Sheerness - Salvation Army

Sunday last at Sheerness was a good day. Brother Hinchcliffe and I went down for two nights in the week. The school was far too small, so the friends lent us the large Wesleyan Chapel, which I heard seats 1100 people. At 7 o’clock we met in the open air with our salvation music. Grand muster. We sang our way to the chapel, crowds following and we filled every seat. Much power fell on all present and at the prayer meeting, 19 came out for salvation.

Tuesday night was very much better. During the open-air march we had such a row outside that a lot of folks said we were a nuisance already and so we mean to be, more and more, to the devil and everything that is wrong. When we got to the chapel, it was full. Brother H and myself took possession of the pulpit. We sang and prayed and believed until the glory came and at the prayer meeting 30 more sought and found salvation. We closed the meeting at 11 o’clock and we felt that we ought to stay another night here, so we told the folks to announce the Gypsy and a Happy Yorkshireman for the next night. Thank God He led us to stop, for I shall never forget this meeting. It was the best. The chapel was full again and God moved upon all that were there. After singing and speaking for some time, we cleared about a dozen forms and invited those who wanted clean hearts to come forward with those who wanted pardon and in about 10 minutes every form was full. After everybody got sweetly saved, we got them to stand up and sing.

Then we counted them and we found 79 have been seeking – some for a full salvation and others for pardon. We praised God and at 11 o’clock, in the stillness of the night, as we went to our homes, the dear young converts were singing all about.   Rodney Smith.

From, 'The War Cry', March 1880.

... 215 had professed salvation since the Army came here and they could lay their hands on 150 today. Oh, hallelujah!

From, 'The War Cry', April 1880.

(Capt, Worth).- On Saturday night we had a good time in the open-air. A publican's son, with a man he has given a pint or two of beer to, tried to upset us but failed. God wonderfully helped us, and we came off more than conquerors through the blood. Inside, we had a good meeting. Sunday was a good day, Morning, at seven a.m. we had a good meeting. These musters are getting better. At 10.30, we remembered the Lord's death. Afternoon open-air was splendid. On we marched singing; then stopped and fired some red-hot shots into the enemy's ranks with good effect. Men and women followed us to the Hall, where we had a good time. Night found us at it again, singing, praying, speaking, marching and bringing men and women from all parts: the road was almost blocked. Inside, four or five tap-room deserters, and the Captain spoke. His wife sang-

"Steal away to Jesus,"

after which five big men came our for pardon.

From, "The War Cry," page 3, 2nd February 1882.

(Captain Worth) We continually receive reports of the good work which has been going on here. We have before us a very long account of the past weeks work; our space only permits us to record in brief. Heavy firing still goes on; many sinners are falling. Rebels of a life one are surrendering, and blacksliders for years are returning, with music, and shouting and working and talking. week after week, of the grand work going on. Sunday was a tremendous day. Lord of Hosts was with them, and many a rocky heart was broken by His hammer.

From, "The War Cry," page 3, 9th March 1882.

I do not know where the Wesleyan Methodist chapel was.