George K. Little and his revival work ...

Preface

God employs different agencies for the dissemination of truth, and the accomplishment of his purposes. While the spoken word may electrify the hearts of hearers, and, by its direct appeal, arouse to action, and while that which is communicated orally may seem to impress itself indelibly upon our consciousness, yet the written page has also its mission, equal, if not greater. It speaks to larger audiences, and to hearts and minds in a mood which, if not as active, may yet be more receptive to truth as it is presented to them.

While the life of one filled with the Holy Ghost may be blessing hearts and lives, and leaving its influence upon those with whom it may come in contact, the record of that life and its unselfish labors for truth and righteousness may enrich others by its perusal, and incite to a holier ambition, and to better service for the Master, many others with whom circumstances would prevent a closer acquaintance.

And so this record is sent forth, that those who have not seen or heard, may read what the Holy Spirit can accomplish through human instrumentality.

Many interesting incidents connected with these revivals of which we are writing, are not recorded. Numbers of revivals receive only a passing notice, as Mr. L,ittle himself kept no account of them, and others were too much engaged in the spirit of the work to think of noting down at the time any report of the services, and hence were compelled to depend entirely upon their memories when reporting at a later date. Enough, however, are fully reported to show their extent and power.

I acknowledge my indebtedness to Mr. J. Hoke, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. M. Hatfield, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rev. D. R. Grover, of Huron, Dakota, and others, for reports of revivals and information concerning the work.

These pages have been prayerfully written, with the hope that by their perusal some soul may seek and obtain the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and thereby be enabled to labor with enlarged usefulness in the vineyard of the Master.

R. E. Williams.

Lisbon, Iowa, February i, i88j.

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Table Of Contents

Preface iii

Introduction xi

Chapter I. Parentage And Life Until Conversion

Parentage — Death of Father — A Mother's Care — Death of Mother — In 1871 Placed in Baltimore Manual Labor School — Int872 Goes to Live with his Brother — Apprenticed in a Printing-Office — Educational Advantages — Love of Books 9

Chapter II. Conversion And Commencement Of Evangelistic Work

His Conversion — Uniting with the Church — Distributing Tracts — Acting as Sabbath-School Missionary — Leading the Children to the Sabbath-School — Power in Prayer — Position Still Retained in Printing-Office — Persecution — Persecution Changed to Respect — Call to Engage Exclusively in Revival Work — Removal to Laurel, Maryland — Assists in Revival Meetings — Daniel's Praying Band Organized — Advised by Friends to go out as an Evangelist — Goes to God in Prayer — Final Decision — Beginning of Evangelistic "Work — Woodberry Revival 15

Chapter III. Revivals At York And Chambersburg

Goes to York — The Pastor's Report — Extract from a Letter Written by the Evangelist — Labors Closed with a Watch-Night Service — Arrival at Chambersburg — The Church Aroused — Remarks of J.

Hoke 23

V

VI TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Chapter IV. Revivals At Harrisburg And New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg — Crowded House — Requests for Prayer — Experience Meetings — Children's Meetings — New Church — Call to New Cumberland — Much Fatigued — Rest at Baltimore — Goes to New Cumberland — Correspondent's Report — Result of Meeting 28

Chapter V. Revivals At Baltimore, Maryland, And Lima And Elida, Ohio

Revival at Williams Street Independent Methodist Church — House Crowded with People — Scores Ask for the Prayers of the Church

— Penitents Cry Aloud for Mercy — Revival Influence Extends to Other Churches — Report by Correspondent — Without Invitation Sinners Come Forward to the Altar — Many Requests for Prayer

— Deep Conviction — Children Saved — More than Six Hundred Converted — Tribute to the Boy Preacher — Meeting at Lima — Report by Pastor — Elida Meeting — No Faith as to a Revival — Prayer

at Family Altar — Faith Increased — Letter, and Report by Pastor.. 32

Chapter VI. Revivals At Bethel And Spring- Grove, Wisconsin

Goes to Wisconsin — Gains the Confidence of the People — Faith of the Church Strengthened — Predicts a Gracious Revival — Consecration Service — Discouragements — Exhorts the Church to Pray — Great Victory — Report of Pastor — Spring Grove — Reported by the Pastor

— Element of Division in the Church — Exhortation to the Church

— Harmony Again Prevailing — All Denominations Assist in the Work — Result of Revival 40.

