviction and conversion of sinners, the special object
of this meeting will be to offer united and continued prayer
for the revival of the work of holiness in the churches; to
secure increased wisdom, that we may be able to give a
reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear ;
to strengthen the hands of those who feel themselves com-
paratively isolated in their profession of holiness ; to help
any who would enter into this rest of faith and love ; to
realize together a Pentecostal baptism of the Holy Ghost, —
and all with a view to increased usefulness in the churches
of which we are members.

" Come, brothers and sisters of the various denominations,
and let us, in this forest-meeting, as in other meetings for
the promotion of holiness, furnish an illustration of evan-
gelical union, and make common supplication for the descent
of the Spirit upon ourselves, the church, the nation, and the
world."

Mr. Inskip writes : " I never saw such a company together
Defore." That was the feeling of all present. Rev. Alfred
Cookman, in writing to a friend, said : " You have doubtless
been advised of our Vineland Camp-meeting enterprise. It
is rather a bold movement for the friends of holiness, but I
believe it is in the order of God, and will be accompanied
and followed by blessed results. Associated with the
originators of this enterprise, I can bear a most emphatic
testimony to the purity of their motives, and the thought-
fulness, care, and earnest supplication to God, that charac-

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS INAUGURATED.

191

terized all their deliberations. Indeed, the day we spent
together in this city (Philadelphia) making arrangements,
was one of the blessed days of my life." *

As the time drew near for the holding of the camp-meet-
ing, Mr. Inskip became more and more interested in the
movement. June 27, he writes: "The Vineland Camp-
meeting has been upon my heart all day. I have felt the
responsibility of the movement. I am more than ever per-
suaded of the necessity of such a meeting. I rejoice that
the people seem to understand and appreciate it mor.-
generally than any of us anticipated. It is my desire and
hopeful prayer that it may be a time that shall never, never
be forgotten."

On the sixth of July, he writes : " The Vineland Camp-
meeting is on my heart continually to pray for its success
and prosperity."

The morning of July 17, 1867, was beautiful and clear,
as the worshippers gathered at Vineland to unite in the
services of the first holiness camp-meeting ever held since
Pentecost. It was a new thing under the sun, but it was of
God's appointment. The services opened at 3 p. m. Rev.
J. S. Inskip announced the hymn, "There is a fountain
filled with blood," which was sung with such spirit and
power that it was adopted as the battle-hymn of the move-
ment. Mr. Inskip then led in a prayer, which will never
be forgotten by those who heard it. Rev. Andrew Longacre
read some selections from the Scriptures, and Messrs.
Inskip, B. M. Adams, R. V. Lawrence, and A. E. Ballard,
P. E., made brief and appropriate addresses.

Mr. Inskip said : " I am just as sure that this movement
is of God, as I should be had it been written as a specific
command in God's Word, that the people should assemble

Cookman's Life, p. 315.

192

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

on this day, in this very place, and for the particular pur-
pose for which we are come ; and I confidently believe that
the object of our assembling will be accomplished. There
are bound up in the religious interests of this extraordinary
camp-meeting, influences which, we trust, shall extend over
Christendom."

Rev. B. M. Adams said : " I believe this camp-meeting .
will prove an era in the history of Methodism, and will be
a tidal mark of that onward wave for which the church has
been praying and laboring for eighteen centuries. The
depths of hell are stirred already against us, and all
Heaven is interested for us ; and if we do our duty, this
meeting will be pre-eminently successful, and all will go
away filled with the Holy Ghost."

These addresses were followed by earnest prayers by
Revs. B. M. A.dams, S. Coleman, Alfred Cookman, and
others, and the first service of the first National Camp-
meeting closed.

Ten of the sermons preached at Vineland, have been
published. They are clear, scriptural statements of the doc-
trine of entire sanctification, and must have produced deep
conviction upon the subject. No ordinary sermons were
preached by such men as J. W. Home, Geo. C. Wells, S.
Coleman, R. V. Lawrence, B. M. Adams, J. A. Wood, John
Parker, B. W. Gorhara, Alfred Cookman, B. Pomeroy
and John S. Inskip, — especially under the inspiration of
such an occasion, and of the Spirit of God. Bishop Simp-
son, though in feeble health, was present with his family,
and followed Rev. Geo. C. Wells' sermon with a powerful
exhortation. The testimonies, so far as we are able to judge,
from the reports which have come to us, were rich and
inspiring.

" The proportions of the meeting," writes one who was
present, " were great, and the spirit wonderful. The reader

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS INAUGURATED. 193

who was not present can hardly realize how the great deep
of human souls was moved by the breath of the Lord. The
results of the presence of the All-powerful Spirit were, ex-
cellent order, deep humility, holy trust, heavenly fervor,
godly zeal, brotherly love, childlike simplicity, and a
Divine unction that sweetened and sanctified all things."

One incident we must not omit to relate. Bishop Simp-
son had brought his family to the camp, and with them his
son Charles, still unconverted — a son for whom many
prayers had been offered. The Bishop had spent the Sab-
bath at Cape Island, officiating at the re-opening of a Meth-
odist Church. As he returned to the camp on Monday
morning, some one informed him that he was wanted at the
Kensington tent. On reaching the tent, he saw his son, in
the midst of a group of friends, earnestly seeking pardon.
The bishop made his way through the crowd, and with tear-
ful eyes knelt beside his penitent, broken-hearted boy, and
sought to point him to Jesus. He prayed as only a Christian
father can pray for his son. The whole company were
moved with deepest sympathy. Charles was converted,
and returned to his home a happy Christian. A few months
passed, and that son lay sick — sick unto death. A little
before his departure, turning to his weeping mother, he
said : " Mother, I shall bless God to all eternity for the
Vineland Camp-meeting."

An effort was made to keep account of the numbers con-
verted, but the work went on so rapidly, and in so many
tents, as well as at the stand, that it was impossible. But
the number was very large. At the close of almost every
sermon, the people seemed so eager to seek pardon or purity,
that it was impossible to accommodate them before the
stand, and often the whole enclosure was turned into a
mourners' bench, and filled with earnest seekers of salva-
tion. There were many remarkable instances of conversion
and entire sanctification.

194

LIFE OF JOHX S. INSKIP.

The camp-meeting closed on Thursday evening, with a
sacramental service, amidst the great joy of the worshippers.
They retired saying one to another, " We have never seen
it on this fashion."

By a rising vote, the people expressed an earnest desire
that a meeting of a similar character be held the next year,
and a committee of arrangements was appointed, consisting
of twenty-one persons. So many of the committee as were
present were called together at the close of the camp-meet-
ing. Eev. J. S. Inskip was appointed chairman, and Rev.
G. Hughes, secretary. It was voted to hold the next camp-
meeting, commencing second Wednesday in July, 1868.

It was while the members were on their knees that the
" National Camp-meeting Association for the Promotion of
Holiness " was formed, and John S. Inskip was chosen its
first president, which position he held until death removed
him. The Association was born of prayer. When the
business was concluded, Alfred Cookman offered a prayer of
almost unexampled fervency. No one present will forget
how mightily he prayed for God's blessing on the work to
which he fully believed they were Divinely called. We are
told that all business at that meeting was transacted while
the brethren were on their knees. Then joining hands, they
pledged fidelity to God, to the subject of holiness, and to
each other. Alfred Cookman, in writing to Mrs. Skidmore,
says: "Vineland was, as you know, quite on the verge of
Heaven, and had only one disadvantage — it made every
other service seem tame by comparison."

There is this peculiarity about the " National Camp-meet-
ing Association for the Promotion of Holiness," — it never
had a constitution or a by-law. For all the years of its
history its members have been bound together by bonds
stronger than constitutions or by-laws — the bonds of love.
Its members have ever been ministers of the Methodist

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS INAUGURATED. 195

Episcopal Church, and yet it has been as free from a sec-
tarian spirit or bias, as any organization of modern times.
While its chief object has been to awaken a deeper interest
on the subject of personal holiness in the Methodist Church,
it has not been for that church alone that it has labored.
All the evangelical churches of this land, and others as-
well, have felt the influence of National Camp-meetings.
They may not all confess their indebtedness, but eternity
will fully reveal the facts. "No society," writes Dr. H. B.
Ridgaway, " was ever more in accord with primitive Chris-
tian custom as to its organization, or could be more simple
and exact in its aims, or more Catholic in its animating
spirit." *

Vineland has passed into history. The " National Camp-
meeting Association " has become a fact. Some of the most
popular and useful camp-meetings on the continent would
never have had a being, but for national camp-meetings.
And many of the most successful workers in God's vine-
yard, received their fit-out at National Camp-meetings.

A further account of the meetings will be given in
these pages as we proceed.

•Life of Alfred Cookman, page 324.

CHAPTER XV.

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

Camp-meetings, for nearly a hundred years, have been a
peculiar institution of American Methodism. They were
attended at first, and for many years, with very remarkable
results. Bishop Asbury was wont to call them " our har-
vest seasons." The subject of entire sanctification was
made, at nearly all these gatherings, as prominent as the
conversion of sinners. There are left us authentic records
of camp-meetings held in Delaware and Maryland, which
give us some idea of the wonderful work of God among the
people.

Rev. Henry Boehm, in his "Reminiscences," tells us that
at a camp-meeting held on Dover Circuit, in 1805, there
were eleven hundred conversions, and six hundred sanctifi-
cations. At a similar meeting held near Dover, there were
1320 conversions, and 916 sanctifications. " I give the
figures," he says, " just as I wrote them down in my journal
in July, 1806. Shall these eyes, before they are closed in
death," he exclaims, "ever witness such scenes again?
Shall these ears ever hear such cries of distress, such shouts
of joy, such songs of victory ? Shall this aged heart ever
feel such shocks of Divine power as I felt on that conse-
crated ground ? "

National Camp-meetings were mainly a revival of the
spirit of the camp-meetings of early times. They have not

196

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

197

been, and were never intended to be, confined exclusively
to the sanctification of belie veps. It would not be difficult
to show that more sinners have been converted at National
Camp-meetings, though held in the special interests of en-
tire sanctification, than have been converted at camp-meet-
ings held exclusively for the conversion of sinners. Up to
the time of Mr. Inskip's death, there had been no less than
fifty-two national camp-meetings. At forty-eight of these,
he piesided. Taken as a whole, they have been the most
remarkable camp-meetings ever held on the American con-
tinent. They have been held in sixteen states of the
Union, viz., Maine, Massachusetts, ^evv Hampshire, New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia,
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas,
and Nebraska. In every instance save two, these meetings
have been held under the auspices of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, and on camp-grounds consecrated to such special
religious services. The first two — Vineland and Manheim
— were selected and arranged by the National Association.
In every other instance they have gone by special invitation.
They have never foisted their services upon any community
where they were not urgently invited. No year has passed
in which they have not been obliged to refuse nearly as
many invitations as they have accepted. Instead of fifty-
two, they might, had they been able to command the time,
have held one hundred National Camp-meetings. But it
must be remembered, that during all these years, most of
the members of the Association have been regular pastors,
and could only command the time usually allowed them for
summer vacation.

198

LIFE OF JOHN S. WSEIP.

We present here a tabulated list of these meetings, with
the time and places of holding them : —

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

1. Yincland, N. J.

2. Manheim, Pa.

3. Round Lake, N. Y.

4. Hamilton, Muss.

5. Oakington, Md.
C. Desplaines, 111.

7. Kound Lake, N. Y.

8. Urbana, Ohio.

9. Oaks Comers, N. Y.

10. Sea Cliff, N.Y.

11. Richmond, Me.

12. TJrbana, Ohio.

13. Williamsville, 111.

14. Knoxville, Tenn.

15. Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
1G. Landisville, Pa.

17. Moundsville, W. Va.

18. Knoxville, Tenn.

19. Sterling, Mass.

20. Orchard Beach, Me.

21. Joliet, 111.

22. Fernwood, Pa.

23. Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

24. Urbana, Ohio.

25. Orchard Beach, Me.

26. Newburgk, N. Y.

July 17, 18G7.
July 14, 1808.
July C, 18G9.
June 21, 1S70.
July 12, 1870.
Aug. 9, 1S70.
July 4, 1871.
Aug. 7, 1871.
June 12, 1872.
July 3, 1872.
July 24, 1872.
Aug. 8, 1872.
Sept. 4, 1872.
Sept.21,lS72.
June 2G, 1873.
July 23, 1873.
Aug. 30, 1873.
Sept. 17,1873.
June 17, 1S74.
Aug. 12, 1874.
Sept. 2, 1874.
June 23, 1875.
July 8, 1875.
July 22, 1S75.
Aug. 5, 1875.
Aug. 25, 1875.

27. Bennett, Neb.

28. Milwaukee, Wis.

29. Loveland, Ohio.

30. Shelter Island, N. Y.

31. Newburgh, N. Y.

32. Orchard Beach, Me.

33. Clear Lake, Iowa.

34. Chester Heights, Pa.

35. Framingham, Mass.
3G. Clear Lake, Iowa.

37. Newcastle, Pa.

38. Epping, N. H.

39. Lawrence, Kan.

40. Bennett, Neb.

41. Sewickly, Pa.

42. Douglas, Mass.

43. Summit Grove, Md.

44. Urbana, Ohio.

45. New Castle, Pa.
4G. Round Lake, N. Y.

47. " " "

48. Warsaw, Ind.

49. Round Lake, N. Y.

50. Lincoln, 111.

51. Pitman Grove, N. J.

52. Orchard Beach, Me.

June 28, 1876.
July 12, 1876.
July 23, 1876.
July 30, 1876.
Aug. 23, 1876.
Sept. 6, 1876.
July 11, 1877.
July 25, 1877.
Aug. 15, 1877.
July 10, 1878.
July 24, 1878.
Aug. 26, 1878.
June 24, 1879.
July 9, 1879.
July 18, 1879.
July 23, 1879.
July 31, 1879.
Aug. 13, 1879.
Aug. 16, 1879.
July 12, 1880.
June 12, 1881.
Aug. 5, 1881.
July 6, 1882.
Sept. 6, 1882.
Aug. 7, 1883.
Aug. 28, 1883.

Mr. Inskip was not present at National Camp-meetings
Nos. 27, 29, 42, and 50, but he conducted all others held, up
to the time of his death.

It would extend this volume far beyond the limits
assigned to it, to notice all these meetings, and attempt to
give anything like a satisfactory account of them. We can
do little more than name them, and note a few of the more

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

199

striking incidents connected with them. And in doing this,
one scarcely knows which to select, or what particular inci-
dents to relate. A good-sized volume could be written on
any one of the forty-eight, and do no more than justice to
it.

No one, who was present, will ever forget
Manheim.

This meeting was held July 14, 1867, in the old Dutch town
of Manheim, Lancaster Co., Pa. The weather was oppres-
sively hot; dust was abundant; water scarce, and board
most miserable. These disadvantages would have well nigh
crushed most camp-meetings. But notwithstanding these
unpropitious circumstances, the meeting was a perfect
triumph from the beginning to the end. Representative
men and women were there from nearly every state in the
Union. The tents, extemporized for the occasion, numbered
about six hundred

The Sabbath was a great day. Not less than twenty-five
thousand persons were on the ground, including about three
hundred ministers. Bishop Simpson was present, and
preached one of those remarkable sermons for which he was
noted. Text : Bom. viii. 14. At least twelve thousand
eager hearers drank in the word which fell from those elo-
quent lips. Mr. Inskip preached in the afternoon on Chris-
tian perfection. It was one of his inspiring sermons, and
greatly moved the vast crowds which thronged the place.

Rev. Alfred Cookman, in the evening, instead of preach-
ing a regular sermon, did what was vastly better — related
his experience. It was a day of power.

One who was present, gives his impressions of the meet-
ing in the Daily Spy, of Columbia, July 20. Speaking of
Sunday and its services, he says : —

200

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

"Mr. Editor, — We have been permitted to spend a Sabbath at
2amp-ineeting, and truly it was a day long to be remembered for the
crowds of people and clouds of dust. The atmosphere was like
Egyptian darkness — an atmosphere 'that might be felt.' The
streams of dusty humanity which flowed along, from early morn till
late in the evening, seemed to have but one object in view — to see
what was to be seen, and raise, or keep up, the already thick clouds
of choking dust that pervaded tents, eyes, ears, hair and clothes of
all. I would not, after all, have been absent for a valuable considera-
tion. To have the privilege of attending the experience-meeting at
the stand at eight o'clock, in itself would compensate for all the
sweltering and crowding to which we were exposed. There were
nearly, if not quite, five hundred witnesses for Jesus, who gladly
stood up and declared, in the face of Heaven and the vast crowd by
which they were surrounded, that the blood of Jesus Christ had
cleansed them from all sin. This was the largest experience-meeting
I ever saw, and such a holy feeling pervaded the assembly that happi-
ness, peace, and joy were portrayed on every countenance. Again
and again could be heard the loud cry of ' Glory to God ! ' It re-
quired no stretch of imagination to likon them to the hosts of the
Most High, while going up to possess the goodly land. Truly the
Lord of Hosts was among His people. These exercises were con-
tinued nearly to the preachiDg hour — ten o'clock. A few remarks
of caution and advice were made by Presiding Elder Gray, in his
usual clear and decisive manner, telling the people that Bishop Simp-
son, who was to preach, could be heard by all, if perfect stillness was
observed. At the appointed hour the bishop advanced to the stand,
and, looking over the sea of upturned faces, gave out the hymD com-
mencing with, ' When I survey the wondrous cross,' etc. After
prayer, he read for the first lesson the nineteenth Psalm, and for the
second the eighth of Romans. The text was Romans, eighth chapter
and fourteenth verse — 'As many as are led by the Spirit of God,
they are the sons of God.' The sermon was all that expectation
could hope for or the heart could desire. The time occupied m de-
livery was one hour and twenty minutes, and, although on many
heads the sun poured down his fierce and sickening rays, the atten-
tion was constant and the interest unflagging. The good bish ip
opened up a vista of happiness and glory to many anxious souls,
knowing that in heaven they havt1 a 'more enduring inheritance.'

" In the afternoon Rev. Mr. Inskip occupied the stand. This dis-

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

201

course I did not hear ; but in the evening, at half-past seven o'clock,
the Rev. Alfred Cookinan, with all the earnestness and Christian
sympathy for which he is distinguished, kept that assembly interested,
while he showed the deep necessity of making a full surrender of all
to God.

" The afternoon children's prayer-meeting in the Columbia tent
was to the 'little ones' a happy time. I felt for the children ; the
warm day was quite enough to bear, but to be inclosed by a wall of
unthinking men and women was quite too bad. The exercises were
well worthy of attention, but a thought for the comfort of the chil-
dren should have been enough to scatter the crowd that walled up
both ends of the tent."

But the most remarkable service at Manheim, was held
on Monday evening at the stand. It will ever be remem-
bered as a " Pentecost." At the close of an impressive
sermon on " Hindrances to Holiness," preached by Rev.
John Thompson, of Philadelphia, the people were exhorted by
Mr. Inskip to look to God for the baptism of power. Two
thousand earnest hearts bowed, and engaged in silent prayer.
After a few moments, Dr. G. W. Woodruff commenced
praying, when, all at once, as sudden as if a flash of light-
ning from the heavens had fallen upon the people, one sim-
ultaneous burst of agony, and then of glory, was heard in
all parts of the congregation ; and for nearly an hour, the
scene beggared all description. It was the most sublime
spectacle we ever witnessed. Those seated far back in the
audience declared that the sensation was as if a strong wind
had moved from the stand over the congregation. Several
intelligent people, in different parts of the congregation,
spoke of the same phenomenon, as it appeared to them.
Sinners stood awe-stricken, and others fled affrighted from
the congregation.

A minister, writing of the occasion, says : " The writer
left the stand in the midst of the scene, and went up along
the left-hand outside aisle. Such a sight he had never seen

202

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

before. Thousands were in the attitude of prayer. An
awful presence seemed to rest upon the multitude. There
were suppressed sobs, and praises, too.

" There were those who insisted that at one time they
heard a sound, a strange sound, as of a rushing mighty
wind, and yet as if subdued and held in check over that
prayerful congregation. The writer went to his tent, far
back from the circle, but God was everywhere. It was an
awful season. Souls were wrestling with God, who was
unrolling to many the long, long list of their sins. Unfaith-
ful church members were looking and shuddering over the
dreadful past. The people were face to face with God."
(Penuel, p. 260.)

Scores were converted and sanctified, and we are sure
that no one who witnessed that scene need regret their not
being present at the "Pentecost." It was Pentecost, with
some of its external symbols wanting.

During the progress of the meeting, a brother remarked
that he had just witnesed a little Pentecost. He was asked
to explain. He said he had come from a testimony meet-
ing, where Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Dutch Ee-
form, Congrepationalists and Quakers, had spoken of the
work of God in their hearts, and from the testimony given,
he was utterly unable to distinguish the one denomination
from the other. This was Pentecost.

A correspondent of the Methodist said of Manheim:
" The entire meeting was wonderfully well managed. I
never saw such excellent generalship as that displayed by
them. This meeting must tell on the entire church of the
present with power. Ministers and people humbled them-
selves that God might exalt the church with His wonderful
power, and clothe it with the glory of God that rested upon
the ancient altars."

It was generally admitted by those who were present, to

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

203

have been the most remarkable meeting ever held on the
American continent.

Round Lake, 1869.

The services of this great camp-meeting opened with an
extraordinary sermon by Mr. Inskip, from 1 Thess. v. 23 —
" The very God of peace sanctify you wholly." Under the
preaching of that sermon, and during the altar services,
many were able to claim the fulness of salvation through
faith in Christ. The number in attendance was very large.
Though expressly stipulated with the railroad company that
no trains should run to the ground on Sunday, there were
present on that day not less than twenty thousand people.

All the services were of an extraordinary character, and
the testimonies and sayings were full of inspiration.

"Camp-meeting" John Allen said: "This is the 199th
camp-meeting I have attended, and it is the best one of all."

Following a most powerful sermon by Bishop Peck, from
Heb. xii. 14, Eev. B. Pomeroy said : " This camp-meeting
is one of the kingdom slopes, where the children come to
sun themselves. I am glad I was not born before I was,
and I am glad God has spun me out to reach this day ; and
I see how God is going to bear me over every terrestrial
summit without brushing. I have a big programme before
me, for I begin to see how God is going to spread His work
by the instrumentality of a holy church. And now, men of
God, don't let up a hair in this work. Keep too upright
to be bought, and too shrewd to be sold, and I will stake
Methodism on the issue of 1 Holiness to the Lord.' " He
continued to say : " This is a wonderful meeting. It seems
I could afford to stay out of Heaven for this. This meeting
has rolled the world a hundred years towards the millen-
nium ! We are coming to Isaiah's holy visions. I see the
multitude of camels are coming, the dromedaries of Midian

204

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

and Ephah, with the flocks of Kedar, are coming up to
God's altar, and holiness is to be written upon the bells
of the horses. This is the outflow of heavenly influence,
— God's great Amazon, — which is to flow around the globe.
Let the nations make way for the coming of God."

In the love-feast, there were testimonies from twenty-
nine states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Great
Britain. As these testimonies were being given, no lan-
guage can properly describe the deep interest manifested
among the great crowd who were present. " Amen ! "
" Glory to God ! " and " hallelujahs," leaped forth on all
sides, like the sound of many waters.

The closing services of this remarkable camp-meeting
consisted in the administration of the

Lord's Supper.

The table was arranged, and Bishop Simpson sat on one
side and Mr. Iuskip on the other. The preachers, in large
numbers, were gathered around them, while on the outside,
to the farthest limit of the canvas, sat the people. Dr.
Lore read a hymn, and Dr. Wright, of Cincinnati, led in
prayer. It was a prayer which was answered, in a sweet
and yet powerful baptism of the Spirit. As the people
flocked to the table of the Lord, it was observed that
Methodist, and, hitherto, close-communion Baptist, Church-
man, Congregationalist, and Friend, bowed together to re-
ceive the symbols of that "body which was broken for us,"
and that "blood" which "cleanseth from all unrighteous-
ness." At the close, Bishop Simpson, who seemed imbued
with "unction from the Holy One," made a brief address.
He said : " Dear ministers of Jesus, if there is anything
you have not given up, now is the time to consecrate fully
your all to Christ. You need, and may have, a fresh
anointing just now. O Holy Ghost, come now upon us all !

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

205

We see no visible tongues descending, but the fire is here t
The refining flame is in our hearts. Brethren, there never
was a day when we needed more power than now. We are
jailed to meet, in this land, the tide of heathenism rolling
in upon our shores. Infidelity is making its fiercest onset.
We need and must have apostolic power. 0 Lord, clothe
us with salvation ! Help up to preach Christ as we never
preached before — a present, a full, a precious Saviour. Let
us have Him in our hearts, in all the glory of His name,
and ever realize that He saves — that His blood cleanseth,
cleanseth, cleanseth." ("Me!" shouted many voices.)
" Yes," continued the bishop, " the blood of Jesus cleanseth
me from all sin."

Turning from the ministers to the people, whose faces
were bathed in tears, and whose hearts were well nigh to
bursting with holy joy, he said: "We raise a monument to
the living Jesus. When our friends die we erect a tomb-
stone, and inscribe their name and our love there ; but our
Lord and Master needs no tomb-stone ! He is not here.
The grave could not hold Him. He ascended up on high !
Let our monument be believing hearts, sanctified hearts,
united in one, built up in Him. The base on this earth, but
the top reaching to the Heaven of heavens ! "

No one can describe the deep emotion, the soul-rapture,
of that congregation, during this address.

A veteran editor said of Round Lake National Camp-
meeting: "This meeting has already grown to mammoth
proportions. It now wields a powerful influence in the
Methodist Episcopal Church. No one present at the late
meeting at Round Lake, could for a moment doubt this :
representatives were present from almost every State in the
Union, and they returned by the hundred and by the
thousand, carrying with them the spirit and influence, and
peculiarities of this meeting, for it was a meeting of shap-
ing and moulding power."

206

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

A minister from Philadelphia, said : " By the grace of
God, I have been at the Third National Camp-meeting, at
Round Lake, in the State of New York. I expect to thank
God for it through the everlasting ages. The effect of the
meeting was Pentecostal. And who but an infidel will
wonder at it ? The Holy Ghost fell on that vast assemblage,
time and again, in such marvellous and evident revealings
of the glory of God, as were, perhaps, in advance of the
previous experience of the oldest and most favored children
of God, who witnessed and felt these heart-cleansing and
life-giving shocks of love, and joy, and peace. None went
wild. There was no case of trance. At times, emotion
became so uncontrollable, as to make a Pentecostal shout
like the voice of many waters. Never have I seen such
uniform decorum and propriety of behavior."

As the vast crowd were about to separate, they were
called to the stand for a parting word. Mr. Inskip made
an appropriate address, giving the people such counsel as
he judged to be proper and useful.

Bishop Simpson followed Mr. Inskip in some exceedingly
appropriate remarks. Speaking of the meeting, he said:
"I have been exceedingly pleased with this camp-meeting.
Standing as I have, apart from its management, that being
in the hands of the committee, I could note carefully its
general working, and I have been highly pleased with it,
and with the oversight and general arrangement. Indeed,
I do not know that anything more could have been done
than has been, to promote harmony, and add to the efficiency
and spiritual results of the meeting," etc.

The doxology was sung, the benediction pronounced by
the bishop, and a procession was formed, the ministers
walking arm in arm, headed by Bishop Simpson and Mr.
Inskip. These, as they walked around the ground, were
followed by a " great multitude," male and female, singing

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

207

as they went the most inspiring music. They continued
their march until they had compassed the camp three times,
then deployed in front of the stand, the ministers forming a
line and the laity passing before them, shaking hands as
they passed ; then dispersing over the ground rejoicing in
the peace of God that passeth all understanding. Thus
closed the Third National Camp-meeting.

Up to 1870, there had been but one National Camp-meet-
ing a year. But such had been their success, that invita-
tions began to multiply. In 1870, three meetings were held
— at Hamilton, Mass., Oakington, Md., and Desplaines, 111.
At Hamilton, the great tabernacle was first erected, which
was secured at an expense of some $1800. Size 90x130.

The meeting was held too early in the season for the lati-
tude of New England, and the weather was exceedingly
unpropitious. The meeting, though not a financial success,
to the extent the local association anticipated, was glorious
in its spiritual results. It was attended by a large number
of ministers from all parts of New England, and beyond.
It is doubtful if at any of the National Camp-meetings,
more ministers entered into the experience of perfect love
than at Hamilton. Dr. Dorchester said, at the Oakington
Camp-meeting, "that the late National Camp-meeting at
Hamilton was a great success. The fire is spreading. Uni-
tarians and others were holding special meetings," as the
fruit of that meeting. Many date their entire sanctifica-
tion from Hamilton.

The Oakington meeting, which immediately followed Ham-
ilton, was in some respects the most remarkable of any
held up to that time. The grounds were new, the weather
oppressively hot — a furnace could not have been much
more uncomfortable. And yet it seemed to produce no pre-
ceptible effect upon the meeting. Nothing seemed so much
needed at the opening, as rain. The people asked for rain.

208

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

Father Coleman bad earnestly prayed that heaven would
<l kindly mitigate the heat, and send rain." The prayer was
answered, and the opening service was broken up by a copi-
ous shower. Still the heat continued, until it seemed utterly
unendurable. One writer, in speaking of the close of the fifth
day of the meeting, says : " Never did the sun go down upon
a grander scene than was witnessed at Oakington, at the
close of this week. Some of the tents were so exposed to
the burning rays of the sun that the occupants could not
remain m them in the middle of the day ; but they were
uncomplaining, and sought a better shade in the woods,
reading the Scriptures, meditating, and praying, when not
engaged in the public services. God's ministers, working
under an outward pressure which it seemed human nature
could not sustain, were marvelously helped. They preached
with the thermometer above one hundred degrees, with men-
tal clearness, propriety of utterance, and far reaching power.
The people were in high spirits ; no wearying, no sign of
exhaustion ; closing up the week with a courage which said :
' We are well able to go up and possess the land.' "

The Sabbath at Oakington was a most trying day, on ac-
count of the intense heat ; but a day crowded with gracious
victories.

A scene in the morning love-feast, will never be forgotten
by any who were present. As the sweet and soul-inspiring
testimonies came from hundreds of hearts all aglow with
perfect love, such as : " As at Manheim two years ago, so at
Oakington, Alfred Cookman, washed in the blood of the
Lamb," — Rev. W. H. Boole stepped to the front of the stand
and said : " In all probability, at this very hour they are
proclaiming the dogma of papal infallibility at Rome ; and
I propose that we, here and now, proclaim Jesus as the only
infallible Head of the Church, the true, the only Saviour of
men, and that we crown Him King Eternal, Lord of all."

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

209

The proposition was electric in its effects. Every heart
was ready. He proposed that we sing one verse of

" All hail the power of Jesus' name," etc.

No sooner was the request made than that vast crowd
sprang to their feet, and poured forth such a volume of song
as earth has seldom heard. Not content with one verse,
they sang the second, and the third and so on to the end.
Such was the deep and mighty feeling which filled every
heart, that they could not be content with singing the hymn
once, but commenced it again, with vastly increased spirit
and power, so that Heaven seemed to unite with earth in
paying joyful homage to the world's Redeemer.

One should have seen Mr. Iuskip as he entered into this
grand service. He shouted, he sang, he gesticulated, in such
a manner as he only could do. We doubt, if taken as a whole,
that scene has ever been duplicated or ever will be.

The sermon which followed this remarkable service, was
preached by Mr. Inskip, and greatly was he aided in pro-
claiming entire sanctification. All through that day, not
only at the main stand and tabernacle, but in outside places,
sinners were arrested by the earnest words of God's ser-
vants, who pushed the battle to the gate. Thus the work
went on for ten days, and concluded as usual, with the
sacrament of the Lord's Supper, an altar service, a proces-
sion, a final hand-shaking, closing with the benediction.

Oakington closed July 22, and Desplaines, 111., eight
hundred miles away, commenced Aug. 9.

Desplaines was in no respect inferior to any National
Camp-meeting before held.

Mr. Inskip's opening address, setting forth the object of
the meeting, was clear and appropriate. Scenes of thrilling
interest were witnessed at almost every service. The sea-
sons of silent prayer, when ministers and people were pros-

210

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

trate before God, with their faces in the dust, were such as
few could witness without deep conviction, and none could
participate in without such heart-searchings as brought
them to a better life. But our space will not allow of their
record here. The closing scene was without a parallel in
the history of camp-meetings. It had been arranged to
close with short addresses. But Mr. Inskip, as he came
upon the stand, at half-past seven in the evening, as if by a
sudden inspiration, for which he was noted, seemed to lose
sight of the addresses, and commenced by exhorting the
brethren on the stand to keep the fire brightly burning ; and
called upon the people to come from their tents, declaring
that a great battle was to be fought that night, under the
banner of Emmanuel.

The altar was cleared, and quickly filled with sinners who
were crying for mercy, and with believers seeking perfect
love. Not less than five hundred, including many ministers,
prostrated themselves before God ; indeed, the whole con-
gregation were at the mercy-seat. Silent prayer followed, —
deep, earnest and mighty. Then vocal pleadings, which
seemed to move all hearts and bring heaven and earth to-
gether. After this first season of prayer, some fifty persons
arose and testified that they had there found Christ. Prayer
again followed, and some scores more gave similar testi-
mony. Thus the meeting continued far into the night.
Then two or three brief addresses were made ; the people
marched around the ground in procession, while singing and
shouting filled all the air. It seemed a heaven on earth.

Dr. Reid, editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate,
wrote of the meeting: "Silence was a wonderful power
with them; the vast assembly waiting on God, just waiting.
Ob ! we shall never forget it. Not a word said, but every
heart opened heavenward, and God pouring His blessing
in. The results in bringing souls to Christ, estimating no

NATIONAL CAMP-MEETINGS.

211

other good that was done, marks the meeting a signal suc-
cess. It has evidently marked an era in the religious experi-
ences of Northwestern Methodism ; and thus far there is in
it great promise of good, and little promise of evil."

A minister, writing from the Northwest, to the Home Jour-
nal, Philadelphia, says : "The whole Northwest is in a blaze
of salvation. Holiness is the theme in every direction. I
have heard from every quarter that God is among the people
in great power. I h ive heard from several places that the
ministers have gone home covered with sanctified power,
and whole churches are at the altar seeking holiness. Praise
God for Desplaines Camp-meeting ! "

Rev. Henry Bannister, D. D., writing of Desplaines
Camp-meeting, which he attended throughout, says : " Of
the camp-meeting at Desplaines, I can speak from personal
observation. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness, I
entered into warm sympathy with its object, attending from
beginning to end. It is enough to say, that as to scenes of
victorious grace which occurred among thousands there, I
have never experienced the like in all my religious life of
over fifty years. As compared with other gatherings, ex-
travagances were rare. The hours of awful silence and
consecration in those vast assemblages (every one on bended -
knee), hushed all curious comers into stillness and respect,
and so overpowered scores that they rushed forward to be
prayed for and were converted."

It was estimated that not less than three hundred were
converted, and one thousand believers wholly sanctified.
Thus ended the Sixth National Camp-meeting.

CHAPTER XVI.

»

THE PASTORATE CLOSED.

We are not able to follow Mr. Inskip from this period in
his life to its close, through all the details of his remarkable
labors. To do so would fill many volumes. When it is
remembered tbat he conducted forty-two National Camp-
meetings, the records of any one of which were sufficient
for a volume, it will be seen that such an attempt is not to
be thought of.

As he closed his labors at Green St., April, 1869, there
was a sharp contest between Baltimore, Wilmington, Del.,
and Lexington Ave., New York City, for his services.
Wharton St., Philadelphia, had also given him an urgent
call. He was personally in favor of Wilmington. It was
his early home. He believed he ought to go to St. Paul's,
Wilmington, but was ready to go where the appointing
power might send him. " The bishops," he says, " manifest
a disposition to shift the responsibility of the affair, and
more than one attempt has been made to induce me to take
it. If I do not get bewildered, the attempt must still prove
a failure. They can make my appointment where they
will. I have so informed them, and there I leave the case."
He is quite sure that Wilmington will succeed, but thinks
that Baltimore makes a strong case. But on the eleventh
of March, the Baltimore Conference having closed, he says :
" Upon examining the list of appointments, find my name
212

THE PASTORATE CLOSED. 213

<

appended to Eutaw St. So the question is settled. May
God make it a better year than we have ever had ! "

Mrs. Inskip was in very feeble health, and it seemed
quite impossible for her to be moved.

Sunday, March 28, he closed his labors with the Green
Street Church. " I never had such a closing up before," he
says. " It was the most pleasant affair of the sort I ever
had anything to do with."

April 3, they left New York for Baltimore, arriving there
early in the afternoon. They were received "with a
kindness and warmth," which made them feel perfectly at
home. It is doubtful if in any church he ever served, his
labors were more appreciated or the fruit more abundant.
Revival followed revival until hundreds were converted,
and hundreds more fully sanctified to God. It would be
impossible to give a full account of this work. We can but
glance at its more prominent features.

