On this page you will the enthusiastic testimonies of eye witnesses of the Korean Revival. You also find much information on the means used by God to bring the revival about.
A word about our winter class. Mr. Swallen has charge of the enrollment, and he told me last evening that there are over one thousand in from the country attending the class. Some have come a great distance. I know of several who have come three hundred li and some who came from a group 360 li from here. These men have had to wnlk over mountains and rough roads through the cold to get here to study the Bible two weeks. Each of them has to meet his own expenses going and coming and while here, all of which is no small amount.
And what a zealous set of men these are! It would do your heart good to see the mass of them as they go in the evening to Central Church, some with lanterns, most of them without lanterns. We began last night to have a series of evening meetings throughout the time of the class. The women of the churches are to meet in the various churches, namely North church, East Gate church, South Gate church, and in the men's sarang outside the West Gate, services to be conducted by the wives of the missionaries in charge of these places. The lower school boys are meeting in the chnpel of the college and academy building, meeting led by one of the elders. The men gather, as I have said, in the large Central Church It was estimated last night that there were two thousand men crowded into that building and there were no fewer in the building this evening, I’m sure. After Mr. Hunt's sermon Mr. Lee said a few words. The latter said "Let us pray," and immediately the room full of men was filled with voices lifted to God in prayer. I am sure that most of the men in the room were praying aloud. It was wonderful! No man prayed with a loud voice, and yet, if you would listen, you could distinguish between the different ones. Some were crying and pleading God's forgiveness for certain sins which they named to Him in prayer. All were pleading for the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Although there were so many voices, there was no confusion at all. It was all a subdued, perfect harmony. I cannot explain it with words. One must surely witness such to be able to understand it. There was an absence of the sensational, the "emotional" (in the sense in which the word is so often used), and there was perfect concentration in the prayer of each one. And it is only the beginning! What great blessings are in store for us in the coming days and evenings!
We missionaries had our union meetings with the Methodists one week before the class began. They were a source of the richest blessing to all of us, and when we were closing Thursday evening, it being suggested that we continue the meetings for the next week or so, meeting at noon in the foreign school room, we decided to do so. Daily we have been meeting there and praying for the Holy Spirit. "We have no leader for the meeting; each one enters the room quietly, kneels down, and as he is led, prays. God is answering our prayers. Surely the meetings last night and today have proven it. The men who preached were filled with the Holy Ghost, else they couldn't have spoken as they did and we wouldn't have seen and heard what I have related above. I am sure you will join us in prayer for this same thing that we are praying for—that these men may take to their groups the power received here and that the work may increase more than we have ever seen work grow.
Our entire community and the Korean church especially last night and today has received such a manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit as has not been felt or witnessed by most of us in all our lives. It is wonderful, and every individual present of the missionaries has been wonderfully blest. We pray that the manifestation may go on and on without end.
Two days later: The evidence of the presence of the Spirit here continues and subsequent meetings have shown more manifest evidence than those mentioned a few days ago. The best of it all has been the renewal of determination to do better and confession of sins by some of the most prominent officers and members.—The Korea Mission Field, vol. 2, January 1907, pp. 1,2
The first article in our January number related the work at that date in the northern capital, Pyeng Yang. Today we appropriately use the same caption, for "Pyeng Yang" substituting "Korea." For the Spirit is coming with mighty power in this month of February to visit many of the cities and villages of every section. Not "will come" but "is in the act of coming," "has come." His visitation is mighty and wonderful. In Seoul, at the New Year Bible class of the Presbyterian mission, every leader and worker, without exception, made confession of sin "never suspected." At Syen Chyen "a wonderful out-pouring of God's Spirit in His church in this place." At Pyeng Yang by the latest account "we are seeing what “man could not imagine,” and conversions are believed to be not less than two thousand.
By an arrangement of long standing this number of The Korea Mission Field is given up to a description of the work in Chai Ryung station, and these few lines are all that is reserved for general purposes. We have in our hands several articles and letters regarding this wonderful movement of the Spirit, which we should otherwise publish here. They will appear, so far as space allows, in the March number. Prayer and personal surrender on the part of Koreans and foreigners alike is the key of the movement. We bespeak from our readers a continuance of united prayer on behalf of this land.—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, 1907, p. 25
W. B. HUNT.
The Pyeng Yang class began in an earnest of prayer and supplication for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It marked every session of each class I taught. So far as I know the first manifestation in any marked way took place at the close of a meeting for men only in the big Central Church on Sunday, January 6th. All who desired to do so had been asked to remain for an after service of prayer. Two or three most earnest prayers, one after another, were followed by such an outpouring of the Spirit as I had never before witnessed, great strong men, half a dozen at a time, pleading for forgiveness and confessing their sins in great agony of spirit. After about half an hour most of those present had ceased audible praying. Elder Kil rose to his feet asking all to join in singing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," "for the Spirit has come, the Spirit has come'' he repeated. From that day on there was not a day without some new proof of His presence with us individually and collectively. There was public confession of sin that brought agonized groans of sympathy from the entire congregation. There were private confessions to God which brought strong men to tears. There were similar confessions to men accompanied by restoration or other real mending of wrong. It was a time of praying such as we had never known before. Prayer meetings were crowded. The meetings held each evening in the big church were crowded, men only being admitted. Whole companies were reduced to agonizing and tears. A teacher going to his class was not surprised at finding them all without exception in tears. Nor would he be surprised to find tears of sorrow or gladness come stealing down his own or his hearers cheek, as he taught the lesson or led in prayer.
But it did not stop with those in attendance on the meetings. Servants in the missionaries' homes felt the change. For instance, it was decided in a certain missionary home one morning not to read the scripture or to sing, but to spend the hour in special prayer for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and that each one should pray. One after another, each one offered prayer, until all had prayed but one. Then came a long silence. Finally there was a sound of intense anguish and sobbing from the strongest man in the missionary's employ. At last he said he could not pray until he had confessed to having stolen little at a time a sum which totalled up to about 70 nyang, i. e., about $3.50. Then in gasps, sobbing as if his heart was broken, he pled of God the forgiveness of missionary and God alike, and pled that he might not be lost.
In the boys' schools the work spread, and to those who were at first most skeptical came some of the most bitter suffering. Between these schools had grown up some bitter rivalry. By reason of the Spirit's work among them love and an earnest spirit of intercession has taken its place. In the Academy the Spirit has manifested Himself and His power even more freely, if such is possible. In sobs and cries of anguish they have confessed their sins to one another, to teachers, parents, and kindred. Journeys had to be taken, letters written, restitution made, and in the midst of it all went up hour after hour such intercessory prayer as Pyeng Yang has never seen. Not only the Presbyterian Church, but the Methodist Church as well has shared the untold blessings, and, as never was possible before, Pyeng Yang is praying for all Korea—and it is praying as one man, "shoulder to shoulder," missionaries, their servants, Presbyterians, Methodists, school boys, school girls, teachers, church officers, men and women from every class and condition. Unofficially, but organized thoroughly as by the Spirit, they are interceding for thousands of people in the city of Pyeng Yang and in other parts of the land of Korea and the world.—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, March, 1907, p. 37-38
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." This prophecy is being fulfilled in our midst today. During the past month the most marvelous working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the Christians of this city has been the subject of daily conversation. Revival meetings have been in progress in ail the churches, and the Lord has proved himself to be no respecter of persons, but has manifested his mighty power in all the churches.