Chapter VII. Revival At Monroe, Wisconsin

Call to Monroe — Congregational Church Secured for the Meetings- Pastor's Report— Short History of the Various Churches There — Faith of the People with Regard to a Revival— Interest Manifested from the Start— Prayer of Evangelist that a Dramatic Company may Attend Church— A Dance Postponed — Great Number of Conversions— A Society Organized— The Revival a Benefit to All Churches 5 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Vll

Chapter VIII. Revivals At Rutland And Cascade, Wisconsin

Goes to Rutland — Penitents at the Altar at the Second Service — Church too Small to Accommodate the People — Mr. Little Sends for his Tabernacle — Arrangements Made to Accommodate One Thousand People — Report to the Religiotis Telescope — A Dance Announced in Opposition to the Meeting — Closes with an All Day Service — Baptism of Mr. Little — Result of the Meeting — Revival at Cascade — Preaches to the Church — Consecration Service — Opposed by Saloonists — A Young Lady Comes to the Altar at the Commencement of the Service — Pastor's Report — Seventy-five Conversions 58

Chapter IX. Revivals At Lagonda, Ohio, Veedersburgh, Indiana, And Rossville

ILLINOIS.

Work at Lagonda — Preaches to the Church — Report from "Lagonda News" — Large Numbers at the Altar — Report from the Springfield Republic — Number of Conversions — Veedersburgh Revival — Pastor's Report — Result of Meeting — Revival at Rossville — Permanency of the Work — Number of Conversions 65

Chapter X. Revival At Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Church — Arrival of Evangelist — The People Disappointed — Preaches to Attentive Listeners — Urges the Church to Entire Consecration — A Full House on Second Night of Meeting — Day Meetings and Young People's Meetings — Interest Increasing — Consecration Service — Altar Crowded with Penitents — Evangelist's Sermon on Sufferings of Christ — Extract from the Sentinel — Forty Conversions During First Week — All Denominations Engage in the Work — Great Crowds — Large Numbers Saved — Services at Opera House — Note from Religious Telescope — Report from the Daily Sentinel — Calls to Other Churches — Numbers Saved Daily 73

CHAPTER XL

INDIANAPOLIS REVIVAL, CONTINUED.

Mr. Little Again at the Opera House — Report from Daily Times — Fourth Week — Interest Still Increasing — Ten Conversions Sab-

Vlll TABLE OF CONTENTS.

bath Night — Great Crowds — Altar Service Impossible — Mason Long at one of the Services — Extract from Daily Times — Sermon by A. Armen — Closing Service — Number of Conversions — Revival at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church — Number of Conversions — Revival Continues at Oak Street — Incidents Connected with Revival at Oak Street — Remarks Concerning Evangelist 88

Chapter XII. Taberxacle And Camp-meetings

Meeting at Fennimore, Wisconsin — A United Brethren Society Organized — Closing Services — A Meeting of Great Power — Number of Conversions — Camp-Meeting at Lisbon, Iowa — Results of the Meeting — Camp-Meeting at Elgin, Iowa — Christians Earnestly Engaged in the Work — Sabbath Services — Large Crowds — Penitents Come to the Altar at Morning Worship — Number of Conversions — Revival Influence Reaches to Other Communities 105

Chapter XIII. Revivals At West Union And Castalia, Iowa

Revival at West Union — A Fair in Progress — Interest Increasing — A Dramatic Troupe Decide Not to Visit the Town — Great Crowds Attend the Meetings — Many Seeking Christ — Closing Service — Meeting at Castalia — Skating Rink Closed — A Ball Announced Which Failed to Draw the People — A General Awakening — Whole Families Come to Christ — Testimonies ill

Chapter XIV. Marriage, And Sources Of Power

Marriage — Sketch of Mrs. Little — Sources of Power — Earnestness and Faith — Singing an Important Part of Service — Power of Song — Instances of its Power in Leading Souls to God — Communion with God — Baptism of the Holy Spirit — Co-operation of the Churches.. 117