In the fall of 1870, during the second year of his pastor-
ate at Eutaw St., Mr. Inskip announced in a meeting for
the promotion of holiness, that there would be "a celebra-
tion of the feast of Pentecost " at his church. Many went
forth among their friends and acquaintances to urge them
to attend, and prayed much for the success of the meeting.
As the time drew near, the people seemed drawn nearer to
God. No programme, or special arrangement, was decided
upon. It was simply stated that there would be " watching,
waiting, praying, and believing, interspersed with singing
and occasional preaching." And when the people assembled
they were reminded that they had come "to watch, and
wait, and pray." It was also urged, that the great need of
the church was heart purity. Their success depended upon
this. It was claimed that it we had a holy church, we
should soon have a converted world. A widespread desire
for the mighty baptism of the Spirit was soon manifest, and

214

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

prayer was almost immediately answered. The condition,
character, and surroundings of those for whom they prayed,
seemed to present no obstacle to their faith. They " laughed
at impossibilities," and believed in "omnipotent grace."
Their cry was to the mighty God of Jacob. Some were led
to pray for their friends at a distance, and to receive marked
answers to their prayers. A list of requests was kept on a
roll prepared for the purpose, and at one time it was re
ported to contain 852 separate requests, referring to and
describing 2670 persons. Each one making a request,
solemnly promised to pray for each person on the list.
Here was union of faith.

Some of the answers received were truly marvelous. A
sister was impressed to ask prayers for an aged, embittered
opponent of the cause of Christ, whose good wife was an
earnest, devoted Christian, that God might so influence his
mind as to open the way for them to come to the meeting. The
wife said that she believed if her husband could be induced
to come, he might be converted. Two days afterward, while
seated at breakfast, the husband said : " Let us go to that
meeting." In a few moments they were on their way, and
reached Baltimore the same afternoon. The next evening
the man was converted to God.

An old lady, in great distress, asked prayers for her son,
who was far away. Within the next four days, a letter was
received from him, bringing the cheering tidings that the
Spirit of God had awakened him, and he had determined to
lead a religious life. Another elderly lady, who had made
request for her son, received an answer to her prayer in his
conversion in a western city. A sister became greatly dis-
tressed for the salvation of her brother, whose residence
was some distance from the city. So great was her distress
that she was obliged to leave the church and return to her
home. Her anxiety so prostrated her that she concluded not

THE PASTORATE CLOSED.

215

to attend the evening meeting. The family had all gone to
church, when greatly to her surprise, her brother arrived.
He could find no rest at home, and by an influence he could
not comprehend, nor well resist, came to the city to attend
the Pentecost. He went directly to the church, was at once
induced to seek God, and after a season of almost unexam-
pled agony of spirit, yielded to Christ and was saved. He
seemed literally transfigured, so wonderful was the change.

Rev. John Thompson, in a letter to the Home Journal,
gives an account of the Sabbath service. It is an exam-
ple of what occurred daily, during that meeting. "At 11
o'clock, Mr. Inskip announced his text : ' Thou shalt arise
and have mercy upon Zion, for the time to favor her, yea,
the set time is come.' The sermon was full of faith and
the Holy Ghost, and appropriate to the occasion.

" One of the prominent indications that the time to favor
Zion was come, was found in the very remarkable interest
felt for the salvation of friends and relatives. While Bro.
Inskip was dwelling upon this point, he earnestly prayed
for the baptism to come upon the congregation. In an
instant, very many in the audience began to weep. In a
few moments, Bro. Inskip was lying in the pulpit, with his
face to the floor ; and, at the same time, the congregation
fell upon their knees, some rejoicing, others in an agony of
prayer for their friends, others pleading for purity of heart;
and without singing or exhortation, the congregation con-
tinued in this position until near 1 o'clock. When the meet-
ing closed, those who had been burdened for the welfare of
Zion felt that victory was indeed on the Lord's side. At a
few minutes past three, the house was again crowded, now to
enjoy a prayer-meeting. But it was no time for experience ;
and with only a brief exhortation, penitents were invited
to the altar to seek pardon, and believers to seek purity.
Very soon the altar was crowded. In a little time Bro.

216

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Inskip announced that one soul had been converted, and
said: 'Let us sing the doxology.' A brother called out,,
saying, ' Bro. Inskip, you must sing the doxology three times,
for three of my children have been converted.' While this
was being done, a number of faithful teachers, in tears, started
for the gallery to talk with the children of their classes.
Some of them soon returned, bringing their trophies with
them. All the afternoon, as fast as one soul was converted,
another was ready to occupy the vacated place at the altar.
One youth, seeing no place outside the rail, came inside,
but had not been noticed as a seeker. In a short time he
was on his feet praising God that he had found the Saviour.
This was a most interesting sight, and much impressed
many minds. A few minutes after, a brother who had re-
ceived the blessing of perfect love was" on his feet, telling
the congregation, that the blood of Jesus Christ had
cleansed his heart, and filled him with love. He told us
that his wife had lived in the enjoyment of this experience
for a year, and he had been watching her ; and from her
life, he was satisfied there was reality in it, and that he had
resolved to have the blessing if it was for him. His looks
thoroughly endorsed his profession.

" I presume no one thought of counting the number con-
verted or sanctified in this meeting, so I cannot make any
report on this point."

Mr. Inskip reported at one time three hundred and four-
teen conversions, with the work still progressing.

In the month of January, he assisted in revival work at
Caroline St., Baltimore, and also at Union Square. In both
churches the work was deep and far-reaching. Scores were
converted and sanctified.

As the year drew towards the close, he became deeply
interested in his contemplated evaugelistic work. Frequent
calls for such service impressed him with the duty of devot-

TBI. PASTORATE CLOSED.

Ill

ing his whole time to that work. " It looks to me," he
says, " as if I shall be compelled to take a different position
at our next annual conference. I fully believe, if I had no
pastoral charge, I could do much more for the cause of the
Master than in my present relation. I do not wish to break
over any church regulations ; but I must, it seems to me,
have a wider field."

It was no small matter for a minister, who had taken
regular work from the conference for thirty-five years, to
turn aside from that work, to go he knew not where, and to
receive for his hire he knew not what. But he had fully
settled all these questions, and was moved to this peculiar
work by motives that touched only his duty and his useful-
ness. He believed that God had called him to this work,
and later results fully confirmed the earlier conviction.

The conference met in March, and he took a supernumerary
relation, without an appointment, and on the sixth day of
the month, left Baltimore for the West. This was done by
the advice of Bishop Ames, who seems to have been in full
sympathy with all his plans for evangelistic labor. For
twelve years Mr. Inskip did, mainly, "the work of an
evangelist," travelling through all sections of America,
and finally "around the world;" witnessing everywhere,
to small and great, that u the blood of Jesus Christ cleans-
eth from all sin."

CHAPTER XVII.

EVANGELISTIC WORK. — ACROSS THE CONTINENT. — SACRA-
MENTO.

From the time Mr. Inskip advanced to the higher state
of Christian experience, he was burdened with an increasing
conviction that greater effort should be made to bring the
doctrine of Christian holiness more prominently before the
churches at large. His great success in advancing the
cause in the respective charges where he labored, in New
York and Baltimore, also impressed him very deeply, that
he should devote himself especially to this work. This,
however, he could not do while as pastor he had charge of a
church, with all the numerous and varied duties of the
pastorate upon his hands. He resolved, therefore, to give
his whole time and strength to the promotion of the doc-
trine and experience of "the higher life." Such purpose
seemed consistent to him, inasmuch as entire sanctihcation
Jiust be regarded as the distinguishing doctrine of Metho-
dism, taught by the standard authors of the church.

He says, in a letter to the Advocate of Christian Holi-
ness : " For many years past, the conviction on my mind,
that the Lord called me to a larger field of operation than
that furnished by the regular pastorate, has been increasing
in clearness and strength. Many of my most devoted and
confiding friends, both of the clergy and laity, have fre-
quently urged that I ought to move upon a line of evangel-

218

EVANGELISTIC WORE.

219

istic effort, insisting that I could serve the cause of the
Redeemer better in that way than any other. Yet in view
of the fact that, in our ecclesiastical polity, there is no pro-
vision for anything of the kind, I have hesitated and
declined. But I can do so no longer. The pressure upon
me is so great that I cannot do otherwise than yield, and,
as God may help me, endeavor to answer the call. Of
course, I can hardly expect that all will understand and
approve my course. I rejoice, however, to believe that my
motives will be fairly appreciated by those who know the
circumstances. * * * The recent invitation to the Pacific
Coast, and a call from the other side of the Atlantic, and
numerous other urgent solicitations for special service, pre-
sented to the minds of the members of the National Asso-
ciation a state of facts which convinced all, that some of us
were divinely called to meet the emergency. Upon looking
candidly and prayerfully into the peculiar qualifications,
circumstances, and surroundings of each, all seemed to be
perfectly agreed that I ought to give myself to this special
work. This was further confirmed by a similar opinion
freely and repeatedly expressed by some of our chief minis-
ters, and a large number of influential laymen." The
letter closes with an earnest appeal to the friends of the
cause, "that he might be guided in this matter by the
blessed Holy Spirit, and that great success might attend his
humble endeavor to spiead the doctrine and experience of
Christian holiness throughout the world."

From the intimations given in this letter, it is apparent
that Mr. Inskip was fully aware, in making this subject a
specialty, that a technical ecclesiasticism might criticise the
movement as a self-appointed agency with schismatical
tendencies. But in his estimation, this higher form of
Christian doctrine and experience was not only the spiritual
standpoint of the Methodist Church but it is the most

\

220

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

significant and powerful impulse leading to the speedy con-
version of the world. Therefore, loyalty to Methodism and
the complete qualification of the church for her great mis-
sion, seemed to him to require a special effort to urge upon
the church this intensified form of spiritual life. That he
was not mistaken, appears in the fact, that not only great
numbers of ministers and thousands of church members
have been quickened in their religious experience, and
sanctified; but multitudes of sinners have also been con-
verted and added to the church, and by means of this re-
vival of spirituality and fuller consecration to the cause of
Christ, large amounts have been given to the work of
missions, and the various benevolent institutions of the
church. Thus it appears, that vital force in the church is
the real root and spring of all her great achievements in
extending the kingdom of Christ. It was in full view of
all these important facts that Mr. Inskip retired from the
pastorate, for the work of an evangelist.

First Field of Labor as an Evangelist.

Mr. Iuskip's first great work as an 'evangelist, was on
the Pacific Coast, and in Salt Lake City. The Association
of which he was president, had received frequent and press-
ing invitations from influential ministers and members of
the church in California, to hold a series of tabernacle
services in that State for the promotion of Christian holi-
ness. The low spiritual condition of the church was urged
as a reason for these special services. Experimental
religion, with some honorable exceptions, was to a great
extent ignored, and worldliness seemed to have full scope
and sway.

It no doubt appeared quite absurd to many good people,
that Mr. Inskip, and others of the Association, should go

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

221

three thousand miles to hold special services for the pro-
motion of holiness, under such circumstances. It would
rather be thought more fitting to make some grand effort
for the conversion of sinners. But to those acquainted
with this work, it was clear that this holiness movement
was the only thing that could effectively reach the case.

The unconverted were familiar with the old methods of
" getting up revivals," and were almost entirely uninflu-
enced by them. Ministers could go into a drinking
saloon and preach and pray to their heart's content ; the
company would quietly listen and give respectful attention ;
but when the services were concluded, the drinking and
card-playing would be resumed as though nothing uncom-
mon had transpired.

In response to the invitation before mentioned, Rev.
Wm. McDonald, vice-president of the Association, Revs.
Seymour Coleman, Wm. H. Boole, and Wm. B. Osborn,
were appointed to accompany and aid Mr. Inskip in holding
ten-days' meetings in Sacramento, Santa Clara, and in San
Francisco (if it should appear advisable). They also ac-
cepted the invitation of Kev. G. M. Pierce, and others, to
hold a similar meeting in Salt Lake City. Mrs. Inskip,
Mrs. McDonald, and Mrs. Boole, accompanied their husbands.
Arrangements were also made to use the large tent, or tab-
ernacle, owned by the Association, in which to hold the
contemplated meetings, it being of suitable capacity —
holding about four thousand persons.

Mr. Inskip, having been invited by Bishop Ames to ac-
company him on his official visits to several conferences in
the Southwestern State*, arranged, accordingly, to take the
southern route, and meet others of the company at Omaha.
In relation to this part of the trip, Mr. Inskip states : " On
Monday, March 6, we left the Eutaw St. parsonage, and our
numerous friends in Baltimore, and started on our journey

222

LIFE OF JOHX S. INSKIP.

westward. Nothing of special interest occurred on our
journey until we reached St. Louis. On our arrival there,
we were greeted with the most fraternal reception. Preach-
ers and people did all they could to make us feel at home.
The object of our visit seemed to be understood ; and hence
we proceeded at once to our work without embarrassment.
At every service holiness was the leading theme. The
religious influences of the occasion were of a most marked
and decisive character. Many entered into the valley of
blessing so sweet. In one instance nearly the whole confer-
ence came to the altar seeking the baptism of fire. It was
an inspiring scene ; one, indeed, that will never be forgot-
ten." He adds : " We were kindly received, also, by the
M. E. Church South, and enjoyed some precious seasons
with them."

The following resolution was passed by the St. Louis
Conference : —

"St. Louis, March 13, 1871.
" Resclved, That we tender our thanks to Rev. J. S. Inskip for his
visit to tbis conference, and for his earnest and effective service dur-
ing our session. We humbly express our hearty sympathy with him
in his evangelistic labors, and shall follow him with our most sincere
prayers and good wishes in his future course.

" Leroy M. Vernon, Sec'y St. Louis Conf."

From St. Louis they proceeded to Paola, Kansas. From
nere he writes : " We also received a most hearty welcome
at Paola. The brethren of the Kansas Conference gladly
and warmly responded to our humble efforts to promote the
experience of true holiness. The spirit of prayer prevailed,
and many felt the conference to be a means of grace. The
whole community seemed to be roused and interested."

The following resolution was passed by the Kansas Con-
ference : —

EVANGELISTIC WORE.

223

"Paola, March 17, 1871.
" Resolved, That Rev. J. S. Inskip and his co-laborers in carup-
meeting work, are cordially invited to visit our field of labor ; and we
will heartily co-operate with them in the work of extending the Re-
deemer's kingdom.

"R. S. Horfobd, Sec'y."

After spending the Sabbath in Kansas City, they jour-
neyed to Savannah, the seat of the Missouri Conference.
The conference, as Mr. Inskip wrote, " was truly a Pente-
costal season. All appeared to earnestly desire a knowledge
of the ' more excellent way.' Several of the preachers were
led into the enjoyment of full salvation. The members of
the conference were greatly quickened and encouraged. It
was a rare occasion of spiritual comfort — much more like
an old-fashioned protracted meeting than an annual confer-
ence." " Finally," he adds, " we reached Lincoln, Nebraska.
Our brethren of this conference, like all the others, cheer-
fully bade us God-speed. By special request, as elsewhere,
religious services were held an hour prior to each session.
The Lord poured His Spirit upon the people, and many
learned to walk in the highway of holiness."

From Lincoln they came to Omaha and Council Bluffs.
Here, also, God gave them some fruit of their toil, which
will appear in the day of the Master's coming.

Mr. Inskip closes his account of this part of his evan-
gelistic tour by saying : " Mrs. Inskip and I have greater
confidence in the church than ever, and are more fully
assured of success. Praise the Lord forever ! "

Across the Continent.

The company from the East arrived at Council Bluffs
late Saturday evening, the train being several hours behind
time. The next morning, part of the company crossed the

224

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

river to attend worship in Omaha. Rev. Messrs. McDonald,
Boole, and Osborn, spent the Sabbath at Council Bluffs,
preaching greatly to the edification of the people there.
Mr. Inskip preached in both Methodist Churches in Omaha,
— giving an account in the evening, of the holiness move
ment in the East.

An accident occurred after the evening service, that
threatened to mar the enjoyment, and embarrass the plans,
of the campaign. The night was very dark, and as some
of the party were returning from church, the driver mistook
the way, and drove the carriage off the bridge, precipitating
the occupants down a deep ravine into the creek. All es-
caped serious injury, except Rev. Mr. Coleman. The brave
old man said : " The devil was trying to kill me, to prevent
my going to California, but the Lord would not allow him
to do it." By the assistance of the brethren, and a good
pair of crutches, he was enabled to proceed on the journey.

On Monday, the tenth of April, the whole company mus-
tered at Omaha. Besides those of the National Camp-meet-
ing Association, there were in the party — Rev. J. E. Searles
and wife, of the New York East Conference ; Rev. R. M.
Stratton, of the New York Conference ; Rev. W. C. Judd,
of the India Mission ; Rev. A. B. Leonard, of the Pitts-
burgh Conference ; Mrs. A. T. Briggs, of New York. There
were also on the same train, Rev. Dr. J. H. Vincent, Philip
Philips and wife, D. L. Moody, Rev. C. Nichols, Rev. J. G.
Miller, and Orville G-ridley, Esq., all bound for the " Golden
Gate." A rainstorm that commenced the night before, had
changed to snow, and when the train had proceeded some
eighty miles, it came to a halt at a little village called
Schuyler, where it was compelled to remain fourteen hours,
by the violence of the storm, and the interruption of tele-
graphic communication, by which the trains were regulated
west of Omaha. During this delay, some of the big tent's

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

225

company visited the scattered houses in the little village.
Thi-i people seemed amazed when these strangers approached
their dwellings, but were more surprised when asked the
privilege of singing and praying with them ; especially in
the billiard and drinking saloons. The people listened with
a degree of astonishment, as though some visitants from
another world had dropped down among them. After going
from house to house, and giving a few words of kindly ex-
hortation, the company returned to the train ; soon after
which, the storm raged with great fury.

This incident is mentioned to show how the Lord is ready
to acknowledge the faithful labors of his people. A year or
more after, Mr. Boole received a letter stating that from the
good seed sown by the wayside, a gracious revival of religion
sprang up, and many of the people in the place had been
converted ; and as the final outcome, they had a church and
stationed pastor.

The journey across the plains was relieved of weariness
by singing, reading, family worship, a sermon, and the most
exuberant social intercourse ; also by amusing incidents,
and by new and entrancing scenery.

But hold ! the train is slowing down, — every heart is
palpitating with excitement. Yes, here they are, at the
beautiful city of Sacramento, the capital of the State of
California. But what means this crowd of people? The
mystery is soon solved, — the big tent company are expected
on this train. And there is no mistaking their coach, for
far over mountain and plain it had echoed with the glad
songs of Zion, and now entered the grand depot resounding
with " the old, old story."

Then there was a fraternal rush and greeting that beggars
description, and quite amazed observing strangers, bringing
to many eyes unbidden tears. Bev. Messrs. Newton and
Heacock, and the leading men and women of the churches,

226

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

boarded the car, expressing the warmest welcome, and sup-
plying the company with refreshments.

The meeting at Sacramento having been appointed to
commence the twenty-second, the company proceeded with
the train, to spend the intervening time in San Francisco.
Rev. Dr. Cox, Rev. Mr. Bentley, and others, as well as a
deputation of laymen, met the company at Oakland, the
terminus of the road. From there, by ferry, they crossed
the beautiful bay, some six miles wide, to the metropolis of
the Pacific Coast.

The company were very kindly entertained by the minis-
ters and members of the churches. All the Methodist pul-
pits were supplied on Sabbath by the visiting ministers
from the East. On the following Monday evening, an in
formal union reception meeting was held at the Powell St.
Church, characterized by the highest type of Christian fra-
ternity and brotherly love. The meeting was of great
interest, and its influence upon all was of the most delight-
ful character.

The Meeting at Sacramento.

As before mentioned, the meeting was appointed to com-
mence at Sacramento on Saturday, the twenty-second of
April. All the preparations were completed according to
previous arrangements. The tabernacle was pitched on 1 he
public piazza — a beautiful park in the midst of the city.
To an observer the scene was at once attractive and full of
interest. The whiteness of the great tent, with a capacity to
hold some four thousand persons, was a picture never to be
forgotten. But beyond its symmetry and beauty, it had a
special significance : though there was no visible pillar of
cloud or fire resting upon it, an invisible presence which
one could feel, was there, and pervaded the place. The air
seemed thronged with visitants from auother sphere, who

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

227

had come to witness, if not to take some part, in the battle
between sin and holiness about to be waged. Prayer had
been offered unceasingly, over all the land, by the friends
of holiness, for months previous, that this- movement on
the Pacific Coast might be a signal success ; and many
spiritually weary ones were looking forward to these meet-—
ings with longing hopes that they might find the sweet rest
of faith ; and many others were awaiting the same with
curious questionings as to what would be their peculiar
character and results.

The meeting was opened at 2 o'clock p. m. Most
of the clergy of the city were present and took seats
on the large platform. The congregation was respectable
in numbers and intelligence. Eev. Mr. Osborn read, and
the people sang, the " battle hymn," —

" There is a fountain filled with blood,"

after which he offered an earnest prayer for the special aid
of the Holy Spirit in the services then commenced. Rev.
Wm. Boole read the thirty fifth chapter of Isaiah ; after
which another hymn was sung. Mr. Inskip preached a
deeply impressive sermon from Acts ix. 31 — " Then had
the churches rest throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and
Samaria, and were edified : and walking in the comfort of
the Holy Ghost were multiplied." At the conclusion of
the sermon, at the invitation of Mr. Inskip, a number
came forward as seekers of heart-purity.

In the evening, a large congregation assembled in the
tabernacle ; many of the rougher sort were present, and
were inclined to interrupt the services. But Mr. Osborn's
sermon told with great power upon the more thoughtful of
the audience. After the sermon, Mr. Inskip delivered a
thrilling, heart-searching exhortation, and a large number
responded to the invitation to seek the baptism of the Holy

228

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Spirit. Thus the first day closed with a decided gain to
the cause of Christ. The initiative had been taken, the
kpy-note sounded, and the Spirit of the Lord had evidently
coine upon the people.

It would be superfluous to say the Sabbath was a bright
and sunny day, for in California they have no clouds in
their summer skies. But, " the prince of the power of the
air " raised a breeze, and seemed bent on blowing down the
tabernacle ; but unseen hands of good angels held it up, so
that it stood firm amidst the blast. The Sabbath services
commenced at 9 a.m., with a love-feast. The testimonies
generally indicated a low state of spirituality in the
churches, but gave evidence that many hearts were aroused
to feel their need of the great salvation. Some of the more
aged Christians seemed to catch the spirit of the meeting
in advance, and recognized it as resembling periods of power
which had distinguished their better days of Christian ex-
perience ; and with tearful eyes, thanked God for a sound
that awakened the bright memories of those happy seasons
long past. At the close of the love-feast, Mr. Inskip
preached one of the most convincing and powerful sermons
on the subject of holiness, that even his friends had ever
heard from him. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him in
^reat power. At the close of the sermon, not less than one
hundred souls bowed before the Lord in prayer, as seekers
of full salvation. The whole burden of thought and desire
seemed to be sweeping the multitude to the fountain of
cleansing.

In the afternoon, Mr. McDonald preached to a crowded
audience, a sermon with his usual freedom, which inten-
sified the deep conviction, and in the service of prayer
that followed, a number entered into the enjoyment of per-
fect love.

In the evening, the spacious area of the tabernacle was

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

229

filled to its utmost capacity — many were compelled to go
away or stand without. Mr. Boole preached an excellent
sermon, in his original style, on faith, which gave great en-
couragement to seekers of full salvation. There were pres-
ent on this occasion hundreds of the most desperate looking
men that ever gathered at a religious meeting, — miners,
hunters, gamblers, thieves, murderers, and desperadoes of
the worst sort in California. They interrupted the speaker
frequently by talking, laughing, and by mocking responses.
It seemed evident that they had come for a rougli time, and
were ready on the slightest pretext to disperse the meeting
and demolish the tabernacle. It was an hour of anxiety to
many — especially those who had the charge of the services,
and the responsibility of controlling such a mob. Such an
aggregation of human depravity was alarming to look upon.
It seemed that the prince of darkness had marshalled his
battalions, visible and invisible, to defeat in the outset the
solemn purpose and object of the meeting. But, if this was
the design of men and devils, they had not properly esti-
mated the character of the parties they had to deal with.
Despite the frequent interruptions, Mr. Boole's sermon was
very effective. In the meantime, the conductors of the ser-
vices were calm and self-possessed; they exhibited not the
slightest signs of embarrassment or fear. After the sermon,
Mr. Inskip displayed his supreme tact and skill in managing
such an unwieldly, godless crowd. Without the least ap-
parent flurry of feeling or perturbation of mind, but a seri-
ousness and calm dignity at once winning and over-awing,
he explained the nature and objects of the meeting, and
that it was the desire of those conducting the services to do
them good. He appealed to their manliness and politeness
as Californians ; saying, he had no doubt, when they under-
stood the objects of the meeting, every one present would
feel called upon to maintain order and proper decorum dur-

230

LIFE OF JOIIN S. INSKIP.

ing the services. He told them they had come three thous-
and miles to visit their city, and to bring them the glad
tidings of salvation, which he trusted they all would be
pleased to hear. These words of wisdom and kindness,
accompanied by the Divine Spirit, were magnetic, and sub-
dued and disarmed the surging crowd of whatever evil pur-
pose they might have entertained. Then turning to the
mass of church members, he delivered an address that was
overwhelming — showing them their awful responsibility
to come out from the world, and live such lives of purity
that they would be known of all to be true followers of
Christ. The wicked said, " We believe in that kind of re-
ligion." This exhortation was followed by an earnest sea-
son of prayer, and the gathering of a great company at the
altar, as seekers of pardon and sanctification — a goodly
number of whom were saved. From this time the moral
atmosphere became so surcharged with the powers of the
heavenly world, that even opposers were awed into respect-
ful attention, and the influence of the meeting swept f#r
out into the surrounding country, and a great awakening
came upon the people.

Some singular incidents occurred as the meeting pro-
gressed. " The Spiritualists " sought to make common
cause with the meetiug ; but they were soon detected, and
Mr. Inskip informed them that their, co-operation was not
agreeable, whereupon they departed — one scraping his feet
upon the ground, another flirting his coat-tail — giving him
to understand that they left him and the meeting to tho
dreadful consequences of rejecting their fellowship and
aid.

One good result followed this performance : a wicked
man, standing at the door of the tabernacle, cursed thes<!
Spiritualists for disturbing the meeting, when another sin-
ner reproved him for swearing. Self-convicted, the Spirit

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

231

said to the reprover. You are not a Christian, why reprove
him ? He at once said to the Spirit, " If I am not, I will
be," and before that day had wholly passed, he was a con-
verted man.

The meeting, as might be expected, attracted all classes
of religionists ; among others, a class that might be denom-
inated "ranters," who make war on churches and ministers ;
but Mr. Inskip kindly informed them that opposers of
churches were out of place in that meeting, so they also
subsided. These persons are a species of religious guerrillas,
whose chief employment seems to be to harass the churches,
and hinder the work of the Gospel.

It will be seen, in view of all these facts, that to conduct
a public religious meeting, and control a vast, motley
crowd, under such circumstances, required a leader of no
ordinary wisdom and tact. Mr. Inskip proved himself in
every respect a general, equal to the responsibility.

As before remarked, the church and religion on the coast,
had failed to attract the attention of the unconverted. But
the big-tent meeting, stirred the wicked of all classes, as
they were never stirred before.

Mock prayer-meetings were instituted in gambling dens
and drinking saloons in the city. False fire-alarms were
frequently given near the tabernacle. Satan seemed let
loose, — every method was used to keep the people from
the meetings All this, however, was in answer to prayer.
Christians had been praying that by some means the people
might be aroused, and their attention called to the subject
of salvation. These blasphemous performances had the
effect to advertise the meetings, and the people came by
thousands to the tabernacle to see and hear for themselves.

This was the first great battle on the Pacific Coast. It
was clear to all, that the Lord had girded Mr. Inskip and
his associates with marvellous power for this work of faith

232

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

and love. It was a salvation meeting on a grand scale;
apostolic in teaching, and Pentecostal in demonstration of
the Spirit. The wicked amused themselves and pleased the
devil by holding mock prayer-meetings in bar-rooms and
gambling dens. But the meeting shook the city, and its in-
fluence swept over the country for hundreds of miles. The
efforts of the ungodly to ridicule the services, turned to
good account. Many were induced to come to the meetings
•'to see the show," who on entering th« tabernacle were
struck under conviction and remained to pray.

The preaching was of the original Methodist type, direct
and powerful, and brought on a crisis in the °/ise of all whr
heard it. It seemed to sinners, and worldly (. 'unstians, thai
the day of judgment had come. Though the pe/ieral theme
was the inner and higher life, yet appeals w«re made t>*
the unconverted that swept away every false reiuge, an>*
were overwhelming. In some cases whole famlies wer»
converted. One lady, living out of the city, who had beer
praying for her family, induced her husband tu» come fr>
the meeting. He had no sooner entered the tabermvie than
a great awakening came upon him, and he was very soundly
converted. He was a man of more than ordinary power*
of mind. Hearing the doctrine of full salvation p'tvinly
preached, he accepted it as the very thing he wanted, an<?
thus in his Christian infancy, passed into the kingdom ol
perfect love. He returned home to tell what great thingb
the Lord had done for him. He then sent his son and
married daughter to the meeting, and they also were con-
verted ; and on their return, he sent his son-in-law, who
was also saved by the same Almighty grace.

A gentleman, a great farmer, having a dairy of a hundred
cows, a vast herd of young cattle and horses, and a flock of
sixteen thousand sheep, was, with his wife, most happily
converted, and joined one of the churches; subscribing at

EVANGELISTIC WOBK.

233

the same time very liberally for the building of a uew
church.

Through the example and influence of a Baptist pastor
of the city, many of his people attended the meetings and
were baptized with the Holy Ghost ; some of whom were
more demonstrative than the Methodists themselves.

The Methodist minister of the "Church South," and
many of his people, entered earnestly into the services, and
were greatly blessed. The great spiritual power of thu
meeting and the sweep of its heart-searching influence, may
be inferred from a, few of many instances. At one time a
lawyer, a judge, a doctor, and one of the chief gamblers of
the city, were all kneeling at the seekers' bench for
prayers ! Also a number of ministers of different denomi-
nations were bowing at the same bench seeking clean
hearts.

A distinguished lawyer and judge rose up in one of the
meetings, and said he had held malice against men whom he
never expected to forgive; but he had come to a better
mind, and he wanted to state, that he then forgave them all.
Another gentleman (a sheriff), confessed that he had for a
long time past resolved to kill a man who once threatened
his life, whenever he should meet him, and carried a weapon
for that purpose ; but he freely forgave him. Another man
made a similar confession. A lady, a member of the Pres-
byterian Church, was powerfully convicted of her need of
a clean heart. She could make no progress, her distress of
mind increased, till her difficulty came to light. She could
not forgive the man who murdered her husband ; but the
Spirit helped her infirmity, and she declared : " I do forgive
the man who in cold blood murdered my dear husband."
In a moment her happy soul entered the paradise of perfect
love. But there was one case that moved all hearts. An
old lady — a widow, not iess than three-score and ten, bent

234

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

down as much with, sorrow as with age, came with others
to the seekers' bench. For days she wept anil prayed with-
out relief. Finally, Mrs. Inskip extracted from her the
cause of her trouble and grief. She said: The murderer
of my only son is abroad, walking the streets of this city, —
my heart rebels, — I cannot forgive him. When I come to
Jesus, the thought comes up, will you forgive?" Mrs.
Inskip directed her to give the matter all over to the
Saviour, and ask Him to help her. In a few minutes she
clapped her bands in an ecstasy of joy, exclaiming, " I can
forgive him — I can — yes, I can love him as Jesus forgave
and loved His enemies." The time seemed to have returned,
when Jesus cast out unclean spirits and healed the people.
It was worth a lifetime of waiting and praying to witness
such wonderful displays of glory and power.

A confirmed opium-eater, who had spent his property, and
who had become almost demented, looking more like a poor
gibbering idiot than like a sane man, taking 120 grains of
opium per day, and could not free himself from the dreadful
appetite, though he had tried every means in his power, and
at times contemplated suicide to escape from his misery, —
on hearing Mr. Boole tell how an opium-eater had been
saved in Brooklyn, N. Y., in one of his meetings, he took
courage, and came to the altar for prayers. But it was
while he was alone, down by the Sacramento River, in a
bunch of chaparral, praying, Jesus came to the poor man
and saved him. From his story, he must have been in an
unconscious state for some time. He came into the taber-
nacle about noon, and declared he was saved from the appe-
tite for the drug. The doctors had said, if it were taken
from him he could not survive the terrible re-action. But
Jesus has a way of doing such things without killing peo-
ple. These ministers saw him several weeks afterward, and
he had experienced no unpleasant effects from the change,
but was rejoicing in his great deliverance.

EVANGELISTIC WORK. 235

One evening a tall, athletic man, sprang upon the plat-
form, while Mr. Inskip was preaching, and stepping before
him, began to exhort sinners to repent, saying he himself
was a poor sinni t and near hell. Suddenly a great power
came upon him, and he fell down upon the platform, like
the person in the Gospel, whom the unclean spirit tore and
cast down foaming. The police came to take him away ;
but the ministers said they would attend to his case. Mr.
Osborn and some of the others held him, and a prayer-meet-
ing was instantly extemporized on the platform, and in
answer to prayer the devil was cast out of the man, and he
testified to the wondrous power of Christ to save a wretch
like him. So the Lord wrought mightily by these means to
astonish the people and to defeat the powers of darkness.

Among the ministers sanctified, there were some remark-
able cases.

But on the morning of the fifth of May, — the thirteenth
day of the meeting, — a bright, beautiful morning, when
love beamed forth from the clear heavens and whispered in
the gentle breeze, — all seemed to feel that something un-
usual was impending. The history of the National Camp-
meetings has disclosed the remarkable phenomenon, that
one day, sometimes earlier, sometimes later, during the
progress of the meeting, is signalized by a special baptism
of the Holy Spirit. So on the morning mentioned, a kind
of spiritual stillness came over all. None could speak or
pray, except in a soft, subdued tone of voice, and the sing-
ing was like a low, sweet murmuring song of angels from
some far-off island of the blest. The prevailing spirit
was that of expectancy, or waiting. The powers of the
heavenly world seemed to settle down upon the people,
and the ministers never seemed so inspired and filled with
love and the Spirit of Jesus, who seemed to be almost visi-
bly present. Then came the season of silent devotion and

236

LIFE OF JOHN 8. IXUKIP.

waiting before the Lord. There were some twenty preachers,
either kneeling, or prostrate on the gr >und. A wonderful
power came upon all. Many were stricken down under the
mighty shock. Many felt themselves beginning to go dovvu
as when metal begins to melt, and seemed forced to lie pros-
trate upon the ground. There was an indescribable power
that went surging through the soul, until life seemed sus-
pended on a single thread. It would have been easy then
to have taken another step and passed over the narrow
stream that separated this from the heavenly land ; the
world seemed so far away, one scarcely wished to return
again. Then, also, a strange thing occurred to some. It
was not a light, nothing of a cloud-form ; but as it were, a
haze of golden glory encircled the heads of the bowed wor-
shippers — a symbol of the Holy Spirit ; for then that com-
pany knew they were baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire.
The preachers seemed transfigured. All were melted into
tears and sobs, and murmurs of praise and glory. Truly the
day of Pentecost had fully come, — the scene of the upper
chamber was repeated, and all were filled with the Spirit.
In all these services, Mr. Inskip seemed endowed with
superhuman wisdom — his spirit was tender and sweet, as
a woman's love, and filled with Holy Ghost.

One of the most thrilling incidents connected with this
meeting, was the discovery of Mrs. Inskip's brother — Mr.
Charles Foster. He had emigrated from Maryland some
seventeen years before, where he had been an efficient and
influential member of the church ; went to California, be-
came deeply engaged in business, held on to his trust in
Christ for a considerable time ; but his fortune became
reversed ; then, like many others, he sought to drown his
troubles and disappointments in that sea where no calm
ever comes. He fell into such a wretched state of mind
that he determined that his wife, children, and friends

EVANGELISTIC WORK.

