Mr. Bliss’ Hymns in England

The following letter from Kev. Henry Burton bears testimony to the influence of Mr. Bliss’ hymns upon the people of England.

15 ApsLifr CBBscEifrr, Bradford, Eng. Feb. 19, 1877.
My dear Brother:

I am much obliged for your letter received yesterday, with its deeply interesting notices of our beloved friend. His death has been quite a shock to us all on this side the water, for though not personally known to us, his name has become a household word in all the Christian churches of Great Britain. We seemed to love him as a brother. There was such a sweet and winning power about his simple songs that they carried us captive before we knew it. No one can estimate the influence his melodies have exerted upon the spiritual life of England. We praise God for His precious gift of song, and now that He has called our dear brother up to the hallelujahs of the sky, we are dumb because He has done it.

I had a letter from Brother Bliss, dated, “Rome, Pa., 25th May, 1876.” It was mainly in reference to the hymns I sent him, but there is one sentence in it that is so characteristic of the humble follower of Jesus, I will transcribe it for you:

Thankg for joar complimentary mention of the songs I have had the pleasure of writing. You need not call them mine. If there is any good in any of them, it came from Him,the Soorce of all good. To Him he all the praise.

As to the hymns I sent, you are quite at liberty to make any use of them you may see fit.

Praying that the rich blessings of the All-Mighty, tjie All- Loving One may rest eyermore abundantly upon your labors, I am

Yours in Christian Fellowship and Love,

Henry Burton.

The- following, from an unknown writer, is clipped from the Youth*8 Companion:

18U MEMOIK or P. P. BLISS.

On the stage at one of the Liverpool theaters, a comic singer came oni before the footlights to sing. Just as he was about to commence his waggish ii?<*lod7, the tune of a sweet Sunday School hymn, learned before, came suddenly to mind, and so confused him that he completely forgot his part. He stood a moment trying to recall it, and then retired, covered with shame. The manager, enraged at his failure, and still more enraged at his apparently foolish explanation, paid him the remainder of his wages and ordered him at once to quit his service. Out of employment, he wandered about the city like the unclean spirit, seeking rest and finding none. His heart was full of curses, and to drown his mortification he drank deep and desperately, till his days and nights were one continual debauch.

In the meantime, Mr. Moody and Mr. S^’ankey began their meetings in Liverpool. The fame of the evangelists was in every mouth, and the young actor, hearing them discussed and ridiculed among his low associates, con ceived the idea of writing a burlesque about them, to be put upon the stage. He sobered himself sufficiently to begin. But he felt he could not make his work complete without more *’ points “or “hits” to give it zest. So he determined to attend a meeting himself, and hear the men whom he intended to lampoon. He went, and the same power that in the sudden memory of that early hymn had driven him once from the stage arrested him and held him a reverent listener. At the close he remained among the penitent inquirers, and was soon led to accept the Lord Jesus as his Master. The young man is now in London, preparing himself to be a missionary.

Often a remembered hymn will keep sacred hold of a wicked heart when nothing else can. That simple Sunday School song, to the poor comedian, was a voice come back from his by-gone and better days. In spite of himself it changed his fate, and led the way to the still better days beyond.

