CHAPTER 23 AROUND THE WORLD
W. MCDONALD"
On Thursday afternoon, Mr. Inskip preached a sermon from the text, "All things are possible to him that believeth." A number of the ministers present, united in a request that the sermon be published. But the sermon, when in print, did not seem very much like the sermon as preached during the inspiration of a camp-meeting all aglow with spiritual life.
Mr. 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 thunderstorm, 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 discourses, 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 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 forecast 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 Round Lake. There was to be a National Holiness Convention 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 marriage of their only grandchild, Mr. John E. Inskip, to Miss Emma S. Flock, daughter of Mr. Isaac G. Flock, of Lansingburg, N. Y. "If we enjoyed the occasion," he says, "it of course will not surprise anybody; and if we are especially interested in their happiness and welfare, it will be reality understood by parents and friends, who may have had similar experience."
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" he 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 Round Lake National 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 Round Lake, that some of us will attend. Life is short eternity is at hand." He arrived at the camp ground Saturday, 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. Watson, who spoke on "The things essential to the successful prosecution of the work of holiness." His address was timely, insisting that holiness, and holiness only, was the need of the hour. The Convention, 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 attendance. Choice 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 present at the meeting three days, and preached twice, to the great delight of the people. He had mapped out for himself 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 opening singing was wonderful, he says. The text was: "And I saw a great white throne," etc. Upon the announcement of his text, to his surprise his voice immediately became as clear as possible. The Lord wonderfully helped him. The thousands who came into the congregation became 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, Ill., National Camp-meeting, stopping, by invitation, at Youngstown, Ohio, 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 proceeded to Warren, O., where worn and weary, he halted to rest, with Rev. Mr.
Reeves. 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.