237

whom he had left behind, should never know of his fate. He
consequently discontinued any further correspondence with
them. After many years, his friends hearing nothing from
him, reckoned him among the dead. But on going to Cali-
fornia, Mrs. Inskip indulged a faint hope th.it she might
obtain some information respecting him, if, indeed, lie were
dead. Affection clings to the slenderest thread of hope.
How strange ! At Sacramento, all unconscious of lie fact,
she was within five miles of the little cabin, where, like a
hermit, he lived alone. One can scarcely imagine the sur-
prise of this lone man when he read in the newspapers that
Eev. John S. Inskip and lady, his own dear sister and her
husband, were coming to California to hold a series of
special meetings, and within five miles of his lonely abode.
He at once made up his mind to attend the meeting at
Sacramento, and see them ; but he would not make himself
known. Accordingly he came on Sunday morning, and took
his seat where he could see his sister. Mr. Inskip preached
that morning a wonderful sermon. The heart of the listener
was greatly moved. All his previous life, like a vision,
passed before his mind, — wife and children seemed calling
to him from the dear home he had left years before, and the
sight of a darling sister renewed in his soul (though ossified
by misfortune and the isolation of years) the tender yearn-
ings of a naturally noble heart for the love of by-gone days
— days that seemed to grow green again, and freshen into
life once more. The service closed. He lingered ; but still
resolved to remain unknown to them, and finally turned
away. But just as he was leaving the tabernacle, Mrs.
Inskip commenced to sing, "My all to Christ I've given,"
etc. He halted to listen for a moment longer to the sweet,
familiar voice, that brought back a thousand fond recollec-
tions of other days. Then he said to himself, " I must take
one more look ; it will be the last time on earth that I shall

238

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

see her ! " He turned back, — he looked ; his resolution
broke down ; he could not leave. He stepped upon the
platform, extended his hand to Mr. Inskip, saying, " Don't
you know me ? " Mr. Inskip, observing him, replied, " I do
not." He rejoined, " Don't you know your brother-in-law ? "
Mr. Inskip exclaimed, " Is it possible ! Charles, is it you ? "
Then calling to his wife, " Martha, here is a gentleman who
wishes to speak with you." As she came upon the platform,
he said, " This is the gentleman who wishes to see you, — do
you know him ? " She looked, — hesitated a moment, and
then exclaimed, " Why, it's my brother Charles / " She flew
into his arms, and, embracing each other, they wept for joy.
Words are inadequate to portray the deeply affecting scene.
He was to her like a brother raised from the dead. Many
wept with her, partaking of the tender excitement and joy
of this unexpected meeting. Mr. Foster attended several of
the services, and was happily reclaimed and restored to the
love and favor of God. He returned home in a few weeks.
Many of his old friends who had reckoned him among the
dead, came to see him. But the excitement was too severe
for his nervous system. He lived but three weeks after his
return, dying in the triumphs of faith, rejoicing that he was
permitted to take his flight to the heavenly mansions from
his old home.

The results of the meeting were all that could be ex-
pected. It was held especially in the interest of holiness,
and it was estimated that at least two hundred souls were
sanctified, and more than one hundred were happily con-
verted, besides a great number that were reclaimed from a
backslidden state.

The meeting closed Sunday evening, the sixth of May,
having been held fifteen days without the slightest dimuni-
tion of interest. The last day being Sunday, was a day never
to be forgotten. The services commenced with a love-feast

EVANGELISTIC WORE.

239

of indescribable interest and power. Sermons were preached
morning, afternoon, and evening, and all the discourses
seemed inspired with clear power of thought and utter-
ance. Mr. Inskip preached the closing sermon in the even-
ing, which was especially affecting and impressive. Those
fifteen days of fellowship, and spiritual assimilation, had
so entwined all hearts with mutual sympathy and love, that
all partook of the tearful sadness, that they should never
meet again in that beautiful place, made memorable to so
many by the wonderful displays of Almighty grace. But
Mr. Inskip seemed looking far beyond the present scene,
which was a type to him of the great and final gathering,
when the solemn and momentous transactions of those
fifteen days should be reviewed, and the final results
reckoned up and garnered for eternity. We may imper-
fectly imagine the profound emotion that stirred his soul,
as the awful responsibilities loomed up before his mind, —
Could more have been done ? The opportunity was past, —
had anything been improperly done ? — it was beyond re-
call ! It is no marvel, under such circumstances, that his
address should flow out to that vast concourse of judgment-
bound listeners with almost superhuman solicitude and
tenderness, as for the last time he directed their attention to
the fountain of cleansing. After the sermon, a final invi-
tation was extended to all who would seek the Lord, to come
lorward for the prayers of the people, to which many re-
sponded. The meeting was one of great solemnity and
power. About half-past ten o'clock, after the doxology, —

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,"

was sung by four thousand voices, the final benediction was
pronounced, and the first tabernacle meeting in California
was declared closed.
On Monday evening, a farewell meeting was held in the

240 LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Sixth St. M. E. Church. Deeply affecting addresses were
made by ministers and distinguished laymen of the city,
which were responded to by Mr. Inskip, and others of the
tabernacle company. It reminded one of the scene at
Miletus, when Paul parted with the elders of the church of
Ephesus.

CHAPTER XVIII.

A GREAT VICTORY AT SANTA CLARA.

On Tuesday, the eighth of May, Mr. Inskip and his com-
pany took the train from Sacramento for San Jose, distant
140 miles. On arriving at San Jose, they took stages to
Santa Clara, two miles westward, where Rev. Dr. Wythe,
pastor of the M. E. Church, had made ample provision for
their entertainment among his people.

To those who have never visited California, and may
never enjoy that privilege, a brief sketch of this wonderful
valley would be of great interest ; but, strong as the tempta-
tion is to linger amid these sublunary scenes, so attractive
to the stranger, the chief object of this narrative is the
marvelous religious services conducted by Mr. Inskip, and
the wonderful manifestations of grace and spiritual power
in the tabernacle at Santa Clara.

On account of some delay in bringing up the tabernacle,
and preparing the grounds, the meeting did not commence
until Friday evening, the eleventh. The tabernacle was
pitched on the " Conference Camp-ground," — a plot of low
ground lying between the two cities, in a forest, composed
of a few straggling old willow trees. But in this section,
trees are " like angels' visits " — few and far between.

The Friday evening meeting was preliminary, and not
very largely attended. But on Saturday, the people began
to gather in considerable numbers ; and on Sunday, the

241

242

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

whole country seemed to be moving towards the tabernacle,
— from San Jose, Santa Clara, Lexington, McCartyville, New
Alameda, and other places near, and as far as Gilroy, — a
considerable number came ; also, from San Francisco and
Sacramento. Rev. Dr. Sinex, President of the Methodist
University near by, was present ; the faculty and students
came in full force, and the great tent was filled with a multi-
tude, expecting they knew not what. Mr. Inskip and his
co-laborers from the East, were the observed of all. What
new and strange things would they say ? What odd and
queer methods would they adopt ? What astonishing per-
formances would they exhibit ? What weird, supernatural
enchantment, would they bring upon the people ? All seemed
disposed to brace themselves for a struggle against some
unearthly influence that might overwhelm and carry them
they knew not whither.

At first, the prospect of success was quite unfavorable.
Here, as at Sacramento, experimental religion was at a low
ebb, and what was most embarrassing, the teaching of Mr.
Inskip and his brethren, on the subject of holiness, brought
them in conflict with some of the ministers and chief lay-
men of the vicinity. This, to say the least, was not a pleas-
ant position for him or his brethren, who had been invited
to hold the meeting to promote that specific work. A terri-
ble battle was inevitable. What could they do ? They
could not consent to furl their banners and ignominiously
retreat. They had come three thousand miles to hold this
meeting in the interest of holiness ; fidelity to the cause
required them to stand firm, at whatever cost or sacrifice.
All who knew the character of the leader of the meeting
would expect nothing otherwise. At this juncture, the
daily papers also, as if inspired by some foul, if not fiendish
spirit, published the most ridiculous and abusive things
against the meeting. This, however, turned to good account,

A GREAT VICTORY AT SANTA CLARA. 243

bringing hundreds to the meeting who otherwise would not
have attended, — many of whom were converted, and others
fully saved.

Under these painful circumstances, Mr. Inskip called a
council of his co-laborers, and the situation was discussed
on their knees, asking the Lord to give them wisdom and
grace for their time of extreme need. The result was, they
resolved to follow the leadings of the Spirit, whatever
might be the outcome. To use a figure of speech, all the
batteries of the tabernacle then opened with renewed energy
and power, and " the word of the Lord was quick and pow-
erful," and became " a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart." Some were greatly offended, others pro-
fessed to be hurt, while another class remained non-committal
and neutral, or indifferent. The moment was critical in the
extreme. But God was at the front. The president and
faculty of the University wheeled into line, and took their
position with the tabernacle. These added great strength
to the cause, and their action had a crushing effect upon the
opposition. At this time, the powers of the heavenly world
had come so near, that an awful spiritual presence, which
could be felt, seemed to be closing the people in on every
side ; and a solemn awe came upon all hearts, and was *
depicted in every countenance. There was no such thing
as resisting any further, without madly flying in the face of
the Almighty. The result was a general, unconditional
surrender; the banner of holiness waved iu triumph, and
the bugles of salvation sounded Jehovah's victory. All the
hosts of the purified joined in ascribing glory unto the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, with a full round of A mens.

This was a harder fight, and consequently a more signal
victory, than at Sacramento. The Lord was so manifestly
in the work, and so crowned the meetings with His presence
and Spirit, that the people were brought back to the realiza-

244

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP. V

turn that Christ's religion is an experimental verity, — that
holiness is the Christian's calling and privilege, and should
be the experience and practice of all the people of God.
It was a struggle not merely " with flesh and blood, but with
principalities and powers in high places." Satan, in his
opposition, was at his best. Any person accustomed to
analyze spiritual influences, could not mistake his approach,
like a dark shadow projecting itself over one's spiritual
consciousness. Rev. Mr. Coleman, the senior member of
the association, — sublime in faith and moral heroism, — a
veteran champion of the doctrine of Christian holiness, —
was terribly buffeted, and wrestled one whole night with the
prince of darkness. While in this fearful conflict, his
mind became bewildered and so oppressed, that he was
strongly tempted to believe that he had lost all his religion,
if indeed, he ever possessed any. It seemed to be an at-
tack, such as Luther had while translating the New Testa-
ment in the castle of Wartburg — when the devil intruded
himself, at whom that heroic saint threw his inkstand. Mr.
Coleman had been so wrought upon, and the struggle had
been so protracted and terrible, that when he came upon
the platform, his steps were feeble and tottering, and when
he began the service, his thoughts were so confused and
obscured, he could call nothing coherently to mind ; he
seemed in total mental darkness. This state of mind con-
tinued without relief until he commenced to preach ; then
the light began to dawn, and to illuminate the Word. Then
also a remarkable phenomenon occurred, somewhat after
that recorded of St. Paul, when the Lord appeared to him
during the night in the castle at Jerusalem, saying, "Paul,
be of good cheer ; for as thou hast testified of me in Jeru-
salem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." So also, Mr.
Coleman said the Saviour appeared to him (soon after he
began to preach), standing first in the door of the tabernacle,

A GEE AT VICTORY AT SANTA CLARA. 245

smiling and looking lovingly upon him ; then He advanced
a few steps forward and sat down ; and he preached his
sermon thus in the presence of Jesus, who continued t<
look and smile upon him until he had finished his discourse
This was the great sermon of the meeting. It was a ser-
mon of inimitable beauty, clearness, tenderness, and power.
Few who listened to it will ever forget its effects. The
blessed old man, towards the close, became so filled with
the Spirit, and overwhelmed with the glory and presence of
Christ, that his physical strength was also overpowered, and
he was unable longer to stand. Such was the power of the
spiritual shock which he received, that his stalwart frame
trembled and became as weak as that of a child for several
days afterwards. But this was the hour of victory in ad-
vance,— Christ had come! It was a victory that melted
all hearts, however hard ; dissolved all doubts, and scattered
fear away. It seemed to make it a joy to submit, and give
one's self to Christ, to be wholly and fully His ; to bear
reproach, and if need be, to suffer for His name. It was a
marvellous baptism of the spirit of faith and love !

There seemed to have been such a state of religious for-
mality in Santa Clara, as in many other places, that the
idea of the supernatural and spiritual was extensively ig-
nored, or substituted by the proprieties of the ruling
classes. In view of these facts, and that the teachings of
Mr. Inskip and his associates were so far above the level of
the religious standards of that community, and their devo-
tional exercises conforming to a high degree of spiritual
life and joy, they no doubt seemed to the people at first
like a company of fanatics. Here was a dilemma, originat-
ing in facts and circumstances, that nothing but counter-
facts and circumstances could relieve and overcome. Mr.
Inskip saw, and felt most deeply, that notiiing effectual
could be accomplished by human might and power — that

246

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

if anything was done to tide the meeting over into the open
sea of success, the Lord must do it. He therefore called
the ministers associated with him apart into a private place
for prayer and counsel. There, upon their knees, they sol-
emnly agreed to accept anything the Lord might appoint or
do, however crossing or humiliating it might be. None
were able even to anticipate what might transpire, but all
felt that some great event was at the door, and thus it was.

Only a few hours afterwards, a very strange thing oc-
curred, which, to a godless world and to formal professors
of religion, might seem ludicrous, if not shocking. There
was in attendance a gentleman about thirty years of age,
who had made his fortune in California, — a student iu the
University at the time, of high respectability, an exemplary
member of the church, extensively known in the community,
in whom all classes had the fullest confidence, — aiding less
fortunate young men to defray their expenses in college.
This young man became deeply convinced of his need of
a clean heart, and began to seek for it iu great earnest.
Towards the close of one of the services, a great power came
upon him, and he began to be excited and agitated in a
singular and violent manner, and fell down backwards upon
the ground. He did not lose his strength, as Dr. Fisk did,
and as others have done, and lie hours apparently insensible;
but he performed all manner of gymnastics. Nobody could
hold him ; he went wallowing under and over the beuches
in all manner of ways, exciting no little fear that he might
break his neck or limbs. In the eyes of the world this was
the climax of all that was ridiculous j and the me etiug
seemed to be ending in wild-fire, — throwing people into fits,
or setting them crazy. None who observed it will forg. t
the anxiety and bewilderment expressed in the countenance I
■>f Mr. Inskip. He seemed to be saying within himself,
What are we coming to ? " And humanly speaking, such

A GREAT VICTORY AT SANTA CLARA.

247

was the state of things for the moment, all might have
said, " We are done for now, sure ; it is no use, let us sing
the doxology and quit ! " But they had agreed that the
Lord should work in His own way, — set at nought all their
conventionalities, upheave and break down the proprieties
and conceit of the people, mortify their pride, and crucify
anything of self remaining in themselves. Just this had
come to pass. This singular struggle continued with the
young man for some time, when he became comparatively
calm. Then he spoke to the people, some of whom appeared
to be frightened; saying he was not beside himself, nor
mad, but was in his right mind, and understood perfectly all
that was transpiring. His countenance became illuminated,
a seraphic glow of heavenly light sat upon his brow, and he
testified in the clearest, strongest terms, that the blood of
Christ cleansed him from all sin, and that he was filled with
the Spirit. The news of this event spread quickly through
all the community, producing a profound sensation among
the faculty and students of the University. From this point
in the history of the meeting, the work became overwhelm-
ing, and swept all before it ; ministers from surrounding
circuits and stations, wealthy farmers and business men,
consecrated themselves and all they possessed to Christ, and
were baptized with the Holy Ghost.

In contemplating the trying circumstances and discourage-
ments of those eventful days of spiritual conflict, one can
see very plainly that it required a leader of great judgment
and wisdom, — tender in sympathy, sweet in spirit, yet
possessing the firmness of a rock, — a man of sublime equi-
poise and balance of mind. Such was Mr. Inskip on this
occasion. He seemed girded with superhuman endowments,
and with a naturally indomitable will and steadfast faith,
he directed the services with the most masterly tact and
skill, when a single blunder would have proved fatal, —

248

LIFE OF JOHN S. IN SKIP.

turning apparent defeat into the most signal and glorious
victory.

After the tabernacle meeting closed, Dr. Wythe, of Santa
Clara, and Rev. Mr. McClay, of San Jose, took up the theme
in their respective churches, and the work swept on gloriously
for weeks ; and the same results followed, to a considerable
extent, in other places.

It would be impossible to give the exact numbers con-
verted and sanctified at this meeting; but it was demon-
strated in this well as in others, that the conversion
of sinners is coincident with the sanctification of believers.
It was estimated that not less than two hundred professed
to be converted, or reclaimed from a backslidden state ; and
a large number also professed to be fully saved. Every
minister — almost without exception — who attended the
meeting, entered into the enjoyment of perfect love, and all
the churches of that wonderful valley, both English and
German, were stirred as never before, and were baptized
with the spirit of power and love. The Roman Catholic
priests from the monastery attended in considerable num-
bers, and appeared very respectful. Among the many cases
of interest that might be mentioned, there was one of a
gentleman connected with the press in San Francisco, who
had come down to report the meeting. He was a professed
skeptic, and like his class, he was very inquisitive, as it may
be with reporters and reviewers generally. He seemed to
be on a huut for something comical or ludicrous, to report
for the press. He observed Mr. Inskip and his associates
going daily, at a certain hour, into a little board tent, what
most people would call a " shanty," on the outskirts of the
grounds. His curiosity was excited. He must look into
that matter. He was on the right track now for something
that would open people's eyes. It might be they went there
to smoke, or to take private drinks, as they might feel they

A GREAT VICTORY AT SANTA CLARA.

249

needed some stimulants for the exhausting labors of the
meeting ; or at least, to take a nap. Keeping his purpose
to himself, he went a long way around, and came up in the
rear of the shanty, and with great expectancy, he peeped
through a crevice. But what was his surprise when he saw
Mr. Inskip and his co-laborers on their knees, or prostrate
on the ground, pleading, with tears and strong supplications,
for the salvation of the people ! As might be expected,
coming into such an atmosphere and circle of spiritual in-
fluence, a strange power came upon him, nearly causing him
to faint. He was struck under deep conviction ; a flash of
the Spirit's all-revealing light laid bare the corruption of
his soul ; his skepticism vanished away, and he saw himself
a poor sinner, hurrying on to death and judgment without
hope. Skepticism weighs but little when the light of eter-
nity streams in upon the soul, and the conscience forebodes
coming doom, when a righteous God shall inflict the awful
penalty of sin upon the unrepentant sinner. This man was
educated, proud, and self-opinionated ; but he became deeply
penitent, and humble as a little child, and bowed down at
the seekers' bench with the most lowly. After several days
and nights of fasting, prayer, and earnest seeking, he entered
into rest, enjoying the sweet assurance of acceptance with
God through faith in Christ.

If space would permit, it would be a joy to narrate many
other cases of great interest. But it can only be added,
that God wrought on a magnificent scale. Pentecost was
again repeated, and the Holy Ghost, like an incoming tide,
swept great numbers into the kingdom, baptizing the
churches with fire, and all were ready to declare they never
had seen such rays of salvation and power before. The
meeting was of great benefit to the University, both to the
faculty and the students, the most of whom were happily
converted.

250

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

It may be of interest to give an extract from the pen of
Rev. Dr. Benson, editor of the California Christian Advo-
cate. He says : —

" It was our privilege to be present at most of the tabernacle ser-
vices. The meetings were well attended, and signally successful.
We never witnessed so deep an impression on any similar occasion in
this country. Rev. J. S. Inskip and his co-laborers are men of talent,
zeal, and unblemished reputation. We have known them for years.
Their praise is in all the churches, i;ast and West. In their methods
of conducting religious services, and in preaching the truth, they re-
mind us of the fathers who planted the churches in the frontier set-
lements of the Mississippi Valley, twenty-five and thirty years ago.
In preaching the Word, they use great plainness of speech ; and
their appeals are direct and searching ; and it is not marvellous that
sinners quail, and that Satan is grievously offended. The kingdom
of darkness is in peril ; and ' rude men of the baser sort ' go away to
cavil and to misrepresent the ministers, whom they hold responsible
for ' turning the world upside down.' "

The subjoined paper was read on the Sabbath, the last
day of the meeting, before a vast assembly, who heartily
endorsed it, and it was also published in the daily papers : —

"The undersigned, ministers of the M. E. Church, in attendance

at the tabernacle services at the camp-ground of the California Con-
ference, May 21, 1ST1, take this method of expressing their thanks-
giving to God, and their appreciation of the labors of the National
Committee for the Promotion of Christian Holiness, consisting of
llev. Messrs. Inskip (president), McDonald, Boole, Coleman, Osborn,
and Searles. It is therefore

"Resolved, That we have rejoiced in the wonderful outpouring of
the lloly Spirit, witnessed in connection with the labors of our East-
ern brethren at this place ; and that we recognize in them the unction
which rested on our fathers, and acknowledge the seal of Divine ap-
proval on their ministry.

" Resolved, That we pledge our united prayers and labors for the
continuance of the spiritual revival beguu under such favorable
auspices.

A GREAT VICTORY AT SANTA CLARA.

251

"Resolved, That our prayers and cordial sympathies will accom-
pany our brethren in their subsequent efforts, particularly on the
Pacific Coast, and in Utah.

" J. W. Ross, Presiding Elder, San Francisco District
W. J. McClay, Pastor, San Jose.
J. H. Wythe, Pastor, Santa Clara.

D. A. Dryden, Pastor, G-ilroy.

C. H. Afflerbach, Pastor of German Church, San Jose.

H. B. Bkueck, Pastor of German Church, San Francisco.

A. Copeland, Pastor, Monterey.

C. A. Hektel, Pastor, Antioch.

C. G. Belknap, Pastor, Dixon.

J. Daniel, Superannuated Minister.

T. H. Sinex, President University of Pacific.

H. C. Benson, Editor California Christian Advocate.

A. J. Nelson, Professor University of Pacific.

A. K. Crawford, Professor University of Pacific.

E. A. Hazen, Presiding Elder, Marysville District."

The people in the Santa Clara Valley, as in all other
places on the coast, were kind, warm-hearted, and generous.

The meeting closed on Sunday night, the twenty-first of
May. This last day was the great day of the feast. There
was a vast concourse of people from all parts of the coun-
try, from fifty to a hundred miles around, and hundreds
became deeply awakened, many of whom professed to be
converted, or sanctified. The conflict was painful at first,
but the cloud of battle lifted and passed away, and the
sweet sunshine of love and joy poured itself into thousands
of souls, who looked forward to the great final gathering,
when the purified shall join in the rapturous song that shall
echo through the regions of bliss. " Unto Him that loved
us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath
made us kings and priests unto God and the Lamb forever ;
unto Him be glory, and dominion, and thanksgiving, forever
and ever ! "

The parting scene was deeply affecting, — there were

252

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

tears and farewells that showed the depth of love that had
been shed abroad in many hearts. The doxology was thrice
repeated, when Mr. Inskip pronounced the solemn benedic-
tion, and declared the tabernacle meeting at Santa Clara
closed.

CHAPTER XIX.

TABERNACLE MEETINGS IN SAN FRANCISCO AND SALT LAKE

CITY.

Wednesday morning, May 25, after taking leave of the
friends at Santa Clara, Mr. Inskip and the brethren from
the East, took the train for San Francisco, fifty miles to the
north. It was not intended at first to hold a tabernacle
meeting in San Francisco. But the ministers, especially
Dr. Cox, and the leading laymen, urged the importance of
holding the meeting, assuring them it would be a sad mis-
take to return East without unfurling the banner of full
salvation in the metropolitan city of the coast. So after
much prayer, and a full discussion of the matter, it was
decided to hold the meeting. The brethren of San Fran-
cisco obtained a lease of grounds, centrally located, on which
to pitch the big tent. No labor or expense were spared to
furnish every convenience and comfort for the meeting.

The first service was held on Thursday evening, May 26.
Mr. Inskip preached the introductory sermon, setting forth
the objects of the meeting to be — the promotion of the
higher Christian life and experience in the churches, and
the conversion of sinners, as taught and set forth in the
Scriptures. The congregation was large and attentive, and
at the close of the sermon, not a few came forward to the
altar as seekers of heart purity. But the spirit of the meet-
ing was of a type far below the ordinary National Meetings,

263

254

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

in its beginning. Mr. Inskip was informed before he came
to the city, that he and those with him, would find San
Francisco the hardest field they had ever undertaken to
cultivate ; and the hardest spot in California. It was said
that no religious effort in that city had been successful
o any considerable extent — the masses had never been
reached.

San Francisco had been, and was, the scene of a variety
of sensations. John B. Gough, was giving a course of
lectures on popular subjects ; Mrs. Fair's trial for murder,
was in progress, aud the Young Men's Christian Association
was holding a festival at the public hall. As an exponent
of the religious sentiment of the institution, it may be a
curiosity to the reader to look over the programme of the
entertainment for the same evening on which Mr. Inskip
commenced his meeting in the tabernacle. The programme
published and placarded, was as follows : —

THURSDAY EVENING.

BY PKOF. A. HAVELL.

1. Olio of Oddities, Masks and Faces ; consisting of Songs,

Scenes, Anecdotes, Sketches of Character, and Eccentricities.

2. Sib John Pimtleton, A Gentleman whose risibility is irrepres-

sible : Ah, ah, ah I with Song, " Speak, Love, I implore
Thee."

3. Giles Crossgbain, Esq., and his man-servant Nat, commonly

called Grumbling Nat, with Song.

4. PBKEBT Pop, A Red-headed Sarvint-Gal, a Complaining, Hill-

treated, Hover-worked, Hindustrious Lump of 'Umauity, with
Song; " Oh ! and lie loves Me dearly."

5. Mr. Timothy Suallowbrain, A Bashful, Nervous, Amorous

Young Man. A Fidgety, Festinate Way of Popping the Ques-
tion.

6 Mistress MacPherson, An Old Scotch Lady, rather fond of
dress. Reminiscences of " Auld Lang Syne." A long story all
about her fiue dear auld mon, that's deed au' gane. The Den-
tist and Grenadier's Tooth.

SAN FRANCISCO AND SALT LAKE CITY.

255

The above is a true copy of the programme. Is it any
marvel that the public prints of a city of such religious
sentiments, should criticise the holding of a meeting for
the promotion of Christian holiness, as a " bold and daring
move " ? But we are happy to say, there was a noble, God.
fearing class, who deprecated this state of things, and longed
and prayed for a general reformation.

On the second evening of the meeting, the tabernacle was
crowded to its utmost capacity. There came among the
worshippers a class, if not as rough as at Sacramento, yet
quite as irreverent and godless. They talked, laughed, and.
shouted derisively," Glory to God ! " and " Amen ! " A man
of less nervous muscle than William B. Osborn, would have
been entirely disconcerted and thrown off his balance ; but
he held bravely on his course, and finished his sermon, which
told with great effect upon the more thoughtful. After the
sermon, Mr. Inskip addressed the disturbers very kindly,
but to no effect. He then, with his usual masterly tact,
appealed to the citizens, to know if there was any law in
California to protect Christian assemblies in the privileges
of religious worship. Many voices immediately responded,
" Yes ! " He then asked how many in that audience would
volunteer to put down rowdyism and maintain order. In a
moment, not less than three hundred men sprang to their
feet. This was a masterly stoke ; for many of the gentle-
men who arose were prominent citizens of great influence,
and persons not to be trifled with. Dr. Cox followed with a
stinging rebuke, and pledged on behalf of the citizens that
perfect order should be maintained if it required a thousand
law-abiding citizens to act as police. Fifty stalwart men
stood up and offered themselvTes to serve in that capacity.
Rowdyism was squelched on the spot, and the leading
offenders skulked out like whipped curs, and from that time
to the end of the meeting, there was the most perfect order.

256

LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSKIP.

And when the proprietors of the public press, who had
attempted to ridicule the object of the meeting, learned that
many of the most prominent citizens and families of the
city and country, approved and sustained the meeting, they
also very meekly subsided into a peaceful and patronizing
attitude. But their previous criticisms helped the meeting,
by giving it greater notoriety. Mr. Inskip frequently said,
if there was no opposition from the devil, and cold and for-
mal professors, he should consider it a clear evidence that
the doctrine and experience of holiness had been compro-
mised, and the meeting was not fully on the line of entire
sanctification. In this case, as in many others, it was
clearly manifest that nothing but the plainest dealing, and
the most heart-searching preaching, would reach the case.
But the truth thus pressed home upon the heart and con-
science, was exceedingly offensive to many ministers, as well
as to members of the churches.

For some time the issue seemed doubtful ; but the terrible
pounding went on ; the battle grew hotter and hotter I At
this juncture some of the leading laymen came out and said
publicly, " Go on, brethren : your course is right, and the
only one that can save the church, and bring sinners to
Christ in San Francisco." All the Methodist churches in
the city participated in the meeting, and not a few from
other denominations became deeply interested in the work
of holiness. A large company came up from Santa Clara,
also from other towns near and far away. The meeting
was distinguished especially for the large number of minis-
ters attending from all parts of the country, as well as the
city. The meeting, at first, was a great novelty to many.
A meeting for the promotion of holiness was not only the
newest, but the strangest thing under the sun in San
Francisco.

California, no doubt, suffered in common with other por-

SAN FRANCISCO AND SALT LAKE CITY. 257

tions of the country from the demoralizing influence of our
fratricidal war, and the bitter animosities it engendered ;
but California has been more largely affected by the spirit
of adventure and speculation, and an intense desire for
wealth, than any other section of the whole country. But
in San Francisco, especially, — the great New York of the
Pacific, — the desolating tide of worldliness had paralyzed
the spiritual life of the churches to an alarming extent.
There were praiseworthy exceptions, both among the clergy
and laity ; but the great majority of professing Christians
seemed satisfied with as little religion as would afford them
a hope of the future, and give them a respectable standing
in the churches.

The preachers, on this occasion, made no attempt at
oratory, or display of sermonizing ability. The preaching
consisted mainly in the simple, earnest statement of the
Scripture doctrine and experience of Christian holiness, as
taught by the standard authors of the Methodist church,
and as illustrated in the lives and labors of the best men
and women, living and dead, who have been God's great
harvesters during the past century. God owned this man-
ner of preaching ; the Holy Spirit accompanied the word.
Professors of religion began to see that their mode of living
had furnished no aid to the cause of Christ, and brought no
real spiritual enjoyment to their souls ; but, instead, there
was a conscious lack, — an aching void in their experience.
When, therefore, the great and glorious doctrine and experi-
ence of full salvation was presented with unctuous power
and attractiveness, from hearts all aglow with the Spirit
and love of Jesus, those sad hearts saw their remedy, and
responded; and hundreds of earnest prayers leaped up from
as many anxious souls, — "Create in me a clean heart, 0
God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Eev. Mr. Bentley, of one of the city churches, with others,

258

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

became deeply interested, and sought the blessing with great
earnestness. He confessed publicly his conscious lack of
spiritual power, and his dissatisfaction with his religious
experience. He declared his intention to seek heart purity
at whatever cost or sacrifice. After several days of humilia-
tion and prayer, both he and his wife came into the full,
clear light, of entire sanctification ; his face shining with
an unearthly radiance, evidencing in a visible manner the
inward presence of the kingdom of perfect love. He then
declared in the great congregation, that the blood of Christ
cleaused him from all sin, and that he was fully saved.
From this event, the work swept on with great power. Dr.
Benson, editor of the California Christian Advocate, renewed
his consecration, and testified to the power of Jesus' blood
to cleanse from all sin. Dr. Thomas, agent of the Metho-
dist Book Concern in San Francisco (who since, with Gen.
Canby, was murdered by the Modoc Indians), also began to
seek after heart-purity. Dr. Thomas had formerly enjoyed
and advocated this great salvation, but through opposition
and want of sympathy and co-operation on the part of his
brethren, he ceased to testify of the grace, and consequently
lost the faith and witness of the work. But knowing the
blessedness of the experience, and having the subject opened
afresh to his mind, his soul was roused and thrilled with
the blessed possibility of again enjoying the perfect rest of
soul, and sabbath of love. He therefore gladly embraced
the auspicious opportunity to regain his lost treasure. But
strange as it may seem, he did not regain it without a severe
struggle for several days and nights. He already believed
the doctrine, and knew the experience, and he desired it
more than anything on earth ; what, therefore, could cause
this great struggle of soul? Simply — unbelief; lack of
trust in the promise of God's word. After several days,
towards the close of one of the services in the tabernacle,

SAN FRANCISCO AND SALT LAKE CITY. 259

while one was praying, and repeating several times Mr.
Wesley's expression of sanctifying faith — "He doth it!"
he also exclaimed, "He doth it!" 11 He doth it!" and rose
from his knees on the platform and walked ahout clapping
his hands with great joy and triumph, shouting, "He doth
it!" "He doth it!" He was wonderfully and powerfully
restored and filled with the Spirit. The following spring the
writer met him at the General Conference in Brooklyn, N.
Y., and his joyful salutation was — "He doth it!" Dr.
Thomas was a noble, generous man, a devoted and able minis-
ter of Christ. He was shot to death by the Indians, while,
by the appointment of the government, he was endeavoring
to make peace with them.

It is a notable fact, that at the same moment Dr. Thomas'
faith touched the blood, ten or twelve others came into the
clear light of full salvation, — some of whom were wealthy
farmers from Santa Clara. It was a scene of marvellous
baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the multitude partook of
the common joy. Dr. Cox, pastor of the Powell St. M. E.
Church — one of God's noble men and ministers, — was the
chief instrument in securing the holding of this meeting,
and was exceedingly interested in the cause of holiness,
that it should succeed in San Francisco. But he seemed to
have the impression that this work was to be carried on and
conducted in the same manner as ordinary protracted meet-
ings. But the Dr. finally found himself in a singular
dilemma. To be consistent, he must come out and say he
was sanctified, or confess he was not ; and then not to stand
in the way of others, he must go down as a seeker, and set
in this respect a proper example to his people, who were
already deeply interested. It was, indeed, a " severe crisis,"
and the Dr. evidently felt it to be so. For several days he
tried to appear all right. But his eloquent words and
prayers were largely void of the Spirit. Mr. Inskip felt

260

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

that lie was really standing in the way of the work. What
could be done ? The Dr. must, by some means, be brought
out to publicly define his position. He appeared to think
he was not quite good enough to make a profession of entire
sanctification, and was rather too good to go down as a
seeker. But the real fact evidently was, like many others,
his heart was too proud to get down to the position of con-
fessing his real need, and thus put himself on the list of
seekers. But Mr. Inskip, led by the Spirit, was equal to
the emergency. To some it might seem uncourteous, if not
unkind ; but love to the Dr., and the cause, demanded means
suited to the case. If he was deceiving himself, he must
be convicted of the fact ; if he was all right, he must be
brought to an open profession. On a favorable occasion,
Mr. Inskip very kindly told him publicly, that he could not
occupy any longer a neutral position in that fight — he must
define his case more fully ; his attempts to appear fully
saved would not do ; his top-loftiness would have to come
down, — and he therefore called upon him in the name of
the Lord, to state and declare what was his religious con-
dition. This was putting the Dr. in a corner, and seemed
to be pressing him rather hard. But the Dr. had urged,
almost beyoud measure, that Mr. Inskip and the brethren
from the East should hold the meeting for the promotion of
holiness ; therefore to evade the point of committing him-
self personally and publicly to the work, was a course that
could not be allowed, especially as his own people knew,
and said, he was not setting a proper example for his
church, whom he was urging to seek the great blessing.
And it was evident the Holy Spirit was working mightily
with him, and that he needed some such plain dealing to
help him to overcome the deep and terrible opposition of
the carnal mind that was struggling to maintain the mastery.
Happily the Dr. availed himself of the auspicious moment,

SAN FRANCISCO AND SALT LAKE CITY. 2GI

his self-will gave way, and he wrenched himself out of the
suare, and went down as an humble seeker, with the most
lowly of all. This was all that remained for him to do.
He had been standing on the verge of the cleansiug foun-
tain for days previous, and longing to make the plunge ; but
pride, and personal popularity, demurred — it seemed too-
much that Dr. Cox should go down as a seeker ! But when
this bar was passed, all was over, the surrender was com-
plete. Then, with a suddenness that might seem marvel-
lous, his faith touched the blood that makes the foulest
clean ; great power came upon him ; his manly countenance
glowed with a heavenly brightness, and his whole being for
the time seemed transfigured and covered with glory. One
could scarcely believe the change in the singing, the prayers,
and the spirit of the man, after this experience. There was
no more hesitation ; he publicly and sweetly testified that
the blood of Christ cleansed from all sin.

From this event in the meeting, not only great numbers
sought full salvation, but multitudes of sinners became
awakened, and were converted. At times, not less than
two hundred were either kneeling, or were prostrate on the
ground, great numbers of whom professed conversion,
and many others declared they were fully saved and
sanctified. This was, indeed, a wonderful meeting.
It had taken on such proportions of spiritual influence
and power, it seemed to go of its own accumulated force,
carrying everybody with it like a mighty river, sweeping on
and overwhelming all opposition.

During the progress of the meeting, Mr. Inskip wrote to
the Home Journal, in Philadelphia, as follows : —

" Our meeting here is much greater than either of the others.
The interest increases at every service. The work last night was
truly amazing. Among the subjects of it are many of the most
wealthy and influential members of the church. The preachers are

262

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

very hearty in their co-operation. The brethren of the Book-room,
aud the presiding elder, and all the regular pastors of the city, are in
fullest sympathy with the movement. The brethren from distant
points come in considerable numbers, and return to their fields of
labor ' filled with the Holy Ghost.' By the time this reaches you, I
really believe the Pacific Coast will be in a blaze.

