Bristol - Salvation Army

As I take up the pen to report, my soul is so full that I know not where to begin. God during the past week has indeed wrought wonders in our midst. At every meeting souls have been crying for mercy. Sinners of all classes, from the ragged drunkard to the respectable hypocrite, God has set at liberty. On Saturday night captain Taberer was taken home in the car very poorly, through rough usage, but God has well rewarded us for all our trials and persecutions.

On Sunday we began the day's fighting with 160 for the morning muster. Captured one soul. The open-air in Red Cross Street baffles all description. The windows and doors were thronged and the streets blocked with thousands of ragged children, men in dirty clothes and women with uncombed hair. It was tough work to get through but thank God our converts already are learning to stand the storm. At the morning meeting it was said we had a visit from the mayor of Bristol. Our convert's faces were all aglow, for God was with us of the truth.

In the afternoon we had a turn in the open-air, having a grand march and firing several volleys outside Captain George's house, but he was ill in bed. A little further on, a rush was made by a big burly fellow who dragged his sister out of the procession amidst her crying and tears. She had been saved only the night before. God save the family! We held a Hallelujah Free and Easy, when some strong determinations were uttered by our converts to stick faithfully to Jesus and the Army. Having had orders to go to a place called the Pithay.

At night we announced the meeting when the smiles of the congregation gave us to know we were going to warm quarters and were not disappointed. Someone had been on before and told the neighbourhood and as we turned into the place at night we found it all astir, evidently many, by their looks bent on mischief. The houses projecting from the walls being in the early English style of architecture gave the place a very dangerous, tumbledown kind of appearance. But in we went and although we mustered very strongly, what with the pushing and hooting and yelling of those around after we had sung two verses, we formed the band of March to the Circus. Nothing like bringing converts up in the way they should go and the torrents of rain that had just come down made the roads in a “floating“ condition. Through this we trudged our way onwards and found the Circus crowded, where some heavy shots from a Pentre soldier and others were fired. God came very near; conviction fell all over the place. Prayer meeting afterwards cannot be described. Everybody seems to be coming to see us. Crowds around the penitent forms. Oh, what cries for mercy. Jesus is in our very midst. Grey-headed sinners, young children, old men and maidens, husbands and wives, all wept their way to Calvary together. Heaven did indeed drop down and touch earth. Sinners turned pale and crumbled. We hardly knew whether we were in the body or out of the body. Between 60 and 70 set at liberty, making about 140 from Sunday to Sunday.

From, 'The War Cry', July 1880.

Circus packed 45 minutes before time announced to commence. At it we went. The result - 69 souls.

From, 'The War Cry', November 1880.

BRISTOL I

The sight of the Old Salvation Circus at half-past ten on New Year's Eve was indeed wonderful. In spite of the numerous Watoh Night Services held all over the town, the Circus was full, and what a meeting. The greater part of those present had evidently come to meet with God, to deal personally with Him.

God met with us at the commencement of the meeting, and He led the Way all through. After some straight talk, the pool was opened, and ere many moments were gone, was crowded with anxious seekers after purity and pardon. God alone knows the transactions which took place in the hearts of those who thus sought Him, sufficient it was to know that He was there, ready to heal all who came to Him. Hallelujah! A few minutes before midnight, we all went down before the Lord and waited on Him in silence, whilst the Old Year glided away into the past, and the New Year opened up before us, The covenant was renewed; the consecration had been made, We are accepted. Our vows have been registered in Heaven. May we be ever faithful, as Thou art faithful. A song of praise, a closing prayer, and we part for a few hours, everybody wishing everybody else a Holy, Happy New Year.

At seven a.m., about 400 thirsty souls met together for another good long draught of the Water of Life: A precious time we had, everybody full of praise. A good beginning for the New Year. Oh Lord! may our lips be always full of praise, Amen.

Marches, morning and afternoon, splendid. Indoors morning, Holiness. Afternoon Free and Easy, splendid testimonies. The band went off in splendid style. Thank God for a real Salvation Band. God bless them. At the close two souls sought Salvation.

Evening, Circus packed: real Salvation Meeting: Holy Ghost seemed to thunder forth through every speaker, Lightning accompanied the thunder to many a heart, and twenty-five poor lost ones seeing their danger, fled trom their evil ways and came to the Rock of Ages, and there found shelter and safety. Praise God.