Chapter XV. Revivals At Gibson City And Lexington, Illinois

Revival at Gibson City — Church Crowded — Penitents at the Altar — The Sermon on the New Birth — Catholic Lady Saved — Without Invitation Penitents Come to the Altar — Stores Closed — Notice from Religious Telescope — A Thrilling Scene — Infidels Converted — Results of the Work — Revival at Lexington — Interesting Meetings — From Lexington Reviezv — Number of Conversions 125

TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX

Chapter XVI. Other Meetings

Revival at Westfield, Illinois — Report from Westfield Pantagraph — Result of Meeting — Revival at Kingman, Kansas — Report from Religions Telescope — From Kingman Leader — Number of Conversions — Sterling Revival — Revival at Salina — Extract from Opening Sermon — Number of Conversions — Meeting at Russell

— Evangelist in Wisconsin 138

INCIDENTS.

The Wedding Garment — Saved at the Eleventh Hour — Not To-Night

— Answered Prayer — An Infidel Saved — Saved at Midnight — An Infidel's Confession — Grieving the Spirit 163

CHAPTER XX. Conclusion 170

NTRODUCTION

In studying the history of the life and labors of those men who have stood prominently before the world as religious teachers, and especially those who have been engaged extensively in evangelistic work, we become aware of the fact that the leading incidents and the general outlines ■of their work present a striking similarity. Their work, it is true, differs in detail, but the history in outline is the same. Whether it be the history of a Whitefield, whose impassioned addresses reached the hearts of thousands, or of the enthusiasm of an Edwards, or of the vast results accomplished in the life of a Finney, or of a Moody, it is always the same story of a life of toil, and of entire consecration to the Master and to the work of rescuing and saving precious souls. Though the history of such work presents a sameness — because the same ends are always sought, the same scenes must be portrayed — yet to the serious reader it will not be monotonous, for the vast results accomplished are trophies of the church's victory and an earnest of her final triumph.

As in the early times of the church the Scriptures assert that Christ "gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; " so in all her later history there have been different orders of men in the ministry — each in his allotted place. Now, as then, are men called to go from place to place, proclaiming the gospel. And although they may introduce new measures, and employ methods not used in regular religious effort, yet they are evidently called of God, giving full proof of their ministrj^ by the thousands of souls they have been instrumental in bringing to God. They can not take the place of a pastor; their work is rather to help the pastor bring to a conclusion the work of teaching, of preparing the soil and sowing the seed preparatory to the harvest, which, by their united efforts, shall be gathered. The pastor has many lines of work to follow, many interests to which he must turn his attention, and is, therefore, unable to give his whole time or attention to one interest alone. The evangelist, with his thoughts given to one object alone, and with heart aglow from continuous revival work, comes to supplement his labors and gather the results. Evangelists have been, and are, subject to sharp criticism, coming from honest Christian people; this not

xi

Xll INTRODUCTION.

from personal dislike, but from a dislike to the means and measures employed by them. That they make mistakes, is not improbable; and that their mode of operation may be new and somewhat startling to the church which has become somewhat stereotyped in its manner of worship, may be true. Yet may it not be that in this consists at least a part of their usefulness? We may not know how far we are restricted in our religious movements by our fear of departing from an established rule of worship, nor how much more freely the Holy Spirit might work in and through us to the glory of God, if we were willing to open our hearts fully to his teaching, without fear of being called erratic or peculiar. The evangelist comes with his irregularity, and the church witnesses that his labors are blessed, and is startled out of old ruts and infused with new enthusiasm by his earnestness.

Manj' of them have done a good and grand work. And among those who have labored successfully in the evangelistic field is the subject of this sketch, who has been instrumental, through God, in leading thousands to Christ. p E. W.

G. ¥[. tittle ai?5 His J^eViVal Work

Chapter I. Parentage And Life Until Conversion

Parentage — Death of Father — A Mother's Care — Death of Mother — In 1871 Placed in Baltimore Manual Labor School — In 1872 Goes to Live with his Brother — Apprenticed in a Printing-Office — Educational Advantages — Love of Books.

