menu_book Chapter 19

Chapter 19 of From Baker to Beulah by Jenny Smith. The SlibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 19. At Ocean Grove Again. The reader can judge of the joy it gave me to walk from the carriage to the cars. This was my first ride in a passenger car for many years. There was a great contrast between the comfort of this ride and of those when I traveled in my cot as baggage. The relief from suffering in traveling seemed wonderful.

We arrived at Ocean Grove at 6 p.m. A delicious tea was waiting for us. We found everything in order. We're perfectly delighted with our cottage home by the sea. It was located on Pittman Avenue, where, sitting on our porch,

we could see the ships sailing slowly by. We felt, in erecting our family altar, the Solemnity of the Hour. As Rev. S. D. Jones and Brother O. knelt with us that evening, we dedicated all to the Lord, even the organ of Brother E. M. Bruce, which we brought from the hospital. On our first Sabbath, a number of friends came in to hold prayer meeting.

I had neglected my sprained ankle and was again laid aside with it for a few days. We expected to keep lodgers only, but were soon convinced we could not give satisfaction unless we also boarded our guests. The cottage in the rear, fronting on McClintock Street, was for rent. I felt we must take this, and wrote our landlord about it. He, with others, discouraged so great an undertaking.

In the midst of our perplexity, friend Griscom came. As he saw our situation, he at once felt that it was advisable to take the other cottage, and offered to advance the means. But Sister Chatham provided this. Monday, June 24th. Have had a busy day. Saturday p.m., we were surprised to see our dear friends Brother H. and Sister Garagas. A number of young people spent a pleasant evening in social

conversation and singing. I am glad they enjoy coming here to sing. I trust not a soul will come to our cottage in vain. Brother G. closed the service with prayer. Yesterday I went to the tabernacle meeting for the first time on my feet. I had strange feelings as I walked in where my cot had been so often wheeled the summer before. Everything brings up memories of last year. I felt and said, Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's

praise. Have had several calls today, among them Brother T.T. Everett. He leaves for Europe tomorrow. I am glad his sister, Mrs. Mann, and his mother are next door to us. We had a pleasant chat on their porch this p.m. He feels, as many do, that my strength must be used with an eye single to the glory of God. He said to me, If you are an obedient child, I believe you will yet cross that Atlantic. Our friends are much pleased with our house and approve of our taking the

adjoining cottage. I have sent for Sister Molly. She will be here next week. June 29. We arose early, had a precious morning worship. Miss Lily Beale called with her phaeton, took me over to the Women's Christian Association boarding house. It is a lovely place, a real resting retreat for the many who desire to spend a brief vacation at the seashore. Carrie Fling and a number of the ladies from there have called.

Brother Lightfoot and cousin have come to spend a few days. Last evening, after the crabbing party returned, they brought an ice cream, had a pleasant time, and, I trust, profitable to all. Some good may be done by these little occasions. Sister Lore, the missionary, Sisters James, Hart, Davidson, Pistorius, and Chapman called.

Monday, July 8th. How blessed! Some mornings our family worship is equal to a prayer meeting. Father Cope read, Sister Stuart prayed, followed by Sister Allison. Our family is daily increasing. Saturday, a hack load went from our cottage to Long Branch. Molly has arrived and was perfectly delighted with the scenery. Yesterday, I attended the communion service at the auditorium. I have not had the privilege of kneeling at a communion table for 18 years. After meeting,

had a talk with Dr. Stokes, Dr. Hanlon, and others. This a.m., Reverend Babcock, Brother Howland, and Brother Spaulding called. Dear Sister C. is not well. She is fearful she will have to withdraw. I do hope her health will improve. I cannot have her leave us. Perhaps if she goes home with Sister McCage she will return better. I went to Keyport, New Jersey, was met at the train by Brother and Sister Wharton. As I went into the homes of Brothers Wharton, Beatles, and Harris, where I

had visited upon my cot, and then entered the church, I again lived over the past that now came up so vividly. After I had walked up the church aisle and stood where the cot had been, it was with grateful emotion I told of God's great goodness. A brother said to me, I doubted the word of others, but I cannot doubt my own eyes and ears, yet I can scarcely realize that you are the same person that was here so pale and helpless last fall. I enjoyed the holiness