Among the causes which precipitated this revival I mention two.
1. Prayer.
For three years revival fires have been burning on the altars of the Church in certain places in Korea. A real heart-hunger and soul-thirst has characterized many of God's children. Heart-cleansing and Spirit-filling has been the burden of their prayers. The Bible Conferences for three years past have pointed to this end. A few men and women have prayed earnestly almost night and day for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, first upon the missionaries, and secondly, upon the native church. Last September Dr. Howard A. Johnston of New York came and addressed the Seoul Bible Conference daily on “Steps to Spiritual Power," telling also of the marvelous manifestations of the Spirit in Wales and in India.
2. The coming of Mr Kil of Pyeng Yang to Seoul.
Mr. Kil, an earnest student of the Scriptures and the most gifted preacher in the native Presbyterian church, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Pyeng Yang in the revival meetings conducted in that city, and came to Seoul to preach in the churches here. His preaching is in power and in demonstration of the Spirit. In his mouth the word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than a two edged sword. His prayers are wonderful. People broke down and wept under a burden of sin. At times it seemed that almost the entire congregation was in tears. This work was among the church members. Even the leaders in the church confess that they were guilty of horrible sins. Stolen money and other stolen articles were returned, and as far as possible amends were made. Some were in such agony that they fell over on the floor and cried to God for mercy. I am reminded of the history which records the results that followed the powerful preaching of Wesley and Whitefield. One very wicked man who has caused great trouble in the church came under the power of the Spirit. His confessions and demonstrations were almost frightful. His agony was so awful that he jumped up and down in the church and fell on the floor praying to God with groanings that could not be uttered. Next day he said: "There is no peace." But the following day he bore witness to the fact that he was at peace with God. Now peace reigns in the church. Similar incidents could be related in connection with the meetings held in other churches by Mr. Kil. All the pastors and Christian workers in the city have been busily engaged in these meetings and have done what they could to bring about these gracious results.
Daily prayer meetings have been held by the Missionaries, many of whom have received the gift of the Holy Ghost and are preaching with greater power than before. Many sins have been confessed. Old things have been put away and new things have come in. Those daily prayer meetings continue and the Spirit's work is still going on in our midst.—The Korea Mission Field, vol. 3, 1907, pp. 42,43
Dr. J. H. Wells writing from Pyeng Yang says: "The meetings and experience yon have heard of continue: The Methodist Church is now having a time of confession and reformation. The daily meetings for missionaries, commenced about Christmas, continue and are a fixed thing. Power and blessings come from such meetings as can be had in no other way."
The following extract is from a letter from Noble. Pyeng Yang:
"We are having the most wonderful manifestations of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the native church that I have ever seen or heard, perhaps there has been no greater demonstration of Divine power since the Apostles' days. At every meeting the slain of the Lord are laid out all over the church and sometimes out in the yard. Men and women are stricken down and become unconscious under the power of conviction.
The whole city is mourning as the people mourn for their dead. Many spend whole nights in their homes agonizing in prayer, either for their own pardon or in behalf of others, who have not yet been converted. This move seems almost confined to people whom we had regarded as Christians. At the present no one thinks of leading in prayer at any meeting after the first prayer is offered. The people break out in spontaneous prayer. Hundreds of voices fill the church with a murmur that has no more discord than would the notes from so many instruments of music.
"I wish you were here to take part in it. And I hope and pray that the outpouring of the Spirit may be given to Seoul. Perhaps you are also now in the midst of it. We have unitedly as a community been much in prayer to this end. There is much that I would like to write but have not time."
"Yesterday was a great day in Pyeng Yang, the greatest yet. May these floods flow every place."
"We are just closing a fine class which has continued two weeks. The Spirit has been here in power, working much conviction and confession of sin."—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, March, 1907, p. 43-44
Special Quotes
“The daily meetings for missionaries, commenced about Christmas, continue and are a fixed thing. Power and blessings come from such meetings as can be had in no other way." J. H. Wells
"We are having the most wonderful manifestations of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the native church that I have ever seen or heard, perhaps there has been no greater demonstration of Divine power since the Apostles' days. At every meeting the slain of the Lord are laid out all over the church and sometimes out in the yard. Men and women are stricken down and become unconscious under the power of conviction.” W. A. Noble
G. S. MCCUNE.
We are having more wonderful blessings than our faith could ever have reached. The city men and women are now having their classes: the former were not allowed to attend the class for men from the country. There are some eight hundred men and about four hundred women in the classes. The mornings, from 9 to 12, are spent in Bible study; they gather enmasse at the central church for singing class in the afternoon at 1:50 o'clock. From 2 to 2:30 is spent in prayer, after which they scatter two by two throughout the city. The city is districted among the various churches of both denominations, so that every bit of ground is covered—not a house nor an individual is left out of the invitation to believe in Christ and join in the evening meetings of praise and testimony.
It is wonderful to see these Koreans pray and work! to see them pray while they are working! I have made fifty to sixty calls with the Korean elder who is Mr. Swallen's assistant at the South Gate church, and it has been such a joy. Surely it is the way the apostles did of old. We went to a house, asked if the master was at home, and when invited in (we were never turned away) we sat down and introduced ourselves. We told the man the story of fallen man and of Jesus' coming to save him. Of course we had the whole family for an audience, although we addressed but the head of the house. After talking a few minutes we had all of them bow their heads in prayer with us. Before leaving we gave an invitation to the evening service, promising that some one would call on his way to church to guide him to the church building. This was done at each place. The others who are preaching did the same where it was possible. As a result, the evening meetings are deeper and stronger, and the men and women who make decisions to become Christians "stick." During the past week many of them have bought Bibles, hymn books, and the Bible Catechisms.
We are all rejoicing over these blessings. Many have said that the heathen could not come into the church with a realization of sin and of Christ as Savior: but we are seeing what man could not imagine, the work of the Holy Spirit. "There is nothing too hard for God" we have been saying these days, and what is more we are beginning to believe it. There have been instances the past week where heathen, coming into the church for the first time, have arisen and given testimony to a realization of sin and an acceptance of Christ as Savior. The heathen all over the city are learning that the Christians are sinners as well as themselves and that the only difference is that the former are saved sinners, the latter are lost. What a joy it is to be in the midst of these outpourings of the Holy Ghost! What a wonderful thing it would be to go through the streets of a city at home and see almost all the shops and stores of the Christian men closed for two weeks! That is what is taking place in this city. The men are spending this first two weeks of the Korean New Year in Bible study and soul saving. That is real apostolic zeal.