" It seems impossible for me to write in the midst of such a fight.
The nature of the conflict, and the glory of the victory, literally ex-
haust and bewilder me. I cannot, at this present time, do more than
to pause a moment to send a word of greeting and good cheer. I
must content myself with saying, to the praise of Almighty God,
that for our Association, this is the greatest triumph of our life. As
the cry goes forth, ' The sword of the Lord and of Gideon ! ' the
people rally around the banner of holiness, and wonders are daily oc-
curring among us. Please allow me to ask all your readers to join us
in the shout of ' Hallelujah, the Lord God omnipotent reigneth 1 ' "

During the meeting, there were seasons of devotion, when,
for the space of nearly half an hour, the silence was almost
oppressive. But those were heart-searching moments, when
all the vast multitudes were awed into the most profound
reverence, and each turned his thoughts inward, introspect-
ing his religious state in the light of the great eternity that
seemed already at the door. How small and unsatisfying
the world seemed then! Self is loathed, and "Christ is all
in all." The silence would sometimes be broken by low,
soft, sweet, murmuring voices, just audible, breathing out a
hymn of praise, bearing the soul up as on unseen wings, till
it seemed to mingle with angelic tongues bursting into
rapturous hallelujahs round the throne. At other times,
the Spirit would inspire the loud-sounding anthem and a
glorious shout of victory and joy. It never will be known
in this world how much for God and souls was accomplished
at that meeting of ten days. Many scores were converted,
and as many sanctified and fully saved. Two of Mr. In-
skip's nephews were fully saved, and consecrated to God.
They were his sister's sons, Edward and Seneca Jones, —

SAN FRANCISCO AN J) SALT LAKE CITY.

2G3

one a promising young lawyer, the other a merchant. Both
are now ministers, and highly-esteemed members of the
California Conference, eminently successful in advancing
the kingdom of Christ.

But the love-feast, held on the second Sunday morning of
the meeting, was almost beyond description, — the singing,
the prayers, the testimonies, the spirit that pervaded all
hearts, made it an occasion and a scene never to be for-
gotten. The writer will ever remember a distinguished
lawyer, a gentleman of great wealth and high position,
standing up and saying : " This is the happiest day of my
life ! I have consecrated myself and all I have to God.
Jesus is mine. I am feasting, to-day, on angels' food ; I
am fully saved. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses me
from all sin. Glory be unto the Father, and unto the Son,
and unto the Holy Ghost, now and forever ! " It was worth
a journey of three thousand miles to attend that meeting, —
yea, verily, it was worth a life-time journey j for, perhaps,
never in a life-time is one permitted to enjoy more than one
such occasion, if, indeed, he is that. The Mount of Trans,
figuration was not more glorious, — the upper chamber was
not more hallowed. Pentecost was repeated, and all were
tilled with the Holy Ghost.

The brethren urged, almost beyond measure, that Mr.
Inskip and his co-laborers should remain longer; but other
engagements made it imperative to close the meeting th>'
second Sunday evening — the third of June, — it having been
held ten days. The closing scene was one of profound and
tender interest, which our pen is too feeble to portray.

The Tabernacle Meeting at Salt Lake City.

On Monday morning, June 5, Mr. Inskip and the company
from the East took affectionate leave of the dear friends in
San Francisco, en route for Salt Lake City, where arrange-

264

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

ments had been made to hold a tabernacle meeting. The
company stopped over night at Sacramento, for the purpose
of greeting once more the loved ones there, many of whoiu
had been brought to Christ during the tabernacle meeting
at that place. The next day a large delegation from the
churches assembled at the depot to bid them a final farewell.
Mr. Inskip made a parting address from the platform of the
car, after which all united in a song of praise, closing witn
the doxology. Then waving a tearful adieu, they parted,
perhaps to meet no more on earth.

After the ordinary incidents of travel over the Sierras
and the great desert, Thursday morning, at about 11 o'clock,
the company upon whom the eyes of thousands of the
church were fixed, made their advent into the metropolis of
Mormondom. There was evidently no little suppressed
anxiety among the Mormons, as well as interest on the part
of the " Gentiles " and disaffected followers of Brigham
Young, as to what the result would be. When approaching
within two miles of the city, one is greeted with a strong
smell of sulphur ; but any apprehension on that account is
removed, when it is ascertained that the odor is produced by
the existence of immense hot sulphur springs in the suburbs
of the city. The city itself is beautiful for situation. On
the eastern rim of the great American Desert, some fifteen
miles southeast of Salt Lake, reclining on a gentle slope at
the foot of the Wahsitch Mountains, lies this renowned city
of the "Latter-day Saints." The climate, as well as its
situation, is extolled as most charming.

Whatever may have been Brigham Young's motive, it is
no more than fair to say, that he endeavored to make the
impression on the mind of Mr. Inskip and the brethren who
called on him, that they were welcome to Salt Lake City,
and their coming pleased him. And he also kindly offered
any and all the aid they might ueed in their preparations

SAJf FEA-N CISCO AND SALT LAKE CITY. 265

for the meeting; and assured them he should attend the ser-
vices as often as opportunity would permit.

The Mormons regard themselves as God's favored, but
persecuted people. " Holiness to the Lord," is their motto,
which is seen on all their places of business, and over the
doors of their rum-shops as well. In religious attainments
they claim to be perfect. Hence, to talk to them about re-
ligion as taught by evangelical churches, is like carrying
coals to Newcastle. They are divided into three classes :
Brighamites, Josephites, and Godbieites. The Brighamites,
are those who regarded Brigham Young as the visible head
of God's church on earth; they are also largely in the
majority, and they possess the greatest wealth, and are the
ruling class. The Josephites, are those who rejected Brig-
ham's authority, regarding him as an impostor; accepting
the rule of Joseph Smith, jr., son of the "Martyr Joseph,"
regarding him as the legally ordained head of the church.
They also reject polygamy, and are the best people among
the so-called Mormons. The Godbieites are those who fol-
low the leadership of Godbie, a wealthy merchant. This
seems to be a political faction. Though not strongly in
favor of polygamy yet they practice it to some extent.
They are mostly infidels, and admirers of Tom Paine's sen-
timents. Some, however, are Spiritualists. But back of
their religious pretentions and social customs, there is
among them, as mentioned, an evident political ambition
and opposition to the Brigham hierarchy. Both these latter,
and all the " Gentiles," united in giving Mr. Inskip and his
company a hearty welcome to Salt Lake City.

There being considerable delay in the preparations, the
tabernacle was not erected and finished in time for service
until the following morning. Mr. Inskip preached the
opening sermon, from the text : " What must I do to be
saved ? " The sinfulness of mankind was clearly set forth,

266

LIFE OF JOUN 8. INSKLP.

and the only refuge of the sinner was shown to be repent-
ance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But
as one said, it was a " masked battery."
- In the afternoon, Mr. McDonald preached, telling the peo-
ple how they could distinguish the truth from the wicked
and delusive errors of false teachers. In the evening the
tabernacle was crowded. Mr. Boole preached from the text
in Daniel v. 27: "Thou art weighed in the balances and
art found wanting." This was not an attack, so as to pro-
voke the ire of the Mormons, yet there was a tremendous
grip in the sermon. But the best of order was preserved.

The heat and glare of the sun was so intense and oppres-
sive during the middle of the day, that services were held
in the tabernacle only mornings and evenings. The after-
noon meetings were held in a private house, where Mr.
Inskip and the company lodged, with a Mr. Nichols, a local
preacher.

From the commencement, the meeting increased in in-
terest daily. The most direct attack upon Mormonism was
made by Mr. Boole, whose spirit could not rest until he had
given the monster a shot. His subject was, "The Mormon
priesthood and the plurality of wives," — the two main
pillars of the Mormon system. The great lights of the
" Latter-day Saints " were present, — Brigham Young ;
George A. Smith, the chief-counselor; George Q. Cannon,
and 0. Pratt, the ablest advocate of the Mormon faith, and
a full corps of " apostles and prophets." Mr. Boole's dis-
course occupied one hour and fifty minutes, and was de-
livered in a bold but kindly manner. The congregation was
large, but attentive ; the speaker was frequently interrupted
by some zealous Mormons asking questions, but in every
case they were worsted by appropriate and cutting answers ;
as one said, "Never did Mormonism get such a thorough
silting on its own grounds before." As the speaker closed

SAN FRANCISCO AND SALT LAKE CITY.

267

his sermon, a Mormon elder sprang to his feet, and, with a
loud voice, asked if he might speak in reply. Mr. Inskip
responded, saying, " This is not the time nor place for con-
troversy." But after the benediction, he made another at-
tempt to raise an argument. At this moment there were
evident indications of a tumult. In the midst of the excite-
ment, Mr. Inskip, ever ready for an emergency, stepped for-
ward, and with an emphasis and manner which was peculiar
to himself when aroused, said, " Gentlemen, we are Ameri-
can citizens, and we are here under the protection of the
flag of our country, which guarantees us free speech, We
did not inteifere with you at your tabernacle last Sunday ; "
and, with a tone of voice and manner quite overwhelming,
he added : " We will not allow any interference here! " As
a matter of course, under the circumstances, the elder sud-
denly subsided. At the same moment, a large number
hurrahed for the government and the flag. There were
present, also, a large company of miners and huuters from
the mountains, who gathered round the platform, with their
hands upon their revolvers, saying, " If there is to be any-
thing done here, we would like to have a hand in it."

The result was a triumphant vindication of the right of
free speech in a city in which, until within a short time
before, the penalty for such an attempt in many instances,
had been the forfeiture of life.

Brigham, at a meeting among his people, referring to Mr.
Boole's sermon, endeavored to ridicule it by saying, " It was
the most vigorous pumping in a dry well that he ever
witnessed."

All through the meeting, the most searching truths were
proclaimed by all the preachers, among whom was Rev. A.
Atwood, from Philadelphia, who addressed the multitudes,
striking at the very foundations of this system of modern
heathenism. The lion was bearded in his den, without
daring to show his ugly teeth.

268

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Thousands of Mormons came from many miles around,
bringing their wives and children in all manner of vehicles,
representing the peculiar features of extreme frontier life ;
many of whom never heard a Gospel sermon before.

God, only, can estimate the amount of good accomplished
by those ten days of faithful preaching. The leading busi-
ness men and government officials were delighted with the
results of the meeting. Free speech had been established,
and the masses were lifted from their abject servility and
fear of an irresponsible tyranny, to feel they were men, and
had rights which, for the first time, they dared to claim.
Conversions were not numerous, but of a character to be
important. It was not expected, under the circumstances,
that the numbers would be great. But among others was
the wife of Bishop Hunter, called the archbishop of Mor-
monism, and president of the board of bishops. She was
clearly converted, and declared her purpose to assume her
maiden name. Also, the wife and daughter of 0. Pratt, the
great advocate of the Mormon faith ; Mrs. Pratt refusing to
live any longer in polygamy. The first wife of Godbie was
also one of the earnest seekers, and she, also, abandoned
polygamy. And others who had been bound down by this
system of religious despotism, sought and found deliverance
in Christ. Some who were backsliders were reclaimed, and
a few entered into the blessed state of perfect love.

It must be remembered here, that to renounce Mormon-
ism, required no little moral courage ; and in many cases
the loss of friends, property, and perhaps life itself. Not
a few have, heretofore, paid this terrible penalty. In such
cases, Brigham Young has been heard to recommend the
bowie-knife as a proper remedy.

This wonderful meeting, so remarkable in incident, and
influences that will extend through generations to come,
closed on Sunday evening, June 18, 1871. The last service

SAN FRANCISCO AND SALT LAKE CITY.

269

was the great occasion of the whole meeting. Besides
Brighain Young, and all the leaders of the Mormon Church,
there were present the governor, the chief justice, and the
attorney-general of the territory, and General Morrow, from
Camp Douglas, who had seats on the platform. To Mr.
Inskip, as well as to others, this seemed one of the great
opportunities of his life. One can scarcely appreciate the
profound and awful sense of responsibility that rested upon
his soul, as for the last time he was to speak to the gathered
thousands who crowded the great tent, and filled all the
open spaces around it. Many of these persons were mur-
derers and thieves, and the most abominable characters,
who in the providence of God were brought to hear his last
message. Mr. Inskip chose for his subject, and preached
his great sermon on, "The Judgment Day." He evidently
set out to pursue his usual line of thought and application ;
but those who knew him best, could see he was not measur-
ing up to his own ideas of the occasion. But as his eye
swept over the scene, he caught the inspiration of his re-
sponsibilities, and in a moment he was at his best. He
portrayed the awful scene, the coming Judge, the great
white throne, the departing heavens, and the resurrection ot
the dead. He brought all nations before the bar of God
for trial and judgment. Then he arraigned the huge in-
iquity of the Mormon rulers, bishops, elders, and apostles ;
and told them their hiding away in the desert would be no
cover for their horrid crimes, — their murdered victims,
whose ghosts nightly walked their streets and haunted the
canyons of their mountains, would confront them at the
judgment-seat of Christ ! Then, rising to his climax, with
voice and manner utterly impossible to represent (when it
seemed that the last trump might at any moment begin to
sound), he said : " Then the man who is most responsible
for all these ciimes — the man who has blasphemed God,

270

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

insulted his justice, and, under the garb of religion, has
outraged the Christian civilization of the age by his de-
bauchery and the niultliplicity of his wives, shall then give
account for his heaven-daring wickedness ! " The effect
was electrical. For a few moments there was a tempest of
excitement, the whole audience was in commotion, and the
preacher was greeted with a storm of applause. After the
clapping subsided, Mr. Inskip, in a low, but emphatic tone
of voice, said: "Lord, let that stick!" Daniel Wells, the
mayor of the city, motioned to Brigham to go ; but the
latter shook his head, for he knew that any movement ou
his part would intensify the excitement, and in that case, it
might turn out badly for him, as many were there from the
mines and the mountains, who were not only armed to the
teeth, but were only too anxious for a chance at " the
tyrant." It was no doubt very mortifying to him, in his
own city, before his own people, who had accorded him the
highest honors at the head of the church, to be publicly
branded as the vilest of living men ; and not daring to even
resent it. The case was more thrilling than when at Cses-
area, Felix quailed before the mighty speech of St. Paul.

After the few moments of excitement, Mr. Inskip finished
his sermon, and the meeting was closed in the most orderly
manner. It was the verdict of those most capable of judg-
ing, that the meeting had been a grand success. It opened
the eyes of thousands who never had heard anything but
Mormonism before, and did what never was done before :
it put Mormonism on the defensive, among its own followers.
This fact was clearly brought out by Rev. Dr. T. DeWitt
Talmage, who visited Salt Lake City some weeks after the
holding of the tabernacle meeting. Dr. Talmage wrote to
the Christian at Work, as follows : —

" We found the track of the Methodist tent all the way across the
continent. Mormonism never received such a shot as when, with

SAN FRANCISCO AND SALT LAKE CITY.

271

Brigham Young and his elders present in the tent, the party of wide-
awake Methodist ministers preached righteousness, temperance, and
judgment to come, in great Salt Lake City. The effect of those few
days of faithful talking will nover be forgotten. Hardly a service is
held in the Mormon Tabernacle that an effort is not made to combat
the sermons of the itinerants. On the two occasions when we were
present in the Tabernacle, all the speakers felt called upon to answer
the big tent. It was evident t hat the monster of sin had been speared,
and the wound rankled. We have never seen the brethren of that
religious storming-party ; but we hail them through these columns,
for the glorious work they have accomplished in Salt Lake City. It
was the first gleam of light that some of the bondmen of the great
religious despotism have seen for many a year. If the Methodists
had staid a few days longer, and gone around the wall i of that Jericho,
blowing the ' rams'-horns,' I do not know but that brazen super-
stition might have fallen in thunder and wreck, leaving many of the
elders desolate, with only ten or fifteen wives apiece. Might not the
Christian Church of all denominations learn a lesson from this re-
ligious crusade ? We want more men in the religious world with the
hold dash that Kilpatrick and Stonewall Jackson had in the military.
If the great West waits till churches can be organized, built, and paid
for, the majority of the present generation will perish. Oh for more big
tents ! A few poles and a big piece of canvas, and four or five
Christians on fire with zeal, have proved themselves able to shake
Brigham's Tabernacle, that cost one hundred and fifty thousand dol-
lars. He who is afraid of revivals had better die now before nations
are born in a day."

The above was the observation of the result of the taber-
nacle meeting in Salt Lake City, by one of the most enter-
prising and successful ministers of Christ in this generation
of great men.

It is evident from subsequent developments that Mormon-
ism has never recovered from the terrible bombardment it
received from I he batteries of the National Camp-meeting
Association. The authority and influence then lost by the
Mormon rulers, have never been regained, and never will be.
Great credit is due to Rev. G. M. Pierce, missionary, sta-
tioned at Salt Lake City at the time, for the ample arrange-

272

LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSKIP.

nients and provision made for holding the meeting. Mr.
Pierce spared no labor nor expense to make the meeting a
success. The beautiful church that now stands on the same
site where the tabernacle was pitched, owes its origin to the
enterprise and faithful labors of Mr. Pierce. Eternity only
will bring to light the near and remote influences for good
accomplished by that meeting held iu great Salt Lake City.
To God be all the glory of the victory won on that dark
battle-field !

Mr. Inskip and the whole company left the city on Mon-
day, June 20, resuming our homeward way across mountain
and desert, arriving at New York the following Saturday
morning ; having travelled over seven thousand miles, held
one hundred and fifty public meetings, resulting in the con-
version of hundreds of precious souls, and also in the full
salvation of hundreds more. No accident occurred during
the whole journey, and none of the company were sick even
for a day.

Thus ended one of the grandest religious campaigns,
never excelled since the days of the apostles, in earnest,
thorough preaching of the Gospel, and in present results,
and in its influence for good upon the churches of the
Pacific Coast for many years to come.

CHAPTER XX.

m LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

On the return of the evangelistic party from the Pacific
Coast, without turning aside to rest, they opened the Na-
tional Camp-meeting campaign for the season at

Pound Lake,

July 4. This meeting was quite equal to any of its prede-
cessors, in numbers and in spiritual influences. One writer
says : "Of the numbers converted and entirely sanctified,
we have no means of knowing. Of the first, there were a
great many, and of the latter, never so many at any former
meeting."

Mr. Inskip was in excellent physical condition, while his
spirit seemed tender and subdued. The people were urged
to be still that they might be strong. After a season of
great excitement, perhaps undue excitement, Mr. Inskip said :
" Don't quench the Spirit. The Spirit will be quenched
when we make too much noise. He will be very greatly
grieved. I know all about it. The best way to hold on, is
to hold in. You can very soon empty a vessel by letting it
run out. Your strength is to sit still. You will grieve the
Spirit by making too much noise, when others want to be
very solemn before God. I am learning to be more quiet.
I do not want my emotions to drive me. I do not want to
say ' amen ' too loud. Do you know what a gush, an unction,

273

274

LIFE OF JOHN 8. INSKIP.

is ? Oil, it flows so beautifully, like artesian wells, — it just
flows. I want you to help me to be still. There is a most
blessed pressure on me. I am still." Such utterances were
not uncommon at tbese great and exciting gatherings. They
always had the effect to humble the people, and thus lift
them up. One event transpired at this camp-meeting worthy
of note. Mr. Inskip had now been about four months in the
evangelistic work. During that time, he had received for
his services only enough to pay his travelling expenses.
The prospects for support for the future were not the most
flattering. For a little time, his faith staggered, especially
under a call from a wealthy church in the West, to become
its pastor. The letter containing the call reached him at
Round Lake. He was offered four thousand dollars salary.
A similar call was received through the same mail, by the
brother more intimately associated with him than any other
member of the Association. They conferred together on the
subject, and finally resolved to adhere to their purpose to
continue in the evangelistic work without reference to sup-
port. Before the meeting closed, they were pleasantly re-
warded for their fidelity to duty, in the supply of their
immediate wants, in a manner which we need not relate.

From Round Lake, Mr. Inskip and other members of the
Association proceeded to Urbana, Ohio. It was here that
he, by unnecessary exposure, laid the foundation for much
of his subsequent illness. The weather was oppressively
hot, and while assisting in the erection of the big tent, or
tabernacle, he received a slight sunstroke, which came near
proving fatal on the spot. But, through the mercy of God,
he so far recovered as to be able to take charge of the meet-
ing, and conduct it with his usual energy. Here, as else-
where, the Association cainu into unhappy conflict with the
local camp-meeting authorities, on the observance of the
Sabbath. It had first been advertised that the gates would

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

275

probably be closed on the Sabbath ; but, subsequently, with-
out conferring with the National committee, arrangements
had been made not only to have open gates, but to take toll
on the Lord's Day. On hearing of the arrangements, the
National Association at first protested against this desecra-
tion of the Sabbath. The local association were not dis-
posed to yield, but sought, by argument, to convert the
National Association to their views. They were kindly
informed that we were not there to be converted. It was
not until the National Association had informed the local
authorities, that, unless the arrangement was changed, they
should at once retire from the ground, and leave the meeting
to be run by the local association, that they yielded the
point. This point gained, God greatly blessed the meeting.

Mr. Inskip opened the services with $ most thrilling ad-
dress on the baptism of the Holy Ghost, inviting all who
needed it to come to the altar. The venerable Bishop
Morris, who was on the stand, and deeply interested in the
subject, arose, and as he was assisted down into the altar,
with deep emotion said, "I am going in for this thing."
Subsequently he said : u I came to this meeting hoping that
God Almighty would grant me a clean heart."

On Tuesday evening of the second week of the meeting,
one of those singularly impressive incidents occurred which
greatly moved all hearts. Mr. Inskip had made an address
of great power. A correspondent of a Cincinnati paper
made an attempt, with very imperfect success, to describe
the scene. He says : —

" At night we have an entirely new feature, so far as any one
knows thus far, — the people doing their own preaching. I cannot
describe it, but O, heavens and earth, what a sight ! What a mighty
heaving sea of emotion! What a new Jerusalem of melodious ihun-
derings! Inskip talked avery little, and made some suggestions about
testifying in the language of God's promises; when, from every quar-

276

LIFE OF JOHN 8. INSKIP.

ter of the audience, — consisting of at least six thousand, — short, ap-
posite scraps of Scripture language, came darting along, like the
bright, swift beams of the morning, blazing through the sky.

"At length the cries of thousands, bowed low upon their knees,
and trusting for full salvation, is hushed, and stillness prevails, while
the spiritual forces are massing and nerving themselves for the con-
flict, when they sing suitable hymns, accompanied by the chorus, —

" ' I am trusting, Lord, in Thee,
Dear Lamb of Calvary,' &c.

"!Now a few moments of silence; after which Inskip leads again
in singing, and speaks, between times, as follows, all still remaining
on their knees, —

" If Death should come on his pale horse, I would sing (all sing-
ing),—

"'lam trusting, Lord, in Thee,* &c.

" If Earth should reel, and be moved out of his place, I would still
sing (all singing), —

" • I am trusting, Lord, in Thee,' &c.

" And oh, if the sky should be parted, and the Great Judge should
come now, I still would sing (all singing), —

" ' I am trusting, Lord, in Thee,' &c.

" If I had gone up yonder, and found the gate of Heaven shut, I
would stand there knocking for admittance, and would sing as I
knocked (all singing), —

" 'I am trusting, Lord, in Thee,* &c.

" Oh ! if all the world were dark, and I had no light, I would soft-
ly sing until the light should come (all singing softly), —

" ' I am trusting, Lord, in Thee," &c.

" And oh, if darkest sorrow encompassed me round, and there was
no hope, I would still whisper and gently sing (all singing so very
softly),-

" ' I am trusting, Lord, in Thee,' &c.

"Then, pausing a moment, as if he could think of no adequate
form of expression, he said, lifting his voice like a deep thunder, and
rising as he began to utter it, and shouting as he proceeded, bringing
all the people to their feet to join him in the chorus by which he fol-
lowed it, he said : —

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

277

"And, O Lord my God! if I were as happy as I could be — and I
bless God, I am! — if I were full of Christ and Heaven, as I am now,
I would shout louder than the angels could sing (all singing as loud
as possible), —

" ' I am trusting, Lord, in Thee,' &c."

One who did not know Mr. Inskip, might regard this as
premeditated effort, to produce excitement. But those who
knew him best, and observed his movements for many years,
knew it to be purely spontaneous. His richest and most
eloquent utterances were entirely unpremeditated. And no
one who simply reads these incidents can form any just con-
ception of the effects produced at the time.

Of the Urbana National Ciinp-meeting, Bishop Morris,
who was there through all its services, said in a love-feast :
" There are a number of things for which I praise God. The
first is, that I have lived to see a National Camp-meeting in
Ohio. Second, that so many prayers have been offered for
me by name, as I need all the help I can get. Thirdly, that
Jesus is able to save to the uttermost, and I expect He will
give me what I need." " The final results of this camp-
meeting," he subsequently wrote, "will never be known
fully till the great day of reckoning."

From this camp-meeting sprang much of the interest on
the subject of holiness in Ohio and Indiana. Probably no
meeting was ever held in the West which so profoundly
moved and moulded the people.

No sooner had the Urbana Camp-meeting closed, than
Messrs. Inskip aud McDonald, by special invitation of the
Illinois State Camp-meeting Association, accompanied by
Bev. S. Coleman, proceeded to Williamsville, 111., to take
charge of the fetate Camp-meeting, held at that place. Here
they met strong opposition from those who opposed the
doctrine of holiness. But this was only for a season. The
conduct of the meeting commended itself so fully to the

278

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

good judgment of ministers and people, that at the close,
the ministers of the Illinois Conference drew up, and read
the following paper to a very large congregation : —

"We, members of the Illinois Annual Conference, feel it a great
privilege to say, that, having been in attendance upon the Illinois
State Camp-meeting, for the promotion of holiness, believe the meet-
ing to have been a great blessing, not only to us, but to the whole
community ; and that it has been conducted with earnest wisdom
and to the glory of God. We cordially recommend the brethren of
the National Committee — Bros. Inskip, McDonald and Coleman, —
as men every way calculated to spread scriptural holiness over the
land."

One writer says of this meeting: "The whole face of
things was changed. Everybody looked as if they had been
favored with a call from the Master, and that sweet had
been the interview."

The camp-meetings for 1871 having closed, it will be
proper to follow Mr. Inskip in his evangelistic work during
the fall and winter. This can only be done in the briefest
manner.

On the twenty-first of September, a tabernacle meeting
of great power and of far-reaching influence, was held in
the city of Indianapolis, Ind. Several members of the
National Association accompanied Mr. Inskip. It was at
this meeting that Hon. W. C. DePauw, of New Albany, was
led into the experience of full salvation, which he has ever
since declared to be, " a first-class luxury."

Rev. G. C. Smith, at the close of the meeting, presented
some resolutions, one of which we insert : —

"Resolved, That our gratitude and fervent praise are due to God
that this reforming agency has been permitted to visit the churches of
Indianapolis, with a success never before witnessed in this city, and
beyond even our most sanguine expectations."

The numbers converted and wholly sanctified were very
large.

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

279

The slight sun-stroke which Mr. Inskip received at Urbana
began to develop unfavorable symptoms. His extraordinary-
labors following that meeting, had a tendency to increase,
rather than diminish, the trouble. He was obliged to retire
to Ocean Grove for absolute rest. He was so far prostrated
that he was not in a condition even to attend the funeral
services of his old, and much-loved friend and associate,
Rev. Alfred Cookman, whose death made a profound impres-
sion upon his mind.

After resting for more than two months, he was persuaded
to make a trial of his strength in an attempt to hold a meet-
ing for the promotion of holiness in Bromfield Street Church,
Boston, commencing December 14. This meeting continued
ten days. The Bromfield Street Church was never more
densely packed than on that occasion, and as the Rev. Dr.
Patten remarked, "the like no one had ever witnessed before
in Boston." Mr. Inskip, for a portion of the time, was very
poorly ; so much so, that the writer urged him to desist
entirely, and not attempt to do any more. We will allow
Mr. Inskip to relate the circumstances in a letter to his
wife : —

"Boston, Mass., Dec. 11, 1871.
"My Precious Wife, — If I could see you this morning, how my
soul would rejoice. Tou will be amazed when I tell you I am cured.
God has done it. I can't give you all the particulars until we meet.
On Friday night, in preaching, I had a singular experience. In the
midst of my sermon, I was taken with a bewildering feeling, under
which I was near falling. This was followed by a numbness in my
limbs, which was rather like going to sleep. Some friends — among
the rest, Dr. Haven, of the Herald — noticed it. He said, as I have
since learned, to Brother McDonald : ! Inskip is about done. He is
drawing hard on his life.' Brother McDonald insisted that I ought
to take a trip to Europe. Dear man, he has been so kind ! On
Saturday it developed that the pastor of the church was strongly op-
posed to our movement. In a conversation with us, he told us he
wished to know when we would get through ; and the interview was

280

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

very unsatisfactory. This, added to the excitement of the meeting,
made a heavy draft on my brain. We took tea, by special invitation,
with Dr. Oullis. After tea, he said to me, ' Why don't you ask God
to cure you ? ' I assured him that I was doing this, and so were
hundrtds of my friends. He then read James v. 14, 15. I was struck
with the words, ' The Lord shall raise him up.' We knelt in prayer,
and I believed, and God fulfilled His promise. We had four services
yesterday, including the love-feast. They were of the most intense
character throughout the day ; yet I went through without difficulty.
This morning I am fresh and well. I give God all the glory. But oh,
if you were only here to share my joy ! You must have been praying
forme. Let us unite to ask God to cure you. He will do it."

He closes the letter with these words : —

" The Lord will cure you. ITe has healed me for an evangelist. I
think, of course, I must take care of myself, and propose to do so.
But, O my dear, loving, devoted wife, let us trust in God ! lie will
wondrously help and restore you. We will both of us be more His
than ever. I feci just as if I am a new man, — so filled with God and
salvation. Glory, glory, glory to the Lamb ! "

The change in Sir. Inskip's health seemed most remark-
able ; in fact, he seemed like a new man. He slept soundly,
and worked vigorously, and did not seem at all wearied or
broken. The meeting continued until Thursday, Mr. Inskip
going through with the services with entire freedom from
his head trouble. We make no comments on the matter,
but present it as it came under our own observation, and as
he has correctly reported it.

From Boston they proceeded to Springfield, Mass., where
in January, 1S72, they held a ten-days' meeting in the
Trinity M. E. Church, Kev. J. 0. Peck, pastor. "The
effort," writes Dr. Peck, "was a grand success. From one
hundred to two hundred experienced the blessing of entire
sanctification. No wild-fire or strange fire characterized the
meeting; yet the city and surrounding towns were greaily

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

281

moved ; and on Sabbath evenings, by no possibility could
the crowds that came be accommodated."

Messrs. Inskip and McDonald held meetings at Birming-
ham, Conn., and at Green St., New York City. Of this
latter meeting, the pastor, Rev. A. K. Sanford, wrote : " I
frequently hear from the oldest members of the church such
expressions as these: 'This is truly wonderful'; 'I never
witnessed such a work as this'; 'Such marvelous answers
to prayer ! ' "

During the year, Mr. Inskip and the writer travelled more
than twenty thousand miles, held about six hundred public
services, heard more than seven hundred ministers and three
thousand members profess that they had experienced the
blessing of full salvation, to which was added the conversion
of some twelve hundred souls.

The camp-meetings for 1872 were five in number : Oaks
Corners, N. Y. ; Sea Cliff, L. I. ; Kennebec, Me. ; Urbana, 0. ;
and Williamsville, 111.

The Oaks Corners meeting was the first. We were invited
to hold this meeting by the East Genesee Conference. It
was held too early in the season to accommodate the people ;
but it proved to be a meeting of deep and far-reaching influ-
ence. The National Association had a most desperate con-
flict with the local association, on the observance of the
Sabbath ; but they triumphed, and God gave them corres-
ponding victory. Rev. Mr. Hogoboom said at the close :
"You have represented this subject in such sweetness and
love, that I hope we may go home and live this before all
the people ; and in eternity I hope these brethren will un-
derstand that this Oaks Corners camp-meeting, which begun
in showers, and which had its shadows, was one of the most
successful, most glorious, the richest and sweetest, which
they ever attended."

The camp-meeting at Sea Cliff was not large, but it had

282

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

many excellences. It resembled so nearly those which, have
been described, that we need not rehearse its peculiar char-
acteristics. A reporter closes his account of the meeting
with these words : " Satan is poorer, far, and Christ and his
kingdom richer, for the meeting at Sea Cliff. To God the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be everlasting praise."

It should be said, that at Sea Cliff, Miss Sarah Smiley re-
ceived such a baptism of the Spirit as we trust she has not
forgotten. After she had preached from the public stand,
she and some friends were praying in a tent, for a special
baptism of the Holy Ghost. It came upon Miss Smiley in
overwhelming measure. From ten until twelve o'clock at
night, she was in a state of unconsciousness. When she
became conscious, she was remarkably happy. It was a
Pentecost to her.

The Richmond, Me., Camp-meeting, followed immediately
after Sea Cliff. For ten days the battle was waged with
remarkable success. The first service was held in the big
tabernacle. Mr. Inskip said, he had peculiar feelings, kneel-
ing under the canvas which had crossed the continent on its
grand mission, and prayed that "this joy of the earth,
pitched now among the hills of the Pine-tree State," might
witness a greater victory for God than ever before.

The sermons of Mr. Inskip, L. R. Dunn, A. McLean, C.
Munger, W. H. Boole, W. T. Harlow, J. B. Foote, W. B.
Osborn, and others, were clear and forcible presentations
of the doctrine and experience of perfect love. On the
third day of the meeting, an incident occurred which melted
all hearts. In a social meeting a minister arose and said:
" I owe the Lord something. I must tell of the power of
saving grace. A few weeks ago, I was sitting with my
family ; my son was away earning money to fit him for the
college. News came, ' your boy is drowned ; ' I felt the
Everlasting Arms were around me ; I was in the inner

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

283

sanctuary, where language is gone, but not thought. 1 was
praying without words, while the waves went over me. The
sorrow was then deep ; but these five weeks have been the
happiest I ever knew. Jesus holds me ; He saves me. He
did not take away my sorrow; but somehow, He put a
mighty happiness in with it. Satan said, ' You can't preach
now ! ' I can ! Glory to God ! I can tell of His power to
save ! "

As this brother was concluding his touching experience,,
Bros. Harlow and Foote, who had been chastened but re-
cently, in a similar manner, stepped forward, and taking
him by the hand, the three stood together holding each the
hand of the other. Bro. Harlow said : " Each of us has lost
a son, but we have been kept. While at General Confer-
ence, a letter was put into my hand announcing the death of
my eldest child on the Pacific Coast. I went to my room,
got down on my knees, and thanked God for such a son;
but gave him up. While the rod was applied, I said, 1 Smite,
Lord: it will do me good!' I know how to sympathize
with these brethren : we are on the roll of honor."

Bro. Foote said : " I know all about this in the depth and
in the triumph. My son was at Middletown. He was sick,
and we went there. When better, I left. He was a beauti-
ful boy ; converted at eight ; I thought he would be a minis-
ter. On my way home I intercepted a telegram to my
brother ; it said, ' Osmon is dead.' There was more, but I
could not see it. These words came to me sweetly, 'Jesus
will take care of you.' There was a sensation as though
my heart was breaking : Jesus will hold it together. Friend
said, 1 What will you do ' ? I said, there is a Rock beneath ;
it is .«olid. I rode all night. It was a wonderful night.
Ah ! the glory of that night of sorrow, but of holy peace !
The moon was shining. I said, ' Moon, why don't you put
on black ? Stars, why don't you weep ? Don't you know

284

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

niy boy is dead ? ' Then I said, ' No ; shine on ! my boy
shines brighter than you ; and I shall shine when you are
gone out."

All hearts were melted, and at the same time rilled with
joy at the wondrous grace of God.

More than fifty children were converted in the meeting
led by Mrs. Inskip, and many adults in the other services,
besides the very large numbers fully sanctified.

Mr. Inskip was greatly delighted with the spirit of the
Richmond Camp-meeting. It was his first visit to Maine,
and he often referred to it subsequently, as one of his most
pleasant visits.

Ukbajta.

From Richmond the committee hastened on to TJrbana,
Ohio, to repeat the effort of the former year. Many were
fearful lest this second meeting might fall below the first.
But it proved, in tbe end, to be vastly superior.

A thoughtful, deliberate brother, said he had looked well
over the field, und was fully persuaded that ten thousand
souls had been saved during the past year, as the direct result
of the first Urbana meeting. And yet it was admitted that
the second meeting was far its superior.

We never place any special reliance on numbers ; but it
was estimated, by careful men, who had taken pains to learn
the truth of what they declared, that not less than one
thousand were fully sanctified, and five hundred converted
at the second Urbana Camp-meeting.

Williamsville, 111., was the next battle-ground. Here the
congregations were not as large as at some other camp-meet-
ings held during the season ; but it is doubtful if we had,
up to that time, held a meeting which produced better re-
sults. Conversions were numerous, and sauctificatious
among ministers and people were more numerous. Bishop

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

285

Haven was with us, and preached a beautiful sermon on
" purity of heart."