meeting at Brother Harris's, also a visit to Sister Smith, the invalid, who was brought on her cot to church. Met many acquaintances. Greatly enjoyed my brief visit of two days at K. Saturday, 12th. God is known in his palaces as a refuge. I praise him that he is also known in the humble places as a blessed refuge. How precious to be able to carry even our petty trials in household cares to him. I am sweetly kept amid every disturbing element. Everything

is moving along nicely. Just received calls from Rev. E. Davies, Professor Caldwell, and Dr. Karsner. Yesterday I heard Dr. Deems' sermon and had a talk with him, also with Rev. William Taylor. Brother T approached me, saying, Is it possible this is you? Sabbath 14th. This has been a lovely day. We had a delightful occasion at family worship. All went to church except the sick ones. After my duties were attended to,

I had a little while alone with Jesus. Sacred privilege! Afternoon I went to hear Dr. A. Lowry. He preached a grand sermon from the words, The very God of peace sanctify you wholly. He set forth our duties and privileges, clearly proving what liberty there is in Christ Jesus for his obedient children. Dr. Palmer and wife recognized me before I saw them. They seemed rejoiced to see me so well.

On my way home, called at the Mrs. Cannings to see their sister, Mrs. Patterson. I was not allowed to go to her room, but they requested me to have prayers at the foot of the stairs, where she could hear. It seemed unusually solemn. There is but little hope of her recovery. Her son, a Presbyterian clergyman, came into our cottage. We had an interesting conversation also with Brother Crew, Dr. Ward and wife and Sister Ellis. We prayed together before separating.

Fifteenth. This has been a busy Monday, friends returning home after spending Sabbath, others coming. Several of our family went out in the excursion yacht and came home very sick. As I went to the door and saw them coming, the captain on the one side of A.S. and M. on the other, both the latter looking ghastly pale, I could not help being amused, though I felt sorry for them, too. A.S. was so weak, she could scarcely hold up her head. They had been talking of going

to Europe, but now she said faintly, Oh, I don't, don't want to go to Europe. This is enough for me. But a few hours will change her mind about this. Wednesday, 17th. We arose early, accomplished much before family worship. 11 a.m.

Heard Mrs. Lathrop's practical sermon from Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Quote, We must do more than the Pharisees and better than they, or we shall come short of heaven.

They were partial in the law and laid most stress on its ritual, but we must be universal. They minded only the outward appearance, but we must make inward godliness the rule of our conscience. They aimed at the praise of men, but we must seek acceptance with God. They were proud of what they did. We, when we have done all, must say we are unprofitable servants. End quote. Many very important points were made. Several of our family insisted upon my accepting

Sister Wittenmeyer's invitation to dine with her and Sisters Lathrop and Robinson at the Howland house. We had a precious time together. Sister R. had to take Bishop Fallow's place this afternoon. She is rightly named the Little Giant. She is so humble and meek, but a mighty power in God's hands. She holds her audience spellbound. July 24th. Blessed refuge in the Savior. Again we are driven to inquire, what is duty? Sister C. feels we will have to take the adjoining cottage.

It is nicely furnished, and with additional linens and bedding, we can surely work it to advantage. I do trust we shall have direct guidance in the matter. What privileges we enjoy! Rev. Dr. Lyman, editor of The Standard Bearer, with his wife and several others, called, We had a profitable occasion in conversation and prayer. New arrivals of boarders. This p.m. I went over to Sister Pistorius's cottage, spent a pleasant hour. As we sat

looking out upon the mighty deep, the thought occurred with peculiar force, Here we are on the last porch and the last house on the American shore. Dr. Morgan called. We are always thankful to see him, who has been such a friend to us. Today, Sister Lida Chatham left for home. They called me downstairs to see a gentleman. I found our kind friend, Griscom. He came just as before when we talked of taking the other cottage,

and, now as then, saw our need of more room, and again offered to advance us money. I felt it definitely duty to take this cottage. It was a relief when the contract was closed. This gave us advantage of room and furniture. August 1, 1878. How I enjoy the retreat of my own room! This has been a full day. Besides our work, had many choice calls, among them, Rev. C. P. Hard and Wife, missionaries from India, and Miss Lily Mitchell and Mrs. Dean of Wilkes-Barre,

Pennsylvania. While Professor Bruce was playing, Dr. Ward and Philip Phillips and wife called. Brother Phillips requested me to be at the praise meeting, saying, It is wonderful to see you on your feet. Surely we can give praise for such a deliverance. I went. He called me to the stand where my experience came in appropriately. Mrs. Osborne will be here through his six days of song service.