The other evening I saw a wealthy merchant sit by a low coolie and with tears streaming down his face, plead the Savior's love for the lost sinner. That is Christ's love in a man. It is more! It is Christ formed in him! Such a sight could not but break the stoniest heart.
We haven't been counting the new believers as we have in previous years. There will surely be in all of our churches, Methodist and Presbyterian, at the close of the meetings not less than 2,000 new believers, if we may judge from the way they seem to be coming now.
Arch Enemy of God is trying to get his hand in the work. Night before last a heathen went to the Methodist church, where several hundred were worshiping, and cried out "Fire, fire!" On the woman's side of the church there was an awful panic, started by the crowd of heathen women at the back of the room. They swayed back and forth in crowds, broke the large door down, screamed and howled. Mr. Moore and Mr. Noble were telling us this evening that they were like so many caged beasts. Many were injured severely, but no one was killed. Some little babies were almost killed. Certainly, had it been an American crowd, with the rough shoes, there would have been some deaths. Stories are going about among the heathen that the devils went into the church and killed a lot of people. Last night there were not so many women at this church, but we are all sure the incident will work for God's glory. The Korean speaker, in a closing prayer, likened the scene to the judgment day. "How terrible that day will be for those who do not believe!" was the burden of his prayer.
Before the meetings began in January many of the missionaries had plans as to what revivals should be. The Holy Spirit took away all those plans and gave the blessing in His own way. We had suspicions at the beginning and our fears were not a few; but, thanks unto Him, He is taking all suspicion and fear out of us. We pray "God give us the grace of fearlessness!" as did they of India. "If only these whom we love may be saved with such a salvation, shall we not let go all, even all our natural inclination and desire as to how God is to work? He who fulfills Himself in many ways works through tempest as well as through calm and the silence of dew-fall. So that He works, is it not enough? Shall we conform to His way or ask Him to work only in our way?" This is quoted from a report from India, and is exactly our feeling. We must be careful not to put our plans foremost, for fear we might grieve the Holy Spirit. We must be willing to let Him work His own way.—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, March, 1907, p. 44-45
Special Quotes
Many have said that the heathen could not come into the church with a realization of sin and of Christ as Savior: but we are seeing what man could not imagine, the work of the Holy Spirit. "There is nothing too hard for God" we have been saying these days, and what is more we are beginning to believe it.
The heathen all over the city are learning that the Christians are sinners as well as themselves and that the only difference is that the former are saved sinners, the latter are lost.
Before the meetings began in January many of the missionaries had plans as to what revivals should be. The Holy Spirit took away all those plans and gave the blessing in His own way.
C. E. Sharp
The unit in the developing of a field is the group. Groups are established in various ways. One man hears the Gospel on the Chinese border, believes and is baptized, uuder his teaching his brother is converted, a missionary is invited to visit them in their home, and the nucleus of what is now a strong church is formed. Another man goes to Seoul to buy an office. He hears the new doctrine preached in the metropolis, is impressed by it, spends his money for a load of Christian books, and takes them home to sell to his friends. Many of them become interested, and they put themselves in charge of a missionary, and so this group is formed. Another man is given a small book on the Christian religion. He and an intimate friend study the book together, and the two become so interested that one of them goes up to the capital of the province to buy other books further explaining Christianity. There he meets some Christians, is further instructed by them, and the two men become the nucleus of another good group.
A church of several years standing, filled with a love for souls, selects one of their number as an evangelist, and sends him out to preach to the heathen, the church paying his expenses. He goes into a heathen village, preaches to the people, distributes tracts, and some man or men whose hearts the Lord opens, respond and the beginning of a work is established. Or a Christian in some group finds that his worldly circumstances compel him to move to some other section of the country. His new home is in a heathen village. Each day he gathers his household together for family worship. Also before each meal heads are bowed in silent prayer as the blessing is asked. Sunday comes and this man instead of being in the fields at work remains at home. Once, twice, or three times in the day the household is gathered together, hymns are sung, prayers are offered, the Word is read with perhaps some remarks by the reader. This man soon becomes a marked man in the village. In course of time other families become interested, and one by one believers are added, and in this way a group becomes established.
These are some only of the various ways iu which new groups spring up.
After a group is once formed the missionary in charge of the district begins to visit it from once to three times a year. Examinations are held as occasion demands. The new believers are received as catechumens, and after their sincerity and earnestness have been tested and a vital faith has manifested itself, are baptized. The man best qualified is appointed as leader, and a helper begins to visit them. A helper will have in charge five, six, or more groups, and visits them as frequently as possible. Once or twice in the year he will hold a class in each group; at which time both men and women will gather for special study of the New Testament and the fundamental truths of faith and practice. Once a year the leader will attend a class held especially for leaders by the missionary. Once a year as many members of the group as can attend will study in the large general class held at one of the mission stations.
When several groups have been formed in a field, a Leaders' Society is organized, which meets once or twice a year, and is moderated by the missionary in charge, he reserving the veto power over all that may be done. Each group sends its leader or other representative. Each of the helpers in the field will present a report of the work in his charge, classes held, etc. Then each leader will report his own particular group—and its progress during the year. The question of helpers for the coming year is considered, their number and amount of salary to be paid; and pledges for the salary are taken.
Of the twelve helpers in Chai Ryung station the salaries of all but one are paid by the native Christians. The idea of paying their own way is kept before them from the beginning. The Korean is accustomed to paying for the support of his religion, and an immense amount of money is paid out each year for soothsayers, fortune tellers and for sacrificing to their ancestors and to the spirits. And when they decide to become Christians fairminded and sincere men see nothing but a "fitness of things" in the idea of supporting the men who minister to them in spiritual things.
At this leaders' meeting the sending of an evangelist to unevangelized sections is discussed and one or more men are usually chosen for a part at least of each year, and pledges are taken for the salaries.
The above is a brief description of the method followed by the writer, and with some minor differences in the details is the method followed by the other missionaries of the station.
