But The General never sought to trim his sails to catch any “modern” breeze.  Upon his every visit to the country he spoke out with the same simple liberty as in England.  Of the fisherman leader he sent to represent him in Holland, knowing “only a handful” of Dutch words, a lady said, “He prays just like a man who is drowning.”  Such praying, and corresponding effort, for “the perishing” soon brought thousands to kneel in penitence before God.

The General has visited the country repeatedly, presiding over the Annual Reviews, which have generally been held on some great land proprietor’s estate, or holding “Days with God” in its largest theatres.  Of one such visit, in 1906, he writes:—­

     “I have just had a wonderful campaign in Holland—­Meetings,
     enthusiasm, collections, and souls far beyond anything that has
     preceded it in my experience.  Praise the dear Lord.”

The simple old Gospel that any child can understand, has indeed made The Army triumphant all over Holland, and the following extracts from The General’s diary, during his visit of 1908, will show how childlike a faith and devotion our people there have:—­

“Rotterdam, Saturday, March 14th.—­Soldiers’ and ex-Soldiers’ Meeting fine—­three-fourths men.  A great improvement on anything I have seen in the way of Soldiers’ Meetings in this place.  I got the truth out, and thirty-seven of them fell at the Penitent-Form to seek power to walk in its light.

“Sunday.—­The Doelen Hall (one of the largest auditoriums in the city) full in the morning, and crowds shut out afternoon and night.  People hard at first; but twenty-two came to the Penitent-Form in the morning, and fifty-eight at night.  Never saw men weep more freely.  L212 given during the day.

     “Monday.—­Came on to Amsterdam and commenced Officers’ Councils.

“Tuesday.—­A tired, restless night for some reason or other.  Sleep flew.  Occupied with many matters, but not very anxious.  Still, did not get much refreshment or invigoration for the day’s work, and felt accordingly.  On the whole, the three Meetings were interesting, and, I think, useful to the Officers present, although nothing remarkable.

“Wednesday.—­What I said of the Councils yesterday may be repeated to-day.  I had a great deal more material than I could possibly introduce into two days, and on leaving out some topics, on the spur of the moment, some were left out that might have been of great benefit.  However, everybody was pleased, and, I think, profited.  The only question in my mind, similar to the one that haunts me in every Officers’ Council, is whether I am making the most of the opportunity.

“There is no doubt that we have here a powerful body of men and women, good, devoted, and loyal to the principles of The Army, proud to be connected with it, and ready to receive