Our meetings in Nashville, Tennessee, were advertised to commence April 15. When the time drew near, the writer was detained in Chicago by sickness in his family, and Mr. Bliss started alone. Before starting, application was made by telegraph and letter to different brethren to accompany him and preach at the opening services, but without success. Bliss prayed over the matter, and left Chicago very happy and peaceful in mind, saying, “Don’t you worry a bit, W. The Lord has some one to be with me, I know.” We had both thought of telegraphing Dr. Brookes, of St. Louis, to go, thinking of him as just the one needed, but deciding that it would be of no use to send to Iiim, as he was too busy in his work at St. Louis to go so far from home. The morning after leaving Chicago, before the train reached Louisville, Bliss went through the cars, distributing Scripture texts. As he entered the St. Louis sleeping car, there sat Dr. Brookes. With a joyous greeting Bliss exclaimed, “This is the answer to my prayer. You are to go to Nashville to-night with me, to take W.’s place.” The Doctor looked rather puzzled at his assurance, and replied, ^’I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am on my way to deliver a lecture to the students at Danville College, at their commencement to-morrow; an ’ sfi I can’t possibly reach Danville in time by going on to Nashville, I am afraid your prayer is not answered.” Bliss said, “Well, wait until we get to Louisville and see. I am sure that you are going to Nashville with me.” On their arrival at Louisville, Dr. Brookes was amazed to find that he had made a mistake of seven days in the date of his appointment, and that his lecture could not be delivered until the week following. He went on with Bliss and conducted the meetings for a week. The evening services were held in the Exposition Building, and from four to five thousand people gathered nightly to hear the Gospel preached by Brookes and sung by Bliss, and very blessed results were secured. Bliss has told me that the first evening he was with the Doctor at the Exposition service, he sang, “When Jesus Comes.” He was troubled at noticing that the Doctor leaned forward and covered his face with his hands., He thought something in the hymn must have met with his disapproval; but before he closed the song he saw that it was sympathy with the song and emotions in glad accord with it, that possessed him. Many, many times afterward did he have to sing to the Doctor “When Jesus Comes.”

I believe it was at Nashville that Mr. Bliss called upon an invalid lady who had been speechless for some years. She had once been a singer, and after he had sung to her, she whispered to him, “My great regret now is that when I had my voice I did not use it more to sound His praises.” The incident made a deep impression upon him, and led him to write the words of the song, “Work for your Master,” found in an incomplete condition among his *vaiDers and finished by “Paulina.”

The following letters need no introduction or explanation:

Boston, February 19, 1877.
Majob D. W. Whittle:

A young lady came into the inquiry room at the Tabernacle, on Wednesday evening in great distress, saying she had been seeking for years for forgiveness of her sins, but had kept the matter very secret and never intended to “oonfess Christ” till He had given her abundant light and assarance. She would not promise to make known her seeking to her companions, and went awaj as dark as she came, carijing with her, however, the verse, “Ue that believeth not God maketh Him a liar.” She returned on Friday night, and while Mr. Sankey was singing “There’s a Light in the Valley,” she said, “I ▼ill do anything for such a Savior,” and peace came at once. In the inquiry room she arose and said, “I will take Jesus.” She is now rejoicing.

I am truly yours,

W. Q. COBTHELU

aOO BaoADWAT, Indianafolu, January 27, 1877.
Dear Brothbb Whittle:

I notice in one of my religious papers a call on all who may have any facta to communicate respecting the influence of the compositions of the lamented Bliss to communicate them to you. It is certainly due to his memory and eminent services that I acknowledge the very large use my family, (who have labored widely for years as Gospel singers, and are known as the ‘’ Carman Family”) have made of his songs. 1 may particularly instance his “Ninejy and Nine,” “If Papa were only Ready,” “Jesus of Nazareth,” “Almost Persuaded,” “How Much west Thou? “and ‘* Calling Now.” They have sung these in revival meetings in Syracuse, Rochester, Erie, Cleveland, Norwalk, Dayton, Richmond, Indianapolis, Evansville, and many other places, deeplv impressing thousands.

An aged and skeptical gentleman in Norwalk, Ohio, dated his convictions which led him to Christ, to hearing Mrs. Carman sing “If Papa were only Beady.” Quite a list of persons in Cleveland were reported to her as converted through her singing in that city, where she and our three boys made much use of Mr. B.’s pieces. Both in direct Gospel work, and also in their ‘* Evenings of Song,” his compositions have been found by them invaluable. And beyond any of these, Mrs. B.’s ‘’ Rock of Ages” has been their great standard quartette.

Yours fraternally,

J. N. Carman,
Pastor North Baptist Church, IndianapoUs

Gensya Lake, Wis., February 8, 1877.

Major Whittle

In compliance with your request, made through the columns of the Standard, permit me to cell you of the great blessing which has come to me through the hymns of “dear brother Bliss.” That one commencing, ‘* Down life’s dark vale we wander,” has been such a comfort. His hymns are so full of the Gospel of Christ, I shall ever remember with pleasure those days when I was permitted to listen to that voice, which is now hushed to human ears, but which is continually praising ‘*Hira who loved us and washed us from sin and unto Him be the glory forever, Amen,” and with whom we hope to join in singing praises forever, “when Jesus comes.”