As time passes, and a group becomes strong in numbers and spirituality, elders and deacons are chosen and the group is constituted a church and becomes the unit for the Presbytery.—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, March, 1907, p. 45-46
H. M. Bruen.
Reports had been reaching us of a great revival at Pyeng Yang, a revival from the bottom up, from the inside out. In a few days we were to begin our winter's Bible class, and, having a great desire that we too might have some of the manifestations of God's Spirit that they were having at Pyeng Yang, with this in mind we gathered for prayer daily. The class began, and soon there were some three to four hundred enrolled, and they studied well, but there was no special manifestation of great grief over sin, such as there had been at Pyeng Yang, where men threw themselves upon the floor and writhed in agony as the Spirit convinced them of sin, and as they strove to get strength to confess the sins that had been hid with some of them for years without being confessed. Though we still gathered daily for prayer, no such manifestation was present with us. The class was now half over, and now we met also daily, that is the teachers, for further prayer that the class might not close without some manifestation of the Spirit's presence. One morning we all by appointment turned up at the morning prayers with the Koreans. There seemed to be a new earnestness, but that was all. That evening, after a few opening remarks and a song, all bowed in prayer and several led in prayer, but they were just the same old prayers in the same rather formal manner. As one of the prayers closed, the leader called a halt with "See here brethren; this is not what we are after. If anyone feels a great burden for his sin so that he can't keep still, let him pray, but let others keep silence." When we again knelt in prayer there were several very earnest prayers for forgiveness and sometimes several praying at the same time, and now and then some confession was made in the prayer. It soon became evident that there were a great many who wished to unburden their hearts, but were constantly shut off by some one else starting first. After a verse of another hymn the leader said that any who felt constrained to pray need not listen to others or think about others, but to pray as they might feel led. Immediately upon this announcement the whole meeting just burst into prayer, and yet there was no confusion, although perhaps there were some hundred or two all praying audibly at once.
Such earnest praying I never listened to. Here and there sobs and crying could be heard. Presently I heard a man near me crying out for strength to confess his sin. After a great struggle he got to his feet and begged to be heard. He confessed to having stolen some money at the Bible institute two years ago. Thereupon one after another arose and confessed their sins in broken syllables. This was the breaking of the ice, and from this day forward there were similar manifestations, and, following confession of sin, there have been many instances of restitution. A helper called on me to say that he thought there was a book account that had never been settled, an old "boy" of mine came saying he had borrowed a yen from me in Seoul several years ago, promising to pay me back when we returned to Taiku, but that he had never done so and he was very much ashamed and desired to return it. To my surprise he insisted upon returning yen 1.60, the sixty sen being interest. When I demurred he said that it was all too little and his mind would not be at peace if he did not return it with interest. So I was obliged to accept it. The other houses all had similar experiences, most of them being matters entirely unknown to the employers.
The class has now closed and the country people have scattered to their homes, there to straighten up old accounts and start with a clear conscience and clear ledger. On Wednesday at the regular prayer meeting it was decided to continue the services in the city church, and the Holy Spirit is doing His cleansing work there too.
It must be confessed that when the reports of the work in Pyeng Yang reached us, we did not know exactly what to make of it that is of the great agony of sin that made strong men weep and agonize in prayer. And further, the extraordinary way of all engaging in audible prayer at once seemed like such a perversion of the proper decorum to be observed in church that it was hardly to be desired or encouraged. But at the same time we prayed that we might not let our ideas of conventionality hinder the work of the leading of the Spirit.
Another thing that did not commend itself altogether to us was the way in which so many people were reported to get up and confess all sorts of private sins in public. Of course we realized that there might be and doubtless were cases where leaders and officers sinned in a public way and should confess in the same way. One evening a young man arose and said "I have committed a great sin, and my wife and I have been praying about it, and I must confess it. When I was a cook in Mr. MacFarland's house I went to market to buy eggs. The bill was nyang 1.10 [about ten cents gold]. I received this amount from the 'moksa' and upon giving it to the egg merchant he said the bill was only nyang 1.00 [a very remarkable thing to do]. I therefore had ten cash left. This I put in my pocket, intending to return it to the 'moksa,' but time slipped by and tonight I realize that I have committed a great sin and will return double the amount, 20 cash, to-morrow morning." Now I confess that, despite the desperate earnestness of the speaker this made me smile, and I thought to myself, now that was a sin which should have been confessed privately. And so it was, but nevertheless, after some thought on these two matters, I have come to the conclusion that in regard to the simultaneous audible prayer, it was not like the formal audible prayer [in a] public service, where it is leading in prayer for others to follow, but simply each man praying for himself, but audibly, because of the intense earnestness which made it impossible to keep quiet, just as we all when in earnest often find ourselves praying audibly in our private prayers. It was not public prayer, but agonized private prayer. The confessions were largely the same, not meant for the public ear, but in the soul's agony for his sin one could no longer keep back his confession. Further, both of these unusual manifestations were used of God to help others. The earnest pleading of a friend stirred the soul of the yet unrepentant, while the confession of what we might call a trifling sin uncovered a multitude of sins in the minds of others that as yet they had not included within the pale of sin.
As the result of this awakening among the unconverted, God surely will work, if fit instruments are ready to His hand. This is but the beginning. Let us pray most earnestly that those who are having the great battle of their lives may come off victorious, that restoration may follow confession, that no door may be left locked with its skeleton of sin. That those who have now gone to their homes in the province may be God's instruments to cleanse every one of our couutry churches, and that all the cleansed may offer themselves to God for service, that none may rest on past experience, but seek daily that infilling which in its overflowing may keep the heart free from sin and may be in truth a great river flooding before its irresistible force. Pray for us.—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, March, 1907, p. 45-46
Special Quotes
“It must be confessed that when the reports of the work in Pyeng Yang reached as we did not know exactly what to make of it that is of the great agony of sin that made strong men weep and agonize in prayer. And further, the extraordinary way of all engaging in audible prayer at once seemed like such a perversion of the proper decorum to be observed in church that it was hardly to be desired or encouraged. But at the same time we prayed that we might not let our ideas of conventionality hinder the work of the leading of the Spirit.”—H. M. Bruen
“I have come to the conclusion that in regard to the simultaneous audible prayer, it was not like the formal audible prayer on public service, where it is leading in prayer for others to follow, but simply each man praying for himself, but audibly, because of the intense earnestness which made it impossible to keep quiet, just as we all when in earnest often find ourselves praying audibly in our private prayer It was not public prayer, but agonized private prayer. The confessions were largely the same, not meant for the public ear, but in the soul's agony for his sin one could no longer keep back his confession. Further, both of these unusual manifestations were used of God to help others. The earnest pleading of a friend stirred the soul of the yet unrepentant, while the confession of what we might call a trifling sin uncovered a multitude of sins in the minds of others that as yet they had not included within the pale of sin.”—H. M. Bruen
“Let us pray most earnestly that these who are having the great battle of their lives may come off victorious, that restoration may follow confession, that no door may be left locked with its skeleton of sin, that those who have now gone to their homes in the province may be God's instruments to cleanse every one of our couutry churches, and that all the cleansed may offer themselves to God for service, that none may rest on past experience, but seek daily that infilling which in its overflowing may keep the heart free from sin and may be in truth a great river flooding before its irresistible force.”—H. M. Bruen
Miss M. D. Myers
During our Week of Prayer in Wonsan the Lord poured out His Spirit upon us and many were made to feel their need of a closer walk with Him. This was followed by three weeks of evangelistic services. There was little demonstration but deep conviction was upon the people. It was a time of self examination and every one seemed bowed down with the weight of sin. The people were moved mightily to confession, these being made in public and private Then the Lord poured upon the people the spirit of prayer which always brings victory We feel sure many believers were taught the more perfect way, and older church members were strengthened.