Rev. George Kirkley Little was born, January 27, 1860. His father, Rev. Geo. 0. Little, was a native of Maryland, a minister of the gospel in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, and a member of the Virginia Conference. "While laboring in the ministry his health failed, and having resigned his work, he removed to Baltimore and became associate editor of the Baltimore Clipper, a daily newspaper published in that city. Previous to this he had edited the Standard, published at East Berlin, Pennsylvania, and for a short time after the first organization of the American Party he edited a paper called the Young America, at Wheeling, Virginia.

During his stay at Baltimore, he united with the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He resided but a short time in Baltimore, his health

9< failing so rapidly that lie was forced to resign his position. He then removed to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, April 16, 1860, and died, May 16th, in great peace, leaving a wife and two sons — Ephraim, a boy of ten years, and George, the subject of this sketch, aged three and one half months. As his life had been exemplary, so was his death triumphant, his only sorrow being the thought of leaving his wife and little children unprotected and alone. But a few days before his death he came into the house with a radiant countenance, and clapping his hands he shouted, "Glory to t God!" When the inquiry was made by his wife as to the cause of this sudden outburst of feeling, he said: "I have been communing with God, and he has blessed my soul, and given me the victory. Kow T I shall not fear to leave you alone, for Christ will be with you, and he who has promised to be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless, will be your guide." Then, says an eye-witness, followed a scene w r hich baffled description. For upon this home, over which hung the shadow of coming sorrow and death, the power of the Holy Ghost came down and filled each sorrowing heart with joy.

In a short time the end came. Friends gathered round him, and he exhorted each to prepare to meet him in heaven. Turning to his older son he said, "Ephraim, be a good boy; live so you may meet me again." Then, as his wife brought the baby to his side, he placed his hands upon its head, and prayed, "Oh God! let my mantle fall upon this my son." The years that have followed have borne record that to that dying prayer the Divine answer came. Said Mr. Little, in the presence of a large audience, "Do you w r onder at me standing

PARENTAGE. 11

where I do? I could not do otherwise." After praying thus for his child, he requested them to sing that beautiful hymn which has often come as a consolation to God's afflicted people:

"There'll be no sorrow there, In heaven above, where all is love, There'll be no sorrow there."

And thus triumphantly he passed through the " valley of the shadow of death," unto that "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." It is said of him that he was a man of stainless purity of character, a practical Christian, a kind husband and father, and a good citizen; exhibiting such gentleness and forbearance in all his intercourse with men, as to win the respect and esteem of all who knew him.

Mrs. Little, formerly Miss Martha Hanaway, was an intelligent, earnest Christian woman, and a great worker in the church. Left with two boys to train for future usefulness, she realized her great responsibility, and constantly sought guidance and wisdom from above; and by her godly walk and Christian teaching, she thus helped to mold and shape the religious character of her son. Only a few years were allotted her with her children. Yet her life left an impression upon their youthful minds which can never be effaced.

Although in delicate health for some time, yet her death came very suddenly. George came to her bedside one evening as usual for a good-night kiss, and started to his room without a thought of coming sorrow; when half way up the stairs, he stopped and shouted back, <■ Good-night, mother! " In the morning the servant girl came to his bedside and awoke him, saying, "George, your mother is dead!" "Oh! had I known," he afterward said, "that that would be my mother's last night on earth, how reluctantly would I have left her side." A friend, writing of this sad event, says: " Oh, if you could have witnessed that orphan's grief, while weeping over her remains! He would continually say, ' Father is gone, mother is gone, and there is no one left; I have no one now.' ' ; But He to whose care he had been committed by a father's dying prayer and a mother's latest breath — the God of the fatherless — was near him in this hour of grief, although he knew it not. At the early age of eight years, he is alone in the world. In speaking of this early breaking up of his home, he says: "I saw one article after another sold, until nothing remained of the old home. And I stood — a little child — in the great, unfriendly world, alone." But the memory of that Christian home, and the influence of the holy life which had brightened it, were indelibly impressed upon his heart, and were destined at last to lead his thoughts to God. Ah ! w T ho may be able to tell the power of home memories and home influence over our hearts, when years and change have wrought their work, and the world holds no more for us such place of refuge. For the first two years after the death of his mother, George w T as taken to live with an aunt, Mrs. Amanda Sarbaugh. While here, it is related of him that once while on the street, forgetting, for the moment, the sad change in his life, he turned to go to the old home. He ran down the familiar street and into the house, when suddenly the truth flashed upon him that this was home no longer; and as he w T alked slowly aw T ay, his young heart even then began to realize that change and death are accom-