LETTEliS FEOM MIIS^ISTERS A2fD OTHERS. 183

LxAYBNWOBTu, Feb. 7. 1877.
Major D. W. Whittle:

Dbab Brother — Having seen a notice of your request published in the Sunday School Times, I take pleasure in responding and giving my testimony in favor of the music written by your late friend and colleague. I have been singing and teaching for twenty-five years, and in all that time have nevei been more impressed for good, or so thoroughly awakened and revived spir* itually, by any music, as by that of Mr. Bliss. Last Sabbath, I sang selection! from it (including Mrs. Bliss’) for the convicts in the Military Prison at Fort IjeaVenworth, and all seemed deeply interested and affected.

The songs call commendations from many wherever heard, and the fate of their author is felt and sincerely lamented here as elsewhere. I am heartily in love with his sweet melodies and recommend the use of the book wherever I go. Respectfully,

L. J. Early.

Dablxmoton, Wis., Jan. 27, 1877.

Major Whittle:

Dear Sir — I can truly say that I have been blessed, in listening to many of the songs of the late P. P. Bliss. The song, ‘’ What hast Thou done for Me?” has been more impressive to me than many a sermon that I have heard. I had a little brother about three years and a half old, who died on the 23d of March, 1876, who, a few hours before his death, told his papa to sing. * I should like to die. said Wilie, if my Papa could die too,” and his papa sung that beautiful isong composed by Mr. Bliss, “If Papa were Only Ready,” and before night his soul had taken its flight to the Spirit Land. Often, when he was with us, he used to sing, in his childish way, “I am so glad that Jesus loves Me.”

Eternity alone can reveal the good that has been and will be accomplished by the beautiful songs of P. P. Bliss.

Yours truly,

Eugene Halstead

HuNTiNOTON, Indiana, February 4, 1877.
D. W. Whittle:

Bear Christian Brother in Christ — I can see that I have been greatly blessed by the hymns of the late P. P. Bliss — especially with the one called “Jesus Loves Me.” It was daily food to my soul. I greatly regret that so fine a musician and useful man was so suddenly called away in the prime of life. I pray to our Father in Heaven that his music may be a blessing to all generations. Yours in Christian love,

Solomon Dill.

New Yobk, Febniary 8, 1877.
Major D. W. Whittle:

Dear Sir — I was converted at Louisville, Kentucky, while your meetings were being held there, about two years ago, and I can say that I was greatly blessed through the sweet singing of Mr. P. P. Bliss.

Yours respectfully,

E. P. BRIGGb.

Chicago, March 8, 1877.
Dear Brother Whittle:

In response to your request, I take pleasure in communicating the following facts in regard to my life, and conversion through the instrumentality of that song by Mr. Bliss, “What shall the Harvest Be?”

At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, I hastened to take service in the army, and soon after — in August of that year — I was appointed a First Lieutenant in the regular army. At that time, I was not yet eighteen years of age, and never had been away from home InfluenceEi. I had never tasted any kind of intoxicating liquor, and did not know one card from another. The regiment to which I was assigned was principally officered by young men, mtiy of whom were old in dissipation. The new life was an attractive one, and I entered upon it with avidity. In a very few months, I became a steady drinker and a constant card player. I do not remember to have made any attempt to resist the encroachments of vice; on the contrary, I took a mad delight in all forms of dissipation. I laughed at the caution of older heads, and asserted, with all the egotism of a boy, that I could abandon my bad habits at any time. But the time speedily came when I recognized the fact that my evil desires had obtained the complete mastery of my will, and that I was no longer able to exercise any control over myself. From that hour I knew no peace. The years that followed were but a succession of struggles against the dominion of my appetite, and a repetition of failures. With each failure, I lost something of my power of resistance and gained something of evil. In 1870, I resigned my commission and returned to civil life, determined to make one last stand against my passions by breaking away from my old associations and beginning a new life. The result was attained in my condition of a few months ago. I do not like to recall the past six years. They are as a frightful dream, from which, thank God I I was at last awakened; but the recollection of which will alwtiys bring sorrow and remorse.