One of the results that came under our observation was a woman who had been a second wife for twenty-one years She was so convicted that she left her husband and comfortable home for the sake of the Gospel.
She now spends most of her time preaching, telling as many of her heathen friends what the Lord has done for her, how deliverance from sin and fear have came through Christ Jesus. She does a little sewing for her living. The Christian women have been very kind to her, helping her get work and giving her a place to stay.
One of our young boys who has been a Christian for some time was very much convicted for disobedience to parents, and idleness before his teacher. One night he could not go to church, so there was a thorough self examination. When he slept he dreamed he was on a mountain and a snake was after him. He tried to kill the snake; failing be was very much frightened and called on a man near by to help. In telling his dream [the] next morning service he made his application. Sin was the snake, and was dangerous, but you could not manage sin by yourself to get rid of it, but must call the Lord Jesus Christ to help you be rid of your sins.
As the weather was bad and the church quite a distance our school girls could not go to church often.
The last week Miss Hounshell held two services a day with them. The Lord was with them in power, convicting of sin and revealing many hidden thoughts. They were made to see their little hearts as the Savior sees them, and many had such bright experiences.
Often when Miss Hounshell would go out to the school she would find them in groups praying.
Since then they have proven by their every day life that Christ has come into their hearts in a fuller measure.
I could not understand the strange tongue as I listened to the sermons, but I would find the verses in my Bible and the message would be given my heart. Then I conld feel the power of the Koreans' testimony as I looked into their faces.
Joy fills my heart in the privilege of being here and peace abides within. To our Heavenly Father be all the praise.—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, March, 1907, p. 54
The revival in Seoul ia deep and genuine. Many lives have been entirely changed. The people are praying. The revival is taking the form of intercession. Meetings are held daily for prayer and testimony and these meetings are well attended. Many requests for prayer are made and these requests are laid before the Lord by God's people; who are united in their purpose
Monday, April 8th, was a day of prayer in Seoul. Earnest souls, burdened for this city, called the people to give the day to prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit of God upon the city. More than thirty missionaries, busy men and women, dropped their work for the day and came together to pray. Not only so, but the boys in the union school, hearing of what the missionaries were doing, said that they wished to do the same thing. Many of the girls in the schools had it in their hearts to do likewise, and accordingly the day was spent in prayer.
Many are the prayers ascending the hill of the Lord for the Emperor that he may seek the Lord. Dr O. R. Avison is palace physician and the people are praying that he may he able to witness for Christ as he goes in and out before His Majesty. These prayers have been answered, and His Majesty is asking questions about what the Christians believe, and so a brief statement of the Christian faith has been prepared and presented to him and also the Bible Society recently presented him with a handsomely bound copy of the Holy Scriptures. The word of God is entering the palace.—Korea Mission Field,
Mrs. W. M. Baird
It was a matter of regret to all, both foreign and native, that the Pyeng Vang Union College and Academy was not in session at the time of the gracious visitation described by Mr. Lee in a former number. Several of the resident students, however, were led through a very wonderful experience. Terrible agony for sin, lasting often for several days, was followed by a sense of pardon, peace, and then a great influx of joy, followed by a baptism of power in intercessory prayer. Upon one, especially, the Spirit descended in great measure, and he seemed an altogether new and glorified creature. Hours went by while he agonized in prayer for others, and he went here and there among his friends and companions, urging them to remember Jesus Christ.
On all sides the earnest hope was expressed and the prayer offered that the beginning of the spring term might witness another wonderful manifestation of God's power, and that not one of the students might be left unvisited.
Several days before the term opened, the principal of the school, who had been obliged to make a trip to Chefoo, returned, and informal prayermeetings, attended by several of the Korean members of the school faculty, which had previously been held in his study, were resumed, and others began to attend. One morning, feeling burdened in prayer, he sought out his fellow worker in the school, who had been much exercised in prayer, and the two knelt together and prayed for the descent of the Spirit upon the school. It was at that hour that the storm broke in the study. Cries and sobs of anguish filled not only the room, but the whole house. At the end of perhaps half an hour two of the students rushed from the study into the part of the house occupied by the missionary's wife and literally cast themselves upon her, crying out "Omeni-yu (Oh, mother), is there any hope, is there any forgiveness for us?"
This was the beginning of two very dreadful and yet very wonderful weeks. For the first five or six days while the students were coming in for preliminary examinations, etc., meetings were held every afternoon at four o'clock. No attempt was made to lead these meetings. Indeed, any leadership would have been impossible. All were prostrate on their faces, and all alike, with the exception of the few who had already received a blessing, were in an agony of repentance. Sometimes they beat their foreheads and hands against the floor, sometimes they literally writhed in anguish, roaring as if the very devils were tearing them, and then at last, when there seemed no more power of resistance left, they would spring to their feet and with terrible sobs and crying, pour out their confessions of sin. And such confessions! It was like hell uncovered. Everything from murder, adultery, and the most inconceivable abominations of uncleanness, through arson, drunkenness, robbery, thieving, lying, down to hatreds, spites, and envyings, was emptied out, and with what shame and loathing! No human power could have dragged these confessions to light, and many of the Koreans themselves were horror-struck at what they heard. At the beginning of the school term it was decided to lay the usual curriculum aside and devote the first week to Bible study and prayer, reserving the evenings for devotional services with the whole school. The meeting of the first evening was a grateful change from the heartrending scenes which we had been witnessing. One after another of the young men who up to this time had been agonizing for sin, sprang to his feet, and in ringing tones testified to the sense of pardon, peace, and joy into which he had been led. It was evident, however, that these glowing ones constituted only a small proportion of the three hundred young men and boys who were present. While on the one hand some were flaming up for God, on the other hand very many sat cold and lumpish as ice.
The battle was on between our God and His remembrancers on the one side and all the hosts of Satan on the other. The students who had already received blessing spent hours of every day in prayer, and some passed whole nights on their faces before God. At the meeting of the second evening, before ever the leader took his place, the tide of prayer began rising, and although three young men arose one after another and attempted to lead in prayer, their voices were not heard in the tumult of intercessory supplication that broke out. As prayer continued the building began to resound with groans and cries. Many fell forward on their faces and wallowed on the floor. When something like a semblance of order could be restored, an opportunity was given to all who had any ilklfeeling toward anyone present or who had wronged any of the others in any way, to make confession and ask forgiveness. In a very few moments the meeting was resolved into numberless groups of students, weeping in each other's arms. Nor did the members of the faculty escape, and it was interesting to see them, with perhaps two or three boys weeping at their knees and others hanging about their necks. Cribbing in examinations, thieving, and every sort of falsifying, spites, and grudges were confessed.