LIFE UNTIL CONVERSION. 13

panying shadows ail along life's pathway. But not then could he grasp the truth that hereafter we may have a permanency which we seek in vain here; that hereafter we may have a home, " a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

At an early age, before the death of his mother, in fact as soon as he was old enough to run about and engage in childish sports, he would preach sermons, and hold prayer meetings among his playmates, he being the leader, and he would insist upon every one taking part. His mother watched, with all a mother's interest, this tendency of mind, and used to fondly call him, "Mother's little preacher."

In the year 1871, being then eleven years of age, he was placed in the Baltimore Manual Labor School, located a short distance from the city, for the purpose of learning a trade. He remained here but a short time, but during this period, by his amiable disposition, he won the confidence and afiection of all connected with the institution.

In 1872, his brother, having married, took him to live with him. Being an apprentice in a printing-office, he secured a position for George in the same office.

Thus early thrown upon his own resources, his facilities for obtaining an education were very limited. He was naturally quick and intelligent, and had a great desire for knowledge. This desire, to the extent of taking a course in any institution of learning, was never gratified. But he was a student, nevertheless, and made good use of what time was at his disposal.. He has become a great reader, and now has a library of choice books, and spends much of his time which can be spared from labor in his study. He often remarks, "I feel more at home among my books than anywhere else."

In the printing-office he was a general favorite; but the influence thrown around him had a tendency to lead him into evil. His Sabbaths were spent with wicked associates, at the theater or roaming the streets of the wicked city. He had a great desire for the stage, and began to prepare himself for it. But God had a work for him, and his own plans were not to be consummated. He says: "When I was converted, I consecrated all my powers to the Lord, and what stage ability I had acquired went in with the rest." And God sanctified those powers to his own use, as may be seen by his subsequent history. For in proclaiming the word he draws large audiences, and holds them in close attention while he presents the word of life.

Chapter II. Conversion And Commencement Of Evangelistic Work

His Conversion— Uniting with the Church — Distributing Traces — Acting as Sabbath-School Missionary — Leading the Children to the Sabbath- School — Power in Prayer — Position Still Retained in Printing-Office — Persecution — Persecution Changed to Respect — Call to Engage Exclusively in Revival Work — Removal to Laurel, Maryland — Assists in Revival Meetings — Daniel's Praying Band Organized — Advised by Friends to go out as an Evangelist — Goes to God in Prayer — Final Decision — Beginning of Evangelistic Work — Woodberry Revival.

At the age of fourteen, while roaming the streets one Sabbath morning, Mr. Little passed near Scott Street United Brethren Church,, and, as it was the hour for morning service, he decided to go in. Here in years past he had often gone with his mother, and as he entered the door and looked upon the familiar place, the recollection of her prayers for him and of his own sinfulness rushed over him with mighty power. Rev. B. G. Huber, editor of the Highway of Holiness, was the pastor, and as he preached the word, the arrow of conviction pierced his heart. Referring to this, the turning point in his life, he says: "I took my seat far back in the church, but the word of God, preached by his servant, found way to my heart; and I was not only convicted, but resolved then and there that I would give up my sins and seek God. I went to church that night, and Brother Huber gave the invitation to those who desired to seek