How well I remember her kindness in singing for me at Marion, Ohio, in 1873. Sister Chambers and daughter have come today, and Mary, my precious partner, dear girl, She and sisters are so anxious lest I should overwork myself. Was ever a soul more blessed with dear sisters than I am? My father, thou knowest I am grateful.

Oh, that our entire household may be blessed. May each soul go from our cottage benefited, even our efficient cook and the other colored woman. My very soul praises the Lord for his keeping power amid everything. I feel his dear presence. Oh, that all could know this blessedness.

How blessed are they who will abide close sheltered in thy bleeding side. After duties were attended to, we went bathing. I do hope these baths will help Molly. I enjoy going into the sea. Hundreds were bathing. It is so delightful. What lessons in faith we can learn there! I abandoned myself completely into the bathing master's hands and went out into the deep water, where I could float without a fear.

Many hold on to the ropes and are beaten by the breakers against the sand, until they come out far more weary than when they went in. Just so in spiritual things! Oh, how necessary to launch out into the deep waters of God's love, to be made free in Christ Jesus by complete abandonment to him. I surely could not help but get tired at many little vexing things if it was not for this abiding. Our responsibility is great, but oh, what blessed

privileges we enjoy in our family and all the associations of this Eden spot of earth. I only wish our precious mother could be with us. August 7th, 9 p.m. They are singing the doxology at Philip Phillips's last service. What a volume of voices! Yesterday was a wonderful day. Reverend J.A. Alden and wife, Pansy. Dr. Morgan, Brother G., and others went over to the Seaside House and had a little meeting. After tea, I spent a pleasant evening at the Atlantic House.

We had a treat in calls today, among others Mrs. B. Edmondson and the Mrs. Parrott of Dayton, and Dr. Whedon, the great commentator. He is in feeble health. I trust his life will be spared to complete his works. Oh, how sad, how uncertain is life! Mary C. just called me to the head of the stairs to tell me dear little Walter Cope is in heaven. Only one week since they left us. How our household will sympathize with the dear bereaved ones who have now buried all their

children. Grandpa Cope was impressed to go home yesterday, and just reached there as the light of the little life went out. Mary C. was the Sabbath school teacher of little Charlie Ross when he was stolen. Mr. Ross, who owns the hot and cold water bathing establishment, is his uncle. How these hearts have needed grace! May it be sufficient! They know this refuge. August 10th, 5 a.m. Most lovely sunrise! May the sun of righteousness shine as brightly in our

souls today! I attended Dr. Palmer's 8 a.m. holiness meeting. They are real soul feasts. Mary C. will go to Philadelphia to stay over Sabbath. She daily grows more dear to us. Precious Fanny, it seems, will never cease to feel that I must have helped to do everything. She is so much a part of my life. What a comfort she has been to me. Monday, August 12. Saturday, after dinner, I came to my room. Sister A. McG called, saying,

A lady wishes to see you. To my surprise, there was dear Sister Winters from home. She did not know me until I almost reached her and spoke. She never saw me on my feet before. They remained until today. Pansy and husband and the D friends came in Saturday p.m., so there was quite a circle of old acquaintances. We spent a profitable day yesterday, went to Sabbath school and surf meeting. This morning a party of us went to the WCA home.