From Williamsville, a number of the members of the
National Association moved on to Knoxville, Tenn., to hold
the Fourteenth National Camp-meeting. This was new
ground, and viewed from a human standpoint, not remark-
ably encouraging. We were kindly advised not to go to
Tennessee, — that we should be regarded as Northern in-
truders, and might be roughly treated. We paid no atten-
tion to these indirect threats — for such we regarded them ;
but went on to do our work, trusting in God to protect us.
We felt as safe in Tennessee as in Massachusetts. Contrary
to the expectations of many, the meeting was a marked
success. More than one hundred professed conversion, and
a large number of ministers and church members were
wholly sanctified.

We left East Tennessee with a thousand hearts urging
us to return. As we were waiting for the departure of the
cars, a prominent gentleman in the community, — an officer
in the late Confederate army, who had watched our move-
ments, having been greatly prejudiced against us, — mounted
a big log, and said : " Gentlemen, I want to say, that though
I had objections to your coming, I am more than pleased.
This work has done more to bridge the ' bloody chasm,'
than all the acts of Congress, conferences, and synods.
God bless you for coming, and be sure and come agaiu,
bringing as many more as possible ; provided, always, that
they are of the same sort." This was the general feeling
in regard to the results of the meeting. Hon. Horace
Maynard, who was often at the meeting, said to the writer,
that the meeting, in his judgment, had been of incalculable
benefit, in softening and dissipating the bitter feelings that
had existed among the people, growing out of the rebellion.

With Knoxville, closed the camp-meetings for 1872. It
had been a season of toil, but of remarkable victory.

286

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

After a little rest, Messrs. Inskip and McDonald com-
menced their united fall and winter campaign. They first
spent a week with Rev. L. R. Dunn, in Paterson, N. J.
The meeting, on the whole, was not a great success.

From Paterson they went to Union M. E. Church, Phila-
delphia, Dr. Alday, pastor. It is doubtful if Mr. Inskip
ever preached for ten days with greater freedom and power
Many were converted — more wholly sanctified.

Their next meeting was in Wesley Chapel, Washington
D. C, Rev. R. M. Black, pastor. Here God wrought a greal
work.

From Washington they went to New Albany, Ind., and
held a ten-days' meeting in the Centenary M. E. Church,
Rev. Mr. Binkly, pastor. This church — one of the largest
and most influential in the Indiana Conference — with 3
membership of some five hundred — presented the sa(?
spectacle, of a Christian church with at least one half oi
its members unconverted — never having made a profession
of regeneration. But we were told that this was a fail
representation of the churches in general. The meeting
searched hearts to the core. Besides the great numbers
who were fully sanctified, not less than two hundred and
fifty were converted, and they left the town in a blaze of
revival. Mr. DePauw says of this meeting, in a note to the
Christian Advocate: "Bros. Inskip and McDonald held
twenty-eight services. From the opening to the close, God's
presence, mighty to save, was manifested. The interest
was marvellous. The church was peopled with eager,
anxious, hungering listeners. Many ministers and hundreds
of laymen, sought, found, and entered into the ' higher life ; '
while hundreds sought and found pardon, and were glori-
ously saved. Hundreds of people came from Louisville,
Jeffersonville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and many parts of
Indiana and Kentucky. The work was deep, the couver-

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

287

sions the clearest, the sanctifications the most marked and
joyous, of any I ever saw or read of. Nothing I ever saw
equalled this meeting in volume and power ; indeed, if fully
reported, it would make a profound impression the world
over."

A correspondent, writing from New Albany, says :
" Messrs. Inskip and McDonald have concluded a series of
meetings here ; perhaps the most powerful, in their direct
results, of any religious efforts ever put forth in this part
of the West."

The meeting closed on Thursday night, and the next
morning the evangelists left for Cincinnati, stopping over
for half a day to hold a service in the spacious Walnut St.
M. E. Church South, in the city of Louisville, Ky., where
God revealed his power in the salvation of many souls. Of
this meeting, Mr. DePauw, who was present, writes : " Many
of the pastors and earnest laymen of the M. E. Church
South, from Louisville, came over, caught the fire, and went
home aflame for Jesus ; so much so that Bros. Inskip and
McDonald were pressed to go to Louisville to hold a series
of meetings there. Other engagements prevented ; but they
consented to and did hold a meeting at 10 a.m., in the Wal-
nut St. M. E. Church. At this meeting every preacher, and
most of the leading members of the M. E. Church South,
in Louisville, with a large audience, were present. At the
close of their presentation of the subject of holiness, nearly
the entire audience, including all the Methodist preachers,
stood up as seekers of the blessing. On Bro. Tuskip's in-
vitation, all the preachers and people, as long as there was
room, pressed forward and knelt down — earnestly and de-
voutly seeking the blessing. It was a grand and glorious
sight."

Reaching Cincinnati Friday night, they rested until Sun-
day morning, when they opened a ten-days' campaign in the

288

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

oYl Wesley Chapel. The church, though the largest Prot-
estant church building in the city, was old and remote from
the most thickly settled residence portions. It was feared
that the people could not be induced to attend. But not
many days had passed, e'er the holding capacity of tie
venerable chapel was tested to its utmost to accommodate
the crowds which flocked from all parts of the city and the
country around. No outside attraction could divert the
attention of the people from the church. Henry Ward
Beecher, and Rev. Mr. Punshon, lectured in the city during
the time, but on the nights when these most popular speakers
in America, lectured, Wesley Chapel seemed more densely
crowded than before. The Queen City was most profoundly
moved, and large numbers were saved.

The year 1873 was memorable in the annals of National
Camp-meetings. They were four in number, and widely
separated, — at Cedar Rapids, la. ; Landisville, Pa. ; Mounds-
ville, W. Va., and Knnxville, Tenn.

The local committee at Cedar Rapids, consisting of twenty-
two ministers and laymen, say in their report: " We rejoice
in the fact, that, through the lucid teachings, loving spirit,
and fervent prayers of these servants of God, scores of min-
isters who were ' groaning after perfection of love,' have
here received the grace that saves to the uttermost; that
many of our people likewise have been 'sanctified wholly';
and that more sinners have been already saved at this camp
meeting than is usual at camp-meetings which have aimed
only or chiefly at that result."

There were some incidents connected with the meeting at
Landisville which will ever make it memorable. On Friday
night, preparations had been made for a brother to preach,
and he was looking to God for direction. While on their
knees, pleading for light and power, some of the brethren
were profoundly impressed that preaching should be dis-

IN LABORS MO RE ABUNDANT.

289

pensed with. Mr. Inskip, entertaining this view, rushed to
the stand, shouting to the people as he went, " Come on !
Come on ! " He announced that there would be no preach-
ing. A special, Divine enduement was the need of the hour.
He asked for himself the prayers of the congregation, while
he went down into the straw. He was followed by the
members of the Association. It was an hour of indescrib-
able solemnity. There was no singing, no talking, except
to God. The people came in and around the altar, mingling
their prayers and tears with the leader's. After a long time
of silent waiting, but earnest pleading, Mr. Inskip requested
the people to quietly retire to their tents. All felt the
manifest presence of God. The influence of that service of
stillness with God, was more potent for good than almost
any other service of the meeting.

Another scene occurred, which was, in many respects, the
most thrilling we ever witnessed at a National Camp-meet-
ing. Mr. Joseph Barker, a converted infidel, gave a most
graphic account of his falling away from the faith of Christ,
and his recovery and salvation. While describing his pur-
pose and effort to examine anew the claims of Christianity,
to seek to ascertain the true nature and real value of the
teachings and spirit of its founder, his words very deeply
moved all hearts. But when he got a sight of Jesus of
Nazareth, that view, he said, " melted my soul, and my tears
moistened the book I was reading." He had no thought of
getting to Jesus, but as he looked upon Him, he appeared
"the chief among ten thousand, and the one altogether
lovely." " Then," said he, " He reached out His hands and
took bold of me, and I took hold of Him. In the grapple
for life, he saved me."

The people listened to this narration of experience with
almost breathless interest, and with hearts well nigh to
bursting with emotion. No sooner had Mr. Barker closed,

290

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

than Mr. Inskip, full of excitement, arose and said: " ' All
hail the power of Jesus' name ! ' Sing ! " The vast audi-
ence sprang to their feet, and sang, it seemed, as never be-
fore. The first verse was followed by the second • —

" Let every kindred, every tribe," etc.

This done, he said : " What might appear extravagant at
ordinary times, becomes proper at others." He, for once,
appreciated the wish of the poet, expressed in the verse of
the hymn, —

" O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise! " etc.

The congregation almost took the words from his lips,
and such a volume of song as burst forth from that enrap-
tured throng has seldom been heard on earth. " It was,"
says one who was present, " rapture — bliss — heaven, — a joy
unspeakable and full of glory." Eev. Dr. F. Hodgson, who
had been present from the beginning of the meeting, as an
earnest seeker of entire sanctification, could not longer con-
tain himself, so deep were his emotions. With a face all
aglow, he leaped to the front of the stand, shouting at the
top of his voice : " Shout! Shout ! this is the time for hal-
lelujahs/ What are hallelujahs for, if not for an occasion
like this ! " His attitude, voice, and expression of counte-
nance, all combined to greatly intensify the already almost
uncontrollable excitement of the people. They shouted, they
wept, they laughed with joy ; while Messrs. Inskip, Hodg-
son, and Barker were in each other's embrace, in joyful ex-
ultation over the glory of the Lamb slain to redeem us to
God with His own blood, which cleanses us from all un-
righteousness.

Landisville was the birth-place of hundreds of souls, and
a fountain of cleansing for many more.

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

291

No sooner had the final benediction been pronounced, than
Mr. Inskip and other members of the National Association
were on their way to

MOUNDSVILLE, WEST Va.,

where they arrived safely Thursday, Aug. 21. Here they <-
had days of conflict, and days of power and victory. The
watchword of Mr. Inskip was : " This camp must be taken
for Jesus." And there were days when the whole camp
seemed prostrated, and only groans and prayers were heard,
to be followed by men and women being smitten, as they
walked, and stood, and listened. The work at Moundsville
was deep and far-reaching. Many then saved, stand fast in
the liberty to this day.

After ten days of toil and conquest at Moundsville, a
company of the Association, headed by Mr. Inskip, started
for Knoxville, Tenn., to repeat the efforts of the previous
year. They were there ten days, and the impression made,
and the fruit gathered, were such as might gladden the heart
of any Christian. Here we had the presence and labors of
Bishop Gilbert Haven. Had we space, we should be glad
to present a few pictures of character and experience as
they were developed at that meeting.

Near the close of a deeply-interesting altar service, where
many hearts had found the rest of faith, and joy of perfect
love, one of those touching incidents occurred which melted
all hearts. Mr. Inskip said : " I'm getting tired. Let us be
quiet ; let us think a little and rest. And I'll tell you what
to think about, if you will sit down and be quiet." He
seated himself on the steps of the platform, and there was
quiet all around. He continued : " I will tell you what to
think about. It is this : ' Though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be white as snow.' Did you hear it ? I'll repeat
it — think of it : ' Though your sins be as scarlet, they shal i

292

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

be white as snow.' Let us sit down by the way-side now
and rest. Jesus said to his disciples, ' Turn aside a while
and rest.' We are dispensing with all struggling and
anxiety, and just trusting. Trusting is the easiest thing in
the world. When I get quiet in this way, if I think of the
Lord corning along and asking, ' What do ye here?' I in-
voluntarily say, ' I am trusting, Lord, in Thee.' If Jesus
should stand on that platform, asking, ' Child, what do ye
here ? ' I should say, ' I've got by all the struggling : I am
just sitting by the way -side, trusting.' The stream is run-
ning this way. Just let it gush. I know this shady place.
I've been here before. Just open your eyes and see. The
stream is flowing by. Put your pitcher in and drink."

No one can adequately describe the effects of these sim-
ple utterances. They appeared at the time as unaffected
and artless as a child's ; as, indeed, they were.

With Knoxville, closed the camp-meetings of 1873.

The evangelistic work of the season almost immediately
commenced. In less than one month, the " big tent" was
pitched on " Belair Lot," Baltimore, near the mouth of hell,
where " Satan's seat is." And here, for ten days, a most
earnest and persistent war was waged against sin and Satan.
The victory was complete. It was estimated by the presid-
ing elder of the district, that more than four hundred souls
were converted, and a still larger number wholly sanctified.

On Sunday night a pouring rain fell upon the tent, and
late in the night a mighty wind smote "its four corners," as
it did the house of Job, and the great tent, which had gone
from ocean to ocean, fell a shapeless wreck. The meeting
was removed to Exeter-street Church, where it was continued
for two days, and closed.

The good people of the " Monumental City " contributed
enough to procure a new tent, which was greatly needed, as
the old one was nearly used up.

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

293

On the thirtieth of October, Messrs. Inskip and McDonald
commenced a profitable service in the Union M. E. Church,
Charlestown, Mass., Rev. C. L. Eastman, pastor.

Leaving his associate to conduct meetings at Norwich,
Ct., and Lawrence, Mass., Mr. Inskip and his wife at the
same time, held a ten-days' meeting in Dr. Levy's Church
(Baptist), in West Philadelphia, where God wrought won-
ders in converting and sanctifying the people. " Never, for
a generation," writes Dr. Levy, " will this meeting be for-
gotten."

After concluding the work in Philadelphia, they spent a
week in Reading, Penn., holding meetings in the Ebenezer
M. E. Church.

Dec. 7, the evangelists met again, in Boston, where they
had engaged to hold a ten-days' meeting, in Grace M. E.
Church, Rev. J. W. Hamilton, pastor. The church was
packed nightly almost to suffocation, and the meeting was
pronounced one of the best ever held in the city. While
at Grace Church, they received an urgent invitation from
Tremont-street M. E. Church, Boston, Rev. Dr. Townsend,
pastor, to hold a series of meetings there. This they con-
sented to do. It proved to be such a meeting as Tremont-
street Church never before enjoyed, but greatly needed. It
is doubtful, if ever Mr. Inskip preached better, under the
circumstances, than he did there.

From Boston, they proceeded to Columbus, Ohio. Here
they held a series of meetings in the Town St. M. E.
Church, and Wesley Chapel, — Dr. Trimble, pastor of the
former, and Rev. S. A. Keen, of the latter. Mr. Keen, in
a note to the Western Christian Advocate, says : " The
capital has been visited with a Pentecost. The meeting
held here by Brothers Inskip and McDonald, has been one
of marvellous power. It closed on Tuesday evening, with
more than one hundred at the altar seeking full salvation."

294

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

In reply to an article written by Prof J. P. Lacroix,
criticising the meeting at Columbus, Mr, Keen says : " What
the professor calls the ' cockle,' is the finest of the wheat.
I find in the wake of the meeting, a quickened and em-
powered church ; altars crowded with penitents, conversions
by the score, and the most profound religious impression
upon the mind of the city that has been known for years.
I think the results vindicate the men, the metnods, and the
meeting, as of God, and chosen of the Holy Spirit.
Through the blessing of God, these brethren have be-
queathed to our Methodism here, power, freedom, salvation.
The wheat is good and golden."

At the close of the meeting in Columbus, Messrs. Inskip
and McDonald hastened on to Cincinnati, where they had
engaged to hold a ten-days' meeting in Wesley Chapel, where
one hundred and fifty, at least, experienced perfect love.

From Cincinnati, they returned to New York City, where
they conducted meetings at Thirty-fourth St. M. E. Church,
Rev. J. E. Cookman, pastor, and Seventeenth St., Rev. W.
H. Poole, pastor.

Though Mr. Inskip's health, at the beginning of the year,
was regarded as extremely precarious, — many insisting
that he should desist from all public efforts, aud seek quiet,
for at least one year, — yet he was able to conduct four
National Camp-meetings, one tabernacle meeting in Balti-
more, and, with his associate, hold twelve meetings in as
many different churches, beside travelling some fifteen
thousand miles. The year was one of unusual results.

A new tabernacle had been built to take the place of the
old one which had been destroyed in Baltimore. As the
Baltimore friends had contributed to this end, they claimed,
and justly, too, that the new tabernacle should be erected
and dedicated on the spot were the old one fell. This was
agreed to, and May 27, 1874, was the time fixed for the

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

295

dedication. The meeting which followed the dedication,
continued nine days, and in all respects, exceeded that of
the former year. Sunday was a great day for Baltimore.
Mr. Inskip preached in the forenoon a clear and convincing
sermon on the subject of entire sanctification. At 3
o'clock, p. M., the writer preached. The sermon was followed
by an exhortation from Mr. Inskip, which, in overwhelm-
ing power, was seldom, if ever, equalled by him. Whites
and colored, for a time, gave way to feelings which could
not be controlled. They shouted, they wept, they clapped
their hands, and many leaped like David before the ark of
the Lord. It seemed, for a time, that the congregation was
beyond the control of the speaker — that he had raised a
tempest he could not calm. But in a few moments all was
comparatively quiet. Nearly the entire congregation, num-
bering thousands, arose, either as seekers of pardon or
purity. It was remarked by many, that no such meeting
was ever held in that part of the country.

The National Camp-meetings for 1874, were held at
Sterling, Mass., Old Orchard, Me., and Joliet, 111.

A', Sterling they nearly lost the new tabernacle in a
storm. The meeting was blest to the salvation of many.
The Old Orchard meeting was a marked success ; and the
Joliet meeting was a season of spiritual refreshing.

September 19, Mr. Inskip and his associate commenced a
meeting in the "Academy of Music," Providence, B,. I.
Here, for some ten days, the work of God was pressed, with
very encouraging results.

From Providence they went to Pawtucket where they
spent a few days profitably in the Baptist Church.

Leaving Pawtucket, they proceeded to Washington, D. G,
where they held a tabernacle meeting, commencing Oct. 25.
Here they had, for a day or two, the valuable services of
Bishop Peck. So deeply interested were the people in the

296

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

meeting, that they insisted that the tabernacle should be
stored there, in order that another meeting might be held
on the same spot in the early spring.

From Washington they returned to South Boston — Broad-
way M. E. Church, Rev. W. F. Mallalieu, pastor. They were
received cordially by pastor and people, and a good work
was done for the church.

Leaving South Boston, their next place of labor was St.
Louis. Here they held a meeting for ten days in the Union
M. E. Church, Rev. C. A. VanAnda, pastor. The meeting
was opened Sunday, Nov. 29. Though much good was ac-
complished, the meeting, on the whole, was not all that was
expected and desired. Many regarded it as a great success.
Good seed was sown, much prejudice was removed, and a
goodly number were converted and fully sanctified.

Their next meeting was held in Jacksonville, 111. The
First Presbyterian Church, being the largest in town, was
kindly placed at the disposal of the evangelists; but the
heating arrangement failing, they were obliged to remove to
the Centenary M. E. Church. Here God greatly blessed
their labors.

Mr. and Mrs. Inskip, at the close of the Jacksonville
meeting, conducted services for a few days, — including one
Sabbath, — in the M. E. Church in Lincoln, 111., with encour-
aging results. Their next field of labor was

Hamilton, Canada.

Messrs. Inskip and McDonald had been cordially invited
by the pastors of Hamilton, Brantford, Toronto, and Mon-
treal, to hold meetings for the promotion of holiness in the
Methodist churches in these cities and towns. The first
meeting, in Centenary Church, Hamilton, Rev. Hugh John-
ston, pastor, commenced Sunday, Jan. 10, 1875. The
weather was extremely cold, but the people thronged the

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

297

church. In the evening of that first day, it was estimated
that not less than two thousand persons were in attendance.
The meeting continued thirteen days, including two Sab-
baths, and they were days of power. Mr. Johnston informed
the writer, on the last night of the meeting, that not less
than four hundred had been converted, with at least one
hundred penitents at the altar at the last service. Among
those converted, were from fifty to sixty of the students
from the Female College in town. Some fifty students from
the Male Collegiate Institute of Dundas, were present, most
of whom were at the altar as seekers of pardon ; and many
of them professed conversion. The number of souls fully
sanctified during the meeting, we have no means of knowing.

Messrs. Inskip and McDonald spent four days, including
one Sabbath, in Brantford, while Mrs. Inskip remained in
Hamilton, to press the battle. Their services in Brantford
were divided between the two Methodist churches of the
town. Though the weather was cold and stormy, the attend-
ance was good, and many, we trust, found the Lord.

They next proceeded to Toronto, where they held union
services in the Metropolitan, Berkeley St., Richmond' St.,
and Elm St. Methodist churches. Rev. John Potts, pastor
of the Metropolitan Church, received tbem with a cordiality
which was refreshing. Rev. Mr. Jeffery, of Richmond St.,
Rev. Mr. Shaw, superintendent of the circuit, aod pastor of
Berkeley St., and Rev. Mr. Hunter, of El a St., were not
behind in their hearty co-operation. They were one week in
each church. The congregations were exceptionally large.
The Metropolitan, capable of accommodating from twenty-
five hundred to three thousand persons, was packed with a
company of as earnest seekers of God as they had ever
found. On the last night of the meeting in that church,
not less than one thousand persons presented themselves as
seekers of pardon and purity. It was a night never to be

298

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

forgotten. It was the cause of great regret that Mrs Inskip
was so disabled by a severe cold that she could not conduct
the usual services, in which she had always been so success-
ful. On account of Mrs. Inskip's health and the severity of
the weather, they were not able to respond to the invitation
from Montreal, which they greatly regretted.

The work for 1875 opened with a tabernacle meeting in
Washington, D. C. Mr. Inskip, notwithstanding his ex-
haustive labors during the winter, looked as vigorous and
ready for work as ever. Dr. Newman, pastor of the Metro-
politan M. E. Church, gave them his most hearty support,
and at the close of the tabernacle meeting, cordially invited
Mr. Inskip and his associates to hold similar services in his
church, an invitation which they accepted, and continued
their meetings there for five days.

The National Camp-meetings for 1875, were four in num-
ber, — Fern wood, Pa., Urbana, O., Old Orchard, Me., and
Wesley Grove, near Newburgh, N. Y. We pass these meet-
ings with the remark that Fornwood was a new ground ;
indeed, intended for nothing more than a temporary meet-
ing. But the meeting was all that could have been expected,
under the circumstances. Of the practical and immediate
results of the Urbana meeting, as a whole, a correspondent
says: "It is almost an impossibility to write in commensur-
ate terms. It was a time of the marvelous outpouring of
God's Spirit upon his servants and upon his handmaids,
according to the blessed promise set before the people in
the opening sermon of Bro. Inskip." The meeting at Old
Orchard, was in all respects superior to the one previously
held there, which is sayiug much in its favor. Wesley
Grove was reported as equal to any held during the season.

During the fall and early winter, Messrs. Inskip and
McDonald, aided by Rev. J. E. Searles, held a very success-
ful meeting in Trenton, N. J. Bev. M. Walton, the pastor
of the church, pronounced it a glorious success.

CHAPTER XXx.

THE EDITOR AND EVANGELIST.

At the annual meeting of the Publishing Association, in
November, 1875, it was made clear to all that the publishing
interests of the Association, were becoming greatly em-
barrassed, and that unless some method of retrenchment
was adopted, utter failure was in the near future. To com-
pass this end, in part, and relieve a little friction at some
points, the editor of the Advocate of Holiness resigned his
position for the purpose of electing Rev. G. Hughes to fill
the place. Mr. Hughes had served as associate editor of
the Christian Standard and Home Journal, of which Rev.
A. Lowrey, D. D., was editor. This change gave the editor
of the Advocate of Holiness an opportunity, which he had
long desired, of devoting himself exclusively to evangelistic
work. Dr. Lowrey was elected editor of the Christian
Standard. As Mr. Hughes' entire services would not be
needed on the Advocate, he was appointed as Dr. Lowrey's
assistant on the Christian Standard. This arrangement
reduced the expenses to the amount of the salary of one
editor, and was understood to be satisfactory to all parties.
But very soon after the adjournment of the meeting, Mr.
Hughes declined to serve Dr. Lowrey as an assistant, accord-
ing to the arrangement at the annual meeting, and Dr. Low-
ray demanded that an assistant be furnished, as he had a
right to do.

While these matters were becoming more and more unset-

299

300

LIFE OF JOnX S. IXSKIP.

tied, the business of the Association was becoming alarm-
ingly involved, until it was admitted that it was on the verge
of bankruptcy. The stock was regarded as utterly worth-
less. Dr. Lowrey was still urging that an assistant be fur-
nished him, to which he was justly entitled, and Mr. Hughes,
who had been appointed as his assistant, declined, claiming
that his whole time was needed on the Advocate.

A meeting of the directors was called to consider the sit-
uation, and not having a quorum, adjourned. Another
meeting was called, as the peril was becoming imminent.
The directors came together, but what to do, no one seemed
to know. Dr. Lowrey had seated that the concern could not
hold out more than thirty days, and that he was ready to
resign, or do anything which the members judged proper.
Eev. E. I. D. Pepper remarked that, as it would not appear
courteous to ask either one of the editors to resign, he would
suggest that they both do so voluntarily. Whereupon
both Dr. Lowrey and Mr. Hughes voluntarily resigned. But
what was to be done now, was the question.

Hon. W. C. DePauw, president of the Publishing Asso-
ciation, had written to Mr. Inskip, asking him to consent to
take the management of the business. The brethren, learn-
ing Mr. DePauw's wishes, and receiving from Mr. Inskip an
intimation that, under the circumstances, he would consent
to do so, proceeded at once to elect him editor of the Chris-
tian Standard, and then editor of the Advocate of Holiness,
— Mr. Hughes casting his vote for the chauge. At a sub-
sequent meeting, he was elected business agent, — thus im-
posing upon him the labor which three men had found it
difficult to perform, and he partially broken in health. Mr.
Inskip proved himself master of the situation. He made
his " salutatory " in the Standard January 29, 1876, and in
the Advocate March of the same year. He held the position
of editor of the Christian Standard from that time to the
time of his death.

THE EDITOR AND EVANGELIST.

301

We make these explanations with no intention of reflect-
ing upon any one. But it is due the character of the dead
that we should state how he came to the position of editor
and agent of the National Publishing Association. It was
a question of the success or failure of the National Pub-
lishing Association — a question of life or death.

In a private note to his wife, he says : —

"My Dearest Wife, — In the midst of the novelties of my new
position, I sit clown to drop you a line. All my brethren insist I am
where I should be, and that it is the assurance of success and pros-
perity. I atn glad that no one can suspect me of any kind of improper
motive or management in the affair. Praise the Lord for that! But
God is in it, and all the brethren seem to approve and rejoice."

When Mr. Inskip took charge of the business, as we have
intimated, it could not have been in a worse condition.
There was a debt of thirty thousand dollars on the real es-
tate, and some twelve thousand dollars or more of floating
debts, and the concern running behind every month in its
current expenses. It required nerve and skill to pilot the
craft safely through such threatening breakers. For a time,
Mr. Inskip did not know what the outcome would be ; but
he addressed himself energetically to the task, and nobly
did he succeed. At his death, all the floating debts of the
concern had been paid, and the mortgage on the real estate
had been reduced some ten thousand dollars, leaving the
stock of the company at well nigh its par value.

Some brethren, whom we must believe were sincere, re-
garded themselves as misused, by being suddenly removed.
But had not the change come when and as it did, the whole
business would have been wrecked, and reproach would
have rested upon all. The day of eternity will reveal that
John S. Inskip, and all who were intimately associated with
him, did what they honestly believed was for the glory of

302

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

God, with " malice towards none." And the results have
proved that they wrought wisely.

This change took Mr. Inskip, to some extent, out of the
evangelistic field. Except in a few instances, he confined
his outside labors mainly to National Camp-meetings.

During the year 1876, in addition to editing the Christian
Standard, and acting as business agent of the National
Publishing Association, Mr. Inskip found time to attend
four National Camp-meetings; viz., Wisconsin, near Mil-
waukee ; Shelter Island, N. Y. ; Wesleyan Grove, N. Y.,
and Old Orchard, Me.

The first-named meeting was not a remarkable success,
though many were greatly helped. The second was not
largely attended, being somewhat aside from the people;
but it was a most excellent meeting. The third was, in all
respects, a first-class meeting, and will long be remembered
as a Bethel to many souls. The fourth, Old Orchard, was
equal to any of its predecessors, which is saying much for
its spirit and fruitage.

Mr. Inskip continued to edit the Advocate of Holiness for
about five months ; when, finding it a tax upon his energies
which he could not sustain, requested the writer to assume
the editorial management of the same. He did so, and has
retained the position up to this time.

The National Camp-meetings for 1877, were held at Clear
Lake, la. ; Chester Heights, Pa., and Framingham, Mass.
In attending the Clear Lake Camp-meeting, Mr. Inskip was
accompanied by Revs. John Thompson, John A. Woud, and
the writer. To avoid Sunday travel, they spent the Sabbath
at Harrisburg, preaching in the several Methodist Churches.
At Chicago, Messrs. Inskip and Thompson went to Doty's
Island, Wis., to attend a State Camp-meeting, while Mr.
Wood and the writer continued on to Red Rock, Minn., to
attend a State Camp-meeting held there. They met, how-

THE EDITOR AND EVANGELIST.

303

ever, at Clear Lake, July 10, to commence the first National
for the season. It was a remarkable gathering. The tide
of spiritual interest rose higher and higher with each suc-
ceeding day of the meeting, until every barrier was swept
away, and the place seemed flooded with salvation. One
writer says : " Not an opposing voice was heard ; not an
act performed which evidenced a disposition to antagonize
the doctrine or experience, except in a single instance, and
that proved to be more in appearance than in heart. More
persons, including ministers and people, entered into the
experience of perfect love, than we have ever known, with
the same attendance, at any National Camp-meeting yet
held. Scarcely a person remained who was not either en-
joying or earnestly seeking the blessing of heart purity."

Chester Heights Camp-meeting came at an unfavorable
time. It was in the midst of that fearful national railroad
" strike," when all safe railroad travel was suspended, and
life was everywhere in great peril. Many who had engaged
tents, countermanded their orders, and remained a1-- home ;
and the public mind was in a state of great excitement, not
knowing what a day would bring forth.

Notwithstanding these serious drawbacks, the meeting
commenced on time, and grew in spiritual interest to the
end, and so far as could be learned, there was universal sat-
isfaction expressed with its conduct and spirit.

The meeting at South Framingham, Mass., which was the
last for the season, was fairly attended, highly spiritual, and
fruitful in results.

During the months of November and December, Mr. In-
skip took charge of two holiness conventions which met,
the first in Cincinnati, Nov. 27, and the second in New York
Dec. 11. These conventions were well attended, and very
profitable to many.

The summer campaign of 1878 included a tabernacle

304

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

meeting at Putnam, Conn. ; a National Camp-meeting at Clear
Lake, Iowa ; a second at New Castle, Pa., and a third at
Epping, N. H. Mr. Inskip took charge of the tabernacle
meeting at Putnam, Conn., assisted by Messrs. J. A. Wood,
A. McLean, J. B. Foote, and the writer. This meeting was
managed, financially, by Deacon G. M. Morse, and was in
all respects a success. Never was Putnam so profoundly
moved. Such was the interest towards the close, that it was
with difficulty that the services could be arrested. They
continued on until 12 o'clock at night.

On their way to Clear Lake, Mr. Inskip and Rev. J. A.
Wood spent a few days at Doty's Island Camp-meeting,
then came on to Clear Lake, where the first National Camp-
meeting for the season commenced July 10. With the ex-
ception of Oakiugton, we never suffered as much from tlie
heat as at Clear Lake. There was little or no let-up from
the beginning to the end. The attendance was very large,
some coming in wagons a distance of two hundred miles.
One man walked a distance of one hundred miles, not being
able to pay railroad fare. The spirit of holiness spread
with unexampled power. Everybody seemed delighted with
the spirit of the meeting. Bishop Peck, who was with us,
expressed very great satisfaction with what he saw, heard,
and enjoyed.

From Clear Lake we returned to

New Castle, Pa.,

where the second National for the season was to be held.
The meeting opened in the usual manner. The people came
out at first to see and hear, much as they would have at-
tended a menagerie, — they gazed, and smiled, and went
away more amused than impressed. Then they listened
and wondered, and retired to discuss and dispute, until the
city seemed stirred with excitement. Finally, a new and

IN LABORS MORE ABUNDANT.

305

blessed truth flashed upon them ; viz., that the blood of
Jesus Christ could cleanse from all sin, and that it was their
privilege to be cleansed. Never was deep-seated prejudice
so generally removed. The people submitted to Christ, and
many of them were abundantly saved.

Mr. Inskip, wife, and the writer, had received an invita-
tion to attend the Ohio State Camp-meeting, held at Mans-
field, 0., July 29, to which they cordially responded. After
spending a few pleasant, but exceedingly laborious days,
there, they made their way to

Epping, N. H.

This meeting was held between the Sabbaths, commencing
Monday, Aug. 29, at noon. But as none of the National
Association could reach the place so early on Monday, con-
sequently the first service was conducted by brethren of the
local association. The crowd, on certain days, at this meet-
ing, was immense. No ordinary voice could reach them, —
not even Mr. Inskip's. The meeting, on the whole, was not
what it ought to have been, nor what it might have been
had longer time been given to it.

For the year 1879, it was resolved by the National Associ-
ation to hold seven camp-meetings. Mr. Inskip attended all
except Douglas, Mass. Messrs. Inskip, McLean, Simmons,
and the writer, left Philadelphia June 15, for Bismarck
Grove, near Lawrence, Kansas, where the first National for
the season was to be held. They spent the Sabbath with
Hon. W. C. DePauw, New Albany, Ind. Here they joined
Dr. G. D. Watson, pastor of Centenary M. E. Church, who
accompanied them to Kansas. After a pleasant Sabbath's
worship in the churches of New Albany, early Monday
morning they were away for the farther West. Reaching
St. Louis at 8 p. m., they were in time to take the night

306

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

train for Kansas City, where they arrived about noon the
next day, and at Lawrence a little later in the day.

The meeting was not above the usual type. There were
about twenty ministers, and not less than two hundred
members, fully sanctified, with some fifty conversions, and a
" Southwestern Holiness Association " organized.

Dr. Watson and Mr. Simmons returned home at the close
of the Bismarck Grove Caaip-meeting, wbile Mr. Inskip
and the writer went on to Bennett, Neb., to attend the
National Camp-meeting commenced there July 9. It opened
with a stirring sermon from Mr. Inskip, who seemed to be
in the best of spirits all through the services. The meeting
continued seven days, Mr. Inskip and the writer preaching
five sermons each.

From Lincoln they returned eastward. Messrs. Inskip and
Henderson going to Sewickley, Pa., to attend the Fortieth
National, while the writer hastened homeward to attend the
Forty-first at Douglass, Mass.

These meetings concluded, the brethren met at Summit
Grove, Md. This was a hard-fought field, and a marked
victory was achieved. Up to Friday night, there was not
much success, but on that night Divine power fell on the
people, and they fell before the Lord. For an hour or more
the famous Monday night at Manheim was repeated. Large
numbers were converted and wholly sanctified, and on to the
close the work was glorious.

The meeting concluded Monday night, at about 10 o'clock,
and at 10.30 Mr. Inskip and the writer took the cars for
Urbana, 0., to attend the Forty-third National Camp-meet-
ing, Aug. 13. The crowd at Urbana was immense, the order
good, the spiritual results most encouraging.

The meeting did not close until Thursday night, but Mr.
Inskip and the writer were obliged to leave on Wednesday
night, to assist Messrs. Wood and Jones, who were pushing

THE EDITOR AND EVANGELIST.

307

the battle at the Forty-fourth National at New Castle, Pa.,
leaving Dr. VanAnda and others to take charge of the
meeting at Urbana. Fifteen hours of riding and waiting,
brought thern to New Castle, where they found Bros. Wood
and Jones making a successful fight with sin and Satan. Mr.
Inskip and his associate were nearly exhausted, but they
did their best to push the battle. The meeting was a grand
moral triumph. It closed Monday morning, and the com-
pany immediately left for home.

With New Castle, closed our National Camp-meetings for
the season. All must see that the strain upon Mr. Inskip
must have been immense. Still, after a little rest, he seemed
ready again for work.

In the winter, Mr. and Mrs. Inskip went South, and did
effective service in Spartansburg and Charleston, S. C,
Augusta and Savannah, Ga., and Richmond, Va. The
writer spent two weeks with him in Charleston, and wit-
nessed a most remarkable work of grace.

This brings us up to the last National Camp-meeting be-
fore leaving for India, and that will be considered in the
next chapter.

We have thus followed Mr. Inskip through his camp-meet-
ing and evangelistic labors, in part. Much of it we are
obliged to omit for want of space. The history of the
National Camp-meetings, properly written, and by one who
has observed them, would be one of the most inspiring
volumes of the times. Mr. Inskip, through these great
National gatherings, has made his impress upon the age, and
he must go down to posterity as one of God's special agents in
spreading Scriptural holiness over all lands ; and as one of
the most remarkable religious leaders of the age.

CHAPTER XXII.

abound the world.
England.

It was reserved for the members of the National Camp-
meeting Association to plan, and carry into execution, an
evangelistic tour around the world. A Macedonian call had
come, once and again, from England, Ireland, and other
points, to come over and help them. But the way did not
seem to open, nor had the time arrived.

