PRAYED
NOV 2 2-55 PM 1904
JOHN ALEX. DOWIE.
The man was a charlatan. One felt it in his eyes and in the grasp of his hand; and yet at the same time there was so much enthusiasm about him, it was easy to understand how people came under his sway.
Not one of those ten thousand persons, who then filled Zion City, drank alcohol, smoked tobacco, swore, gambled, or ate swine’s flesh.
The people, whether from fear or love I know not, certainly worshipped the prophet. Unlike the Christian Scientists, he believed in illness, and said it was punishment for sin and would be cured by prayer.
When I saw him he was revelling in every imaginable luxury, decked his wife in diamonds and fine gowns, ate off superb mahogany and handsome silver. Dowie was rich and prosperous, for every one of his followers was forced to give him a tenth of all he earned. Yet such were his extravagances that the largest shop in Chicago took possession of one of his summer residences, and let it, so that the rent might pay their bill.
Prophet or no prophet, Dowie had a keen eye to business. Everything stood in his own name: land, houses, furniture, and, as his son showed no spiritual desires, he educated him as a lawyer, with a view that he should continue in the town, in a business-like way presumably.
Dowie owned also factories of lace, sweets, biscuits, soap, harness, brooms, tailoring, even sewing machines and pianos. His disciples generally came to him with a knowledge of various trades, and he made use of that knowledge in a profitable way.
Dowie was a prodigious humbug, and died a beggar.
After many happy weeks spent in the States I am not in the least surprised that Englishmen should marry American women. They show their good taste—I should do the same were I a man. Nor am I surprised that American women should prefer Englishmen—for the same remark applies. There is a delightful freedom, an air of comradeship coupled with pleasant manners and pretty looks in the American woman which are most attractive. Her hospitality is unbounded, her generosity thoughtful, and she is an all-round good sort.