Maddie and Willie Dunbar played for us. I went to the housetop with the party. The scene from there is grand beyond description. Someone said, What would your mother say to see you climb these steps? Sister W. will only know in heaven what a help she has been to me, spiritually as otherwise. As I came back, called at Sister Beagle's, was surprised to see Brother McLarty of Dayton,

went with him, Sister Dunbar, and the children to the meeting to see the seventy orphan children from the Patterson Orphans' home. On several occasions I had visited the baby's home, containing forty little ones. As I now saw these dear parentless children, I thought, as when visiting the baby's home, oh, if only complaining mothers who forget the tender mercies of their own homes could see these dear motherless children, how much they would see for which to be

grateful, even if their lot be cast in a humble home and with many cares! I never hear hasty or impatient words, whose scar no young heart should ever know, fall from a tired mother's lips, but I think, if she only knew their weight and what influence they may have on the memory, if those tender ones should be made motherless, how it would soften her tones and change her words. Sabbath, August 18, 1878. This is the most peculiar birthday of my life. The question

comes to my soul, what have these thirty-six years wrought? More than twenty-one have been in suffering. Scarcely a day of these years, but we have had more or less of pain and sorrow. My darling mother! Oh, what dark and weary nights of watching she has had in her loneliness with her sick ones! How oft she has said, I could not have borne up had not support come from above! Patient, loving mother! May your life be spared to see your firstborn upon her feet once more.

As she writes, I know she cannot realize the truth. Oh, what a contrast between this and the last sixteen birthdays! No words can express what I feel. Tears of gratitude will flow. Today I can walk the floor and praise God from whom all blessings flow. Quote, Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the

children of men! Though weak and unworthy, I seem to hear the dear Heavenly Father say to me, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction, even for mine own sake, that thou mayest glorify my name. My soul magnifies his matchless grace, his amazing love. O how great! Glory, glory, hallelujah to the loving Lamb of God! Thou art my beloved, and I am thine, O thou triune God. Except the gratitude words cannot speak. I sink before thee in silent adoration. Drawn and redeemed and sealed, I'll praise the one and three, with Father, Son, and Spirit filled to all eternity.

I went to morning meeting. Glory filled my soul in testifying for Jesus. Rev. W. X. Nind of Detroit, Michigan, preached from 1 Peter 1-2. It was to me a feast. After dinner, a group of our family went into the yard and had a talk on experience. I went upstairs for a rest, but my heart was too full to sleep.

After tea, all went to surf meeting. While I stood in our dining room door, I could see the multitudes. Every street and avenue seemed alive with people wending their way to the beach. As I approached, the meeting looked like a sea of heads. Over 12,000 immortal souls were in that mass. I believe the number at some of these Sabbath surf meetings was estimated at 20,000.

No tongue or pen can describe the scene. Dr. E. H. Stokes has written many beautiful poems entitled Songs of the Sea, I give one of them. Worship by the Sea. Beside the sea the wandering people stood or sat as bowed devotion's earnest throng. The spirit, lost in worship's attitude, mingled its praises with the billow's song. O widening sea, O ever heaving flood, Here on thy margin, where the surges roar, thy people rise to thee, O blessed God.

They weep, they worship, triumph, and adore. August 20th. The camp meeting has commenced. Oh, for special baptisms at each service during this meeting! My heart is wonderfully drawn out after the hundreds of souls that are pressed with care while looking after the comfort of thousands upon these grounds. From the president to the lowest servant, they need grace. These are remembered every morning at our family altar. Brother Tyfer called at our cottage in a hurry

and said, Are you praying for us, boys? We do need it. Our patience is tried by the rush and hurry, for everybody hasn't the grace of patience. In a conversation with Mr. Ross, he remarked that there were many persons on the grounds who were capable of doing much good, but that by impatience or discourtesy during the bustle at the bathing grounds, they largely neutralized their influence. The police, railroad men, and other employees, I found, had had similar experience.

How important that at all times Christians should let their light shine! 9 p.m. Had a blessed time at morning prayers. Rooms and porch were filled. Dear Sister Leeds is so happy since Brother Rettles discovered she can enjoy service by his reading and praying in her ear trumpet. Oh, how these examples teach us to appreciate and thank God for our hearing or the senses of which we see others deprived. Attended all the services besides a little portion of Dr. P's

meetings. Have had 20 calls today outside our family, which now numbers nearly 40, and we will have more or less visitors for dinner every day of persons coming with the excursions. We cannot attend many services, but our family altar is as a feast, so many come in to enjoy it. There are many demands upon time. Have had a season or two of prayer during the day with hungry souls. Oh, for increased wisdom, strength, and power to manage all these temporal

things and still work more effectually for Jesus. We can glorify him in domestic work when that is our duty. Sister Chatham says, We are the Marthas nowadays. But I trust not careful and troubled about too many things without grace, which is surely sufficient. We are trusting Jesus moment by moment. Reverend William Gray called. I have not met him since at the Urbana camp meeting when he and Reverend Alfred Cookman were together. Met dear sister Cookman yesterday. Her noble son