Rev. W. B. Osborn, presiding elder of the Bombay Dis-
trict, South India Conference, became impressed that Mr. In-
skip and some of the members of the National Association,
should visit India. In a letter, dated March 1, 1879, ad-
dressed to Mr. Inskip, and published in the Christian Stand-
ard and Home Journal, April 26, Mr. Osborn says : " The
special object of this letter is to propose an ' Around-the-
world evangelistic tour with the tabernacle.' Start in the
spring and come to England ; spend the summer and early
autumn in Great Britain ; then to India, crossing the con-
tinent of Europe, holding a meeting at Rome and perhaps
at other points. On reaching Alexandria, take a run of two
or three weeks to Jerusalem, and a few other poiDts of
greatest interest in Palestine ; return to Alexandria and
down the Red Sea, and so on to Bombay ; and after a ten-
days' campaign, then by railroad to the Northwest, where a

808

AROUND THE WORLD.

309

meeting would accommodate our North India brethren, as
well as those of our Conference in that part of the country,
say at Lucknow or Allahabad. Then to Calcutta, where we
have a regular Sunday-evening congregation of from ten to
twelve hundred, in Dr. Thoburn's church. From Calcutta
to Madras, another of the largest cities of India; from
Madras to Australia, and after that, across the Pacific to our
old battle-ground in the Golden State ; then after a spring
campaign, across the mountains and the desert in time for
the usual summer work in the States, stopping, of course,
at Salt Lake City to give the 'twin relic of barbarism'
another blow.

" Now is not this a good programme for the year 1880 ?
Pray over it and see if God does not sanction this advanced
movement. I believe it would accomplish far more for God
and the salvation of men, than you and those who might
accompany you, could accomplish in any other way. Your
coming would be hailed with pleasure. . . . God bless you
and lead you to a right decision."

This was the first call to India and around the world, for
the express purpose of spreading Scriptural holiness.

Nearly a month later, Bro. Inskip, in an editorial in the
Christian Standard, said : " Some people who read the sug-
gestion of our good brother Osborn, in regard to an evan-
gelistic trip around the globe, will probably deem it a wild,
dreamy idea. But it is not the first instance in which this
enthusiast has been in advance of the times and people
about him. Some persons are now reaping the benefit of
his far-reaching sagacity at Ocean Grove, who in the early
stage of its history, deemed it the most quixotic scheme
ever undertaken. They are likely to look upon this with
the same kind of feeling. Still, we would advise them not
to be in too much haste to express their dissent. The taber-
nacle is ready, several persons are now preparing matters

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LIFE OF JOHN S. WSKIP.

with reference to this movement. . . . The writer can see far
enough ahead to say to his old friend, the Lord willing, we
are coming ! We may expect to be ridiculed, and the whole
plan be deemed the product of a wild imagination. But
persons on the route, who read this, may begin to look out
for a place where the tabernacle can be pitched, and the
1 one-idea band' have an opportunity to proclaim the doctrine
and experience of Christian holiness. The men and women
needed for the expedition are at command, and the money
required for the expense will be provided."

Referring, subsequently, to this matter, he says : " For
mere scientific explorations and inquiry, or the gratification
of a desire for seeing the world, we would not even cross
the Atlantic. But an errand for the promotion of holiness,
has' attractions we cannot describe."

While holding a National Camp-meeting at Bismarck
Grove, near Lawrence, Kausas, Mr. Inskip received a letter
from Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Gordon, residing in Rome, express-
ing their great joy at the announcement of the " Around-the-
world tour," and offering the hospitalities of their home in
Rome.

Statements were made from time to time, in regard to the
probable expenses of the trip, and the time required to
make the journey. The sacrifice and toil involved, and the
expense incurred in such a trip, quite staggered the faith of
many. But others favored the movement, and gave it their
co-operation and support. Amanda Smith, who was laboring
in England, at the time, on seeing a report in the Christian
(England) of the contemplated trip, said : " If I can pray
them through, I will."

W. B. Osborn writes again from India, urging the matter
on, and giving additional information in regard to the trip.

When the question came before the members of the Na-
tional Association, they all seemed to think well of the

AROUND THE WORLD.

311

movement, but each one could discern grave difficulties in the
way. The risk to the health and lives of the brethren
seemed greater than should be taken, while the financial
question appeared insuperable. It was finally settled, that
if the friends of holiness in different parts of the country
should be moved to meet the expenses, it would be taken as
a clear providential indication of a commad to go for-
ward. The company was to consist of J. S. Inskip, W.
McDonald, and J. A. Wood, and their wives, — six in all.
The friends were asked to make their contributions, and to
report to either of the brethren before named. The ques-
tion of means was soon placed beyond doubt, and it was
settled that the company would leave early in the summer
of 1880.

On the fourteenth of October, the Ocean Grove Associa-
tion, at its annual meeting, passed resolutions favoring the
" evangelistic tour." They are " persuaded that the brethren
are following lines of duty and action suggested by Provi-
dence," and " prayerfully commend them to the Divine guid-
ance and care." Bro. Inskip responded to the resolutions,
" in a vein of tender Christian love, assuring them of his
kindly feeling towards them all, and his lasting gratitude
for their warm expressions of fraternal regard." Then was
sung, with great fervency of spirit,

"Waft, waft, ye winds His story," etc.

Mr. Inskip was not without his conflicts in regard to the
undertaking. He says : " The adversary seeks to disturb
our quiet assurance of heart by referring to the sacrifice,
exposure, and toil, the movement involves. We had reached
a period in life when nature ordinarily needs and covets
rest. It seemed that, after so long a period of active and
exciting toil, we might, in all good conscience, 'turn aside
and rest.' Our plans were nearly all matured with such a

312

LIFE OF JOHN 8. INSKIP.

view, when a voice came to us from India, then from Rome,
and finally, as we believe, from God, calling us to a wider
and more laborious field of labor than we have ever occu-
pied. We named the matter to the partner of our 'comforts
and our toils,' and she at once discerned the Divine hand in
the matter, and simply but emphatically said, ' We shall go! '
We then communicated with brothers McDonald and Wood,
who seemed immediately to recognize the call to be from
the Lord; and we agreed, if God and our friends would
open the way, we would go, and commenced making arrange-
ments accordingly."

The annual meeting of the National Association was held
on the ninteenth of November. The question of the " around-
the- world tour" was fully and freely discussed. After much
prayer, and a thorough inquiry into all the bearings of the
question, the following preamble and resolution were
adopted : —

" Whereas, Some of our brethren have determined upon an 'Evan-
gelistic tour around the world,' the coming season, therefore,

"Resolved, That should they, in the Providence of God, undertake
this tour, we cordially sympathize with them, and prayerfully com-
mend them to God and the word of His grace, that they may be safely
kept amid the perils of sea and land, and be instrumental in the con-
version and sauctification of thousands of souls."

The meeting was one of profound interest. Some of the
brethren were quite sure we had probably met for the last
time ; that some of the company would likely never return.
The last half hour was spent in solemn prayer, led by Bro.
T. T. Tasker, who seemed inspired to talk with God on our
behalf. The doxology was sung, and a Divine baptism
seemed to fall upon all present.

Dr. Thoburn wrote from Calcutta, saying : " Your pro-
posed trip is exciting interest in India. I fear, however,
you are forgetting how big our world is, when you propose

AROUND THE WORLD.

313

to finish your tour in one year. Still, you can do much good
by giving heavy blows at a few important points."

At an annual camp-meeting at Lucknow, the people, by a
rising vote, adopted a resolution cordially welcoming the
company to India. The North India Conference, which
met in January, 1880, passed the following preamble and
resolution —

" Whereas, We have heard with great pleasure that our dear
brethren, Revs. J. S. Inskip, W. McDonald, and J. A. Wood, with
others, are proposing to visit India some time this year, in their
'evangelistic tour around the world,' therefore,

" Resolved, That we will heartily welcome them to these shores, and
will co-operate with them to the best of our ability, boping that they
will arrange to hold as many meetings as possible within our bounds,
and that they will make a special endeavor to be present at our next
session at Bareilly.

E. W. Parker, Pres.
B. H. Badley, Sec'y."

Near the same time, the South India Conference passed
the following resolution of welcome : —

" Resolved, That we have heard with pleasure, of the proposed visit
of Rev. J. S. Inskip and others to India, in connection with their
' evangelistic tour around the world,' and hereby assure them of our
hearty co-operation during their stay among us.

G. Bowen, Pres.

W. J. Gladwin, Sec'y."

During the winter of 1879, and the spring of 1880, Mr.
Inskip and wife were laboring with great success in the
South. We have already made reference to these meetings.
After a return to Philadelphia, from his exhaustive labors
in the South, he says : " The greatest luxury we can conceive
of is working for the Master. Working for Him is entirely
more joyous and satisfactory than to work for the church,

314

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

for an idea, or for self. We have tried all these, but have
tound our chief bliss in toiling for Jesus."

Preparations were all perfected for the tour, — passage
engaged, and the party ready to move as soon as the National
Camp-meeting at Round Lake should be held. The New-
York East Conference, at its session in Brooklyn, N. Y., by
resolution, express its " full confidence in the moral and
religious character of Bro. J. S. Inskip, and unhesitatingly
commend him to the fellowship of all who love our Lord
Jesus Christ." They "wish him and his wife a prosperous
journey and safe return." Bishop Bowman, presiding,
" heartily endorses the above, and prays God's blessing upon
Bro. Inskip and his work."

Bishop Simpson sent to Mr. Inskip the following note : —

" Philadelphia, April 22, 1880.
" Dear Bro. Inship, — I enclose herewith a note which, though you
need no commendation from me, may possibly be of some service to
you under some circumstances.

" Praying that the health and life of yourself and wife may be graci-
ously preserved during your contemplated journey, I am,

"Yours truly, M.Simpson."

" It gives me pleasure to say that Rev. John S. Inskip, is a minister
of good standing, as well as of age and experience, in the New York
East Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. I have known
him well for many years as an active, devoted and efficient laborer in
the Lord's vineyard. In his visit to foreign countries he is accom-
panied by Mrs. Inskip, who is also well known to the church as an
tamest and successful Christian lady, who has been of great service
in assisting in protracted and revival services. They are both com-
mended to the courtesy of Christian friends, and the blessing of God
is invoked upon them. M. Simpson,

Bishop of the M. E. Church,"

The New England Conference pass similar resolutions in
regard to W. McDonald.

AROUND THE WORLD.

315

The time fixed for the camp- meeting at Round - Lake was
June 12. We had arranged to sail June 26, in the Alsatia,
of the Anchor Line ; but were informed, after all our ar-
rangements were made, that the Alastia would sail on the
nineteenth. Our engagements at Round Lake rendered it
impracticable for us to leave on the nineteenth, so we were
obliged to make other, and, as it proved, more satisfactory
arrangements, with the National Line, to sail in the steam-
ship Erin, June 26.

At the camp-meeting, the " Round-the-world tour " was
made the burden of many prayers. Indeed, thousands of
the best people on earth were making its success, the one
object of their daily prayer to God. The meeting was a
grand success, and closed on Sunday night, in the midst of
unexampled joy. The fact could not be suppressed, how-
ever, that there was more or less of sadness mingled with
the joy. We were forcibly reminded that many days of toil
and peril would pass e'er we should meet again, if, indeed,
we should ever meet on earth. But we were trusting in the
God whose presence and power was in India, as well as in
America, — the God of the sea as well as of the land.

The brethren met in New York, where they spent a day
or two preparatory to leaving. A parting service was held
at the Asbury M. E. Church, at which pleasant addresses
were made, and parting salutations exchanged. Several
friends, who did not compose the " evangelistic company "
proper, accompanied us to England, and one to India ; viz.,
Miss Mattie Foote, daughter of Rev. J. B. Foote, of the
National Association ; Miss Davis, her travelling companion ;
Mr. and Mrs. Turton, of Cleveland, O. ; Rev. W. A. Gardiner,
and William McDonald, jr.

On Saturday morning, June 26, after a memorable prayer-
service at the house of Bro. Shaffer, our host, we went on
shipboard, to meet a large company of friends who had

316

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

assembled to bid us adieu, and witness our departure. At
three minutes past 8 a. m., the noble ship, of nearly five
thousand tons, cast off her moorings and moved out to sea,
amidst the waving of handkerchiefs, and the singing, from
deck and dock, " The sweet bye and bye." It was an hour
of peculiar interest to the evangelistic party, and not much
less so to many whom they left behind. We are sure that
more earnest prayers never followed any company leaving
the American shores.

The voyage from New York to Liverpool, which was
made in thirteen days, had in it little which would interest
the general reader. We will name only two incidents. The
second Sabbath was the fourth of July, and some young
American bloods on board were anxious to "celebrate."
The captain, C. H. Andrews, refused to allow any demon-
strations on the holy day, but assured them that on Mon-
day they should be allowed full liberty, and that he would
render them any aid in celebrating the day, except furnish-
ing gunpowder. On the morning of the fifth, a goodly com-
pany assembled in the cabin. It seemed an odd place for
such a service. But nearly all seemed to enjoy the celebra-
tion. An Episcopal clergymen from Philadelphia offered
prayer. The Declaration of Independence was read by a
Jewish lawyer. An opportunity was then given for remarks.
A Canadian gentleman, who claimed to be an army officer
and pedagogue, was not pleased with the arraignment of
King George, and came forward to defend him against the
charges preferred in the "Declaration." He frankly ac-
knowledged that he himself had never read, and this was
the first time he had ever heard read, the immortal instru-
ment. The bombast, coupled with the almost unexampled
ignorance, of a man of his professed intelligence, called
Mr. Inskip to his feet. It was such a case as he was
peculiarly fitted to deal with. In a brief speech, full of

AROUND THE WORLD.

317

good humor, but withering sarcasm, he perfectly annihilated
our Canadian friend, to the great delight of nearly all pres-
ent. The singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and
" God Save the Queen," closed a very enjoyable hour on the
high seas.

On our fifth day out, we were enveloped in dense fog. As
the sun was setting, the fog lifted, just in time to reveal to
us a huge iceburg directly in our path. A mile and a half
away floated a mountain of ice, 150 feet high, and not less
than 1000 feet square. Such was its effect upon the tempera-
ture, that the mercury fell from 83 to 40. We changed our
course and safely passed the danger, and in a few moments
were again enveloped in as dense fog as before. It seemed
a providential interference to save us from destruction ; for
had the fog remained, in a few moments longer we should
have planted our ship's bow against the huge mass.

We arrived in Liverpool at midnight, on the eighth of
July, being our fourteenth night on shipboard. Early the
following morning, we landed, and at 11 A. m., took cars on
the Northwestern Railway for London, where we arrived at
4 p. m., and were met and kindly taken charge of by Bros.
Warner and Senior, — the latter, pastor of Surrey Chapel;
the former, a successful evangelist.

The first meeting conducted by the evangelists in England,
was under the auspices of the Primitive Methodists, and was
held in the famous Surrey Chapel, located in the south of
London, on Blackfriar's Road, once regarded as the " very
paradise of devils." They received a warm greeting at the
old chapel, by leading brethren engaged in the work of
spreading Scriptural holiness in England, — among them,
Dr. Asa Mahan, Admiral Fishbourne, Dr. Smith, Rev. I. E.
Page, Rev. Dr. Antliff, Drs. Hurd and McKechnie, W. War-
ner, and many others. The meeting commenced July 11,
and continued sixteen days. The locality was unpropitious.

318

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

The street was so noisy that it was very difficult for the
people to hear with any degree of comfort. The congre-
gations were small at the beginning, and there was neither
altar nor any arrangement for altar service. The pews were
high and narrow, and on the whole, they seemed as incon-
veniently situated as they well could be. No harder spot
could have been selected. Numbers increased daily, and
with them, spiritual interest. Considering the limited at-
tendance, we have never known so many souls converted or
fully sanctified. Ministers and laymen came six, eight, and
ten miles, and some a much greater distance, to enjoy the
meeting. A large number of ministers, travelling and local,
were fully saved. The closing service developed the deep
gratitude of the people, for the services rendered. The
president of the conference, Rev. Mr. McKechnie, poured
out his full soul in gratitude to God, saying that the meet-
ing had been such a blessing to him as he had never known
before.

At a meeting of the General Committee, composed of the
president of the Primitive Methodist Conference, and several
of their leading men, who have charge of all connectional
matters in the interim of the conference, Mr. Inskip and his
party were invited to be present. The president, after
making some very kind and appreciative remarks, read the
following paper : —

Subrey Chapel, July 23, 1880.
" The General Committee of the Primitive Methodist Connection,
and our American Visitors, — This Committee, many of whose mem-
bers have attended the religious services conducted by the Revs.
Messrs. Inskip, McDonald, and Wood, in Surrey Chapel, rejoices to
acknowledge these brethren as true and faithful servants of our com-
mon Lord and Saviour, and bears willing testimony to the good al-
ready effected by their labors, in the conversion of sinners, and the
sane ti Scat ion of believers ; and while this Committee always abstains
from giving countenance to unauthorized evangelists and revivalists,

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319

whose movements are too often productive of mischief to the churche-,
it yields unhesitating approval and sympathy to these brethren, who
are, beyond all doubt, men of reputation and intelligence, and who,
for considerably more than a quarter of a century, have had a good
standing in the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Amer-
ica ; and the committee also prays that the Great Head'" of the Church
may clearly open their way to further fields of usefulness, and abun-
dantly prosper their mission of holiness all around the world.
" Signed in behalf and by order of the General Committee,

John C. McKechnie, President.
Samuel Antliff,
William Cutts,
kobinson cheesmaw,
Ralph Fenwick."

With a pleasant evening call on Rev. Mr. McAuley, ex-
President of the Wesleyan Conference, at Finsbury Park,
and a visit to the Wesleyan Conference, in session at City
Road Chapel, the party proceeded to Malton, Yorkshire, to
hold, by invitation, a meeting in the Wesleyan Chapel of
that town, stopping a few days for rest at Matlack Bank.
They commenced their meeting at Malton, Sunday, Aug 1.
The day was propitious, and the people were in an expectant
state, looking for great things. The superintendent of the
circuit, Rev. Mr. Edmond, was not only a firm believer in
the doctrine of holiness, but enjoyed its experience. Mr.
Inskip preached the opening sermon. He looked a little
out of place in a pulpit ten or twelve feet high, and only
large enough to hold one man of ordinary size. But the
Lord gave him great liberty, and the altar service which
followed, resulted in the salvation of several souls. There
was a good deal of liberty in the afternoon ; and Mr. Wood
preached in the evening to a packed house. The sermon
was followed by Mr. Inskip, and the altar was again crowded
with seekers.

The meeting continued for eleven days, increasing in in-

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LIFE OF JOHN S. INUAlf.

erest to the last. Mr. Inskip had unusual liberty, though
laboring under great trial on account of the severe illness of
Mrs. Inskip, who had taken a violent cold in London, and
renewed it at Matlack Bank. But prompt medical aid and
special care relieved her, and at the close of the meeting she
was able to leave with the company. Many of the ministers,
travelling and local, with leading members of the church,
were fully saved. Local preachers and laymen came a hun-
dred miles to attend the meeting, and returned to publish
the news of their complete deliverance from sin. At the
closing service, eighty gave a clear testimony to heart
purity, and seventy more arose to declare that God had fully
saved them, not having had opportunity to speak. Besides
these, scores from the country had attended the meeting,
been saved, and returned to proclaim the glad tidings to
tneir friends. It was generally admitted that Malton had
never before been blessed with such a work of grace.

Meeting in Leeds.

The third meeting in England was held in Leeds. It
seemed proper that a band of American Methodist and holi-
ness evangelists should preach the gospel of full salvation
in Leeds, — the city where the seraphic Fletcher made his
first public confession that he was "dead, indeed, unto sin";
the city from which the sainted Bramwell was almost in-
stantly translated to his heavenly home, and the city in
which the Wesleyan Conference met, which decided to send
Boardraan and Pilmore, missionaries to the spiritually-famish-
ing sheep in the American wilderness. Arrangements were
made by Messrs. Wooley and Beckworth, local preachers, —
the former of the Wesleyan, and the latter of the Primitive
Methodist Church, — for the party to hold meetings in
Belle Vue, Primitive, and St. Peter's Wesleyan, chapels.
They spent four Sabbaths in Leeds, two at each of the

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321

chapels named, beginning with Belle Vue. The Primitive
Chapel was new, modern in structure, and beautiful; the
Wesleyan was old, dingy, antiquated, and nearly forsaken.
The party was received with the greatest possible cordiality,
and the opening service at Belle Vue gave evidence of the
Divine approval. Mr. Inskip was greatly helped in urging
the injunction, " Be ye holy." " Our first Sabbath in Leeds,"
writes Mr. Inskip, "gave us great encouragement to look for
a large amount of fruit." Each day, as the meetings pro-
gressed, the interest increased, and scores crowded the altar
at each service, as earnest seekers of pardon or purity.

Mr. Inskip, though an Englishman by birth, found it not
a little difficult to adjust himself to English usages. He
says : " We do not so easily adopt English phraseology; yet
we are learning. We begin to say 'chapel' instead of
'church,' and 'communion rail' instead of 'altar,' etc.
Nevertheless, as we have already said, we pass tolerably
well for an Englishman, always excepting when a regular
National Camp-meeting gale is on hand, and then our Ameri-
canisms at once develop."

One of the remarkable features of the work here was the
large number of ministers, travelling and local, who entered
into the experience of full salvation.

The meeting at St. Peter's (Wesleyan) was in all respects
equal to Belle Vue, and in some respects, superior. That
old chapel, which had been well nigh deserted for years,
was crowded nightly, with as earnest worshippers as can be
found ; and at each service the altar was crowded with all
classes, — aged, young, sinners, believers, — and a common
blessing came to them all. Mr. Inskip, as well as the other
members of the party, were favored with great liberty and
freedom of utterance. The second Sabbath at St. Peter's
was certainly a remarkable day. The evening service was
conducted by Mr. Inskip. The altar service which followed

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LIFE OF JOHN S. IXSKIP.

the sermon was, perhaps, an occurrence such as few persons
have ever witnessed. Fifteen hundred people arose and
avowed their acceptance of Christ as their complete Saviour.
The effect produced, as they arose, and solemnly proclaimed
their faith in the Lamb of God, was amazing. The altar
was crowded, and the pews far back were filled with the
most earnest seekers. People were saved at the altar, out
in the congregation, and in the galleries ; indeed, from ah
parts of the house, the shout of victory and salvation was
heard. The whole town seemed moved by the power of
God. The company was urged to remain, but duty required
that they push on to other fields. They left Leeds amidst
• the benedictions of the people, stopping only to dine with
Bro. Wooley and family at Garforth.

Meeting at Hull.

"Our opening at Hull," writes Mr. Inskip, "was as
remarkable as our closing in Leeds." Here they held meet-
ings in two chapels, both Primitive, — Bourne Chapel, and
Great Thornton-street Chapel. The whole party were in
good health and spirits. Mrs. Inskip had greatly improved,
while at Leeds, and she, with the other ladies of the party,
were able to take their part in the services. The meetings
at Hull were in every respect a success — a great success ;
both chapels were thronged by day and night, and seldom
have we witnessed a people more earnest for the truth. One
evening, not less than thirty professed conversion, and one
hundred professed the fulness of salvation. It was found
that Great Thornton-street Chapel, though thirteen or four-
teen hundred could be packed into it, was too small to
accommodate the crowds that flocked there. At times, at
least one thousand were turned away who could not gain
admittance. The meeting was returned to Bourne Chapel,
where not less than twenty-five hundred assembled daily.

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323

The services at the two chapels lasted twelve days, and at a
low estimate, not less than seven hundred were converted
and sanctified. The superintendent of the circuit, Rev. Mr.
Lamb, estimated the number at one thousand. Long will
the old town of Hull remember the holiness meetings held
at Bourne and Great Thornton-street Chapels.

Mr. Inskip, during these services, was in the best of spirits,
full of life and power. In fact, the whole party were in the
best possible condition for work.

Meeting at Middlesbrough.

The company left Hull, Sept. 17, for Middlesbrough, a
distance of one hundred miles, to meet an engagement made
with Rev. Mr. Swanell, superindendent of the Wesleyan
Chapels of that city of seventy thousand inhabitants. Mr.
Swanell was a cousin of Mr. Inskip's.

Sunday, the nineteenth, services commenced in Centenary
Chapel, Mr. Inskip preaching the opening sermon, with very
marked results. The day was full of blessing to the people.

Mrs. Inskip, on coming to Middlesbrough, had a relapse
of her throat and lung trouble, and it became necessary for
her to leave. On Tuesday morning, Mr. Inskip, leaving the
work with Messrs. McDonald and Wood, took his wife to
Southport, near Liverpool, the great sanitarium of the north-
west of England, where she might be under proper medical
treatment. The meeting, notwithstanding the absence of
the leader, continued for ten days. The Centenary Chapel
became too small for the crowds that assembled, and it be-
came necessary to remove the meeting to Wesley Chapel, a
much more commodious house of worship. This, also, was
filled, untd hundreds were turned away, not being able to
gain admittance. After the chapel, which could accommo-
date twenty-five hundred, was filled to its utmost capacity,
an overflow meeting was held in the school-room, several

324

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

hundreds crowding into it, who were successfully addressed
by Messrs. Wooley and Dawson, local preachers. In the ten
days, not less than six hundred were saved. The whole
town was moved, and could the meeting have continued ten
days longer, three times that number might have been made
partakers of the blessing of salvation. But we were obliged
to close.

Southport was 150 miles away. Leaving Middlesbrough
on W ednesday morning, the party arrived at Southport at
5 p. m. Mrs. Inskip had considerably improved, though
still quite feeble. Mr. Inskip had commenced services in
the Primitive Methodist Chapel in the place, which, on their
arrival, Messrs. McDonald and Wood assisted in conduct-
ing for a few days.

Meeting at Liverpool.

The following Sunday, Messrs. Inskip and Wood com-
menced protracted religious services in the Everton Road
Chapel, Primitive Methodist, Liverpool, Rev. Mr. Travis,
superintendent, while the writer remained to push the bat-
tle at Southport. The meeting at Everton Road continued
two weeks, including three Sundays, resulting in the sal-
vation of five hundred souls ; of this number about two
hundred were converted. It was a repetition of what was
common at all the meetings. On account of the sickness of
his wife, Mr. Inskip was obliged to be absent a part of the
time. But when present he rendered very effective service.
The company spent one hundred days in England, during
which time they conducted more than two hundred public
services, resulting in the salvation of not less that three
thousand souls, and of this number, at least eight hundred
were converted. Calls for service came from all parts of
England — from Wesleyansand Primitive; but the company
could not respond, as they must go forward. The brethren

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325

plead with them to remain, insisting that more good could
be accomplished in England than in India. But they had
started for the Orient, and could not be persuaded to turn
aside from their original purpose.

CHAPTER XXIII.
abound the world.
Orient.

The evangelistic party left Liverpool on Thursday, Oct.
19, in the steamship Hispania, of the Anchor Line, one of
the largest ships employed in the India service.

A large company of friends accompanied us to the ship,
to bid us good-by and a hearty God-speed. As we passed
out of our dock at Birkenhead, into the Mersey, we caught
the signs of the adieus signalled from our friends on shore,
who continued, so long as they could see us, to wave their
affectionate farewells.

The commander of our steamer, James Laird, was a good-
natured Scotchman, extremely pleasant and obliging. Our
fellow passengers represented the pulpit, the stage, and the
army, — all professions and callings. Three days of uncom-
fortable sea life brought us to the awful Bay of Biscay, and
to what is common in that place, a big storm. Mr. Inskip
writes : " Reader, did you ever hear of the ' Bay of Biscay ' ?
Undoubtedly you have, but may you be preserved from ever
seeing it, or sailing on it, as we did. . . . Mrs. Inskip said
the storm was awful. Bro. Wood averred it was a tremen-
dous affair. Bro. McDonald also deemed it huge. Mrs.
McDonald was much out of sorts with the ship, on account
of her rolling, and Mrs. Wood, notwithstanding her well-
earned reputation as a good sailoress, broke down and was

826

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327

borne away by the common opinion that we had consider-
able of a storm. We caught only an occasional look at
Brother Gardiner, the young man of our party. He very
much resembled what we suppose to be the appearance of
the ' last rose of summer.' Just how that is we know not,
but we presume it to be of a faded and melancholy hue."
Mr. Inskip represents himself as most of" the time under
the " gag law of the place and occasion." He put his head
above decks only once during the storm, and then, with a
wild look at the foaming sea, as it dashed its waves across
our deck, he hastily retired, excitedly exclaiming, " Bay of
Biscay ! Bay of Biscay ! " Three days of fearful storm
greatly prostrated some of the company. But Sunday
morning brought a calm sea, and with it, sight of land, for
which we all offered thanksgiving to God.

Monday morning the steamer rested for a few hours for
the purpose of coaling, giving us an opportunity, just as the
sun was rising, to look, for the first time, upon the towering
form and frowning batteries of the world-renowned "Bock
of Gibraltar." It was worth a voyage through the stormy
Bay to witness such a sight. 8ome of the party spent a
brief time on shore, looking at the wonders of the place,
and at 2 p. m., they steamed out of the beautiful bay,
through the fabled "Pillars of Hercules," and down the
Mediterranean. We were eight days on this sea of two
thousand miles in length. The Spanish shores on the left,
and the African on the right, were equally rough and moun-
tainous. The sea was calm, the air was balmy and refresh-
ing, and the company, having fully recovered from the
effects of the Bay of Biscay, were in the best of spirits,
but anticipating the furnace heat of the Red Sea. On Fri-
day they passed Malta, and on Saturday, Crete, — islands
made sacred by the sufferings endured there by the great
Apostle to the Gentiles. Sunday, a beautiful day, Mr.

328

LIFE OF JOHN S. IJVSKIP.

Inskip preached a sermon which deeply impressed his hearers.
Some, as we subsequently learned, were induced under the
clear statements of the sermon, to renounce skepticism, con-
ceding that the Chrsitian religion must be of God.

Tuesday morning found us at Port Said, the entrance to
the famous Suez Canal. Here the ship remained a few
hours for coaling, allowing the company ample time to go
on shore.

No one need be told, who visits Port Said, that he is in a
pagan land, as it is mournfully manifest on every side.
About mid-day we entered the Canal. As night came on,
we were obliged to haul up, as vessels are not allowed to
continue their voyage in the Canal at night. Here we rested
in the midst of the old desert of Shur, with mountains of
sand, hills of sand, plains of sand — sand like an intermin-
able beach, on every side, and as far as human vision could
extend. The following evening, at about six o'clock, we
arrived at Suez, at the head of the gulf by that name, one
of the northern arms of the Red Sea, and near the point
where the Israelites made their crossing.

The Red Sea is about 1200 miles in length, and with the
exception of the Persian Gulf, is considered the hottest
place in the world. Though we passed this sea in the most
favorable season of the year, we saw no reason for denying
the statement. We were eight days in passing through the
Eed Sea, arriving at Aden, the home of the Queen of Sheba,
Nov. 9. Here we stopped for a brief time to take in coal,
and then were away for Bombay, 1664 miles across the
Indian Ocean, which distance was made in seven days, most
of the way against head winds and string currents, arriving
at Bombay, Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 11.30 a. m.

As our ship cast anchor, we observed a small steam-tug
making for us, and as she swept around the stern of our
ship, the face of a tall, rod-headed, good-natured, enthusiastic

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329

Yankee — Eev. W. B. Osborn, — could be seen, and very soon
heard. With him, Eev. D. 0. Fox, P. E., Bros. Eowe and
Shreeves, pastors in the city.

Mr. Osborn, as might be expected, was somewhat noisy.
Mr. Inskip could not easily restrain his enthusiasm. In
fact, there was a good deal of demonstration. But it must
be remembered that our company were ten thousand miles
from their native land, and had now been at sea for twenty-
eight days ; and to meet their old friends, under such cir-
cumstances, was a sufficient justification for not a little
demonstration.

Our luggage was soon on board the little steamer, and as
the brethren had taken along with them a custom-house
official, we had the great pleasure of escaping the usual de-
lay in that department. In a few moments we were safely
landed in Bombay, and proceeded, without delay, to our
several places of entertainment, where we were most cordi-
ally received.

The limits of this memoir do not allow of any special
description of the country, or of the people, but only a brief
history of our work.

On Thursday evening, the eighteenth, the brethren of
Bombay gave our company a most hearty reception at Grant
Eoad Chapel. The venerable George Bowen presided. Mr.
W. B. Osborn, after singing and prayer, made a few remarks,
and introduced Eev. D. 0. Fox, P. E., who assured us that
most, if not all, of the preachers of the South India Confer-
ence, were earnest in their advocacy of holiness, and were
anxious that we should make it the theme of our preaching
while in India. Mr. Inskip responded in terms appropriate
to the occasion, followed by brief remarks by Messrs.
McDonald and Wood. The altar was crowded with seekers
of purity, and the first service of the evangelists in India
closed.

330

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Our first Sabbath in Bombay was most delightful. In
the morning, Mr. Wood preached at Falkland Road, Mr.
McDonald at Dean Hall ; and in the evening a union ser-
vice was held in Grant Road Chapel, at which Mr. Inskip
preached on the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He had great
freedom, and the sermon was profitable to many. A large
number came to the altar as seekers of the Spirit's fulness
and power.

We had arranged to hold a tabernacle meeting in Bombay
a little before, and during the session, of the South India
Conference. But the session of the conference had been
unexpectedly postponed to give Bishop Merrill opportunity
to visit Palestine, and Poona being the nearest and most
accessible point, it was determined to erect there the taber-
nacle, which had already arrived from America, and in it
bold our first meeting proper, in India.

Poona is one hundred and twenty miles east from Bom-
bay. It is from two to three thousand feet above the sea,
and has a native population of one hundred thousand. It
is famed for the salubrity of its climate, and the number of
its pagodas.

The tabernacle was in readiness to be pitched on our ar-
rival, Rev. Mr. Fox having preceded the company by a few
days, with it. Nov. 23, just one week from the day we
landed in Bombay, we opened the campaign in Poona.
Mr. Inskip preached the opening sermon to a large and at-
tentive congregation, from the text, " Then had the churches
rest," etc. A good impression was made, and a large num-
ber presented themselves at the altar as seekers of full sal-
vation.

The meeting in Poona continued eight days, including
one Sunday. The attendance was very good, and the people
t;ave prayerful attention to the word, many finding the
rich experience of perfect love. The natives — Hindus and

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331

Parsees — came out in considerable numbers, and some of
them professed to accept Christ as a Saviour from sin, among
them a high-caste Hindu of considerable influence. There
had never been, it was said, as many natives present at any-
previous public religious gathering in Poona, as were pres-
ent at the " tabernacle meeting."

On the Sabbath, though excessively hot, we put in a full
day's work. Mr. Inskip preached a powerful sermon at
7 A. M. At 11 A. m., a Mahratti service was held, Messrs.
Inskip and Wood addressing the natives through an Eurasian
interpreter. Mrs. Inskip and others conducted a children's
meeting at 4 p. m. We preached at 6 p. m., and many were
at the altar seeking pardon and purity, and several rejoiced
in their new-found bliss.

On Monday evening, at the conclusion of the service at
the tabernacle, the party held a special service among a
company of educated Hindus, in the judgment hall of one
of the old Mahratti kings, in the native town. As they could
all speak English, there was no need of an interpreter.
After singing, which the natives greatly enjoyed, earnest
addresses were made by Messrs. Inskip, McDonald, and
Wood, to which the natives respectfully listened, but which
did not seem to greatly impress them.

It is doubtful if much conviction was produced, as they
were too ready for debate, which we refused to allow.

The extent of the work done in Poona may be inferred
from a response made to a question propounded by Mr. In-
skip at the last service, as follows ■ " How many persons
present have, during the progress of these meetings, received
a satisfactory assurance that they have been either wholly
sanctified, soundly converted, or consciously reclaimed from
a backslidden state ? " Not including a goodly number of
children, and several who had been saved who had left town,
eighty persons promptly arose. The meeting produced a

332

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

pro found impressiou upon all classes, native and European.
The pastor, Rev. Mr. Northrup, was greatly encouraged in his
work.

October 3, we were in Bombay again, where we met that
world-renowned evangelist, Mrs. Amanda Smith, who had
been inspiring the people over much of India, with the im-
portance of "A little more faith in Jesus," proclaiming
everywhere her royal parentage, by the announcement, " I'm
the child of a King."

The tabernacle was pitched on the esplanade, or park, at
a point where the trams, or street-cars, converge from all
parts of the city ; and on Saturday evening, of Dec. 4, the
first meeting was held. Mr. Inskip gave an impressive ad-
dress, followed by a consecration service, at which many
humbly sought the Divine anointing.