Capt. Sowerby, 

From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882

BRISTOL II

The past week has been one of great blessing. Many came out at almost every meeting. A large number bave also professed full Salvation, Some of the most degraded have been rescued, and are joyfully testifying to the change.

One tells, in touching words, what a slave to the devil he has been. He was only discharged from prison on the Tuesday, but the second day he met with our Soldiers, singing and speaking in the streets, The word went to his heart, and be came to our meeling, and now he rejoices in finding a Saviour, and a great one.

We concluded the Christmas holidays with a Night of Prayer on the 26th, which was a time of wonderful power, and will long be remembered by many. We had a similar meeting to end the Old, and commence the New Year. Numerous testimonies are being given of the great blessings received.

One says:—"I have been a local preacher for several years; when first converted, the Lord blessed me with forty souls in the neighbourhood of my home, but since then I have had no such results. Now I shall return to preach Sanctification and not rest until the whole village is saved."

From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882.

BRISTOL III

St. Phillip's is still going ahead, Soldiers are going in for more hard work, and we mean St. Phillip's for Jesus. The past week has been a glorious one. We had a Watch Night Meeting: everyone seemed full of the Holy Ghost. Twelve o'clock we all went down before the Lord and consecrated ourselves afresh to God. and He came down and filled our souls to overflowin.g Praise His holy name, it was good to be there. Some thought it ought to be more quiet and solemn, but we were dealing with God, everyone was asking God in their own way what they wanted, and, hallelujah! He gave them the desires of their hearts. They got so full they could not help praising Him aloud. Yes, and we will praise Him for what He has done, yet it is nothing to be compared with what He is going to do. Four precious souls came out for Salvation just at the new year dawned. Sunday, all day, was grand; wound up In the evening with nineteen out for Salvation,

Captain Clark.

From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882.

BRISTOL IV

Hallelujah!  it's getting better. We have had the best week we ever had. Souls out every night. Friday's Holiness Meeting better than ever; fourteen out for the blessing of a clean heart, and four for Salvation. One old lady said, "I felt as if I was in heaven. All my doubts I leave with Jesus; I felt as if I could fly right away."...

From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882.

BRISTOL V

Sunday, New Year's Day, we opened fire at our fifth Station. Salvation Hall (formerly Salem Chapel). We began in true Army style by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year, and pointing out very definitely that true happiness was only to be found in Christ.

The Hall was nearly full at night. We had Brothers Cater and Everson with us, and the power of God was very manifest. Conviction all over the building; the Captain, with great earnestness, urged the people to forsake the rule of the devil and to come on the Lord's side, which was the best side. Seven souls came out for Salvation.

Monday, although very wet, we had a good time, The people are glad we are come. A gentleman came, forward and gave a half sovereign. Two souls.

Tuesday and Wednesday good open-air meetings, Some wonderful testimonies inside. Sister Hurris was with us, and sang with great pathos,

"Beautiful Words of Life"

We believe there is a good future for us at this place.

From, "The War Cry," page 4, 12th January 1882.

BRISTOL I

Stll moving onward with steady steps we are gaining ground, Soldiers with untiring zeal are fighting splendidly; heart united to heart, clothed with the whole armour, Jesus in the midst, and leading us on, we are sure of victory. Hallelujah!  Souls all Iast week, good houses, good marches, good all round.

Sunday, magnificent day, opened fire at seven a.m., and kept up a continual fire for over fourteen hours. Holiness meeting eleven a.m., God blessed us in a wonderful manner, light shone into the inmost recesses of our hearts, and many determined, on seeing the impuré condition, to have them cleansed, glory to God!

Afternoon, grand march, testimonies short and sharp, Soldiers lively and rejoicing. Oh! What transformations, "God alone the change hath wrought." With what eagerness they jump up one after the other, in their own homely language, to speak of the change.

"You are missing a treat!" said one.

"My work fell into the fire the other day, said a sister, "but I did not get vexed about it. I remembered the Lord was my Shepherd, and I should not want."

"I'm happy everywhere" It's better to-day than ever!" I never get tired of it!" "Mean to have more!' "The more I get the more I want! These and similar experiences flowed from hearta full of love for the Master,

A brother said, "Last Sunday, five of us who had all been poor degraded drunkards, were preaching Christ at Portishead" We wound up a grand meeting by giving praise to Him who had wrought such wonders.

Night, Circus jammed to its utmost capacity. The doorkeeper said, "We could fill you another Circus it you had one. Three of our best lads were to say farewell to Bristol, another having been called by the Lord to work in the great havest-field. Oh! how the Holy Ghost did take hold of the people.