Frank, who bids fair to take his father's place, led our prayer meeting in No. 33 Cottage yesterday. Brother Copeland led it the day before. The young people's meetings are so interesting. When I am weak, then I am strong. Grace my support and Christ my song. After this, the diary was neglected for a few days. Time was crowded by other duties. These were wonderful days. While they were full of care, they were replete with enjoyment.

Blessed memories are associated with all the experience of those months. We had a happy, congenial family throughout the season, always feeling a regret in parting with a member, though giving a hearty welcome to new arrivals. These were almost daily occurrences. We had taken a stereoscopic view of Grace Cottage, including most of the family with us at the time, besides several others. After the camp meeting proper closed, other services were continued

with deep interest for some time. We visited many places of interest along the coast. Monday, September 13th. This morning, Brother Imlay took Brother O and myself to see a sick lady from Washington, D.C. She has not a clear evidence of her acceptance. She was very nervous from the windstorm of last night. We read and talked about Jesus' moving experience by the sea and how he stilled the tempest. After we had prayed with her, Brother Rogers sent a carriage

to take me to their home of sorrow. The dark shadows of death have fallen upon them, their darling babe having been taken from their embrace. As I stood beside its little casket, it looked so beautiful. I could not but repeat, The flower is not blasted, only transplanted. She is not dead, but sleepeth. I remained with them until after dinner, and before leaving, had a melting season before the Lord. Several of their livery hands, whom I longed to see

saved were present. Brother R. was the first man that spoke to me when I first arrived at Ocean Grove on my cot. Yesterday we spent a profitable hour at the Metropolitan Hotel, where we visited Mrs. Mauger, whose father is a Methodist minister. She is using my cot and has often been mistaken for myself. September 19, 1878, 5 a.m. From the sunrise, where of old, land and ocean have their meeting, from the soft lips of the sea, bounding billows send their greeting. Sister A.R.S. called

me to go with her to the beach. Oh, the grandeur of that sunrise, the horizon covered with crimson hue, then tinted with different shades, throwing its rays in pathways upon the mighty deep. And the great breakers never seemed so beautiful. How these scenes reveal the power of our God! It seems a pity for people to sleep away these hours of early beauty. Evening. Had many calls, among them Jerry Macaulay. Brother Mullen had prayer.

Brother Prudy left us today, have had a good visit with Pansy. They go soon. So thankful dear Fanny is better. Cottages are closing rapidly, but how we enjoy the quiet. Mrs. Stiles of Bethany Institute, New York, came today, also Captain Sturdivant. May we have an earnest service tonight. So many can now enjoy the meetings that have entertained the multitudes. Wednesday 23rd. How sweet is news when far away from those we dearly love! It falls upon our thirsty souls

like showers from above. So thankful to hear from the loved ones! Must answer many letters today! have settled up all our affairs except with Sister C. Dear one, how she wanted to relieve me of care! She says, We must say this undertaking has been a success spiritually, if not financially. Eternity alone will tell what has been accomplished. Yes, blessed be our loving Lord. He truly leads me into green pastures,

and by the still waters of comfort. September 25. I loved to sit on the beach and study the Word of God. In finishing the Gospel of St. John, I was much impressed with the words, The world itself could not contain the books that should be written. These things are beyond our weak comprehension. As we view his wonderful works, we are reminded of the ancient writer, could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made,

were every stock on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade, to write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole, if stretched from sky to sky. When the rush of the season is over, meetings were appointed in the evenings for the especial benefit of the employees, cottage matrons, and officers, who had not had much benefit of the services. As I was deeply interested in these classes, much of the responsibility devolved on

me. This evening, just before going to the tabernacle, Dr. Richards and wife of Orange, New Jersey, called. Captain Sturdivant took the responsibility of the meeting tonight. This relieves me. End of chapter 19