This meeting was a type of the next two that followed, and it was then observed that while most of the Presbyterian students had been reached,the body of Methodist students was still largely untouched. The reason for this was not hard to find. The local Methodist preacher, an unusually able man, had from the first been opposed to union in the school or in any other way, and had used his influence against it. He had longed for a blessing upon his people , and when it fell first upon the Presbyterians he had been jealous and displeased, although this was not known at the time. But it was feared in several quarters that he was using his influence both in the pulpit and in the classroom, to rather throw discredit upon the movement. Special prayer was therefore made for him by native and foreign members of both denominations. On Friday evening he attended the meeting as a spectator, and that night the break in the Methodist ranks began. One young man after another, members of a band who had agreed together that they would stand out against the prevailing influences, gave up all pretense of resistance and cast themselves upon the Lord for mercy. The "slain of the Lord" were everywhere, and at midnight there were as many as fifty risen to their feet and awaiting their turn to confess their sins.
During the evening many of these young men threw themselves on their knees before the preacher in question and confessed that they had done wrong in yielding to his influence, that he had led them astray and kept them from getting a blessing. Conviction seized upon him, and at the close of the meeting this proud man was weeping in the arms of the missionaries and sobbing out penitent confessions of coldness, willfulness, and jealousies.
With this surrender the rout was complete and during the two remaining evenings there was little disposition to resist the Holy Spirit. Then the Lord began pouring out His blessing upon the Methodist congregations in the city, and the same wonderful manifestations were seen here that had been exhibited elsewhere.
The night schools in the city, conducted entirely by Koreans, were also greatly shaken, and the spirit of prayer was poured out in great measure upon the girls' primary school, so that little girls spent hours in prayer apparently without any consciousness of the passage of time.
The workings of the Spirit described up to this point were altogether among church members, but beginning about a week ago evening meetings have been held in all the churches for the unconverted, following house-to-house visitation, which is carried on every afternoon. It is too early now to speak definitely as to results, but it is known that more than twelve hundred in both denominations have expressed a desire to accept Christ as their Savior.
The noon prayer meetings held by the missionaries, spoken of in a former number, were several weeks ago changed to half-past four in the afternoon, and are participated in equally by both denominations. I find it difficult to speak of the sacred times that we have here. All denominational lines seem wiped out, and we wonder that we could ever have attached importance to them, or have allowed ourselves to be cramped by them. Faults are freely acknowledged, and as freely forgiven, and all hearts are melted up together in a wonderful solvent of love such as we have never known before.
Time flies at these little meetings, and the one short hour and a half are all too brief in which to commune fully with
God. Sometimes this or that dear brother or sister meets with us for the last time before starting out on an itinerating trip, and we have an opportunity to baptize them with prayer for their Work. Then when they return with the glad word of the spreading of the Holy Fire into other regions we joy and rejoice with them over the marvels of God's power.
Sometimes Mr. Murata, the Japanese evangelist, and other Japanese Christians attend and take part, either in broken English or in pure Japanese, which none of us can understand. And yet, strange to say, interpreted by a common sympathy and faith, we all feel the spirit of what they are saying, and are enabled to join in heartily with them in prayer. Every day our hearts go out to every part of this country and to every part of the Christian and heathen world.
We find that these meetings are blest just in proportion as we spend the whole time from first to last on our knees in prayer, or preferring requests for prayer or thanksgiving, precluding much conversation and discussion, even upon the progress and incidents of the revival.
That this movement may sweep over the whole peninsula from end to end is our prayer. What it may mean for this country who can say? Little and despised among the nations is Korea, and yet God has begun to do wonderful things in her. Oh, that this whole country, from the remotest mountain hamlet, to the great, wicked city of Seoul itself, may blaze up for God! Pray for Korea, brethren, all whose eyes may meet these lines, that God may not rest until He has established Himself throughout the length and breadth of this kingdom.—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, May, 1907, 65-67
Special Quotes
“At the beginning of the school term it was decided to lay the usual curriculum aside and devote the first week to Bible study and prayer, reserving the evenings for devotional services with the whole school.”
“One morning, feeling burdened in prayer, he sought out his fellow worker in the school, who had been much exercised in prayer, and the two knelt together and prayed for the descent of the Spirit upon the school. It was at that hour that the storm broke in the study. Cries and sobs of anguish filled not only the room, but the whole house.”
“For the first five or six days while the students were coming in for preliminary examinations, etc., meetings were held every afternoon at four o'clock. No attempt was made to lead these meetings. Indeed, any leadership would have been impossible. All were prostrate on their faces, and all alike, with the exception of the few who had already received a blessing, were in an agony of repentance. Sometimes they beat their foreheads and hands against the floor, sometimes they literally writhed in anguish, roaring as if the very devils were tearing them, and then at last, when there seemed no more power of resistance left, they would spring to their feet and with terrible sobs and crying, pour out their confessions of sin. And such confessions! It was like hell uncovered. Everything from murder, adultery, and the most inconceivable abominations of uncleanness, through arson, drunkenness, robbery, thieving, lying, down to hatreds, spites, and envyings, was emptied out, and with what shame and loathing! No human power could have dragged these confessions to light, and many of the Koreans themselves were horror-struck at what they heard.”
“The night schools in the city, conducted entirely by Koreans, were also greatly shaken, and the spirit of prayer was poured out in great measure upon the girls' primary school, so that little girls spent hours in prayer apparently without any consciousness of the passage of time.”
“The noon prayer meetings held by the missionaries, spoken of in a former number, were several weeks ago changed to half-past four in the afternoon, and are participated in equally by both denominations. I find it difficult to speak of the sacred times that we have here. All denominational lines seem wiped out, and we wonder that we could ever have attached importance to them, or have allowed ourselves to be cramped by them. Faults are freely acknowledged, and as freely forgiven, and all hearts are melted up together in a wonderful solvent of love such as we have never known before.
Time flies at these little meetings, and the one short hour and a half are all too brief in which to commune fully with
God.”
“We find that these meetings are blest just in proportion as we spend the whole time from first to last on our knees in prayer, or preferring requests for prayer or thanksgiving, precluding much conversation and discussion, even upon the progress and incidents of the revival.”
W. G. Cram
While the revival fires have been spreading with increasing flame throughout the whole country of Korea, our church in Songdo has come in for no small portion of blessing. The Holy Spirit has been manifestly working upon the heart and life of the church in this country for the past three years. We have had in Songdo and in other portions of the work of our mission (Southern Methodist) a work of grace which has been mighty in transforming the character and life of many a professing Christian. The work has been genuine. There has been no false fire, nor do we believe there has been an attempt on the part of the missionaries to take confession of sin as an evidence of genuineness or a proof of the witness of the Holy Ghost to regeneration. In our revival meetings for a while it was hard to get those who were confessing sin to realize that they were just taking the initial step in Christian experience. They would at first feel that if they had confessed their sins all was done that was necessary. They did not look for a conscious forgiveness or a definite Holy Spirit attested conversion. But during our class and revival, which were held in Songdo simultaneously in the early part of the Korean New Year, we had some of the most definite witnesses to the fact of sins forgiven and the power of the Holy Spirit bestowed that it has been my pleasure to see. I thank God that His mighty transforming power is realized by the Korean heart in definite experience. We are pushing the revival on these lines. God has given us gracious results. We know He will continue to manifest His saving and cleansing power among this needy people. Let us all pray for the continuance of this gracious outpouring of the revival spirit. Let us ask Him to send us a broader vision of His power and to teach us the wonderful resources of prayer.—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, May, 1907, p67-68
Quotes
“The work has been genuine. There has been no false fire, nor do we believe there has been an attempt on the part of the missionaries to take confession of sin as an evidence of genuineness or a proof of the witness of the Holy Ghost to regeneration.”