From 10 a. m. to 4 p. m., it is oppressively hot in Bombay.
Our first Sabbath service commenced at 11 v. m., — a most
uncomfortable hour. The sun's rays poured through the
white canvas until the tent seemed more like a heated fur-
nace than a place of worship. Notwithstanding the oppres-
sive heat, Mr. Inskip preached on the subject of holiness,
and, under the circumstances, did remarkably well. At
6 p. m., Mr. Wood had special freedom in presenting the
subject of perfect love. The altar was filled with seekers of
pardon and purity. Such a movement, in Bombay, was en-
tirely new, and it produced no little excitement among the
Parsees, who were present in great numbers, and who are
inordinate haters of Christianity. They were anxious to
know whether any of their people were among the seekers.
The preachers of the South India Conference were generally
present at the tabernacle meeting. They came to the city
a week before the session of their conference, which began
Dec. 15, to attend the meeting ; and royally did they enjoy
it. The tabernacle was filled nightly with Europeans and

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333

natives, — the latter class chiefly composed of Hindus and
Parsees. The best of order prevailed. Though in the midst
of pagans and pagan worship, where not one person in a
hundred had any faith in the Christian religion, the entire
absence of all rudeness on the part of those from without,
might well put to blush many European or American audi-
ences. The people listened attentively, and retired quietly.

Bishop Merrill arrived Tuesday, Dec. 7, and on the follow-
ing Friday evening, preached in the tabernacle, from Heb.
vii. 25. The sermon was an earnest appeal for holiness.

The second Sunday opened with a delightful testimony
meeting, and closed with a crowded altar and many rejoicing
hearts. The meeting finally closed on the third Sabbath.
The conference was in session during the last week of the
meeting ; but this fact did not seem in the least to detract
from the special interest of the tabernacle services. The
baptism which had come upon the preachers, had the effect
to turn their business sessions into what resembled an old-
fashioned Methodist Conference. There were, at the altar
in the tabernacle, at one time, not less than one hundred and
fifty souls seeking either pardon or purity. At one of the
meetings, so far as we were able to judge, the whole confer-
ence, bishop included, were on their knees at the altar, seek-
ing the fullness of God. Sailors, soldiers, natives, — indeed,
all classes, — were calling upon God for mercy ; and many
found the Lord.

The meeting closed Sunday, Dec. 19. Mr. Jacobs preached
a spiritual sermon in the morning at Grant Road Chapel.
Mrs. Iuskip, with Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Wood, conducted
a successful children's meeting at 4 p. m. Bishop Merrill
preached in the evening, followed by a rousing exhortation
from Mr. Inskip ; and a great crowd of seekers were at the
altar. Thus closed the second holiness meeting in India.

The following paper was presented by the Rev. Dennis

334

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Osborne, and passed unanimously by the Conference, Bishop
Merrill asking the privilege of voting in its favor: —

(1) " Whereas, Our beloved brethren from America, Revs. J. S. In-
skip, W. McDonald, and J. A. Wood, have been laboring in our midst
in a series of special religious rervices, we hereby express our hearty
appreciation of the benefits which have resulted from their labors, and
that we tender to them and their companions our hearty acknowledg-
ment of their services.

(2) " That we pray for the Divine blessing to accompany them as
they go from hence, and crown their labors from place to place, and in
due time safely conduct them back to their native land."

The tabernacle meeting at Bombay was a great uplift to
the ministers of the South India Conference.

Meeting at Allahabad.

The evangelistic party left Bombay Dec. 22, for Allahabad,
some nine hundred miles north, Bishop Merrill joining the
company. They took second-class fare, which means bare
seats, and poor at that ; and were two nights and one day
making the journey. The nights were cold, — very cold.
It is doubtful if we ever suffered more from the cold in the
same time. All were obliged to sleep on their narrow
board seats, with what little covering they took with them.
Sleep departed from their eyes, and most of their time was
spent during the night in beating their cold feet, and mak-
ing efforts to keep up a little circulation until the morning
sun should bring them relief.

We arrived at Allahabad, Dec. 24, at 7.30 a. m., Bishop
Merrill continuing his journey to Cawnpore. The company
was entertained by Rev. Dennis Osborne, pastor and presid-
ing elder, and Bro. J. F. Deatker, a local preacher. Allah-
abad means, "The City of God," — a sacred city. It is
situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Jumna rivers,

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335

and is the seat of government of the Northwest Provinces
and Oudh, and has a population of 150,000.

We commenced our meeting Sunday, Dec. 26, in the
Methodist church, one of the finest in India, built by Rev.
Dennis Osborne. The services continued morning and night
until Sunday, Jan. 2, 1881. And without attempting a
minute description of the meeting, we may say, that as a
whole, there was no better meeting held in India. The
congregations were not large, but remarkably earnest. So
far as could be known, every member of the church, who
was not in the enjoyment of the fulness of love, entered
into the blessed experience. It was simply a clean sweep
of the entire church. Sinners were converted, and in some
cases, whole families were brought to Christ. At the closing
service, Mr. Osborne remarked, that at first he had felt some-
what doubtful as to the favor with which the work would be
received ; but he rejoiced greatly to report, that every mem-
ber of his church had been, not only highly gratified, but
greatly blessed. He expressed his profound gratitude to God
for the wondrous blessing he had received personally. The
meeting was full of blessing. A brother, writing of it to
the Bombay Guardian, says : " I praise the Lord that he put
it into my heart to go and hear these evangelists, as I have
been earnestly desiring, for a long time, this blessed grace
of entire sanctification. Well, I went there on the thirtieth,
and anything like the earnest addresses, the fervent prayers,
and the clear, logical, and profound expositions of Scriptures,
setting forth, proving, and enforcing, the doctrine of entire
sanctification, I never heard nor even imagined. The
result was, I gave myself wholly to Jesus. Such a glorious
and blessed sight I had never seen in any church, as I wit-
nessed when nearly the whole congregation was drawn to
the communion rail, and prayed with such earnest entreaties
for salvation and sanctification. There was clapping of

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LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

hands and shouting, and groaning, too ; things I certainly
once disapproved of, but never will again, as I am convin ed
the whole thing is of God, and greatly and manifestly
blessed of Him."

Rev. Dennis Osborne, writing to the Lucknow Witness,
of the results of the meeting, says : " And now that the
services are over, and we hear the voice of these devoted
servants of God no more, we calmly ask: 'What have we
gained as a church and people by the services held ? ' If
duty made clear, conviction deepened, hope inspired, faith
stimulated, love kindled to a holy zeal, be blessings to be
desired, then have we made solid gain. But not taking into
account that which may be regarded by some as merely
sympathetic and transient, we have to record to the glory
of God, the tangible gain achieved, in the sanctification of
scores of believers, among them members of sister churches ;
the reclaiming of many who had wandered out of the way,
and the conversion of not a few who had hitherto resisted
all Christian appeal. To this, add a mighty quickening of
the Church of God, with such an impulse to Christian activity
as the indwelling Holy Ghost can impart, together with the
exhumation and enforcement of one of the most powerful
truths of God's word in its relation to Christian life and
work, — and we have some view of the area of blessing
entered upon. We part with these beloved brethren and
their companions with deep regret. We pray that God may
bless their labors in India with far-reaching and abiding
success. To them, we feel ourselves bound with bonds of
no ordinary love and gratitude."

North India Conference — Bakeillt.

The company left Allahabad Monday morning, Jan. 3, to
attend the North India Conference at Bareilly. Arrange-
ments had been made to spend the night in Lucknow. On

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337

reaching the station at 6 p. m., the familiar face of Rev.
James Mudge, editor of the Lucknow Witness, greeted us.
We were taken to the Ladies' Mission House, where we
found comfortable quarters for the night. The next morning,
at 6.30, we were off for Bareilly, accompanied by Dr. Waugh,
and others, where we arrived at 4.30 p. m. Here we met
many of the good brethren of the Conference, who took
charge of us during our stay.

Mr. Inskip stopped with Dr. Thomas, Mr. Wood with
Miss Sparks, and the writer with Eev. Bro. Parker and Dr.
Scott.

We did not anticipate accomplishing very much at Bareilly,
beyond helping, if possible, some of the members of the
conference, to a better spiritual state, together with any
English-speaking members that might be in attendance.

The first evening was spent in attending an exhibition of
Miss Sparks' Girls' School, which was exceedingly inter-
esting and satisfactory, though conducted i' Hindustani.
The conference opened on Wednesday, Jan. 5, Bishop
Merrill presiding.

We took charge of the early morning meeting, which was
very well attended. The preachers and their wives entered
into the spirit of the meetings, giving themselves fully to
the work. Mr. Inskip had considerable liberty in preaching
oi] Wednesday evening, and the altar was filled with seekers
of heart purity. Each day during the session, services were
held at 8 A m., and 8 30 p. m.

At 11 o'clock Sunday, Mr. Inskip preached a memorable
sermon. The brethren who heard that discourse will not
soon forget it. It was full of unction and power. At 6
p. m., Bishop Merrill preached on the " B iptism of the Holy
Ghost." Several other services were held during the day.

The conference closed on Tuesday, and at 9 o'clock A. M.
the following day, the party left for Lucknow, taking third-
class passage.

338

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

Meeting at Lucknow.

The meeting at Lucknow, in Rev. Mr. Mudge's English-
speaking church, opened Thursday, 7.30 p. m. The attend-
ance was small, but a good spirit prevailed. In the evening,
Mr. Inskip preached. There was a fair attendance, but the
people looked as if the sermon was a little above their
grasp. The subject was not sufficiently familiar to them to
be readily comprehended. The meeting did not take on the
spirit which we had hoped to see. Saturday, Rev. Bro.
Craven was greatly blessed, which added much interest to
the service. Sunday was, on the whole, a good day. Mr.
Inskip preached at 8.45 a. m. The evening sermon was by
the writer. Several seekers were at the altar, and a few
rejoiced in the Lord.

Division of Forces.

On leaving England, the party had made positive engage-
ments to return and hold religious services in several cities.
It was also understood that meetings were to be held in
Rome. Though at first, a visit to Australia was contem-
plated, the idea was finally abandoned, and the party re-
solved to return by way of England. But Mr. Inskip, on
reaching India, and conferring with Mr. Osborn, judged it
best for some of the party, at least, to undertake a trip to
Australia. So it was arranged that Mr. and Mrs. Inskip,
accompanied by Mr. Osborn and wife, should take that
route, and the rest of the company return by way of Home
and England, and meet their engagements there.

As Mr. Inskip and party were to sail from Calcutta, and
Messrs. McDonald and Wood from Bombay, sixteen hundred
miles apart, it was judged best for Mr. Inskip to meet the
engagement at Calcutta, and Messrs. McDonald and Wood
hold meetings at Cawnpore and Jubbulpore, on their way to

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339

Bombay. It would have been a great pleasure to all con-
cerned, had the party remained together ; but as it proved
in the end, the division of service was greatly blessed to the
salvation of souls.

On Monday morning, Jan. 17, we reluctantly parted with
Mr. and Mrs. Inskip, who left for Calcutta.

We shall follow Mr. Inskip in his tour homeward, giving
as full an account of his labors as our limits will allow,
while we pass over, with a mere mention, the labors of the
other party.

They took second-class fare, stopping over night at Allah-
abad. On their arrival at Calcutta, they were entertained
at "the princely home" of Mr. J. M. Atkinson.

The meeting in Calcutta, held in Dr. Thoburn's church,
was one of marked interest. It continued through three
Sabbaths. A very large number are reported as having been
converted, and a still larger number wholly sanctified. Mr.
Inskip preached twenty-two sermons, and from "the begin-
ning to the close," he says, " there was much of unctuous
spirituality, and the work throughout has been unusually
genuine. The tide of feeling continued to rise to the last
hour, and threw around the closing half hour and the final
prayer and benediction, an unction we have no words to de-
scribe." On the evening of Feb. 6, no less than fifty seekers
bowed at the altar, and thirty testified that they had, then
and there, found the Saviour, several of whom were Moham-
medans. Mrs. Inskip held four children's meetings, at which
many professed conversion. At the closing service, fully
two hundred witnessed, by rising, that during the meeting
they had been converted or fully sanctified.

A tea-meeting was arranged, at which the many friends
might gather for a final hand-shaking and an affectionate
farewell, until death should be swallowed up in victory, and
another meeting be enjoyed in the home of God. The room

340

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

was attractively festooned with the flags of several nations,
the most prominent position being given to the " stars and
stripes." The occasion was one of sad and joyous interest.
Thus closed Mr. Inskip's labors in India.

While Mr. and Mrs. Inskip were pushing the battle at
Calcutta, Messrs. McDonald and Wood, with their wives,
were holding meetings at Lucknow, Cawnpore, Allahabad,
and Jubbulpore. The meeting at Lucknow was continued
two days after Mr. Inskip's departure.

On Thursday, Jan. 20, they left Lucknow for Cawnpore,
where, for want of time, they remained but five days, hold-
ing meetings in lie v. G. H. McGrew's church. The services
were blessed to the spiritual profit of many. There was a
fair attendance, the congregation being largely composed of
soldiers, nearly a score of whom were either converted or
fully sanctified.

Leaving Cawnpore, they stopped at Allahabad for three
days, holding services each evening with Rev. Dennis Os-
borne. The church, from the effects of the former meeting,
we found to be in a blaze of religious interest. During the
three days we were allowed to spend with this happy people,
several were fully saved, others converted, and a backslidden
local preacher reclaimed.

We left Allahabad for Jubbulpore, Jan. 28. Many of the
dear friends met us at the station, to bid us an affectionate
farewell, — friends made very dear to us, whom we do not
expect to meet again in this life. Thirteen hours of third-
class car riding, on an oppressively hot day, brought us to
Jubbulpore. The dust was almost blinding, and the hard
boards for rest were painful to flesh and blood. Rev. Mr.
Bovard, the pastor, received us cordially. The Methodist
Church had no church edifice, but worshipped in the theatre.
The congregations were much larger than could have been
anticipated. The meeting continued from Saturday to the

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341

following Thursday. The Established Church in the town
exerted its influence to keep people away from the meeting.
The members of that church managed to get up a dance
within a stone's throw of the place of worship, the preacher,
it was said, leading off in the matter. But God blessed the
faithful preaching of the word to the salvation of many.
Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Wood held very successful chil-
dren's and mothers' meetings.

The meeting closed at Jubbulpore, Thursday night, Feb. 3.
Rev. Dennis Osborne, presiding elder, was with us. It was a
time of heart searching, and many were led to the cross.
The brethren were full of hope, and Mr. Osborne remained to
preach on the following evening.

The quarterly conference, held on the evening of the day
of our departure, passed resolutions expressive of their grati-
tude to God, for the good done among them.

We returned to Bombay, where we remained seven days,
preaching morning and evening on the Sabbath at Grant
Boad Chapel and Dean Hall. It was evident to all, that a
marked change had come over these churches since the tab-
ernacle meeting was held here. Many of the leading mem-
bers we found walking in the light of holiness.

Monday and Tuesday evenings we attended a Missionary
Conference, and heard addresses from ministers and laymen
of different denominations. Col. Oldham, a Churchman,
said : " The great need of India is the religion of the Metho-
dists, a religion which stirs men's hearts," and he thanked
God that it was coming. Mr. Wood preached Wednesday
and Thursday nights, and Bishop Merrill, who joined us
here, preached Friday night. This was our last service in
India. The party were in India eighty-eight days. In that
time they travelled 2622 miles, through the heart of the
country, held 130 religious services, including Mr. Inskip's
at Calcutta, and attended two annual conferences.

342

LIFE OF J0H2T S. IXSKIP.

Our party sailed from Bombay, Feb. 12, in the steamship
Britannia, of the Anchor Line — Bishop Merrill, Dr. Waugh
and family, making a part of our company.

Bros. Bowen, Fox, Osborne, Jacobs, Shreeves and Stephens,
with a number of members of the churches, met us at the
ship to bid us adieu. We parted with these friends very
reluctantly, as it was morally certain we should meet no
more until we come to that world where there is " no more
sea." On the same day, and near the same hour that the
party sailed from Bombay, Mr. Inskip and wife, and Mr.
Gardiner, sailed from Calcutta, in the steamship Indus —
one party bound for England, via Port Said ; the other for
Australia, via Point de Galle, in Ceylon.

As Mr. Inskip and party were sailing down the Hooghly
River, they passed an American ship — Daniel G. Tenny, of
Newburyport, Mass., which not only displayed the "stars
and stripes," but had on board several persons who had
been converted at the Calcutta meeting. Mr. Inskip, not
thinking that any Americans were on board, except their
party of three, and not caring, we presume, proposed "three
cheers for the red, white aud blue." But to his surprise, no
small number of passengers caught the inspiration, and
joined him in the demonstration. "The old flag was grace-
fully dipped, and the crew of the Tenny answered the cheers
in characteristic style." To his great gratification, several
American clergymen and others, introduced themselves to
him. Messrs. Barr and Stewart, Presbyterians, of Phila-
delphia, and Rev. Dr. Cud worth and Mr. and Mrs. Barnard,
Unitarians, of Boston, became much interested in Mr. Inskip.
Mr. Cudworth, however, preceded Mr. Inskip to the spirit-
land, but Mr. Barnard called upon the writer, so soon as the
news of Mr. Inskip's death became public, to express his sor-
row, and the affection he entertained for the deceased.

Mr. Inskip says : " This outburst of enthusiasm made us

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343

all friends, and we had much to say to each other about
various matters of common interest to us all. We were of
all schools of theology, orthodox and otherwise, but all
believed in the Bible and gloried in the flag of our country.
In this little spontaneous combustion, we missed Brother
Wood, and would have enjoyed it more if Brother McDonald
had been present. It was one of the most pleasant things
of the sort we have ever known."

A few days on the Bay of Bengal, and they were safely
landed at Galle, where they anticipated meeting Bev. W. B.
Osborn and wife, who were to sail from Bombay. They
quietly worshipped in the Wesleyan Ch ipel on the Sabbath,
and heard neither a groan, nor an amen, nor any other evi-
dence of life. Mr. Inskip pronounced the whole affair, "the
dryest, dullest, most uninteresting and lifeless religious
ceremony he ever saw or heard."

He met Bev. Charles Wickramsinghe, William Taylor's
interpreter while in Ceylon, who urged him to preach on the
following Sabbath, to the natives at one of his appointments^
about four miles from Galle. He consented, and had a very
pleasant time. He preached in the Wesleyan Chapel in the
evening, and held several interesting services during the
week. By request, he preached, through an interpreter, on
" heart purity," to a congregation of Portuguese. On invita-
tion, about one hundred and fifty came to the altar as seekers
of pardon and purity. The presence of God was so mani-
fest, that he was urged to hold another service, which he
consented to do, but sudden illness prevented, and Mr. Osborn,
who had arrived, took his place. A wide-spread religious
interest was awakened among the people, and could they
have remained for a few days, much fruit might have been
gathered.

They left Galle, March 5, in the steamship Catha, and
after ten days of ocean life, to their great joy the western

344

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

coast of Australia appeared in full view. Nothing of special
interest occurred on the voyage, except " crossing the line,"
with the usual visit of Neptune, followed by the "trade-
winds," which brought rough seas and sea sickness. A few
days later, the ship cast anchor off the town of Albany,
and some of the passengers, among them Messrs. Osborn
and Gardiner, went on shore, and on their return, Rev. Mr.
Howland, the Wesleyan minister, accompanied them, and
had a pleasant interview with Mr. Inskip, greatly desiring
him to remain for a week or two, and conduct religious
services in his church ; but want of time prevented.

As they reached the Australian coast, the sea became
unusually smooth and agreeable, until they arrived at IS Tel-
bourne, where they were met by a committee appointed by
the preachers' meeting, to receive and provide entertainment
for them. Almost the first inquiry which met him on land-
ing was, '« Where is 1 California Taylor ? ' " a name around
which cluster precious memories in that land. A formal
reception was tendered the party in the Wesleyan church,
and notwithstanding a rainy day and night, the church, in-
cluding galleries, was filled. A large number of clergymen
from different denominations were present, and all extended
to the evangelists a most hearty welcome.

Their first meeting was held in the Lonsdale-street Wes-
leyan Church, capable of seating some fifteen hundred. It
commenced Sunday, March 27, aud continued until Thurs-
day, April 14. There were two services daily, and three
each Sabbath, exclusive of those held by Mrs. Inskip. Mr.
Inskip preached, during the time, twenty-eight sermons; Mr.
Osborn, from whom he expected considerable assistance,
being detained much of the time by the sickness of his
wife. During these services, hundreds of souls were fully
sanctified and converted. It was reported that at Mrs.
Inskip's meetings alone, some two hundred children were
converted.

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345

From Melbourne they went to Ballarat, four hours' ride by
rail ; a mining city of 40,000 population, situated in the moun-
tain, denominated " Garden City of Victoria." They were
here eight days, including two Sabbaths, during which time
Mr. Inskip preached sixteen sermons. It seems to have
been a most remarkable meeting : five hundred were reported
converted, and two hundred entirely sanctified. The crowds
that thronged the church could not be accommodated, and
large numbers were turned away.

From Ballarat they went to Geelong, a beautiful city of
about 20,000 inhabitants, situated on Corio Bay, some forty
miles from Melbourne. They remained there but one week,
Mr. Inskip preaching twelve sermons. Here he witnessed
the salvation of some two hundred and fifty souls.

Their next place of destination was Sydney. They pro-
ceeded first to Melbourne, then took overland journey by
rail to Sydney, a distance of 586 miles. A portion of the
way was to be taken in a Pullman palace car. But after
riding nearly two hundred miles to Albany, he got a glimpse
of the sleeper, at which he became greatly disgusted. "It
was the most dingy, gloomy-looking thing in the shape of a
car," he says, " that could well be conceived, and almost as
unlike a Pullman car as a dilapidated old ox-cart is unlike
a comfortable carriage." But after a wearisome journey of
twenty-six hours, they reached Sydney, and found comfort-
able quarters at the residence of Mr. Dawson.

The first service at Sydney was not a little disheartening
to Mr. Inskip. He was compelled to listen to fifty minutes
of solid ritual. He says, " Some of our readers will have
an idea of how much we groaned and suffered under this
burden." " It had one good effect, however, in teaching us
the possibility of preaching a short sermon ; but it also
fully assured us of the folly of a long ritual." He was en-
couraged by the assurance that the " Church service " was

346

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

not used at night. Just how he got through with this ser-
vice, he does not tell us. But the evening service was
hopeful, and some were at the altar as seekers of salvation.
The meetings wf>re continued until Wednesday of the fol-
lowing week — eleven days. " It fell to my lot," he says, "to
preach eighteen sermons, and exhort almost any number of
times." ' Such a rush to the altar, we have never seen any-
where. According to the statement of Rev. Mr. Osman,
there were at least one thousand saved during the Pente-
costal visitation," and " about that number," says Mr. Inskip,
" arose at the last service to testify that they had obtained
pardon or purity. Fully two-thirds of the number were
young converts."

In summing up his labors in Australia, he says : " During
the eight weeks we remained in Australia, we travelled by
rail about eight hundred miles, preached eighty sermons,
and saw about 2,500 people saved, about two-thirds of whom
were converted, and the balance wholly sanctified. Among
the last-mentioned class were a large number of ministers
— travelling and local. On the whole, we deem it the most
faithful two months' toil we have ever been able to perform.
To God be all the praise."

The Australian accounts of these revivals were fully up
to anything written by Mr. Inskip. They represent that
the " fruit remained," and that the revival wave continued
to roll, aud many were being saved after the evangelist had
left.

May 19, Mr. and Mrs. Inskip, and Mr. Gardiner, bade
adieu to Australia, and commenced their homeward voyage,
taking passage on the mail steam ship Australia, leaving
Mr. Osborn and wife behind to carry on the work. From
Sydney to Auckland, they had a pleasant run. Here they
.took on board, as steerage possengers, tweuty-seven Mormons.
He represents that "they may be what they claim they are,

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347

'Latter-day Saints,' but they are without doubt rather
' rough believers.' "

The voyage, on the whole, was rough and uncomfortable.
" If the Pacific ever deserved its beautiful and significant
title," he says, "we must be allowed to say, the claim, so
far as we are concerned, has been fairly and fully forfeited.
Our observation and experience will lead us hereafter to
speak of the two oceans as the ' roaring' Pacific, and the
mild' Atlantic."

June 6, they stopped for a day at Honolulu, one of the
Sandwich Islands. Not anticipating seeing any American
face in that far-off island of the ocean, he was not a little
surprised to be introduced, by the purser of the ship, to the
" Eev. S. C. Damon, D.D., a solid, genial, enthusiastic, and
earnest New England Congregationalist," who, for more
than forty years, had been connected with the "American
Seamen's Friend Society," in that island. During the day
tney spent in Honolulu, they met a brother who had met
tnem at the " Tuesday meeting " in New York, and a sister
wno had attended the tabernacle meeting in Sacramento,
Cal., and Eev. Sit Moon, a Chinaman, who attended the
tabernacle meeting at San Francisco, in 1871.

After four weeks and 7,100 miles of sea travel, on Tues-
day, June 14, the Australia entered the " Golden Gate,"
and the pilgrims were safely landed in San Franscisco,
where they spent a few days with their friends, holding
several meetings in the Central and Howard St. Methodist
Churches.

On June 29, having crossed the American continent,
they landed safely at their home by the sea — Ocean Grove,
— to "bid adieu," he says, "to a life on the ocean wave,"
which proved true. They were met at the depot by their
Ocean Grove friends, and escorted to their cottage, where a
large number of friends, including the Ocean Grove officials,

348

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

gave them a joyful reception. The following evening, they
were conducted to the tabernacle, where they were greeted
by a great crowd of their admirers. The familiar hymn,

" And we are yet alive
And see each others' face ? "

was sung, after which Rev. A. E. Ballard offered prayer.
The entire congregation then joined in singing,

" Home again, home again,
From a foreign shore ;
And, oh, it fills my soul with joy,
To meet my friends once more."

Dr. Stokes then read a poetic address of welcome : —
" Ring, ring the hells of joy," etc.

Mr. and Mrs. Inskip were called upon for addresses. They
responded, to the great delight of all present, expressing
their great satisfaction at the unexpected demonstration,
and giving a comprehensive and touching account of their
long, perilous, aud successful trip around the globe. "The
unction of the speech," says the Ocean Grove Record, "may
be imagined by those acquainted with the speaker in his
happiest moods, but we cannot do it justice here."

Nothing more need be added to make this occasion com-
plete. The circle of the globe had been made on one of the
noblest missions which ever engaged the human soul — to
spread Scriptural holiness. Their work speaks for itself,
and fully justifies the sacrifice made. Eternity will fully
reveal the good accomplished.

The other division of the "evangelistic party" returned
home by way of Rome and England, to meet engagements
which they could not well ignore. They reached Rome,
March 29, and remained there one week, holding services

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349

each evening, and three services on the Sabbath, — the latter
in the M. E. Church, Rev. Dr. Vernon, pastor.

Leaving Eome, April 4, they arrived in London, April 7,
spending only one day in Paris. They remained in England
five weeks, holding meetings during the time in Stepney
Green Tabernacle, London ; also, at Leeds, at Leicester, at
Sheffield, at Grimsby, at Saint Helen's, and a farewell ser-
vice at Everton Road Chapel, Liverpool, where they had
held their last service before leaving for India. It does not
come within the scope of this memoir to speak of these
meetings, but simply to describe the route by which the
" Inskip party," as it was sometimes called, returned to
their American home.

"Wednesday, May 11, at 3 p. M., a large number of their
English friends collected on board the steam-tug, as she lay
at the wharf in Liverpool, to accompany them to the ship
England on which they were to sail. They were soon on
board, and a season of hearty hand-shaking, and many an
affectionate " good-by " and " God bless you," and they
parted, — the "evangelists " to come to their Western home,
and the brethren and sisters to return to the city. But as
long as the two crafts were in sight, waving signals told of
warm, loving hearts, which would not likely meet again
until "this mortal shall have put on immortality."

Twelve days of monotonous sea life, — pleasant on the
whole, — and the party was safely landed in New York. A
few hours later, and they were at their New England homes,
having been absent just eleven months They had travelled
twenty-three thousand miles by sea and land without an
accident, and with very little detention. "Glory to the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost I "

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

The exhaustive labors performed by Mr. Inskip during
his " around-the-world tour," necessitated rest for the re-
cuperation of wasted energies. But within one month of
the time he arrived at Ocean Grove, he was at Round Lake,
to take charge of the National Camp-meeting, commencing
July 12. The entire evangelistic party, including many of
their friends, were there. Mr. Inskip was looking as fresh
and vigorous as ever. In fact, no one of the party seemed
to have materially suffered from their labors abroad.

The meeting at Round Lake was, in all respects, a success.
The preaching was clear, searching, and evangelical. The
altar services were seasons of great spiritual power.

From Round Lake, Mr. Inskip proceeded to Warsaw,
Indiana, to attend the National Camp-meeting, commencing
Aug. 5. Here he was assisted by several of the members of
the Association. He says of the meeting : " It is a real, old-
fashioned camp-meeting." On Tuesday of the second week,
he gave an account of his " around-the-world tour." " The
speaker," he says, "forgot himself, and the people seemed
also to forget themselves ; for the story, which it was hoped
could be told in a half hour, went on until nearly one o'clock.
Still the people cried out, ' Go on ! Go on ! ' "

Mr. Inskip sent telegrams to the conductors of several
camp-meetings, describing the great success at Warsaw, re-

350

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

351

ceiving responses of like character. The writer, in the
midst of one of the most remarkable meetings ever held at
Douglas, Mass., received the following telegram :

"To Rev. W. McDonald, Douglas, Mass., —

" God is with us in great power. The friends of holiness, assem-
bled at Warsaw, send fraternal greetings to their fellow-laborers at
Douglas. Hallelujah 1 the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth !

J. S. Inskip."

To this the following reply was returned : —

"Friends of holiness at Douglas return joyful greetings to their
brethren at "Warsaw. Jordan overflows all her banks. All agree that
this is superior to any meeting ever before held in New England.
Sing the doxology.

W. McDonald."

On Thursday afternoon, Mr. Inskip preached a sermon
from the text, " All things are possible to him that believ-
eth." A number of the ministers present, united in a re-
quest that the sermon be published. But the sermon, when
in print, did not seem very much like the sermon as preached
under the inspiration of a camp-meeting all aglow with spir-
itual life.

Rev. John Lindsay was once solicited, by a reporter at
Old Eastham, to furnish him a copy of a sermon on the
judgment, of remarkable power, which he had just preached.
The sermon was delivered in the midst of a severe thunder-
storm, the peals of thunder adding greatly to the impressive
character of the discourse. Mr. Lindsay remarked, that the
sermon was not written, and he doubted if he could recall
it ; besides, it would be impossible to print into the dis-
course, the thunder and lightning. There was often a good
deal of thunder and lightning in Mr. Inskip's discourses,
which could never be put into print.

In September, 1881, Mr. Inskip removed his residence

352

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

from Ocean Grove to Philadelphia, and thought to confine
his evangelistic labors principally to that city and vicinity.
He was convinced that, unless he circumscribed his labors,
he would soon utterly break down. He conducted an " all-
day holiness meeting" in the Central M. E. Church, and
another in the M. E. Church of Frankford. Subsequently,
similar meetings were held in Scott Church, Twentieth
Street, Eighteenth Street, and Spring Garden Street. These
four meetings, held in the brief space of three weeks, will
give the reader an idea of the manner of his seeking rest.

At the annual meeting of the Association, which was
held in November, Mr. Inskip seemed in good spirits, though
it was evident to most that he was failing. His spirit was
tender, and he seemed to be ripening for the change which
proved to be in the near future.

He attended a " watch-meeting," at the close of the year,
at Twentieth-street M. E. Church, Rev. Wm. B. Wood,
pastor. Speaking of the prospects of life, he says : " It is
a merciful arrangement of Providence, that we cannot fore-
cast or penetrate the future. Nevertheless, in view of what
may transpire, it will be well for each to be ready to • go
hence.' "

He confines his labors chiefly to Philadelphia, and for
some months does little outside of his editorial work. His
writings are marked by increasing spirituality and Christian
fraternity.

Early the following spring, he began to rally the people
on the subject of attending the National Camp-meeting at
Pound Lake. There was to be a National Holiness Conven-
tion immediately preceding the camp-meeting, which would
call together brethren from all parts of the country, and
materially add to the interest of the camp-meeting.

On the twenty-eighth of March, an event transpired in his
family, in which he and Mrs. Inskip were greatly interested

THE EXD COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

3o3

— the marriage of their only grand-child, Mr. John E. Inskip,
to Miss Emma S. Flock, daughter of Mr. Isaac G. Flock, of
Lansingburg, N. Y. " If we enjoyed the occasion," h« says,
" it of course will not surprise anybody ; aud if we are
especially interested in their happiness and welfare, it will
be readily understood by parents and friends, who may have
had similar experiences."

Mr. Inskip attended his conference — New York East —
in April, which met at Waterbury, Conn. He pronounces
it "the most spiritual occasion of the kind" h» had ever
known. But it gives him a feeling of sadness to look
over the conference, and see how many have departed. But
they died in peace," he says, " and the rest will follow."

As the time drew near for attending the Bound Lake Na-
tional Convention and Camp-meeting, Mr. Inskip expressed
a strong desire that these gatherings should be so conducted
as that God might be honored and holiness advanced. He
felt, he says, " it may be the last National Camp-meeting at
Bound Lake, that some of us will attend. Life is snort,
eternity is at hand." He arrived at the camp-ground Satur-
day, July 2, and on the following day — Sunday — preached
to a congregation of fair size, who gave reverent attention to
the word.

The convention opened Tuesday, the fourth of July, by
appropriate exercises. Mr. Inskip was elected president;
and delivered an appropriate address, setting forth the objects
of the Convention. It was an instructive talk. On the
second day, he followed Dr. TVatson, who spoke on "The
things essential to the successful prosecution of the work of
holiness." His address was timely, iusisting that holiness,
and holiness only, was the need of the hour. The Conven-
tion, on the whole, was a grand success.

The National Camp-meeting opened Thursday, July 6.
There were fifteen of the members of the Association in

354

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

attendance. Choico spirits, from all parts of the country,
as well as from Canada and New Brunswick, were present.
The meeting closed on Thursday night, at about 12 o'clock,
amidst the great rejoicing of the company. It was reported
that one hundred and fifty were converted, and a still larger
number wholly sanctified.

After attending a meeting at Ocean Grove for about one
week, Mr. Inskip took a brief trip to Massachusetts, to
attend the New England Camp-meeting for the promotion
of holiness, held at Douglas, Mass., Aug. 6. He was pres-
ent at the meeting three days, and preached twice, to the
great delight of the people. He had mapped out for him-
self too much work for his strength. He spent a few days
more at the regular camp-meeting at Ocean City, preaching
the opening sermon, and preached again on the Sabbath.
He then proceeded to Pitman Grove, where he was greatly
helped in preaching. While there he was reminded of a
remarkable camp-meeting which he attended at Spruce
Grove, some years before, in which he took a very active
part. He represents, that the excitement throughout the
meeting was extraordinary. He was called upon to preach
on the occasion. His voice was almost entirely gone. But
the openiug singing was wonderful, he says. The text was :
" And I saw a great white throne," etc. Upon the announce-
ment of his text, to his surprise his voice immediately be-
came as clear as possible. The Lord wonderfully helped
him. The thousands who came into the congregation be-
came so much interested that they instinctively arose to
their feet, and broke into a tremendous shout of praise.
Sinners shrieked aloud for help, and many scores are said
to have been happily converted to God. It was a night of
wonders. Such scenes were not rare in his earlier ministry.

The latter part of August, he started for the Lincoln, 111.,
National Camp-meeting, stopping, by invitation, at Youngs-

THE EN~> COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

355

town,01iio, to attend the Ohio State Camp-meeting. Here he
labored with his accustomed zeal, expending all his energies
in promoting the cause of holiness. Leaving Youngstown,
he proceded to Warren, O., where worn and weary, he halted
to rest, with Rev. Mr. Ileeves. While here his old troubles,
induced by over-work, returned, and he was obliged to abandon
the idea of attending the National, at Lincoln. Broken in
health, he found it necessary to return to his home.

Referring to his health, he says : " A necessity is laid
upon us to abstain, for the present, from all ministerial
service. We have attempted too much. This is all the
more afflictive and unsatisfactory, because so many of our
truest and most intimate friends have admonished us of our
peril. We thought we were able to do all we engaged to
without damage or serious difficulty. We were mistaken.
We must submit, and consent for a season to cease from all
pulpit labor. There is nothing in the world for which we
have such an aversion as that about which we now write.
With going ahead and hard work we are familiar, and have
long enjoyed this manner of life. We must consent for a
season to bear our cross."

A week or two later, he says : "The 'high noon' of life
has come and passed, and we must consent to know
that the 'evening' is foreshadowed. Nor is this in any
sense unwelcome, disagreeable, or unsatisfactory. For the
present we deem it our imperative duty to rest. This we
do with great cheerfulness and readiness. The task before
us is a difficult one, yet with Divine aid we hope to get
through with it."