Christ to come forward to the altar. Oh ! how I wanted to go, but invisible chains seemed to bind me, and I could not rise from my seat. I went from the church feeling miserable. I tried to pray, but could not. I attended the meetings night after night until Thursday evening, when I determined that the adversary of my soul should hinder me no longer. I went to church and sat down at the front. The invitation was given, but again I felt unable to take one step. The tempter tried to make me believe that I could not keep religion, but, bless the Lord! it is the reverse; religion has kept me. He told me I was excited, that I could not enjoy myself if I became a child of God. But while God's minister spoke to me, I said, ' Satan, you shall not cheat me out of heaven and of meeting my father and mother there;' and in the name of Jesus I arose and went forward to the altar. I did not receive the blessing that night, but the next morning, on my way to work, I stopped upon the street and gave myself up to God, and then 'the peace that passeth all understanding' came into my soul, and I exclaimed, like one of old, ' Though Thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away.' I was saved from all my sins, and it seemed to me that I had just begun to live. When I arrived at the office, a friend said to me, < Were you not at the altar seeking religion last night?' I answered in the affirmative. With an oath he said, * Well, you are a fool.' This, however, did not discourage me, but I w T ent to God for help, and his grace was sufficient for me. I at once realized that there was work for me to do. \ united with the church, and entered the Sabbath-school as a w r orker. I resolved that I could and would do- anything which God required."

CONVERSION. 17

Of his conversion, his pastor, Rev. B. G. Huber, in a letter dated, May 5, 1886, writes as follows:

"About the first of March, 1875, I took charge of the United Brethren congregation, worshiping in the Otterbein Church, on the corner of Scott and St. Peter Streets^ Baltimore City, Maryland. I was a stranger in the city, and did not become acquainted with many persons outside the membership of my congregation. During the winter a protracted revival meeting was held. One evening I noticed a strange boy sitting in a pew well to the front of the church. He had a hymn book in his hand. I did not know what thoughts occupied his mind at the time. I went to him, ascertained that he was not a Christian, and induced him to come to the altar. Though he was not converted that night, the next day, while on his way to work, he believed and was converted. He was received into the church, and was useful, for one of his years.

" Knowing the success which has attended his labors, I have thought that if my one year's pastorate in Baltimore accomplished no more than the leading of George X. Little to the Savior, it was a good year's work. May the Lord bless him and his associate in life and labor, more and more."

After his conversion he at once connected himself with the Maryland Tract Society, and for three years was one of their tract distributers. He also, upon his own responsibility, acted as a Sunday-school missionary. He engaged in other branches of church work as opportunity offered, obeying the Scripture injunction, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might/ He went from house to house, distributing tracts, and looking for children who did not attend Sabbath-schooL When he found any such, he asked the privilege of calling for them on the following Sabbath and taking them to the school. Thus Sabbath after Sabbath he might be seen leading little children to the place w T here they would hear, perhaps for the first time, the story of Jesus.

He now began to deliver short exhortations, and conduct Saturday night meetings, in the basement of the church, and assisted much in the young people's meetings. Thus constantly active in Christian work, faithful in his attendance upon all the means of grace, and constant in prayer, he made rapid advancement in the Christian life. He is said to have had wonderful power in prayer. He asked large things of God, and confidently expected to receive them.

He was now engaged — all of his unemployed time — in religious work. He would often work all day at the printing-office, and after leaving his desk go directly to some appointment, without even taking time to eat his. supper. He seemed to possess a personal magnetism, which drew around him not only young Christians, but the old as well. While he still retained his position in the printing-office, he had for a time much to bear from the employes of the office. He was greatly persecuted on account of the course he pursued. But none of these things moved him. He had consecrated his life to God's service, and was willing to endure the taunts and sneers of his wicked associates. But in a short time, finding it impossible to dissuade him from his course, and seeing that his walk was consistent with his profession, they began to respect him. He never feared to speak to them about their souls; and they soon had such respect for his

CALL TO KEVIVAL WORK. 19

piety that men who were habitually profane would not utter an oath in his presence. It was in the revival at Scott Street Church, Rev. W. J. Beamer, pastor, that Mr, Little received the Divine impression that, henceforth^ proclaiming the gospel must be his work. Hitherto he had entered heartily into all religious work, as the way opened before him, without a thought that God had a* wider field of usefulness for him to occupy. But the call came. And with a willing heart, and filled with the Spirit of his Master, he took his place among the hosts of God's called and chosen, whose great object is the rescue of perishing souls. "Now his heart's cry continually was —