York - Salvation Army

During the week I received orders to go to York, so off I went. Arrived just-in-time to see two van loads of soldiers ready to start and we drove away singing.

As we marched or rather rode, all round the city, crowds of people followed to the Rink and we had a grand Free and Easy.

It is hardly possible to believe that this place has only been opened a fortnight when you hear the soldiers sing and speak for Jesus as they do. God has indeed blessed captain Malthouse and left lieutenant Simpson in their labours here. Glory to His name.

...Many testified to God's saving power, some who had been deep down in sin. We finished up with 7 souls in the Fountain.

Sunday morning 172 at knee drill; powerful time; three souls. At 9:45 on march from the Rink to the Market, 54 in the ranks hallelujah! And had a good open-air. Inside a good time in the afternoon; two souls. Met at 5:30 in the Rink and into the Market again. Thousands of people stood to listen to the story of the Cross.

We then divided our forces. Number one battery to the Rink where we had the devil raging and God saving; grand meeting and at the close 30 souls came out and got blessedly saved.

Number two battery at Victoria Hall where like the Rink they were crowded out. Had 15 precious souls, making 50 for the day.

From, 'The War Cry', August 1881.

The enemy repulsed! The troops under the command of Captain Malthouse, on the 1st of January, dashed into the enemy with a heavy fire and fixed bayonets. Three large buildings were packed with people, and over forty came forward and cried for mercy, and many others were severely wounded, It is impossible to give a fair description of the battles, but here are trophies.

An infidel, whilst standing at his gun and firing away, declaring there was no God, a shot from the Captain knocked Him over. He was wounded for about a month, and at last came to the gates of mercy, and pleaded for an hour-and-a-half for pardon. He had a heavy tussle with the enemy but our King Immanuel opened the gates and took him in and then there were shouts of victory. He has been a teacher of infidelity, a drunkard, and a thief. In Jail twenty-four times.

"Fighting Fred " said. I have been a wretched man. This is my birthday. For eight years past, I have spent it in jail. I have been in prison twenty-four times, and never out three months at a stretch; but when I saw that God had saved this infidel I  thought there was a chance for me, and I sought forgiveness like my brother here and God has saved me, and now they call me Happy Fred.

One woman testified that for seven years she had been parted from her husband; but now God has saved them, they live together with a clean heart and a happy home.

This was a gambler, drunkard, and bookmaker. The night he was captured he saw what a fool he had been all his life, and went straight home burned all the books, now he has a happy home and a good Soldier in our ranks.

Cheap Bacon.

"Happy Joo" was a great drunkard, a provision dealer by trade, but nearly always drunk. The parrot used to scold him when he came home. One night, going home, as he thought, found himself in Leeds lock-up, his wife had prayed for him for years, at last he was brought to his senses, and got forgiveness, and now he is happy at home and in his business. His bacon he used to sell at seven pence halfpenny, but now he can sell it at five pence halfpenny.

The drunken butcher, whose father was a good man, and set him up three times in business, but he drank so heavily that he swallowed and drunk and ragged was the poor prodigal when he came to our meetings; the power of God through a father's prayers broke his heart, and he came forward, and while upon his knees wept bitterly, but got saved, and his since been a happy useful comrade,

We want a larger building here to accommodate the thousands who are anxious to see and hear us. If anyone has a building or land to dispose of, let me know.

From, "The War Cry", page 2, January 12th, 1882.

I do not know where the meetings were held.