They knelt as if powerless.  Their eyes were closed.  Their bodies rocked in silent pain.  The noise died down.  The Salvation Army captain began instantly:  “Lord, all these Thou wilt make Thine own.  We thank Thee, Lord, that Thou wilt lead them all into Thy host!  We thank Thee, Lord, that it is granted to us to lead them to Thee!”

The crowd hissed, howled, screamed.  It was as if all those throats had been tickled by a sharp knife.  It was as if the people had been afraid to be won over, as if they had forgotten that they had come there of their own will.

But the woman continued, and it was her sharp, piercing voice which conquered.  They had to hear.

“You shout and scream; the old serpent within you is twisting and raging.  But that is just the sign.  Blessings on the old serpent’s roarings!  It shows that he is tortured, that he is afraid.  Laugh at us!  Break our windows!  Drive us away from the platform!  To-morrow you will belong to us.  We shall possess the earth.  How can you withstand us?  How can you withstand God?”

Then the captain commanded one of her comrades to come forward and make her confession.  She came smiling.  She stood brave and undaunted and told the story of her sin and her conversion to the mockers.  Where had that kitchen-girl learned to stand smiling under all that scorn?  Some of those who had come to scoff grew pale.  Where had these women found their courage and their strength?  Some one stood behind them.

The third woman stepped forward.  She was a beautiful child, daughter of rich parents, with a sweet, clear voice.  She did not tell of herself.  Her testimony was one of the usual songs.

It was like the shadow of a victory.  The audience forgot itself and listened.  The child was lovely to look at, sweet to hear.  But when she ceased, the noise became even more dreadful.  Down by the door they built a platform of benches, climbed up and confessed.

It became worse and worse in the hall.  The stove became red hot, devoured air and belched heat.  The respectable women on the front benches looked about for a way to escape, but there was no possibility of getting out.  The soldiers on the platform perspired and wilted.  They cried and prayed for strength.  Suddenly a breath came through the air, a whisper reached their ear.  They knew not from where, but they felt a change.  God was with them.  He fought for them.

To the struggle again!  The captain stepped forward and lifted the Bible over her head.  Stop, stop!  We feel that God is working among us.  A conversion is near.  Help us to pray!  God will give us a soul.

They fell on their knees in silent prayer.  Some in the hall joined in the prayer.  All felt an intense expectation.  Was it true?  Was something great taking place in a fellow-creature’s soul, here, in their midst?  Should it be granted to them to see it?  Could it be influenced by these women?