After the meeting was opened, a sister was the first to speak, and as she spoke of the love of Jesus, the people seemed riveted to their seats, and when she concluded they took a great long breath as if they had before been afraid of breaking the spell. When the three lads got up, the enthusiasm was at its height; they sang—

"Will you meet me at the fountain!" and then they spoke some burning words of exhortation and warning, melting many hearts. This meeting will remain riveted on many hearts who, that night. went away "almost persuaded. Twenty-five yielded to the invitation, and we believe got gloriously saved.

On Monday night eleven more bade good-bye to their old life of sin, and determined to lead a better life.

Bristol is "going up," all grades and classes are coming to Jersus, and our Soldiers here are full of determination that they shall come; God is with us, we are His Soldiers, He is leading us, and we are going to follow on, and by His help "We shall conquer all."

Ten thousand Hallelujahs for what He has already done, and ten thousand more for what He is going to do. Hallelujah!

Capt, T. S. Sowerby, A.D.C.

BRISTOL II.

God continues to bless us here. Holy Ghost power is with us in every meeting, and many are weeping their way to Jesus. Our Holiness meetings are greatly blessed, and scores may often be seen laying their all upon the alter. Our Soldiers work well in the open-air, and much power rests upon this part of our work. We are determined to fight on, and are believing that many a stronghold of the enemy will shortly be surrendered to Jesus, whose right it is to reign.

Capt. BAMFORD,

BRISTOL III.

Sunday, January 8th, good time in the morning Holiness Meeting. We commenced with a few testimonies on the blessing of a clean heart. Thirteen spoke, one came out for Salvation. Afternoon, Free-and-Easy, eighiy-four spoke. Two souls ventured their all on the Lord.

Night, commenced at half-past six. Hall full. Capt. Clarke read part of the 13th chapter of St. Luke: then a few brothers, the Black Princess, and Captain spoke. Eleven souls plunged in the fountain, and washed their sins away. Wound up with fifty-two testimonies. Over 600 have professed to have been saved since opening.

Private G. RADNEDGE, for Capt. Clarke,

From, "The War Cry," page 4, 19th January 1882.

BRISTOL I

We are making inroads into the devil's territory, and taking some of his followers captive every day. It is a real, undeniable fact that our ranks are swelling, and that a number of almost lost souls have of late been delivered from the bondage of sin, and been made free men in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!

"A few days ago"  says "Gentleman Harry" as he is now called. "I got into such a passion, l took up a Bible and threw it into the fire and watched it burn, but now I thank God I'm saved. I used to have the devil in my heart, now I have got a new lodger, Jesus (we trust He will be a perpetual tenant) and He makes me happy all the day," "I'm a hawker" says he, and the devil often tells me I can't live without cheating: but, thank God, I can live honest anywhere and everywhere, and I mean to. He says to me "Harry" says he, "you ain't saved", but I just take him to the Cross, and I say, look there! and that settles him.'' 

The police tell us that their business is very slack nowadays. That whereas, on a Monday morning, they used to run into "teens" of cases at the Court, now they only have three or four. Hallelujah!

The other evening The Army, whilst sweeping past a butcher's shop, called forth a strong remark from the butcher, anything but complimentary. He was reproved in a manner he little expected, by the customer he was serving curtly remarking, "If it had not been for the Salvation Army I should not have been here buying your meat." "No!' strikes in a second woman. Who was waiting to be served, "Neither would I! shouldn't have wanted any butcher's meat if it hadn't been for The Army."

Some young factory girls, having got saved at our meetings, they began to look round to see what they could do for their new Master. They finally determined on having a mid-day Prayer Meeting. They took a room near the Factory, and, having consecrated it to the Lord, they (five of them) invited their fellow work-girls to come and soon the room was crowded, and many have given their hearts to Jesus. Thank God for this little effort for His sake. Oh! that many more would ask themselves the question, "What can I do?" The Master said, and says today. "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers, are few." Go on my sisters, in your labour of love, and God will be your great reward.

The Circus, on Sunday, was reported "grand all day." Over forty souls sought the Saviour, and hundreds got a lift heavenwards. Oh! Lord, keep on lifting us up, and help us to lift somebody else. Amen!

Capt. Sowerby, A.D.C.

From, "The War Cry," page 2, 23rd February 1882.

(also, page 4, 2nd March 1882)

(also, page 2, 9th March 1882)

The Pithay has been developed.