“In our revival meetings for a while it was hard to get those who were confessing sin to realize that they were just taking the initial step in Christian experience. They would at first feel that if they had confessed their sins all was done that was necessary. They did not look for a conscious forgiveness or a definite Holy Spirit attested conversion. But during our class and revival, which were held in Songdo simultaneously in the early part of the Korean New Year, we had some of the most definite witnesses to the fact of sins forgiven and the power of the Holy Spirit bestowed that it has been my pleasure to see.”
W. L. Swallen
There has been a series of manifestations of the Holy Spirit's power coming to us here at Pyeng Yang in successive showers of divine blessing, as there have been successive companies of Christians gathering here for special study. At each new gathering a special manifestation of His Holy Presence has been expected, prayed for, and received. We have not dictated as to the manner of His appearance, but during all this time there has been much united as well as private individual prayer that He would come to believers in mighty power, transforming their lives and character. There is no question as to the results in this matter. The experiences have been much the same with all who have yielded themselves up to Him.
The way was at length clear for a strong united effort in the city evangelistic campaign. The entire City was mapped out, and each church made responsible for its prescribed territory. The power of this blessing upon the whole church was made manifest in the fruit it bore during this campaign. Some two thousand persons have been led to accept Christ as their Savior. The churches are all filled and overflowing. Central Presbyterian Church for lack of room has had again to send off two more congregations. And now even again in order to relieve the congestion the men and women are compelled to meet for worship at separate hours of the day.
Immediately after the city campaign the Methodist Mission's Class for Preachers and Christian Workers was held. About one hundred of their best men were gathered here for a month's study. Here too the blessing of the Holy Spirit was received and the same agonizing for sin was experienced as in the former meetings. These men have gone out from this class with new hearts and new purposes, and possessed with a love for God and man unknown before. One of their number, pastor Yi, who at first tried to resist and discredit the work which began with the Presbyterians, since his repentance has received wonderful grace and is now a marvel of spiritual power among his brethren, as has been shown in his revival work at Chemulpo.
No sooner had this company of Spirit-filled men left the city, than in came five hundred and fifty of the leading women from the country churches to attend the Woman's Training Class of the Presbyterian Mission, which began March 16, and continued for twelve days. These women had come in with hearts already warmed with the desire for this spiritual blessing which their sisters in the city had previously experienced. Indeed some had already received a sprinkling of blessings in the churches from which they came, for this work of grace spread quickly far out into the country. Their faithful study and regular attendance through to the end of the class was an evidence that they had come with special interest to this class, while their confessions at the evening meetings revealed the fact that each one brought with her also a great burden of sin. Conviction and confessions began almost from the first and continued to increase each evening, both as to the numbers confessing, and as to the intensity of conviction. Their experiences were the same as those manifested in the meetings of the city women. They would weep and wail and beat their breasts, and sometimes they would sink down upon the floor under such a weight of sin as to be wholly unable to articulate distinctly. At times the whole-congregation would wail together and cry out to God for mercy. When any one would become so overcome with grief as to be unable to cease, the whole congregation would break out together in audible prayer, after which a song might be sung. If still there were those who could not get comfort—and not infrequently there were many such—then those sainted women who had previously gone through with such an experience themselves and had gotten peace would go through the congregation like angelic messengers, seeking out such and putting their arms about them in unmistakable love, and speak peace to their agonizing souls. This never failed to bring speedy relief. Again our prayers were answered. For with few exceptions these women went to their homes, rid of a great load of sin. They went with their hearts filled with a new joy, and a new power, and a noble purpose to live better lives in the future.
Again, before these five hundred and fifty women had reached their homes, seventy-five theological students of the Presbyterian missions were gathered here from every part of Korea to spend three months in theological study. Six of these men will complete the prescribed five years course of study in June, and will be, it is hoped, ordained in the fall. The others are in the first, second, and third years respectively. All these men have been in active Christian work for many years.
This class has been upon our hearts for many months. A large number of them were here at Pyeng Yang, or at Syen Chun, or at Seoul when the spiritual blessings were first poured out at these places, and had experienced the blessing for themselves. They confessed at that time and received pardon and power, so as to have become able to be a real blessing to others. Some like Elder Kil have been wonderfully used of the Lord, both here in Pyeng Yang and in Seoul. Many others have been similarly used of the Lord in country classes. But there were still others who had not yet received any special blessing, and little knew what was in store for them.
The class began April first. March 30 was the day decided upon for all in Korea to pray for this class. Daily united prayer had been offered by the Pyeng Yang missionary community for some time previous. It was felt that of all men these, upon whose shoulders the main burdens of the young Korean church must rest, should be Holy Ghost filled men. Indeed the blessing that has actually come upon the Korean Christians in general is such as to make it next to impossible that any but Holy Ghost filled men should hope to hold the places of authority in the church.
When, eight months ago, the Theological Committee were arranging the schedule, it was determined to give an hour each evening during the entire three months to special prayer and a spiritual conference, in the hope that by the end of that time the whole class would be prepared to receive this so much needed blessing. But we could now no longer believe that it was God's will that we should have to labor with these seventy five men through the evenings of everyday for three months ere they should obtain the blessing which God is so willing to bestow. So our prayers were turned to God for an immediate visitation of grace upon these men.
From the first these evening meetings were intense with fervent prayer, sometimes individuals leading, at other times all uniting in audible prayer. From the beginning confessions were made of heinous sins not previously mentioned. These confessions seemed sincere, though not marked with the evidences of a consciousness of the sinfulness of sin. The meetings through the first week, however, were marked with a manifest increase in the intensity of their conviction of sins. It was evident the Spirit was doing His work in their hearts. The men who had previously confessed now found new occasion for bitter distress of conscience, wailing in agony over their sins. Saturday night (April 6) the meeting was allowed to continue until midnight. The Spirit was present in wonderful power, compelling men to reveal what lay hidden in their past lives. Deceit, pride, worldly-mindedness, lust, greed, hatred, jealousy, and in fact almost every thing in the category of evil. On Monday it was seen that the regular recitations were out of question, so the whole day and evening were devoted to prayer and confession of sins. Many felt the hindering power of unconfessed sins committed before conversion, and could not find peace until the Holy Spirit gave them power to uncover all that was in their hearts. On Tuesday recitations were again suspended, and the day was spent as Monday was, in prayer and self-examination. There was the usual wrestling in prayer, interspersed with outcries of agony. Those who had not yet confessed were burdened with their own sins; those who had confessed and gotten peace, with the sins of others. To hear these men cry unto God in their distress was sufficient to know that the Holy Spirit was accomplishing His purpose in their hearts. When the searchlight of truth under the power of the Holy Spirit is turned in upon the human soul, sin is seen in its true character. Under the Spirit's illumination these men felt themselves to be all unclean, undone, unworthy sinners, and a cry for mercy went up to God that no words can describe. Only those who have really passed through the experience themselves can fully realize what all this means. No power on earth could bring to light the hidden things of the wicked heart as these meetings brought them out.
