The memorial services held all over the world on the following Sunday were attended by quite unparalleled crowds, of whom very many publicly surrendered their lives to God.

The following letters to members of his own family show the spirit of affection and of cheerfulness which to the very last distinguished him.

To his youngest daughter, the widow of Commissioner Booth-Hellberg, who, though she had been fighting in one post or another in this country, India, America, Sweden, Switzerland, or France for over twenty years, he still regarded as his “baby” and special darling, he wrote:—­

     “Hadley Wood,

     “May 3, 1912.

     “My very dear Lucy,—­

“Your letter is to hand.  I am interested in all you say.  It was very kind, indeed beautiful, of you to sit by the couch of dear Erickson all those hours.  But it will be a recollection of pleasure all through your life, and I have no doubt, after the fading hours of this life have passed out of sight and thought, it will give you satisfaction in the life to come.

“There is a great deal in your suggestion that we should do more in the hospitals.  It would be, as you say, beyond question a means of blessing and comfort—­indeed, of Salvation to many of the lovely, suffering, dying people whose melancholy lot carries them there.  But the old difficulty bars the way—­the want of Officers and money for the task.  Well, we are doing something in this direction, and we must wait for the power to do more.

“I think much about many of the things you say.  Your practical common sense comes out at every turn.  Based, as your comments and suggestions usually are, on the religion of love, makes them very precious.

     “Go on, my dear girl.  God, I feel, is preparing you for something
     very useful in His Kingdom.  I feel quite sure.

     “But, oh, do be careful and not overrun your strength.

“Through mercy I am keeping better.  I had a very trying day yesterday on the top of my table work, which I find a continuous trial to my nerves, but I came through it—­that is, through yesterday’s hard pull.  It was a visit to my native town.  But you will read about it in the Cry.

     “I am eating much more, not only in quantity, but am indulging in a
     little more variety.

     “My difficulty at the moment is, that while a good supper helps me
     to sleep, a scanty supper is agreeable to my brains, and my
     feelings hinder me from sleeping, as I am so lively after it.

     “Later.

     “I have just had a nice little sleep.  Quite refreshing it has been,
     and very welcome also.

     “I am now in for a cup of tea.  What a pleasure it would be if you
     were here to pour it out and chatter to me while I drink it.