Mr. Inskip made another change in his residence, reti ov-
ing from Philadelphia, to Chester County. Thinking that
the country air, ano physical exercise, would be to his ad-
vantage, he exchanged his city property for a small farm,
near the place where he spent his early years, and had coin

356

LIFE OF JOLW S. INSEIP.

menced his life-work. Here, in comparative retirement,
abandoning almost entirely his editorial duties, he spent his
time in light labor on the farm. The effect upon his health
was very encouraging. He seemed to be improving, but it
became necessary that he abstain from all mental labor. He
wrote but 1 ttle, brethren kindly volunteering to assist him
in furnishing editorial matter for the Christian Standard.
He says : " We are led to believe we turned aside to rest in
good season, and with the Divine blessing, we are quite
hopeful that we may again be permitted to resume our much-
loved toil. For the present, we must move with great caution."

On the eighteenth of November, he says : " We are not
sufficiently rallied from the effects of our recent disability
to resume our editorial work." " Our mistake in over-doing
is one we ought not to have made."

The brethren, on reaching Philadelphia to attend the
annual meeting, found Mr. Inskip in greatly impaired
health. His nervous system seemed entirely broken up,
and he was utterly unable to control his feelings. They
had fears for a time that he would not be able to preside it
the meeting. He could scarcely speak without weeping,
and appeared to be greatly disqualified for any service. He
did, however, so far recover as to be present at the meeting,
and in some good degree take part in its deliberations. The
members, however, were deeply impressed with the facfc
that his days of toil were at, or nearly at, an end. It was
resolved to hold three camp-meetings in 1883. Only two
were finally arranged for ; viz:, Pitman Grove, N. J., and
Old Orchard, Me. Speaking of the annual meeting, he
says : " At no period since its organization have we seen
such unity and hearty fellowship among the brethren of the
Association. All their action was heartily unanimous."

About the middle of December, he writes : " We are being
helped wondrously, and feel that we shall soon be all right

THE EXD COMETH, AND TIIE TRIUMPH.

357

again. We are at our post, and ready for any reasonable
service which may be demanded of us. If it were camp-
meeting season we would be able to take our turn, and do
our full share of work. Our friends will, we hope, share
our gratitude and joy when we inform them we are doing
well, and our motto is, 'Still onward.' If we cau only
have grace to act wisely, we shall look for more than one
decade of good opportunity and earnest hard work in the
cause of holiness."

By the middle of March, he seems to have so far re-
covered, or improved, as to enter upon his editorial duties.
Rev. T. T. Tasker addresses a congratulatory letter to the
readers of the Standard, in which he says : " It is my privi-
lege now to say, to all my brethren and sisters in Christ,
everywhere, and to all denominations, that he (Mr. Iuskip)
i.s thoroughly convalescent. He may wholly recover, if he
will consent to due moderation. His future must depend
almost entirely upon himself. Probably he may safely
preach once on Sabbath day, give reasonable heed to busi-
ness and editorial matter systematically, and by working
in his favorite way, be extensively useful."

Notwithstanding these favorable symptoms, it was not so
clear to all that it was at all safe for him to undertake any
considerable amount of labor. Influenced by this feeling,
the writer addressed to him an earnest letter, urging him,
by all means, to spare himself. His services were more
needed in the field than in the columns of the Standard.
The response made to our fraternal letter is so full of touch-
ing, tender references to our relations, that we cannot re-
frain from inserting it here : —

" PrriLAOELPniA, March 31, 1883.
" Dear Mac, — You make me cry. I cannot help it. You know
me better than any living man. My faults, and excellences, if I have
any, you are familiar with. You, in fact, have, as it were, been Lu

353

LIFE OF JOIW S. LNSKIP.

the inside of my being. I know you have loved me — you do so still.
Tour kind advice I will heed. I will go, I think, to all ihc mee ings.
[Meaning National Camp-meeting?. 1 I need not do as heretofore. I
can look on a little. I want to be with you, and I want you to be
with me. The Lord grant me strength. You justly appreciate my
situation. I cannot endure anxiety, care, or push, as I could in
days of yore. But I can love more than ever, and do at this moment
love you with a fondness and tenderness, no language at mycomm;inl
can expres?. Now, my precious, loving bio:her aud fellow-laborer,
for tbe balance of the journey, we must, come still nearer to each
other. I cannot tell you how much I want you to think lovingly of
me, and pray for me. It cheers me to know that you do this. I fortu
no new friendships or alliances. I have come to the shady side of
the mountain. But there is much of sunlight, joy. and gladness, and
more of sweet, hallowed tenderness, than ever before. I cannot ex-
press the strength of my desire to be lit for another summer campaign
with you. I devoutly pray to God that we may both live long, and
at last have a 'golden sunset.' We may, with proper care, have yet
some years of active toil. If we do, we shall see wonders of grace
and victory.

"Yours as ever and forever,

"J. S. Ixskip."

In the month of May, he makes reference to his health,
but does not regard it as sufficiently improved to allow him
to make a journey to Marskalton, the town where he was
"first forgiven." But on tbe tenth of June, he, with Mrs.
lnskip, by invitation of Rev. W. Rink, made a visit to " the
grove," to spend tbe Sabbath. This was the place, as the
read( r will remember, where he was a member of the church,
at the time his father expelled him from his home. He
found everything changed: "the grove" was not there; the
friends of his youth had all passed away, and he could not
realize that it was "the grove." He "only remembered 1 the
grove ' as the head-quarters of a strong detatchment of the
'thundering legion.' " He preached in the morning " with
much comfort aud religious profit."

On their return to their home, they took occasion to pass

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

359

by the old blacksmith-shop. At every step of the road, his
teelings became more and more intense. It was the same
road along which he walked when driven from the home of
his misguided father. The day, the bright sunshine, the
joyous song, the wondrous bliss of being persecuted for
Christ's sake, were all fresh in his memory. He paused at
the saddler's shop, where his two neighbors were so signally
converted, and found the little stone structure still standing.
Thence he proceeded to the blacksniith-shop, where he really
commenced his public labors, and where he saw sixty souls
converted. From the smith-shop he visited the house from
wiiich he had been driven. The occupant, though not a
religious man, made him welcome. He went into every
room, and stood on the very spot where his infuriated father
stood, when, in great wrath, he exclaimed: "Begone, you
ungrateful wretch, and let me never see your face again ! ''
Mi s. Inskip proposed that they have prayers, to which the
gentleman of the house cheerfully consented. "And oh,"
says Mr. Inskip, " what a season of melting mercy and ten-
der emotion we had! The man and some of the family were
wondrously stirred." This was no uncommon day for Mr.
and Mrs. Inskip. It was living over again one of the most
interesting and inspiring seasons of their pilgrimage. They
returned to their home in due time.

As the season for camp-meetings approached, contrary to
the expectations of many. Mr. Inskip had so far recovered
as to be able to attend, and take charge of, the meetings at
Pitman Grove, 1ST. J., and Old Orchard, Me. He could not
deny himself the joyful privilpge of attending the Chester
H< ights Camp-meeting, nor refuse an invitation to preach
on Sabbath morning, "though many," he says, "deemed it
hazardous lor us to make the attempt." The Pitman Grove
National Camp-meeting commenced Aug. 7. Mr. Inskip
preached the opening sermon. In a personal reference to

360

LIFE OF JOI1N S. INSKIP.

himself, he said : "I thank God Ho has raised me up from a
severe mental prostration ; and though friends feared that
I should be laid aside from work for some months, if not
years to come, I am full of strength, and feel that I am as
well qualified, physically, as ever, for an occasion like this.
Spiritually, my sky is clear, and my soul is full of sunshine.'1
He preached with his usual liberty, and yet it could be easily
discerned that he was failing. He seemed to exert himself
far beyond his real strength, and yet he labored at times to
repress the overflow of emotion, which found expression in
great physical and mental demonstration. He performed
the labors of conducting the meeting much more easily and
successfully than many had supposed he could. He, himself,
says : " At the close, I was in a much better condition than
at the beginning."

From Pitman Grove he went to Ocean Grove, where he
preached Wednesday, Aug. 14, on the subject of holiness.
A reporter of the sermon says: "We have heard Bro. Inskip
od a great many occasions, and never did we hear him when
he was more lucid and clear iu exposition of this blessed
doctrine. It seemed that the Holy Spirit took entire pos-
session of him, as he stood forth with that large audience
before him."

August 28, the National Camp-meeting at Old Orchard
commenced. Mr. Inskip was there. It was his last National
Camp-meeting. He seemed to be in good spirits, and con-
ducted the services with his usual ease and effectiveness,
except that towards the close, he appeared more weary than
usual. He felt, as he believed, much better at the close
than he did at the beginning. " We have gone through the
campaign," he says, " with much greater ease than usual "

On his return from Old Orchard, at request of Hon. Jacob
Sleeper, Mr. Inskip and wife, with their Philadelphia com-
pany, including Rev. W. L. Gray, Rev. E. L D. Pepper Dr.

TEE END COMETH, AND THE TIllUMPn.

361

Levy, and others, enjoyed a delightful meeting at Bromfield
Street Church, Boston. The house was rilled with earnest
Christians, and the season was most enjoyable, closing with
a most profitable altar service.

On his return to Philadelphia, he commenced preparations
for holding a great " Holiness Convention " in that city, in
connection with the General Conference, which was to con-
vene there in May, 1884. This plan had received the sanc-
tion of the members of the National Association, at their
annual meeting. The Central M. E. Church had been en-
gaged for the purpose. But ere the time came for holding
the meeting, Mr. Inskip had joined the general assembly
and Church of the first-born, and removed to the city of the
Great King.

There was no spot to which Mr. Inskip made more fre-
quent public mention, and none to him "more dear" than
the old " Meeting House " at Marshallton, Pa., where he
"was first forgiven." After becoming settled in his Chester
County home, he availed himself of the first favorable op-
portunity to visit this, to him, sacred spot. The visit was
full of interest, both to him and the people. We will allow
him to describe it in his own language.

"A Precious Season.
" We have often heard people sing : —

" ' There is a spot to me more dear

Than native vale or mountain;
A spot for which affection's tear

Springs grateful from its fountain.
'Tis not where kindred souls abound,

Tho' that on earth is Heaven ;
But where I first my Saviour found,

And felt my sins forgiven.'

362

LIFE OF JOHN S INSKIP.

"Our sympathy with the sentiment here expressed was
always ardent, but we knew nothing of its real strength
until last Sabbath. This day we shall remember forever as
one of the most wonderfully precious seasons we have ever
enjoyed. When the early morn dawned we were rather sad
and disappointed, on account of the threatening aspect of
the weather. But soou the clouds dispersed, and the bright
sun shone forth with amazing splendor. As we passed
along the way, riding in rural country style, with our be-
loved companion by our side, a thousand precious and pleas-
ant reminiscences crowded into our thought. We saw much
of beauty to admire, both in nature and art, as we journeyed
onward together. But the great topic of conversation was
of the past, and related to personal experiences of the gra-
cious providences of God, and the wonders of grace.

"Our object in leaving home this beautiful Sabbath morn-
ing was to visit our spiritual birthplace, Marshallton, Ches-
ter County, Pa., distant from our present abode some eight
or nine miles. We had long and earnestly "desired to do
this, but never before could find time or leisure to enjoy the
privilege. An absence of over half a century, of course,
would be supposed to have made many changes. Frequently
the thought came into mind, 'Will they know me?' The
revolution made by time and toil in the topography of the
country we found to be so great that it was difficult to rec-
ognize or determine any particular locality with which, in
former times, we had been so familiar. Now and then a hill,
or creek, or building, looked somewhat as in 'days of yore.'
As we approached the village, we asked a young man the
question, 'Is this Marshallton?' He politely answered,
•Yes, sir, this is Marshallton.' We inquired, 'Where is the
Methodist Church ? ' He responded, 'The first you come to
on your left hand, sir.' A moment brought us to the time-
honored sanctuary. To make sure we were not mistaken,

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH. 363

we made further inquiry of some gentlemen standing in
front. As we cast our eyes upon the little stone edifice, we
felt profoundly grateful that it looked much as it did in the
days of our youth.

" We have no language at command that would convey to
our readers any adequate idea of our feelings as we entered
this humble ' meeting-house,' and glanced at the place where
we bowed to seek the Lord, and were led to a knowledge of
the ' truth as it is in Jesus.' We knelt as near the sacred
spot as we could, and offered praise and thanksgiving for the
gracious Providence which had brought us once more to the
point at which we commenced the 'heavenly pilgrimage.'
What a moment of pure, unalloyed and tearful bliss it was !
Not a single face we saw was at all familiar. Our old
friends had nearly all passed away. There were, however,
a few still remaining here below. How many questions we
had to ask them concerning the departed, we cannot tell.
There were many names mentioned, and the retrospect was
truly thrilling. The Lord graciously aided us in preaching
on the declaration of St. Paul in the Epistle to the Romans,
first chapter and sixteenth verse : ' I am not ashamed of the
gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to
every one that believeth.' The sermon was followed by a
highly spiritual communion service. The pastor, Rev. Mr.
Dungan, received us with the greatest cordiality, and every,
body seemed to have a ' God bless you ' for both of us.

" From the church, or, rather, ' meeting-house,' where we
communed with the living, we went into the ' grave-yard ' to
have sweet fellowship with the dead. There is much hal-
lowed human dust sleeping there, and waiting for the ' full
manifestation of the sons of God.' We lingered at the
graves of Joseph and Sarah Burton and John Mills. Brother
Burton was the class-leader, and was at our side when we

364

LIFE OF JOUIf S. IXSKIP.

found salvation. He asked us the following questions :
'My lad, dost thou believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?'
'Dost thou believe that he is able and willing to save thee
now ?' 'Dost thou, my lad, believe that He does save thee
now ? ' To each and all of these inquiries we returned an
affirmative answer, and salvation was the result that fol-
lowed. We also visited the graves of Dr. Parish, long years
since the earnest steward of the society, and of Rev. Alban
Hook, a devoted local preacher whom we often heard pro-
claim the 'glorious gospel of the blessed God.' We paused
at the resting-place of the youth who sought to hinder us
from making a start on our heavenward journey. He, too,
with his kindred, sleeps the sleep from which there is no
waking until the morning of the resurrection. On every
hand in the ' place of graves ' we noticed the names of old
and familiar friends who have ' gone on before.' Our inter-
view with the 'sainted dead' was so pleasant and profitable
we repeated it, and the second time found it even more sug-
gestive than the first. Both the living and the dead con-
tributed to the interest and joy of the occasion.

" During our brief stay we were the guests of Sister Pen-
nypecker, who was a ' next-door neighbor ' when we resided
in this part of the country. Our friends in different parts
of the world have heard us say again and again that Chester
County, Pennsylvania, was the most beautiful and attractive
region we have ever seen. We feel like repeating the
declaration here and now. This church, of which we have
spoken, was, and is still, a Methodist Episcopal Church.
When our readers learn that we have received so much of
blessing and benefit from this church, they will see good and
sufficient reasons why we are so unwilling that she shall be
assailed by some of those who claim to be adherents to the
cause of holiness. We were converted, baptized and wholly

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH. 365

sanctified in this church, and propose, if the Lord and our
brethren permit, to remain a member until we are 'called
hence.' We should have stated, Auntie Inskip, in the after-
noon, visited the Sunday-school, and spoke to the dear
young people with unusual unction and effect. On the
whole, it was truly ' a time long to be remembered.' We
returned to our quiet hillside home, determined to be more
in earnest than ever in our endeavors to promote the glory
of God and the salvation of men."

Mr. and Mrs. Inskip had been solicited by Eev. J. S. Lame,
of Waynesburg, Pa., where some fifty years before, Mr.
Inskip had commenced his ministerial life, to spend a Sab-
bath with that church. His going seemed providentially
delayed until Oct. 21, 1883. It proved to be his last appear-
ance in the pulpit.

Mr. Lame gives the following account of the visit. Speak-
ing of the Saturday evening before the Sabbath, he says:
" He was as elastic and playful in spirit as a boy. My son,
having attained his twenty-first year, received a birthday
present. Bro. Inskip made the presentation speech — a
speech flashing wit h humor and flowing with pathos. Always
gifted in prayer, but on Saturday night, round the family
altar, the fire and fervor of the Lord God of Elijah fell
upon him. Every one bending about that altar was men-
tioned with a particularity and tenderness most touching,
and when he came to petition for God's benediction on the
coming Sabbath, certainly the glory of his coming transla-
tion must have mantled him. My soul was melted with the
pathos, and my mind almost bewildered with the grandeur,
of his though' and language.

S66

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

" Sabbath, the twenty-first, all the Presbyterian churches
in the city were closed, the pastors being away attending
Synod. The morning was dark and lowering, but no rain fell
during the entire day. A consecration meeting at 9 A. M.,
assisted in preparing the people for the grand results of the
day. The church was crowded from gallery to pulpit — altar,
aisles, and vestibule. Promptly at 10.30, Mr. Inskip arose
and read the 775th hymn : ' Awake, Jerusalem, Awake ! ' He
took for his text, Psa. xciii. 53: 'Holiness becometh thy
house, 0 Lord, forever.' Holiness, his favorite theme, was the
subject of the sermon. His plan of presentation was most
happily adapted to his promiscuous audience. As he swept
on in his sermon, smiles frequently rippled over the congre-
gation, tears filled many eyes, hearty responses attested that
the mighty archer was not drawing his bow at a venture.
The great preacher was at his best. He held the people in
his grasp, and at the close of the sermon, not less than a
hundred rose as seekers of holiness.

" At 7 p. m., the house was packed. Mr. Inskip, on his
throne of power, gave out the 518th hymn. The second
hymn, the last he ever read in the pulpit, was the 503il, the
last line of which is, ' And I am white as snow.' He an-
nounced his text, 2 Thess. ii. 13 : ' God hath from the begin-
ning chosen us to salvation, through sanctification of the
Spirit and belief of the truth.' He preached one hour and a
half. It was a Manheim Camp-meeting in a church. Includ-
ing his explanations and exhortations, he spoke two solid
hours. Half way down the church, men and women were
kneeling, seeking pardon, or purity, or some special blessing
of God. In the glad exultation of the hour, lifting his stroug
voice, which appeared entirely unimpaired by the strain put
upon it, he exclaimed : ' I feel competent to tweuty years of
woik yet.' At a late hour the vast congregation retired to
their homes; and notwithstanding his extraordinary labors

THE END COMETH, AND TIIE TRIUMPH. 367

through the day, he was bright and buoyant on his arrival
at the parsonage ; ate heartily, engaged in sprightly conver-
sation, joined in prayer, retired iu good cheer, slept soundly,
awoke early, took breakfast before daylight, and left for
Philadelphia by the first train. It was one of the greatest
days in the whole history of the Waynesburg Church."

With the close of that day, there dropped from the hand
of John S. Inskip, the trumpet which had sounded the gos-
pel of full salvation more frequently and effectually for the
the last twenty years, than by any other man. His work
was done, and he almost " ceased at once to work and live."

Mr. and Mrs. Inskip had engaged to hold a series of meet-
ings in the Bromfield St.M.E. Church, Boston, to commence
the first Sunday in November. The people were in great
expectancy. They remembered a meeting of almost unex-
ampled power, held in the same church, by Messrs. Inskip
and M JDonald, some years before. But on Friday preced-
ing the time fixed for the beginning of the meeting, a
telegram came announcing his sickness, and the necessary
postponement of the meeting.

Mr. Inskip was at his office on Monday, in his usual
health, and " greatly elated," says Eev. Dr. Levy, " over his
services at Waynesburg, the day previous." The following
day, he was at his office again, without any apparent feeble-
ness. On Wednesday he remained at home, preparing for
his engagement in Boston. In the evening, after having a
pleasant time with his great-grand-child, he retired to his
room, where Mrs. Inskip was engaged in sewing. He seated
himself on the lounge, and she observed that his head had
fallen, as was often the case when he had dropped into a
sleep. Speaking to him, she said, " My dear, how quickly
you fall asleep these days." Not receiving any reply, she
went to him, and to her great surprise, found him uncon-
scious. Medical assistance was immediately summoned, and

368

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

it was ascertained that he was entirely paralyzed on his
right side. lie remained in an unconscious state for three
days, and then returned to consciousness, recognizing his
friends, but being still unable to speak.

As the news of Mr. Inskip's illness spread throughout the
land, sad hearts turned to God for help. Prayers, earnest
prayers, were offered to the Great Physician for healing for
the stricken one. After a few days, he seemed to be im-
proving in health, and many were hopeful of his complete
recovery. Messrs. Tasker and Pepper published a card, in
the Christan Standard, announcing a " decided improvement
in the condition of Mr. Inskip. He moves about the house
and grounds, taking an interest in everything that trans-
pires." The physician gave encouragement that he " would
be able to go to the office in a very few days." Mrs. Inskip
writes : " My faith claims Mr. Inskip's complete restoration.
He is joyous and happy, singing sweet songs of praise."
But it was very clear to others, who had marked the gradual
steps by which he had reached this point, that he could not
recover, — that his end was in the near future.

Nov. 21, the annual meeting of the National Camp-meet-
ing Association was held in Philadelphia. In connection
with Rev. J. E. Searles, the writer visited Mr. Inskip
at his home in West Town, Pa., the day before the
association convened. As we approached the house, we ob-
served him looking from his chamber window, and pointing
to us, with manifest joy at our coming. As we entered
we found him calm, and delighted to see us. He was able
to be about the house, and even to go down stairs with us to
tea. Put though he looked quite well, there was little or
no improvement in his speech. He could do little more
than utter "yes," and "no." He could join in a familiar
hymn, and articulated the words with tolerable distinctness,
but was utterly unable to hold conversation. We spent the

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

3G9

night with hira, and had a most delightful season of prayer,
in which he heartily joined. He was without pain, happy
and peaceful.

The following day, just as we were closing the business
of the Association, to the great surprise of all, Mr. and Mrs.
Inskip entered the office. He seemed deeply interested in
all that was being done, but it was painful to us all to wit-
ness his fruitless attempts to make us understand his
wishes.

The Association passed resolutions expressive of their
profound sympathy for Mr. and Mrs. Inskip, for him in his
great bodily affliction, and for her in her greatest trial. But
we were all well assured that he would never again lead us
in the fight, or shout us on to victory, — he had fought his
last battle.

On the tenth of December, Mr. and Mrs. Inskip left West
Town for Ocean Grove, where, it was thought, the surround-
ings might be more favorable to his recovery. He had
often expressed a strong desire to die at a camp-meeting.
The nearest to this would be to die on a camp-ground ; and
this favor was granted him.

The Thorne House, his former residence — built by him-
self — was a very attractive spot for him. In this house he
spent the last eleven weeks of his mortal life. The Ocean
Grove Association showed him and his family every kind-
ness ; indeed, all his friends — and he had many — were
ready to render him every possible assistance. They visited
him almost daily, and made his condition as comfortable as
possible. He was happy and peaceful, almost constantly
singing some favorite hymn. The songs which were most
upon his lips, were, " I am trusting, Lord, in Thee ; " " Oh, I
leave it all with Jesus, day by day ; " "Is not this the land
of Beulah ? " " I'm the child of a King ; " " Angels now
are hovering round us ; " " The home of the soul ; " " In

370

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

the sweet by and by;" and others, of similar charac-
ter.

On the thirtieth of December, with his wife, Mr. Inskip
attended church at the Grove, and listened to a sermon by
Eev. Dr. Wythe. He sat in the altar, and at the close of
the sermon, sang one verse of

" My life flows on with ceaseless song,"

and appeared remarkably happy. Jan. 13, he went again,
and remained at the sacramental service, which he greatly
enjoyed.

After returning to his home, Mrs. Inskip said to him :
" This has been a real feast to-day, and I hope it may be
the Lord's will that you may again be in the work you have
so dearly loved. Do you not feel it to be a great trial to be
deprived of your speech ? " With perfect resignation, he
answered, so as to be understood by her, " Oh, no : it is
God's will." This proved to be his last Sabbath in the
house of God.

In reply to Mrs. Inskip's inquiry, " Do you not think if
you had not worked so hard, that it would have been better,
and you would have lived longer and saved yourself this
great suffering ? " his answer was prompt and characteristic,
"I am so glad I have worked hard all my life."

As he approached the end, his sufferings, at times, became
very great. But in the midst of his deepest sufferings he
seemed filled with joy. On one of these occasions, Mrs.
Inskip said : " My dear, religion was good when you were
turned from your father's home ; it was good in the midst
of labor, trials and misrepresentations ; it has been good in
the midst of great battles, and when the glorious victory
came : does it now hold in the midst of this great suffer-
ing ? " He pressed her hand, and with uplifted eyes, and a
hallowed smile, responded, " Yes, oh yes." In a slow and

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

371

deliberate manner, so as to be understood by Mrs Inskip, he
said, "I am unspeakably happy." This was followed by,
"Glory! glory!"

Rev. Mr. Ballard says : " For the last few weeks of his
life, he blended agony and triumph, as in the course of my
ministry I have never seen them blended. The pains which
came upon him were almost beyond endurance. I have
seen him lie there, propped up by his pillow and supported
by the arms of his wife, — who never, for a day, in all the
weary months of his illness, quitted his side, — his whole
form quivering with anguish, and his voice moaning with
the pain that distorted his features, and still insisting that
prayer should be made, during which, smiles which seemed
reflecting from the glory beyond, would irradiate his face,
and the anguish and the pain be all obliterated. I have
never seen any other soul whose triumphs equalled his in
like circumstances."

A brother called and spent the evening. During the con-
versation, Mr. Inskip said : " Do you have family prayers ? "
The brother confessed that he did not. But such was the
impression made upon his mind, that he went home and
said to his wife : " God has spoken to me through Bro. In-
skip ; " and he gathered his family together, and erected the
family altar, saying, " It shall never be thrown down."

February 7, Mr. Inskip was very ill. As he took leave of
his grandson and his wife, he placed his hands upon their
heads, and said, in broken words : " Be good ; meet me in
Heaven." Then, kissing the baby, he bade each person in
the room, "Good-by." Then, turning to his wife, he said:
"All is well. Glory! Hallelujah!" Rev. Mr. Ballard,
who was often with him, says: "He could always say,
'Amen' ; could join in hymns he had known, and sing the
words ; but while his mind formed ideas without difficulty,
the vocal organs refused their office in expressing them ; yet,

372

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

in the subtle telegraphy of love, his wife was able to under-
stand and interpret him to his friends, in ways which he
accepted as exactly correspondent with his meaning."

Sunday, Feb. 17, Rev. George Hughes called to see him.
Mr. Inskip united in singing, —

" Thou, O Christ, art all I want,"

and while prayer was offered, his soul seemed in a state of
ecstasy.

On the twenty-second, Rev. Messrs. Pepper, Osborn, and
Wallace, made a visit to the sick-room. While Mr. Pepper
prayed, Mr. Inskip responded, " Amen ! Amen ! Amen ! "
Then they sang, —

" I am dwelling on the mountain,
Where the golden sun-light gleams," etc.

Chorus. — " Is not this the land of Beulah ?"

During the singing, he took a palm-leaf fan which was lying
on the bed, and waved it again and again. Mr. Osborn
said : " You are waving your ' palm ' before you go to the
glory-land." With a face radiant with smiles, he responded,
" Yes, yes ! "

March 3 was a day of great physical suffering. As his
wife knelt and prayed that God would grant her husband
some relief from his suffering, he commenced singing, — '

" I leave it all with Jesus, day by day,
My faith can firmly trust Him, come what may."

March 6, his sufferings were very great. Mrs. Inskip
says: "Oh, what a sufferer! and yet, how patient! This
morning, from three to five, the room was filled with the
presence of the Holy One. Every one present felt the influ-

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

373

ence of the Spirit. My husband's face appeared as bright
as the sunlight. We united with him in singing, —

"Death shall not destroy my comfort.

Christ shall guide me through the gloom ;
Down He'll send some heavenly convoy,

To escort my spirit home.
Don't you see my Jesus coming ?

Don't you see him in yon cloud ?
With ten thousand angels round him,

See how they my Saviour crowd."

He then sang, " I'm the child of a King," and three verses
of "Deliverance will come."

On the day of his departure, Eev. J. E. Searles and Mr. G.
C. Reis, who were attending a meeting of the directors of
the National Publishing Association, went to Ocean Grove
to visit Mr. Inskip. "When I was announced," says Mr.
Searles, " he roused up a little, and looked towards me ; and
his ever-faithful wife said to him : ' My dear, Bro. Searles
has come ; do you know him ? If you know him, press his
hand' (which he was holding); and then I felt a gentle
pressure, and there was a slight movement of the lips. But
it was only for a moment ; consciousness reeled and vanished,
to return no more in this life. It seemed difficult to realize
that we were looking upon the leader of the great holiness
movement in the present history of the Church, who so re-
cently appeared so strong, and full of almost youthful vigor,
— whose constitution and make-up seemed to defy the effects,
either of toil or increasing years. He often said to the
writer : 1 1 want to die in the work.' His record is one of
incessant activity and glorious success. After s<inging, ' My
latest sun is sinking fast,' we joined in prayer, and felt that
Heaven was bending low, and the angels, and especially the
presence of Jesus, was there. We turned away from the
dying hero of a thousand glorious victories for Christ, with

374

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

inexpressible sadness, and yet with a secret joy that we
should soon join him, with a host of the brothers of the
Association, and other friends of holiness, in the blessed life
above, — a life 'unmeasured by the flight of years,' where
all is Heaven forever.

"At six o'clock in the evening, after returning home, I
received a telegram, announcing that all was over, — that he
had entered into his rest."

The last song sung, on the day of his departure, was,
" The sweet by-and-by." While singing that beautiful and
appropriate hymn, the dying man pressed his loving wife to
his breast, and then, taking her hands in his, raised them
up together, and with a countenance beaming with celestial
delight, shouted, " Victory ! Triumph ! Triumph ! " These
were his last words on earth.

He ceased to breathe at 4 p. m., March 7. But so peace-
fully and imperceptibly did he pass away, that those who
watched by him could scarcely perceive the moment when
he ceased to live. On that day the Christian warrior, the
powerful preacher, the tender husband, the world-renowned
evangelist, was gathered to his fathers, and rested from his
toil.

" The battle's fought, the victory's won,
And thou art crowned at last."

The intelligence of his death spread throughout all the
land with great rapidity, and though not unexpected, it pro-
duced a profound impression upon all. Letters of Christian
sympathy for the afflicted widow came pouring in from all
parts of the country. The general feeling was, that a great
and useful man had fallen, — one whose place in the holiness
movement of the country could not easily be filled.

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

375

Funeral Services at Ocean Grove.

Thorne Cottage was densely crowded on Monday evening,
March 10, as the mortal remains of Mr. Inskip were to be
borne away the next morning to the home of the dead. Rev.
J. Bradds, of the Baltimore Conference, offered prayer;
Rev. W. H. Meeker, of Troy Conference, read selections
from the Scriptures, and Rev. E. I. D. Pepper announced a
hymn. Rev. W. B. Osborn paid a loving tribute to the
memory of his old friend. His reminiscences were pathetic
and thrilling. " Side by side they had labored together at
great camp-meetings. They had met in India, evangelized
in Australia, and loved as David and J onathan. It was his
sad office, and yet a privilege, to be much with Mr. Inskip
during his illness, and down to the last moment of life. He
held his hand while dying, and repeated Wesley's hymn, as
the spirit took his flight, —

' Servant of God, well done.' "

Rev. S. Jaquett, who visited him almost daily, said: "It
seemed so near Heaven, to be in the room, where, though
faint and weary, Brother Inskip was always on the moun-
tain-top of ecstatic vision." Rev. H. B. Beegle referred to
the fact that Mr. Inskip was one of the originators of Ocean
Grove, and one of the first members of the Association.
Rev. Mr. Ballard made some appropriate remarks, and the
benediction was pronounced by Rev. F. M. Collins, of Phila-
delphia.

The mournful cortege left Ocean Grove in the 9 o'clock
train, Tuesday morning, and arrived in New York near noon,
where it was met by friends with carriages, and the company
proceeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church, East Wash-
ington Square, formerly Green Street, of which Mr. Inskip
had once been pastor. The gathering was such as befitted a

376

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSKIP.

distinguished minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. The house
was filled with a company of men and women, many of
whom were ministers of note, and life-long associates and
friends of the deceased.

Rev. Dr. Buckley, editor of the Christian Advocate, read
the 991st hymn, —

"Servant of God, well done" ; etc

An appropriate prayer was offered by Rev. J. A. Wood.
Dr. A. Lowrey read the twenty -third Psalm, and also 1 Pet.
i. 2, 3 ; Eev. G. Hughes read the 970th hymn, —

" Why do we mourn for dying friends ? " etc.

Rev. W. McDonald, his associate from the beginning of the
National Camp-meetings, made an address, analyzing his
character, and describing his labors and usefulness. Rev.
E. I. D. Pepper followed, reading a well-prepared address,
which was a worthy eulogy on the character and life of
Mr. Inskip.

Rev. Dr. D. Curry, his conference associate and life-long
friend, spoke briefly. Speaking of Mr. Inskip's experience,
he said : " It was the most rational of any he had ever
heard." Rev. Mr. Ballard spoke last. He gave some touch-
ing incidents connected with Mr. Inskip's labors and last
hours, most of which have been recorded.

Rev. S. W. Thomas, of Philadelphia, read some resolutions
passed by the Preachers' Meeting of Philadelphia, after
which Rev. J. E. Searles offered the closing prayer. By
request, the choir and congregation united in singing, " The
sweet by and by." As the chorus to the last verse was re-
peated, Mrs. Inskip joined heartily in singing, —

" In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore."

THE END COMETH, AND THE TRIUMPH.

377

The large congregation then took a last look at the mortal
remains of Rev. John S. Inskip, after which he was borne
to his earthly resting-place in Greenwood, where he was laid
beside his father, mother, and son, who had preceded him
to the better land.

Rev. I. Simmons read the burial service at the grave;
Mr. Osborn proposed that we sing the " battle-hymn," with
which nearly, if not every National Camp-meeting, had
commenced, —

"There is a fountain filled with blood."

It was sung with subdued emotion, and the mourning com-
pany turned away from the place of the dead. It did seem,
as they left the brave warrior wrapped in the habiliments of
the grave, that he must be heard again, calling to the retir-
ing company, as in the days of his glory, "Come on ! Come
on ! " But faith could hear his voice as it came gently sweep-
ing down from the heaven of the holy, —

" I shine in the light of God ;

His likeness stamps my brow ;
This the valley of death my feet have trod,

And I reign in glory now.

I have reached the joys of Heaven ;

I am one of the sainted band ;
To my head a crown of life is given,

And a harp is in my hand.

I have learned the song they sing,

Whom Jesus has set free,
And the glorious walls of Heaven shall ring

With my new-born melody.

Hail ! friends of my mortal years,

The trusted and the true 1
You are toiling still in the vale of tears,

But I wait to welcome you."

378

LIFE OF JOHN S. INSEIP.

Every heart in that sorrowing, yet rejoicing company,
could say, as it turned away from the final resting-place of
him so greatly beloved, —

" Farewell, Inskip ! Farewell, honored servant of the
Lord ! Farewell friend and brother, —

' All thy conflicts
End in an eternal rest.'
Farewell."

THE

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Regeneration and Entire Sanctification Not Identical.

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Justified Believers Convicted of Indwelling Sin.

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Mr. Wesley Encouraged the Profession of Christian Holiness.

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Mr. Wesley Frequently Preached on Christian Perfection.

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THE

FUNERAL SERVICE.

A very useful Book fo • Clergymen.

Containing Scripture appropriate for the burial of children, youth, aged
persons, Christians, and for general occasions. Has blank pages for records,
places for outlines of sermons, choice selections from the poets, etc. Hand"
somely bound in black morocco.

By REV. SAMUEL L. GKACET.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

Rev. S. L. Gracey has prepared an excellent manual for "The
Funeral Service," which title it bears. In many respects it is superior
to any of the numerous hand-books of the class which we have ex-
amined. It has a large selection of appropriate Scriptures, with
numerous texts for funeral and memorial occasions, with blank spaces
for the pastor to outline his own exposition of them. There is added
an admirable body of quotations from our leading poets upon themes
suggested by our human relations, our mortality, and our springing
hopes of the eternal life. Altogether, it is a very neat and useful
compendium. — Zion's Herald.

This book consists of selected Scripture readings appropriately ar-
ranged for various funeral occasions, selections from poets, ritual for
use at the grave, record for funerals, etc. Over fifty pages are de-
voted to appropriate texts with blank spaces for a sketch or skeleton
of address or sermon. It is in stout flexible cover, and a valuable
vade mecum for pastors. It is on nice tinted paper and is altogeth-
er the most convenient and helpful book of its kind that we have
seen. It costs $1. We judge that a pastor who gets accustomed to
this sort of hand-book will think it ever after indispensable. — North-
ern Christian Advocate.

Rev. S. L. Gracey, of East Cambridge, publishes a neatly arranged
manual for use at funeral services by clergymen and others, which
seems to meet very satisfactorily a demand long felt for such a work.
A commendable feature is room for written additions to the carefully
arranged matter. It is serviceably bound in neat morocco. Price $1.00.
— Vanguard.

Price in Leather, $1 ; in Cloth, 75 cts.

Mcdonald & gill, publishers,

36 Bromfield St., Boston.

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