As nearly all had confessed at one time or another, the evening was now given to praise and thanksgiving. This, too, was a most marvelous meeting. One after another and sometimes many together arose and testified, until most of the seventy-five theologues gave joyful testimony to the peace received. Their testimonies alternated with songs of praise. No uncertain sound in these voices.
One said "I thank the Lord that this burden of sin has been taken away;" another "I thank God that I have come out of the darkness into the light;" another cried out "I thank God that I know that my sins are forgiven, and I am a saved man;" another said "I praise God that I am now able to pray;" another "I rejoice that I am now prepared to study God's Word aright;" one said "I am thankful that I have been given power to love my enemies;" and still another, who had been much used of the Lord in bringing this blessing to others, said “I once saw men clearly, their forms, their beauty, and the beauty of all God's works. Then I became blind and could see none of these things. Then I again received my sight, so that I can see men and nature about me, but I cannot see them distinctly. There is no beauty that I can see in then:, but I can see to read my Bible perfectly. And now when I look up at God I can see only His love streaming down upon me. I see nothing else. I look out upon you my fellow men, I cannot see you very distinctly, but I see love streaming in upon me, only love. This I could not see when I saw men and things clearly, but now I see this only. This I see very clearly." Thus, one after another testifying, for three hours, an uninterrupted volume of praise and thanksgiving ascended like sweet incense to God. And thus again our prayer was answered. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! We now feel assured that the first ministers who are to be ordained and take their place as pastors in the Korean church will be Holy Spirit filled men. And we hope that for all future this may be true concerning every minister of the Gospel in the Korean church. And what about the missionaries who are to lead and train them? Oh! was there ever a time when the missionaries in Korea needed so much the earnest prayers of those who can prevail with God in prayer?—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, May, 1907, pp. 77-80
Special Quotes
“At each new gathering a special manifestation of His Holy Presence has been expected, prayed for, and received. We have not dictated as to the manner of His appearance, but during all this time there has been much united as well as private individual prayer that He would come to believers in mighty power, transforming their lives and character.”
“March 30 was the day decided upon for all in Korea to pray for this class. Daily united prayer had been offered by the Pyeng Yang missionary community for some time previous. It was felt that of all men these, upon whose shoulders the main burdens of the young Korean church must rest, should be Holy Ghost filled men.”
“When, eight months ago, the Theological Committee was arranging the schedule, it was determined to give an hour each evening during the entire three months to special prayer and a spiritual conference, in the hope that by the end of that time the whole class would be prepared to receive this so much needed blessing. But we could now no longer believe that it was God's will that we should have to labor with these seventy five men through the evenings of everyday for three months ere they should obtain the blessing which God is so willing to bestow. So our prayers were turned to God for an immediate visitation of grace upon these men.”
“Saturday night (April 6) the meeting was allowed to continue until midnight. The Spirit was present in wonderful power, compelling men to reveal what lay hidden in their past lives. Deceit, pride, worldly-mindedness, lust, greed, hatred, jealousy, and in fact almost every thing in the category of evil. On Monday it was seen that the regular recitations were out of question, so the whole day and evening were devoted to prayer and confession of sins. Many felt the hindering power of unconfessed sins committed before conversion, and could not find peace until the Holy Spirit gave them power to uncover all that was in their hearts. On Tuesday recitations were again suspended, and the day was spent as Monday was, in prayer and self-examination. There was the usual wrestling in prayer, interspersed with outcries of agony. Those who had not yet confessed were burdened with their own sins; those who had confessed and gotten peace, with the sins of others. To hear these men cry unto God in their distress was sufficient to know that the Holy Spirit was accomplishing His purpose in their hearts.”
“Confessions seemed sincere, though not marked with the evidences of a consciousness of the sinfulness of sin.”
“When the searchlight of truth under the power of the Holy Spirit is turned in upon the human soul, sin is seen in its true character.”
Miss L. H. McCully
It is a great pleasure to present the report of my Biblewoman Hannah, for this past year. My story will differ in many ways from that of former days and I trust may be of greater interest.
She has not done her usual amount of travelling on foot over this field, but this is due, not to any lack of desire, but of the physical strength which made it possible for her in the past to travel so many miles in a year with apparently no bad effects. I am very glad to say that the lack of physical strength has, I believe, been more than over-balanced by the deep spiritual experiences she has been gaining, which have made her a worker such as she has never been in past years.
During the first week in January she attended revival services in Ham Heung and there for the first time intelligently claimed the baptism of the Holy Spirit for service. At later services these experiences became deeper and she learned as never before wherein the true secret of power lies and made a very full surrender of herself to God. In the spring, as she accompanied me on itinerating trips to various outstations, it was easy to see the great change that had come over her, and the earnest spirit with which she entered into her work was most inspiring. As she herself spoke of what she had experienced, she said, "I used to do my work according to the flesh, but now I see how little that accomplishes and that I must always have the power of the Holy Spirit."
She was made a great blessing to the weak sisters to whom we were sent and was able to meet their needs, sympathize with and teach them as no missionary could do. She seems to fill very beautifully the place between the ignorant days, when the foreigner's words and way of putting things are so hard to understand, and the time when the women are able to receive our personal teaching. In this respect I found her assistance of great value. When a series of meetings was going on, she would gather the women together for prayer before the service and in her simple earnest way explain to them some of the truths that they found hard to grasp. In the general meetings her devout prayers and bright testimonies were a great help and even the Korean men showed respect for her.
In one place she was asked by them to lead a prayer meeting in one of the homes where both men and women were gathered. It is, of course, necessary to understand the inferior place granted to women in this eastern land in order to understand what it means for a woman to thus win respect.
Hannah sold 426 Gospels and preached to over 3000 women during the past year, and has also taught a class of children in the Sunday school when in the city.
I would ask your prayers for her that she continues to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."—Korea Mission Field, Vol. 3, June, 1907, pp. 83-84
Quotes
“During the first week in January she attended revival services in Ham Heung and there for the first time intelligently claimed the baptism of the Holy Spirit for service. At later services these experiences became deeper and she learned as never before wherein the true secret of power lies and made a very full surrender of herself to God.”
These testimonies of the Korean Revival of 1907 were drawn from various sources.—Dan