When the Tabernacle was opened, last fall, I was in Chicago, presumably on my way to Minnesota. Only a few weeks before I had left my family, promising with my last words that I would stop drinking, and try once more to be a sober man. I did not keep the promise five minutes; I could not. I stopped here, actuated by a desire to indulge, unrestrained, my appetite for liquor and cards, and in those few weeks I had taken a fearful plunge downward. At last I had made up my mind that there was absolutely no hope for me, and I wanted the end to come quickly. 1 gave myself up to the wildest debauchery, and speculated, with a reckU-ss indifrence on how much longei my body could endure the fearful strain. In anticipation of sudden death, I carefully destroyed all evidences of my identity, so that my friends might never know the dog’s death I had died. It was while in this condition that I one day wandered into the Tabernacle and found a seat in the gallery. I looked at the happy faces about me and I hated them. I had all the vindictive feeling of a wild animal hunted to his last covert and waiting in impotent rage the final blow that is to end his miserable life. I did not pay much attention to the service. 1 was drowsy and stupefied with liquor. But after a while there was a perfect stillness, out of which presently rose the voice of Mr. Sankey (may God forever bless him!) in the song, “What shall the Harvest Be?” The words and music attracted my attention, and I straightened up to listen. They stirred me with a strange sensation, and when presently ha

sang —

Sowing the seed of a lingering pain,
Sowing the seed of a maddened brain.
Sowing the seed of a tarnished name,
Sowing the seed of eternal shame,
Oh, what shall the harvest be?

the words pierced me like an arrow. My deadened conscience was aroused, and with one swift glance memory recalled my bright boyhood, my wasted manhood, and showed me my lost opportunities. Every word of the song was true of my own case, and in bitter agony I was reaping the harvest my misdeeds had brought me. J thought of my old mother, my loving, faithful wife and children, and of how they, too, were compelled to reap of my harvest of dishonor. My awakened conscience lashed me as with a whip of scorpions, and I rushed from the Tabernacle and sought to drown its voice in more whisky. But it was of no use. Wherever I went, whether to the bar of the saloon, oi to the gaming table, or to the solitude of my own room, before my eyes in letters of fi*e were always the words, “What shall the harvest be?” For two weeks I endured this torture, having no rest, until at last on my knees I cried to God for mercy, and He heard my prayer. Broken, weak, and vile and helpless, I came to Him. believing that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin,” and trusting that His love and compassion would regard even me. And, Major, I have not trusted in vain. He has removed from me my old desires and appetites, and made me a new creature in Christ Jesus. He has guided me, shielded me, and fought my battles for me, and day by day my faith grows brighter, and my love stronger.

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my Btrength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.’

Very truly, your friend and brother in Christ,

W. O. Lattimokk.

Ufpeb Alton, Illinois, February 30, 1877
Bbotheb Whittle:

During Mr. Bliss’ tour with Dr. John Hall, in 1874, I met him in Springfield, Illinois. The services were held in th “^ interests of the Sunday School

Union, in the First Presbyterian Church. Governor Beveridge, in a few remarks, introduced the speaker (Dr. Hall) and the singer (P. P. Bliss). At the close of the services, while conversing with Brother Bliss, when I inquired of his welfare, he said, “I am happj as a king to-night. This has been one of the most joyful days of my life.” “Why so?” I asked. “I am just thirty-five years old to-day,” he replied. Indeed; then I congratulate you on your present; and pray tell me how does the review of the past appear? Has not God helped you? “A glow of gratitude and meekness lightened up his face as he said, “Yes, wonderfully; I am amazed. Oh, how God has helped me.” Then, grasping my hand, while great tears welled up in his eyes, with all the pathos of his soul he said: “Pray for me, that success may not be a temptation to me.” Evidently the great desire of his heart was —

Oh, to be nothing — nothing
Only to lie at His feet.

