Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 13889-h.htm or 13889-h.zip: (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/8/8/13889/13889-h/13889-h.htm) or (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/8/8/13889/13889-h.zip) DAVE RANNEY Or, Thirty Years on the Bowery An Autobiography Introduction by Rev. A. F. Schauffler, D. D. 1910 [Illustration: Cover of Dave Ranney] This story of my life is dedicated to DR. A. F. SCHAUFFLER Who stuck by me through thick and thin Honest endeavor is ne'er thrown away; God gathers the failures day by day, And weaves them into His perfect plan In ways that are not for us to scan. --Lucy Whittemore Myrick, 1876. INTRODUCTION The autobiography which this book contains is that of a man who through the wonderful dealings of Providence has had a most remarkable experience. I have known the writer for about seventeen years, and always most favorably. For a number of years past he has been Bowery Missionary for the New York City Mission and Tract Society, and has shown himself faithful, capable and conscientious. His story simply illustrates how the gospel of the grace of God can go down as far as man can fall, and can uplift, purify, and beautify that which was degraded and "well nigh unto cursing." As a testimony as to what God can work, and how He can transform a man from being a curse to himself and to the world into being a blessing, the story is certainly fascinating, and ought to encourage any who have lost hope to turn to Him who alone is able to save. It ought also to encourage all workers for the downfallen to realize that God is able to save unto the uttermost all who come to Him through Jesus Christ, the all-sufficient Saviour. With confidence I recommend this book to those who are interested in the rescue of the fallen, knowing that they will praise God for what has been wrought and will trust Him for future wonderful redemptions. A. F. SCHAUFFLER. New York City. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION I. BOYHOOD DAYS II. FIRST STEPS IN CRIME III. INTO THE DEPTHS IV. "SAVED BY GRACE" V. ON THE UP GRADE VI. PROMOTED VII. THE MISSION IN CHINATOWN VIII. BOWERY WORK IX. PRODIGAL SONS "Let me live in a house by the side of the road, Where the race of men go by. Men that are good and men that are bad, as good and as bad as I. I would not sit in the scorner's seat, Nor hurl the cynic's ban. Let me live in a house by the side of the road And be a friend to man." CHAPTER I BOYHOOD DAYS