Tours in the word and work of the Gospel till Jesus comes,

W. S. Slv.
Pastor M. E, Church.

St. Louis, Mo., Febniary 10, 1877.
To Brothek Whittlb:

Dear Sir — You will,

recollect that whilst engaged at St. Louis, I was a constant attendant at all the meetings you two held at the Rink, the First Presbyterian Church (Dr. Gantz’s). and also at the First Methodist Episcopal Church. I’ve never forgotten you in my daily and evening prayers, and would love to see you once more. Bro. Bliss seemed to take deep interest in my spiritual welfare, and he told me that God had a work for me to do in a singing capacity, as he had, and he gave me great encouragement in that direction. I do not regret his sudden departure from earth at all, because God was satisfied with what he had striven hard to do while in the body, in saving souls for the Master’s use. The harvest is great, I know, but then new laborers will spring up, and finish the work left unfinished by those our Heavenly Father deemed proper to take unto Himself. From your Brother in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Jas. W. Sparklin.

OwueOjPeb 9,1877.
Mr. Whittle:

Dear Sir — In looking over the letters I have received from Mr. Bliss, I find one written to me January 28, 1873, in reply to one I wrote, informing him of the death of one of the members of our church whom he was acquainted with, she being the leading soprano singer in our choir and a very active and uselul member of our Sabbath Sohool, and in the prime of life.

He writes: “It has always seemed desirable to me to be permitted to go directly from the full activities of Christian life here, to the beautiful mansions yonder; no interim of old age, second childhood, or idle waiting.” It seemed to me that this had been so literallj fulfilled in his case that it might add interest to his biography. You will notice that the word directly is underscored, which is the same as it is in his letter to me. His whole letter is full of good cheer. It was written just after the church in Chicago was burned, of which he speaks, and finally ends up by saying: “But know the living Lord has something better for us; shall rebuild immediately.”

We are glad to see that you have found a man to take Mr. Bliss’ place, and that you are laboring on in the Master’s cause.

We pray that you may have great success in the work.

Yours truly
D. M. PiTCHEB.

Dbtboit, Mich., Feb. S, 1877.
Majok Whittle:

Dbar Brother — Though we are comparatively strangers, I trust we are trying now to serve the same Master. I say now. As you may remember, in the business men’s meeting at Kalamazoo, election morning, I spoke to you and told you I could not make a start, though I was a church member, 1 felt so guilty on account of my past life. You told me to just take God at His word and trust the results with Jesus. I went home and resolved, God being my helper, I would. I told my wife (whom you will probably remember as the invalid who came to the four o’clock meeting and requested Brother Bliss to sing the Ninety and Nine) of my resolve, and we started there and then, hut very weak. The next afternoon, Brother Bliss called on us at our house and spent about half an hour in singing those sweet songs, in which myself and wife joined by special request from that dear brother. He sang “Rock of Ages,” and related the circumstances under which Mrs. B. composed the tune. He then sang “Sowing the Seed.” I gave him a little bouquet of violets for Mrs. Bliss, and we parted to meet no more on earth. I mention these little things as I date all my true C’bristian experiences to those two meetings^ne with you, the other with him; and, dear brother, I truly thank God to-night that His servants pointed me to God and not to any explanation of their own. I did, 1 trust, take God at His word.

I soon moved to Detroit and here I have joined the Y. M. C. A. and am trying lo wprk for the Master. My prayer to God is to be such an one as the blessed Savior will be willing to work through for His name’s honor. I have several missions to superintend in connection with the Y. M. C. A., and feel that I want Brother Whittle to remember me at the Throne of Grace. May our blessed Jesus prosper His work in your hands, is my prayer.

I remain very truly your friend in Christ;

George H. Evens.

LnrDLBT, Steuben Co.,N. Y., Feby. 12, 1877.
Mr. D. W. Whittle:

Dear Brother — During the summer of 1874, 1 met a person who hoard

Mr. Bliss sing ‘’ Almost Persuaded;” he said he never heard anything like it.

I shortly saw an advertisement of the Gospel Songs by P. P. Bliss, for sale by Church & Co. in Cincinnati, and thought this particular piece must be in it; 80, in November, 1874, 1 sent for the Gospel Songs. Lo and behold, 1 then had “Almost Persuaded” — my wife being a splendid soprano singer, myself only an ordinary bass — and we commenced learning them. Every new one we commenced was always better than the last one; so in the course of six months we could handle every piece in the book. After these came along the Gospel Hymns, and of course we could not do without it.

In February, 1875, a stranger (by name L. D. Ayers) came in our midst ard got permission to preach in the Free Methodist Church, the only one here, it being a mile from my house. He had been preaching about a week before I thought it worth while to go and hear him; and when 1 did go, I was satisfied that he was no fanatic. He could not sing, and the singing was very poor. I then took hold to help him with the four others, so that the singing was put on me. After going a week, I told my wife I could not get along any longer with the singing without her help, and that she must go and do the singing, which she did. After going a few nights, singing from our old hymn books, we then commenced singing one and two pieces of Bliss’ on an evening and it was just like magic on the preacher and audience, and the house began to fill with people from a distance to hear the singing and preaching. About seventy were converted, nearly all heads of families; backsliders were reclaimed. It was indeed a great feast of good things. The preacher admitted, as did nearly all, that these Gospel Songs of P. P. Bliss did more than the preaching. The result was that a couple of hundred of Gospel Songs are now distributed in Tioga valley, including a large number of Gospel Hymns.

Yours in Christ,
Isaac Santw.

Kalamazoo, MicmeAK, Feb. 16, 1877.
My Dear Brother Whittle:

We were holding our watch-night service when the news of the death of Brother Bliss and wife came. The 10.30 train of Sunday evening brought us a paper at 11, and just before the hour of 12 I made the announcement. I never saw anything like it. There were four hundred people in the chapel, and all were in deepest sorrow in an instant — many in sobs and tears, others in silent and solemn meditations and prayer for God to help and comfort the poor mother — for we then supposed the whole family had gone together.

With reference to Brother Bliss’ labors, I would say that last Thursdajf evening, at our prayer service, Miss Jessie Ainsworth, who has united witn our church, came to me and said that she was led to the Savior through the singing of Brother Bliss. I asked her if she could name any particular piece that led to her awakening. She said he sang the piece with tho words “Cut it down,” referring to the tig tree, and she felt it meant her. She told me this with rejoicing that she ever heard Brother Bli.ss.

There are other individuals, and many of them, I dare say, who have attributed their conversion to his singing. I am quite sure Brother E. C. C. was first awakened by his singing.

And now a word about our religious state. I may say our condition as a society has never been better in the history of the church. There have been to date one hundred and seventeen accessions to the Methodist E. Church, and scarcely a week that does not bring some new heart to the Blessed Christ. To Him be all the glory.

When we have given the silver trumpets the right sound, till the dear Savior says, as in Brother Bliss’ case, it is enough, then we will meet Brother B. again and the throng of the blood- washed.

1 think of Brother B.’s words and song daily, and endeavor to respond, Yea t Yes! My Savior, Yes I

Are your windows open toward Jerusalem?

Though as ciiptives here a little while we stay;
For the coming of the King in His glory,

Are you watching day by day?

Your Brother, H. F. Spencer,

Pastor Methodist Church

Kalamazoo, March, 1877.
Dear Mr. Whittle:

The Gospel in Mr. Bliss* sweet hymns and the Gospel in his own and Mrs. Bliss’ personal pleading with me led me to Christ. What this interest was in Christ-like spirit and faithfulness can be judged by the following incident and the two extracts from Mr. Bliss’ letters that I enclose: A lady came to me since Mr. Bliss* death, and said she had something to say to me, and it was this: The evening before Mr. B, left Kalamazoo, Mrs. Bliss came to her after the evening meeting and spoke to her about me, asking her to keep her eye on me and after she had left to talk to me on the subject of religion, “For,’* said she, ‘*Imay never see him again, and I have taken a deep interest in him.** Oh, Mr. Whittle, how this message comes to me now as from the dead. Now I have at least two less to pray for me on earth, but two more in heaven. I trust that I may ever hold up the cross of Christ wherever I may be, and at last, when God will call on me, that I may be able to say, under standingly, “It is well, I am ready.’* Pray for me, Mr. Whittle, for I have a great many things to contend with, and above all pray that I’may be able to fully overcome my greatest enemy, smoking. John xiv, 14.

Every day I see or hear something about Mr. Bliss. My greatest hope is to meet him in heaven. Yours,

R. H. D.

I remember once hearing Mr, Bliss talking to old Father Denary, of this place, who has but one arm. He said, “Well, Father Denary, when we meet in Heaven, I shall not know you by your one arm, shall I? Remember, we’r<» going home to-morrow.” And the tears streamed down the old man’s cheeks as he answered, “No, thank God, thank God I”

The following are Mr. Bliss’ letters above referred to:

Jackson, Mich., November, 1878.
Deab Sm:

Remember still there s more to follow. Do not depend on yourself, hut look ever to Jesus. He*ll carry you through. * * * Oh, how my heart goes out toward you and my dear friends in Kalamazoo. May God bless you all. Youris for His sake,

P. P. Bliss.

My Deak Brother:

Your letter gives us much pleasure. May you ever take Jesus as your leader, and he an armor-hearer, working for the Lord. When you are sure that you are free from everything (you know the old enemy I make this fling at), please write to me again. * * * I shall always feel that I have an interest in you and your welfare. * * May God ever bless you and have you in His keeping. Mrs. B. and the rest send regards to yourself and friends.’ Yours for His sake,

Bliss & Co.

Jackson, Mich., Jannary 3, 1877.
Mr. D. W. Whittle:

Beloted Brother — In Jackson, as elsewhere, many hearts are mourning for the loved ones in Israel that have fallen. How dear and precious is their memory to us.

You will remember that on the evening of your first Sahhath in Jackson, Mr. Bliss came over to the Second Congregational Church. His singing and speaking were blessed of God, and on that evening our chorister and wife were converted through Mr. Bliss, and joined the church last Sunday’. The entire oonggation were deeply impressed.

Affectionately your brother in aflfliction,

J. L. Maile,
Pastor 2d Cong. Church, Jackson, MicK

From Charlie, a little lad in Nashville, who trusts he became a Christian in Mr. Bliss’ meetings there in April, 1875:

Nashvillx, Febmary 25, 1877.
Mt Dear Friend, Mr. Whittle:

I received your kind letter a few weeks ago; also Mr. Bliss’ picture and song, for which Ma, my little s ner and brother, join me in returning man;

IN MEMOKIAlff. 191

thanks. I wish jou to remember me in jour prayers. I would be so glad to see yoa. Below I send a copj of Mr. Bliss’ letter to me:

Mabtsb Chablbs:

Mt Littlb Vvxksjy — Yonr kind letter was received in due time. We have been flying abomt 80 that this is the first good chance I have had to reply. Mr. Whittle and I both thank you very much for your token of good will to our little boys. They are not old ei ough to answer, ’ but we will keep your gifts foi them. We will pray for yon. I was, as your mother says, full of fun when I was a boy. Mrs. Bliss says I have not gotten over it yet. I do love fun, and love to romp and play with my little boys. We have a little baby boy ten months old. Paul 31is8 is nearly three years old, and I love my friends and music very much; but that does not prevent my loving Jesus. No, I think I love Him all the more for giving me so many pleasant things and a cheerful, happy heart. I hope you pray to Qod every day. Pray for me. My knre to Sister Annie, for Jesus’ sake. Tours in Him,

P. P. BUBB

P. P. BLISS — IN MEMORIAM.
[From the St. Paul (Minnesota) Dispatch.]

In a barst as of heavenly music, he came,
And heart spoke to heart with each tone I

‘Twas Christ and His cross was the glorified theme
Which gathered all hearts into one I

We heard him I it seemed that a seraph had sung

Enwrapped in a mortal’s disguise I
But while the deep cadence around us still hung.

The seraph had pass’d to the skies.

Oh mourn not for him, or the dear ones he loved.

For soon was the agony o’er,
And the jewels God gave him to gladden his life

Will be his on the evergreen shore!

Dear Brother, farewell! What wonders desired

Shall now to thy vision unfold I
A’hat chords thou didst touch in thy moments inspired,

Whose vibrations may never be told I

B. M

, Paul, January 8, 18S7.